Mari Carr's Blog, page 55
July 21, 2013
Quote of the Day
“I always wanted to be somebody. I should have been more specific.” – Lily Tomlin
July 16, 2013
Guarded Desires
My lovely friend, Lexxie Couper, has a new book, Guarded Desires, out today. I beta read this story, chapter by chapter as she wrote it and can I just say…HOLY HELL! Love it! Check it out!
Desire like this wasn’t in the script…
Heart of Fame, Book 3
Small-screen sex symbol Chris Huntley is on the fast track to becoming the next big action-blockbuster movie star. When his latest movie takes him to Australia for a red-carpet premiere, he thinks he’s ready for anything.
But nothing could have prepared him for his raw, carnal response to his Aussie bodyguard. Sexual attraction to a man is a first for Chris. Now he realizes why his relationships with women have never felt quite…complete.
Liev Reynolds is comfortable with his bisexuality, but his attraction to Chris is an inconvenience he must ignore. For starters, there’s his professional ethics. Then there’s the long trail of female broken hearts in Chris’s wake.
Hard as they both try to keep their minds on their jobs, desire and a little matchmaking tip them over the edge. But Hollywood endings aren’t real life. And when the truth leaks out, their careers aren’t the only collateral damage.
Product Warnings
A hunky Hollywood sex symbol. A smoldering, stubborn Australian. A desire so powerful it cannot be denied. A kiss. And a photograph. This isn’t your normal boy-meets-boy story.
Excerpt:
The squeals were deafening. The feverish fans pressed at his back in a wave of maniacal rapture. He pressed back, holding his right arm out to protect Chris as he maneuvered on the backseat.
The actor looked up at him, his grin bemused. Their eyes connected for a second, just a second, but what Liev saw in their light-blue depths stole his breath. Slammed into him with more force than the screaming crowd trying to mow over him in an effort to see and touch their idol.
Desire.
Chris Huntley looked at him with desire.
There was no denying it.
Jesus.
“Let’s go,” he said, forcing his voice to sound stern as he threw the crazed crowd a threatening glare.
Chris alighted from the SUV.
The crowd squealed again. Surged forward. Pressed against Liev’s back.
He braced against the pressure, curling his hand around Chris’s upper arm to support him.
Protect.
Touch him.
Hot energy shot down his arm. Into his chest. His soul.
He ground his teeth. Ignoring the disturbing reaction, he pulled Chris into his body, tucking him close to his side. The subtle scent of expensive aftershave threaded into his breath and, completely indifferent to the volatile moment, a tight lick of heat stole through his groin.
Clenching his jaw harder, he turned just enough to shield Chris from the crowd and began walking, parting the shoving fans with one arm.
They protested louder but scurried backward, enough for Liev to hurry Chris toward the entrance.
And then a stark white light flash right in front of Liev’s eyes.
He flinched, raising his hand to his face. Chris stumbled, his shoulder bumping into Liev’s armpit. The flash fired again and a man chuckled. “Nice.”
Liev caught the actor before he could trip again. But the action was enough for the crowd to sense weakness.
“Oh my God, I love you, Chris!” a female voice screeched at Liev’s right.
“I love you, Chris!” a new female voice squealed.
“I love you, Chris!” another woman cried.
“I love you, Chris!”
“Chris!”
“Chris! Chris!”
The horde erupted, pressing in with greedy excitement. Hands snatched out. Fingers scraped at Liev. Chris let out a shout.
With a snarl, Liev hauled the actor hard to his side and swung out his arm, his fist bunched.
People went tumbling, falling over each other. The flash fired again, joined by others.
Madness took over. Like a feeding frenzy, the mob attacked.
Liev didn’t let Chris go. Nor did he falter. Shoulder down, he barged forward.
He didn’t know where Bethany was. He couldn’t risk looking for her. She was smart. Smart enough to sense the crowd and not get out of the SUV. At least, he hoped to God that was the case. For now, all he could focus on was getting Chris off the street. Out of danger.
Away.
“Here!” a man shouted somewhere in front of him. “Mr. Reynolds, here!”
Liev flicked his attention upward, glaring at the screaming mob. Behind the wall of waving, grabbing people, a man in a suit pushed toward him. His face was red and covered in sweat, his hair disheveled. He grabbed at shoulders and clothes, yanking people out of his way, clearing a path for Liev and Chris. “This way,” he shouted.
Without hesitation, Liev tightened his grip on Chris and charged forward.
Hands and fingers raked over his back and arms and shoulders, but he didn’t slow. Behind him, growing louder every second, a police siren wailed over the noise.
“This way,” the man shouted, a second before Liev reached him.
He waved Liev and Chris through the open restaurant door, muttering something Liev didn’t hear.
For a split second, Liev dared to slow, to draw breath, and then the man behind him slammed into his back and he stumbled forward.
“Through the kitchen,” the man shouted, just as Liev watched the crowd surge through the door, even as the man tried to shut it. “To my office. Go!”
Without a word to Chris, Liev pulled him through the restaurant. Passed the gaping diners, passed the wait staff, through the kitchen with its busy cooks and into an office.
Releasing Chris, he spun around, slammed the door shut and rammed the locking bolt into place. “Damn,” he ground out, palms flat on the door. “That was insane.” He looked over his shoulder at the panting, gasping actor. His gut churned at the stunned shock on Chris’s face. “I’m sorry, Mr. Huntley. That was—”
He didn’t get a chance to finish.
Chris grabbed his shoulder, yanked it hard enough to jerk Liev around and kissed him.
Liev froze.
For a heartbeat.
And then he growled into Chris’s mouth, dug his fingers into the man’s biceps, spun him around and drove him backward. Pinned him to the door.
Their tongue battled in a fierce mating that sent shots of scalding need straight to Liev’s groin. Chris bit at his lip, sucked on it. He tore at Liev’s clothes, seeking the hem of his shirt.
Liev’s heart beat harder when Chris’s fingers found his flesh.
July 14, 2013
Quote of the Day
Do Over…literally!
I’m excited to announce that Do Over is now available at a reduced price! If you missed this book when it first came out, never fear! You’re getting a do over…and a bargain! It’s now only $1.99!
Sometimes once is not enough…
After twenty-five years of marriage, Faith Wainwright wonders what she’ll do next. Her kids have moved out and sometimes she feels so distant from her husband, Troy.
Right before their anniversary, Troy gives Faith an unexpected gift: a journey through their hometown to reenact all their “firsts”. Their first date. Their first kiss. And especially the first time they made love—only better.
Each stop on their tour becomes an opportunity for Faith and Troy to rediscover how explosive their passion could be. Now Faith knows exactly what she’s going to do—Troy, over and over again….
Read Excerpt.
Do Over is available at Carina, Amazon, Sony, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.
July 7, 2013
Quote of the Day
“Sometimes it is better to lose and do the right thing than to win and do the wrong thing.” -Tony Blair
July 5, 2013
Come Monday – Free!
Come Monday is free this month through a special promotion between Ellora’s Cave and Adam & Eve. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Wild Irish series, I hope you’ll give it a try!
July 3, 2013
Happy Independence Day!
Looking for some fireworks this 4th of July? The final story in the Scoundrels trilogy is out now! Each story is only .99 cents, so you can own the whole trio for less than $3. Return to Scoundrels, see what Emma, Jack, Travis and Shea are up to and find out if Becca and Parker find their happy ending.
Behind the Scenes
Scoundrels Short Stories, book 1
Fantasy…Reality…Action!
Becca Preston, bartender at Scoundrels, learned very early in life that men—especially actors—were not to be trusted. Daughter of one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men, Becca spent most of her life dealing with her father’s other role—king of infidelity. As a result, Becca has one hard and fast rule. Don’t date actors.
When Parker Banks met Bec, he was a struggling actor who worked as a waiter at Scoundrels to make ends meet. Though he wanted to move them out of the “just friends” realm, Becca refused, claiming actors untrustworthy.
After a catching a break on the Scoundrels stage, Parker’s acting career skyrockets. However, while he’s achieving all his goals professionally, there’s still one dream he hasn’t realized. Claiming Becca’s heart.
This short story is part one of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series available now at Ellora’s Cave. Approximate word count is 6K words.
Behind the Scenes is available now at Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Under the Lights
Scoundrels Short Stories, book 2
Just how hot does it get under the lights?
Becca Preston has been in love with Parker Banks for years. But she’s resigned herself to the fact her feelings can never be revealed. For one thing, he’s a huge Hollywood movie star and a lifetime spent living with her famous father has taught her actors aren’t exactly known for their fidelity.
But even more problematic is Parker’s dominance. Becca is used to calling the shots and Parker’s dark, commanding presence alarms her, leaves her frightened, confused…breathless.
Parker is most at ease onstage. So what better place than Scoundrels for him to capture his elusive beauty, Becca. Tonight, under the lights, he’s determined to set her body on fire, bring her darkest fantasies to life…and claim her heart once and for all.
This short story is part two of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series available now at Ellora’s Cave. For better enjoyment, it is suggested that you read Behind the Scenes before reading this book. Approximate word count is 6K words.
Under the Lights is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks.
Over the Threshold
Scoundrels Short Stories, book 3
Does she dare say those three little letters—I Do—that could change her whole life?
Becca Preston is shocked when Hollywood megastar Parker Banks proposes to her on the Scoundrels stage. Though they’ve been friends for years, she’s been very careful to never blur that line. After all, she only has one hard and fast rule—no actors. Her famous father’s infidelities have taught her to keep a firm grip on her heart and she’s never been tempted to break that vow. Until Parker walked back into Scoundrels.
Under the bright lights, he breaks down her resistance, opens her eyes to what could be and makes her question her decision to avoid love with movie stars.
And what happens when the performance becomes real? When sex becomes tied up with emotions? Should Becca cling to her safe, yet lonely life or take a chance and make that trip over the threshold?
This short story is the final installment of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series, available now at Ellora’s Cave. For better enjoyment, it is suggested that you read Behind the Scenes and Under the Lights before reading this book. Approximate word count is 6900 words.
Over the Threshold is available at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance ebooks.
July 2, 2013
He Watches Me
Today, Cynthia Sax is stopping by to talk about her new release, He Watches Me. The story came out yesterday…and damn…it sounds really, REALLY hot!
Cynthia Sax – He Watches Me, Part One of The Seen Trilogy
She desires to be seen. He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor’s yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn’t pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn’t plan to stop. That’s all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn’t allow him and she certainly shouldn’t want more, but she craves Blaine’s attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Part One of The Seen Trilogy
Order here: http://www.amazon.com/He-Watches-Me-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CD36FS8
Excerpt:
I pick up the towel and I pad to the edge of the pool, my flip-flops bending the grass as I walk. I pause and look around me, having the peculiar feeling someone is watching me.
I see nothing. Blaine’s mansion is outlined against the indigo sky. The moon hangs full and low, its light reflecting off the glass in the windows. The water ripples, tempting me.
I spread the towel on a nearby lounge chair, my body warming with excitement, this small act of rebellion keeping me sane during days of monotony. I kick off my flip-flops and I wiggle my toes, the stone cool and hard against my soles.
I pull my camisole over my head, the action freeing my hair from the ponytail. Yet another elastic band is lost in the grass. I drop the worn garment on the stone, planning to retrieve it later. My nipples tighten, the breeze caressing my bare skin, its touch lighter than my fingers, the only touch my breasts have known.
I’m a virgin priestess honoring the night. I arch my spine and cup my small breasts, offering them to the stars. They twinkle their approval above me. Maybe on a distant planet an alien is gazing down on the Earth, watching me, wanting me, small breasts being desirable in his culture. This fantasy excites me. I swipe my thumbs over my taut flesh and tremble at the sensations flowing over my body.
My pussy moistens. I shimmy out of my bleached white boy shorts and leave them in a puddle around my bare feet, enjoying the decadence of being naked in Gabriel Blaine’s backyard, a creature of nature, wild and free.
I face the pool and my pale body reflects in the surface, my form slim and supple. My breasts are small, slight ivory curves tipped with tight pink nipples, and my private hair is full, untrimmed and untamed. Both are frowned upon in L.A., the land of waxing and silicone, and I normally conceal my unpopular silhouette under layers of clothing.
Not that anyone looks at me, which is a good thing … I suppose. I’ve been ignored and I’ve been ridiculed. Long ago I decided being invisible was preferable. Michael Cooke, the charity’s resident hottie, might walk past me as though I was a piece of office furniture, but at least I never see disgust in his sea-blue eyes.
Now, I’m free to be hairy, flat-chested Anna Sampson. No one is here except me and the stars and—I glance upward—perhaps a horny alien. I extend my arms, bend my knees and dive into the water. I shoot across the pool, undulating, cool liquid streaming over my shoulders, breast, thighs, ass.
I curve upward and break the surface. I gasp and then laugh, unable to contain the joy bubbling within me. The stresses of a job I want yet can’t do, student loans I don’t know how I’ll ever pay back, and a life lived alone rolls off my shoulders.
I tread water with my feet and the waves lap at my breasts, slapping against my nipples, escalating my reckless need. I’ve never had sex, but that’s due to being distrustful of other people, not because of lack of passion. I burn. I need. Constantly. I run my right hand over my chest, across my flat stomach and between my legs, seeking relief.
I stroke my folds, brushing my fingertips over my clit, bobbing to the rhythm of my hand, adding my juices to the moisture surrounding me. I picture Michael with his shaggy blond hair, broad shoulders, and tight khaki-clad ass, imagining his blue-eyed gaze fixed on me and only me. I envision a giant purple alien watching me masturbate, his humanoid body naked, his cock overly large and extremely hard. And for some unknown reason, I conjure up piercing green eyes in a too-rawboned-to-be-handsome tanned face, a wayward lock of black hair falling forward.
“Gabriel Blaine.” I try out the technology billionaire’s name, my voice husky and low. “Blaine,” I repeat, liking the sound. I’m in his backyard, in his pool. It is only right I honor him with my impending orgasm. I work my pussy harder and harder, passion coiling around my chest, squeezing the air from my lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Will he suck my breasts with that sternly-set mouth of his? I pinch my nipples, the pain sharpening my pleasure. Take me doggy-style in his big limousine, pounding into me hard and fast? I pull at my untamed private curls. Because he can’t wait to find a bed? I ruthlessly ravish my pussy, rubbing and writhing. Rivulets of liquid streak down my cheeks and into my panting mouth, my wet hair plastered to my face.
In my fantasies I’m not ignored. I’m a femme fatale, a woman no man can resist, a woman guys fight for, come to blows over. I reach deeper inside me, stretching me open with one, two, three fingers, savoring the fullness.
As I pump my pussy, the sensation of being watched intensifies. Instead of dousing the flames of desire, this fuels the heat between my thighs.
I tremble and shake. “Yes, Blaine,” I cry out, the waves surround me growing rough, my body tossed on a sea of sweet turbulence. “Yes.”
I thrust hard, slam the heel of my hand against my clit, throw back my head and scream. The darkness bursts with color and light. The stars spin around my head. My pussy clenches down on emptiness. I kick my legs, pushing my body out of the water. Droplets dapple and glisten on my skin.
My breathing steadies, the water flattens once more, and I still, my form loose and relaxed, my passion temporarily sated. I float lazily on my back and gaze up at the full moon, wishing I could take care of the other problems in my life as easily as I soothe my desires. “That was wonderful.” The words echo in the silence.
“I agree,” a deep voice drawls.
July 1, 2013
Dragon of the Month!
The Dragon Healer by Bianca D’Arc
What’s better than a knight sweeping you off your feet? Two knights.
Silla is a healer riding circuit on the border, helping those in need. When she hears the pained cries of a dragon in distress, she comes to his aid, using most of her precious supplies to help the badly injured creature.
The dragon’s knight, Brodie, is fascinated by the woman – the miracle worker – who has come to help his friend. She is both beautiful and kind hearted and he quickly realizes she is his destined mate. And if she is Brodie’s mate, she is Geoff’s as well, for Brodie’s dragon was mated to Geoff’s dragon many years ago.
Geoff doesn’t believe in the tales of love at first sight among knights, but he knows that when either he or Brodie finds a wife, they will share her. Hearing about the dragon’s injury, Geoff and his dragon race to help, only to find the dragon on the mend and Brodie in bed with the most stunning woman Geoff has ever seen.
Love at first sight turns out to be real and it strikes them all as they come together and realize that no matter what the obstacles, they are meant to be together. Silla is the missing link that will join their lives and make them a true Lair family.
Warning: Knights like to get frisky and these two are no exception. Beware the passion, playfulness, a bit of bondage and a whole lot of three-way loving with a tiny bit of exhibitionism thrown in for good measure.
Buy Now from: Amazon
For More Information Visit: WWW.BIANCADARC.COM
Exciting Happenings!
Get your passport for romance! Join us on a sensual adventure!
International Heat has a new look and a new site. And to celebrate, we’re running a Passport to Red Hot Romance contest! I hope you’ll pop over to check it out! Lila Dubois and Lexxie Couper are organizing the kick-off, so you know comedy will ensue!
In the coming months, there will be lots happening at IntlHeat including very exciting guest bloggers, awesome contests, RED HOT releases, a newsletter, Twitter and Facebook fun and much, much more! Be sure to subscribe to the site to receive emails because (like Aerosmith) you won’t want to miss a thing.
