Tracy St. John's Blog, page 27

Releasing April 8 - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

Needing to connect

Three hours after her shuttle had blown up, Tosha and Brick were finally allowed to go home. The police—Detectives Hudson and Cho again, the same team who’d investigated the shooting at the shopping center and came up with squat—had sworn they’d do all they could to discover who was behind the latest attempt on Tosha’s life. She had little hope they’d come up with an answer.

She and Brick had no sooner stepped into the penthouse when he grabbed her. He held onto her, as if searching for shelter. Which was ridiculous. He’d saved her yet again.

She felt so raw. More vulnerable than all the time she’d spent at the station, answering the detectives’ questions.

“I can’t get close enough to you,” Brick whispered. “I can’t convince myself you’re here, with me. My matrix has no idea what to do with this doubt when all evidence and indicators confirm your safety.”

“I feel the same way. You would have died—yes, damn it. It’s the correct word. You would have died too, if you hadn’t handled everything so well.”

“If I’d been five seconds slower…” He hissed between his teeth. “Maybe I shouldn’t have allowed you to give me the more advanced programs. The feelings are overwhelming. I don’t know what to do.”

“Make love to me, this second.” Tosha stared up at him. “Let me feel you all over me. Inside me. I need you to.”

He required no further explanation. Brick swung her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Once there, he tore her clothes off, his desperation a mirror for her own. His suit and pants followed, with many ripping sounds. He put her on the bed and crawled over her. He shoved inside her, painfully but perfectly. They were joined as emotion demanded they had to be.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

Releasing April 8 - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

Close call

“Damn the bastards who are doing this to you, Tosha. Damn them.”

He was shaking as hard as she. He buried his face in her hair and moaned.

“Are you all right?” She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his waist. His expression of mixed rage and despair was as earthshaking as the shuttle’s detonation.

“I don’t think so. I came less than fifteen seconds from failing you and seeing you die. No. I’m far from okay.”

He kissed her over and over, as if to reassure himself she was there. She clung, his desperation feeding her need for him.

Beyond the delayed hysteria came the thought he’s showing real emotion. This can’t be part of his programming. Can it? Does he actually care for me so much?

Can he love?

The idea was shocking. Scary. Especially since her own emotions were running strong.

It hadn’t been her own impending death that threatened to shatter her to the core. Brick had been moments from destruction too. Brick, who cooked like a five-star chef, who told awful jokes, who made love to her with the care and control she craved. Brick, whose smile lit her world, whose constant presence kept her safe. Whom she couldn’t imagine being without any longer.

Could he love her? Could she love a cyborg? Was such a thing possible?

Caution begged her to think it over. Emotion demanded she hang on to the man-machine who’d saved her life, who clutched her with fierce devotion as he wiped tears from her cheeks and whispered everything would be all right.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

Releasing in One Week - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

Sins of the past

“I’m experiencing a new, uncomfortable emotion. My matrix identifies it as guilt.”

“Guilt?” Tosha regarded him with surprise. “For what? You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Do you know that for certain?” Brick’s heavy brow creased. “I poked through CyberServe’s records on myself. Except for my warehouse location after I was decommissioned, there’s no history. Did anyone tell you my specific background? What I did on Earth? What crimes against humanity I may have committed?”

“Beauchamp said most records to do with the cyborgs were destroyed by the corporations, in their hope to avoid prosecution for warmongering and genocide. Brick, why would you want to find out any of that?” Though she could imagine why. Brick was developing a conscience.

“I might have hurt people. Destroyed lives. That doesn’t bother you?”

“It did, a little, when I first considered buying you. But Brick, cyborgs were mere automatons during the wars. You would have been given a set of commands to carry out, with no choice but to obey. Whatever you did, that wasn’t you. That was the TWM-21221. That was the Wall, not Brick.”

“Do you believe that matters to men such as Rourke? I can tell he despises me.”

“He also encouraged me to buy you as my bodyguard.”

“He can separate emotion from utility. But he still hates me, Tosha. I’m the face of his enemies.”

“That’s no doubt true,” she admitted, though it hurt her to do so. “Welcome to human nature, Brick. The corporations were faceless entities, for the most part. Executive boards safely ensconced on their private islands voted to fight over water rights, mineral rights, land rights…whatever they could grab by coercion or force. Cyborg warriors gave them a face, so that’s what the people who suffered developed an aversion for.”

“I know right from wrong now. I feel I’m achieving sentience because I can weigh the outcome of my actions, but is it merely programming? Am I a thing with no real conscience? Am I simply an upgraded version of the soldier cyborg who terrorized?”

Tosha rubbed the back of her neck. It sounded as if she was being tasked in philosophy, with or without the damned program. She couldn’t turn aside Brick’s concerns, however. It was obvious he was struggling.

Just as a human would.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

How far will Tosha and Brick take it?

She lay limp. Gratified for the moment. “You’re amazing, big guy. How did you figure out what grinds my gears?”

“You gave me plenty of hints. The look on your face, how you reacted. The size of your pupils, the rate of respiration. It’s astonishing that such a powerful woman can let herself go in such a manner.”

“Few men are comfortable playing the part of master, owner, whatever you want to call it. Anything less than perfect balance between the sexes in work and even play is seen as inherently wrong. Which is correct, to a point, but people should be able to let loose to indulge in private urges as they see fit.”

“This was an interesting experiment given societal norms,” he agreed. “I’m yours to order, yet we reversed roles…though you could have told me to stop and I would have obeyed.”

“How did you feel about it? Was it merely interesting? Or did you feel anything at all?” Tosha worried Brick had simply functioned as he was programmed, though she had no reason to think he’d have done otherwise. He was a machine.

“I enjoyed it.” His gaze softened. “I felt I was having fun. It pleased me to offer you sexual gratification.”

She frowned. “I wish you could have more. Your own pleasure, for its own sake.”

“It may be possible. The advanced interaction program, combined with the full appreciation protocol and the learning portion of my matrix, is allowing me to experience more sensations that approach true emotion.”

Tosha hesitated, then plunged. “What if you had the full interaction program?”

He considered. “At my current level, I may achieve true emotions anyway. The full program would make it happen more quickly. There is some caution advised that the potential of a quicker expressive response might overwhelm the unit’s coping abilities.”

“Overwhelm?”

“Perhaps the death of a loved one could send a fully realized cyborg into a depressive spiral or hysteria. Anger, such as I’ve felt, could become rage I’d have difficulty containing.”

“Yikes.”

He chuckled. “Having learned how good a distraction sex is, I’ve already found one way to diffuse that. I’m no longer as anxious as I was after the attack.”

Tosha grinned. “Just don’t expect me to drop my panties in the middle of the shopping district to diffuse you.”

“I’ll let the anticipation distract me until I can have the real thing.”

Tosha mused for a few seconds. She traced his rough features. She debated asking what seemed a valid question, because she was treading unknown ground.

She should check with Beauchamp at CyberServe. Yet she hated the idea of a stranger, no matter how expert he might be, glimpsing what was a private matter.

They’d programmed Brick to have those abilities. They must have realized what was possible. That such a concern might come up. Brick was self-aware. Becoming more so each day. Why shouldn’t he have the choice?

“What do you want, Brick? Do you wish to develop faster?”

His interest sharpened. “You’d let me decide?”

“Is there any reason I shouldn’t?”

“I have the beginnings of self-interest. Perhaps I’m don’t possess the objectivity to choose.”

“Humans make decisions based on self-interest all the time. With your matrix being so analytical, you’re better suited for it than the rest of us.”

“That is accurate.” His gaze was distant for a moment, then focused again. “I believe I can handle it, having progressed as much as I have.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes.”

“Then load the most advanced socially interactive program.”

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

The Writer's Corner: A Special Place

 

Photo Credit: Pereanu Sebastian They say if you suffer from insomnia, the worst thing you can do in your bed is anything but sleep in it. The rationale is that if you connect your bed with reading, working, surfing the 'net...stuff that promotes wakefulness, in other words...then your mind will go into 'ON' mode when you climb into it, even if you're exhausted. If your bed is for sleep and only sleep, then getting into it tells your brain and body to conk out. The same could be said for where you do your writing. A dedicated space where you weave your worlds exclusively can make a big difference to your mindset when it's time to get those pages out of your skull. Creating your writing haven can go a long way toward productivity. It's the same idea as pledging your bed to sleep only: you sit down in your writing place, and creativity switches on because your brain has learned this is where it's expected to work. Writing spaces are as individual as the writers themselves. Some are inspired by the scenery outside a nearby window or a beautiful picture. Some insist on blank walls to cut off distractions. Some like music playing; others can't concentrate unless they have silence. Good lighting and comfort are must-haves. Maybe a totem, good luck object, or a writing affirmation can be in the vicinity to put you in the mood. Just like writing itself, landing on the best environment means experimentation. Best of all, creating your own personalized setting can be an inspiration in its own right. In my space, I have pictures and objects of comfort, items that remind me of family. I usually have a cup of coffee or chai. An atomizer keeps down the odor of my stinky dog (baths are effective for no longer than 24 hours with this smelly hound). I have blankets nearby in case I get chilled. I have a lot of chronic pain, so a large measure of comfort is required. To offset this wondrous scene of basking coziness, I typically have Rammstein or Nightwish thudding in the background...since I write a lot of action scenes, I need that metal attitude. 
 That's all well and good if you can find an area to call your own during writing. It could be you don't have an area to cordon off in your home, however. If you need a quiet place but have to look outside, the library might work. Or a picnic table at a local park. A blanket on the shore, perhaps. If you're better inspired by more civilization, there's always the local coffee shop or diner. Any place you can clear your head and put words on paper/electronic device is a great writing space. Find your special place if you haven't already. Figure out what works for you in it. It'll make a big difference in your writing. 

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Made To Order

 

Cyborg in charge

He was the realization of her favorite fantasies, this overwhelming brute who had clued into what enthralled her best. Maybe she was stupid to resist testing her control over him, but she couldn’t bear to wreck the illusion she was about to be taken by a man who’d mastered her. A man who’d tamed her to his will.

“You excite me. Your power over me is thrilling.” Admitting it gave her an exquisite vulnerability.

He withdrew his hand. Brought it to his face and sniffed. Then he licked it. He smiled. “Arms over your head. Lie there, and do not move unless I tell you to.”

She obeyed. The pose stretched her torso long, brought her exposed breasts up, her stiff nipples pointed at the ceiling.

Brick’s hand swept over them to fondle with an air of ownership. His pinches were greeted with as much delight as his gentler caresses.

He bent to her and seized her nipple between his lips. She moaned. Ordered to lie motionless, she couldn’t writhe as she wished, as the jolt of bliss deep in her cunt demanded she must. She vocalized instead; spurred by his questing tongue, demanding suction, and punishing bites on both breasts.

Brick continued the pleasurable torment. He moved down the indentation from her sternum to her navel. Tosha shivered when he was tender. She quaked when he was rough. He divined the perfect instant to shock her from the trance his kinder touches put her under, to jolt her with intense sensation.

In her few lucid moments, she wondered at his seeming innate comprehension of what brought her pleasure. Who the fuck designed his sex program?

She wasn’t allowed to consider such questions for any length of time. Brick held her in a thrall.

He slid her skirt off, revealing the lace panties that had matched her bra. Just as flimsy. Would he rip them apart with that same animal ease? His gaze flicked to take in her expression. No doubt he saw the petrified exaltation there. He’d overwhelmed her with so little effort.

“Sweet, submissive Tosha,” he crooned. He spread her legs apart. He settled his fingertips on her mound. His thumb on her clit.

She inhaled, the breath high-pitched. Sensation blasted from his light touch. She jerked.

“Remain still. So very, very still, or we’ll find out about that spanking.”

As if to make her misbehave, he drew circles with his thumb, rubbing her clit. She clenched handfuls of the bed linens in her fists as he applied crazy-making friction to her most sensitive flesh. She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut. She battled to lie quiescent to his whims.

“Hungry little pussy. It’s quivering for me, begging me to feed it my cock.”

Tosha moaned, a pleading, desperate sound.

“Should I kiss this sweet, wet cunt?”

“Yes!” Her eager shout would have been embarrassing if she weren’t so frantic.

“Too demanding. Try again, Tosha. Ask nicely.”

She struggled for the right words. His insistent thumb played with her swollen nub. It made it nearly impossible to think.

“Please…would you…kiss my pussy? I’ll be such a good girl…for you.”

“Will you? Because I think you’re naughty. A naughty, filthy girl.”

The pressure on her clit increased. She started to arch, remembered herself, and managed to stay in place.

“Please,” she begged. “Please kiss my pussy. Kiss my cunt.”

“And then?”

“Anything,” she promised. “Whatever you want.”

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

Getting Personal: Life With Complex PTSD and Severe Anxiety Disorder

When I had a psychological evaluation a few months back, it was because I realized I was letting my anxieties take over. When you wake up every morning fraught with worry despite having nothing out of the ordinary going on that day, you start wondering what's going on in the old noodle. I certainly did.

I've had a few mental health issues rear their heads throughout life. At different points I've sought counseling, for depression in particular. Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes it's preferable to have an objective someone listen and weigh in. When you find a good counselor, they can clarify a number of things that get past you, whether it's what's bothering you at the root of everything or coping mechanisms gone awry.

Life has been stressful as of late, which a large number of us have experienced. I became aware I wasn't dealing with my stress so well. In addition to greeting the day with an awful sense of foreboding, I began avoiding social situations and people as much as possible. When I did have to go out and engage in peopling, I worried how bad I'd screw up. After every interaction, I wondered what stupid thing I'd said or done to make others judge me. I second-guessed EVERYTHING I did and said. Concerned about this endless spiral of apprehension, I spoke with a psychologist I know. With her encouragement, I had an evaluation. Though I knew my anxiety had become an issue, I was rather surprised to be diagnosed with Severe Anxiety Disorder. I hadn't realized just how much of it had taken over my life.

A bigger surprise was the Complex PTSD diagnosis. We've all heard of PTSD, especially in the context of veterans returning from troubled hot spots while on military duty. I've dealt with it after being hit by a car while in my twenties. Usually, PTSD consists of strong recurring reactions that spring from a single traumatic event. So what is Complex PTSD?

This is a fairly recent diagnosis that diverges slightly from the old PTSD we know and hate. It's a condition that typically comes from repeated, long-sustained childhood or adolescent trauma...say growing up in an abusive household or one in which a parent or guardian uses drugs and/or alcohol. I spent my childhood in homes with abusive, drug-addicted, mentally ill, and neglectful caregivers. That was determined to be the root of much of my current difficulties.

With plenty of past therapy under my belt, I pretty much thought I'd sent those demons packing years ago. However, it's become clear I didn't manage to evict all of them. With our world's current troubled climate and a few personal issues pushing my buttons, they came out of hiding. What fun!

Long story short, I'm in the process of shining a bright light in the dark corners. Clearing those devils out. Kicking them to the curb. It's the only way I know to claim a happy life, which we all deserve. It's to help me be a better mom to my son, a better wife to my husband, a better person overall. To be the me I was meant to be, free of immobilizing fears. It won't be a quick fix by any means...I have a lot of shit to shovel out. But the work has begun, and I'm glad.

I know I'm not alone in this. We're coping with troubling times, which can bring up a lot of past hurts. Life can be overwhelming, no matter how well-adjusted you believe yourself to be. If you're feeling beat up simply because you exist, you're part of a growing statistic. 

If you suspect you may be suffering from Complex PTSD, or you're simply interested in learning more about it, I recommend A Practical Guide to Complex PTSD by Arielle Schwartz, Ph.D. You can get it from Amazon if it's not available at your local bookstore. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086WNCT8B

There is also a workbook by the same author available with exercises to help cope with long-term childhood trauma. Talking to a professional is also worthwhile and highly recommended. 

I hope you're all coping okay. If not, I wish for you the help and resources you deserve to feel better. I'm sharing this in hope you'll know that if it does look dark from where you're standing, you're not alone. We're all in this together, and you have a cheering section in me. Take care.

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

After an attempt on Tosha's life, she and Brick discuss ways for him to calm down

“We were discussing dealing with anger. I don’t drink to drown my pain the way I used to. Okay, so a glass or two of wine to take the edge off an occasional burst of rage, but I don’t get drunk.”

“What does responsible Tosha do about her anger in the present?”

“Any number of things. I might talk it out with Adrienne. I might go for a walk in the garden. I might just sit around and sulk.” Or call Snuggle Buddies and screw the angst out, unless there was a cock-blocking cyborg in the house. She suppressed a sigh. “Do any of those options match up with what your matrix suggests?”

“A couple, but none seem helpful to me. I’m talking to you as you might with Adrienne, but the anger that you could have been hurt remains. A walk in the garden would give me too much quiet to dwell on the attack. I don’t believe I’m capable of sulking at this point in my evolution.”

“I wouldn’t be able to watch you mope, Brick. I’d have to try to pull you out of it, and that might make matters worse.” She couldn’t help but tease a little to lighten his mood. Damn if he wasn’t brooding, just a bit. “Run your suggestions past me. Maybe I’ll have some insight on what might work.”

“Thank you. I’m sure this must be an inconvenience to you, coping with your cyborg’s emotional awakening.”

“Not at all. I owe you for taking those bullets.” She held up her hand as he opened his mouth. “I know, it’s what I bought you for and what you’re programmed to do. I feel obligated to appreciate it.”

He seemed pleased.

“Hit me with your programming’s best ideas.”

“Revenge. I believe we can discount that, along with fighting someone.”

She chuckled. “Agreed.”

“Exercise. I don’t require exercise, and it wouldn’t be any different to me than cooking a meal or piloting your shuttle. Also, there’s meditation. The purpose of meditation is to quiet thoughts. Since my matrix is incapable of ceasing to run various programs and inform me continuously of the status of my functions, the closest I could come to such tranquility is to shut down entirely. Upon rebooting, I’d likely revert to my present condition.”

“I guess nirvana is out of your reach.” Tosha clucked sympathetically. “Anything else?”

Did he hesitate for an instant? An expression she couldn’t identify flickered over his face. His tone was nonchalant. “Sex.”

“Ah.” She caught herself looking him over. “I see.” Her gaze met his and skittered aside. “Interesting.”

“I agree. You enjoy sex. If you provide me a program in that regard, I’ll be capable of serving your needs. You won’t have to pay strangers—or allow them in your home—for that requirement.”

“Uh huh.” The room was too hot. “You, uh, have any thoughts on what that would do for your anger?”

“I hope you aren’t concerned I’d take it out on you during intercourse. Your safety is my priority.” A deep line appeared between his brows. Concern, perhaps.

“Of course you wouldn’t.” Tosha’s leg bounced nervously. She made it stop. “I meant, you didn’t believe exercise or meditation would help. Why would sex?”

“From what I understand, there are various nuances to be learned during the act. Each human is different in their preferences. While the programs would inform me of scores of techniques—”

Oh boy…

“—a library of positions—”

Great storm of Jupiter…

“—sensitive areas to thoroughly explore—”

Stop…

“—the experience itself would demand a great deal of my attention. It would be a compelling diversion from the anger.”

“Right.” She licked her lips.

The silence between them hung heavy. At least it did for her. Brick waited for her reply, his expression that same friendly cast she’d gotten used to since his latest interaction upgrade.

Sex. Naturally, she’d been engrossed in his astonishing physique since the night before when he’d trotted around without any clothes. A gal could have a lot of fun with a guy called “the Wall.” Especially when he possessed entire catalogs of techniques and positions.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

What I'm Loving This Month: Good Stuff

I'm back with another list of recommendations. I hope you find some great things here.

Book

Star Mother by Charlie N. Holmberg was a lovely surprise, as this was a fantasy I wasn't so sure I wished to read...but I got it for free, so I gave it a whirl. I'm so glad I did. The novel is beautiful, with a gentle love triangle that caught me by surprise. Very much a cuddle in your chair with a cup of coffee or tea on a rainy day type of read.

 

Amazon

Fun to Follow

Have you checked out Hot Ones by First We Feast on YouTube yet? If not, you've been missing out. Host Sean Evans asks his celebrity guests questions while they attempt to complete rounds of chicken wings coated in spicy hot sauce. Watching actors and musicians trying to pimp their latest releases while shouting in pain shouldn't be this funny, but it is. Bonus is that Evans is such a well-informed and brilliant interviewer. 

https://www.youtube.com/c/FirstWeFeast

 

Hot and Tasty

While we're on the subject of spicy, if you're an aficionado of hot sauces as I am, I've found an absolute treasure. Or four, actually. Cooper's Small Batch hot sauces are incredible where flavor is concerned, which Hubs and I discovered after I gave him some sampler collections for Christmas stocking stuffers. Our faves were Jal-up-in-yo Tomatillo (very mild), Leche Diablesa (hot), Jamaica Killer Sauce (hot), and Peaches En Regalia (med/hot). Grab yourself some samplers and give these a try.

https://www.cooperssmallbatch.com/

Good Sips

There's a foodie theme this month for some reason. I mentioned reading my book pick with some tea or coffee. I have recommendations for both.

Blue Lotus Traditional Chai is amazing. When my heart doctor told me I had to cut back on my caffeine (the humanity!!!), this replaced my afternoon and evening coffee, and you know...this former coffee addict didn't miss her java. Blue Lotus has several flavors of chai to choose from. Traditional and Golden are my favorites. You can pick up a sampler from Amazon.

 

As for coffee, if you're a chocolate addict like me, I suggest you try Cafe Godiva Chocolate Truffle Ground Coffee. I still get to have caffeine in the morning, though I have to do half-decaf (the horror). There's enough chocolate goodness in Godiva to overcome that less stellar flavor. Truly delicious. Also available at Amazon if you can't find it anywhere else.

 

Enjoy!

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

No modesty here

Tosha sat out on the patio. She gazed at the garden and reveled in its sunset splendor. It was the weekend. She was ready to relax.

A noise and movement at the corner of her eye attracted her attention. She glanced into the living room to see Brick walking in her direction. Naked.

Full-on frontal nudity. His cock and balls swayed as he headed her way. His muscles gleamed wetly. He’d excused himself twenty minutes prior to take a shower. He had skin and hair, after all, though grown in a laboratory.

Her ruminations were far from skin and hair. Good night, what he could do for her with that equipment.

He paused by the open glass door. “You might want to buy me a second outfit. Maybe even a third. I don’t want you embarrassed if someone stops by and sees me in the buff.”

Brick had the friendly tone he’d been using since the latest upgrade. It was apparent that any embarrassment over a nude male wandering her penthouse would be hers alone.

Embarrassment wasn’t quite what she felt. Those shoulders. That chest. And all the rest. There was a lot of him.

Tosha had bedded her share of men. Sex was a pleasant diversion, no big deal. Yet heat filled her face and parts south while Brick waited for her to answer him.

That insanely built body…

“Yeah. You should do me—uh, that. Buy some clothes, I mean. Maybe a suit and tie. For the office. And, um, whatever else you think.” Her voice came out in a croak.

“Great. I’ll take care of it. Your personal account instead of the company’s, right?”

“Right.”

He turned and walked off. Tosha licked her lips and ogled the movement of his chiseled ass.

Damn.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.