Naughty Netherworld Press's Blog: Naughty Netherworld Press on Goodreads, page 8
July 21, 2025
Illusionist Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 5
Mystery/Thriller/Private InvestigatorDate Published: 04-15-2025Publisher: SparkPress
A contemporary crime thriller perfect for Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni fans, Illusionist presents PI McPherson with an impossible dilemma: kill an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, or let a college student die.
When an illusionist arrives at Pines & Quill, one of the retreat’s owners vanishes—right in front of witnesses who see nothing. Meanwhile, crime boss Georgio Gambino tightens his grip, blackmailing a writer into murder and framing Sean McPherson. His threat is clear: obey, or your daughter dies.
As McPherson investigates, he uncovers a brewing power struggle—Carmine Fiore, Gambino’s second-in-command, is staging a coup. While Gambino’s network traffics drugs, weapons, and humans, Fiore manipulates the Sureños gang, planting evidence to shift blame.
Desperate to turn the tide, McPherson seeks a dangerous alliance. But when deception is the game, only illusion can outmaneuver the truth. Enlisting the retreat’s eclectic writers—including a NASCAR driver, a triathlete, a house-flipping architect, and a magician with secrets of her own—McPherson sets the stage for the ultimate trick: survival.
About the Author
A blend of Dr. Doolittle, Nanny McPhee, and a type-A Buddhist, Laurie Buchanan is an active listener, observer of details, payer of attention, reader and writer of books, kindness enthusiast, red licorice aficionado, and lover of the Oxford comma.
As a novelist, photographer, and voracious reader, she never travels without three essentials—a laptop, a camera, and a book.
Growing up, she dreamed of being a magician, an international spy, and a mad scientist. There’s still time!
Her writing studio is the hayloft of a historic carriage house in the Pacific Northwest, where creativity thrives. Her husband, Len, a private pilot, and Henry, their not-so-standard Standard Poodle, join her on daily walks. She always carries a camera because sometimes, the best word choice is a picture.
A journey that left an indelible imprint on her was a 20-day, 211-mile trek across the majestic landscapes of Scotland. She, her husband, and their son hiked from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, with the pinnacle being the climb of Ben Nevis at the midpoint of their adventure, the highest point in the British Isles.
"My writing goal is simple: to leave you wanting more." —Laurie Buchanan
The Coach's Daughter New Release Blitz #IndiGo
Title: The Coach’s Daughter
Series: Good Sports, Book Four
Author: Alex Winters
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: 07/22/2025
Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex
Pairing: Female/Female
Length: 24600
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, sports, new adult, lesbian, university, running team, freshman, father/daughter relationship
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DescriptionHastings’ life is finally on track: a freshman on the Haversham University cross country team, independent, and on her own for the first time in nineteen years, she’s fit, frisky and finally free of the constraints of living back home in smalltown South Carolina. Free to be herself, to dip her toe into the waters of girl-on-girl romance for the first time in her life. And when she sets her eyes on the sultry redhead she sees conferring with their track coach one day, she’s sure she’s found the object of her affections. The girl who might finally take her V-card and teach her the ways of feminine affection, once and for all. The only problem: she’s the coach’s daughter!
Peyton Billings is at her third college in as many years, thanks to her father’s wandering eye, philandering zipper, and fiery tongue. Never one to play by the rules, Dawson Billings has been kicked off every track team he’s coached so far, finally landing him at the small, Division Three school of Haversham University. And, in the process, dragging his daughter Peyton along for the ride. She’s not happy about the move until she spots a fiery, sexy, long-limbed runner one day after practice, never sensing that Summer Hastings will be her undoing, in all the best possible ways.ExcerptThe Coach’s DaughterAlex Winters © 2025All Rights Reserved
Chapter OneSUMMER
“Hubba, hubba.”
Summer Hastings glanced over at her new teammate, Kendra Miller, and rolled her eyes. “Girl,” she said with a droll expression, dabbing her face with one of the cooling towels on the break station by the side of the track. “You can’t ‘hubba, hubba’ every new guy you see.”
Kendra, ebony skin aglow under the late afternoon sun, reached for a bottle of water. “Why not?” she asked, screwing off the cap before chugging half the bottle in one long, sensual swallow.
“I dunno.” Summer didn’t really have a reason for her admonition; she was just tired of hearing Kendra fawn over every male she came into eye contact with. “It starts to lose its meaning after a while, I suppose.”
Kendra paused, nodding at the latest “hubba, hubba” recipient in question, none other than their cross-country coach, Dawson Billings. “Not to me it doesn’t,” she snorted, tossing her empty water bottle in the recycling bin beside the break table.
Summer followed her friend’s gaze to their coach, a fit, lean, rigid slice of man with salt-and-pepper curls, a barrel chest, and three-day stubble who looked to be in his early to mid-forties. She shrugged and trailed after Kendra, who’d jogged off for another cool down lap as their practice wound down for the day.
“Maybe you should have a ratings system,” Summer huffed playfully, nudging Kendra as they ran together. “You know, Hubba-Hubba Level One and Level Two or something.”
Kendra frowned, sinewy arms pumping as they loped around the smooth, red clay colored track, side by side and stride by stride. “Is two higher or lower than one on this rating system of yours?”
Summer chuckled, rushing along behind a series of other runners on the cross-country team, most of them upperclassmen returning from the previous year. As two of the only six incoming freshman, Summer and Kendra had quickly bonded during Welcome Week, a ten-day kind of “soft opening” to the fall semester at small but exclusive Haversham University in quaint and picturesque Briar Ridge, Tennessee.
“I feel like one would be the hottest rating, like Defcon Hubba-Hubba, and ten would be the lowest, like…Ho Hum Hubba-Hubba.”
Kendra nodded like she was actually considering the notion, soft black stubble atop her head glistening in the shimmering prelude to twilight that smothered the little valley they were in with a most flattering auburn glow. “But isn’t a hot guy considered a ten, so…”
Summer grew distracted, motion out of the corner of her eye signaling a “hubba, hubba” of her own as a smooth, sexy siren inched closer to their coach on soft, silken legs so smooth they glowed in the late afternoon sunlight. “Or a woman…” she said so softly she doubted Kendra heard over the slapping of their high-tech running shoes on the even higher tech track surface.
She struggled to ignore the newcomer as they rounded the track for another pass past their coach and the sultry, auburn-haired beauty by his side. But she wasn’t the only one to notice. “Who’s this now?” Kendra huffed as they approached, watching their coach and the sexy newcomer chuckle over something on a clipboard she was showing him.
Summer snorted at her overdramatic friend. “Guess you’re not the only one who thinks Coach is Hubba-Hubba Defcon One, Kendra.”
“Witch,” Kendra puffed as they cruised by, careful to avert their eyes less their ire—or, in Summer’s case, desire—be noticed by the feather-ruffling newcomer and her snicker-inducing clipboard.
Summer smiled secretly to herself, glancing up just as they passed to notice the sexy ginger look up as well. Their eyes locked for a moment, maybe less, and Summer felt the thrill of allure as their gaze lingered that one second longer than perhaps it should have, given the circumstances.
It was Summer who broke it first, looking down at her shoes and nearly stumbling as she struggled to keep up with Kendra, who had pulled a few paces ahead. “We’re supposed to be cooling down, remember?” She forced herself not to glance back at the sidelines.
“Sorry,” Kendra chuckled, slowing her roll and letting Summer catch up. “Little Miss Pigtails got me all heated over here!”
Summer nodded for very different reasons. “Same, girl,” she muttered, the soft, vaguely yearning sound of her voice drowned out by the gentle slapping of rubber soles on track coating beneath them. “Same.”PurchaseNineStar Press | Books2Read
Meet the AuthorAlex Winters is an Amazon bestselling romance author with a passion for holiday music, junk food, cheesy 80s horror movies and Epcot. His stories in the Good Sports series for NineStar Press tend to be sizzling and sweet, with a whole lot of laughs—and spice—along the way! Visit him at www.amazon.com/author/awintersromance to see what he’s cooking up next!Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bookbub | BlueskyGiveawayOne lucky winner will receive a $50.00 NineStar Press Gift Code! a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 20, 2025
The Plight of the Pudgy Release Blitz #rabtbooktours
Health & Fitness Diet & Nutrition / Weight Loss Humorous Memoir
Date Published: 07-29-2025
Publisher: BookBaby
Studies have shown that laughter and music are proven ways to facilitate healing. Author Tammy Waldoch uses this potent secret sauce in her book Plight of the Pudgy: Stories, Inspirations, and Preposterous Parodies for the Slim at Heart. From weight loss drugs, chronic diets, and toxic body shame, the book is an open invitation to connect authentically with someone who deeply understands the plight. Her own pilgrimage to finding self-love and a place to "fit in" includes a near-death car accident, a bipolar diagnosis that turned her life upside down, and a lifelong struggle with poor body image.
Waldoch authentically pours her heart and soul into sharing raw stories and songs filled with deep faith, side-splitting humor, and a resounding message that we are all perfectly made in God's eyes.
Tammy writes this book not only as a testimony of her faith but also to share her private path of redemption and healing.
Among the pages, readers will also enjoy fiction stories designed to encourage laughter and reflection, along with some preposterous (and creative!) parodies that provide a backdrop of humor to lighten the burdens of The Slim at Heart.
Early Review
Heart Felt And Honest - This book will make you laugh and cry. The lament of women who struggle with body image applies to a good majority of women.
Tammy Waldoch is an imaginative author/singer/songwriter/painter with a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse, emphasizing Aesthetic Education—teaching using the creative arts. She did just that in The Plight of the Pudgy, combining musical parodies with literature to teach others how to overcome obstacles and rise above adversity. She is actively involved with the Writer’s Well at the White Bear Center for the Arts and gathers with other inspiring writers of all ages to explore their creativity. She also consults with the Springboard Center for the Arts in St. Paul, MN for further resources.
She and her husband of 38 years share a dynamic love for better for worse, in sickness and in health, that has endured all things.
She is also a proud parent of two sons and has two beautiful daughters-in-law who share life’s joys and challenges. Her faith is at the heart of everything she does, and this book is a testimony of her Lord and Savior’s incredible loving kindness toward her. Gilda Radner once said, “Life is full of delicious ambiguities.”
Tammy invites everyone to share those ambiguities with her!
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https://mybook.to/ThePlightofPudgy
July 18, 2025
Rachel's Deadly Inheritance Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
Mystery/Romance
Date Published: April 18, 2025
In a city plagued by hidden crime, Rachel Remington is a solitary investigator haunted by her family’s tragic past—her mother’s murder and her father’s assassination. At 26, her obsession with finding their killers drives her into a dangerous confrontation with a shadowy underworld of illicit drug trafficking.
Will Rachel Get Her Revenge?
As hope emerges through the enigmatic Detective Trent, Rachel's life spirals into chaos. As they join forces, she discovers hidden agendas and dark secrets threatening to consume her.
Games, Betrayals, and Love
Caught in a perilous game of trust and betrayal, Rachel must uncover her family’s past while evading those determined to silence her. In a thrilling tale of revenge and unexpected alliances, will Rachel uncover the truth, seize her chance for redemption, find love, or will the shadows of her past cost her everything?
About the Author
It’s never too late to make my dreams come true. I was lucky to be born on the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, specifically in Alexandria. My summers were spent on the beach, enjoying the sunshine, the original surfboards/paddle boards, and the game of sand pickleball before it even made it to the US.
Not having TVs, I read many books, especially wartime ones, Ian Flemings’s early James Bond novels, John Le Carre, Agatha Christie, Maurice LeBlanc (Arsene Lupin), and other detective/mystery-type books. For school, we had to read all the French Classics. I was always intrigued by how the characters always managed to resolve their problems.
At the Age of 19, I came to California as a foreign student. After graduating with an engineering degree, I was able to obtain my permanent residency. I never looked back. My mother was able to join me, but unfortunately, my father passed away.
Once I graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree, I joined an International Engineering and Construction Company and spent all my working time with them. What was great is that the company moved me to many work projects around the world, where I spent an average of a couple of years on each. My wife joined me on some of these assignments.
But my love for writing was always with me. During my stay abroad, I wrote a philosophical book and many articles for local newspapers and the Laguna Beach weekly issues, comparing life in Laguna Beach with life in Indonesia. I wrote articles for the company’s monthly newsletter, as well as for other publications.
I recently decided to use a “nom de plume”/pseudonym for my writings. My real name is Jean-Pierre Zacaropoulos. Having a last name starting with a “Z” had me called upon in classes either as one of the last ones or one of the first one. It was always a guessing game. But usually having an A or B will push you to the top (Ha! Ha!). So I decided to choose a “B”
Now, I have a little bit more time, so I decided to make my long-time desire come true. I wrote my mystery/romance novel, which will be followed shortly after by a sequel.
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July 17, 2025
Friday Book Blogger Special: Froggy Girl
Genre:
Children's books, mental health, psychology, self-acceptance
Buy Link:
https://froggygirlbook.com/Publication Date:
July 15, 2025
Book Blurb:
Froggy Girl tells the story of a little girl who wished she was a frog and everyone in her life wanted to please her wishes. Her parents believed the best thing they could do for her is to buy her froggy clothes. Then, her teacher gave her a froggy flag in class. Her school friends wanted to be nice so they pretended she was a frog too.
But, when the little girl tried to do all the froggy things, she couldn't do them. She couldn't swim with the frogs or catch a fly and she started to feel lonely. Even though everyone supported her decision to be a frog, she still got sad.
Then, she met a wise turtle who helped her realize that living a lie doesn't make anyone happy, and that she is a beautiful little girl. Once she learned to embrace who she really is and stop pretending to be someone else, she finally felt true happiness.
https://www.rosecityreader.com/
https://readingismysuperpower.org/There once was a girl who said she was a frog, not a chicken, cow, cat, or dog.
The Friday 56
http://www.fredasvoice.com/She tried to make frog sounds, but that was hard. She went swimming with the other frogs but didn't get far.
About the Author
Pamela Garfield-Jaeger is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience with children and families.
Pamela noticed that there are so many children's books that teach children that they could be born in the wrong body, so she wanted to write a book that teaches children that they are born right. She believes in teaching children self-acceptance, and that's what her rhyming book is all about.
Nicolas Blooms is full of fruity passion to create ways for people to spark the deeper, magical wisdom within their hearts. After graduating from art and design college, he co-created a children's book series, You Can't Steal My Smile, with his friend Kim O, a relational soul coach, who empowers children to root their inner resilience.
Despite tumbling down a twisty, dark road, he heard the song of his soul call him back toward the path of love, peace, and joy. It's totally possible to be the love you desire to see in the world.
Book Blogger Hop
Book Blogger Hop
18th - 24th - What is your opinion on modern artists' interpretations of deceased authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen? Do you think these interpretations represent the authors correctly, or do they disrespect the authors? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)It depends on the author. I believe most authors treat such story inspirations with respect. For instance, I reviewed a book called Humbug last December. Here is the book's blurb.
Blurb
A Christmas Carol shows us one terrible day in Ebenezer Scrooge’s life, but have you ever wondered what came before his fateful encounter with the ghosts of Christmas time? What happened to turn him into the scowling, penny-pinching old man we think we know so well?
There is so much more to this character—possibly more than Charles Dickens himself could ever have imagined.
Scrooge has compelling reasons for hating Christmas, for rejecting his fiancée and his precious nephew, and for employing Tiny Tim’s father, despite his obvious incompetence. He is a doting uncle, beloved brother, successful businessman, and passionate lover, but a dark secret puts both him and his loved ones at risk. Scrooge struggles to embrace his true self and live in defiance of the Victorian era’s repressive moral standards. Soul-crushing losses and his own destructive choices shape his fate into a twisted path of sorrow, frustration, and uncertainty—but also happiness, fulfillment, and love.
Scrooge’s own words sum it up best: “How delightfully queer life is.”
https://ornerybookemporium.blogspot.com/2024/12/humbug-audiobook-review.html
Some people might take exception to an author interpreting a well-known character from a classic story like A Christmas Carol as bisexual or gay, but I don't think that is the case. I believe the story treated Scrooge respectfully while offering a plausible explanation for his bitterness. I gave the book a five-star rating.
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July 16, 2025
Recycled Brain Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
Part One
Sci-fi Manga
Date Published: January 25, 2025
Recycled Brain delves into a world where humanity has unlocked the ability to create custom life forms, including Pegasus or Dragon. The story follows Hayate Yamano, a guide in a unique "theme park" where visitors can interact with fantastical creatures.
However, the idyllic setting is shattered when a group of cultists launches a surprise attack, sparking a conflict that threatens civilization itself. As tensions rise and hidden truths come to light, Hayate finds himself at the forefront of a moral and existential crisis.
As civilization teeters on the brink of chaos, Hayate and his friend, Vine, must grapple with profound ethical questions and make decisions that will shape the course of humanity's future. "Recycled Brain" expertly blends cutting-edge scientific concepts with thrilling narrative twists, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between science, ethics, and human nature.
Recycled Brain is a must-read for fans of science fiction and speculative thrillers, offering an unforgettable journey into a world where the line between reality and imagination is blurred. Be prepared to be immersed in a riveting tale of adventure, discovery, and the power of choice.
About the Author
Ph.D. Takahiro Yonemura is a creator and author from Tokyo, Japan. He founded Inazuma Corporation while in graduate school and earned a Doctor of Engineering degree from Kindai University Doctoral Program (Completed).
- Takahiro has authored over 68 published works, including technical books, science fiction, and articles. He has received recognition for his work, including the Wakayama City Mayor's Award for game design and selection as a recommended work for the 10th Cultural Media Arts Festival.
- In addition to his creative endeavors, Takahiro has focused on scholarly work and has a paper on AI that has been published and presented in 2022.
- He is also the author of "The Metallic Dragon and I" and the graphic novel "Beast Code," which was released in the United States on November 2022. A second album (under the name A-Rumenoy Musicians) was released in 2023. In 2024, it began publishing online articles about AI technology.
- In 2025, the graphic novel “Recycled Brain Part One” will be released; Part Two is scheduled for 2026. A contribution on AI was published in the Journal of the Society of Arts and Sciences. March 2025 : An article about the author and my book appeared in the newspaper "News Wakayama."
- His hobbies include mineral collecting and tropical fruit gardening.
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Never Lost Cover Reveal #rabtbooktours
General Fiction
Date Published: October 23rd, 2025
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
Zane Carter and his sons, eleven-year-old Ty and thirteen-year-old Joseph, venture one hundred miles into the Idaho wilderness with only a knife and the knowledge of their Nez Perce ancestors. Danger awaits at every deadfall and lurks in every snowy shadow as the boys hunt, fish, make weapons, and build shelter, learning to survive, taking only what they need from the land, and leaving no trace.
During their eighteen-day journey, Zane’s determination to fulfill a promise to his grandfather, an Indigenous warrior who exemplified the tenets of a wise and spiritual existence, is thwarted by a fatal encounter that transports Zane into an ancient realm as he straddles the thin line between life and death.
He wonders what has become of his boys. Have they learned enough patience, resourcefulness, and courage to complete this rite of passage? Will they make it out of the wildlands alive? Or will the unforgiving forces of the natural world take them too far from home to ever return?
About the Author
[image error]After high school, Aaron Anderson set out to see the world, embarking on adventures through North America, Europe, and North Africa. He enjoyed traveling as a bicyclist, motorcyclist, train passenger, and even as a hitchhiker, reveling in the excitement of the unknown.
At the age of twenty-two, Aaron returned to the US and worked on oil rigs in Wyoming. He later became a carpenter and eventually a real estate appraiser. However, his true passions have always been writing, developing powerful friendships, and exploring new country.
During the 1980s he and his two sons hunted, hiked, and camped throughout the western states. Here, his love for the natural world and respect for Indigenous people prompted him to write his second novel, Never Lost.
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July 15, 2025
Once Upon a Blue Moon Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
Paranormal Romance/Mystery
Date Published: July 1, 2025
Hazel Thornton is a small-town witch with a knack for brewing potions, botching spells, and annoying her grumpy werewolf neighbor, Blake Carter. But when a magical mishap leaves them trapped in each other’s bodies, they’re forced to work together—awkwardly, sarcastically, and very much against their will.
To make matters worse, Moonridge is on edge. Wolves are acting strange. Magic is going haywire. And beneath Hazel’s apothecary, something old and dangerous is waking up. As Hazel and Blake stumble through spellwork, supernatural politics, and a suspiciously perfect wellness guru with a shady agenda, one thing becomes clear: this body swap isn’t their biggest problem.
As Hazel and Blake race to reverse the spell, they uncover secrets that could tear the town apart. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the more they realize their biggest problem might not be magic... it might be how much they’re falling for each other.
Though she’s been quietly writing for years (mostly through anonymous fanfic and enthusiastic encouragement for other writers) this marks her first official foray into paranormal-romance-mysteries. (ParaRoMystery?) It was the quiet days of the COVID pandemic, the persistent voices of the Moonridge characters in her head, and the gentle (okay, sometimes pushy) insistence of family and friends that nudged her toward publishing.
Avery lives in the northern U.S., where it’s cold more often than not, with two opinionated dogs, and a significant other who is equal parts grumpy and lovely. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her watching trashy reality TV or reading with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and at least one pet trying to prove that they are more interesting than her book.
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Black Leather Night Preorder Blitz #rabtbooktours
Vampire Romance, Gay
Date Published: July 18, 2025
Dante’s World. A dystopian off planet colony where life is hard and the supernatural exists side by side with everyday drama -- or not so everyday. Joy and pleasure must be paid for at a high price, and to feed from a human means death -- or worse.
But sometimes the line is crossed, and vampires fall in love with mortal men -- or men lose their hearts to the nightwalkers. Anything can happen, and often does…
Publisher’s Note: Black Leather Night and Other Tales includes the previously published novellas Black Leather Night, Into the Shadows, The Hunter, Tale of the Night, Memory, Don’t Look Now, Sixty-Nine Reasons, and Missing Pieces.
The following excerpt contains material suitable only for readers 18 and over.
EXCERPT
Gods damn it.
It was, so far as the vampire Robhain could tell, very early in the evening, barely past dusk, yet his human employees, Del and Byrne, had already arrived for business. Del, yawning widely enough to show off all his white teeth, clutched a cup of the expensive cafe imported from Terra, likely bought from a street vendor. Still laughing a little at some joke the boy must have made, Byrne shrugged off his street jacket to hang it on the post by his desk.
Watching the pair, Robhain knew he should only be proud of them. They were, after all, expecting an important shipment of magical artifacts at any time that night, and they needed to be ready with both warding spells and records of what they'd netted. But watching them from his office, behind a tinted window -- protection against occasional bursts of light as day approached -- Robhain's teeth began to grind.
Let the gods have mercy. Byrne! He wore his favorite pair of ass-hugging leather pants for the second night in a row. Hurrying to arrive early enough, he must have taken his motorcycle to the stores and left it parked up top, above the basement showroom.
Watching him, Robhain's expression soured. Byrne. Fresh off the street and every inch a contradiction with his prim, rimless glasses and helmet-mussed hair, starched linen shirt and painted-on pants… didn't he realize how tight they were? Molding as they did to his legs and the too-damn-perfect curve of his shapely ass? Leaving nothing to the imagination?
Especially when, as a vampire, Robhain could smell what he'd been doing, wearing them.
Who was she? he seethed. Some bit of blonde fluff from one of the flesh-parlors, all dazzling smile and tight ass or generous tits? Even across the room, he could smell that Byrne reeked of come.
Robhain's mouth worked, and he swallowed. By rights, that come should belong to him. Should flow into his mouth alone. But what was he but a coward? Unable to approach his very human mage-employee, or to make but the meekest suggestions that were blithely misunderstood as innocent… Fool. As if a vampire could ever be innocent.
His molars were beginning to creak ominously and his small, pointed fangs cut into his lips. Reluctantly he loosened his jaw. Facts were facts. Humans did not mingle willingly with the vampire-kind. It stood as miracle enough that Byrne worked with him in the business. Likely it caused him no little loss of caste in human society.
Not for the first time, he wondered why Byrne chose to work for him. The man's talent could have secured him a place in the Suzerain's palace. Instead he chose to work as mage and record-keeper in a secondhand artifact store, where lesser magicians and warriors came to buy enchanted goods.
Robhain would never, on that level, cease to be grateful for Byrne's assistance. Able to detect the slightest nuance of malicious spell-craft on a weapon or artifact, he was damned good at what he did. Robhain could not do without him -- most such charms were made to harm those of his bloodthirsty ilk, and did not care whether he drank blood fetched from the slaughterhouses or from the hot human vein. With his magics, Byrne had saved his hide a hundred times over.
Watching him, Robhain laid a hand on the glass, as if he could touch the man as he flipped through papers on his overloaded cubby desk. Not that he had never felt the warmth of that skin before, of course -- their hands had brushed, their hips had bumped -- just enough contact to entice him, to send him to daylight slumber with his cock so hard and ready that barely a touch brought him to a scorching completion.
And then, other times, they had actually embraced in relief when a spell turned out a success. Hip to hip, pounding one another's backs. Each time, holding that slender body to his, Robhain had burned for more. To take that slim face between his hands, tilt it just so to one side, and press their lips together…
Well. Byrne was the sort of temptation that could cause a centuries-old creature to shame himself by soiling his own trousers with a climax as soon as he reached the safety of his office.
Not for the first time, he tried to puzzle out why. Byrne was nothing special. An ordinary man -- but ah, with such an extraordinary face, his eyes blue as the sky Robhain had not seen for so long, blue as the ocean, blue as lapis lazuli. His smile -- rarely seen, for he was seriously-natured -- warming as the long-forgotten sunlight on Robhain's skin. To luxuriate in those eyes and smile were more than he dared dream on.
And ah, such an impossible dream. For a vampire to force himself on an unwilling human meant death from those who handed down laws saying what a vampire could or could not do. They must not drink from the vein. They must not antagonize the humans. And not to be forgotten, they must not molest the humans in any way. Their tolerance was zero and justice swiftly delivered. While he knew Byrne to be faithful and fond of his employer, he was also a proud and powerful man. No doubt he would never suffer unwanted advances without immediate retribution.
Yet he taunted Robhain constantly, unconsciously, with his very presence, and in particular on days when he wore those thrice be-damned leather pants.
Crossing the room, Byrne glanced at him behind his window and threw up his hand, smiling in greeting. Robhain nodded in return and discreetly, behind his back, snapped a stylus in half.
That man would be the second death of him.
It was too early for customers as yet -- they rarely came until full dark -- so Robhain chose to remain in his office, going over letters and transmissions informing him of possible new sources of booty. Mercifully Byrne sank out of sight behind the piles of paper on his desk, rummaging around with his beloved books. Still, he could hear that warm, human-accented voice calling snips of information out to Del, diligently dusting and polishing braziers and daggers.
Del. A handsome lad, with ebony hair far too long and eyes far too bright green. Robhain was certain he had some Fey blood in him. Perhaps third or fourth generation. He passed as human, at any rate, but would certainly stand on their outskirts. Reason enough for him to be glad of a job with Robhain. He did well enough at it, though he was flightily-natured.
More than once, he had considered bedding the boy instead of fruitlessly aching for Byrne. He would likely be willing, and given his heritage, there would be no repercussions. But though he tried, he could barely raise his staff to half-mast over the thought of Del's nimble flanks and flashing grin. Not when there was Byrne.
Neither paid him any attention as they went about their business, thank the gods that holy men claimed had long since turned their backs on Robhain.
Determined, he returned to the business at hand, ignoring the men as they ignored him. Ignoring Byrne, and those leather pants. Leather. The stylus slipped from Robhain's hand and bounced heedlessly on the floor as he stared out, hoping to catch a glimpse. Really, the man showed shocking ignorance or tremendous nerve to wear them a second day. Once was bad enough. Robhain could control himself and his shock over the pants one day at a time. But two days running of the slick, soft leather, black as night, clinging to Byrne's shapely ass…
Leather called to him. It sang a bewitching melody that brought out his inner beast. Life had been given for that fabric, and when Byrne wore it, the sound became a siren's song.
His cock jumped and twitched within his own linen trousers, wanting to play.
Behave, he told it sternly.
Unfortunately it was not in the mood to listen.
Come what might, it would be better for him that day if he remained inside his office. Yes, hiding, and what of it? Hiding behind his good, solid desk. With a book on his lap. A heavy book. To be on the safe side. Yes.
But as he settled the book into place, Byrne stood and stretched, leather clinging to his thighs. Robhain's stubborn prick, with a mind of its own, swelled half-hard. Perhaps sheer willpower could…
Of course. And he could also fly.
He propped the book in front of the impromptu tent in his trousers to conceal it, and with a great effort, he composed his expression. If Byrne were to come in, he wouldn't be able to smell Robhain's arousal, but surely he'd notice the ravenous look on his face.
Calm. He had to calm down. This was lust. Not unlike the blood lust he sometimes felt when he forgot to feed. This was leather lust. Nothing more.
But as he began to read the tiny script of the heavy book, his mind -- evil thing -- drifted away, sketching out dream after delicious dream. Taking Byrne up against that bookcase in the showroom. Pinning his wrists above his head. Nuzzling deep into his neck. Rubbing his dripping cock between the cleft of Byrne's ass. Or Byrne, bent over the desk, Robhain dragging that leather down over his ass. His hands scrabbling for purchase as Robhain stroked, cupped, and pinched. Sliding his hand deeper and brushing against a cock hard as…
… his own.
Robhain groaned, shutting the book. So much for that plan.
About the Author
Willa Okati (AKA Will) is made of many things: imagination, coffee, stray cat hairs, daydreams, more coffee, kitchen experimentation, a passion for winter weather, a little more coffee, a whole lot of flowering plants and a lifelong love of storytelling. Will's definitely one of the quiet ones you have to watch out for, though he -- not she anymore -- is a lot less quiet these days.
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July 14, 2025
Xavier Teaser Tuesday #rabtbooktours
Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap
Date Published: July 18, 2025
Xavier may be an ex-con, but he’s strong, protective, and totally sexy. He’s my hero.
Tillie: At the lowest time in my life, I realize I might have gained my very own guardian angel. I never saw Xavier as more than a friend, but then he went to prison for me. I’ll never forget his sacrifice. He’s the one person I can tell anything, the one person I trust above all else. He’s also the man I’ve built up in my little fantasy world as being the perfect husband. Only problem is, I forgot he’s still a killer. How can I be with a man who’s capable of taking a life? I’m torn between my growing feelings for him and my fear of what it means to love a man like Xavier.
Xavier: Did I have to kill the man who beat Tillie? No. But I’m headed to prison anyway, so why not get an added bonus? Tillie defended me to anyone who would listen, but I still never expected she’d be almost religious in coming to see me every Saturday. I also didn’t expect to fall in love with the beautiful, spirited woman. Seeing her smile now is worth the extra time I’m spending away from my brothers in Kiss of Death and the comfort of home. Unfortunately, my little Tillie is a magnet for trouble. Good thing she has me to protect her, because there is nothing I won’t do for Tillie. Nothing. If I have to kill for her again, so be it. Anyone who touches her is dead. May God have mercy, because I won’t.
Warning: Adult situations, graphic language, and violence, which may be a trigger for some readers.
EXCERPT
Xavier
“Hey, Sugar.” The one bright spot in my life was Tillie St. Martin. Ironic because the night I found her was in the middle of the worst damned storm I’d ever tried to drive through. That was also the night that changed mine and Tillie’s lives forever.
I think I had a weird sort of connection with her from the second she looked at me over her shoulder, soaked to the skin in ripped and blood-stained clothing, with an angry-looking bruise forming on her left cheek. She was walking down a two-lane country road at one in the morning. Nothing good happens at one in the morning if you’re forced to walk on a deserted road in the middle of a storm.
“I did it, Xave!” She grinned brightly at me through the bulletproof glass. She had the wall phone to her ear and looked so happy my heart was breaking.
Then I frowned. “Wait a minute. You’re not moving to San Diego with that creep you were telling me about last month, are you?”
“What?” She jerked back, a scowl on her face. “You honestly think I’m that stupid?”
I had a moment of panic. Clearly, I’d fucked up. I just wasn’t sure how. “Of course, you’re not stupid!” I rubbed my hand over the back of my neck. “But I’m not sure what I said to make you think I’d think you were stupid?” She raised her eyebrows. “OK, clearly, we need to start over.”
Then she broke out into giggles. “You’re so cute when you think I’m irritated at you.”
“I kinda thought I’d said something to thoroughly piss you off.”
“Pfft.” She waved away my words. “I could never be pissed at you. You’re my hero after all.”
“Aww, Tillie. You have no idea… Seeing you smile, how much happier you look now… You kind of gave me a whole new outlook on life.”
“Oh?” She was still smiling but she looked genuinely curious. Not like she was humoring me. “What’s that?”
“Sometimes, the outcome is worth the fuckin’ consequence.” I grumbled out the words, but it was the fucking truth. Yes, I was in prison. Would I rather be on the outside with my brothers? Sure. But I could pull my weight with the club in prison same as I could out. Given that I had some good connections here in Terre Haute, I figured I’d make the best of a bad situation. Like I said, some things were just worth the cost.
Tillie’s face softened and she put her palm against the window. I put mine over hers against the glass. I’d never actually touched her skin, but I could imagine how her hand would entwine with mine. She was twenty-three years old. Way to fucking young for me when compared to my thirty-eight years, but her life experiences made her seem older sometimes.
“You ended my nightmare, Xavier. I will never take that for granted. I’d be dead if it weren’t for you.”
“Only thing I ever want from you is for you to be happy. You never have to come back here, Tillie. I know this is a scary place sometimes. But if you do come by occasionally, I hope you always have a smile this bright on your face.” That got me another beautiful smile, but also a trembling chin and two tears from her pale green eyes. “So. If you’re not moving to San Diego with Dipshit, what’s got you all smiles, Sugar?”
She gave a watery laugh as she swiped at her tears. “I did it.”
“Well, yeah, you said that.” I grinned, trying not to chuckle but failing miserably. “Gonna have to give me an antecedent to go with your pronoun, baby.”
That really got an amused laugh from her. “Really? Antecedent?”
“Hey. You’re the author between the two of us. You should know those kinds of words, what they mean, and how to avoid making me say them.”
“Fine. It refers to buying a house.” She bounced in her seat excitedly.
I grinned. “You’ll have to show me pictures when you get moved in.”
“Oh, I will.” Her grin got even wider. “Want to know the best part?”
“What’s that, sweetheart?”
“I’m moving to Terre Haute.”
OK, this was unexpected. She lived an hour and a half away but had never mentioned she was moving, let alone anywhere close by. “Honey, why would you move to Terre Haute?”
“Two reasons.” She straightened, her smile still really wide. “First, Terre Haute has way more affordable housing. I found a house for half the price in Terre Haute than I could find in Indianapolis.”
“I could see that.” I tried to keep a lighthearted expression on my face, but I could tell something was up. “But why get a place of your own at all? I thought you were happy to stay with your folks.”
“Well, that’s the second reason.” She still smiled and still seemed happy, but also… sad? Scared?
“Tillie…” I gave her a stern look, knowing something was off. Every instinct in my body was now screaming at me. Not because I thought she was in danger. Because, I knew with every fiber of my being, someone had hurt her feelings. And that simply was not acceptable. “What. Happened?”
About the Author
Marteeka Karland is an international bestselling author who leads a double life as an erotic romance author by evening and a semi-domesticated housewife by day. Known for her down and dirty MC romances, Marteeka takes pleasure in spinning tales of tenacious, protective heroes and spirited, vulnerable heroines. She staunchly advocates that every character deserves a blissful ending, even, sometimes, the villains in her narratives. Her writings are speckled with intense, raw elements resulting in page-turning delight entwined with seductive escapades leading up to gratifying conclusions that elicit a sigh from her readers.
Away from the pen, Marteeka finds joy in baking and supporting her husband with their gardening activities. The late summer season is set aside for preserving the delightful harvest that springs from their combined efforts (which is mostly his efforts, but you can count it). To stay updated with Marteeka's latest adventures and forthcoming books, make sure to visit her website. Don't forget to register for her newsletter which will pepper you with a potpourri of Teeka's beloved recipes, book suggestions, autograph events, and a plethora of interesting tidbits.
Author Contact Links
Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland
Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress
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