Lily Graison's Blog, page 24

Friday First Kiss #18:: Outrageous Pride by Gem Sivad - Historical Romance

The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.




Every week here on the blog, I'll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors. 










This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from Gem Sivad. She'll be sharing her brand new release, Outrageous Pride.















Thank you for inviting me to share a kiss with you today, Lily. In writing historical romance, I try to remember two things. Casual shows of affection were historically taboo among 19th century ladies, while gentlemen in general enjoyed a much less confining set of rules. 




Those two elements serve well in writing sexual tension and gender conflicts leading to the first moment of bliss when the hero and heroine discover mutual attraction. This is my “first kiss” between Kellan Lonigan, my hero, and Natalia Fitzwilliam, my heroine, in Book II of my Unlikely Gentlemen series, Outrageous Pride.

 “If I could give ye but
one wish lass, what would ye have from me?” Mr. Lonigan asked earnestly before
taking the teapot from Tali, setting it on the table, and catching her hand
between his.

What would ye have from me? Suddenly, Tali knew. She’d not cared for Matthew’s caresses
and been glad that they’d been infrequent and brief. Before she really
considered Kellan’s offer, there were many things she’d like to know about him.
But only one seemed important at the moment.

She leaned closer and murmured against his lips, “A kiss.” He remained absolutely still
as she brushed her mouth across his. She closed her eyes to better savor the
experience, noticing first how dry his lips were under hers. When she felt a
rough indentation on the upper one, she tentatively touched it with her tongue,
identifying it as the scar she’d noticed there.

His breath was warm and tea-scented when he huffed in surprise.
And then it was her turn to be startled as his big palms moved from holding her
hand, to drawing her to her feet, and then to his lap. All without breaking the
kiss…
She’d begun the intimacy as
an experiment to discover if she could stand his touch. When Mr. Lonigan
finally abandoned her lips, nibbling from the corner of her mouth, up her jaw,
across her cheek, and back to her lips to capture them again beneath his, she
was satisfied that she’d resolved that issue. 

Outrageous Pride

by Gem Sivad




When Natalia Fitzwilliam discovers
that she’s the love child of a Texas rancher, her nebulous wedding plans suffer
a knock-out punch.




Bare-knuckle boxer
Kellan Lonigan is in Texas inspecting his investments when he recognizes
Miss Fitzwilliam as a damsel in distress. Kell offers Tali his name for
protection, knowing that he intends to claim the biggest prize of all—Tali’s
heart.






What could a bluidy
Irishman and a sheltered miss find in common? Bliss.

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About Gem Sivad














In 2009 Gem Sivad released her first novel, Intimate Strangers. When it won the prestigious 2010 EPIC Award, it became the foundation for her series, Eclipse Heat, published by Ellora’s Cave.



Although her first love remains American historical romance, she is also the author of a contemporary, erotic paranormal series about a modern-day healer named Miz.



Whether she's writing in a nineteenth century setting or in the paranormal world of witches and shifters, Gem's heroines are always resilient, resourceful, and smart and her heroes are both dangerous and hot!



To receive contest info and updates on her current projects, subscribe to Gem’s Dreamcatcher Newsletter:  http://www.gemsivad.com/dreamcatcher

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ |  Amazon | B&N

Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.
















All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #17:: Wolfkeeper's Woman by Lisa Day - Historical Romance

The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.




Every week here on the blog, I'll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.















This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from Lisa Day's historical romance, Wolfkeeper's Woman.

Years later when he retold it, he would blame it on Becky. Of course, it was her fault. It happened right there on her porch. She hugged him. It was supposed to be a goodbye new-friend hug. Maybe, it wasn’t so much the hug than the sweet smell of her, like fresh laundry crisp and clean, the smell that made you want to snuggle up against. Then it could have been the tears that eased down her pink cheeks. They made a man just want to kiss away the cause. John was a man and he was the cause. Nothing he could remember was ever this hard for him to do as to ride out of that homestead, but he did.

Becky and the children moped. The flowers looked a little sadder, and the cows seemed to give less milk than yesterday.  He had been gone for four hours, but four hours was enough time for John to spot a six point deer. Reflexes took over.  He pulled the rifle from its carrier and aimed. One shot brought it down.

“OK, John, that was stupid. Just what do you intent to do with it? You can’t eat the whole thing,” he said aloud, rebuking himself for the waste of the deer’s life. “But, I know who can.” He dismounted his horse and quickly began gutting and cleaning the deer. Once he finished, he tied the carcass to the horse.

Darkness filled the farmyard, but the light through the window welcomed him. He needed to feel welcomed. He needed the courage to continue in his venture. Knocking loudly while he called out so not to frighten the ones inside.

“It’s me John,” he called out while knocking loudly so not to frighten the ones inside.

The door creaked when it slowly opened and a dark haired woman around thirty stood before him.

“John?”

“Please, let me stay?”

Becky’s answer was instantaneous. John caught her as she flung herself into his arms.  “Yes, yes, yes.”

Lonely and hungry lips met hungry and lonely lips for the first time on the porch.

Woldkeeper's Woman
by Lisa Day




A country where the strong survive. Some people are strong of body. Other people are strong in spirit.



The warrior Wolfkeeper is such a man. A man not only physically strong but strong willed with a wisdom beyond his years. A wisdom that serves his people well.

Until the day he begins to question how he could have tender feelings for someone he considers an enemy.

There were no pangs of conscience when he took the child for his brother and sister-in-law to raise. They had no children of there own. The Mother even though an enemy the infant wouldn't survive the journey if he hadn't brought her along.



Cassie raised in an orphanage only recently began to believe she found happiness. Now she learned to hate. She just wants her son back.
Thrown into an unfamiliar lifestyle and unable to communicate she must learn how to stay alive for her son.

She will learn the language. She will follow the rules. She will do anything she needs to get her son back... But will it be enough?

BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
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About the Author




















Lisa Day is not only a baby boomer, she is also a late bloomer. Once she accepted the fact that time-travel was not a reality she resorted to reading about history. Going down the wrong aisle at the book store she discovered the Historical Romance section. Who would have believed all that romantic stuff happened right here in our own wild west country?



It took awhile for Lisa to understand the voices in her head were really characters in a book. However, she did figure it out and her first book came to life. No sooner she'd get one set of characters out of her brain and another set would move in. Which meant more hours in front of the computer. Hey, what else can a retired old lady do, and she was having fun.



Lisa and her hubby moved to western North Carolina years ago. They, along with their dog, have settled in and made it home.

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All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #16 - Hazardous Unions by Alison Bruce & Kat Flannery - Historical Romance

The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.




Every week here on the blog, I'll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.















This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from Alison Bruce & Kat Flannery, who has a brand new historical romance to share with us as part of their Official Blog Tour. I'll let Alison tell you a bit about her story and then we'll get on with the kiss! 























When you’re writing a historical romance
that is also a sweet romance, the first kiss is often the big romantic
payoff.  After all, nice girls don’t go
around kissing willy-nilly. Maggie Becker and Captain Seth Stone are in a
particularly difficult situation since she works for a southern family and he
is a Union officer. Just between you and me, there is a moment later in the
story that I think is even more romantic… but you’ll have to read the book to
decide for yourself.

He shook his head impatiently. "You know I love you."

I tilted my chin up and to the side so I could make eye contact.

"No. You said you were smitten with me. You could get over being
smitten. My brother has been smitten with and gotten over at least three girls
since he was nine years old." I smiled up into those gorgeous green eyes.
"If it will help, I'll tell you that I'm quite sure I love you."

It must have helped
because the next thing I knew, his arms were around me and I was being lifted
and pulled into a close embrace, hoop tilted out behind me like a bell being
rung. I probably looked ridiculous. I didn't let that stop me from enjoying the
heavenly sensation of being thoroughly kissed.

Hazardous Unions
by Alison Bruce & Kat Flannery

Publisher: Imajin Books




Twin sisters separated by war, bound by love…

After the death of their father, twin
sisters Maggie and Matty Becker are forced to take positions with officers’
families at a nearby fort. When the southern states secede, the twins are
separated, and they find themselves on opposite sides of America’s bloodiest
war.




In the south, Maggie travels with the
Hamiltons to Bellevue, a plantation in west Tennessee. When Major Hamilton is
captured, it is up to Maggie to hold things together and deal with the Union
cavalry troop that winters at Bellevue. Racism, politics and a matchmaking
stepmother test Maggie’s resourcefulness as she fights for Bellevue, a wounded
Confederate officer and the affections of the Union commander.




In the north, Matty discovers an incriminating
letter in General Worthington’s office, and soon she is on the run. With no one
to turn to for help, she drugs the wealthy Colonel Cole Black and marries him,
in hopes of getting the letter to his father, the governor of Michigan. But
Cole is not happy about being married, and Matty’s life becomes all about
survival.







Two unforgettable
stories of courage, strength and honor

Reviews:




“You’ll sigh with pleasure as you finish each story” ~ Caroline
Clemmons, author of Bluebonnet Bride




“Stories that play on your senses like a sonata. A must read!” ~
Jacquie Rogers, award-winning author of Much Ado About Madams






“Wonderfully entertaining and well-written, with engaging
characters…delightful!” ~ Charlene Raddon, author of To Have and To Hold

BUY THE EBOOK FROM:

Amazon.Com

About Alison Bruce




















Alison Bruce has had many careers and
writing has always been one of them. Copywriter, editor and graphic designer
since 1992, Alison has also been a comic book store manager, small press
publisher, webmaster and arithmetically challenged bookkeeper. She is the
author of mystery, suspense and historical romance novels.

Website | Facebook | Twitter   Blog 

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #15 - Lawless Love by Andrea Downing - Historical Western Romance

The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.




Every week here on the blog, I'll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors. 










This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from Lawless Love by Andrea Downing.

The barn door yawned open, and Lacey stood there,
moonlight giving her a silver aura. She’d gotten ready for sleep, her long hair
loosely bound in a single braid and a robe wrapped tightly about her. Dylan
felt a flutter in his gut as a yearning overcame him, making him numb. He
somehow managed to shut the stall door behind him and come out to face her.

“We waited on supper some,” Lacey started in a
small voice. “But I’d burnt it anyways so...” 

Dylan never let her finish. In two strides he had her
in his arms, his mouth capturing hers as he held her to him. Lacey gasped as
she allowed herself to be taken before melting into him, responding to his
tongue’s search for her answer. She tried to think, to ask herself if this was what
she wanted, but it was too late for any sense to rule. Her hands pulled his
shirt out of his denims and ripped open the snaps, shoving it back from his
arms to expose those muscles she had glimpsed at the river.

Lawless Love 

by Andrea Downing



Lacey Everhart has carved out a tough existence in the wilds of 1880s Wyoming, working hard to build a secure life for herself and her younger brother, Luke. She will stop at nothing to protect what's hers and keep them safe. Even if it means keeping a secret that could destroy their lives. 

Marshal Dylan J. Kane is a man who considers everything as black and white, right or wrong. He's never seen life any other way until he sets eyes on Lacey. Suddenly the straight and narrow that he's followed has a few twists and turns. Loving Lacey offers the home life for which he hankers...but can he really love a woman who seems to be plain lawless?

BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
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The Wild Rose Press

About Andrea Downing














Andrea
Downing likes to say that when she decided to do a Masters Degree, she made the
mistake of turning left out of New York instead of right to the west, and ended
up in the UK.   She eventually married
there, raising a beautiful daughter and staying for longer than she cares to
admit.  Teaching, editing a poetry
magazine, writing travel articles, and a short stint in Nigeria filled those
years until in 2008 she returned to NYC. 
She now divides her time between the city and the shore and often trades
the canyons of New York for the wide open spaces of Wyoming.  Loveland , her first book, was
a finalist for Best American Historical at the 2013 RONE Awards.  Lawless Love , a short story,
comes out Sept. 4th as part of The Wild Rose Press ‘Lawmen and
Outlaws’ series.   Three more books are
in various stages of progress!



Email Andrea at :  andidowning@gmail.com or find her around the web at any of the follows locations.

Website | Facebook | Twitter  

 Linkedin | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page 

Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.





All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #15

I've neglected the Monday posts for a while. Things happen to distract me and if I don't have everything written down, I forget what I'm supposed to do and the posts don't go up. I'll make up for the weeks I've missed with some truly yummy ManCandy soo...feast your eyes on this weeks selection!




















































Have a great week!!

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #14 :: The Gambler by Lily Graison - Historical Western Romance

The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.




Every week here on the blog, I'll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors. 










This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from The Gambler, book 3 in my Willow Creek Series.

“You’re
determined to seduce me, aren’t you?”

Her
eyes widened. “I’m not trying to seduce you.”

He
chuckled and relaxed the grip he had on her wrist. “Really? Because from where
I’m lying, it sure feels like it.”

Humiliation
burned like flames across her face and Emmaline was glad it was so dark. She
stared at his chest, her thoughts running wild inside her head.

Tristan
released her wrist and raised his hand, cupping his fingers under her chin to
lift her head up. She avoided looking at him and it wasn’t until his thumb ran
across her bottom lip that she did. “What is it you’re doing, Emmaline?” She
didn’t answer and avoided eye contact. “I don’t need to be thanked, if that’s
why you’re doing this, but if you want me, then by all means, help yourself.”
His fingers tangled into her hair. He pulled her head back, forcing her to look
at him. “I won’t complain nor refuse.”

He
didn’t want her but he did? Emmaline was so confused; she wasn’t sure what to
do. He was staring down at her, waiting, and the silence in the room was
unnerving. Was she trying to seduce him? And was she doing it because,
like most men, they’d want to be thanked? Or was it more?

She
stared at him, the scent of his skin tickling her senses. His flesh was so warm
against her own, it felt as if she was bathed in soft satin. If she were honest
with herself, she’d know she wanted him for purely selfish reasons. He was a
handsome devil, strongly built with wide shoulders and a solid chest. She
wasn’t a virgin by any man’s standards but not once had she ever been more to a
man than a warm, some-what willing woman in their bed. She’d never felt
anything with those she’d been with. No miniscule hint of pleasure they all
seemed to find. The loathing she always felt during and after the act, left her
feeling dirty and naked for the entire world to see.

But
she didn’t feel like that now. Not with Tristan. Her pulse was racing and an
incessant throb was beating between her legs. The way he'd looked at her
earlier when she'd stood naked before him left her feeling almost pretty, like
the kind of woman a man would want for something other than to just bang into
the mattress then leave. She knew without asking he'd probably been with more
saloon whores than she could count and the thought of having a man love her and
actually mean it was tempting. Would he kiss her first or just climb on top of
her and do his business? For some reason, she didn't think he'd be so selfish.
He'd kiss her like he meant it and not leave bruises on her when he was
finished taking what he wanted.

Her
cheeks flamed hotter when she realized she wanted him to take her but would die
before saying so. She averted her gaze, pulled her hand away from him and tried
to scoot away, her back hitting the wall and sending another chill through her
body. “Just forget it.” She drew the blankets back up to her chin. “I’m not
used to people doing things for me without wanting something in return. I just
assumed…” She peeked a glance up at him. The intense look on his face caused
her to feel a bit loathsome. Why would a man like Tristan Avery want her?

His
hand was still in her hair, his fingers combing the strands over her shoulder.
He was staring at her, the look in his eyes unmistakable. He did want her. She
could see it in his eyes and the knowledge nearly knocked the breath out of
her. She licked her lips, her heart slamming against her rib cage and she
inhaled a deep breath when he leaned toward her.

His
mouth was soft, his lips brushing against her own so gently she wasn't even
sure it could be considered a kiss. He did it again, sucking her bottom lip
into his mouth and Emmaline closed her eyes as jolts of pleasure rippled
through her body.

"Are
you not offering anymore?"

She
looked up at him, his warm breath washing across her lips. "I thought you
didn't want me?"

"Never
said I didn't want you, darling. I'm just making sure you want this for the
right reason."

"And
what's the right reason?"

He
smiled, the whiteness of his teeth shining in the darkness. "Because it
feels good."

She
wasn't sure about that but something in the way he was looking at her made her
think with him, it might just be pleasurable. He kissed her again, long, wet
brushes of his mouth against her own before his tongue teased her lips apart.
The first taste of him and her body jolted.
He
pulled her to him, angled his head and kissed her the way she'd always wanted
to be kissed. His mouth was hot, hungry and his tongue dipped into her mouth
again and again, her pulse racing with every stroke until she fought for
breath.

The Gambler - Willow Creek #3

by Lily Graison



Emmaline Hunt only had one thing she could call her own. A piece of land that held a secret not even her drunken stepfather knew about. When he gambles it away in a high stakes poker game, Emmaline does the only thing she can. She tries to steal the land deed back. 

Tristan Avery has seen his share of bloodshed while sitting at a gaming table and knows its time to lay low when he wins a wad of cash and a piece of land. Especially after his opponent ends up dead at his feet. High tailing it out of town is his only option but things take a drastic turn when he finds a woman in his hotel room trying to rob him blind. 

The botched robbery attempt is only the start of his troubles when Tristan finds his new land occupied by the same girl who tried to rob him. When he realizes he’s left her homeless, and killed her stepfather, his conscience forces him to do the right thing. Taking her to his hometown and setting her up with a new life will make up for all he’s taken from her. 

But Emmaline has other plans. She wants her land, and Tristan’s money, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get them. All she has to do is convince him she’s there to stay, outwit him, find a way back home and not let a single soul know she has a gold mine bursting at the seems with untapped wealth.

Read an excerpt from this book!

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About Lily Graison












LILY GRAISON resides in North Carolina, a stones throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few hours from the Outer Banks. First published in 2005, her debut novel won a Reviewers Choice Award. The author of over a dozen published books, Lily writes in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres.

 When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s Period Dresses or at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.

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Authors, would you like to see your book featured on Friday First Kiss? Then go HERE to find out how.
















All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Lovestruck Giveaway Hop - Aug. 14th - 20th

Welcome to the Lovestruck Giveaway Blog Hop! This hop is hosted by Under The Covers Book Blog and will run Aug. 14th - 20th.




I've written a lot of characters over the years but none have stayed with me the way Colton Avery has. He's cowboy charming, dangerous, wicked sexy and takes what he wants. So much so, he renders his sweet heroine speechless more often than not. Take a look for yourself.
















Colt tasted faintly of whiskey, his scent tickled her senses and she inhaled it,
memorizing it before tentatively placing her hands at his waist. His hold on
her tightened, that wicked tongue teasing and dipping until tingles raced down
her limbs, causing tiny zaps of pleasure that left her weak and light headed.
Small sounds escaped her throat, her breaths panted out as he fisted her hair
in his hand, angling her head the way he wanted. He sucked her bottom lip into
his mouth, teased it with his teeth before his tongue once again invaded her
mouth with rapid plunges, the whiskers from his growing beard rasping against
the flesh around her mouth until her face felt lit with fire.



She wrapped her arms around his waist, leaned against him and mimicked him, kissing
him with a growing hunger that left her dazed and pleasantly warm.



He let her go suddenly, holding her at arms length. They were both breathing heavily
and Sarah was stunned when he turned and walked away, back to where the horse
was, without saying a word. He stood there for long moments before turning his
head to look over his shoulder. “Let’s go, sweetheart. We need to keep going.”



It took her longer than it should have to catch her breath, even longer to make her
body react. She crossed the distance, staring at his back, and stopped when he
turned to face her. The lustful look was still on his face and something she couldn't even put a name on lurked in his eyes. It caused those butterflies to
dance again. His gaze roamed her face, stopping on her kiss swollen lips before
rising to her eyes. Sarah blinked at him and shook her head. “Why did you kiss
me?”



He gave her a sudden, lazy smile. “So I’d stop thinking about doing it.” He
reached for her, wrapping his hands around her waist and lifted her to the
horse. He put her in the saddle this time and climbed in behind her. She wiggled
her bottom to give him more room and gasped when his arm clamped around her
waist and he pulled her back into his chest, his head lowering until his breath
was warm against her ear. “And if you don’t stop wiggling that ass around on me
I’m going to do everything else I can’t stop thinking about, too.”
















Giveaway Hop Prize







Colt has a way of getting under Sarah's skin until she can barely think straight and he'll get under yours too! I have eBook copies of The Outlaw, book 2 in the Willow Creek Series, for 2 winners PLUS a special offer for everyone. Keep reading to find out how to get a free copy of book 1 in this series, THE LAWMAN.













The Outlaw

Lily Graison





Sarah Hartford always dreamed of a grand adventure. She just never expected to find it in the arms of an outlaw.



When her father’s bank is robbed, Sarah doesn't make the gunslingers’ escape easy. Putting her own safety behind those she hopes to protect backfires when she’s kidnapped by one of the escaping men. Now her only hope for survival lies with the same arrogant man who laughed at her while staring down the barrel of her gun.



Colton Avery spent months planning the perfect heist, every detail fine tuned and executed with precise timing. Nothing could go wrong. That is until he comes face to face with a determined woman holding a shotgun. She aimed at his head and never flinched when she took a shot at him. He wanted her the moment the smoke cleared and he saw her face.



Robbing the bank, and handing over the gang of notorious outlaws to US Marshals, would be routine and boring. Sarah Hartford made it anything but. Taming the woman who stole his heart the instant he saw her was a challenge he was more than willing to take on. All he has to do now is escape the gang of outlaws he just double-crossed, hideout from an Indian raiding party and elude the town marshal who just happens to be his little hellion’s new fiancé.




Read the entire first chapter of this book.



















Book 1 in the Willow Creek Series, The Lawman,  

is now available FREE at most retail outlets. 

Visit my website, HERE for links to get your free book!








This giveaway is open Internationally so everyone can play!



a Rafflecopter giveaway







Don't forget to visit the other blogs for more great books and prizes!











All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #14

Today's post needs no explanation. It is what it is! Happy Monday to you!



































































All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Friday First Kiss #13 :: Land of Falling Stars by Keta Diablo - Erotic Romance/Historical

The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.




Every week here on the blog, I'll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors. 










This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from Land of Falling Stars by Keta Diablo.







Setup:  A tormented Gavin has returned from the Civil
War carrying a secret so horrific, Sophia will hate him forever when she
discovers the truth. In this scene, he's repairing a fence at Arbor Rose,
Sophia's childhood home. Sophia brings him lunch.

Gavin stopped fighting the rickety gate and allowed his gaze to wander to Sophia strolling across the field. A long skein of her hair, coiled over one shoulder, swayed against her breasts in perfect tempo with the roll of her seductive hips.

Two weeks had passed since he'd dragged his sorry ass from the invalid bed, and he still hadn't told her about Jesse. He meant to once lucidity returned, but his intentions vanished the moment she turned those dark green eyes on him and pleaded with him to stay. Countless times the words hung on the tip of his tongue, but he had only to look at her, the dark-lashed eyes, the full, pink lips, the freckles across the bridge of her nose, and all logic fled. He shouldn't have come back, should have gone to his people in Massachusetts and be damned with honorable intentions.

Drawing his scrutiny to an end, and mindful of the tightening in his loins, he acknowledged it didn't stem from abstinence but rather this ravenous hunger he held for her. He'd bedded a bevy of camp followers in the last three years, women from all walks of life, but for every one he'd slaked his lust on, Sophia's lips met his, Sophia's creamy white thighs wrapped him in a cocoon of bliss.

Better men than him had been knocked low by her beauty. Hell, every man who looked at her left a piece of his soul behind. Beyond her loveliness resided an indomitable spirit, yet Sophia had always been a bundle of contradictions—fire and ice, a scorching temptress one minute, an icy bitch the next. And everything about her drew him like a hapless fly on the fringe of a giant spider web.

Years and distance, not even the war had cooled his infuriating desire for her. The woman slithered around him like a sleek, dark cat, her young, supple body sheathing him in a fiery web of unleashed passion. Oh yes, deep passion smoldered in the woman, an untapped reserve of simmering lust. Jesse, with his staunch moral upbringing and dandified ways, had never dared compromise precious Sophia. Jesse had never tossed her in the hay or ravished her in the tall swamp grass of the Mill Pond to sate his hunger. Jesse had his chance, and all those years Gavin stood by and watched from the sidelines. He wanted her and now she wanted him. He felt it with every beat of his tormented heart.

She stood in front of him with a checkered napkin in her small hands. He fought an elemental need to crush her against him, devour her mouth, if only to prove the paltry tingling she'd felt when Jesse kissed her would pale next to how she’d feel when he'd finished with her.

Glancing between him and Ricochet, she shook her head. "You've commandeered my dog, you know."

"Dogs know when they're loved." Ricochet wagged his tail as if to reward his words.

She took her eyes from the dog and studied his face. "You're still green around the gills."

He shrugged, took the napkin from her hands and peeked through the loose knot. "Am I going to discover a vat of goldenseal and saw palmetto hiding in here?"

"No," she replied with a light laugh. "Rabbit, bread and berries."

He plucked his shirt from the fence post, slipped his long arms into the sleeves and, leaving it open in front, pointed to a gnarled oak a short distance away. "Join me?"

She nodded and fell into step beside him. Sheltered beneath the tree's dense branches, a fair breeze fanned their cheeks. Gavin opened the napkin and offered her the first bite of rabbit.

She shook her head, and shook it again when he offered her a chunk of bread. "I've already eaten, but if you insist, I'll have a handful of raspberries."

"You always did love them."

"Still do." Nostalgia laced her tone. "Burnside's men trampled the bushes on their way through and few survived."

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Oh well, surrendering one's love of berries pales next to surrendering those you love."

The perfect opportunity for Gavin to tell her hung in the silence between them, but before he could speak, she turned to him, her green eyes choking off his airway.  Christ, the enormity of it all. "Look, Arbor Rose is in worse shape than I thought. You said you received a letter from your aunt in Illinois."

Her face took on a serious countenance. "My mother's sister, Aunt Phoebe, what of it?"

"Would it be so bad if the bank took Arbor Rose and you took the train to Illinois?"

He knew she'd never consider the plan, but who did she think she was, remaining here with nothing but two old Negroes and a mangy dog to protect her? He couldn't stay, couldn't stand to be around her day after day, watching her from afar, stifling the overpowering urges to hold her, taste her, feel her thrashing beneath him. She infuriated him.

She looked away. "I don't want to talk about defeat. The blue bellies are gone now and that's all that matters."

"It's not over, and if you still think the carriage turns into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight and there's a Cinderella out there, you're more gullible than I thought." Her eyes turned dark. He had to prepare her, tell her what loomed on the horizon. "What's more, when the war is over, your hated Yankees will take over the South and nothing will remain of the life you once knew."

"If you're trying to frighten me, Gavin, it won't work. I'm not going to Illinois or anywhere else."

"You stupid little fool, I'm telling you?" Ricochet bolted from his side and darted into the woods with a snarl. "Must have seen a critter," he said, cupping a hand over his brow. "Damn, that dog can run."

"They're known for speed." Sophia plucked a blade of grass from the ground. "And their keen eyesight."

"Which brings me back to subject at hand. You need to open your eyes and walk away from Arbor Rose and all its problems."

"I've lost everything, my family, everything we owned, even," she stammered, "my-my dignity and no one's going to drive me from my childhood home."

He had his fill of trying to reason with her, wanted to shake her until her long mane of hair tumbled all about her. "Damn it, Sophia, the South is in ruins! Your parents and brother are dead, and you're not the only one who lost everything. There are things more precious than baubles, fancy manors, and land!"

She bristled. "Is that so, Gavin Langdale? What could be more precious than land?"

He grabbed her by the shoulders and yanked her to his chest. Around him, the ground swayed. She stared into his eyes, her gaze so hot and intense he lost pace with his breathing. With his lips inches from her erotic mouth he whispered, "Your life."

His name fell from her lips and she clung to him helplessly. That undid him. His mouth closed over hers, harsh and demanding and her lips parted. His tongue swept through the sweet depths, eliciting a whimper from the back of her throat. His heart raced and his cock sprang to life. Sophia was in his arms. Venus personified. The scent of wisteria, potent and intoxicating, filled his nostrils. He slid one hand up and cradled her head, forcing her deeper into the kiss. A moan left her lips and shattered whatever resolve he struggled to control. Trembling in his arms, she grasped the sides of his open shirt.

Gavin placed his hands on her shoulders and moved her down onto the soft grass. It was time she learned he wasn't Jesse, and the fairytale world she once lived in had changed.

Christ, she was all tantalizing warmth. No, hot fire. He wanted his lips against her breasts, her belly, on her sex, but if he attempted to undress her and take her like a mad dog under an oak tree, he'd hate himself forever. He intended to give her a taste of what she hungered for, force her into coming to him of her own volition and admit to this stampeding passion between them.

He reached down, grabbed a handful of the fabric of her dress and shoved it up over her knees. Familiar with the pantalets women were fond of wearing, he untied them and rolled them down with one hand, cupping her breast through the fabric with his other. Beneath his hand, her nipple hardened and her breast grew heavy. She drew a sharp breath when his hand spread her legs apart and touched the soft mound of curls at the juncture of her sex. Instinctively, she drew her knees together.

"No," he said against her mouth.

Land of Falling Stars

by Keta Diablo



After her parents die in a fire, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved home, Arbor Rose. The Civil War has devastated the South, and another blue coat has come to steal her meager possessions. Before the hated enemy inflicts his destruction, she shoots him . . . and then discovers the soldier is Gavin, the champion of her childhood.



Gavin's dark secret lurks in Sophia’s future. When she discovers the truth, she's torn between a burning hunger for the man she truly loves and loyalty to Jesse, their childhood friend. The despicable acts of war have changed everything Sophia and Gavin once cherished. Yet somewhere deep in their hearts, the mystical Land of Falling Stars still exists.

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About Keta Diablo














Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the country on six acres of woodland. When she isn't writing or gardening she loves to commune with nature.



Keta is a multi-published author in both erotic romance and gay fiction. Her paranormal novel, Where The Rain Is Made, was nominated for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark. Keta's books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards from the top professional review sites.







You can find Keta at the following locations





Keta's Keep | Keta Diablo Books | The Stuff of Myth and Men | Facebook | Twitter 







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All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

ManCandy Monday #13

Happy Monday! Jury duty is over and it's back to work as usual but first, let's start the week off with a bit of ManCandy! Enjoy!



















































All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison