Vivienne Diane Neal's Blog, page 57

When a First Date is Just a Date and Nothing More by Vivienne Diane Neal

Many times, women talk about the men they keep meeting on various online dating sites. When these men take them out to dinner on the first date and foot the bill, they automatically assume that the women owe them a booty call. Most women cannot understand why they keep attracting these frame of mind men. And this is where examining the men’s personal profiles is extremely important.
When a man is just seeking a sexual encounter, a friend with benefits or just a one night stand, somewhere in his personal profile, he will let it be known. But if you are not interested in a sexual relationship early on, then you have to be forthright and let the man know what you will or will not do on a first date.
Now when you decide to compose an online profile, there are several key words which you can use as a guide to help you weed out those just looking-for-sex individuals. Mention what type of relationship you are interested in, and be honest. If you are seeking a friendship, a long or short-term relationship, a marriage-minded person, a life-time partner, or an activity partner without the sex, then say so. Whether you're advertising on the World Wide Web or in a printed publication, you want to make a first-rate impression and catch the attention of the kind of person you are interested in attracting, or the one who will ascribe to the same attributes and interests that you are seeking. Some of these words can include: give, describe, mention, highlight, inform, and be and when. Of course, you may come up with other terms to help create an appealing summary of yourself, a summary that won’t say, “I am only interested in sexual relationship.”
Finding the right person on online dating sites can be daunting but using common sense when searching through profiles and reading between the lines will save you a lot of disappointments on that first date. Of course, you can always go Dutch treat. This way there will be no misunderstandings or soaring expectations from the man’s end.

PUSH Entertainment Presents "Just Like Yo' Daddy"

On JUNE 20, 2015 FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND
Location: Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas, Texas 75232
***SHOWTIME STARTS AT 6 PM***
ClickHere for Tickets
ABOUT
Zeke and Teresa - a married couple with issues. Zeke never met his father, so he has no intentions of ever being one. Teresa's biological clock is ticking so loudly that it drowns out all good sense. Out of desperation, Teresa commits an unthinkable betrayal that threatens to destroy their happy home.
EVENT INFORMATION
Recording Artists Terry "COMMON FOLK" Williams and Dana Hemphill star in the new stage play Just Like Yo’ Daddy as Zeke and Teresa - a married couple with issues. Zeke never met his father, so he has no intentions on ever being one. Teresa’s biological clock is ticking so loudly that it drowns out all good sense. Out of desperation, Teresa commits an unthinkable betrayal that threatens to destroy their happy home.
Lakeicha Thomas plays Arshanay, Zeke’s sister who doesn’t care about a man’s love, only the size of his wallet. Will Devon (BET’s Let’s Stay Together star Christian Keyes) make her reconsider her relationship rules? At the center of the turmoil is the family’s matriarch, needy Mama Annie (Myrtle Andrews). Also featuring Ray Lavender from Donald Trump's The Ultimate Merger, Gospel Comedienne Mrs. Cotton White, Christian Hip Hop Artist Norris J, Contessah Irene, Cory Espie, Raison Thompson, Santosha Faulkner, and Tasha Harden.
Executive Produced by Aaron Hall, Written by Essence Bestselling Author Tiffany L. Warren and Directed by Snoop Robinson, Just Like Yo' Daddy will have you rolling in the aisles.
PUSH Entertainment Website www.pushentertainment.org

Authors Don’t Miss These Goodies

Coffee Time Romance has Something New and Fun for Authors Starting in April!

On Saturdays, Coffee Time Romance will be hosting 2-3 authors per day on their Facebook fan page. You provide the information; they will do all of the work!

This is fun way to get your book and author news out to readers.

Stop by to set up your date here!
Open Promo Dates for April!



Authors, do you have a new African American romance you would like to promote? If so, Coffee Time Romance's New Release Day might be for you. Saturday, April 11, they are hosting these new releases on their blog. For more information contact Bonnie

Author Excerpt Day - April 20th
Coffee Time Romance is dedicating the 20th of every month to author excerpts. Whether a new release, an upcoming release, or an oldie but goodie, this is an opportunity to excite your fans. The rules are easy. Excerpt Day is for published works only. This is not a day for contests. Each author is limited to one excerpt. You can include a blurb, bio, and cover, but the entire post can be no more than 750 words. If you're already registered with the CTR blog, you're good to go. If not, drop Bonnie a line and she'll get you going. Happy Excerpt Day!
Author Spotlight - April 30thAuthors, do you have a love story about first love? This month's Author Spotlight at Coffee Time Romance is all about first love. If you have a new or backlist book you would like to put before their readers, contact Bonnie to participate. The event takes place on the Coffee Time Romance blog.

Help Sponsor An Author Who Is Raising Money for the Free Youth Writing Programs

Ms. Evolet Yvaine is participating in the 826 Boston's Write-A-Thon 2015. Evolet is one of more than 75 writers helping this nonprofit raise $20,000 for their free youth writing programs. She could use the support as she takes her first steps to bleed out 10,000 words of her first ever IR adult romance between Feb 23rd and April 3rd.
Click Here to find out why the author is participating, what she is writing about, and what you get if you sponsor her.
FYI--if you want to sign up, there's no deadline and you don't even have to live in Boston to participate! Thanks in advance for your support.

Virtual Book Blast Tour: EXPOSED BY RAGE by Sherrel Lee

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author will be giving away a $15.00 Amazon/BN Gift Card
BLURB:
To keep her mother’s reputation from destroying her, Ashley Dix Gibson had to learn at an early age to persevere and tune out the lies, gossip, and the bullies.  Detective Michael DeMarco has no desire to team up with a woman with ties to the underbelly of the porn industry but if he wants to solve his case, he has no other options. When Ashley and DeMarco combine their resources to find a brutal killer, sparks of distrust turn into the fires of passion.
Excerpt:
I must have been feeling weak, because instead of rushing out to confront a few of those I wanted to talk to, I invited DeMarco in.  He’d left Braden in charge of the scene and didn’t appear to be in a rush to start the reports he’d have to do.  That thought made me smile.  For once I wasn’t chained to a desk for seventy-five percent of the investigation.  I could get used to being out of the Army and doing things my own way.
“Glad to see the smile.  I know this has been extremely hard on you,” DeMarco said.  “Want to share?”
“I was thinking about Jillie, wanting me to come home.  She kept trying to talk me into the leaving the military.  It took her death to accomplish that.”  Hot, wet tears started streaming down my face.  Appalled, I turned away from DeMarco and stumbled toward the bedroom.  He didn’t say anything or try to stop me, but he did follow me. When I didn’t collapse on the bed, he put his arms around me, gave a gently hug and helped me to sit on the mattress.
Damn.  This was awkward.  The harder I tried to stop crying, the more I leaked tears.  I don’t cry.  I don’t show emotion, especially to guys.  I didn’t want to feel the warmth of his touch and long to put my head on his shoulder.  But I did.  Before I knew what was happening his lips were on mine and I was holding him.  Desperate to keep from drowning.
He pushed back, looking into my eyes.  Reading me like the clichéd open book. 
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Sherrel Lee, AuthorWrangler of a fearsome Yorkiepoo named Rogue (Half Yorkie half Poodle weighing in at a hefty eight pounds). Obsession controlled writer with a passion for making up names and twisting myths. 
Sherrel, as the daughter of an Emmy winning cameraman, learned early in life the dark secrets of creating all those incredible fantasy characters for the large and small screen.
Refusing to be crushed at the discovery the monsters, aliens, and Robby the Robot weren't real, Sherrel's imagination soared. She became a SELF-proclaimed voyeur of special-effects and expert at fictional character creation.
WebsiteFacebookAmazonAuthor PageTwitter (Romantic Suspense) Twitter (Urban Fantasy)


Exposed by Rage has entered in the new Kindle Scout program.
·  Between Monday, March 2 and April 1, 2015 go to her campaign at: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1VT4C9BS6157E ·  Browse by Category or Search for Exposed by Rage. ·  Read the excerpt. ·  If you like it, please nominate it for the next round. ·  Let all your friends know.

Virtual Book Tour - Brody (The Bang Shift Series) By Mandy Harbin

Title: Brody(The Bang Shift Series)By Mandy HarbinGenre: Military, Romantic Suspense
Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Barnes and NobleiTunesKobo
Synopsis:
Brody “Brutus” Jackson isn’t your average small-town mechanic. The shop where he spends his days doubles as the headquarters for the mercenary group he works with. They jokingly call themselves the Bang Shift because the government contracts they take are the less savory ones, and they’re all just shady enough to do what’s necessary to get the jobs done. As far as Brody’s concerned, it’s the perfect arrangement for a man with no memory of his past, and no hope for the future.
Under FBI protection, Alexandria Collins and her son have been in hiding for ten years. When it’s time to move again, her piece of crap car breaks down and the man giving her a tow is the biggest, hottest guy she’s ever seen. She is determined to ignore the need her long-neglected body hungers for. After all, the last man she showed interest in put a gun to her head. 
Brody thinks the skittish Xan is sexy as hell, but it’s not her hot body that has him rocked to his core. He knows her from somewhere, and in his line of work, that’s a dangerous thing. Following orders have never been this hard, but he will protect her at all costs … even if what she needs protection from is him.
Excerpt:
They walked up to an opened fence and Xan silently thanked the heavens for small favors. The garage looked as if it was open. They walked through the gate and into the old building with several antique and late-model cars out front. Walking through the front door, she braced herself for the blast of cold air to hit her face, relishing the thrill of the artificial air she was about to gloriously encounter.She was sorely disappointed. It was hotter in here than it was outside. How was that even possible? Her wet clothes clung to her sweaty body, leaving nothing to the imagination. Didn’t matter. She was past humility at this point. She’d have a teenage moment and flash her boobs, sweat and all if necessary, to get someone to help them out.“May I help you?” a man with a gravelly voice asked as he walked into the makeshift lobby next to the bays, wiping his hands on a grease rag. He looked to be middle-aged, though she wasn’t sure since he was bald. No gray hair to help her out with that assessment.She looked at his nametag sewn into his shirt. “Yes, Colonel, is it?” At his smile and nod, she said, “Our car broke down a couple miles down the road.”A metal crash and very masculine curses mixed with raucous taunting and laughter startled her. Scott snickered at the colorful words coming from the bays. He’d heard them plenty of times, though Xan tried not to talk like that. Really, she did try to deny her sailor-mouth tendencies. She just wasn’t very good at restraining herself all the time.“Sorry,” Colonel mumbled. “Those are my mechanics, trying to catch up on some work. I took over this garage after I realized being retired was boring, and we stay pretty busy. Seems like I’m constantly hiring more help, but we stay behind.”The ruckus from the bays was finding its way into the lobby. Several guys walked into the room, and Xan felt a slight panic attack coming on. She not only lacked a love life, but she tended to avoid large groups of men. She didn’t have anything against the male population, but after marrying into the mafia at a young age, dodging copious amounts of testosterone seemed like a good self-preservation tactic to live by. So she did, and when she wasn’t prepared to interact with schools of men, her stomach took a nosedive when thrust into that very situation.Taking a covert calming breath so she wouldn’t look like some skittish girl, she tried to pay closer attention to each of the men as they came near. If she identified them individually, she could pretend she wasn’t dealing with a mob of men.A mob of seemingly beautiful, large, masculine men, looking to be around her age.Oh shit. She so did not need this. Her nerves and sense of self-preservation took on a whole new meaning. She’d rather deal with certain fear than possible attraction.As she surveyed the crowd, she noticed their looks were as various as the candy selection at the last gas station she’d stopped at. Male sweetness was not better than chocolate. She just had to remind herself of that as she stared at the variety before her. One guy had black hair, another blond, spiked all crazy. The two next to the hot version of Billy Idol had long dark-brown hair and curly light-brown hair. There was another bald guy bringing up the rear, but that one had a goatee with green eyes. Colonel had brown eyes and was definitely older than this group that’d just come in.“Where’s Brutus?” Colonel asked the guys.The dude with the spiky blond hair chuckled. “He’s cleaning up his mess.”“It wasn’t his mess, asshole. You’re the one who knocked the tray over,” Mr. Black Hair said with a snarl. Xan instinctively took a step back.“Easy, Roc,” Colonel said and looked at her. “This is Roc.” He pointed to the cranky man with black hair. “Blade,” he gestured toward the spiky blond guy. His name made sense. His hair looked sharp enough to hurt if he were to head-butt someone.“I’m Hunter,” the man with long brown hair said, and then he pointed to the guy with curly brown hair. “That’s Gage. He’s not as mean as Roc, but don’t get too close to him.” He chuckled.“Fuck off, Hunter,” Gage growled.“See?” Hunter snickered. “And that guy over there—”“I’m Bear, and Hunter’s a dick.” He ducked his head and glanced at Scott. “Oh sorry. He’s, er, I mean he’s a punk.”Scott laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ve heard it all. You should hear my mom talk. She has the biggest potty mouth.”Xan gasped. “I do not.”“Wow, he’s your kid?” Blade asked. “Did you have him at twelve?” He laughed but with sincerity twinkling in his eyes.“Just about,” she murmured.After a few of the guys laughed, she immediately relaxed. Sure, they were all very handsome. None looked to be shorter than six feet, and each had a body to die for, though each had a unique look all his own. But she didn’t feel any sparks, so she felt relieved. Maybe her libido was broken. If so, she was fine by that. She didn’t need any man drama in her life.Why did that make her feel a little depressed? She shook off that thought. She couldn’t get caught up with any man, so there really was no need dwelling on the things she couldn’t have, like love, companionship, trust and sex. God, she’d love to have sex again.Maybe in another life.Focusing her attention back on the problem at hand, she looked at the assembled group of men. “Look. We need our car towed and a ride to a car rental company. Can you help us?” Xan asked the guys in general so as not to single anyone out.Blade’s eyebrows shot up. “I’d love to give you a ride, doll.” Even though his tone was clearly teasing, she stiffened. Flirting was definitely not her forte.Hunter whistled while shaking his head in exasperation. “Back off, Blade.” He looked at Xan. “Sorry about Rico Suave over here. One of us would be glad to help you out. But you’d have to drive up to Conway or back to the Little Rock area for a rental. Best to call around first before making the drive.”“I’ll call Bill and see if he can drive one out here,” Colonel said to Hunter, then looked at her. “He owns the rental company in Conway. If they have something he’ll bring it out here and save you a trip. You’ll be limited on your options, though.”“Oh, whatever it is will be a step up from my old hatchback. I’m not choosy.”Colonel nodded and looked at the guys expectantly. “Which one of you is available to help her out?”“Bear and I aren’t finished with the tranny that’s supposed to be ready tomorrow,” Roc barked and turned to leave. He obviously wasn’t volunteering. Xan was okay with that. She didn’t like the vibe coming off him, anyway.“Sorry.” Bear smiled to her as he followed Roc.“Gage and I have to finish puttin’ tires on Ms. Carson’s minivan, then do Joe’s,” Blade told Colonel before turning to Xan. “I’d be happy to help you if you stick around, doll. It shouldn’t take us more than an hour.”“Get to work,” Colonel snapped, and Blade winked at her as he and Gage headed back to the bays.“I have one more oil change to do, so I can do it in fifteen,” Hunter said with a crooked smile, “but Brutus just finished up on Mr. Jackson’s ’56 Chevy. He’s been pickin’ up the tools that Blade knocked over after Blade called him a pussy.”Oh, right. She’d forgotten there was another one around here. Brutus it seemed. What was with these names? Must be a man thing, not that she’d know. Or could even begin to understand the inner workings of the male brain, ego, or whatever it was that fueled their behavior. Oh, once upon a time, she knew one part of the male anatomy that tended to lead in the decision-making process, but she’d long ago fell out of practice with that too.Hunter glanced at Scott, remembering there was an impressionable young man in his midst, looking contrite and shaking his head. “Sorry, man.”“Go,” Colonel told him. “Brutus!”Hunter left, but his departure barely registered. Just as he was walking toward the bay area, a man with long blonde hair and built like a freaking bodybuilder walked her way. With each step, his muscles rippled and his hair—what wasn’t sticking to his sweaty brow—flowed in waves behind him.She should not find this man attractive. She didn’t care for bulky men, and she definitely preferred short hair on the opposite sex. Long hair belonged on women, like she used to have, but she wasn’t dredging that memory up now.So why was her body doing things she hardly recognized. Hardly recognized, not didn’t recognize. She knew what that tingling sensation in her pussy meant. The tightening of her nipples? Yeah, she knew what that meant too. Images filled her mind of this behemoth of a man coming over her in bed and doing very naughty things to her. She stifled a moan. Yeah, she shouldn’t find him attractive because he didn’t fit any description of her ideal type. But there was no mistaking the fact that her body didn’t get that memo.So much for not being attracted to any of the mechanics here.As Mister Hold-Me-Down-and-Fuck-Me-Good walked up, his pupils dilated, turning his dark-blue eyes black as his nostrils flared, his gaze zeroing in on the tight buds of her nipples before locking with her own heated eyes. Good thing she was already wet from sweat because her panties just got wetter.She shut her eyes to break the connection her body was trying to make with this man. She had to be smart and remember all the reasons men were not a part of her life. She could use him as masturbating material. Nothing more, dammit.She wasn’t going to break her abstinence streak for anyone, especially not a man who could quite possibly fight off every one of the other mechanics singlehandedly. She didn’t know him from Adam, and the last—the only—relationship she’d ever had was abusive. Hell, Marco tried to kill her in the end. She had to find the strength to avoid any and all temptation this sex god presented.And she would. She was just strong enough to resist a man built like he could break her face.Because if she didn’t, she knew she was just weak enough to let him break her heart.About The Author:
Mandy Harbin, AuthorMandy Harbin is an award-winning, bestselling author of several books across multiple romance genres ranging from contemporary to paranormal erotic romance. She is also the number one bestselling author in teen romance under the pen name M.W. Muse with her popular Goddess Series. She is a Superstar Award recipient, Reader’s Crown and RWA Passionate Plume finalist, and has received Night Owl Reviews Top Pick distinction many times. She studied writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, earned several degrees, and even pursued an MBA until she realized becoming an author did not have to remain an unfulfilled dream. Mandy is a PAN member of the RWA and lives in a small Arkansas town with her non-traditional family, and although she is a direct descendant of British royalty, they refuse to call her princess. When she’s not penning her latest book, you can find her hanging out online where she loves to connect with fellow readers or stalking Mickey Mouse at Disney World.
Fun Facts About the Author:
I’ve mentioned before how much I love to watch movies. I also love television. Because of my hectic writing schedule, I don’t get to spend too much time indulging this medium of storytelling (and because I am an avid reader and would almost always pick a book over watching TV!), but there are some things that I set the DVR so that I can play catch-up when I have time. Here are some shows and movies I totally love.

Outlander. OMG Jamie. That’s all I have to say about that!The Big Bang Theory. I will not miss when Sheldon and Amy get down to vertical business.The Homicide Hunter. Okay, yeah, I have a serious Investigative Discovery Channel problem.Tosh.0. I miiiight have had a naughty dream about Daniel Tosh.The Princess Bride. That’s not inconceivable. (snorts)My Big Fat Greek Wedding. My ring tone is “It’s a cake!” Seriously.Pretty Woman. First movie I ever watched that I rewound the tape and played immediately again.When Harry Met Sally. This makes me happy sigh.The Nanny. Yes, if it’s on TV and I’m in a rare moment of channel surfing, I stop. Always.Modern Family. It’s just a great show about diverse families. And it’s hilarious.

Mandy Harbin 's Media Links:

Web:  http://www.mandyharbin.com
Blog:  http://mandyharbinblog.wordpress.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Author.MandyHarbin
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Mandy_Harbin
Goodreads:  www.goodreads.com/MandyHarbin
Newsletter:  http://www.mandyharbin.com/newsletter.html
Street Team:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/430523227019475/
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/mandymharbin/
Youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/AuthorMandyHarbin

The Pitfalls That Can Lead to Infidelity by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It AllHuman beings are not perfect. Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. Some oversights are minor, while others can be devastating. Depending on the seriousness of the blunder, a simple apology may suffice. However, when infidelity occurs in a marriage, the damage done can be more demoralizing because the trust is now broken. Only the person hurt or affected by the indiscretion, and the unfaithful spouse will have to work out the difficulties on their own terms.   
Many prominent and not so famous married men and women face enticements all the time. Some will frivolously put themselves in compromising positions, without giving it a second thought and will end up becoming sitting ducks by individuals who will set the trap, bide their time, and exploit those misconducts.

If you want to avoid the pitfalls which can lead to adultery, the first rule of thumb is to honor your vows. Surround yourself with people who will always watch your back and steer you on the right path. Not everyone who laughs or smiles in your face, pats you on the back or shakes your hand is a friend or means you well. A true friend(s) will never encourage you to participate in precarious actions that would put you, your spouse or family in an embarrassing situation. As a married person, try limiting your social activities with your single friends who frequent nightclubs, bars or casinos. Misery loves company. If you are alone, know when to leave the party; you do not have to be the last person standing at social events.
Do not share any intimate details with anyone other than your spouse. If you do, the particulars will no longer be confidential. All it takes is for an argument, a misunderstanding, envy or jealousy to rear its ugly head, and everything you have said or done in concealment might eventually become tomorrow’s headlines on social media. If you feel the urge to have an affair, nip it in the butt, be upfront and talk it over with your partner. When a spouse conducts a clandestine affair using text messaging, email or a cell phone, that person is definitely begging to be caught in the act.
Finally, if being faithful is not your cup of tea, then do yourself a big favor: Don’t Get Married! When you play outside of your marriage, you may end up paying dearly. Keep in mind, adultery is illegal in twenty-six states.

* * *

Virtual Book Tour: The Gilded Cuff by Lauren Smith

Title: The Gilded CuffAuthor: Lauren SmithSeries: Surrender Series Book 1Publisher: Grand Central Publishing         Genre: Contemporary    
AmazonAmazon CAAmazon UKBarnes and Noble
Every passion has its price . . .Journalist Sophie Ryder has been following Emery Lockwood’s story since she was a little girl. There has always been something in his haunted eyes that she couldn’t resist and now, when she’s certain he holds the key to solving a string of kidnappings, she’ll do anything to speak to him. Even if it means venturing deep into the seductive world of the Gilded Cuff, a luxurious BDSM club on Long Island’s Gold Coast and Emery’s personal playground.From the moment Sophie enters his shadowy, sensual domain, Emery Lockwood knows this tantalizing new little sub was meant to belong to him. However, Sophie wants more from Emery than just pleasure . . . she wants his past. And that is something he isn’t willing to give—no matter who is asking. But every moment he spends with Sophie, Emery feels his control slipping and he knows it’s only a matter of time before he surrenders to her heart, body, and soul.

About Lauren Smith:
Lauren Smith, AuthorAmazon best-selling author Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets—a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer. She's won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.
Connect with Lauren: Website  Facebook  Twitter 

Excerpt:
Emery held still, didn’t make a sound or move until she opened her eyes. When she did finally look up at him, he dropped his head a few inches, his nose touching hers, nuzzling her cheek.“I’m not like other men, Sophie. Scars are a sign of strength, survival. Someday you’ll be brave enough to show me, and I’ll prove you have nothing to be ashamed of. Now, I am willing to accept the deal you proposed. Are you willing in return?”She bit her lip. It had been her idea; she had to see it through. She wanted to see it through, even if it scared the living daylights out of her.“Yes. I’ll do it. Your story, my submission.”He kissed her with raw possession, his mouth showing her how wicked it would be between them. Wild, dark, and completely free. She wanted that more than anything, the freedom to let go, to give in to the erotic dreams she’d spent years ignoring but never had felt safe enough to give in to before. His kiss broke down every barrier, obliterated every part of herself she tried to hide. Sophie lifted her chin, offering him her mouth, pleading for him. Emery drew a quick breath, eyes widening before his lashes fell to half-mast, his gaze drawn to her lips.When he took her lips, he dominated her with the depth of his claiming. She breathed him in, like drawing the first heavy breath upon waking from a thousand-year sleep. Sophie came alive in that single moment. The woman she’d been all these years since losing Rachel, the scared little girl fighting against the evils in the world, was gone. In her place was the woman she’d always wanted to be, a woman not afraid to live her life. She couldn’t shut this man out like she had her other friends or her family. No. He demanded she give in to him. Electric tingles pulsed outward from the places they touched, setting her senses on fire, fogging her mind. His kiss consumed her—enveloping her until she was lost, set adrift in a haze of desire, longing, and aching.She felt his mouth tremble against hers; he seemed to strain to keep his possession under control, to bank the fires of his passion. His tongue slipped between her lips, thrusting in time with the rocking of his hips against hers in tiny circles. He gave up his control and took her over. His body weighed hers down, his hips rocking into hers. He could have done anything to her in that moment, and she’d have agreed to it. Sophie’s inner muscles clenched, empty and wet, yearning for him, but it was his kiss that was her downfall—almost brutal with craving, as though he was a thirsty man savoring his first sip of water from her mouth. All his focus, all his energy seemed to be on her, on her lips.He tore his mouth from hers, panting roughly. He cursed savagely and withdrew his hands from her body. She blinked in surprise when she realized his hot hands had slid up her outer thighs beneath the mini-skirt. Her chest heaved, her breasts dangerously close to escaping the confines of her corset. Emery’s eyes slowly tracked down from her mouth to her breasts. With a rakish grin he pressed his mouth lightly on the tops of the creamy swells, his tongue darting out as he licked and nibbled a path back up to her lips. He paused, then feathered his lips at the corner of her mouth and brushed his nose against hers playfully.Sophie whimpered at the loss when he finally drew his head back. It felt like good-bye, but that was foolish; she’d only just met him and agreed to surrender to him. They couldn’t be done.Emery sighed, his breath uneven against her temple. His body stiffened above hers.“Go home, Sophie. Forget me, this place. Let it be a peculiar dream, nothing more. I’m not the man for you.” His voice was harsh.“No,” she whispered fiercely, but she wasn’t as sure of herself as she had been. She’d expected a spanking, some rough kissing. She hadn’t expected to feel so vulnerable and exposed by a man taking control of her body and owning her completely in a mere few minutes.“You think you can really survive this lifestyle for even one minute? You’re vanilla, sweetheart. You wouldn’t ever let me tie you up and take you the thousand ways I’d like to. You’d cry when my hand came down on your ass in punishment. You’re not ready for this.”She shook her head, furiously fighting off the swell of tears as her throat constricted. He and he alone had offered her what her secret dreams and longings had called for night after night. The phantom lovers that had tormented her to the brink of violent need in her dreams could never compare to the very real and very heavy weight of his body on hers at that moment. The devastation of that perfect kiss couldn’t be undone. The story could wait…but the need…the desperation to feel alive again…she couldn’t let go of that, not yet.“No. Take me home with you.” She paused, calculating each word. “Please, Sir.” She was begging. There was no doubt about it for either of them, and as shocked as she was by her own impulse to beg, she prayed he’d let her go with him.Emery’s lips twisted into a crooked smile. For a moment, she saw the boy in him, the one he’d been before his world had been utterly destroyed. The child wasn’t gone, wasn’t dead. Buried yes, but not dead. He threaded a hand through his hair and remained silent for moment. Shadows of doubt and indecision danced across his face before he finally replied.“How can I resist?” Emery lifted himself and hauled her to her feet.Sophie winced. Her back was bruised after lying on the stone floor beneath him. She hadn’t minded at the time—her body had been distracted by a thousand other things. But now her shoulder blades and hips screamed in protest. Emery took her into his arms, rubbing her back, massaging it with knowing hands.“Come, I’ll summon my driver.”“Okay.” She tried to remain calm. She was going home with Emery Lockwood. One of the richest men in America. Yet it wasn’t his wealth that made her fight off the rippling tremors at the base of her spine and in her womb. No, it was the fact that she was going home with a man who kissed her like she was the last woman on earth and time was ending. If he kissed like that, sex with him would be the Apocalypse. She’d never survive it.
Ten Fun Facts about the Author:
1)  I'd love to learn to speak Russian2)  I've studied abroad in the following countries: France, England, Spain, and China3)  I took 12 years of French.4)  I wrote my first story in 3rd grade.5)  I read the Hound of the Baskervilles in 4th grade and it actually gave me nightmares.6)  I have attended midnight release parties for books 4-7 of the Harry Potter series.7)  I have three pets, a black schnauzer, a cat and a chinchilla8)  I have petted a baby panda9)  My grandfather (my father's father) helped engineer the Keystone Damn in Oklahoma10) My grandfather (my mother's father) lived in a log cabin in rural Nebraska and survived polio in the 1930s

Contest for Authors

The Romance Reviews is conducting its first contest for authors. While there would be prizes for authors, the real prize is increased name recognition and exposure, not only that, but the writers with limited resources and access to a wide range of readers would also benefit. For additional information, click here.

Coffee Time Romance is launching Coffee Time Romance's Indie Author Feature. They will be promoting one quality self-published romance author a month in a blog post which will be hosted by author, Veronica Bale, and promoted through all of Coffee Time Romance's social media channels.

Do you want additional exposure for your totally awesomeself-published romance novel? Are you interested in selling your e-book through a book store dedicated specifically to romance readers?
If you want to be featured, here's what they are looking for:
You must be a self-published romance author with an e-book.
You must be willing to sell your e-book through Coffee Time Romance and More's book store (for information on Coffee Time Romance's royalty rates, pay schedules and user information, click here ).
If selected for a feature, you must sponsor a giveaway for at least one free copy of your e-book in a Tweet-to-Win contest. The Tweet-to-Win contest administered through Coffee Time Romance's Google+ Community Book Lovers Unite.
To submit your novel for Coffee Time Romance and More's Indie Author Feature, simply fill out the contact form here (for Coffee Time Romance and More's submission guidelines, click here )
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Tony Winner Produces Her First Play

Ms. April Yvette Thompson will be showcasing her first play, Liberty City at Eta Creative Arts Foundation, from February 22 until March 29, 2015. To learn more about “Liberty City,” Click Here
April Yvette Thompson is a Tony-winning producer, writer and actor working across media. Her acting credits include: The Teacher (directed by Jeremy Engle) opposite Hunter Parrish (Weeds) and Clarke Peters (The Wire). Her off-Broadway credits include: Medea, King Lear, Liberty City, Light Raise the Roof and Macbeth. Her numerous regional Theatre credits include: A Raisin in the Sun (both Ruth & Beneatha), Wine in the Wilderness (Seattle Footlights Award), Eclipsed, and Motherhood Outloud.
April’s Film/TV credits include The Exonerated, Accidental Husband, Blue Caprice, Backwards, “Blue Bloods,” “Law & Order” & “Third Watch.”
April is now staring in the new NBC pilot “Babylon Fields.”
For additional information on this talented performer, visit her site at http://www.aprilyvettethompson.com