Vivian Arend's Blog, page 79

Happiness Heatwave-Author Giveaway

No, I'm not giving away authors, it's a giveaway FOR authors.

One of my happy discoveries as we traveled this past year was the store LIFE IS GOOD. That place makes me smile! And the motto sums up very much how I think about my writing/writing career.

"Do what you like. Like what you do."

I know it's not always ponies and rainbows in the life of an author. It's hard work and hair pulling is occasionally on the To-Do list. BUT, I still think getting to do what I love-writing- makes this job the most incredible privilege.

TIME TO SHARE THE HAPPINESS!!

This giveaway is for all published authors. ANYONE. If I can buy your book online/in a store, you are eligible. Yes, La Nora is eligible, if she wants. (I'll have another giveaway down the road for those of you who are working at getting published.)

Please- don't feel shy about entering. I know as an author I usually avoid entering contests to allow the readers to win. This one is FOR authors. No guilt. Enter, dammit!

Just leave a comment with your name and the name of your book/one of your books. That's all. If you want to talk about how writing makes you happy, go for it, but that's not required.

The prize? I have to use the link because I'm on my iPad. Two parts: a funky tote bag from LIFE IS GOOD

…and a $20 gift certificate at the online bookstore of your choosing.

Contest is open until Monday, July 25th. Share the word– share the happiness. We've got an awesome job!

Website renovations time…

I like a lot about my website, but with every new release, I wonder if I could do something better. So if you have any requests to make things easier when you look around, or things you really hope I keep, sound off and let me know. I'm interested in what you have to say!

One thing I know I want is a way to make it easier to know that the Granite Lake and Takhini Lake series are related. Also, perhaps, an easier way to get to the series? With the SIx Pack Ranch starting up in November, I want to have that nicely organized before the three books are out in rapid succession.

Anything else?

Writers World- Q&A session

I've been getting a few questions via email, twitter and IM about my writing process and thought I'd hit them here on the blog.

How you come up with ideas and transfer them to the page?



Coming up with ideas- there's a million different ways people find ideas. For me, a lot of my stories start with a location/setting. Or a single scene. Or a single question. Wolf Signs started from me reading paranormal books where people could talk through their 'mate' connnection. And I wondered what that would be like for a person who had been deaf for a long time? Add in a trip to Granite Lake cabin, and the book setting and plot was nearly there.

Turn It On started from a single scene–a woman walking up a set of stairs in a huge old house, a man watching her. The two of them laughing from the top and bottom when the phone rings and the woman panics.

Tidal Wave was the location (Maritime trip with the family). Falling Freestyle was a local town and the fact I love to ski. The cowboy stories– setting is a beautiful part of Alberta that I've visited often camping and otherwise.

Find a setting. Or find a set of characters, and see where they want to be set!

I haven't found yet that I'm ever lacking for ideas. Partly because I've done a lot of cool stuff over the years, traveled to neat places, and I've read a ton. Sets up lots of ideas to be played with.

…and transfer them to the page?

There are a million methods to do this as well. The one I've found that works works best for ME? I think of the three main things I see happening in the story. Something in the beginning, the middle and the end. And then, I write.

Now some people plot more, and I've done that. Some people don't plot at all. I like to have SOME kind of target to aim at. But, I discard targets as soon as they aren't working and move to the new one that IS working. Example? My first stab for Wolf Flight included an idea about Missy being a Russian wolf Princess. Ummm, no…

When I'm writing, I write–and this is MY thing–I write in bursts of 20 to 30 minutes. I can go all out, ignoring spelling errors, typos, whatever. Just keep going. This tricks me into ignoring the enticing but non-productive internet toys like Twitter, and Spider on my iPad. I often sprint with friends, either on twitter or on IM. That keeps me accountable and makes me less likely to 'stop and check my email'.

I find writing for an hour straight is too much. I can clean up, and add in layers for an hour, but new writing? Like shorter times.

Mantras

What do I think about as I write? Here's what would be printed above my writers desk, if I HAD a desk instead of being a gyspy.

#1- Just tell the story

Can also be phrased as "…and then? And then what happens?" I'm a storyteller. The fact the story is on paper, still means the adventure has to progress. When i get 'stuck', I write down what happens next.

#2- Action or Dialogue

While I'm writing what comes next? I try to use either dialogue or action. Yes, there's internal dialogue that occurs. There are times I describe the scenery…but its the action and the dialogue that…yup. Tell the story.

——–

Little dip into how I go about it. I'll cover other areas other times. Oh, and for any of you aspiring authors, did you know that I started blogging right around the time I got my first contract? A lot of those early blog posts have description of what I was experiencing of the first time (edits, cover art forms). Try the archives here on the blog, but they don't work, you can read things at the original blogger site : http://vivarend.blogspot.com/

New (smoking hot) covers

Luxurious, decadent, sensually indulgent…welcome to Bandicoot Cove.

The Bandicoot Cove Anthology is a set of three novellas and one free short story, all of which take place at an exclusive resort on Bilby Island, Australia.

The first book, Erotic Indulgence, is Kylie's book. This short story takes before the soft opening of the resort and is co-authored by all three authors in the anthology and will be available beginning August 23 as a FREE READ.

The other three stories all take place during the soft opening of the resort. Paradise Found (August 23) is my contribution to the series, then Lexxie Couper's Tropical Sin (Sept 6), and finally Jess Dee and Island Idyll (Sept 20). The books are all red hot menages, and will be bundled together and released in PRINT as Tropical Desires in summer 2012.

Fate is a wind that can change at the drop of a heart…

August 23, 2011

A Bandicoot Cove story.

Paige has enjoyed every no-strings-attached minute with her two Australian lovers, Trent and Mason. Over the past eleven months, they've surfed, hiked…and explored their seemingly limitless sexual chemistry.

Her lovers' invitation to the opening of a new resort comes at the ideal time, because in a few days she's returning to Canada. It'll be a fitting swan song for their easy-going relationship. A chance to fulfill a few fantasies and then escape before her men realize she's broken the rules by falling in love with them both. Better to take flight than be forced to choose.

Unaware of Paige's self-imposed deadline, Trent and Mason scheme to get Paige on their yacht for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage with one goal in mind: break the news that they're ready for something more than casual—and hope she doesn't run like hell.

It's a delicate operation that'll require close attention to which way her emotional winds are blowing. One wrong word, and their paradise-perfect arrangement could be lost in an instant.

Warning: This book starts with the heat turned way up high. Two men entirely focused on one woman's pleasure. One woman stepping outside the box to please her men. An exotic resort suite featuring an erotic piece of furniture that makes ménage a trois even hotter than usual. Really.

Here's Lexxie and Jess's books, as well as the read free!

Tropical Sin by Lexxie Couper

When McKenzie enlists the help of her BFF, Aiden, to snag an interview with incognito rock star Nick Blackthorne, she thinks it's her ticket out of tabloid journalism. But it could be a ticket to heartbreak.

Island Idyll by Jess Dee

Sienna thought a getaway would help her get over her breakup with Ben. A fling with high school crush, Josh, is just what she needs. Until Ben shows up with a red-hot challenge to help her make an impossible choice.

Warning: Contains drool-worthy heroes entirely focused on their woman's pleasure, a tropical island beach, and a bar. What more do you need?

—

So…are you looking forward to the end of summer?

A hero in trouble

I'm working on a story right now where the hero has to react to a horribly tense/hurtful situation and you know what? I could totally imagine him being an ass…but I can't seem to write it down!

I've been accused of having heroes in my books that are a little too perfect, and yeah, I can see that. I like my guys to be understanding and giving. And idiots piss me off.

But even my real life hero makes me mad at times before he apologizes and gets it right. So…

Do you mind heroes who are wrong at times? Jump to conclusions and then find out the truth? Does it comes down to groveling enough to redeem them?

What do you think?

New Release- Rising Freestyle

It's here! Part two of the Xtreme Adventures is ready to make your heart pound.

Stuck between a rock-solid man and a hard place…

Xtreme Adventures, Book Two

Melanie Dixon's body may have recovered from a horrific climbing accident, but her nerve is long gone. So is the natural enthusiasm for life she took for granted. Tired of being scared, beyond ready to conquer her fears, she pulls up stakes and moves to her brother's new hometown to start over. Her first step is the most terrifying—to tackle the wall at the local climbing center.

Derrick James is mesmerized by Melanie's dark beauty, and equally impressed with her climbing abilities and determination. Watching her retune rusty skills spurs a desire to partner with her—on and off the ropes. Melanie's a compelling mix of wit, sensuality and vulnerability, and it's his delicious task to convince her the scars on her body are no match for the heat rising between them.

Then a man from Melanie's past shows up, pushing their relationship to the edge. Nathan King wants photographs for a "where are they now" series, but his side agenda is more personal in nature. A proposal that brings her out of her sensual shell and onto a precarious sexual ledge. Where trust is crucial…and too easily shattered.

Warning: This book may cause heart-pounding, body-shaking adrenaline attacks—and that's before they leave the climbing gym. Contains blindfolds, ropes and a healthy dose of voyeurism. Go on—you know you like to watch.

~BUY LINKS~

Ebook available pre-order: Samhain | Amazon |Barnes & Noble

~First Chapter~

Beta: Climbing slang that means to gather information about a route.

"Go on, you can do it."

Melanie remained immobile, gaze glued to where her fingers wrapped around the holds on the climbing wall. The dark Adonis holding her safety rope had been nothing but positive and upbeat with her since she'd signed up for the private climbing lessons. Even without looking she could picture him, his wide smile bright against his tanned skin. Dark hair slightly messed, chocolate-brown eyes that made her think all kinds of naughty things.

"The next hold in the route is that blue one, off to the right. Match your feet, transfer your weight and you'll be there in no time."

As she moved to follow his instructions, she wondered for the millionth time if he was staring at her butt simply to help her find the best route, or if he was staring at her butt for more nefarious reasons.

She could only dream it was the second.

Derrick James was everything she'd dreamed of in a guy. Tall, dark and good with ropes. Now if she could get up the nerve to make a move on him other than when they were checking each other's harnesses for secure straps.

Concentrate. She needed to focus on the wall, not the dry spell in her sex life. Even if dry was the wrong word to depict something comparable to the Sahara during a drought.

A few adjustments later she'd made it to the hold he'd described.

"Awesome job. You want to go higher?" he asked.

Oh man. There were many things she wanted. She wanted to drag her fingers through his long hair and pull his head to hers for a kiss that would make her toes curl. If he happened to use his strong fingers on her back for a massage that somehow turned into a more erotic playtime, that would be fine as well. Maybe letting her crawl over him as they writhed together in wild, passionate lovemaking that would leave her gasping for breath and sexually sated. All of those were on the instant "hell, yeah" list.

Going past the fifteen-foot mark on the vertical climbing wall? That one wasn't nearly as easy a decision.

Melanie stared upward. The holds were simple on this section of the wall, the route easy to follow. Old training patterns kicked in and she automatically shifted her weight as she saw the correct sequence to reach for next. She could do this.

Until she turned and looked down. The floor wavered beneath her, fading farther and nearer like some freaky optical illusion. She clung to her handholds as her tongue stuck to the dry roof of her mouth. Fear laced through her, a shot of adrenaline making her limbs shake and all the blood rush from her head.

"I got you." The harness around her hips snugged upward as Derrick took in the slack of the rope and secured her in place. "That's as high as you're going right now, Melanie. Just take a deep breath. You're okay."

The bulging muscles of his arms as he held the belay ropes blurred into the background as she stared into his eyes. Her heart pounded, there was a ringing in her ears and she needed to pee. It took too much effort to squeeze out the words, and she sounded like a two-year-old. "Don't drop me."

"I've got you," he repeated. His expression was no longer the sexy one that got her blood pumping. There was deep concern, and suddenly the corner of his mouth was the most important thing for her to concentrate on. Because if she looked at his mouth, and thought about kissing that spot, then she didn't need to think about the fact she hung in the air above a hard floor. Didn't have to think about how much it would hurt if she fell again. "I need you to look at the wall, Melanie. Just turn and look at the wall so I can lower you. You understand? I'm not going to drop you. You're safe, but I need you in position to get you down."

"Scared." Throat tight. Breathing tough.

"I know, but I promise you're safe. I'm not going to drop you, and you know it. Want me to lift you a tiny bit? Prove that you're secure?"

She nodded rapidly. He leaned back and pulled easily, no more than a couple of inches. It was enough to make her body rise and take the weight off her shaking legs. Mel snapped her head back to face the wall. It took conscious effort to loosen her death grip and press her hips away from the wall. Letting go of the handholds made her heart leap to her throat, but she didn't change elevation. Derrick held her in one spot, rock solid and firm. Quickly, she wrapped one hand around the rope at her chest level, the other thrust toward the wall for protection. She moistened her lips so she could speak.

"Lower." The climbing command stuck in her throat, but she got it out.

"Lowering. Good girl." His deep voice enveloped her and she let the warmth act as a protective barrier.

Her descent was so smooth and slow she had time to walk her way down the wall like a little child inching down a sidewalk following a snail. She hung in a modified sitting position as she relied on him to control her motion. He did an amazing job—even the stop at the bottom came smoothly, no sudden jerk to startle her already overwrought nerves.

Why in the world had she thought facing her fears and learning to climb again was a good idea?

Her butt landed on the crash mat with a delicately soft touch, and she breathed a sigh of relief, laid back and closed her eyes. Only fifteen feet and she'd had a freaking acrophobia attack. After three weeks of hard work, that was all she'd accomplished? How was she supposed to get back to living a full and exciting life when she couldn't even get past the baby marker?

Beside her shoulder, the mat dipped, and she wearily popped one eye open to spot Derrick seated on her left. "I know you probably don't think so, but you did great."

Bullshit. "Define great." That sexy smile of his was back, and at least now she could blame the way her heart beat out of control on something other than her annoying new fear of heights.

"You didn't expect to be able to hit the ceiling so soon, did you? Go back to free climbing and lead climbing as if nothing happened? You had a major fall and it's going to take time to get over—"

"Shut up." Mel snapped to a sitting position to glare at him across a more even playing field. Damn, that was inexcusably rude, but she didn't care. The intensity of anger that hit came as a surprise, yet it was a welcome relief to counteract the paralyzing fear that controlled her life. She tilted her chin and met his gaze again. "Don't tell me it's going to take time. It's been three years, and I'm still so chicken I'm afraid to walk across the street without looking both ways twelve times."

Confusion flashed over his face. "What does that have to do with climbing? Or your accident? The ropes failed. It was a freak situation and never should have happened, but you've recovered and—"

Melanie slammed a hand onto the mat next to her. "Recovering. I'm not nearly as strong as I was. Before the accident, I was always traveling and exploring the wilderness. Set new routes for others at outdoor sites in the summer. I used to climb all day and dance all night. And it's all gone, okay? The exploring, the friends. The dancing and enjoying being with other people. I've been living like a hermit. Shit, I haven't had sex in three fucking years. So when the hell am I going to get over being afraid?"

Oh my God. She hadn't said that. She scrambled to her feet and turned her back on him, fumbling to undo the figure-eight knot holding the rope twined through her safety harness.

Strong arms surrounded her, his hands blocking her attempts at the knot and holding them still. He was a wall of muscle behind her, hot and firm, making all her earlier thoughts return. Sweaty, needy, entangled bodies and…she wasn't going to be distracted from the fact she was pissed off. She struggled and his grip tightened as he backed up a pace, moving away from the wall.

"Melanie, it's okay." He didn't release her, but his clasp changed, one hand locking her immobile, the other caressing her gently. Prying her hands from the rope until he could slip his fingers over hers, his fingertips teasing the webbing between each digit. The motion was intimate and soothing even as it sent a tingle up her arm.

She closed her eyes, the heat in her face slipping to her chest and farther inside—a rush of warmth that tightened her throat and made it tough to breathe.

He nuzzled at her nape, the warm air of his breathing a caress down her neck. "Melanie?"

Right there in front of her was the wall that had defeated her again. She tilted her head to stare at it, fear making her legs quiver the higher her gaze rose. Only this time Derrick was solid at her back, his warmth a cocoon of safety.

Longing to move forward hit like a thunderclap. Longing for the touch of a man—this man—intertwined with her desires. She'd been afraid for so long.

Melanie twisted in his arms to stare into his eyes—dark midnight pools that were filled with something more than concern. Derrick brushed a knuckle against her temple, smoothing back a loose hair. All the time his gaze fixed on hers.

Then he leaned closer, slowly. Giving time for escape, for retreat, before his lips made contact.

Whisper soft. Not hesitant, but careful.

Too careful. Melanie leaned in harder, accepting his offering. Derrick responded, becoming more forceful and direct. Heat built between them as he ravished her mouth and her mood flipped again. All her stored-up frustrations burst out into glorious lust and she opened her lips willingly. Somehow she found her fingers tangled in his hair like she'd dreamed of earlier. He showed his approval by clutching her hips to him, his arousal evident even through the mass of webbing in the harnesses lashed around their hips. The safety rope wove between their bodies; the hard surface another contrast against the delicate brush of his fingers as he trailed them up her arms.

He kissed her, his tongue teasing along her teeth, tickling her lips, plunging deep. Their breaths mingled as they separated for a second to gasp for air then dove back for more. The tight knot of fear in her belly slipped into an aching need a handspan lower, centered between her legs.

Maybe she should have freaked out sooner. Maybe coming to the climbing wall and forcing herself to get back into a harness was the best thing she could have done.

Maybe she should just concentrate on the man she wanted to climb up and swing from the rafters with. Her swelling desire shoved the lingering stench of her anxiety into the corner as she let the thrill of arousal take her away.

Derrick figured he'd be kicking his own ass once this was over, but for now he reveled in the woman melting in his arms. For the past three weeks he'd been as patient and gentle as a saint. He'd ignored the urge to make a move, sensing her nervousness, thinking it was about her getting back into the swing of climbing again. He'd forced himself to stay aloof and make the situation as peaceful and serene as possible, all the while longing to find out what Melanie Dixon tasted like.

Even the fact she was related to a good friend wasn't enough to stop him from expressing interest in the dark-haired beauty. Kane's little sister was grown up enough to know her own mind, and what she'd said she needed was to regain her courage in the climbing arena.

If she had given him even an inkling of what she'd just shared, he would have been all over her weeks ago. Now he was finally getting the chance.

Screw the consequences. She needed this—maybe even more than he did. And he needed it bad.

God, she could kiss. She held his head in traction between her palms, lips tight to his. Every breath he dragged in tasted like her, with that damn tongue exploring and rampaging through his mouth. He cupped her butt and dragged her higher to line them up better, thrusting his own tongue along hers, pulsing it like he wanted to pulse into her body. Her moan of approval rippled along his spine, and he went from hard to utterly rigid. The confining straps of the harness holding his khakis in place pressed on him violently enough to cut off circulation.

Derrick took another step back. There was a sudden jerk as the rope between them snagged and he tripped. Melanie let out a little scream. He rolled instantly to his back to catch her, swearing at his own stupidity in giving her any reason to not trust him. Great, asshole. Drop the woman who's afraid of falling.

Nothing happened. He lay flat on his back, but instead of the sudden contact of her body slamming against his, he heard a peal of laughter echo off the high walls of the climbing gym.

"Damn it, Derrick, get me out of this mess."

Her voice came from directly above him, and he looked up to see her face hovering over his. It took a second to follow the lines and figure out what had happened. The loose end of the rope was tangled around his torso, pinned in place by his body weight. The middle of the length rose to the ceiling, looped through the support hooks as it should and returned down to where Melanie's harness was secured into the other end.

She hung suspended a foot over him, facedown, with the rope caught over one shoulder. Her feet were planted on the wall, holding her in place. She looked as if she were laying flat on her tummy on an invisible diving board.

He stared into her face, checking for any signs of fear, but all he saw was amusement. "Are you okay?"

She snickered. "I'm fine, but a little stuck. Could you please get me down?"

The situation was too tempting to resist. He gripped the rope to keep her in place, then swung himself into a direct line. When he released the rope, letting it slide through his hand an inch at a time, it lowered her all right.

Directly on top of his waiting body.

It felt so damn good, the increasing weight of her settling on him. The warmth of her thighs met his legs, her breasts crushed against his chest. Her gaze bore into him, and he wondered if he'd overstepped his boundaries for the second time.

"Did you plan this all along?" she asked.

He shook his head, trying to ignore the violent urge to rub their groins together to satisfy the hunger burning inside. He couldn't do that, not unless she showed some indication she was agreeable.

Tying up a woman to get into her pants—it wouldn't be the first time, but he only did that with willing partners.

"Couldn't have planned it in a million years," he confessed.

Her eyes darkened as her gaze darted over his face, landing on his lips with a hungry stare. "Damn, I'd hoped it was on purpose."

Hallelujah. He let go of the rope and rolled her, diving back into the kiss. Only this time the feel of her under him made him crazy. She opened her legs and his hips settled in tighter, except for the layers of harnesses between them. Like some kind of modern chastity belt, the wide webbing snagged together as he rocked his hips, stopping him from rubbing his erection against her mound. He growled out his frustration.

She grabbed one of his hands and tugged it to her breast.

Okay, he could be pacified for a moment or two.

They slowed the frantic kisses as his need to taste her skin grew beyond restraint. While he licked and nipped his way along her jawline, her fingers skipped over his back, tugging his shirt upward until she reached bare skin. Her short nails weren't enough to scratch, but her strong fingertips dug in and pulled a groan from him.

He wanted to be naked with her. He wanted to strip off the long-sleeved shirt and sports bra she always wore, and suck on her firm nipples until she screamed. Then he'd—

A buzzer went off and they both tensed. They glanced toward the clock on the wall and Melanie let out a huge sigh. "Opening time."

The after-school crowd was waiting for him to open the door to the climbing gym. Screw it. They could all wait for a few minutes.

It took an extraordinary amount of time to untangle themselves and find their feet. Derrick held her close for longer than he needed to, pretending it was to make sure she had her balance. He just didn't want to let her go.

The damn buzzer went off again, this time accompanied by banging fists on the doorframe.

"Your students are eager to get started." Melanie stared away from him, all her concentration centered on untangling the knot tethering her to the rope.

He wasn't going to leave it this way. A wild tumble on the climbing mats and nothing more? "Would you like to go for dinner with me?"

Her head snapped up, a small smile appearing. "Tonight?"

Derrick nodded as he headed for the door. "I can get away around six thirty. Seven if you're okay waiting that long."

Melanie paused and he held his breath. "I'd like that. You want me to come here?"

Excitement raced through him to rival any teenage boy planning a first date. "That would be great."

"Okay."

They were grinning at each other like fools, he was sure of it, but he really didn't give a shit. Not about the continued protesting at the door behind him, or the faces peering in. Not about his lack of finesse. She turned and headed for the change room, and he watched her ass with a growing conviction that fate had intervened today and that tonight was going to be the start of a fine relationship.

Melanie wanted to relearn how to live? He could help her with a lesson or two, and if somewhere along the way they happened to get involved in some heart-pounding, body-aching sex?

He was good with that as well.

Ebook available: Samhain | Amazon |Barnes & Noble

Excerpt- Whirlpool

Breaking Waves, the anthology of Tidal Wave and Whirlpool is out on Tuesday, so here's an excerpt for fun.

—-

Chelsea licked her lips and let her head fall to the side. Braden kissed his way down her neck, nuzzling behind her ear. Her nipples tightened, one breast held cupped in Braden's hand, framed like an exotic work of art.

Desire threaded through Jamie, then one seam at a time yanked apart his inhibitions.

"Hmm, yes. Feels so good, Braden. Touch me, love me. I need it, need Jamie too." Her husky voice beckoned him, the sound swirling through the room, and Jamie grew lightheaded. The desire to join them, to touch and caress every part of the beautiful woman before him grew irresistible.

He wanted her. It was the plain and simple truth. Jamie lifted his gaze to take in Braden's towering frame, watching the two of them move in a beautiful symmetry together. Smooth, sensual.

So be it. In spite of not completely understanding all the whys, he was willing to accept it for now and figure the details out later.

They met in the middle of the bed and all his saved-up passion broke free. Jamie kissed Chelsea like his life depended on it. Her sweet tongue tangled with his, their naked torsos touching, the tight tips of her nipples hard against his chest. She caressed his shoulders, dragged her fingers through his hair, tugging harder as the intensity of the kiss increased.

Braden joined them. He'd stripped off his shirt and the bare skin of his arm brushed Jamie's side as they trapped Chelsea between them.

She moaned with delight. "Oh yes, this is what I needed."

The breathless confession did something to Jamie's heart. He'd desired her before all the chaos of the day, and for whatever reason he was receiving this gift, he was going to treasure it.

He glanced over her shoulder to see Braden smiling at him. "It really is what we want. She needs us both right now."

Jamie nodded, staring with fascination at the centers of Braden's eyes. Blue flecks of light reflected back at him. I know what you are, man of mythology. The temptation to reach over and kiss Braden no longer frightened him. Passion erased his habit of analyzing.

Chelsea wiggled impatiently between them, and Jamie willingly turned back. He sat on the bed to worship her breasts, laving her nipples, nibbling along the soft under curve. Braden slipped a hand over her belly and between her legs, parting the pale curls of her mound to play with her clitoris. He slid his fingers in and out of her passage. Jamie watched everything as he worked his way down her body, needing to taste her as the scent in the room increased.

"Braden, give me room."

Two men making love to one woman—he'd never done this before. There were points of juggling limbs he'd never realized. Braden switched his hold, bringing his hand between Chelsea's legs from behind. As Braden eased his fingers back into her sheath, Jamie covered her with his mouth, teasing her clit with his tongue. Her flavor filled him, made his head spin. He reached down and circled his cock with a fist, holding off to make sure Chelsea was satisfied before he grew too tempted.

They worked in tandem, Jamie matching the pace of Braden's thrusts. Slow now, then quicker, until she cried out, her body quivering between them. Heated liquid rushed his tongue as he lapped, dragging his tongue against her folds. Braden pressed in, again and again, prolonging her climax. Jamie's tongue brushed Braden's fingers as the other man slowly circled her clitoris, teasing the still-quivering flesh under his fingers. Chelsea sighed heavily as she leaned back, supported by Braden's torso, her skin flushed.

Jamie held on to his control by a thread, his aching cock reminding him he wanted much, much more.

"You're amazing, Chelsea, so beautiful." Braden kissed her neck.

"Please…"

The tormented need in her voice made Jamie put aside his caution. No longer waiting to see what Braden would do, he rolled her to the mattress and covered her with his body. Skin to skin, her warmth felt so right under him. He closed his eyes for just a second to appreciate it fully.

He kissed her again, this time a slow and thorough exploration. Tongues and lips and open mouths. He breathed her in and the darkness and fears he'd experienced all faded away. She was right. It was a celebration—of life and love and a passion that had been far too long unanswered.

The stroke of a hand down his back reminded him Braden was still with them, and yet…he couldn't stop. All his focus was on Chelsea, on the pleasure he found in her, the pleasure he wanted to bring her.

"You should see what I see." Braden's deep voice rustled through the air. He touched them both, his hands skimming Jamie's side. Hovering where Jamie cupped Chelsea's breast. The contrast of their fair skin and Braden's darker coloring—his rougher, beefier hands—showed clearly. "You two look like erotic Greek statues, porcelain fine and breathtakingly beautiful."

Chelsea laughed softly as she snaked out an arm to catch Braden around the neck. "And you're Poseidon, rising from the sea to love us both?"

"Hmm, it's not difficult to love you, baby." He kissed her, lowering himself to lie skin to skin against Jamie's side. Jamie watched in fascination until Chelsea squirmed under him, pressing her breast up into his hand, and he shifted to be able to reach her easier. He nibbled and licked, listening to the soft noises of pleasure she made, hearing Braden's whispered words of love.

New blurb for Rocky Mountain Heat!

Coming November 15.

He's the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.

Six Pack Ranch, Book 1

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble's a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what's a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake's hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She's all grown up now and ready to convince him that she's perfect for him. Except he can't seem to see past the big "don't touch" sign that's apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi's brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.

That is, if Blake's finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Drool-worthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

Excerpt- Rising, Freestyle

Coming next Tuesday, book two of the Xtreme Adventures

—-

Melanie grabbed him by the shirt and clung to him as their lips meshed. A gentle caress of mouths, with no teeth, no frantic moving to the next stage. Almost as if they were exploring each other for the first time.

It was an offering, a sacrifice. Something to affirm that while having Nathan show up created a new situation between them, the foundation they had built was solid and worthwhile.

Derrick rolled her under him on the couch, working his way down her body. Removing her clothes, kissing all the tender spots he'd discovered over the past months. His fascination with her breasts made her smile.

"I still can't believe you like them that much."

Derrick hummed happily. His palms forced her nipples upward so he could more easily suckle one, then the other. "More than a mouthful is too much."

She laughed. "Barely a mouthful. Oh, that's good." She held on to his head, keeping him close. His lips surrounded one tip, his fingers pinching and drawing the other nipple tight and ready for his hot mouth to lick. Circles followed by long, slow licks. A shiver raced along her spine and she pressed harder to his lips, looking for a little more.

The soft fabric cradled her torso as he tugged her toward the end of the couch. She laughed as he pulled her yoga pants from her in one smooth practiced move. Somehow he caught her panties at the same time, and she lay sprawled totally naked before him.

He stared at her, his gaze intent, hunger on his face. "I know why Nathan wants you."

She hesitated. Why was he bringing up Nate?

Derrick rose to his feet, looming tall and muscular over her. He still wore all his clothes, and she realized with a start she wasn't embarrassed in the least to be completely naked before him.

"You have no idea how beautiful you are." He rasped out the words—lusty and low.

"Right."

He squatted beside her, shaking his head slightly as he drew a finger down her body. "Your body is powerful. Slim in the right spots, curved perfectly in others."

His palm cupped her hip for a second before slipping back to cradle her ass.

The expression on his face, even more than his words, stroked her. "I'm glad you like how I look."

He grinned wickedly. "And the way you smell."

"Oh my God." He had picked up her legs and draped them over his shoulders, and her sex clenched. Wanting something to grasp, to fill her. She didn't have long to wait. Maintaining eye contact, he lowered his head and breathed in deeply.

"The way you taste."

Excerpt- Turn It On wins award!

I was intending on trying to do some updates while at RWA. HA! Between chatting to people and internet issues, I'm instead going to set up a couple excerpt posts for you to enjoy.

Oh! And to share that Turn It On won the Passionate Plume first place for contemporary romance! So how about an excerpt from there?

——

Setting both the wall ovens to heat, Maxine turned to manhandle the massive birds to the island to finish stuffing them only to find Ryan had everything including the premade ingredients lined up in rows waiting for her.

"Wow, you're efficient," she complimented him.

He wiggled his brows at her. "You said something about going back to bed when we're done, so I'm willing to make the chores go by as rapidly as possible."

She shook her head. "You're bad." Picking up the bowl with stuffing she made a face before grabbing a handful and sticking it into the first bird. Ryan stepped behind her. His hands caressed the sides of her torso, skimmed her breasts then slipped around to loosen the knot of her robe. "Stop it, you're not helping get the job done any quicker."

She wiggled but his grasp remained firm. "You go ahead and do your job and I'll do mine. I won't get in your way," he promised. He licked her earlobe and she smiled in spite of it all. She had her hands full of savory bread and raisins, and her belly was tight with waking desire. Ryan stroked her breasts before sliding his hands down her belly to bury his fingers in her crotch and lightly massage her slit.

"You're a bad boy, and if you keep this up you're getting nothing but a lump of coal for Christmas. Oh my God, what are you doing?"

He had slipped his hand around to her butt, his fingers slick with moisture as he prodded the rosette of her anus. "It's Thanksgiving. It's time for stuffing, right? I have a little present for you."

She had no way to stop him, no way to protest unless she took her sticky, stuffing-covered hands out of the turkey to defend herself. "You're not really going to… Ryan, I know I told you the other day I was willing for you to teach me about anal sex, but not now. Oh God!"

He suckled on her neck as he slipped his finger in. Her heart pounded. It felt far better than she wished, because she really wanted a reason to get angry.

"We're not going to have sex," he said reasonably. "You're just going to wear a plug for a little while to start getting you ready."

"Plug?"

"You're not doing your job, sweetheart," Ryan pointed out. "Stuffing, right?"

"Bastard." She finished the first bird and shuffled to the second, his one arm holding her tight to his torso, the other doing wicked, wicked things to her body. She slammed a fistful of stuffing into the avian and cried out with pleasure as he brought both hands into play, one in front, one back. "I'm going to kill you when this is over, you know that, don't you?"

He laughed and rubbed her clit, rolling it gently between his fingers. Her legs started to shake. Something cold and hard poked at her butt, and she sucked in a quick breath.

"It's okay, Maxine, keep breathing. Feel and enjoy." He increased his fingers' tempo against her clit, and warmth pooled in her belly. The stretching sensation in her anus dropped to a pleasurable…presence. And then the distraction of her breaking climax made everything else fade away.

He held her as she came, the waves of release slow and drawn out, his continued touch lightening as her body grew more sensitive. Then he kissed her cheek and walked to the sink, washing his hands thoroughly before coming to lift the heavy roasting pans into the ovens.

Maxine walked gingerly until she grew used to the plug. It didn't hurt, but she was wet and excited, and he was driving her crazy. Only Ryan would think of such a trick.

"You still plotting to kill me?" he asked, handing her a coffee mug across the island. He tried to look apologetic, but there was too much delight in his eyes for the innocent expression to work.

She shook her head. "It's a good thing you're cute. A bastard, but cute."

Ryan frowned at her. "Cute? What kind of compliment is that? I'm old, ugly as sin, bossy, and all kinds of other grievous sins, including devious." He patted her lightly on the butt and she sucked in air as the plug shifted.

"I'm not wearing this all day," Maxine warned. She couldn't imagine what disasters would happen if the sexual fever building inside distracted her while her family descended on the house.

"Of course not. Only for the morning." He nibbled her lips, rubbing small circles on her lower back. "Can we go back to bed? I have a few things I want to try while you're wearing that thing."

Her mouth went dry. She gulped a mouthful of her drink in defense as his expression turned wicked. "I need my coffee."

"I need you." He pointed at her mug. "Drink up. You'll want to be awake for this."

Ryan wrapped himself around her, keeping their bodies in full contact even as he consumed her. Her sweet flavor mixed with the after taste of their coffee, creating an exotic blend. The sensual touch of her fingers as she clutched his shoulders made him forget exactly what he had planned. He guided them blindly through the house, his thoughts jangling together in a heap of desire and obsession. There wasn't an inch of her body he hadn't explored, and he still couldn't get enough of her.

They paused at the doorway to the main dining room and he dropped to his knees, opening her robe to press kisses across the smooth slope of her belly. When she instinctively opened her legs wider, he ran his hands up her thighs, massaging her silky skin. He used his thumbs to tease the pale red curls hiding her pussy, pausing to stroke one finger the length of her wet slit.

She panted, her torso shaking under his caress. "Too much. I'm throbbing. Everywhere. Your touch is too much." Maxine groaned in frustration and let her head fall back. It hit the doorframe with a thunk. "Shit!"

He smothered his laugh and stood to rub the sore spot. Her lashes fluttered as he stared into her eyes, her pupils dilated wide, drawing him in like a magnet. "Dangerous things, butt plugs."

"Please, I need…something. It feels good, yet it burns."

"That's because you're so hot you're on fire, sweetheart." And he lowered his head to her lips to continue his assault, stealing her breath away.

Making it up the stairs and back to her bedroom took a long, long time, as he got lost in her body again and again. At one point he carried her before lowering her to the top of the stairs and lapping at her pussy until she convulsed under him. He pressed her against the window in the master bedroom, her breasts in contact with the still cool glass. She cried out as he nibbled his way down her back, begging him to touch her, to give her what she needed.

When he peeled her off the windowpane and laid her on the bed her nipples had crinkled to tight buds of rosy pink. He admired them for a moment before warming them under his tongue, drawing another cry of delight from her lips.

He was staking his claim. The house would be filled with people in a few short hours, but for now there was only her. Only him. Together—and he reveled in it.