Vivian Arend's Blog, page 81

Print books ahoy!

I've finally had a minute to get the site cleaned up a bit, although I'm still waiting for a couple covers before I fill in all the blanks. But it was interesting to see that I have a number of print books coming up in the schedule. Here's the run down! (PSST, that's a NEW cover at the bottom!!)

JULY 05, 2011

OCTOBER 04, 2011

JANUARY 04, 2012

APRIL 04, 2012

Sweet Samhain Romances

It's Tuesday, which means it's release day in the publishing world, and I wanted to let you know about three new books available from Samhain. These books are sweet romances–all the plot and tension and final HEA of a romance without the main characters hitting the sheets on the page. Now, I have no objections to explicit details (obviously!) but I'm also a fan of the slow build-up. The glances and the simmering need and the waiting for a good reason until you're ready to scream…

So I was pleased when I heard Samhain was putting out a trio of sweet stories in their Springtime: Come Rain or Come Shine anthology. I haven't read the books yet, but I've got them on my ereader and I'm looking forward to getting to dive in. And being able to suggest them to my mom when I'm done.

To celebrate these books, and Samhain who is committed to putting out quality books without requiring a steam factor, I'm giving away 3 copies of each book–I'll give them out on Friday in time for weekend reading.

~~~

SOMETHING BLUE

It's bad enough losing the wedding rings, let alone your heart…

Josh Hamnett is best man at his mate's wedding, and he's determined that nothing's going to go wrong on the big day. That's before ex-girlfriend Kate Summerton appears in the church, looking mouthwateringly good in her tight red satin dress. Her maid of honor's dress.

Ceremony, reception, speeches, the first dance…he's got to go through them all by the side of the woman who still haunts his dreams. And to top it off, she's not wearing any underwear.

Their break-up three years ago was explosive, and Kate was sure she'd never forgive how he behaved. But now all the memories are coming back—the good as well as the bad. As their wedding duties keep throwing them into each other's company, Kate can't ignore the resurging chemistry between them—or the nagging thought that maybe, this could be the start of a second chance.

Product Warnings: Contains sexual chemistry hot enough to turn sand to glass—best read while wearing oven gloves and dark shades.

AIN'T NO SUNSHINE

Love may overcome dark family secrets…but a grieving ghost could fire the final shot.
Boone Butler can shut out the memories that made him a war hero, but he's compelled to follow the Sorrowful Angel's mournful wails back to Harlan County, Kentucky. They can only mean one thing: Delia's in trouble. Even if it's been over between them for twelve long years, she can't stop him from seeing her safe.

Delia Concannon isn't sure if the cries she's been hearing in Bogey Holler are echoes of the past, or portents of more heartache in her future. All she can do is keep running her diner and wait for the next in a long string of misfortunes that started when she fell for Boone. Their love began despite their families' longstanding feud—and ended when Boone's brother murdered her father.

Now Boone has come knocking on her door.

One look, and Boone remembers why loving her was worth defying his family. He still has nothing to offer a woman like her, but he can't stand seeing her living in the shadow of rising danger. Delia's not running, though. Even when the Angel's cries grow louder…

Product Warnings: Contains a snarky best friend, her cantankerous grandmother, a hard-headed hero with a soft heart, too many pick-up trucks to count, and one mention of fried okra.

LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART

Hollywood made him a star. She makes him want to be a better man.
Charlotte Jeeves, "Charlie" to anyone not pulling her over or collecting her taxes, is the only one in town who's not excited about her new neighbor, TV actor Jeeves Allencaster. It's not "cute" how they share a name, and so not charming that he steals her muffin before they've even met. The last thing she wants is some slick Hollywood type turning her safe, small-town haven into a circus.

If the locals have their way, though, she and Jeeves will be dating by…well, it depends on who you ask—and how much they've invested in the betting pool.

Jeeves hates Hollwood. Mostly he just hates the way it's changed him. Port Grable is the total opposite of LaLa Land—the perfect place to rediscover himself. His plan didn't include hooking up with the bitter—yet undeniably lush—girl next door. She's not his type, yet he can't get her off his mind.

Trouble is, to thaw the ice around her heart, he'll have to show her the real man behind the Hollywood charade. If he still exists…

Product Warnings: Baked-good larceny is prohibited by law in many states. Please seek competent legal advice before trying this at home.

~~~

To enter, leave a comment. Why don't you tell me what was your first romance you remember? I LOVED the romance between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe in Anne of Green Gables.

Get a review copy of Rising, Freestyle

I'm looking for reviewers interested in Rising, Freestyle. This second book in the Xtreme Adventure series takes readers on a heart-pounding trip beyond their limits. Want to see what kind of mischief rock-climbers can get up to?

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.

Rising, Freestyle
Xtreme Adventures, Book 2

Length: Category (43K)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Themes: Menage & More, Red Hots

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Release Date: July 5, 2011

Price: $4.50

Please only request a review copy if you're willing to leave a review somewhere! I have only so many copies available, but will do my best to meet a reasonable amount of requests.

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Snippet Saturday- Hot Spots

Turn up the heat, baby!  Don't think the north can be hot? Here's a little taste from the first of the Granite Lake books–warming the atmosphere in the Yukon and Alaska.

Talk about getting your signals crossed…

Granite Lake Wolves Book 1

Robyn Maxwell doesn't care that her brother has to cancel out on their backcountry ski trip. She can do it alone. The fact she's deaf doesn't make her survival skills any weaker. The chance to get away from it all and relax in the Yukon wilderness is just what she's been craving.

Meeting wilderness guide Keil at the cabin starts cravings of another kind. Keil's one hot hunk of ripped, tasty male. Now she has to deal with raging hormones as well as strange questions about wolves and mates and challenges to the death.

Keil was trying for a nice reflective retreat before challenging for the Alpha position of his Alaskan pack. He wasn't planning on meeting the woman destined to be his mate, or finding out she's not aware she has the genes of a wolf.

Between dealing with his accident-prone younger brother, a deaf mate with an attitude and an impending duel to the death, his week—and his bed—is suddenly full.

Far from the relaxing getaway any of them had in mind…

Warning: Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'talking with your hands.' Includes dangerous use of sarcasm and hot nookie in a remote wilderness sauna.

~~~

Robyn shifted uncomfortably on the bench in the annex outside the sauna. Keil had gone back into the cabin with TJ and left her with the directions to relax and wait for him while he grabbed a few things. She added a couple extra logs into the stove, topped up the snow in the buckets and sat to wait.

It was damn uncomfortable to be sitting there knowing any moment a werewolf was going to walk in the door and have sex with her.

Arghhhh. Even the thought made her twitch. What the hell was she doing? This was crazy. It was beyond crazy.

The door opened and Robyn jumped. Sexual heat flowed off Keil's body and reached to caress her skin.

Okay. She remembered why she was going to do this. Every inch of her was on fire and she was being drawn toward the tall, hard male as if she had ropes that twined about her limbs, trapping her. Keil dropped a blanket on the bench beside her. He glanced at her before lifting her chin with his hand.

"Hey, it's okay. Let's take this slowly."

Robyn dropped her eyes, blushing furiously. "I'm scared."

"Scared of me?"

"Kind of."

His gentle hand traced over her ear and nestled in the hair at the back of her neck. "I don't want to scare you, little bird. I want to love you."

She lifted her eyes to his. "I don't know what to do. I mean, I know what to do but I've never…"

Keil waggled his eyebrows and his eyes brightened. "I know you've never. I'm glad you've never. It's good that you've never. Now I don't have to go track down your old lovers to kill them."

"Possessive much?"

"You have no idea. Yet." Keil leaned closer to brush his lips over hers. "Wait until you are fully wolf. I bet you're going to be just as possessive about me. Wolves mate for life, and we don't like to share."

Robyn shifted again on the hard bench. How could she want this much and still feel afraid to take the next step. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to build up her courage.

A gentle touch pulled her to her feet. "You're thinking too hard. Let's go slow. You must be sweaty from our ski and digging up TJ. Let me help wash you up."

Keil's hands drifted over her shoulders, pulling her up against his body for a brief caress as he reached behind her body to grasp the bottom of her long-sleeved T-shirt. With a slow fluid motion, he lifted it off her, then dropped it on the bench behind them.

As his eyes traced over her torso, Robyn fought the urge to cover her chest with her hands. Ugh. She had to decide to be seduced in a mountain cabin wearing her plainest and sturdiest underwear. Luckily Keil's face didn't seem to express any displeasure with what he saw.

And neither could Robyn complain. Keil removed his own shirt with one swift yank and stood inches away from her, his rock-solid abs tempting her fingers.

"Damn. Just…damn. Is what they mean by washboard abs? Can I do some laundry?"

Keil smiled and reached for her. Removing the tight sports bra didn't go as smoothly. In the middle of pulling it off, Keil's hand got stuck in the twist of the Y back and Robyn froze with her arms pulled over head, bra wrapping her tight with Keil's forearm. The heat rose in her face.

"Hell of a thing to happen, but don't worry. This gives us some very interesting possibilities." Keil lowered his head to press a kiss on her neck, fluttering soft kisses down over the tops of her exposed breasts, sending chills shooting through her even as he supported and stretched her arms above them.

His touch was gentle but the restrained power was there, under the surface. His tongue stroked over her skin toward her cleavage then his teeth nibbled back up the line of heat he'd created all the way to her lips. His hand was loose from her bra and she lowered her arms slowly, his hot gaze never leaving her body.

~~~

Digital: Amazon | Samhain |Barnes & Noble | Sony | All Romance Ebooks

Print: Part of Under the Northern Lights:  MB&M | Amazon | Book Depository | Books a Million

~~~

Fun, eh? Now go and get ever hotter with more great snippets.

Emma Petersen, Leah Braemel, Mari Carr, McKenna Jeffries, Taige Crenshaw, Delilah Devlin, Eliza Gayle, T.J. Michaels, Jody Wallace

Tuesday Teaser

Working on Rocky Mountain Haven additions/revisions. Added one scene that made me cry, not in a good way. I've never wanted to kill off a character so bad in my life.

But there were also some sweet moments:

They kissed, lips gentle and soft against each other. Tongues dipping and brushing gently, nothing panicked or rushed. Just a comfortable and celebratory motion that said more about belonging to each other than ownership.

Daniel savoured it even as he made plans for a little ownership kind of sex later on. He liked having both sides in their relationship, and Beth was still enjoying the lessons.

Damn, his life was good.

Snippet Saturday-Water, water, everywhere

Well, I just had a book release with a water shifter, but my excerpt today is from a contemporary hot tub scene. Watch out, this one is definitely NSFW.

Never venture out of bounds without a buddy–preferably two.

Xtreme Adventures, Book 1

Dara's past four incredible years have been lived to the fullest. Along with her best friends, Kane and Jack, she's left no local wilderness unexplored, no ski slope unchallenged. Yet lately she wonders why they've never seen her as more than a buddy with breasts. When—or if—either man will cross that unspoken line.

It's a line Kane eyes harder every day. Since high school, he and Jack have shared everything. A condo, vacations—and their best girl. Kane's ready to get serious about his wilderness school and outfitter business, and that includes putting down roots. Preferably with Dara.

Wary of the men who've recently been sniffing around Dara, Jack has a growing sense that he or Kane better make a move soon, or they're going to lose out on their perfect match. Question is, who does she prefer…and who's going to bring their easygoing trio to an end?

Overhearing the boys arguing over her, Dara's floored—and torn. Choose between them? No way. Drastic measures are called for, a plan for their annual holiday getaway that will clarify her feelings once and for all—or lose everything in a sexual storm of whiteout proportions.

Warning: Old friends turned lovers can get into the most trouble—exhibitionism, bondage, spanking. Anal sex, oral sex, unauthorized use of ski safety harnesses, icicles in the hot tub…the author apologizes in advance for any melted monitors.

~~~

Jack opened the balcony door, gliding ahead to pull the cover off the hot tub. Kane cradled her, his fingers caressing and teasing her skin as he brought her to the side of the pool.

Dara clung to his neck as he lowered her in, drawing his mouth against hers. As their tongues tangled a sense of déjà vu washed over her. It felt so right, so proper to be in Kane's arms. A splash splattered heated droplets on her back seconds before Jack pressed his lips to her neck and bit down lightly.

Having him there was just as proper as Kane.

They twisted her between them, raining kisses on her face. Kane slipped into the water to add his hands and body to the erotic teasing. Her mind fogged as pleasure built within her—the fires stoked higher and higher with every brush of their fingertips. Every caress of their lips. Kane raised her slightly, his fingers exploring and teasing her sex. The chilled winter air floated over her wet breasts and her nipples hardened, a second before Jack latched onto one and sucked the peak into the heat of his mouth.

Another drag of his tongue over the tip. Another circle around her clit by Kane. She teetered on edge, waiting for the moment her body would follow her mind—it was already gone, lost in the pleasures her men provided.

Kane teased a finger down the crease of her ass, pausing to circle her anus. When he dipped his fingertip into the nerve-sensitive area she let out a moan. Jack seemed to take that as an order to increase his assault and suckled harder, one hand cupping a breast, one slipping down to rub her slit. She leaned helplessly on Kane and let the wave break over her.

"That's a girl. Let go, we've got you." Kane whispered in her ear, his hands gentle, his tone caring. Tears sprang to her eyes in spite of the pleasure drenching her soul.

She panted to regain her equilibrium. It was suddenly too much, too intimate. The long hard length of Kane's body behind her, the tender touch of Jack before her, the heated expression on his face as he ate her up with his gaze.

Dara struggled to her feet and pulled away from them to sit on the edge of the tub, fanning her face and blowing hard.

Kane grinned at her. "Getting a little overheated, are you?"

A nod was all she could answer. She stared at him, the cut muscles of his abdomen glistening in the faint lights reflecting from the hill. The moisture clinging to his skin defined each ridge, each slope, and she wanted to run her tongue along them, consume him in one sitting.

A sharp crack rang out and she snapped her head to the right. Jack stood on a deck chair, a gleaming icicle in his hand. He reached overhead and added another foot-long spear to his collection, then another. He spoke over his shoulder.

"I think we can do something about the heat, sweetheart."

Oh God. The shiver racing over her skin had nothing to do with the temperature outside. She was so hot that melting with desire became a distinct possibility. Jack turned his brilliant smile on her as he climbed back into the hot tub, his collection of icy instruments of torture laid out in a row on the decking.

"Do you mind if I try one?" Kane reached past her to pick one up, the tip glistening with a droplet as the heat rising from the tub hit it.

"More than enough for us both, my good man."

Dara laughed at Jack's atrocious British accent. "You two are— Oh my…"

The words stuck in her throat. Kane slid the wet tip of his icicle down her torso with deliberate intent to drive her mad. He leaned over and sucked her nipple into his mouth, lashing it again and again with his tongue until it ached, fiery hot. When he stepped back and drew circles around the feverish tip, she thought the pleasure of it would set off an orgasm.

—

Ebook available: Samhain | Amazon |Barnes & Noble | Sony

Head out for more watery adventures with these Snippet Saturday authors

Emma Petersen

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Taige Crenshaw

Delilah Devlin

Eliza Gayle

T.J. Michaels

Jody Wallace

Writer's World- tools. Use as needed.

I promised I'd talk about the writing process every now and then, and this week I have an interesting story to share.

There are many many ways to get from "It was a dark and stormy night…" to "The End", and one of the key components of maintaining sanity is to realize that what works great for one writer sucks as a method for another. There is no one true path in writing.

And the longer I do this for, the more I also see there are no absolutes. There are some tried and true methods that I've heard authors swear by that totally and completely do not fit with my personality and writing style, and I would have bet it all that I would never ever touch that method with a ten foot pole. This past week? I used one, and it's saved my mind.

I'm in the middle of revising and adding to Rocky Mountain Haven, the second in the Six Pack Ranch series. It's a good book to start with–it won the 2011 EPIC Erotic Western award, so I'm not just boasting. But I have the chance to make it even better and make the whole series a little richer by adding in another dimension with extended family action. etc.

Where do I begin to add to a book that people praised the pacing? There are no easy gaps to fill.

I read through it and took notes, getting a little distracted along the way by the hot smexing (heheh). I broke the book into parts in my head…before the picnic, before Thanksgiving, before the big reveal… I counted how many scenes were done in the hero/heroine's POV. Still nothing. I know a couple scenes I want to add, but they have to make sense and flow, not just get tacked on willynilly.

And that's when it happened. I broke out the index cards.

To a committed plotser like myself, this is like willingly taking hemlock. I don't organize my stories, I don't fill in charts with character qualities. Heck, I usually have to go back through the story after it's written to find out what colour eye the characters have. But I was desperate, and impulse told me to try this, so I did. And damn if my instincts weren't right again.

I went through the book and every scene got a card. For fun–because even work has got to be fun–I used yellow for Beth's POV, blue for Daniel's, red for the hotter scenes. Then I grabbed some tape and any scenes that HAD to go back to back? Taped them together. Stuck them on the foot board and suddenly…I could at least see where additions to the story wouldn't be interrupting the flow.

In fact, looking at what finished the end of one chain, and what started the next chain let me see what kind of scene I could add in between that would actually enhance the flow. There was some crazy happy dancing the moment I spotted that. And then, I started adding cards. The loose cards taped the headboard are ideas for new scenes. In the end there are at least eight scenes I taped up there and as I've been writing this week I can feel the story gelling together beautifully.

Will I ever use index cards after this? Not sure. I'm not about to start story boarding and taping up cards the walls from day one, but I will never say never again. Because when something works, it's like experiencing a little bit of magic. I don't want to miss those a ha moments. They're so much fun!

New Release! Silent Storm

The final book of the three book Pacific Passion series arc is now out! Find out the final solution to Matt and Lauren's HEA… because you know I write them happy, but the trip there is going to be a rough one.

Thanks to everyone who's contacted me to let me know that you've enjoyed this series. I simply loved writing it. Oh, and a head's up. The print anthology of the three books will be out in 2012. Look for Storm Swept in the spring.

—

Love speaks volumes without a single word.

Pacific Passion, Book 3

In the months they've traveled together, Laurin Marshall and Matt Jentry's attraction has grown beyond spectacular sexual passion to into a deeper emotional connection. Still, Laurin wrestles with one last question: how a water shifter and an air shifter can possibly find permanent common ground.

Matt is content to wait patiently for Laurin to realize he has no desire to change her sky-borne nature. Until a giant golden eagle touches down on the Stormchild and tips the delicate balance of more than just the boat.

Laurin's obvious affection for the newcomer comes as a shock. And so does the flash of jealousy that interferes with his shamanic ability to heal the man's malady. While Matt struggles to balance his conflicted responsibilities, Laurin attempts to reconcile her undeniable feelings for one of her kind with her desire for Matt.

Somewhere between the ocean depths and the mountaintops, they need to find a love strong enough to call them both home to the Stormchild.

Warning: Familiar lovers (hot) with old rivals (hotter) and a wild curse-melting ménage (hottest yet). Get ready for one exotic paranormal that will make you look to the skies and sea with longing.

~BUY LINKS~

Available from: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Chapter One

All around her, towering mountains descended sharply into the sparkling waters of the Pacific. Their ragged surfaces were torn as if a giant hand had grabbed desperate snatches from the earth, leaving behind nothing but thin air and harsh ridges of granite exposed to the brilliant August sun. Along the waterline, where the tide's highest marks had ripped and torn the land, sun-bleached logs lay in tangled heaps, the exposed roots of massive cedars now tormented remains of once majestic trees.

The world kept changing. It was inevitable.

Laurin Marshall guided her kayak along the inlet, letting the crisp morning air fill her lungs, seeking a moment's respite from her internal turmoil. Her mind was filled with images, emotions, and uncertain longings. Two years had passed since she'd deserted her mountain clan to find a place among the water shifters known as the People of the Sea. Only a couple months ago her life had been radically transformed again.

She dipped one side of the double paddle, then the other, moving her arms in a smooth, even rhythm. Trying to let the pace of her heart and the motion of the routine soothe her aching soul.

There were so many things she loved about this life. The water, the proximity to the coastal mountain ranges. The way the water reflected the emotion of the seasons in the colors filling the seemingly endless sky.

She couldn't get enough of the beauty before her. So different, and in some ways raw and stark, compared to the Rockies where she'd grown up. Oh, the mountains of her home reached even higher to the sky, and when she flew, shifted into one of the forms of the People of the Air, it seemed there was nothing between her and the stars. But here, the ocean spoke to her. It had a voice and a song—poles apart from the wind in the pine trees or the flutter of a breeze against a mountain lake.

The sea was vibrant and alive, and she'd fallen totally in love with it.

Laurin paused in her paddling, letting the kayak drift as she rested out of the wind in a small bay. Around her a pod of dolphins surfaced, a couple of the younger ones sliding cheekily alongside her craft, their pectoral fins slapping the water beside the gunwales and splashing her. She laughed aloud and held up a hand to ward off the worst of the attack.

The matriarch of the group surfaced and sang out, and Laurin wished again she could understand what she was saying. The female, with her beautiful smile, dipped her head then submerged, the rest of the pod following. An immature male rose one final time into the air, twisting and landing beside the kayak. Laurin was instantly drenched.

She had to smile. The sea and her people were amazing, even though she'd never been so waterlogged in her life. Part of the downside of being partner to the shaman of the Pacific Inside Passage. Laurin picked up her paddle and headed for the thin strip of sand visible just ahead of her. There were dry clothes in the aft compartment, and if she'd read Matt's note correctly, there should be a relaxing break waiting ahead.

He joined her on the beach. Six feet of brown skin, firm muscles and a grin that was all for her. The neat khaki shorts he wore did nothing but draw her attention to his bare chest and the ridge of his abdominal muscles carving down under the beltline.

"Did you have a good paddle?" Matt pulled the prow of the kayak far up on the sand so she could step out onto solid ground. His thoughtfulness warmed her, even though she scarcely needed to worry about staying dry. He guided her with a steady hand as he helped her from the cockpit. "Laurin, why are you soaked?"

Because your people gave me homage? "Enthusiastic teenager, I think."

Matt Jentry wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, his even heartbeat under her ear now so familiar and so right, she could barely imagine not having him close by. Somewhere near, to touch, to talk to. She glanced up at his beautiful face, firm cheekbones, strong jawline. She couldn't imagine never getting to taste him again.

"Well, that's an intriguing look. You going to share what's on your mind to go with that enticing expression?" His voice was husky and low, and her need for him blossomed into full desire.

She couldn't imagine life without his lovemaking either. She reached up and brought their mouths together.

He kissed her softly, placing a series of light bites along her lower lip, dragging the surface into his mouth and letting it go. She explored with her tongue, teasing his lips, his teeth, his tongue. All the while his hands were busy at her buttons, her waistband. Stripping off her clothes, baring her to the elements. She willingly did the same for him, thrilling at the encounter of her fingers against his torso. The slight breeze brushed her skin, and she wondered again at the remote locations he always managed to find. There were no clans close to this inlet, no human eyes to see them naked and entwined.

Matt lifted her in his arms without taking his lips from hers. She closed her eyes and simply soaked in the experience. The warmth of his touch versus the cool of the blanket he lowered her to. The heat of his kisses, now descending to worship her breasts and tease her nipples to tight peaks. The breeze stroked a cold finger over the wet tip and it tightened even more.

He hummed in admiration. "I did have a picnic lunch arranged, but I'm not sure if I have the strength to wait. Are you hungry?"

Laurin stared up at her lover of two months, the man with whom she had a mystical connection they were still trying to figure out. A mental and emotional connection beyond the ordinary—that only grew stronger the longer they were together. "I'm always hungry for you."

~BUY LINKS~

Available from: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Snippet Saturday- Unusual settings

I guess unusal settings is going to mean far different things to different people. Most of my stories are set in the wilderness, but how about a sailing boat's deck for something unusual? From Silent Storm, releasing this coming Tuesday.

Love speaks volumes without a single word.

Pacific Passion, Book 3

In the months they've traveled together, Laurin Marshall and Matt Jentry's attraction has grown beyond spectacular sexual passion to into a deeper emotional connection. Still, Laurin wrestles with one last question: how a water shifter and an air shifter can possibly find permanent common ground.

Matt is content to wait patiently for Laurin to realize he has no desire to change her sky-borne nature. Until a giant golden eagle touches down on the Stormchild and tips the delicate balance of more than just the boat.

Laurin's obvious affection for the newcomer comes as a shock. And so does the flash of jealousy that interferes with his shamanic ability to heal the man's malady. While Matt struggles to balance his conflicted responsibilities, Laurin attempts to reconcile her undeniable feelings for one of her kind with her desire for Matt.

Somewhere between the ocean depths and the mountaintops, they need to find a love strong enough to call them both home to the Stormchild.

Warning: Familiar lovers (hot) with old rivals (hotter) and a wild curse-melting ménage (hottest yet). Get ready for one exotic paranormal that will make you look to the skies and sea with longing.

~~~

Out on the deck she fled, looking for privacy in a space that allowed none. Laurin lay on the deck and closed her eyes, her bikini an attempt at modesty when usually she would have lain in the nude.

The heat of the afternoon sun faded in comparison to the reaction in her body when she heard their footfalls approach. Two sets, walking slowly around her. Pausing at her head and feet.

She opened her eyes slowly, looking up into a stormy ocean of blue as Matt squatted at her head, leaning over. His dark hair fell across his forehead is a smooth wave.

"Do you want to go for a swim with us?"

Laurin sat up quickly. "With both of you?" She turned to stare at Kallen in shock. "You swim?"

He tilted his head politely.

"You've gotten good enough—and it's a warm day. Come on, lazybones, time for a little exercise." Matt reached down a hand to her, and she slipped her fingers into his, wondering why she tingled so hard all over.

Of course, the fact two virile men were staring intently at her nearly naked body had nothing to do with it. No, nor the fact she knew they both wanted to make love with her. Needed to make love with her.

Laurin stepped toward the ladder. She still hadn't worked her way up to throwing herself over the side of the ship like Matt enjoyed. Only her movement was blocked by a rather large, warm body. Her entire front made contact with Kallen's chest, the heat of his bare skin searing hers. She retreated and found herself up against Matt's solid frame, his hands catching her upper arms to steady her shaky body. Wet need bloomed between her legs, instant desire for her lover spreading like a flame over the water's surface.

She leaned back into Matt's support. Maybe if she hid in the forward berth… "Do I have to swim now? The water looks cold."

One of his thighs slipped between hers as his arms surrounded her. A blanket of heat covered her, spilling from his torso. "We'll keep you warm."

We'll? Oh my God. She looked forward into Kallen's face and a shiver rolled down her spine at the expression she found there. Need, desire, admiration. She was so intent on finding a reason for the emotions she almost missed when he bent slightly, bowing before her.

Only a second later she realized he wasn't being polite, but removing his borrowed shorts. The muscles of his upper body tapered in at the waist, the bold cuts of his abdomen clear and firm. She tried to keep her gaze from dropping lower, but there was no way to ignore his groin, the way his cock rose from his body, fully aroused.

She'd seen his naked torso when he arrived, but now…she couldn't breathe. Couldn't swallow. Couldn't think.

The air that had been trapped in her lungs escaped as she realized not only was she staring, she was rubbing against Matt in the most provocative manner. Her hands pressed to his thighs as she leaned back, her own body on display for Kallen as she reveled in the heat of her lover's body.

How could she look at one man while in another's arms and want to touch? To taste?

Embarrassed, overwrought and excited, she twirled and buried her face in Matt's neck. Laurin clung to him tightly, looking for a little balance in the midst of the shaking her heart had experienced.

"Shhh, it's okay, love. I'm here." He stroked his fingers over her shoulders, light, easy. She took long, slow breaths and let his peace roll over her like the smoothest of seas.

Laurin pulled away and stared into his eyes. "Are we going swimming?"

She wasn't going to let fear overtake her. She'd come so far, she'd been so strong. This situation was highly unusual, but nothing she couldn't handle. Not with Matt at her side.

His smile lit her inside. "We swim, and show your friend from the mountains how much fun the water can be."

He stepped back and she gasped in shock. He'd untied her bikini top without her knowledge, and the tiny triangles fell to the deck like tired flags in the calm of a storm. Her hands shot up involuntarily to cover herself, but he shook his head slowly, eyes wide with desire and admiration.

"You don't need to cover yourself. I want to enjoy watching you. I want you to feel the water's caress on your bare skin. As if I have a million fingers, each one dedicated to your pleasure."

Oh God, the images. She closed her eyes and the reaction of her body to his words filled her senses until there was nothing but the two of them. Her nipples tightened, breasts suddenly gone heavy. She sensed him move closer, felt his mouth approach her own. His kiss was gentle. Lip to lip, tongues only meeting with the fleetest of touches. In her mind she saw them standing on the deck, suddenly aware of Kallen at their back. His arousal growing as he witnessed them body-to-body.

Embarrassment morphed into something else. Into a new kind of pleasure. Having Kallen watch was—beyond good. It added richness and a depth to her commitment to Matt. She threaded her fingers through Matt's hair and gave back more. Offered herself with enthusiasm.

His hands roamed her body, rubbing and touching and stroking her higher. She was going to need to jump overboard soon to put out the flames licking over her entire torso from his touch. His magic swirled around them. Not for healing, but simply there—a part of him, and a part of her now as well.

When another large hands grasped her hips, she froze in mid-kiss. Matt held her face, cupping her cheeks as he pressed their lips harder together. It was Kallen who grabbed the edges of her bikini bottoms and slipped them from her body, the thin fabric stroking slowly down her legs like an erotic tease.

Her heartbeat raced. Heat from the air shifter's body brushed her from behind while Matt paused his adoration of her lips for long enough to stare at her.

She found herself lost in the depths of his blue eyes. Uncertain how she could want another when the man before her held her heart. Held her soul in a way that she never wanted to be freed.

A single finger stroked her skin. Kallen, smoothing his way up from the sensitive area on the back of her knee, up her thigh. Over her butt, pausing in the small of her back. Red-hot connection jolted through her as he flattened his palm over her lower back. He moved closer, and she felt his breath against her neck.

All the while Matt caressed her inside and out with his gaze. Held her tight with his love and longing.

Confusion, passion, wild desire and complete chaos tangled together in her mind, and it was suddenly too much. She broke free, chest heaving as she struggled to pull air into her lungs.

Matt's face grew unreadable. Kallen watched, silent because of the curse, but she doubted he would have spoke if he could. Two sets of eyes, waiting for her to say what she wanted. Two men whose bodies clearly showed they wanted her.

~~~

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