Cerise DeLand's Blog, page 48

L. M. Somerton tells us about LIVING ON THE EDGE!

Hi Cerise, and thanks so much for inviting me to your blog. I thought your readers might be interested in how little bits of me sneak their way in to my books, so here are a few secrets!
I love animals, but particularly cats. Merlin, the cat in The Portrait, is based on my own pet – Midnight, who is just as lazy!My favourite music is Goth rock and the names of some of the bands I listen to sometimes get a mention. Within Temptation is playing on a car journey in Living on the Edge.I’m interested in Greek and Roman mythology, so the occasional God pops up – Dionysus and Thor both get a mention in the book I’m finishing at the moment.My books all feature BDSM though I’m not a practitioner myself. Inspiration for a lot of the toys my characters use come from the website of a shop in San Francisco.I live in England and often feature places I love in my books – Mountain Rescue is set in Cumbria and The Edge series is based partly in North Yorkshire.
So, those are a few clues to my personality! I hope you enjoy discovering some more in my latest book, Living on the Edge – book 2 in the Tales from The Edgeseries. Here’s some blurb and an excerpt to tempt you…
Tales from The Edge - Series Blurb
The Edge is a training company with a difference. Its weekend clients come for classes in bondage and domination, not team building and problem solving.The management, staff and customers of The Edge do not lead boring lives. In fact they have a habit of getting themselves into all kinds of trouble. Put Dominant, possessive alpha males together with bratty, loveable submissives and sparks are bound to fly. These Tales from The Edge are their stories.

Living on the Edge - Book Blurb:Sometimes it takes willpower to resist temptation but courage to give in.Aiden Keller is a brilliant and intriguing young man. When he’s convicted of hacking, his sentence takes him to The Edge, a high-end corporate training company with a mysterious sideline. There he is given into the custody of its owner, the enigmatic and demanding Heath Anders, and his business partner Joe Dexter.From the moment Heath takes charge of Aiden he recognises the boy’s submissive nature, even though it is well hidden beneath a veneer of snarky attitude. But for twelve months, Aiden will be his responsibility and Heath cannot allow himself to get involved whilst the boy is obliged to obey him.Aiden settles into his new life with the help of Olly, Joe’s pretty, submissive boyfriend, who is very perceptive when it comes to noticing the sparks of attraction flying between Aiden and Heath. Slowly and gently, he teaches Aiden that submission is not a weakness and to accept his desire to be dominated.Unable to resist, Heath starts to test Aiden’s willingness to be obedient, and against all the odds, love (and lust) start to bloom. Aiden, however, is not quite what he seems and his past is about to endanger all their lives.


Excerpt:
   Aiden watched as he walked away. Broad shoulders topped a body wrapped in a dark fleece and black jeans. Every movement spoke of restrained strength. He moved confidently with a measured, unhurried pace. Aiden couldn’t stop his gaze from drifting down to a very nice arse—the guy was exceptionally well put together. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what it would be like to be held down by Heath, and somehow Aiden knew that held down was what he would be. Heath didn’t look the type for caring and sharing. He was so obviously dominant that it oozed from every pore.    “Probably straight.” Aiden hoped he had only thought the words rather than said them out loud. It was hardly appropriate to be thinking about the man in that way. Still, if he had to be stuck in some godforsaken place as slave labour for twelve months, at least there would be something nice to look at. Twelve months. Fuck. It felt like a life sentence, and Aiden wondered for the millionth time if what he had done was worth it.    Heath returned, levered his long legs beneath the table and placed a large cup of steaming coffee in front of him. Aiden’s hands shook just a little as he ripped open a sugar sachet and sprinkled a few grains into his drink. The fight with the miniature milk cartons proved a bit more challenging until a large hand closed around his own, took the annoying little pot away and opened it for him. The burning sensation would have been less if Aiden had plunged his hand into an open fire. Skin on skin contact with Heath short-circuited his brain and turned his cock into a very hard problem.    He shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t need your help.” He fought the second milk carton and sprayed white liquid across the table.    “Of course you don’t.” Heath wiped up the mess with a serviette. “Look at me, Aiden.”    Aiden suddenly found the tabletop very interesting indeed, but there was something about that voice that stripped away his resistance. Slowly, unwillingly, he raised his eyes.    “Better. I have one ground rule that we need to get out of the way. I know you don’t want to be here. Well, suck it up—I don’t care. You did something wrong and this is punishment, not a fucking day trip.”    Aiden blinked and clenched his fists beneath the table.    “From this point on, you do what I say, when I say it. Disobey me and you will be punished. Do as you’re told and we will get along just fine.”    “So, you say ‘Jump’ and I say ‘How high’? Is that how this works?” Months of frustration and worry brought sharpness to Aiden’s voice.    “How high, how far and what kind of fucking landing is required.”© L M Somerton
Buy links:
You can buy Living on the Edge today from Total-E-Bound at:http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=2242&utm_source=bookpromostrategy&utm_medium=authorpromo&utm_campaign=livingontheedge

From August 16th, it’s also available on general release at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance Café etc. just search for the title.

Author bio:
L M Somerton lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She’s fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
Links
http://lmsomerton.wordpress.comhttp:/... @lmsomerton

There is nothing like a dame...with 3 men! Why I love menage and a quatre!

BUY HERE:http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2207Why do I love menages and a quartre?

Writing them taxes my brain!

How to keep the men uniquely different and appealing?

How to ensure all the body parts work appropriately and there is no ICK Factor?

How to ensure the heroine can enjoy what happens not only physically but emotionally?

THESE, dear reader, are not easy tasks.

And yet, I get a kick from champagne, riding too high with 3 guys on the page is my idea of some hot thing to do!

Premise?


When Bess Deveraux secures a position as cook in the household of the delectable devil who taught her the joy of loving years ago, she shows him that she has more to offer him now that she is older, wiser and oh so eager to please all the men in his employ.Bess Deveraux learnt the joy of loving years ago at the hands of a masterful man. But her family forbade her his notorious company. Now, at the opportunity to not only find that man again but also work for him, Bess secures a position in his household.Lord Taryn Wentworth has no idea where this delightful woman has been or how she managed to stand before him as his cook, but he is determined to enjoy her, her delectable offerings—and to offer them to his male staff as well.Taryn knows his lovely cook will agree to revel in every delight he has in store for her. After all, pretty Bess is an expert not merely in the fine art of satisfying human appetites, but in the refined art of pleasing many men at once, offering up her succulent body—in the dining room, on the kitchen table, on the floor and anywhere else her fancy or her master’s leads her.Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex and the use of sex toys.

And if you haven't read this yet, do go for delicious words by this reviewer for HIS DELECTABLE COOK,  http://www.thejeepdiva.com/2013/07/review-his-delectable-cook-by-cerise-deland.html

Sabrina York does DRAGONFLY KISSES! I want me some of those!

Dylan Deveney has no interest in a wild fling. He simply wants a quiet place where he can try to forget a painful past and, barring that, drink himself to death. But when he catches a glimpse of his exquisite neighbor—in the buff—his passion for life reignites.
Cassie French can’t resist Dylan’s allure. From his scruffy beard to his earring to his intriguing dragonfly tattoo, she’s crazy about him. And sex between them is scorching. Everything seems perfect…until a tragedy from Dylan’s past threatens to ruin everything.
An Excerpt from Dragonfly KissesWhen they finished eating and bantering, a crackling silence fell. Cassie licked her finger and blotted up her crumbs. “Well,” she said. “I should probably be going.” She moved to stand.“Don’t.” One word, sharp, with a tinge of panic, froze her in place. She glanced at him.“Please stay. I’ve…enjoyed talking to you.”She forced a smile. “Lucy will be worried.”“About me?”She laughed. “About me. Poaching. We have rules about poaching, you see.”“Poaching only counts on things you own. Lucy doesn’t own me.”Cassie cleared her throat. “She wants to. And she has dibbs.”He snorted a laugh. “Sounds like third grade. And, by the way, I thought Bella had dibbs.”“They’re dueling over you.”His expression sobered. “Do I get a say in this?”  She tipped her head to the side. “Have you met them? They can be rather…adamant.”“So can I. When I want something.”Her heart flipped. “You, ah, want something?”“You know I do.”Holy heaven. His gaze was steamy. It left no doubt about exactly what he wanted. But she had to ask. “W-what?”He stood, balancing on one foot. “Come here.”The thread of command, of yearning, in his tone snared her. She couldn’t ignore it. She rounded the table and looked up at him. This close, he was even more mesmerizing. And he smelled…he smelled delicious. His cologne teased her nostrils. Musky and woodsy and manly.She stilled as he threaded his fingers through her hair and cupped her cheeks. And then his head descended.His lips brushed hers. Just a soft, sweet buss, but it held a skein of promise, a hint of hunger and a tinge of desperation. At her moan, he deepened the kiss, opening his mouth, pressing against her, consuming her. His taste, his essence, flooded her. Desire, wild and wanton, lashed her. Unbidden, a moan rose in her throat. He took it, swallowed it, gave it back.He pulled her closer, flush against him. His body was hard and hot. Demanding. A trill of excitement rippled through her as she nudged the thick wedge of his erection. Oh, she shouldn’t be doing this, kissing, consuming a man she barely knew like a lust-crazed wanton, but she couldn’t stop. And she kind of was. A lust-crazed wanton.Something about this man curled around her sanity, her core, and sank in with needy claws. She’d kissed a lot of men in her life. But never a kiss like this.He slanted his lips and took her from a new direction, molding his mouth over hers, teasing, nibbling, licking. She shuddered as his tongue dipped in. She met it with her own, then, unable to resist, gently sucked.He reared back and stared at her. His eyes were rimmed with red, burned with desire. “God, Cassie,” he groaned, but didn’t finish the thought. As though he couldn’t resist, he kissed her again, but this time with a fiercer passion, one that made her muscles lock, her heart thud, her body melt.She wrapped her arms around his neck, stroked his hair, then scored his scalp in a rake of need. His fingers began to rove over her back, up to her nape, down her flank. He squeezed her buttocks. The pressure sent shudders through her.And then, as he held her tight with one hand, the other skated to her breast, gauging her reaction as he gently cupped her. When she didn’t resist, when she wriggled impatiently in his embrace, he swept a thumb over her nipple.Her body seized. Rivulets of pleasure washed through her, sending pings of absolute delight straight to her tingling clit. She couldn’t help it. She ground that nub against his hardness.He growled.Like the Highlander he was, he growled.
Dragonfly Kisses is available on Amazon

Dragonfly Kisses by Sabrina YorkA Tryst Island Erotic Romance
Dylan Deveney has no interest in a wild fling. He simply wants a quiet place where he can try to forget a painful past and, barring that, drink himself to death. But when he catches a glimpse of his exquisite neighbor—in the buff—his passion for life reignites.
Cassie French can’t resist Dylan’s allure. From his scruffy beard to his earring to his intriguing dragonfly tattoo, she’s crazy about him. And sex between them is scorching. Everything seems perfect…until a tragedy from Dylan’s past threatens to ruin everything.
Dragonfly Kisses is available on Amazon on June 30th 
Sequels to Sabrina’s stories coming soon from Ellora's Cave:·         Making Over Maris is the sizzling follow up to Adam’s Obsession and Tristan’s Temptation. And for those of you who were wondering, yes, Jack does get “trained.” This story includes light FemDom elements.·         For you Regency fans who loved Folly and Dark Fancy, watch for Dark Duke (Edward’s story) and Brigand (Violet’s story), both coming soon from Ellora’s Cave.
About Sabrina YorkSabrina is an award winning author of erotic romance with nearly a dozen titles available, ranging from sweet & sexy erotic romance to BDSM to erotic horror. Connect with her on twitter @sabrina_york or Facebook.
Check out Sabrina’s books and read an excerpt on her webpage (www.sabrinayork.com) or explore on Amazon or at Ellora’s Cave.
BOOKS BY SABRINA YORKAdam’s Obsession (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)Dark Duke (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave) —Coming soonBrigand (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave) —Coming soonDark Fancy (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave)Dragonfly Kisses: A Tryst Island Erotic Romance (Erotic Contemporary)—Coming soonExtreme Couponing (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)Fierce (Erotic Short Story, Decadent Publishing, One Night Stand)—Coming soonFive Alarm Fire (Erotic Contemporary for the High Octane Heroes Anthology, Cleis Press)—Coming September 3Folly (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave)Lust Eternal (Erotic Fantasy, Ellora’s Cave)  Pushing Her Buttons (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)Making Over Maris (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave) —Coming soonMan Hungry (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)Rebound: A Tryst Island Erotic Romance (Erotic Contemporary, Available on Amazon)Rising Green (Erotic Horror, Ellora’s Cave)Saving Charlotte (Erotic Contemporary for the Smokin' Hot Firemen Anthology, Cleis Press) —Coming July 16Training Tess (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)Trickery (Erotic Contemporary with Magical Elements, Ellora’s Cave Hex Line)Tristan’s Temptation (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

Swords of Passion, #3 debuts Sept 6! WITH HER KISS on pre-order now!!!!

Love me a medieval knight!
A man who is not afraid to thwart King John!
And how 'bout a countess who does the same thing?
THEN?
John throws her in a dungeon…and all kinds of nasty things happen.
Then...good things!!!
I know.
You need to know more, more, more!
HERE WE GO!
Cover--yum.
Blurb--delish.

Defying his king, Geoffrey St. Claire invades a dungeon to save the woman he loves from cruel death. This time, he vows, he will save her and make her love him—or die trying.Countess Katherine Harleigh knew her refusal to become King John's lover courted his punishment. But she never thought he'd try to starve her. Cast into a dungeon—widowed, alone and disgraced—Kat fears no one can save her. Not even the one knight who always promised to love and protect her.Geoffrey St. Claire serves his Sire as loyally as a sane man can. But when John imprisons the one woman Geoff has always adored, he risks his lands and his life to ride to her rescue. Yet, he knows she will never welcome his aid. She hates him too much for deserting her years ago. But he will not leave her this time.Now, Geoff plans to save her from death and despair, nurse her back to health and then persuade her to love him as wholly as she once did. Seduction in her bath, her bed, her chamber is his only method and he prays he can restore her love for him before John appears with an army to take her from him once more…this time, forever.
Pre-order linkie do! http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2293

Sabrina York roars out with LUST ETERNAL from EC! Licking my lips!!!

Lust Eternal by Sabrina YorkFor thousands of years, Keeshan has waited. A curse put him in the lamp, damning him to an eternity of pleasing the women who find it. Each time, the women enter the lamp, ensnared in a web of lust and love. And each time, just as he grows to care, the women leave.
But Aimalee is different somehow. With her, Keeshan’s desire knows no bounds—he needs to be with her, inside her, every second she’s there, like an addict who just can’t get enough. Eventually she’ll leave just like the others but until then, Keeshan plans to indulge her every sinful urge. And maybe, just maybe, she’s the key to breaking the curse.
Inside Scoop: This paranormal romance features a plus-size heroine and a hero who worships her curves.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave 

Lust Eternal is available at Ellora’s Cave       

For thousands of years, Keeshan has waited. A curse put him in the lamp, damning him to an eternity of pleasing the women who find it. Each time, the women enter the lamp, ensnared in a web of lust and love.    And each time, just as he grows to care, the women leave.     But Aimalee is different somehow. With her, Keeshan’s desire knows no bounds—he needs to be with her, inside her, every second she’s there, like an addict who just can’t get enough. Eventually she’ll leave just like the others but until then, Keeshan plans to indulge her every sinful urge. And maybe, just maybe, she’s the key to breaking the curse.     Inside Scoop: This paranormal romance features a plus-size heroine and a hero who worships her curves.A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Lust Eternal is available at Ellora’s Cave      By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, please exit this site.   An Excerpt From:      LUST   ETERNALCopyright © SABRINA YORK, 2013All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.Aimalee picked up a clipboard and pretended to scan the sheet on top. “I have to get back to work. Did you want anything else?”   “There was one other thing. Carter asked if you could, you know, not come tonight.”   “Not come tonight?” Aimalee whirled around and gaped at Sorcha. She’d been working on this display for months, utterly devoted to this project for years. She’d been so looking forward to showing off her work, presenting her findings. She’d even bought a new dress for heaven’s sake.   That happened, maybe, once a decade or so.   "It’s going to be quite a crush. All the big benefactors will be there. And you are…” Sorcha made a scornful little flourish with slender fingers. Her expression said it all—mousy. Aimalee knew it to be true. She knew what she was. But having Sorcha point it out rankled.  “This is my display.”  “Sure. Do what you need to set it up but then make yourself scarce. Be out of there by seven. ’Kay?”   Sorcha pinned on a dazzling smile. “I told him you’d understand.”  With that she spun on her Jimmy Choos and waltzed from the room, elegantly swinging between boxes and crates and piles of books, leaving Aimalee sitting at her worktable, reeling with shock and repressed rage.  Make yourself scarce.  The mandate of her entire existence.  The fuck she wasn’t coming tonight. She’d worked far too long, far too hard on her dissertation, on this presentation, to simply fade into the background now when it was all coming to fruition. This was her baby. Oh, she’d be there. Come hell or high water.  Without thinking, without redonning her protective gloves—a monumental no-no in the museum world—Aimalee picked up the lamp and a cleaning cloth and began to polish her treasure. A deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure spiked through her, assuaging her annoyance.  Okay, so her love life was more than a little disappointing and frustrating. And yes, her professional prospects were limited but at least she loved her work. Really loved her work…  She renewed her invigorated scrubbing on that one smudge that just wouldn’t wipe away.Imagine the gall. Asking her to miss the night of her life so Sorcha could stand in the limelight at Carter’s side and reap the rewards.  Aimalee rubbed harder and faster, fury rising like a chained beast in her belly. A red tide descended, blurring her vision. Everything beyond the lamp faded. The world beyond her passion, her work, dissolved.   She’d had enough of this.  Enough hiding her relationship.  Enough elicit, hurried trysts.  Enough secrets.  Enough—  Her movements slowed as a strange sensation crawled down her spine from her neck to her solar plexus. It pooled in her womb. Her fingers and toes began to tingle. Throb. Prickles of excitement and anticipation skittered over her skin. Her body warmed, softened, dampened.  Her hand flew to her nape where gentle tendrils caressed her—like a lover’s whisper. The tingling increased and contracted and wafted inward to settle just below her pounding heart. Her essence condensed, coalesced, as light as smoke, wafting and roiling. A strange sense of unreality, of disengagement, overcame her. She closed her eyes and the dizzy sensation increased. She tried to open them again but couldn’t. She twisted, curled, floated in the ether. A great whooshing sensation rocked her consciousness, sucking her into a smaller and smaller space. A dark place.  And then an eerie silence, a supreme stillness, descended.                            * * * * *  Slowly, she came to herself. She glanced around in a befuddled daze and stilled. She was no longer in her familiar workroom but in a lavish boudoir, a seraglio swathed in gauzy, flowing drapes. Glowing braziers wreathed in aromatic smoke lit the room with a dim, somnambulant light. The velvet cushions she reclined upon teased her sensitive skin. With a start, she realized she was utterly naked. A shiver coursed through her. What on earth had happened? Where was she?  But before she could work it out, a billow of iridescent fog roiled before her. Aimalee stared, transfixed as the cloud slowly coalesced into human form. A man.  A very large man.  She tipped back her head and their gazes met, clashed. His eyes glowed with a scorching fervor. A bolt of electricity shot through her.  His features were stark, a savage beauty etched with a desperate hunger—high, striking cheekbones and wide, sensuous lips. Dark hair curled gently about his face and neck. A sudden desire to comb those silky skeins skittered through her.  Aimalee swallowed heavily. Her avaricious attention trailed down across brown shoulders and powerful arms. His chest was bare and broad and ridged. It rippled at the mere touch of her gaze.  He stood, legs slightly apart, bunching thighs taut as though he were about to spring forward but was holding himself back with great effort. Strength, power and passion rolled off him in waves.  But for metal cuffs about his wrists and neck, he was naked.  Oh. And he was aroused. Magnificently and tremendously aroused.  The sight of his jutting, throbbing member made her heart clench. A strange heat pooled in her womb when she noticed the pearlescent drop glistening at the tip of his cock.  He was, in a word, ready.  Then again, so was she.  And then he spoke—a deep, mellifluous voice that resonated straight through to her soul.  “I’ve been waiting for you, Aimalee,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for you a very long time.”

Delightful praise for my a quatre, HIS DELECTABLE COOK, Regency!

"Clever twist on a revenge story..."

"De Land mixes the intrigue of the revenge story with delightful and deliciously decadent sexual encounters, a touch of domination and voyeurism as well as several encounters with more than one partner.   This is a quick and steamy read that has something for every fan of the genre."
Thanks to JEEP DIVA! Here: http://www.thejeepdiva.com/2013/07/review-his-delectable-cook-by-cerise-deland.html
When Bess Deveraux secures a position as cook in the household of the delectable devil who taught her the joy of loving years ago, she shows him that she has more to offer him now that she is older, wiser and oh so eager to please all the men in his employ.Bess Deveraux learnt the joy of loving years ago at the hands of a masterful man. But her family forbade her his notorious company. Now, at the opportunity to not only find that man again but also work for him, Bess secures a position in his household.Lord Taryn Wentworth has no idea where this delightful woman has been or how she managed to stand before him as his cook, but he is determined to enjoy her, her delectable offerings—and to offer them to his male staff as well.Taryn knows his lovely cook will agree to revel in every delight he has in store for her. After all, pretty Bess is an expert not merely in the fine art of satisfying human appetites, but in the refined art of pleasing many men at once, offering up her succulent body—in the dining room, on the kitchen table, on the floor and anywhere else her fancy or her master’s leads her.Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex and the use of sex toys.
And the review????Be still my heart.

"Bess Deveraux has had a difficult life, and been in hiding for several years.  Lord Taryn Wentworth, an admitted rogue and debauched newly minted Earl is hiring new staff. When Bess arrives to apply for a position in the household, the sparks and sexual tension is off the chains!A clever twist on a revenge story, Bess and Wentworth were lovers before she disappeared.  Her sexual appetites match his and her responses to his dominant approach and delight in her favors is readily apparent and well presented.  De Land mixes the intrigue of the revenge story with delightful and deliciously decadent sexual encounters, a touch of domination and voyeurism as well as several encounters with more than one partner.   This is a quick and steamy read that has something for every fan of the genre.
Bess Deveraux has had a difficult life, and been in hiding for several years.  Lord Taryn Wentworth, an admitted rogue and debauched newly minted Earl is hiring new staff. When Bess arrives to apply for a position in the household, the sparks and sexual tension is off the chains!A clever twist on a revenge story, Bess and Wentworth were lovers before she disappeared.  Her sexual appetites match his and her responses to his dominant approach and delight in her favors is readily apparent and well presented.  De Land mixes the intrigue of the revenge story with delightful and deliciously decadent sexual encounters, a touch of domination and voyeurism as well as several encounters with more than one partner.   This is a quick and steamy read that has something for every fan of the genre."BUY HERE: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2207

THE TURNING, A Dr. Kelly Murphy Novel, debuts! Erin R. Flynn gives us a bite!

The TurningA Dr. Kelly Murphy Novel
Now Available at Amazon

Graduate medical school, start competitive internship, don’t get cut from the program, become a surgeon. It was a great plan. One Kelly Murphy loved and had dreamed of most of her life… And it was blown to hell in a night with an uninvited bite.
Now she’s missing three days of her life, trying to handle her freaked out best friend and parents who called the police when she went missing, all as she realizes she’s not the same person she was before. She’s different. Like has fangs different.
When he shows up on her doorstep claiming to know what happened to her, Kelly’s not sure that makes things any less confusing. But at least he can guide her, right? Either way, she has a plan and a choice she didn't make won’t stop her… Even if she might have the urge to bite her patients from now on.

EXCERPT“Well then, if I had known that was what it would take to get you to kiss me, I would have opted for that sooner,” he purred. “Come to me, Kelly.”“Come to me? Who says that?” I laughed. Still I found myself crawling on my knees over to him and sitting on my feet right in front of him. I grabbed him behind the head, my other hand went on his shoulder and over to his back. The kiss I gave him was one of my personal bests, if I did say so myself.“I felt that all through my body. Wow,” he whispered against my lips. That reaction caused me to move around him and start to touch his back. Slowly I started to rub his wonderful, firm muscles. “I have never had a woman touch my back like that. Where did you learn to do this?”“I had a friend in high school who was training to teach people how to be a masseuse. He needed people to practice with and I offered. I learned a lot that way.”“Well my regards to your teacher.” He let out a small moan and that was my cue to go back to the card game. I took my seat on the other side of the table and dealt the cards. “Why did you stop?”“I stopped because it would have meant the end of the card game. And I was having fun kicking your over four-hundred-year-old ass,” I replied with a wink.“Really? Well maybe I should pick up my game a bit. Gin.” He gave me another smirk that made me want to stomp my foot like a little kid. “And I’d like my kiss.”“I choose the shot, and if you want a kiss, get your ass over here,” I grumbled like a sore loser. And with that his lips were on mine much faster than I could move. If I could still breathe, it would have taken my breath away. I couldn’t help myself, when he pulled away I pulled him right back and took a deeper kiss. “That one was for free.”“I appreciate it. My deal.” Then he took the cards and tucked my hair behind my ear before he went back to his side of the table. “Are you drunk yet?”“Almost, you?” I asked, grinning like a fool. The man did know how to kiss, I’d give him that.“Yes, hence my switching to removing my clothes in front of you. I really am sure I have never played strip gin before.” He snorted, laughing at his own joke. “I like it and you. Are you upset I turned you?”“I don’t know yet, to be determined. Let’s leave it alone for tonight,” I answered honestly as I grabbed another card. Looking at my hand, I wiggled my eyebrows at him. “Gin, and no kiss this time” After several minutes, and a few more rounds, I was so drunk I started to opt for removing clothing and Brain was down to his boxers. “I’m enjoying the view from over here very, very much.”“The same goes for me. Gin, and I want my kiss,” he chuckled as he showed me his cards. I took off a sock and leaned over the table for a quick kiss. “That does not count as a kiss. That was a peck.” This time I gave him a real kiss that gave me chills all over my body. “Now that was a kiss, Kelly, one I would like to repeat as often as possible.”I lost the next three rounds. Took one shot, then removed my other sock, and jeans very slowly while watching Brian watching me. I thought I saw drool before I said, “Brian, come here and claim your kiss. Unless you don’t want one now that I’m down to bra and thong?”Again, in an instant he was by me, but this time he also picked me up in his arms. I wrapped mine around his neck when he didn’t kiss me immediately. Brian first kissed the base of my throat and worked his way up my neck, little by little. Then he started nibbling on my ear, running his tongue all around it. The moan I let out seemed to be the green light Brian needed to make his move. He had me in my bedroom and on my bed so fast the room blurred.“I want to feel your body beneath me, Kelly. More than I ever wanted to feel a woman’s body. Mo mhile stór,” he hissed while unclasping my bra. Once gone, he had one hand in my hair and the other caressing my chest.“What does that mean?” I asked, letting out a loud groan. He lowered his head to mine, looked right in my eyes, and then touched our lips ever so softly.“It means my thousand treasures. My darling, I want to kiss every inch of your body.” And he did. Each touch and each kiss made me shiver. “Why are you trembling?”“Your hands and kisses are driving me insane,” I panted, even if I didn’t need the air anymore. It seemed old habits really did die hard. “They are cold and everything feels so sensitive. It’s never been like this before.” It seemed he had my panties and his boxers off at the same time. His hands spread my thighs. Then his fingers were everywhere, inside of me while also playing with my sensitive nub. Brian’s mouth and tongue sucked and licked my nipples while my hands grasped his hair as I held on for the ride.After I finished my earth shattering orgasm, I quickly flipped us over so this time I was on top. “Thank you,” I whispered then nibbled on his ear, kissed my way down his neck and chest. I licked all around his perfect abs just to tease him before I took him in my hand.“Rath Dé ort! You thought waiting a year was long, I have waited over a hundred,” he yelled. I knew he was telling the truth since there was no cold wave. “Please do not stop, I love the way you touch me. I love the way you kiss me. Go raibh maith agat, go raibh maith agat!” After he finished, I rolled off him and lay against him as he gently played with my hair and kissed me softly.“What does that all mean?” I asked quietly while rubbing his chest. It was completely smooth, firm, toned, and hairless.“I said god bless you, and thanked you over and over again for giving me such great pleasure. I do have an insatiable appetite, I should warn you. I want more,” he said with a smile and his eyes gleamed. I could spend weeks looking into Brian’s eyes and still never see everything there was to him. I was still thinking about that when he rolled on top of me, wrapped my thigh around his hip, and entered me slowly.
Behind the Scenes
Ø  What is your favorite type of Hero/Heroine to write about? Why?I don’t really have a favorite.  I like writing characters from all walks of life… But I will say that at least one main character always has a large part of me in them. For instance some quirk or flaw that is just very me. Kelly in particular, I have a lot in common with. We’re both middle children who have very complicated relationships with our eldest sibling. She and I both like rules… As long as they make sense. If they don’t, we buck and we bitch until the rules adjust accordingly or we flat out break them!
Ø  Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series.It was actually the first book I ever wrote long before I was ever published and revamped/edited recently when I revisited the project. I sat down to write it the day I lost another job I hated in corporate America in a shit economy because the company went under… And wrote for over 24 hours, finished the 100+k book in under 2 weeks and immediately started on the sequel. Finishing the rough draft of this novel was one of the proudest moments of my life. I’d never completed any of my stories/writings before besides class assignments, thinking they weren’t good enough to continue and finally I let the negativity go and focused on the story. Ø 
What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?That’s really subjective I’d say. I mean, none to me, but in all fairness any book with a vampire main character. None have my spin and direction for sure. Let me change that up and say I was asked to give the rundown of what shows or movies I blended for the book, not plot, but according to genre, vibe, and dynamic. It took me a while to answer but after a while I ended up with Greys Anatomy and Underworld with a VERY, VERY slight sprinkling of The Prince and Me. They just laughed and agreed that wasn’t a combo they had ever heard of before.
Ø  What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?Besides the obvious no shititems like computer, printer, paper, keyboard, etc… I’d say duct tape for when they want to snap back at reviews or stupid comments posted by other authors, something to throw at the wall when their characters misbehave, and lots of migraine medicine because while this is art, it is a job and it’s frustrating a lot of the time.
Ø  Where do you as an author draw the line on gory descriptions and/or erotic content?Oh fuck… There’s a line? Shit. No one told me that! Damn, it would have been nice to know when I walked over it… It wouldn’t have stopped me, but I would have waved at least or something!
I don’t believe in lines. Actually, that’s not true, I DO believe in certain lines. There won’t ever be rape for titillation, bestiality, incest, Yaoi, underage sex, etc in ANY of my books. Not ever. Other than those, I don’t believe in lines. I don’t do cookie cutter stories, and keeping things inside of the coloring lines or in a box is the same thing. I close my eyes during the scary parts of a movie because it’s not my thing. I skip ahead in books when they’re into something sexual I’m not. It happens. Not every reader is going to like every page or scene in a 105,000 word book. That doesn’t mean the author should curb the whole story and make it blander. (Can you tell this is a sensitive topic I’m passionate about?)
The way we ended up with new genres is that someone decided they weren’t sticking with the way things were or doing what they were told. I applaud that and to me if I do anything else I’m selling out. I write the story where it takes me, not to what is the middle of the road path that will keep the most people bored. If I’ve not shocked a reader at least once with something in the book, I’ve not done my job and I deserve a spanking.

About
Growing up on the northwest side of Chicago, Erin is a loyal Cubs fan, but she also admits to being a die-hard Green Bay Packers girl. From target practice to candle making, she enjoys an eclectic list of hobbies that feed her outgoing and creative personality.
Feeling unfulfilled with her life in corporate America, Erin decided to pursue her true passion, and her first novella was published in May 2010 under the pseudonym Joyee Flynn. To date, she has published over 70 books in the erotic romance genre, and her dedicated readers eagerly await each installment to her numerous bestselling series. Wanting to give her characters a bit more action, mystery, and adventure, Erin decided to branch out from romance and her Joyee pen name to create successful, strong, independent women with a paranormal twist.
Living near the Rocky Mountains, Erin spends her days curled up on the overstuffed chair with a Mountain Dew and her 8 year old Weimaraner, Marius, at her feet, telling the stories her characters whisper in her ear.  Her love of the written word hasn’t changed much over the years. The only difference is that she no longer has to hide in her closet to read after bedtime.
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog

Ella Jade Announces Surrender to Me, new release! Yum yum cover!

I’m pleased to announce the release of Surrender to Me, the sequel to Make Me Stay.


What happens when a Dominant falls for his not-so-submissive attorney?
Martin Abrams, owner of Master M's BDSM club, has become unfulfilled with his lifestyle. Ever since his sub, Gracie, left to marry her true love, Martin has lost his way. Living the life of the head Dominant in his circle isn't as appealing as it once was. Something seems to be missing.
Sassy lawyer Arianna Covington relocates to New York City after a humiliating divorce. She's looking for a fresh start when she agrees to become Martin's exclusive attorney. She's intrigued by his domineering personality and wants to know why women kneel at his feet.
Their attraction is undeniable despite Ari's initial beliefs that she will never submit to Martin's desires. But Martin is up for the challenge. Arianna is more than he ever imagined in a woman. He vows to claim her heart, with or without the games. Who will surrender first?
Featuring Cade and Gracie from Make Me Stay.Beachwalk Press Buy Link

Check out the hot and sexy trailer for a peek into the plot.

Excerpt “All the subs act that way around you?” Arianna asked.“It’s the only way they know. It’s what’s expected of them.”“I don’t understand how any woman would bow down like that. It’s not normal.”“Maybe not for you.” Martin understood Arianna’s position. Most who didn’t participate in a Dominant and submissive relationship didn’t get it.“It’s degrading. She can’t use the phone. She’s a grown woman.”“Arianna, this is a lifestyle you can’t possibly comprehend because you know nothing about it. A submissive gets just as much as he or she gives. The arrangement they enter into with a Dom is consensual. Roxy is not forced into being here. Her Dom respects and cares for her. She has a very good life.”“He punishes her.”“When she disobeys. It’s in her contract.”“A contract that can’t possibly be enforced in court.”“Spoken like a true lawyer.” He finished his scotch. “The contract is to protect them both. It lists what is expected of a sub and what the Dominant’s responsibilities are. They outline hard and soft limits. We create a safe, sane, and consensual environment, and that contract maintains trust between the two parties. As long as it is upheld between the parties involved that’s all that matters.”“To each his own, I suppose.” She shrugged. “I’m your real estate attorney. What you do here is none of my business.”Then why are you here, kitten?“I’m very open, Arianna. If you have questions, I’ll be happy to answer them. People should be educated in my lifestyle. It isn’t as uncommon or bizarre as you may think.” He reached for her hand. “I hope you won’t judge me without getting to know me.”“Um, no.” She looked down at their joined hands. He liked the way her cheeks turned colors when he flustered her. “Of course not. This whole environment is different. It’s going to take some getting used to.”“I understand.” He ran his thumb over the soft skin of her hand. “If you’d prefer not to meet here anymore—”“It’s not a problem.”“Very well.” He smiled because as he suspected she wanted to be there. “Will you join me for dinner?”Martin couldn’t remember the last time he’d asked a woman to have dinner with him. He usually just summoned a sub when he was in the mood for company. Gracie was the last woman he’d spent any time with at all. Perhaps it was time to explore his options. Obviously, Arianna would be different than the women he dealt with, but he liked the change. When Gracie left him for Cade everything changed. He hadn’t been interested in another sub. As a matter of fact, he hadn’t been interested in another woman until now.“I’d love to join you for dinner, Mr. Abrams.”“I’d like you to call me Martin.” Allowing people to use his name wasn’t a privilege he granted often, but everything was different with her. He stood from the bar and picked up her briefcase. “I hope you like Italian. I ordered enough for six people. I wasn’t sure what you would want.”“Italian is fine.” She took his extended hand and walked to the back of the club with him. “Why didn’t you just wait and ask what I would want?”“I’m not used to asking.” He motioned for her to take a seat in the huge u-shaped booth that overlooked the Manhattan skyline.“Oh, Martin.” She giggled. He liked the way his name tumbled off her lips. “You have a lot to learn about non-submissive women.”

Surrender to Me is the sequel to Make Me Stay but both books stand alone so the reader can choose to read either one first. You may want to start with Make Me Stay to get the back story.
Both Books available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and AREElla Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.
You can find Ella here…http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hl

Chrissy Szarek tells us about Hearing Voices of Her Characters! Woo-woo or Oh, yeah?

So, the first time I told my husband my characters talk to me, he told me “They have meds for that.” I just had to giggle. Even though he’s my other half, he struggles to understand me as a writer. It’s difficult. In my experience, that’s pretty common. No one else except another writing can understand fully.  But that’s all right. Because I can still share my stories with the world, whether people like them or not. When people ask me how I decide what to write about, or how a particular story goes, it boils down to this: My characters tell me more often than I decide.I am a pantser, which means I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t plot. I just sit down and write and hope the words flow. Sometimes they do. Sometimes I struggle. Sometimes I think I know what’s going to happen, and they throw me for a loop. Sometimes I’m write and the story follows the lines I assumed they would. But so far, if I listen to them, they let me know what the story will be.  Promise I’m not crazy!When I’ve tried to plot, I haven’t been all that successful. I made decisions and when the story changed, I didn’t deal with the change in my structure. It just stressed me out. So I had to convince myself the way I have been doing things, my process, isn’t wrong. That every writer is different. And that’s OKAY!Whatever works to get the words on the page is the correct way.I guess that’s what I would tell other writers: Don’t mess with what’s not broken.You know how I said my characters talk to me? Well, sometimes they can be difficult. As in…they won’t/don’t SHUT UP! Or give me peace of any kind.One in particular, Cole, the hero of Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book One) feels as if he should be the center of my universe. When I was writing the book, he haunted my dreams. One might think that’s helpful to a pantser like me, but he wouldn’t let me even think about anything else! I suppose it’s handy that he’s so hot. 6’4, black hair, gray eyes, and of course all the right muscles. Hehehe. He’s funny, too, which is always a plus.But I figured I would get relief when I was done with the book. Not so much. I KEPT dreaming about him, and his heroine, Andi. The positive thing in all that is, I suppose that they gave me the idea for a very cute Christmas story!When I moved on to start book two, Cole insisted he needed an “important” role in the book, so for all those who read CF and like him, be assured you will see him in book 2.I’ve always been a writer, but the road to publication has been an adventure. I’m so glad I get to share what’s in my head with readers! READ ON FOR A NIBBLE OF HER NEWEST!
Where to find C.A.: Facebook: www.facebook.com/caszarekWebsite: www.caszarek.comBlog: www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.comTwitter: @caszarek
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815085.C_A_SzarekEmail: ca@caszarek.com
Bio: C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. 
She works with kids when she’s not writing.
She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.Sword's Call (King’s Riders Book One) is C.A.'s first book, and published by Gypsy Shadow Publishing. C.A. Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book 1), published by Total-E-Bound Publishing and was released June 28, 2013.
Buylink from TEB: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2180&utm_source=focusonfirststrategy&utm_medium=authorpromo&utm_campaign=collisionforce

Copyright, 2013, C.Z. Szarek: All rights reserved

Blurb:Book one in the Crossing Forces series
Bad boy FBI agent and feisty widowed police detective collide pursuing a human trafficker in small town Texas on their way to true love.
Bad boy, married to his job FBI agent Cole Lucas always gets his man. So when the unthinkable happens and one gets away, Cole grits his teeth and hunts human trafficker Carlo Maldonado all the way to Antioch, Texas, where he collides with Detective Andi MacLaren.
Cole doesn’t do small towns and doesn’t get involved with women he works with, but Andi tempts him in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge.
Two murders, her partner shot and leading the investigation on her own, the last thing Andi needs is a cocky FBI agent who sees her as no more than a tagalong.
Widow and single mother Andi is used to being on her own. When Cole gets stuck without a place to stay, crashing on her couch puts them in dangerous territory.
Attraction and passion bring Andi to a place she’d left behind when her husband died. Her three-year-old son quickly wiggles his way into Cole’s heart, and he starts contemplating things—family, love—that he’d never planned for himself.
Can being forced to work together make them stronger or will their differences jeopardise their case and their hearts?


Excerpt One:Cole cursed. He stared into the rear-view mirror in the busy parking lot, but saw nothing. He’d been so close this time. The damn local police were breathing down his neck, and thatwas the last thing he wanted…or needed. Cooperation, my ass. They needed to get the hell out of his case. He’d been too involved for too long, and he wasn’t about to let some Podunk police chief tell him what to do.Not to mention that dumbass detective getting himself shot. Cole didn’t need the locals piecing it all together. He had to wrap up a few things before letting them in on his case. Full disclosure wasn’t on his list at all.That bastard Maldonado had got away from him. Even two months later, that still chapped. But he’d tracked him here and been in town a few weeks with no clues. Until the shooting. Two goons dead and a police detective shot twice. And Maldonado had slipped back into the shadows. Cole’s gut told him the coward was still in town… He hadn’t—or couldn’t—move on. But where the hell was he?Cole’s cell phone rang, yanking him from his thoughts.“Lucas,” he said.“Where the hell are you?” Olivia Barnes, his supervisor, barked at him. “Chief Martin called screaming at me. He said you told him to kiss your ass? What the hell, Cole? I told you to cooperate with them.” Cole snorted. Chief Martin had misquoted him, but not by much.“I don’t need them, Olivia.”“Oh, don’t Olivia me. This was an order from higher up. Get that through your thick skull, dammit. Get to that station and make nice. Now.” Cole sighed. His boss didn’t respond. Though her tone had brooked no argument, he’d been tempted to tell her to kiss his ass. It wasn’t like his record wasn’t tainted, and it wouldn’t have been the first time he’d told her off. But he held his tongue. He was damn good at his job, and Olivia knew it. Cole would play along, for now.“All right,” he answered. Olivia was silent on the other end of the phone. Too silent.“All right?”“You’ve ordered me, correct?” Cole said dryly. He could almost hearher eyes narrow.“Just like that?”“Just like that. C’mon, Liv, I can be a good boy.”She harrumphed. “Okay. Go kiss Chief Martin’s ass.”“Can’t promise that, but I will go to the station.”“Good. I can’t afford any more damage control, Agent Lucas.” Uh oh, Agent Lucas? “Sounds like a warning.”“It is.” Olivia lowered her voice. “I don’t want to have to yank you off the case, Cole.” Like that would happen. “I’ll call you later.” She started to say something, but he ended the call imagining her outraged expression—one he was quite familiar with. He smirked. Yes, he would play along…for now.The drive to the station was short, but didn’t alleviate his irritation with the whole damn situation. He slammed the car door and winced, berating himself. He loved this car. Cole patted the hood in apology, admiring the brand new, deep metallic blue Dodge Challenger. It looked mean as hell. Like it was made for him. He’d even contemplated keeping it when this was all over.He groaned when he took in the smallish Antioch, Texas police station, but headed inside. The asshole desk sergeant practically growled when he introduced himself, as did Chief Martin over the intercom. He ran into the female, literally, right after Sergeant Asshole-of-the-year had finally acknowledged his existence and buzzed him into the back. And although his head smarted, seeing a beautiful woman was the highlight of his morning.“Whoa, sorry,” she said, smiling. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she had the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. She was tall and slender, and he liked what he saw. She was wearing a white button-down dress shirt and snug khaki pants, and the outfit was somehow incredibly sexy. Cole almost missed the paddle holster at her waist, but when he saw it, he couldn’t help but admire her subtly rounded hips. Her badge was on a chain around her neck, swaying gently with her movements. A detective.“No, I’m sorry. You all right?” he answered, trying to tear his eyes away.“Sure. You?” He nodded. Cole bent and helped her retrieve the scattered case file contents. He latched onto a crime scene photo. Not only was she a detective, she was working his case—the pictures were all-too-familiar evidence. No doubt the local case was tied to his. He bit back a cringe.“Ah, I don’t think we’ve met.” They both straightened and she thanked him for his help. He tried not to stare at the items in her arms.“Oh, I guess not. Detective Andi MacLaren. Nice to meet you.” She held out her right hand, but he couldn’t help but glance at her left before accepting her shake. No wedding ring. Good.“Andi, huh?” He met her eyes.“Well, it’s Andrea, but not even my mother calls me that.” She smiled. Instinct told him she was a no muss, no fuss, hard-working kind of girl. Not overly feminine, but extremely appealing. A smattering of freckles spread across her high cheekbones and trailed over her nose. She wore little or no makeup—that drew him as well. Not his normal type at all, but gorgeous.“And you are?” she prompted. Cole jolted to attention. He’d been staring. And she looked as if she was oblivious. Should that bother him? Yes. Women always noticed him.“Special Agent Cole Lucas, FBI.” Her eyes widened, then she flashed a grin that could have only been called impish. It rivalled one he was known to give from time to time. “You’reAgent Lucas? You’ve had Chief in a tizzy all morning.” Was that admiration in her tone? He smiled back. “Guilty,” he admitted, winking at her.“Agent Lucas,” Chief Martin shouted from the doorway to his office. Cole caught Detective MacLaren’s eye and shrugged. “Guess I’m being summoned.” She chuckled. “Hope to catch you later…Andi.” He flashed a grin, then trotted towards the angry police chief before she could answer.

TODAY! HIS DELECTABLE COOK: in the dining room, on the kitchen table, on the floor...

Because you need a nibble!

            I am so delighted to debut my cover for my late Regency-early Victorian, HIS DELECTABLE COOK. Don't you think this is wonderful? Lickable? Tempting?            The story stars a young woman who answers an advert for a position as cook to the new earl.            Does she know he is such a rogue?            Does she anticipate that he likes to share his women with his staff and his younger brothers?            Might our little cook relish the very idea?
            You must come and learn.            No date yet for this single release. But it is in the anthology, AT YOUR SERVICE, for Total-e-bound.com released June 30!Need a nibble?Of course you do!Copyright, Cerise DeLand 2013.
     "Bess Deveraux stood before her new employer, prim as a blushing bride, which she most definitely was not, and proud as the virago she wished to become. And all because the man she faced was precisely the type of master she had yearned for since she first discovered the joys her body could give her six long years ago. He embodied all the essential qualities she desired in a lord and master: He was handsome, self-possessed, filthy rich and scandal-ridden. At the moment, he was also astonished at her appearance before him. The tick in his left cheek told that tale.     “Mrs O’Brien assures me you are qualified for my household.” Lord Taryn Wentworth sat, loose-boned, maddeningly louche, in a large leather chair examining her from across his sun-dappled library.Betty flushed with pride at her accomplishment to jump the gauntlet of the acerbic housekeeper and appear before him as the woman’s choice for the cook’s position. The servant had riddled her with questions for hours about her previous experience and her employers.   “She informs me you are experienced with supper parties and balls.” One long well-muscled leg across the other, Wentworth pursed his full lips together as his searing sapphire eyes assessed her chin, her throat and her bosom in the cook’s shapeless white attire.   At his gravelly base voice, Betty refrained from shifting on her feet as her nipples peaked high and hard against the rough cotton of her new uniform. She was so right not to have donned a corset this morning. Nor worn any pantalets. After all, she had taken this position to be free of all social restraints.   “Betty!” Mrs. O’Brien chastised her to respond to the man who had recently inherited this Mayfair house, an older pile in Dorset, an earldom and twenty thousand a year income. “Do answer his lordship.”   Betty locked eyes with him, the rogue. “I was not aware it was a question.”   “Careful, girl,” O’Brien growled.   Betty caught his lordship fighting a smile. “Yes, of course. Pardon me, Went— “ No, not so familiar, Bess!“Sorry, my lord. I am very accomplished at preparing party menus. Game, beef, puddings.”   “Red snapper?”   Betty suppressed a chuckle at his lewd reference. How like the scoundrel to try to make her laugh. “I have it on good authority that my fish is superbly prepared. Always in a savoury sauce.”   He rubbed his lower lip with the tip of one index finger. “How are your sweet things?”   When properly prepared? “They melt in your mouth.”   “Tempting,” he conceded with a tour of her body from generous breasts to tiny waist and the length of her legs. She had heard his eyes could scald and titillate. Her cunny swelled with the proof. “And what of your cakes? Do you work with chocolate?”   “I can bake one for you, my lord.”   “Frosted?”    Irritable and commanding this morning, are we, my lord Wentworth? Hmm. “Of course. Marzipan. Vanilla glaze. Whatever you—“   “What do you do with strawberries? Peaches?”   The devil. Her nipples pebbled like strawberries. Eager to have those luscious lips of his sucking them. And her peaches? She squeezed her pussy walls together. Yes. Her peaches were plump and ready to be bitten into. “Such delicacies, I offer ripe and sugared with—”   “Ices?” he cut her off with a narrowing of his sparkling eyes and a shift in his chair.   Uncomfortable, my lord?  This is your fault, you realize. You did ask. “Yes. Sculptured, my lord. Swans, birds and—“   “I see,” he said though what he was looking at was her nipples peaking against the muslin uniform.    “Where did you learn to carve ice?”   “In the house where I grew up, my dearest friend was the cook.”   His cool façade fell from his face at hearing this tidbit. “Was your friend, the sculptress, also expert with her dishes?”   “A fine chef, my lord. My father became enchanted with her finesse and claimed no one could make a soufflé that compared. I learned much from her.”   “Such as?”   Ah. You taunt me at your own risk, Wentworth. “She declared if one fed a man what he loved, he would return, hungry forevermore.”   “Astute of her.” He, over the shock of gazing at her heart-shaped face and limpid eyes, grew more relaxed. Even jovial.   “True, my lord.” Betty rocked back on her heels, bolder now that she had him in conversation. “She was most particular instructing me on how to prepare any organ from a large animal, most especially his brain.”   He arched a brow at her. “For example, what?”   “How to tenderize a big piece of meat.” She used her hands illustrating her passion to pull and draw on one specific part of a male animal.   O’Brien cleared her throat.   Betty clasped her hands behind her back, rising on her toes and thrusting out her heavy breasts. “I roast a succulent duck, as well. Do you like duck, my lord?”   “I appreciate all things succulent, Betty.” He flashed a smile at her, a rueful twitch of that libertine’s mouth. One Bess had to trace and taste very soon. “Leave us, Mrs. O’Brien.”   “My lord, I depart here in the morning for the house in Dorset as you requested,” the housekeeper bit off her words, miffed at her dismissal from this interview, “but I have not yet discussed the menu with her for tomorrow evening and with a new butler and footman—“   “I will tell her what to serve.” Wentworth waved the woman toward the door, though his gaze locked on Betty’s. “She will inform you after I am done with her. You may go to your duties, Mrs. O’Brien.”