Sara Brookes's Blog, page 26

Six Sentence Sunday – 8/19

Thought I’d share six sentences from my very first published book, Flash of Dark – an Urban Fantasy Romance and one of my non-erotic titles.

“A delicate woman such as yourself will have a very bruised jaw right about now from the meaty fist of a certain unruly patron.” He nudged the bag of frozen vegetables in front of me and gave me a speculative look.

“Shit.” I pressed the icy bag against the side of my hurt jaw and winced at the temperature against my warm  skin. I’d obviously forgotten what I had just been acutely aware of just moments ago when I walked through the crowd. Posing as a human can be a royal pain in the ass sometimes.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

New Contract News: Reclaiming the Edge

I’m pleased to announced that I’ve signed a contract with Ellora’s Cave for an Exotica Quickie titled Reclaiming the Edge. Those who enjoyed Ragged Edge and the triad of Dalton, Erin & Cade will be happy to know they’re back for a very special story!

I’ve been busy working on the next full-length story in the “Edge” series to follow Ragged Edge. While creating the story, I found the trio from Ragged Edge making a few appearances as secondary characters. The problem I ran into during one particular chapter was that the trio kept trying to take the story away from my main characters, which isn’t fair. And hence the birth of Reclaiming the Edge.

Also, since I’ve been ill since mid-July I haven’t had a lot of time to work on writing as much as I want to, which slows my progress and also means it lengthens the time before I hit the coveted “The End”. Since it’s never been my intention to make readers wait forever for the next story, Reclaiming the Edge (which is blazing hot (seriously – it’s probably the hottest thing I’ve ever written), sexy, not to mention powerful) is a special little treat for readers. Hopefully, one you’ll enjoy as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Six Sentence Sunday – 8/12

Still celebrating the recent release of Lethal Beauty with a CyberLaunch over at Author Island (stop by and you could win a book from my backlist!) and it looks as if Sway is getting quite the show…lucky her.

Dason turned, rolling over on his back so his cock stood high at attention, displayed proudly. Sway found herself drawn to his patient strokes, noticing his eyes dropped closed every time his hand traveled down to the root of his shaft.

The appeal of sitting here, simply watching him, created a hard pull of lust between her legs. It would be easier—safer—to keep away from him. The sodales bond throbbed in her belly but she felt its intensity increasing by the second.

A soft growl of pleasure drifted on the warm air of the room, targeting the growing heat between her legs.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

Six Sentence Sunday – 8/5

My newest erotic romance, Lethal Beauty, just release this past week! Sway and Dason have a wee complication that should keep them apart (imminent death and all), however, temptation never tasted so good…

 

Still smiling, Dason sucked the juice beading on the skin of the fresh slice and shook his head.

“What’s wrong?”

“I wanted to see if the fruit was as sweet as you.”

Sway relaxed, pleased to hear it wasn’t something else. “And the verdict is….”

“Undecided, I think I need to test it more.”

 

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

New Release: Lethal Beauty

It’s release day for my latest book, Lethal Beauty! There’s a release day blitz happening a various sites around the interwebz today thanks to some of my fabulous friends (all of whom I can’t live without). Some of your may not know that I’ve been sick for the past few weeks with a stomach virus that is going to take a while to shake. But it means I’m being denied one of the things I love the most-COFFEE!! What does this mean for you? I’m giving some away today instead! That’s right, comment on this post between now and Saturday, August 4th @ 7pm EST for your change to win a $15.00 Starbucks eGiftCard!

Buy Links (all links non-affiliate)

Decadent Publishing || Amazon || All Romance eBooks || Barnes & Noble

Add to your Goodreads bookshelf

As a covert operative in Elatia’s elite military, Sway Waybourne is used to fending for herself. But a powerful uprising means she’s now responsible for guarding the leader of a neighboring planet. Within seconds of meeting Dason Cavaletti, sparks fly and Sway realizes she’s gotten more than she bargained for.

Dason is curious about the arousal taking over his mind, body, and soul. When he can no longer stand the overwhelming desire, he confronts Sway. But the disturbing news she delivers isn’t at all what he expected. Mating with the gorgeous woman could kill him….

WARNING: Sarcasm galore from a fiery heroine who can take care of herself thank-you-very-much. She won’t take anyone’s guff—even from the leader of the free universe no matter how handsome he is. A unique genetic quirk leads to inventive foreplay, one blazing hot hands-on session in the bathtub and a gender bending encounter that signals this ain’t your father’s Star Trek.

No redshirts were harmed while writing this novel. 

Meet Dason from Lethal Beauty

Now that you’ve met Sway, it’s time to meet the Emperor. He’s found himself in a most…unusual predicament, but like a true leader he carries on. Well, as best as he can.

An Excerpt From: LETHAL BEAUTY

Copyright © SARA BROOKES, 2012

All Rights Reserved, Decedent Publishing

Dason Cavaletti eyed the busy port. He wondered what idiot had chosen this ingenious location as a rendezvous point. Surely there had to be a locality better suited for a secure exchange. He’d spent most of the trip annoyed he’d been forced to leave in the first place. This whole situation, being guarded by someone else, just irritated him even more. He was perfectly capable of taking care of himself despite what most people in his employ seemed to think.

The scent of burnt metal and fire caused him to wrinkle his nose as he stood between the two members of his security forces—the ones who’d shoved him into the spaceship without his consent. They’d been silent as he’d inquired about their intent, giving him no more information than what he already knew.

A bothersome tingle at the base of his spine caught his attention. He focused on it, curious, as the sensation spread and warmed him through and through.

The awareness snaked through his body, traveling through his veins with swift efficiency.

The captain of the ship tapped him on the shoulder. “Your Highness?”

“Yes?” The warmth in his gut deepened and pulled at him. He folded his hands in front of him in an effort to hide the growing swell at the front of his pants. A hard-on? Now? As if I don’t have enough to deal with already. The particular part of his body had acted with a mind of its own before, but he’d always had better control of it. Swallowing, he forced the distraction away. “What happens now?”

“We received notice as we were landing that the Elatian military has assigned someone to your case. They’ll handle your security from now on.”

Offended, he scowled. He didn’t need protection, much less need to use a stranger to defend him. How did not knowing whom to expect fall in line with security and protection? He already didn’t know whom to trust, and this just added to his wariness.

He knew asking would just prove more frustrating and pushed his questions aside. He’d rather commend the pilot for his abilities during their frantic escape. The Pretorian rebels, determined to see him dead, had been hard to shake. There had been more than a few close calls. “Ace flying skills, Captain Dryssus. Once this all gets worked out, I’d love for you to come work for my military. We could use someone with your capabilities.”

The tall, slender man bent slightly at his waist as he smiled at the compliment. “Though it’s been a pleasure transporting you, I’m Elatian. My place is here.”

“Yes, of course. Can’t blame me for trying.” Dason’s life had taken a dramatic turn in the last twelve hours, and he’d known he would need highly skilled—and valuable—people by his side. Speaking of people…. “Who am I to meet?”

“Sway Waybourne.” The captain dipped his head and vanished back into the vessel, no doubt to take stock of the damage to his ship and get repairs underway.

What kind of name is Sway?

Six Sentence Sunday – 7/29

My next book, Lethal Beauty, releases this Wednesday, August 1 from Decadent Publishing, so have another six. Even the leader of all the free worlds needs to escape reality once in a while, right?

Lost in the euphoria, he surrendered and let himself float in the space between reality and fantasy.

She wore her uniform. Blood-red pants, tight and breathable to allow her to chase down a target. Black piping striped down the leg and matched the fitted shirt. She’d shucked her jacket so he could clearly see her hard nipples under the snug fabric, a glaring—and delightful—sign she wore no bra. He ached to feel those delicate buds under his thumbs and hear her voice raised into the screams he would pull from her.

 

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

Meet Sway from Lethal Beauty

Thought I would do something a little different leading up to Lethal Beauty’s release next Wednesday, introduce you to the two major players in the book: Lieutenant Commander Sorena “Sway” Waybourne and Emperor Dason Cavaletti. First up for intoductions? Sway. Who is getting a dressing down from her commanding officer. Uh oh. I smell trouble.

An Excerpt From: LETHAL BEAUTY

Copyright © SARA BROOKES, 2012

All Rights Reserved, Decedent Publishing

“Last time I checked, I’m not a babysitter.” Sway scowled at her commander and wondered what bug had crawled up his ass. It had to be the only explanation for the utter bullshit spewing from his lips.

His bushy black eyebrows drew together, merging to become one. There were countless jokes about those eyebrows, and she tried to think of them to ease some of her anger.

“Then I suggest you start acting like one.” His stern tone erased her efforts.

Tired of being forced into situations simply so she could atone for her past, she wondered why everyone couldn’t just get over it by now. She certainly had.

“This isn’t in my job description.”

Major Connor MacGrady shifted forward, folding his large hands together as he leaned on his elbows. “Lieutenant Commander Waybourne, you are a highly decorated covert operative. Your title alone makes you more than qualified for this job.”

“Which is babysitting.”

“You’re playing escort to Emperor Dason Cavaletti.” His finger tapped against the bright blue minnica inlay on his desk. “There have been five assassination attempts on his life in the past three days and we’ve been asked to help because our resources are the best. Since you’re on administrative leave, you’re the best selection for the job.”

“And you know that leave assignment is a complete fabrication.”

He nodded. “I do. But you know I have to follow procedures.”

More than annoyed now, she closed the space between them. “Screw the procedures, Mac. Put me back out on an op. You and I both know I belong there instead of a fluffy assignment more suited for a cadet in the academy.”

“As much as I would like to do just that, I can’t. You violated ten direct orders because you thought you knew better.”

“I do.”

“And three men on our side died because of your ego. Don’t screw up your career and let your talents go to waste because you let your mouth think for you. Get out of my sight before I discharge you completely from the Elatian Army.” When Sway continued to stand there glaring, Mac sighed heavily. “Look, just do whatever you have to do to keep him alive, safe, and happy.”

Sway lifted an eyebrow in surprise. “Anything?”

Mac lowered his voice. “As long as he stays in one piece once he’s handed over to us, I don’t care. Dismissed.”

Lethal Beauty Release Date!

Mark your calendars: Lethal Beauty will release on August 1st! Here’s the official blurb and excerpt.

As a covert operative in Elatia’s elite military, Sway Waybourne is used to fending for herself. But a powerful uprising means she’s now responsible for guarding the leader of a neighboring planet. Within seconds of meeting Dason Cavaletti, sparks fly and Sway realizes she’s gotten more than she bargained for.

Dason is curious about the arousal taking over his mind, body and soul. When he can no longer stand the overwhelming desire, he confronts Sway. But the disturbing news she delivers isn’t at all what he expected. Mating with her could kill him.

WARNING: Sarcasm galore from a fiery heroine who can take care of herself thank-you-very-much. She won’t take anyone’s guff—even from the leader of the free universe no matter how handsome he is. A unique genetic quirk leads to inventive foreplay, one blazing hot hands-on session in the bathtub and a gender bending encounter that signals this ain’t your father’s Star Trek.

No redshirts were harmed while writing this novel. 

Excerpt:

“This is…quite the situation.”

She blew out a breath as she slumped onto the far side of the mattress. “You can say that again.”

Sensing her frustration—which matched his own—he reached over and clamped his hand around her ankle. She didn’t fight as he dragged her across the bed and into his arms. “It’s not as if it’s the end of the world.”

“No. It’s just…I’m used to being able to handle any situation.”

“And you don’t know how to handle this.”

“Not really.”

“I’m sure we can come up with ideas. In fact, I’m thinking of one right now.”

“You’re going to be the death of me.”

“Way I understand, it’s the other way around.” Her laughter rang out in the room, shattering the tension. He pulled her closer, content and sated for the moment. “You’re a remarkable woman. Strong, determined, not to mention sexy as sin.”

She squirmed against him and he took it as a signal she wasn’t used to hearing such things said about her. Her reaction made him decide to shower her with attention while they were trapped together.

He was both amused and terrified by her reactions. Her extraordinary skill set was evident and he found her tenacity admirable. She possessed a vulnerability, though she clearly did her best to hide that aspect of her personality. By his guess, she thought it would show a weakness if she let others know about any flaw in her perfection. A good covert operative couldn’t have any visible flaws. Otherwise, they weren’t very good at their job.

By the looks of things so far, she was very, very good at her job.

And, for reasons he didn’t completely understand, he had begun to fall in love with her.

Six Sentence Sunday – 7/22

How about the first six from Lethal Beauty? Our heroine is not having such a good day.

“Last time I checked, I’m not a babysitter.” Sway scowled at her commander and wondered what bug had crawled up his ass. It had to be the only explanation for the utter bullshit spewing from his lips.

His bushy black eyebrows drew together, merging to become one. There were countless jokes about those eyebrows, and she tried to think of them to ease some of her anger.

“Then I suggest you start acting like one.”

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!