Jamie DeBree's Blog, page 70
January 21, 2011
Desert Heat – Released! (plus excerpt)
Yes, I'm officially declaring Desert Heat available to the public. Although I must apologize that the paperback isn't up on Amazon just yet, it will be soon. All ebooks are $2.99, and available currently through Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Smashwords . You can order a signed print copy through the Brazen Snake Books site for $10.49 (US) & $12.49 (all other countries), shipping is included as well as a digital download.
Wanna read a sample first? You can download the first three chapters in .pdf format, or you can download free samples from all of the sites linked above. Easy, peasy. But just because you're here celebrating with me today, there's an excerpt below that you won't find in any of the available samples.
Contest winners (still time to enter some – listed in Monday's post) will be announced around midnight tonight, so drop in then (or tomorrow) to see if you've won (winners will be contacted via email, twitter or FB if possible as well)!
Thanks to India Drummond for her amazing editing skills, and to Heidi Sutherlin who designs the most amazing covers ever for my books. Thanks also to Brooklyn , Erica , and Carol for beta reading and proofreading Desert Heat for me. You gals are the best – don't know what I'd do without you!
Now, without further ado – I give you an excerpt from Desert Heat.
She stood, rope in hand, and took a step toward the tree before stopping short. Damn. He'd taken his shirt off, and now she was faced with the sight of his tanned muscular back, rippling as he reached up and tested the grip with his weight. He turned around, and caught her staring. A grin spread over his lips.
"Is that for me?" His voice was low and deep, and she was completely mesmerized at his spectacular body in the daylight.
"Dr. Simco." Nell's irritated voice broke through her brief trance. "Stop drooling and give the man the rope. Good lord, what's gotten into you people?"
Marie lowered her eyes, humiliated. She, of all people, should be able to act like a professional. Her reaction to this man was just embarrassing. She handed Darren the rope, steeling herself against the desire. Not daring to meet his eyes, she strode back to her bag, taking out her water bottle as if nothing had happened.
"Here goes."
She tilted the water into her mouth before glancing back over her shoulder. Everyone watched Darren as Scott boosted him up to the first grip and then supported him as he screwed in the next. With the rope over his bare shoulder, he looked like a very hot explorer on his way to make a fantastic discovery. She capped the bottle, shaking her head at the irony. It was all true, actually - they were exploring, and they had made a discovery that could revolutionize treatment of viruses all over the world. Little had she known that they'd have an actual icon on the trip.
Finally feeling slightly less humiliated and reasonably certain her face wasn't bright red anymore, she rejoined the group, shading her eyes with one hand as she watched him climb. As those tanned muscles rippled smoothly higher into the branches, she found herself wondering why she was resisting his advances so hard. What were the odds that such a gorgeous specimen would ever want her again? He got to the branch and carefully straddled it, and then took the rope off his shoulder and unrolled it, feeding it down to Scott. He tossed the other end over the branch above him and caught the end, creating a fulcrum to pull with.
"Are you ready to come up?"
His voice wafted gently down from above, and she nodded, not sure how she would focus while being up there with him. She stepped forward and took the rope from Scott, deftly tying it into a makeshift sling that she sat in. She grabbed the first grip and looked up.
"Ready," she called, thankful that her voice was steady. The rope went taut, and she used the grips to support her weight as he pulled her up.
"That is one fine lookin' man," she heard Nell say from below. She grinned. At least she wasn't the only one affected by Darren's body. Suddenly feeling lighter, she didn't hesitate when Darren reached out to pull her the rest of the way up. She took his hand, feeling secure in his strong grip as he helped her to a position in front of him on the branch.
"Welcome aboard." His breath was warm against her neck, and she fought the urge to lean back against him. She slid forward until she was close enough to examine the plant and the way it attached to the tree.
The roots actually grew right into the tree. Old leaves and detritus had accumulated where the branch met the trunk, and from that angle it wasn't hard to ascertain that water washed nutrients from the decaying bits right over the roots of the plant.
"Like a bromeliad," she murmured, so focused on the little eco-system in front of her that she didn't feel Darren moving up until he was touching her back, his thick thighs bracketing her own.
He leaned forward, looking over her shoulder, and she couldn't help but feel his groin pressed against her buttocks. Was that his arousal she was feeling? Trying to ignore it, she went back to work, prodding gently at the surprisingly thick roots on the tiny plant.
"I hope you don't mind," he said, his face just inches from hers. "I want to watch."**Please note - comments take a few moments to appear. Refresh the page to view new comments.
January 20, 2011
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 40
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33| Ch. 34 | Ch. 35 | Ch. 36 | Ch. 37 | Ch. 38 | Ch. 39
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 40
Monica thought she'd made a mistake when the bodyguard just kept walking, ignoring her question. Maybe this wasn't the undercover agent after all, though Harley had seemed certain. Perhaps she'd just played her part too well. But if this wasn't the guy, she couldn't afford to have him running back to her father with the news that he was being set up. She decided to try a different approach. It was risky, but they were almost to the mansion and she was running out of time.
"So, Mr. Tough Guy..." she weaved a little, bumping him with her shoulder. "Hypothetically speaking, what's the biggest thing my dad has to watch out for so he doesn't get caught doing...well, you know. What he does."
He glanced at her, his eyes calculating. She met his gaze straight on, hoping he wouldn't think she was trying to trap him. Or if he did, that he'd play along anyway to prove his loyalty.
"Your husband told you to ask me that?"
They'd reached the front steps of the mansion, and she led him inside. She didn't answer until they were safely in the elevator going down. Deciding to play her hand and risk it all, she turned to face the bodyguard.
"He said you were undercover," she finally replied, dropping all pretense of intoxication. "We know he's smuggling children, babies mostly. What we don't know is what you need to lock him away for life."
Thick tension filled the small space as he stared at her with narrowed eyes, and for a long moment she thought she'd made a colossal mistake. The elevator doors opened, and she moved to exit, but he stepped around her to block her path. Her heart pounded as she backed away, stopping only when her shoulders pressed into the far wall of the car.
"Why would you set your own father up," he asked, dropping one hand to into the opposite side of his suit jacket.
Monica swallowed hard. "He's not my father," she said, noting surprise on the man's face. "According to what he told me last night, I was his first...purchase."
The hand she'd assumed was reaching for a gun reappeared with a cell phone instead. She let out the breath she'd been holding, relieved that she wasn't going to be shot. At least for now. He dialed a number, his eyes glancing from her to the floor and back again as he waited.
"Mr. Burns?"
Monica felt her stomach drop as he spoke. Oh God. Harley was still at the bar. What would they do to him for her disloyalty?
"This is Daniels. Your daughter is safe at home. I'll be back shortly." He nodded, then disconnected the call, stowing the phone back in his pocket. He gestured her Monica to follow him. "That will buy us a few minutes. Show me where you live."
Monica nodded, fear and anger battling in her head. She led the way down the hall and unlocked the door to the suite, then locked it behind them. "Please, just tell me," she said as she turned to face him. "Whatever you need, we'll get. Anything to put him behind bars for good." And out of my life.
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January 19, 2011
Exploring Romantic Suspense: Conflict
Obviously in romance we find a lot of internal conflict. Self-confidence (or lack thereof) and trust issues coupled with doubts and excitement provide all sorts of ways for characters to mess with each other. Naturally the conflict is part of what creates that wonderful layer of tension that holds the whole thing together.
The suspense part of the novel adds the external conflict – forces acting against the hero/heroine and forcing them to fight for their relationship, sometimes even their lives. I think it's the development of this external conflict that can really make or break a romantic suspense plot line, because the external conflict is just as important to the story as the internal (unlike a straight romance, which focuses mainly on the internal conflicts).
My main personal pet peeves when it comes to external conflict are:
Unbelievable actions or plots
Unbelievable reactions to events
For me, the best romantic suspense entwines the internal conflict with the external so seamlessly that one depends on the other – they almost can't work independently anymore. And I'll admit, paranormal writers seem to have a good handle on this one, because most of the paranormal suspense I've read depends highly on the emotional side of each character to drive the actual suspense forward.
I think for my own work, I tend to use the external conflict in the suspense to drive the internal conflict forward as much as possible. I've tried to write straight contemporary romance several times, and they all turn into suspense plots, mainly because I get bored with only the internal side of things to play with. I like adventure, excitement, and an element of danger to hurl my characters against.
Are you an external conflict junkie like me? Or do you prefer your romance straight up, heavy on the internal conflict/emotional discontent with maybe a dollop of suspense on the side? **Please note - comments take a few moments to appear. Refresh the page to view new comments.
January 18, 2011
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 39
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33| Ch. 34 | Ch. 35 | Ch. 36 | Ch. 37 | Ch. 38
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 39
Monica bent low over the green felt, cradling the stick between her thumb and forefinger as she lined up a shot on the eight ball. It was a perfect, straight shot into the corner pocket and under normal circumstances, she'd make it every time. Pivoting the stick just a tiny bit on her hand, she drew back and popped the que ball, striking the eight enough off-center to send it careening recklessly into the rail and back down toward the other end of the table.
"Oops!" she said, giggling as she stood and backed away, stumbling over her own feet just enough to make it believable. "Don't know how I mished that," she slurred at a grinning Harley. His smile was genuine, and she thought maybe he was enjoying her role just a little too much. Would he help her line up the next shot, she wondered?
"I think maybe you've had too much to drink, sweetheart." He came in close, bracing one hand on her back for support as he leaned in to kiss her neck. "Ready?" he whispered in her ear before straightening to look at her. She nodded, trying to ignore her body's reaction to him as she spun around to fall neatly against the high table Burns and his bodyguards were sitting at. Glasses went flying despite the best efforts of the guards, and Monica stifled a laugh at the look on Burns' face when his Jack and water ended up in his lap.
"I'm shor--sorry," she said, real laughter on her lips. "I think I'm a little...tipsy." She leaned to the side, stumbling against the nearest bodyguard who caught her arms and set her upright. "I think maybe I should go home." She stepped back, tripping over her heel and falling against Harley's chest. Just where she wanted to be. Too bad she couldn't stay.
He chuckled low in her ear. "Well done, honey." Then he raised his head to peer over her shoulder. "Would you mind if Monica borrowed one of your bodyguards to take her back to our place? I've got some things to finish up, and I don't think she should be wandering around in her condition, if you know what I mean."
Burns shook his head, disapproval in his gaze as he watched Monica. She avoided eye contact, kept looking everywhere but at him as though she couldn't focus on anything. Finally he shrugged, gesturing to the nearest bodyguard. "Escort Ms. Burns home, then come right back here."
"Majors," Monica corrected, surprised when the name rolled off her lips. "I'm married now, Daddy, don't you remember?" She raised her left hand, wiggling her ring at him with an exaggerated motion. Somehow she managed not to let her middle finger float out at him.
"Alright Darlin'." Harley grasped her shoulders and turned her to face a tall, broad-shouldered man. "It's time to go. This nice man is going to see you home safely, and I'll be along in an hour or so. Don't give him any trouble, okay?"
"Mmm...K," she purred, stepping forward to place both hands on the man's chest. "I'm sure we'll get along just fine." She grinned, then took his hand and started pulling him towards the door. She remembered to bump against tables, chairs and people on her way out for effect, tugging the bodyguard out onto the old-looking wooden porch and down the stairs of the Double D. They walked down the center of the road, passing a group of harem girls all scurrying quickly in the opposite direction. After they'd gone, Monica turned to her would-be protector.
"What's your name?" she said, pitching her voice high and valley-girl. He merely smiled and kept walking. She bumped him lightly on one arm, careful to keep up the act until she could be sure. "Because my husband Harley said your name was Daniels. He said you might talk to me like you talked to him that one night."
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January 17, 2011
Weekly News & Goals - 1/17/11
Welcome to another Monday – a happy Monday, actually, for two reasons:
It's my birthday – I'm 36 today. 
I normally take my birthday off work, but since today is a federal holiday, I'm off by default, and if you're reading this before 10am Mountain time, I'm probably still in bed. I can't think of a better way to start any day, really.
Desert Heat will officially be released on Friday this week! I say "officially" because I'll be uploading it all over the 'net today and tomorrow, so all the pages will have time to go live before Friday. I uploaded it to Smashwords this weekend, so it's available there now. Prices will be $8.99 for the paperback, and $2.99 for the ebook. If you wish, you can pre-order signed copies at the Brazen Snake Books site. Barnes & Noble also has a pre-order page up for paperback copies.
So here's where the fun starts. For my birthday, I'm giving you a couple of gifts. For today only, blog readers can get Tempest for free at Smashwords using coupon code XX39K. The coupon automatically expires after today.
Also for today only, blog readers can get a digital copy of Desert Heat for half-price when you use this coupon at Smashwords : BE83B. Again, the coupon automatically expires after today.
If you want to read and review Desert Heat on your blog/GR/Amazon/somewhere public...email me . I'd be happy to get you a digital review copy. If you're really hung up on print and want to do a review, email me anyway. I might scrounge up a few print copies for serious reviewers.
I'll be running several contests to win copies of Desert Heat this week. Enter one or all (or none, if steamy romantic suspense isn't your thing)...there's something for everyone here. All winners will be announced on Friday.
Anyone who comments on any of this week's blog posts will be automatically entered to win your choice of a paper or digital copy of Desert Heat.
Anyone who shares a live purchase link Jan. 17th - 20th (link to the book page at my BSB site, Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, or anywhere else you find it for sale) for Desert Heat on Facebook (tag me in your link) will be entered to win one copy.
Anyone who RT's one of my Desert Heat links on Twitter Jan. 17th - 20th will be entered to win one copy.
There will be a Goodreads giveaway posted some time today that you can enter to win one of two signed print copies of Desert Heat.
So that's four contests – five chances to win a copy of Desert Heat this week! Blog commenters are only competing with other commenters, FB sharers are only competing with other FB'ers, Twitterers are only competing with other Twitterers, and GR entrants are obviously only drawn from the GR pool (I don't pick those - GR does).
Fun, yes?
So the schedule will change just a bit this week to accommodate release day on Friday. Bear with me, folks...everything will go back to normal next week.
This Week on The Variety Pages
Tuesday: Ch. 39 of The Biker's Wench
Wednesday: Exploring Romantic Suspense – Conflict
Thursday: Ch. 40 of The Biker's Wench
Friday: Release day festivities for Desert Heat
Goal Report (briefly)
Let's just call it at around 50 percent for the week. I struggled for that, honestly, but with Desert Heat out of my hair, I should be able to settle into a more normal (less crazy) routine.
Goals for the Week
Writing
Keep up with my serial novels (5 scenes written)
Beta read for a friend
Business
Launch Desert Heat
Update all web sites
Contract writing
Personal
Workout a few times.
Eat well.
Stay hydrated.
Read a lot.
Whew! So there's that. As I'm writing this, it's 1:11am, and I still need to get my nails done. While I'm blissfully sleeping off a very late night, do tell – what are you up to today?
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January 14, 2011
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 38
This serial novel is posted in draft form every Tuesday and Friday.
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33| Ch. 34 | Ch. 35 | Ch. 36 | Ch. 37
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 38
Monica grinned, stepping out next to him and sitting on the edge of the tub. Grasping his hips, she leaned forward, flicking the end of his cock with her tongue. With a wink, she took him into her mouth, her gaze locked on his as she sucked him deeper. He groaned, his fingers running through her hair as she pulled back slowly, then pushed forward again. She licked and swirled her tongue, working him with her mouth until he began thrusting his hips forward, gentle but insistent. Circling the fingers of one hand around the base of his shaft, she pulled and pumped and sucked until his body stiffened, the warmth of his release flowing down her throat.
***
"Wow." Harley took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He helped Monica to her feet, nearly stumbling backward into the counter as his own equilibrium malfunctioned. Wrapping his arms around her, he held tight, part of him daring to hope that she meant what she'd said. The other part warning him to wait and see.
Reluctantly he losened his hold and grabbed the towel he'd been reaching for earlier. He tossed it around her shoulders, stifling the urge to rub her down himself. "We'd better get moving," he said, his tone harsher than he'd intended judging by the question in Monica's eyes. He winked as he wrapped a towel around his own waist. "I really don't think we're going to get anything done until we put some clothes on...unless you'd rather not. I'm sure we could find some way to keep ourselves entertained for the day..."
She giggled. "Go get dressed," she said, playfully tossing her towel at him. "I'll just brush my teeth and meet you in the kitchen...say, twenty minutes?"
He nodded, just happy to see her smiling as he turned and walked out of the room. She probably wouldn't be by the time they were done talking. They needed to figure out how to get evidence against her father, something that would ensure that he'd be locked up for life. If the FBI agent posing as a bodyguard couldn't get anything, he had little hope they'd be able to. Still, he had to try. Not just for the ranch, but for her as well. Monica had been put through the wringer by Burns, and that was enough to put him away for good, from Harley's perspective.
He pulled on clean jeans and a tight black t-shirt, then padded out to the kitchen in bare feet. He put a pot of coffee on, and set the counter island with two bowls, spoons, glasses, and a box of cereal. He was just getting the milk out of the fridge when Monica joined him.
"Better?" she asked with a grin, scooting onto a padded barstool.
He stood back, pretending to study her like an artist sizing up a subject. "No." He shook his head in mock disappointment. "But it will do for awhile, I guess." He joined her, putting the milk between them on the counter. "Help yourself," he said, trying to decide how to approach the conversation they needed to have.
She poured milk on her cereal and handed the container to him. "I think we should start by talking to that undercover agent who asked you to help," she said, her gaze focused on her bowl. "I don't know what kind of evidence he needs, but we should get it fast before my...uh, Burns decides to split. You said he distances himself from the business most of the time, right?" She glanced at him, her expression neutral. Too neutral.
Harley nodded. It was probably for the best, this cool detachment, considering what her role would have to be for the duration. Still, he rubbed a hand over her shoulder, pleased when a hint of warmth tinged her cheeks at his touch. "You're going to have to convince Burns that you forgive him," he said, feeling her shiver under his fingers. "Not just to get evidence, but to stay safe. If he thinks you might go to the police, there's no telling what he'll do to keep that from happening. If anything happened to you..."
She leaned toward him, resting her head against his chest as he hugged her close. "I've been pretending to be his daughter for nearly as long as I've been alive," she said, kissing his jaw before pushing gently out of his embrace. "I'll manage until we can throw the bastard in jail."
Harley grinned. "That's my girl." He took his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed Burns' number. "Might as well get this ball rolling," he said, holding the phone to his ear.
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January 12, 2011
Exploring Romantic Suspense: Tension
Tension (along with its sibling, Conflict) is my favorite part of any story. It's also absolutely necessary to keep me engaged and reading (or writing) all the way to the end. I've read books with little or no tension in them before…or nearly read, I should say, as I get bored with them quickly.
In romantic suspense, there are generally two main tension threads throughout – the tension between the hero and heroine (internal), and the tension that carries the suspense element (external). I've read a lot of romantic suspense where the romantic thread is dropped, sometimes numerous times, in favor of the suspense thread. I'm not sure why, but I haven't really seen much of the opposite happening – which is interesting, I think. Perhaps romance writers who can keep that romantic tension tight have an easier time carrying the suspense tension through as well?
For me, part of keeping the romantic tension high between the main characters is keeping them at the forefront of each other's thoughts as much as possible. Even when they're separated for whatever reason, they need to always be thinking about each other in some sense. Because tension is something you feel rather than read (in my opinion), this is something best done through emotional distress. The character shows distress/emotion in some way (introspection, action, dialogue, whatever), and we as readers are right there with them emotionally. A heroine gets kidnapped? Even if she's going to save herself, she's still thinking about the hero, wondering where he is, if he's okay, if he'll get there in time to help, etc. The hero isn't around for any of this, of course, but when we jump to his perspective, he's worrying (in a macho sort of way), trying to figure out how to help the heroine, feeling incompetent, etc.
I think just in writing this post I see why it's easier to keep the suspense tension high if the romantic thread is tight - as long as there's action and the chance of someone dying or getting seriously hurt, suspense will pretty much take care of itself, depending on the writing. If I, as the reader connect with the characters on an emotional level, the tension I feel when following the suspense thread will be that much greater by default. I don't think for it works as well the other way, due to romance being an emotional thing by it's very nature…
So what's your take? Do you think that the romantic tension in a romantic suspense novel increases/enhances the tension of the main suspense plot? When you read a straight suspense novel, does the presence/absence of romantic tension affect your enjoyment of the story?
For a list of romantic suspense books I've read or want to read (plus my own), check out my Listmania list on Amazon. I'll be adding to it occasionally.
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January 11, 2011
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 37
This serial novel is posted in draft form every Tuesday and Friday.
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33| Ch. 34 | Ch. 35 | Ch. 36
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 37
The sound of running water woke Monica the next morning. She stretched her arms overhead and glanced at the partially shut door to the master bathroom. An image of Harley in the shower came to mind, warm water sluicing down his sculpted, naked body as he tilted his head back, running his hands though that long sandy hair. A shiver went through her as she remembered the night before, the horrible news and how Harley had been waiting for her. He'd broken the cycle, stopped her from running. Made it okay to stay.
He'd saved her. Again.
She tossed the covers back and crawled out of bed, pushing back the nagging guilt that she should be more upset about what she'd learned last night. Instead she felt lighter, as if she'd just been released from a dark prison cell. She wasn't Burns' daughter. He had no claim on her.
But the man in the shower did. The man who'd risked everything to help her, even before he really knew her. The man who still hadn't given up on her, even when she was ready to give up on everything. Her heart racing, she pushed the bathroom door open and slipped inside, the damp heat enveloping her as she stood staring at the opague white curtain. She wanted to go to him, but a tiny niggle of doubt held her in place.
"You just gonna stand there all day, or you wanna come scrub my back?"
The teasing comment washed away the last of her fear, as he grinned at her around the curtain. "I might even wash yours if you're lucky." She smiled and stepped into the shower. He wrapped his arms around her and bent down for a kiss so tender and...loving she nearly forgot to breath. "Better this morning?" he asked, guiding her under the spray. She nodded and closed her eyes as he gently tipped her head back, his fingers smoothing the water into her hair. Wonderful.
Then his lips were on the side of her neck, licking, sucking, and moving lower. She sighed, her arms sliding over his shoulders as he took the peak of one nipple between his lips. She arched into him, only his hands at her hips keeping her from falling back as he pulled and nipped at her breast. Heat and moisture between her legs brought a moan to her lips, and she grasped his head, pulling him up to meet her eyes.
"Inside me," she said, her voice raspy with need. "Now. Please."
Harley nodded. "Yes ma'am." He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, sinking down onto his thick, rigid cock with a whimper of delight. He turned to brace her against the wall, and then took her lips, his tongue plundering her mouth as he thrust in and out, in and out in a slow, steady rhythm.
He pulled back an inch, and she opened her eyes to find him staring at her with an intensity that blew her away. "You're mine," he growled, punctuating the statement with a hard thrust. "You'll always be mine. Don't ever leave."
Tears threatened as she shook her head. "I'm yours," she said, leaning forward to kiss him softly as she tightened her inner muscles around him. "I won't leave. Ever. I love you."
He pressed his lips to hers again and buried his face in her neck as he pounded into her against the shower wall, as if desperate to mark his claim. Her eyes fell shut as the tension built between her legs, her whole body spasming as she came, wave after wave of pure bliss radiating over and through her skin. He lifted her higher, his shaft sliding free and she whimpered again as he lowered her to her feet, holding her tight against him as she rode out the orgasm.
When she could breathe again, she looked up at him, caressing his jaw with her hand. "You didn't..."
He shrugged, his lips turned up slightly. "No condom." He turned off the cooling water, then pushed the shower curtain aside. Stepping out of the bathtub, he reached for a towel, but Monica grabbed his arm.
"Not so fast, mister."
January 10, 2011
Weekly News & Goals - 1/10/11
I will have digital review copies of Desert Heat ready by Thursday – if you are willing to read and post a review on your blog, or Amazon, or Goodreads (or all three), email me and I'll put you on the list. Please include your preferred ebook format. Sample chapters are available here if you want to try it first.
This Week on The Variety Pages
Tuesday: Ch. 37 of The Biker's Wench
Wednesday: Exploring Romantic Suspense – Tension
Friday: Ch. 38 of The Biker's Wench
Goal Reports
Writing went pretty well last week. I did get a day behind, so no scene for The Minister's Maid, but everything else got done (this is the main reason I write serials – if I know people are waiting, I push myself to meet the deadlines). The hardest part was not beating myself up when I posted a few installments late, but I reminded myself not to and managed well enough. I seriously neglected the business goals, so most of those will carry over and they really need to be done this week. No more surfing for music for hours...and better allocation of my reading time as well.
Personal goals were about 50/50...I did take the stairs all week save one trip, and managed eye drops & lotion either morning or night, but not both. Baby steps.
Goals for the Week
Writing
Two scenes for The Biker's Wench (rom. suspense)
Two scenes for Angel Eyes (thriller)
One scene for The Entertainer (erotica)
One scene for The Minister's Maid (rom. Suspense)
Business
Proof Desert Heat & order final copies
Format DH ebooks
Author contract
Send out review copies of DH
Update BSB web site
Personal
Eyedrops morning/night
Lotion feet morning/night
Workout x3
Update Goodreads account
Update neglected nail blog
That's what I'm up to this week – what are you doing? Read any good books lately?
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January 7, 2011
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 36
This serial novel is posted in draft form every Tuesday and Friday.
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33| Ch. 34 | Ch. 35
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 36
Her sobs subsiding, Monica loosened her grip on Harley's shirt, her fingers resting against his chest. His heart beat a slow, steady rhythm under her hand and she snuggled closer, her face against the side of his neck. He stroked a hand over her arm and pressed his lips to her forehead before skimming his knuckles lightly across the side of her breast. She looked up into his eyes. The mixture of concern and desire she saw there nearly brought her to tears again.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I don't want to leave, Harley. I want to stay here - with you."
He nodded, leaning close so that his lips were just a breath away from hers. "Then stay," he said, his tongue flicking out just to tease at the corner of her mouth. "Everything will work out. I promise." His mouth closed over hers and she sighed, closing her eyes. His kiss pushed all the bad feelings to the recesses of her mind, and she pulled him closer, hungrily taking everything he offered.
He broke the kiss slowly, nipping, then licking at her lips before he used his hands to tilt her head up, and ran his tongue down the center of her throat to lave the hollow at the base. Monica arched up, her body begging for more and he gave it to her, stopping only to draw her shirt over her head, then trailing kisses down the center of her chest and between her breasts. He traced one nipple through her bra with the tip of his finger and she arched up again. "Please, Harley."
He chuckled low in his throat, the sound sending chills of pleasure right down to her core as he pulled the thin fabric aside and sucked the sensitive tip into his mouth. She whimpered, unable to remain still as his other hand slipped between her legs and lightly scraped a blunt fingernail over the front of her jeans. Her hips bucked, and he palmed her breast with one hand as he moved lower, kissing her ribs, her stomach, and exploring her navel with her tongue. She writhed in pleasure, her whole body on fire even as he removed her jeans. Raising her head at the fluttering touch she felt at her ankle, she opened her eyes and looked at her feet to see him kissing his way up her leg, his strong hands kneading the muscles as he went. It was wickedly delicious, and he looked up to meet her eyes. "You are gorgeous, darlin'," he said, his gaze never wavering from hers. He continued up her leg, kissing and kneading until he reached the juncture of her thigh. She watched as he licked his lips, then slowly began to circle the sensitive spot between her legs, flicking a her clit and driving her into a frenzy. Her head fell back and she closed her eyes as he took her higher, the heat at her center building with every lick and swirl of his tongue.
Her release came swiftly, her entire body shivering as the shocks rippled under her skin as her head whirled. Harley came up beside her, folding her in his arms and holding her tight from behind until the waves of pleasure subsided. Words to tell him how she felt, what he meant to her drifted through her mind, but she remained silent as he pulled the blanket up over them again. She tried to turn, wanted to give him what he'd given her, but he held her still.
"Shh..." he breathed in her ear, stroking her hair back with one hand. "We'll figure all this out tomorrow. Sleep."
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