Liz Crowe's Blog, page 34

Time Out for You! A Disobedient Soul Collector

Welcome Shiela Stewart to the Brewing Passion blog today kids.  Behave yourselves....

Listen up parents. At one time or another, your child is going to disobey you. Yep, that's right. Innocent little Sally is going to stand her ground and say no. Little Tommy is going to ignore your rules. Its how they test their boundaries. But as young children, we can still control them, and set them on the path that is right and true. But the moment that child is an adult, you have little to no control over what they do with their lives. It sucks big time, especially when you see them veering off the course of good and swaying on a tight rope of wrong. All we can do is stand back and watch it unfold. Sure, we can give them advice, talk them out of whatever we think is bad for them but, as adults, they'll do what they want.  Now, if a parent is lucky enough to have a child who obeys the rules, wants to live right, then we know we've done a good job in raising them. But that's not always the case. No mater how well we raise our little Sally and Tommy, something in the big scary world may tempt them to the dark side.  It's terrifying as a parent to stand back and watch your child struggle, watch them walk the fine line between good and bad. Even God had trouble controlling his children. Lucifer was the most defiant.

In my latest novel, Offer the Demon, Aurora Starr is just that. Disobedient. She's been raised to obey her lord and master, Satan and she knows the minute she turns twenty-one she will have to collect souls for him. Days into her job as Soul Collector, she knows it's not the sort of life she wants for herself. She wants to be human even if it means disobeying both her parents and Lucifer. But there are consequences for her disobedience and they are harsh ones. Severe beatings from Lucifer doesn't deter her and Aurora is determined to hold her ground and fight for what she wants. And what she wants now is the love of a man. A human man. Taboo in the demon laws, she is willing to sacrifice it all just to keep him.  Its hard for parents to sit by and watch their child ruin their life. But what they consider best for her, may not be what that child wants. In the case of Aurora Starr, her parents discover that despite what they believe or want for their daughter, she has to make her own choices in life.All we can do as parents is raise our children right and hope they end up on the right track. Now, here is a glimpse of my novel, Offer the Demon: Bk 2 in the Demon series which will be released on December 30th.

Blurb.
Twenty-one years ago a bargain was made for her existence. Twenty-one years ago was the beginning of the end.Born to serve Satan, Aurora Starr wishes she could lead a normal life. Being a demon, that's not so easy to do. By night she takes the lives of those Satan chooses. Despite her hatred for her job, she knows she must continue. All she wants is to live like a normal human. Enter Scott Monroe.Tall, blond, and gorgeous, he is more than Aurora can resist. Knowing that mating with a human is taboo, Aurora throws caution to the wind and begins seeing Scott. But when Satan makes her choose between her family or the man she loves, Aurora has had enough.Excerpt:For weeks now she'd worked under the cover of darkness, collecting souls for Satan.She hated it, passionately. Though she hadn't been doing it that long, she'd already grown weary of it. She hated taking people's lives. Hated seeing the look in their eyes as their breath was stolen, as their hearts began to pound rapidly. And she hated having their deaths on her conscience. If only she could quit it, like a regular job. But she couldn't."I know," she huffed when the voice grew stronger inside her mind. "I'm going."Lifting off, she sent herself to the vacant lot at the edge of the city. Setting down, she saw the woman up ahead. Slowly, her feet not even touching the ground, she moved toward the woman, and saw with horror just what she was doing.The knife in her hand shook. The full moon made it shimmer. Closing her eyes, the woman slid it along her wrist."No! You don't have to do this!"The woman jumped. Lifting her head, she gasped. "What are you?"Do it! the voice screamed inside Aurora's head.Aurora didn't want to do it, but she was given no other choice. "Death."Holding her arms out, the woman wept. "Please take me."Aurora hesitated as the blood trickled down the woman's arms. Suicide was not the answer. Aurora had had enough. "No, there's help for you. You don't have to end it like this."Aurora cried out when the piercing pain shot like fire into her head.Take her!"But she's so young." The pain had her falling to her knees. Grabbing hold of her head, she pleaded. "Please." She begged for a woman she didn't even know. "Let her go." The slice shot into her, so intense she was sure her head had exploded. "Okay." She cried out, whimpering in pain. "Okay, I'll do it." The pain slipped away, leaving only the
memory.Catching her breath, Aurora stood and looked down at the horrified woman. "I'm sorry." Closing her eyes, because she couldn't watch, she split the artery the woman had begun to sever. Aurora cried as the woman screamed in pain, and as her life drained away, Aurora grieved."Why? Tell me why she had to go!"It is not for you to question, but to deliver."But it's a shame to end someone's life so young." The woman couldn't have been much older than she was.No more! You will do as I say.Aurora stood up, enraged, her black hair flying out behind her as she stirred up the wind. "I will not do it anymore," she screamed into the darkness and had it echo back at her. It happened so quickly, she barely noticed herself being lifted off the ground. She did, however, notice when she was tossed up against a building with enough power to crack the foundation. She coughed, sputtered as she slid to the ground. But determination was pushing her.Standing, she sucked in a deep breath, and let it fly. "Is that all you've got?"The ball of fire, unseen by the naked eye, shot toward her. A demon certainly could see it, and Aurora had only a split second to brace herself before it hit. White-hot lightning slashed into her flesh, burning a jagged line across her torso. Slumping to the ground, she clutched her chest. She understood when she was beaten. "Okay, you win."Her body weak, she sent herself home.Hunter was busy reading his book when Aurora set down on the floor in front of him."Oh little one, you didn't….""He's wrong. They are worth saving." With that said, she collapsed.Offer the Demon available at Decadent Books on December 30th. www.decadentbooks.com Shiela's website: www.shielasbooks.ca

A Recommended Read

I don't know about YOU, but THIS is going on MY TBR list ASAP!

RECLAIMED
By Diane Alberts
Available from Breathless Press Friday!

BlurbAfter moving to England, Sabrina tumbles into an unknown world when she meets the man of her dreams, literally. As a writer, her overactive imagination makes her believe the impossible, but recovering from shock, she wonders how Isaac could appear in her nightmares—when she's never met him in real life. Until now.
The staggering events catapult her into a world where ruthless creatures roam freely along unsuspecting humans, and battle lines are clearly drawn.
While embarking on a dangerous and passionate affair, a bitter enemy appears from Isaac's past that will stop at nothing to remove Sabrina from his arms. Permanently. In order to establish a foreseeable and solid future, she must first deal with tumultuous occurrences. Navigating a shadowy world she never knew existed, Sabrina fights for her newfound love…and her life.Buy NowAmazon Decadent Publishing Amazon UK Smashwords All RomanceExcerptA strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina's house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.
Uneasiness rolled over her, and she studied Isaac out of the corner of her eye. Surprisingly, he seemed to be as tense as her. He gripped her arm tighter than necessary, and his lips were pressed together as well. She could feel the tension pulsating off his body, and she got taken back into her dreams. For the first time in real life, he made her shiver in apprehension. As if sensing her fear, he shot her a quick grin.
"Well, I had a lovely evening." He spoke over his shoulder as he practically dragged her to the door. She stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his pace. At the door he pointedly stared at her, causing her to realize he waited for her to open it. She fumbled through the mess she called a purse to find the key. She turned to him and smiled as she studied him through the cover of her eyelashes.
"Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or…." She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.
God, she sounded like such an idiot.
Nightcap?
Who the heck said nightcap anymore?
"While I'd love to take you up on that offer, I have something I have to take care of tonight. Could I get a rain check? For say,tomorrow night? We could do a movie and wine? Or is tomorrow too soon in the dating world?"
"No, not too soon at all. I'd love to see you tomorrow."She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. "You can call me,and we'll firm up a time. Good night."
She turned to go inside and got caught off-guard when he grabbed her elbow and spun her to face him. It happened so quickly she leaned back against the door in confusion; one hand on the doorknob and the other braced against the cool steel of the door. He moved his body closer to hers and placed his hand at her head. His other hand cupped her cheek while his thumb stroked her jaw line. All thought fled as his body pressed against hers, and a small swoosh of air escaped her lips at his touch.
"I didn't think it even possible for you to grow more beautiful, but you have proven me wrong." When his lips met hers, she lost all thought, all ability to move. She'd somehow been tied to this spot—this man.

Holiday Hangover--Where Is Thy Bling?

DISCLAIMER! PLEASE READ:Ahem.What follows is an honest appraisal of my state of mind after a whirlwind year of writing, editing, rejections, acceptances, promotions, blogging, more blogging and more promotions. It is no way meant to be seen as a compliments fishing trip.Share with me how you handle professional jealousy.I shall reward one commenter with one of my backlist titles.

I'm going to just come right out and say this.

I am every possible shade of green with pure, unbridled envy lately.  It's not a healthy condition I realize this.  I truly believe that in 99.9% of all the cases the kudos, silver best selling stars, reviews, new contracts at publishers that seemed to have made a hobby of rejecting me all through 2011 are well deserved. In spite of the fact that publishers are popping up on the map 2 or 3 a day lately, as if somebody sprinkled a batch of epub seeds along the internet and now they're finally sprouting it is still a ton of work to get accepted no matter how you slice it.

And I will be the first to say that the "writers community" is a darn close second in terms of general industry support among the players, the first being the craft beer industry, of which I am also a part.

We are all each other's cheerleaders, truly.

But I am only human.  And I'm having sort of a post-holiday letdown day, wherein I had planned to spend it being uber creative, working through the sequel of my Hot Realtors series coming from Tri Destiny publishing in 2012.  And man does it need work.  However, I made the mistake of jumping on loops and social nets and got bogged down in all the great news everybody has---I got all bent out of shape and so, in the way of writers, I decided to get all whiny and moaney on my blog.  Hey, it's my blog.

I heed the warnings put out there.  I realize my "target publishers" in spite of their sometimes fairly alarming sounding rejections (when they lean towards, "wow, stick with beer maybe?" it takes some days to get over it) are "watching."  And that a writer who complains a lot will have a tough time getting accepted above her/her station.

But I'm just having a moment so bear with me.

*jumps up and down* stomps feet * kicks piles of ignored paperwork * throws pillows at the dog*

 I am getting the "I'm just one more clanging gong out here writing about "HEA's" and "HFNs" and trying to carve a niche in The Most Crowded Market of writers in the Known Universe," and only about 0.1% of you are listening Blues.  Sigh.

But here is my mantra.  I shall continue to try.  Maybe it's just a matter of volume. I know I plan to continue using the brewing industry as a base for a bunch of books in 2012.  It's gaining a foothold among some of you which is awesome.  In 2012 I have one of my fav projects releasing with Decadent Publishing: Cheeky Blonde--a brewing industry based love story with humor, intrigue, self-denial, and heat with one my most conflicted yet appealing alpha heroes yet, Mr. Sean Garrison.

I also have a couple of novellas near and dear to my heart releasing in the coming months: The Diplomat's Daughter, prequel to the Turkish Delights trilogy and the follow up novel, Flower Passage, in which a beloved character is restored to the Deniz family but not in a way that makes it easy on anyone concerned.  I am proud to say that the Acquisitions Editor  "had to type through tears" while accepting it.  yay!  I cried some while writing it.  So I give myself a preliminary Silver Star for writing its 35k words in something like three days.

I realize this for what it is. Lack of patience....I want it all: the best seller stars, the top notch reviews the second my books release, publishers begging me for my next tome.  You know, like, now.

I also realize this just is NOT how it works.  As I've been told by folks who know me better than most: You don't do anything half assed.  The flip side of this dedicated coin however is the driving urge to be the best....immediately.

So this rant, if it offends, I apologize. But catharsis was on my radar as I felt the green eyed monsters scratching around in my brain pan this morning.  Kinda like AA:  "Hi! My name is Liz. And I demand instant gratification."

"Hi Liz. Sit down and shut up and write."

This post is a little on the childish side but I am just gonna say now, I do not begrudge any of you amazing talents out there one iota of the kudos you deserve!  I'm in awe, and will resist the primal urge to scratch your eyes out, I promise.

I'm just in full disclosure mode about my own sort of tangled emotional state on this, Boxing Day, 2011.


go make it a good one!
Liz

Harry Dolan and Liz---Tearing Up the Deuce Over a Beer

Howdy neighbor.
Welcome to my beer bar, Harry! What can I pour you to start?
How about a Wolverine Premium Lager?  Because it's brewed in Michigan, from the waters of the Huron River.  And because I'd like to get in good with the interviewer.Cute! A suck up!  I knew I liked you....
I have had the honor to read both of your mysteries set in Ann Arbor.  I read the first one, Bad Things Happen, on a beach in South Carolina a couple of summers ago and have YOU to thank for a pretty painful sunburn.  You know, was reading, forgot to re-apply sunscreen?  Anyway, I picked up Bad Things Happen at our favorite book store, Nicola's Books, and knew I had to have it when I realized it was based in Our Fair City.  Little did I know what a fabulously taut (I'm a romance writer and am allowed to use this word in regular conversation) this story would be.  The first sentence of the book pulls in you and the rest of it holds you by the throat and won't let you go.  (See: Liz's Sunburn)

Do you come up with characters or story first?
When I wrote Bad Things Happen, I started with the character of David Loogan, a man with a dark past that's hidden from the reader for most of the book, and only revealed toward the end.  So the character definitely came first, and the story grew up around him.  I also had a background as an editor, which came into play in the setting of the novel, which centers on a series of murders involving the writers and editors of a mystery magazine called Gray Streets.  The second book, Very Bad Men, evolved in a similar way.  I knew I wanted to write another book featuring the characters from Bad Things Happen—Loogan and Ann Arbor detective Elizabeth Waishkey—but the story didn't really take off until I developed Anthony Lark, the villain of the piece.  Lark was fun to write because he's dark and disturbed.  He's obsessed with a long-ago crime, the robbery of the Great Lakes Bank, and he's trying to kill off three men who took part in that robbery—men who, on the surface, don't pose a threat to him or to anyone else.  So part of the fun is uncovering Lark's true motives.

Was Bad Things Happen your first book to be published?
Yes, it was the first to be published, but not the first book I wrote.  My first novel was an odd hybrid: part crime novel, part romance, part coming-of-age story.  It ended up being 850 pages in manuscript, and when I queried agents about it I got some good responses.  People liked the way it was written, but they told me what I should have known already: that no one was going to publish it.  It was too long for a first novel by an unknown writer.  It's still unpublished, but I learned a lot from writing it.  And the experience led me to try writing a more straightforward crime novel.  Incidentally, that first novel was called Liars, Thieves, and Innocent Men, and it makes a kind of cameo appearance in Bad Things Happen, where one of the characters, Sean Wrentmore, has written this giant, unwieldy novel that eventually causes a lot of trouble, in ways that I won't give away here.

The sequel, Very Bad Men, takes us a little further along with Hero and Heroine (again, *flashes romance writer get away with these words card*).  David and Elizabeth get enmeshed with what I would call a pretty complex storyline of past crime and present-day coverups.  When you wrote the first book, did you have this follow-up in mind? 
I wrote Bad Things Happen as a stand-alone novel, but the people who read it early on thought that the characters would be good for a series, and I found that I had more stories to tell about them.  So I didn't have Very Bad Men in mind from the start; it came later.  The first book centered around Gray Streets, and the murder victims (and suspects) were mostly writers or people who worked for the magazine.  I went in a different direction with Very Bad Men, which deals with the fall-out from a seventeen-year-old bank robbery.  So the characters who figure into the plot are more diverse.  There's the former sheriff who foiled the robbery all those years ago, and his daughter, a popular politician.  There's a fifteen-year-old boy, the half-brother of one of the bank robbers, and there's an elderly senator who's about to retire.  There's also a young reporter who's writing a story about the robbery.  Her friendship with David Loogan—and her mysterious disappearance—are central to the plot.  What's more, in Very Bad Men, the identity of the killer, Anthony Lark, is known to the reader from the beginning, and many scenes are written from Lark's point of view, which gives the book a whole different dynamic.

Oops, bad host: your glass is empty.  What's next?
Another one of the same.  Are you trying to get me drunk? Oh damn am I that obvious?  Why yes, dear, I am.
Did you set out in life to become a successful published author? If not, what was your career before this?
I studied philosophy in college and worked for many years as the editor of an academic journal that published scholarly essays by philosophers, political scientists, economists, and law professors—which was exactly as exciting as it sounds.  After about eight years of that, I was ready to try something new, so I quit that job and took up freelance work in order to find time to write.  It took a long time—ten years—but I finally published my first novel in 2009.

You know I kid you about this more than is probably necessary, BUT I think you should spice up your next book a little.  You know, give us some details about David and Elizabeth and what is no doubt some kink in the bedroom. C'mon you know you wanna. Can you say "Ann Arbor collaboration?" Okay, I will agree to ghost write those bits. *winks to readers*
Well, Elizabeth is a detective, so she has handcuffs.  You can use your imagination from there… Oh Honey, you think I'm kidding don't you?  We'll talk more later...*pats his hand*
I understand there is a third book in this series. What sort of "BAD" is in the working title?  Can you share any more about it with us?
I'm working on the third book now, and it centers on the murder of a female law student at the University of Michigan.  Elizabeth has a stronger role in it than in the previous books, and we see more of her working to solve the case.  But David gets involved as well, naturally.  The working title I've been using is The Girl in the Rain.  I don't know if that will last.  If the publisher wants "Bad" in the title, it might end up being A Bad Rain. I'd say keep 'Bad' in the title for certain.  Bad Girl in the Rain would work....snickers.But seriously I can't wait to read more from Elizabeth.  She rocks.  And has a kick ass first name, of course.
Finally, what are your goals as a writer? Become the Janet Evanovich of Ann Arbor based mysteries?  I love it, if so.  If not, what comes next for you?  What's your current WIP outside of David's stories?  
I'm focusing now on this third David Loogan book, to the exclusion of everything else.  I've got a contract for another book after this one, but I don't like to look too far ahead.  Eventually I'd like to try a nonseries book, maybe something set in upstate New York, which is where I'm from originally.  But for now I'm happy to be writing about my own noir version of Ann Arbor.

And for a nightcap?  What can I pour you?
Well, if it's a nightcap, it should be Wolverine Dark.  Thanks, Liz!
My pleasure and honor.Hope to see you again soon!  Now about that Tap Room book signing party??cheersLizFind Harry Here:http://www.harrydolan.com/
http://www.facebook.com/harrydolanauthor
http://twitter.com/harrycdolanOooo here we are again!  I'm such a fan grrrrl.

Across the Beer With...Shelton and Nevil a.k.a. Liz's Customers Will Never Be The Same

Welcome Nevil and Shelton....let's start with a beer. What can I pour you?
Nevil leans casually against the bar: Why hello, beautiful. Let's see, what do you have in red? 
Liz:  I have my award winning District 16 Amber Lager--took a bronze medal at the World Expo of Beer coming in second to a Sam Adams product and a German import....
 Shelton?

As Shelton takes the stool next to him, Nevil puts a hand possessively on the small of his back and glares at the man at the end of the bar who's watching them. The attractive, dark-haired man raises a brow in challenge and Nevil's eyes narrow to blue chips of ice.
Shelton doesn't notice: I'll have a stout, please. 
Liz:  Sorry sweets, no ales here.  But my Baltic Porter will tickle your taste buds and leave a nice clean finish....
Nevil raises his glass and touches it to Shelton's: To a terrific year, darling. Do you remember the first time we had a drink together?
A frown creases Shelton's forehead and he drinks deeply. Nevil stares as he licks the foam from his kissable lips: As I remember it, you fucked me that night then ignored me for a week.
Nevil looks shocked: Did I really? What an ass! Why'd you even talk to me, after that?
Shelton's face reddens slightly and he draws lines in the condensation on his nearly empty glass: I was already in love.
Nevil smiles, his relief plain to see. He kisses Shelton's cheek: And I love you, only I was too stupid to realize it, at the time. Thank God I came to my senses before you walked out on me. He bites a lip, troubled, and downs the rest of his beer: Is that why you're finding it so easy to leave me now?
Shelton chokes on the swallow of beer he just took and it's a minute before he can speak: I'm going to Colorado for my job. I have to take that promotion. But I'm not leaving you. And I did ask you to come with me.
Nevil folds his arms on his chest and glares at his empty glass: Yeah, well… I'm not going.
Liz:  Okay, okay boys, to your corners.  Here--pushes two fresh glasses of beer across the bar--these are from the guy down there.  Wanted to make sure I told you that.  
Nevil and Shelton turn to look at the man, who raises his glass in salute. Shelton blushes furiously but takes a taste of his beer, nodding his approval of the selection.
Nevil swears under his breath: Isn't that Andrew Blake?
Shelton ducks his head, suddenly interested in the design on the paper napkins. Nevil tugs on Shelton's chestnut curls and he looks up quickly: Ouch! Yes it is. So what? Can't a friend buy me a drink?
Nevil watches Shelton's face: Isn't he the one you said has a cock the size of a baseball bat?
Shelton sputters: I never said that!
Nevil smiles teasingly: Yes you did. You said he tried to kiss you, but his gigantic pole kept getting in the way. Should we invite him over now? Let him show us…
Shelton covers Nevil's lips with his fingers and darts a quick look around but no one's paying them any attention: Stop it. You know I don't want anyone in my bed but you.  He takes Nevil's hand in his. Which reminds me, come to Colorado with me. Who's going to keep me warm, otherwise?
Nevil looks over Shelton's shoulder: We'll talk about it. In the meantime, here comes lover boy. He better watch were he puts that beauty of his or I'll snap it off.
Shelton's laughing into his beer glass as Andrew comes up behind him. Ignoring Nevil, the man leans against Shelton's back, a hand on his shoulder, and whispers something in his ear. Before Nevil can react, Shelton lunges from the stool and shoves Andrew into the crowd then balls his fists: Keep your hands to yourself, asshole.
Andrew raises his hands: Whatever you say, dear. He gives Nevil a mocking smile then walks away from them.
Nevil and Shelton look at each other then burst out laughing. Nevil caresses Shelton's flushed face: Were you really going to hit him? I've never even seen you hurt a bug.
Shelton's chuckling as they resume their seats: Yea, well, I was about to go all ninja on him if he didn't leave us alone. I told him before I wasn't interested. He picks up his glass: But he does have good taste in beers.
Nevil picks up his own glass: Here's to the start of another exhilarating year, love.
They drink, then Nevil leans close and kisses Shelton full on the mouth.
Liz:  Okay, so this is a beer bar boys.  Might wanna tone that down a little, my regulars are starting to stare...thanks for stopping by.  
Give-away time! In a comment, tell me what you think Andrew whispered in Shelton's ear for a chance to win a PDF copy of Shelton's Choice.  Be as creative as you like! You wouldn't be far off.

Shelton in LoveBreathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelton-loveAmazon: http://amzn.to/m3VJDe
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil's dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton's desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil's mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton's secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Shelton's PromiseBreathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-promiseAmazon: http://amzn.to/nGt0xx
Shelton has a gift he's eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can't find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?
Shelton's ChoiceBreathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-choice
After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion at the bank he's been working towards. Unfortunately, it's in another state and Nevil doesn't want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted co-worker. Torn between desires, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.
Excerpt from Shelton's Choice:
"Andrew?" he asked as he opened the door. "Do you need something?" Shelton felt the heat rise in his face when the man lifted a brow.
"May I come in? Just for a moment." Andrew clarified when Shelton hesitated.
"This really isn't a good time." Shelton bit his lip when the man shouldered passed him through the door he'd started to close. He still held Nevil's ring and slipped it into his pocket. Andrew glanced into the empty rooms, then turned to Shelton.
"You seem to be alone," he said, and his gaze raked Shelton head to toe.
Shelton grimaced, feeling like he'd just been undressed. "For the moment. What do you want that you couldn't tell me at the office?"
Andrew moved closer to him, and Shelton drew a sharp breath at the naked desire in the man's dark eyes. Andrew stood several inches taller than him, and Shelton had to fight the urge to step back.
"You should leave," he managed to say before the full lips descended on his. He wrenched his mouth free and fumbled for the door handle behind him.
Andrew put an arm on either side of him, holding the door closed. "Come on. What's the problem? You know I've wanted you. And since you're leaving anyway, where's the harm in a little fun?"
Before Shelton could answer, Andrew dropped his hand to the small of Shelton's back and pulled him closer. This is ridiculous! He wasn't the fainting heroine of some romance novel. A well-placed knee would put an end to the man's obvious interest, but what then? Shelton had never been in a fight in his life. How embarrassing to have to explain to Nevil if something got broken. Especially if it was him.
The thought made Shelton angry. "Andrew, you have one minute to leave or I'll call the police."
Andrew looked down at him, his smile mocking. "And tell them what? You let me in, remember? Besides, do you really want to explain to them what I'm doing here? I don't suppose they'd be sympathetic." He ground a fascinatingly large erection against Shelton's hip as he whispered in Shelton's ear, "You got the job in Denver over me. The least you could do is let me suck on you. Your cock has to be as beautiful as the rest of you."
Shelton's temper snapped. "Don't be a fool. Just because Nevil and I are having a fight doesn't mean I'll play around with you. Now get the hell out."
"And if I don't?"
"Then I tell the police you raped me. They'll listen to that."
Anger swept over the handsome face. Andrew grabbed the back of Shelton's head and gave him a bruising kiss, the tongue plunging deep, choking him. He then let him go with a sneer. "Your loss, babe. Have a nice life."
Shelton stared at the door after Andrew left. Did he really just say that? What an ass. He ran a hand over his curls, suddenly exhausted from a sleepless night and a roller coaster of emotions. Sighing, he went to the bedroom to lie down for a minute.
*  *  *
Shelton woke a few hours later, still drowsy. He tried to catch the tendrils of the erotic dream he'd been enjoying, but they faded much too quickly, as did the sensation of Nevil's lips sliding over his penis. Still painfully aroused, Shelton rolled to his side and opened the drawer on the nightstand. He smiled in delighted anticipation. Nevil had returned the silk scarves and toy he'd used on Shelton, squeaky clean.
Nevil's own vibrator had been pushed to the back of the drawer, and Shelton ran his fingers over it, remembering his lover's shuddering pleasure as Shelton slid it slowly into his ass. It was larger than Shelton's toy, and he frowned slightly, wondering if there were men really that big. He remembered being held against Andrew Blake's body. The man's pole had pushed hard into his hip. Andrew's penis might have been that large...
Shelton scowled and tossed the unwanted vibrator to the back of the drawer, then grabbed the lubricant and his own toy. After wiggling under the covers, he lay on his side and squeezed the jelly onto the end of the vibrator. He stroked himself, wishing Nevil was there to play with him. He thought of Nevil's hot mouth on the tip of his erection, sucking him, the skillful tongue sliding over the slit and driving him crazy with pleasure. He pressed the vibrator Nevil had given him against his hole and nudged it inside. He groaned into the pillow as it slipped past the initial resistance and went in deliciously deep. He slid it in and out, imagining it was Nevil's glorious penis inside him.
When his arm tired, Shelton found the right spot with the vibrator's bent tip and turned it on. He moaned as tingling pleasure spread through his body. He settled into the mattress and stroked his erection, the slippery lubricant on his hand heating with the friction.
Shelton kept the vibrator on its lowest setting, letting the orgasm build slowly in his scrotum. In his mind, he kissed Nevil and slid his tongue down his lover's silky skin, pausing a moment to lick the hard buds on his sculpted chest before continuing lower. His orgasm came in a shattering surge of pleasure as he imagined taking Nevil's hard length into his mouth.

Dianne HartsockBlog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsockTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsockGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock

All Things BAD in Ann Arbor?

No, they are not actually.  They are lovely.

As we head into the holidays and I actually venture out on some shopping expeditions (yes I procrastinate like a champ) I want to take a minute to share some thoughts about a couple of amazing books.

BAD THINGS HAPPEN is a mystery by novelist Harry Dolan, a fellow Ann Arborite.  I got this book 2 summers ago at my local favorite Indie bookstore, Nicola's upon recommendation by Nicola herself.  A good beach read, written by a local, cool, I thought. And headed South to Fripp Island, South Carolina with the family.

You know beach reads are by definition easily put-downable.  It's the book that, if you do drop it onto the sand and it gets half soaked and swells up from the tide, you reeeeeally don't care that much.  It's a throw away.  The stuff that gets left behind in the rental condo.

Yeah.
That was not this book.  I came as close as I've ever done to a serious sun burn after nearly eight hours straight spent not taking my eyes from its pages.  Harry crafted a world, based on one familiar and dear to me with its street names, neighborhoods and restaurants but yet new, and purposefully erie with his sparse, one might call terse, prose.

There is a guy, see, David Loogan. And he apparently has Something Serious to hide.  He ends up in our beloved Ann Arbor, gets a job as editor for a local "literary magazine" (these abound in a college town), ends up banging the publisher's wife AFTER he helps said publisher bury a body then ends up a person of interest when the publisher is found dead on the sidewalk out side his office window.  Hmmm.
No, he says he shall leave the "naughty side" of Ann Arbor to me!

Ann Arbor is a pretty tame place, until Dolan gets hold of it!

The twist at the end is, as one would suspect, a surprise.  But along the way, David meets girl.  They fall in love. Which leads to...
The sequel:
Very Bad Men. (my copy is signed as I got to meet Harry and hear him speak at the now famous Nicola's Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Our Fair City)

David and his GF, Elizabeth (great name choice, no?) who is an Ann Arbor police detective (I know of few of these, just saying) stumble onto an even scarier set of circumstances.  They include:
a 17 year old bank robbery in a sort of obscure Michigan town "up north"
corrupt officials
a candidate for the senate
and a sexy, ambitious newspaper reporter.

And somehow he makes it work. I will admit, I like the first one better.  It was more "Noir" than the 2nd which was a bit more traditional and Scott Turrow-like with its deep layering of characters and back stories.  But I am a sucker for a rich back story. So I loved it.

These would make excellent holiday gifts for the mystery reader on your list.  Hell, for any reader who loves a well-turned-phrase and a scintillating page turner.  My skin is still recovering from that first one.

The Verdict?


5 Pints (the highest possible ranking Liz The Beer Wench gives)
for them both!

And just wait until you meet the guy--he's gonna chat and sip some beer with me here on the Brewing Passion blog on Friday!
cheers
Liz
Me and Himself and another amazing Ann Arbor writer of Cozy Mysteries, Tammi Hart:

Across the Beer Bar with very special guest: Talli Roland!

Welcome to my Beer Bar Talli Roland!So far, it seems you have mistaken my place for a "Wine Bar" though.  I must convert you...never fear! I shall!Tell us about Build a Man.  I mean, the book, you know.
Wouldn't it be great if I could describe how to build a man? Sigh! In lieu of that, I'll tell you about the book: Ambitious tabloid reporter Serenity Holland goes undercover to build the nation's perfect man. When her quest goes disastrously wrong, she must choose between following her heart or grabbing the chance for her dream job.
I have to say, this novel was great fun to write!

And your decision to self publish--why?
I will never be a self-publishing evangelist and say that it's right for every writer, for every novel. Since I'd already had two novels published by a traditional publisher, I'd managed to build up a bit of a readership. The majority of my sales were ebooks, so it made sense for me to take this route right now. The market is changing so quickly and it's an exciting time to be a writer, but who knows what the future will hold?

Oh your glass is empty! what's next?
Quick, fill me up. Yes, some red wine will be perfect. OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!  
 My goal is to write three novels a year. It's quite ambitious, so I'll see how it goes! I'm not going to rush a novel just to finish it, and some books are more difficult to write than others. I'm in the fortunate position of being able to write full-time, and I see writing as my job. If I can work all day with only a few weeks' vacation for employers, I should be more than capable of doing the same for myself. I want to grow my readership and build my career, and releasing quality novels on a regular timeline is a great way of doing that. Next up is Construct A Couple, the sequel to Build A Man. It's due out in Spring 2012.

I lived in England myself a couple of years (mumbles: Essex---WHAT? it's where the DH's company put us because Ford of Europe was in Dunton at the time).  Loved it!  My favorite place in London to visit was the Tower. My second was the walkway along the Thames where the London Eye is located.Tell us about your background. are you a Londoner by birth or grace of God?
Essex! Did you know there's a show on telly now called 'The Only Way Is Essex'? You should watch it – I bet you'd get a real kick out of it. I'm not a Londoner by birth (it's rare these days that you find one). I came here almost eight years ago from Canada. I met my husband my first week here . . . and the rest is history. We've made London our home (he's Egyptian), and we love the city. It's dynamic, cosmopolitan, and there's always something happening. It's a very inspiring place to live.
Yeah, let's just say now that "Essex Man" and "Essex Girl" in England are sort like...well...The Situation and Snookie from that stupid Jersey show...
Is this your first book?  If not give us some background on the others.
Build A Man is my third novel. The Hating Game, my debut novel, was released last year. It features a man-eating woman who agrees to go on a reality TV show to win money to save her ailing business. Little does she know she'll have to battle through a string of very unhappy exes to make it to the end! Watching Willow Watts, my second novel, came out in September. It follows a country girl who becomes famous overnight when a video of her Marilyn Monroe impersonation gets millions of YouTube hits. As people flock to her small town, she must decide if being Marilyn really is her ticket to the big-time, or if she's better off being herself. I really enjoy writing about modern elements that influence and affect today's society.
How has self publishing gone for you so far?
It's going well! Since I was always very involved in my own marketing and promotion, there hasn't been much of a change. Just like I did with a traditional publisher, I worked with a cover designer and an editor for my self-published novel. The whole process has been remarkably similar.
What is one sentence of advice you'd give aspiring writers?
Keep writing, and remember why you write – because you enjoy it. It's easy to get caught up in the angst of trying to be published. And once you are published, it's a whole other world of stress! Try to hang on to the joy of creating something you're proud of.
And for a nightcap?
More wine please!  Um. No.  But I'm glad you came by!  *throws up hands and slams her IPA*

Talli Roland has three loves in her life: chick lit, coffee and wine. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine). Her debut novel, The Hating Game, was an Amazon Top 100 bestseller and shortlisted for Best Romantic Read at the UK's Festival of Romance, and her second, Watching Willow Watts, was selected as a 2011 Amazon Customer Favourite. Build A Man is her latest release. Talli blogs here and can be found on Twitter here.
Praise for Build A Man:
There was nothing I didn't like about Build A Man. It had characters I really, really cared for, it had an inspired plot (Talli is a plot genius!), it had warmth and humour and it wasn't all sweetness and light, either . . . I can't recommend it enough.Chick Lit News and Reviews
Talli's writing is fresh, lively and different. Her words carry you along and her characters make you care what happens to them. . . If you want a book that will make you laugh and make you cry, then this one comes highly recommended.Bookersatz
Build A Man is fast-paced, well-written chick lit that I can't recommend highly enough. Talli Roland has a sequel to this one coming out titled Construct A Couple and I've already added it to my wish list.The Book Chick
All of Talli's books are funny, romantic and easy to read, and you find yourself constantly turning the pages, becoming involved in the story and wanting to find out more. Build A Man is just the same . . . This is a hugely entertaining book, light-hearted yet with hidden messages of self belief, hope and about following dreams.Kim the Bookworm

Ramon's Six from Caught Offside

Welcome back to the Brewing Passion Six Sentence Sunday!
This week we visit Ramon Castillo, the former world champion soccer player, brought low by a career ending injury.


He sighed, forcing away the nightmare memory of himself, lying on the pitch during the final game of the World Cup championship, his shin a white-hot center of utter agony. A compound fracture from a cleats-high, red-card foul had ended his career in a matter of seconds.  To his surprise, the woman who had provided him with the tent pole in his sweatpants appeared right in front of him, the toe of her black patent leather shoes tapping with impatience. He looked up, straight into a pair of the most beautiful deep green eyes he'd ever seen, but they weren't happy to see him. She yanked the boy's hand away and bent her knees to meet his eager face. He couldn't help but grin as the kid kept staring, ignoring his mother in the way unique to small boys.
Be sure and visit all the amazingly talented writer participating in this week's Six Sunday!

The Birthday Post (Official)

Yes, I am one year older today.  No it is none of your damn business how many years have passed.
Plenty, I'll just say.


I'm gonna use today as a time to reflect a little on my relative publishing successes and failures of the past 12 months.


I collected 6 rejections, hitting all the "big epubs".  And those 4 all came within 7 days of each other.  That week sucked.


On the flip side I published my first m/f/m novel. Vegas Miracle, which is getting good reviews.  The story of a marriage, an infidelity, forgiveness, and redemption.
This is from a recent review at Sizzlin' Hot Reviews which gave it "5 Hearts."
Vegas Miracle was a tough read, not because of the editing or storyline, but because of the harsh reality lens that the characters were seen through. There were no "Prince Charmings" or "Tough Texas Sheriffs," but real people with flaws and emotions. Each of the main characters were flawed in some way yet needed the other characters in order to be complete. Liz Crowe definitely has a way with presenting interesting characters! The scenes between the three main characters, Henri, Grace and Ryan made me cry and scream. In some cases, I wanted to hit Ryan upside the head with the skillet, smack that smug smile off Henri's mouth, and at other times I wanted to push Grace into the ocean. 

Vegas Miracle is a must read tale of the reality of love. It isn't a happily ever after where life is easy but marriage and love is a daily challenge to work on, and it is worth it. Honestly I feel that Vegas Miracle tells us how marriage should work, even if it takes more than two people to make it work! If you enjoy a story that keeps you thinking, challenges your beliefs and stirs your emotions, then Vegas Miracle is perfect for you. Read it today!


Rebel Ink Press also published a short story of mine, Player Conference, in an anthology of shorts with a "cougar theme.  Claw Marks is a fun antho with lots of amazing talent represented.






I finally got that "choose your romance" project done!
The Tap Room, the Brewing Passion novel released in September.  Here is what one reviewer said:
The Tap Room is a steamy sexual romp through the sheets from California, to Nashville and Michigan. Erin is a woman who was burned and is looking for love again. I could identify with her desire to find a guy who wasn't like her ex-husband, but one who gave her what she needed. The guys that she has to choose from are all yummy but I wanted her to be with Owen because of their emotional connection. However, I really wanted him to "man-up" and admit his feelings for her and fight for her. He kept allowing other people to interrupt his time with her.

The Tap Room is an interesting read because of the details that Liz Crowe brings to the story about the brewing business. The details about the tools of the business as well as the marketing and selling of beer were fun to read. But it was the characters that really drove the story. I loved getting to know each of them in more depth from the other Brewing Passion books. The Tap Room is a part of a series but can be read alone, however, I am sure you will want to read all about the rest of the story in Liz's other Brewing Passion series.

Make sure you check out The Tap Room and open your eyes to some new adventures all the while exposing your taste buds to some locally brewed beers. You won't be sorry that you did!


It's had its share of detractors too of course.  Some reviewer called my heroine a slut, offering "sloppy seconds" but went on to say how much she really liked my characters and the depth of the story.  Whatever. 
The final chapter of the Brewing Passion series was released as well.  When my Editor said "Give me More Trent!" I did that with Specific Gravity.  
here's one person's opinion of that one:


Specific Gravity is a fantastic read filled with romantic turmoil that will have you wishing to spend more time around Lisa and Trent. Lisa, like Trent, was hurt in a previous relationship but isn't running scared. She is feistier and lets Trent have it with both guns and glass of Vodka! I loved that she wasn't going to become a doormat to anyone. Trent will have to learn to get over his fears and meet her halfway. The fun interactions between their friends, Owen and Erin, provides a hilarious twist as they are the couple who are having the same issues as Lisa and Trent, that fear of commitment. I really enjoyed how I was able to catch up with a couple that I read about in a previous story and see how their relationship had developed. I also can't wait to find out more about these wonderful people!

Specific Gravity is a part of the Brewing Passion series but follows the first book, The Rookie, most- in that it has the same characters dealing with a different step in their relationship. However, you don't have to read the books in order to know or understand the stories or the characters. Each book is a delight in itself! I highly recommend Specific Gravity to anyone who loves a good spicy romance with fun characters and high drama!




The first book I got accepted by Decadent Publishing was a fun 1NightStand romp: Caught Offside which releases December 30.  

Ramon Castillo, world famous soccer player and international playboy has been brought low by a career-ending injury.  After the humiliation of a shattered leg at the World Cup final he has spent a year in surgeries and painful therapies, the last three months of which are at the Castillo resort in Las Vegas under the watchful eye of his cousin.  But Ramon's lack of interest in soccer, women, or in anything besides the black jack tables has Jackson worried. 
Gillian Winter, catering and banquet manager for the MGM Grand Hotel is nurturing her own deep wounds.  Her beloved husband has died unexpectedly, leaving her with a young son whose one dream is to meet his hero:  Number 17 on the American National Soccer team, Ramon Castillo.  When an apparent chance encounter in the lobby of the MGM reveals Ramon's presence in their midst, everyone's lives are changed forever.   
Can Madame Eve work her magic and bring true healing to Ramon and Gillian? Or is it too late?

mmmmm.....soccer players....it's a theme/fetish of mine I won't kid you.


And the Turks...Ah the Turks...they took a fair bit of my creative energy in 2011.  The trilogy of stories from Decadent Publishing are part of their "1NightStand" series and today I got the most amazing review of them as as group....must share:


As a whole, the series was one of the best trilogies that I have ever read.  The writing, pacing, plots and dialogue were beautifully done.  Each book delivered on the emotional scale for me, too.  With Elle/Emre, I was laughing and sighing.  With Tarkan/Caleb/Adem, it was crying and joys in Caleb's healing.  Lale/Andreas it was frustration and then belief that they would make it as a couple.  If you have put off buying the series because its multicultural or that some of the subject matter that Liz brings to the surface is not for you…think again.  It is a series that should be read, discussed and re-read again.  A word of caution though…okay, a couple…bring tissues, carve out a couple of hours and please, please read them in order.  You can read them as stand alones but reading them order only enhances each book.


Now THAT ladies and gents, makes writing worthwhile.  Sure some folks don't like their length (the first 2 are less than 10k words) but rest assured, Decadent is so convinced of the value of this bigger story, they requested, and got not only a PREQUEL: The Diplomat's Daughter (releasing early 2012) 


but also a follow up novel: Flower Passage, that is still officially under consideration but if you are a fan of these stories you will get closure.  Maybe not in a way you thought, but closure.  Here's the working blurb:

What would you do if the lover, brother, son and friend you thought you'd lost forever was returned to you?  
Brutally battered emotionally and physically for the past two years, Tarkan Deniz has escaped his captors.  When the Deniz family discovers the shocking truth they rally and do everything in their power to bring him back safely.  But all have been affected by the tragedy of his loss, and must come to terms with the new reality, each in their own way.  
When Happily Ever After seems like a nightmare...one man can bring healing to all, but will he ever be the same man again?
Flower Passage teaches lesson that love once lost, can be regained, even if it takes a slightly different form than before.
Click here for a post with some very emotional *pre edited* excerpts....
And finally, I got word that my brewery intrigue/sabotage/love story: Cheeky Blonde will be published by Decadent next year.  This is a hot story with plenty of action, suspense and a hero that will make many men wither and die on the vine.  Sean Garrison.  Uh huh.  More on him later....




Lastly, in the waning days of 2011 I have decided to undertake a MASSIVE revision project for my novel series The Realtors.  Taking an already larger than life, super alpha, millionaire real estate broker one....step....farther.....into a slightly darker realm in his own head, history, and life is requiring a shit ton of work but MAN is this story gonna sizzle right off the screen even hotter in late January.  Tri-Destiny Publishing, a new kid on the block but one that has impressed me with their professionalism will launch their entire "Sizzling" Line of erotic romance with this series.  And Damned if Jack Gordon would give Mr. Garrison up there a serious run for his money. I'm pretty sure they were separated at birth.

Today I'm taking part in the Stuff Yo Stockins blog hop.  I'm offering one of my brewery's Beer Wench Tees to one lucky commenter over the course of the weekend.So feel free to wish me a happy birthday and BE ENTERED TO WIN!!More sites here:http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/

Birthday Eve! with Carrie Ann Across the Beer Bar (and lots o' chances to win)

Welcome to my Beer Bar Carrie Ann! It's a special day...Birthday Eve for yours truly! So there is a lot going on.  Be sure and comment about Carrie Ann's debut novel: An Alpha's Path and be entered to win a $25 Gift Card from Amazon!
AND I'm also giving way the same when you answer a question all the way down at the bottom about my post earlier this week...here we go:

Thank you so much for having me here today! I've been to this site before and have always loved the interviews!
How long have you been writing fiction?I've been writing fiction for about two years now. I've been a scientific – Chemistry – writer since I was 13, so I've always been writing. It's a huge difference in the two, but I love it.If you drink alcohol, what is your go-to drink? It depends on my meal. If I go out bar hopping (like twice a year, since according to my students I am old at 25 LOL), then it's usually something girly and fruity, or a Captain and Diet. But if I'm at a BBQ or just hanging out, then it's a light beer. When I lived in Denver, I turned 21 and went to the micro-breweries. Loved them. I'm a huge fan of fruity beers. I'm not a huge fan of hops or when I can see the grains floating in it. But I will always try something once. :-)Are you self published?  If so, why?  If not, who is your publisher?I'm going indie for this series. Not for any particular reason other than the fact that I don't have time to do something else. I have MS and have to go on my own deadlines. But I love some of the small publishers that I know, so it was nothing against them. If I didn't have such a support system in my writing world, then I would have gone about it differently.If you are self published, what is your editing process? Do you hire one?I have a group of about 45 crit partners LOL. Out of that I usually get about 10 crits per chapter. Then my sister in law is an editor so I hired her. She is brutally honest so I felt comfortable. Why werewolves?  There are an awful lot of books about them out there.  What makes yours different?I love them. Simple as that. I love the animalistic, close to Earth nature. The fight between two sides of the same coin has always interested me. Though in this series, and another I'm writing I do go into other paranormals.My wolves are not too scary and are family driven. They are mine, though they tell their own story. My wolves also do have their own hierarchy that leads to special powers and positions that is different than in other books. Though you won't see the full effect of that until you get later in the series. I need to keep some things secret. LOLDo you write full time?I write at least 1-2k a day, but I do work full time as a chemistry instructor. I'm super super busy! LOL But who isn't?Where do you see yourself and your writing  career in ten years?I would love to be still writing. Finding new characters and new series. I don't need to be famous LOL. But someone who knows my work would be nice. In ten years, hubby and I will hopefully have kids by then, so I will have to work that in too!Thank you so much for having me here! I really love this site. This is my first book, so I'm nervous, scared, and excited all at once. Thank you for letting me share it with y'all!

Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. Her first book, An Alpha's Path, will be released soon. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.
Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:
Website and BlogFacebook Author PageFacebook FriendTwitter: @CarrieAnnRyan

An Alpha's Path Blurb
            Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she's to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date - a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she's to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – be he is more than what he appears and Melanie's analytical mind goes into overdrive.
            Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?
An excerpt: Kade could only imagine how she would look with her pale, creamy, skin against his darker, bronze skin. Watching her lashes brush her cheeks as she glanced down at her barely touched meal he knew he wanted to kiss any fears or anxiety she carried away.Mate? I think it's time to go upstairs. Don't you?He couldn't agree more with his wolf. But he didn't want to rush her. No matter what happened tonight, they would be going upstairs – that was a guarantee. What they did once they arrived however – was up to the woman in front of him."You look as if you have the same appetite as me." At the sound of his voice, her head popped up from whatever deep thoughts she was thinking. "What do you say we take a walk around the property?""Oh, okay. I guess I am just not that hungry tonight." She smiled sheepishly as she set down her fork and any pretense of enjoying her food."Let's go then, the check taken care of, so we can take our time tonight."She smiled timidly again and grabbed her wrap and black, beaded bag. He fluidly rose from his seat and offered her his hand/"Where would you like to walk to?" Kade, again, toned down his wolf and waited for Melanie's reply."Our room?"Her face was still stunning with the shade of beet red it became at her surprising, yet not unwelcome, announcement.His wolf growled in agreement and preened for attention.He gave her a smile that promised sinful and wicked deeds."That sounds like an outstanding idea, Melanie."


 And as for me?  I posted an excerpt this week and I'm also giving away a $25 gift card! check it out. and answer the question.Carrie Ann and I will be here until 10 a.m. tomorrow so read, enjoy, comment and WIN!


Yes you can cheat.  Click Here to do so.


The question is:

What happened to Gillian's husband?

Leave your answer in a comment with an email address.  I'll choose one of the correct ones for a $25 Amazon Gift Card (which will pretty much buy you my entire back list!)

Caught Offside: The Hot Soccer 1NightStand releases from Decadent Publishing on December 30!


And....I'm one of about a zillion amazing authors participating in the Stuff Your...Stockings Blog Hop!
I'm offering a cool ass Beer Wench Tee (yes, you do see a striking resemblance thank you very much) to one lucky commenter over the course of the weekend.

DANG you could be a double winner today y'all.

check it out:
http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/ 
Stuff 'em!
Love ,Liz