Rachel Leigh's Blog, page 15

How I try to keep the fire alive for my readers...

My husband and I have been married 14 years (and 19 years together). People often comment on our relationship because we’re still very close, still laugh a lot and still hold hands in public BUT nothing’s perfect, right?
We have our fair share of problems too – fair share of differences that I swear will NEVER be resolved no matter how long we are together. So what keeps the fire alive? To my mind, if we agreed on everything, wanted to live in each other’s pockets and only had one opinion on everything concerned with our children, our relationship would be far from authentic. I am always determined to live authentically. It’s SO important to me!
This thing is, am I the only romance author who uses our differences to spark some energy into a scene between my hero and heroine? Is it only me who vents some of my frustration over a recent disagreement by having my hero and heroine face some of the issues hubby and I might be dealing with? I think not. Come on, own up…who of you authors out there does it too? ;)

The thing is, what is it that keeps us devoted romance authors coming back for more? It has to be the realism of our stories that matter most to our readers. Keeping it real between the hero and heroine as well as the secondary characters is paramount. The question is, how do we achieve that?
For me, the answer lies in the basic planning that I do at the very start of each book. Admittedly, as I write more and more stories, my planning is become less and less as I evolve into more of a ‘pantser’, BUT I genuinely believe I am gaining a sense of what works and what doesn’t.

So how do I plan my stories? Simple. I get the idea, whether that be a character voicing a problem, or a setting I know is perfect or even an issue I take umbrage with. Once I have that simmering away nicely in my mind, I sit down and force out character sketches for my hero and heroine. This always brings up their goals, motivations and conflicts. Always. If you really BECOME your characters as you answer your character sketch questions, it will work. Promise!
Next, I write a two to three page synopsis. Of course, this changes as I write the story itself – TIP: If you want to try my method, alter your synopsis as you write your story and then you’ll have a fully functional synopsis ready to submit to a publisher by the time you write The End.
Writing is fun – enjoy it! Live with your characters, breathe your characters, think about your characters and they’ll tell you want they want to say, do and most importantly, who they HAVE to love! J
What do you think? Do you work in an entirely different way? I’d love to hear from you!
Rachel x

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Published on November 16, 2012 00:59

Welcome Liquid Silver author, Elizabeth Finn!!

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your ongoing tour today, Elizabeth! I am looking forward to learning more about you and your work - let's get started with the interview!

1)   What is your writing routine?·      I don’t have a set routine – I’m definitely not that organized. I tend to cram writing in wherever and whenever I can. I work full time in Human Resources, I’m a parent of a toddler, I’m a half-time college student going in to my senior year of business management, and I’m just plain busy! I stay up far too late writing on many nights, and I’ve been known to pull out my laptop in an airport restaurant on a long layover just to crank some words out.
2)   Which author/s inspire you to write?·      I fell in love with Johanna Lindsey years ago, and I have to say this was my introduction into the romance genre. Her books are where I fell in love with reading romance.
3)   Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write?·      I love any and all to read, but currently I’m writing contemporary. I like the real life authenticity of it. I have to admit though… I’m a sucker for paranormal, and I’m actually finishing up a paranormal romance of my own that I hope to contract soon.
4)   How do you deal with criticism/rejection?·      It can be hard. It’s hard for anyone. First and foremost, I walk away to begin with. The initial emotional reaction you might have shouldn’t dictate your reaction to the criticizer. I walk away for as long as I need to, and then analyze the criticism, and give it whatever level of attention it deserves. If it holds no merit, I dismiss it, if does hold merit, I’ll consider it. Coping with and dealing with criticism isn’t ever going to be easy, and I’m an arguer by nature, so I really do have to stifle my urge to fire back.
5)   What do you expect from an editor?·      A lot! They’re the eyes that you don’t have because you’ve gotten too close to your own manuscript. I will never catch all of the little errors or inconsistencies in my writing, and the more I read it and edit it, the more my eyes learn to pass right over some basic mistakes. I’m almost always hearing the sentence in my head before I even read it when it comes to my own work, so to me, and editor is the fresh set of eyes that you need to catch all of the things you can’t! It’s a big responsibility!

6)   Which is your favorite character in the book? Why?·      I love Logan. I love his intelligence and drive. He is good from the word go in my opinion. His life is on a path that can’t be easily diverged from, but he fights tooth and nail for Rowan throughout the book even knowing he can’t keep her. He’s stern and stoic at times, and he’s not without his flaws, but he’s incredibly caring and protective of his girl.
7) What are you working on right now?·      I’m finishing up on edits for my December release, Restoring Jordan, and I’m really excited for this release. I’m also just finishing writing a paranormal erotic romance that I hope to have contracted soon!
8) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?·      Just try it. It seems daunting when you’re first starting out, and the idea of writing an entire book can be intimidating, but you get to that point where you look back and your book is 90,000 words long, and you know you’ve made it!
9) Where can readers find you? Elizabethfinnfiction.com or email at elizabethfinn77@gmail.com – I love to hear from people!

Brother’s Keeperby Elizabeth Finn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
EXCERPT
I beg my brain to concentrate on my book but can’t seem to keep my eyes where they should be. I keep looking up and watching Rowan. She’s pulling off her clothes, and I almost choke until I realize she has her dance clothes on underneath. She is sitting spread eagle on the floor, her back to me, lacing her toe shoes up her ankles. I can’t take my gaze away from her. She looks up to the wall of mirrors in front of her and catches me watching her from behind. She smiles shyly, and I smile back. I sit with my book open on my lap for the entire hour but don’t manage to make it past the first page.
I watch her as she stretches. I watch her as she goes through positions. She is beautiful—her lines so elegant. She may look small and unobtrusive at any other time, but when she’s in her element, she radiates and takes over the room. Her face is confident and calm, seductive but not intentionally so. The way she moves is so effortless, and her body is so amazingly balanced as she easily forces her body into positions that would make the average person groan in pain. I almost burst out laughing as I remember the acrobatics she attempted just shortly ago outside on the sidewalk.
Watching her body move is mesmerizing and does nothing for my vow to control my desire for her. Gay as Anthony most definitely is, I’m unrealistically jealous of the way he is allowed to touch her, pushing her legs into exactly the position he wants, turning and spreading her hips at his leisure, even sliding his hand around her firm buttocks to catch the back of her thigh and lift her leg at just the right angle. I catch myself holding my breath on more than one occasion, and by the time her hour is up, I’m her number one fan. I love ballet. She strolls over to me and sits down. She looks down before I even notice and sees just how far I’ve not made it in my book. I’m still on page one.
She smiles shyly before commenting. “Must be a boring book.” She has no idea…
“In comparison to other things, yeah, you could say that. Are you ready?”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Elizabeth Finn is an Iowa native, where she lives with her husband and son. By day, Elizabeth is a Human Resources Specialist, but by night, she checks her professionalism at the door and immerses herself in the world of writing contemporary erotic romance. Look for more to come from Elizabeth Finn.
Visit Elizabeth at ElizabethFinn.WordPress.com, Facebook.com/ElizabethFinnFiction or email to ElizabethFinn77@gmail.com. She would love to hear from you!

Elizabeth will be awarding a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/virtual-book-tour-brothers-keeper-by.html
Comments??

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Published on November 13, 2012 04:05

Saturday Promo - Samantha Gentry....

Blurb:
Dani Foreman is determined to expose the secrets of the mysterious Third Floor club in order to secure her career as an investigative reporter. Problem? So far, many have tried but none gained access to the private club. An encounter with the sexy bartender might just be her way inside the club to discover the truth behind the rumors of orgies among the rich and powerful.

Mitch Sinclair is a man of many secrets, including owning the Third Floor, an exclusive sex club. He doesn't know who Dani is, but he does know she is not what she claims. His need to protect the secrets of Third Floor runs deep and very personal. But his attraction to Dani is strong and he must decide whether to trust her or compromise the single most important thing in his life.

Excerpt:

Mitch flashed his best smile. “Hello, pretty lady. Welcome to the Oasis Bar. I’ve never seen you here before.” A quick glance told him she wasn’t wearing a wedding or engagement ring.

She responded with a beautiful smile of her own. “That’s because I’ve never been here before.”

“I’ll have to figure out how to guarantee you’ll make this your regular hangout.” He placed a bar napkin in front of her. “What’s your pleasure?” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “And if you say the bartender, we’ll run away together…as soon as the night shift comes on duty. The owner probably wouldn’t take kindly to the bar operating on the honor system between now and then.”

“I’ll have a glass of chardonnay.”

He cocked an eyebrow, winked, and fixed her with a teasing grin. “You’re choosing a glass of wine over the bartender?”

She made an unsuccessful attempt to suppress her own grin. “For the moment.”

He liked the way she fell in with his teasing, participating rather than being offended. Humor was important to him when meeting a woman for the first time, along with intelligence and honesty…just three of several qualities he valued above good looks. He grabbed a bottle from the cooler, poured the wine, and set the glass on the napkin. “Anything else I can get for you while I’m here?”

She took a sip of her wine. “Speaking of the owner…is Leander Washington here? A friend asked me to say hello to him.”

All Mitch’s senses went on full alert. Leander Washington?
Buy Link:
http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87&products_id=904

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Published on November 10, 2012 04:07

Chatting with Liz Crowe....

1)   What is your writing routine?I own a craft microbrewery and handle all aspects of marketing, retail staff management and sales. I get my writing in where I can, especially now considering both businesses are taking off in a big way. I can’t say I have any routine. Hans (my well-known, 6’5” blond lederhosen wearing Muse who is a dead ringer for Chris Evans) strikes me. I write. I’ve been known to do it sitting at my beer bar, on airplanes, on my back patio, at the kitchen table, as a passenger on a car ride and in a room full of soccer parents waiting for a rain delay.
2)   Which author/s inspire you to write?John IrvingMargaret AtwoodAnne TylerJohn GreenLianne MoriartyStephen King (Green Mile and The Stand mostly)

3)   Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write?I will admit that I’m more or a mainstream reader but when I reach for “romance” I go straight for erotic. But I’m picky there too. I want an actual story with the (preferably well-constructed) sex scenes left in to advance the story, not to be the focus of it.Technically I write “contemporary erotic romance” but I have coined a new phrase based on the growing number of fans and reviews I’ve been getting:Romance For Real LifeThis genre is devoid of purple prose (or anything “purple” if you know what I mean) and terribly obvious happy endings. My characters are fairly typical physically speaking but harbor all sorts of foibles and “real” characteristics that keep them from always doing what traditional romance readers expect (or want). “Necessary components” for this genre are: characters who screw up, at times more than once; situations that readers can actually relate to; messiness—like kids; very sexy and explicit encounters, that many times lead to the above 3 things.

4)   How do you deal with criticism/rejection?I pout for a bit, but not nearly as long as I used to. I don’t encounter that much rejection anymore but am certainly open to criticism in the form of lukewarm or even harsh reviews. I got a particularly bad one from the Grand Dame of all “romance reviewers” not long ago. That stung. Until I realized that the reasons I iterated above about my style and preferences for reading and writing just were not traditional enough for that particular periodical. I was in sales for years (still am). If you can’t take “no” and translate it into something positive you should not be in sales (or writing for actual publication).
5)   What do you expect from an editor?Honesty.Flexibility.Patience.Sense of Humor.
6)   Tell me about your latest releaseEscalation Clause: Stewart Realty book 6 is the continuing saga of a group of people I started writing about 4 years ago. The first 3 books (Floor Time/Sweat Equity/Closing Costs) are a trilogy about Jack Gordon and Sara Thornton—the poster children for “romance for real life” many of my fans claim. I had many compelling secondary characters, including Blake, Sara’s brother and his partner, Rob (who also knew Jack from college). Craig Robinson, a potential rival to Jack for Sara’s heart and a few others. They were so compelling I wrote their books (Essence of Time and Conditional Offer, books 4 and 5). This book is a long novel addressing another character’s life (Maureen, Jack’s widowed sister) as well as how the rest of the group moves on from a tragedy. It is NOT meant to be read as stand alone. And I do not encourage anyone to do that. The entire series is a best seller in many categories on Amazon (NONE of them “romance” interestingly enough). It is hot ( as in explicit) but ties up a few loose ends I left dangling in the previous books. I’m pretty proud of it.
7)   Which is your favorite character in the book? Why?There is no way I can not be a huge fan of Jack Gordon. Here is his official bio:John Patrick (Jack) Gordon is the quintessential super alpha male, a self-made success, driven type-A+ with a penchant for the latest challenge.
At the opening of the Stewart Realty series he is Ann Arbor’s most eligible 36-year-old bachelor, a multi millionaire builder, real estate broker and in the middle of one his latest high profile female conquests. He has suppressed his inner, former Dom in favor of less demanding (of his partners) hook ups, and besides, he’s too busy to take on a sub. Why not just get laid…a lot?
He is the epitome of all things very classic Alpha. A Rolex sporting, Ray-Ban wearing, tailored suit kind of guy, 6’ 6”, with full-on “black Irish” charm—snapping blue eyes and coal black hair. He’s a car fanatic, with a ’66 Stingray and convertible 1960 Lincoln Mark six in the garage plus the latest model Navigator to haul clients around in. There is nothing subtle about his personality. He’s a successful salesman and cocksman for a reason. But is highly loyal to his close friends and family, which consists of a sister, brother-in-law and their children, as both of his parents are dead.
He does not suffer fools lightly, but is a top notch professional, and eventually becomes general manager of the large Stewart Realty company, while turning the reigns of his father’s construction company over to his sister. He owns four large buildings in downtown Ann Arbor, and is a complete soccer fanatic, taking it so far as to procure funding and permission to start a professional league expansion team in Detroit.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business from Michigan State University, a Juris Doctorate from Northwestern and was twice named as “Hot Realtor on the Rise” by the National Association of Realtors. A running fanatic, he logs nearly ten miles every day, and has recently become a Bikram Yoga practitioner. When the series begins he has never been married, and is fairly set in his ways. Until, of course, he meets Sara Thornton.
By the end of Escalation Clause it is clear that Jack is the glue that binds many people together and he rises to the occasion, after a few slip ups along the way.He has his own facebook page which gains more fans daily. Http://www.facebook.com/jackgordonrealtor

8)   What are you working on right now?I am working on a ménage novella I contracted to Tri Destiny (publisher of the Stewart Realty series, Vegas Miracle and Paradise Hops). Honey Red will release in December. I also have the “Black Jack Gentlemen” spin off series from Stewart Realty that will be releasing in January 2013.And I have 2 mainstream projects in mind for 2013 as well.
9)                  Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?Don’t give up. Don’t take criticism any way but how it is meant. Your first draft is ALWAYS shit (shout out to Papa Hemingway for that one).

ESCALATION CLAUSEByLiz Crowe
BLURB:   Young love burns hot and bright. Soul mates are found, then lost in the blink of an eye. When young widow Maureen Gordon Taylor meets her daughter's sexy soccer coach, her body and heart slowly unthaw.  But will holding tight to the past cost her a future?  A devastating blow shatters a family's fragile happiness. Rob Freitag and Lila Warren now confront life without the emotional glue that once bound them, but a shared goal brings them back together. Is it enough to make them whole again and become the family they were meant to be?Mutual trust is hard won for the Gordons. When tragedy strikes, Jack and Sara’s lives are sent into a tailspin.  To keep her family from falling apart, she must force Jack to admit his deepest fears. After everything they’ve been through, can they revive the spark and move to the next stage of marital fulfillment?The sweeping saga of the Stewart Realty series continues as long-time friends learn to rely on each other, and to grab hold of happiness before it's too late.

EXCERPT:
The sunlight pierced the light haze of his sleep. Brandis groaned, rolled over seeking shade and found himself hand-and-kneeing it facing the brick pavers of his parents’ patio. “Christ in a sidecar what time is it?” He mumbled, flipping around so he sat, back against the chaise lounge that must have served as his bed for the night. Not that he recalled anything after the second joint. He groaned and ran a hand down his already sweaty face.
Jack walked out the back door, Mountain Dew in hand, dressed for work at his father’s construction site for the day. Brandis blinked at his friend. “How in the hell can be so awake and non-hung over? I feel like three day old shit.”
“You look like it, too.” Jack slammed the remaining soda and threw the can into the returnables' bin. “You taking those back today? We need food at the house while you’re at it.”
Brandis flipped him off. “I look like your personal shopper?”
“No,” Jack sat, laced his work boots up then leveled a deep blue stare at him. “You look like a guy lucky enough not to have to work on the Saturday after a giant pool party.” His friend leaned forward on his knees and gave Brandis an ominous look. “You also look like the guy who could possibly be messing around with my sister. I don’t recommend you be that guy. Not at all.”
“I’m…” Brandis started to say something, but he had nothing, so he stayed quiet. Jack stared him down, turned on his heel then left, letting the gate bang loud behind him. Brandis crawled to the edge of the pool, noted all the shit he needed to clean out of it including at least two condoms, then stuck his feet into the cold water, groaning when his temples started pounding to the beat of his heart. He put his head in his hands. Mo was the first thing he saw when he closed his eyes. Her bright blue eyes snapping with laughter, anger, and…desire … God help him, he had nursed a crush on her for years.
She’d been such a tomboy, running with him and Jack, tagging along then joining in the baseball, basketball, soccer whatever they concocted, up to and including egg throwing at Halloween and more less innocent vices. Their easy camaraderie had always allowed them to wrestle, to tickle, to touch. After she’d shown up at his house last month, determined to escape her jerk-off father, he thought he could just ease back into it. But, he hadn’t seen her in over a year, and in that time, she had become a full-fledged, jaw-dropping woman. Her tall, athletic frame was lush, lovely, full-hipped and inviting. The deep blue of her eyes and inky black fall of her hair made him want to bury his hands in it, to kiss her until she begged for more.
So, it seemed, his crush had bloomed into full-blown lust. A desire she apparently matched.
No way.
He’d heard Jack’s message loud and clear. And as much of a man-whore as Brandis was, he was a loyal friend. So, Mo was off limits. Fine. He did not need that hassle, not now, with just a month and a half before he left for Colorado.
He leaned back on his hands and willed his cock soft, but the memory of her lips, and the feel of her skin against his if just for that one moment was not something he would soon forget. When he’d fucked that girl in the basement then realized Mo had been down there, watching them, it had taken him a couple of seconds to acknowledge he’d been picturing her beneath him, her body taking his, the sounds of her climax in his ears the entire time.
What a fucking mess.
“Hey,” he nearly jumped a mile into the air at the sound of her voice. “I, um, just want to say, you know, well…” She sat a couple of feet from him and let her feet dangle in the water. “Sorry.” She looked straight ahead.
“For what?” He cleared his throat, nervous beyond belief.
“For spying on you. I mean, I wasn’t, I was getting a drink and just kind of … oh hell. You know what I mean.” She looked down into the water. “This pool is disgusting.” She shoved a greasy looking floating seat away with her foot. “Are those…” She pointed to the used rubbers on the bottom.
“Yeah,” he ran a hand down his face, then jumped up and grabbed the skimmer. He cleared the condoms, a bottle of sunscreen and three beer cans from the pool, trying to ignore her. But his baser self would not cooperate and he had to grab a towel and fasten it around his waist to hide the damn tent in his shorts. She moved all the chairs back into their usual places and cleaned off the two glass-topped tables, finding yet another rubber in the grass near the back fence.
“You guys sure do know how to throw a party.” She smiled at him, lifting his heart and making his damn cock pound in time with his headache.
“Huh,” he grunted, before turning the water on to refill the pool and taking a reading on the chemicals. Sweat dripped off his forehead, blurring his vision. Fuck it was hot out already and it was barely eight o’clock in the morning. She crouched down next to him, her arm grazing his, making him flinch. Crush, Brandis. Remember? She is a no-go zone. Don’t do it.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.
Her groundbreaking romance subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”)
Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.

LINKS:
www.lizcrowe.com
www.brewingpasssion.com
www.a2beerwench.com
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2
www.facebook.com/romanceforreallife
www.facebook.com/jackgordonrealtor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iowrG0V__cI

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Published on November 06, 2012 01:19

Tuesday Promo with Liz Crowe....

ESCALATION CLAUSEByLiz Crowe
BLURB: Young love burns hot and bright. Soul mates are found, then lost in the blink of an eye. When young widow Maureen Gordon Taylor meets her daughter's sexy soccer coach, her body and heart slowly unthaw. But will holding tight to the past cost her a future? A devastating blow shatters a family's fragile happiness. Rob Freitag and Lila Warren now confront life without the emotional glue that once bound them, but a shared goal brings them back together. Is it enough to make them whole again and become the family they were meant to be?Mutual trust is hard won for the Gordons. When tragedy strikes, Jack and Sara’s lives are sent into a tailspin. To keep her family from falling apart, she must force Jack to admit his deepest fears. After everything they’ve been through, can they revive the spark and move to the next stage of marital fulfillment?The sweeping saga of the Stewart Realty series continues as long-time friends learn to rely on each other, and to grab hold of happiness before it's too late.

EXCERPT:
The sunlight pierced the light haze of his sleep. Brandis groaned, rolled over seeking shade and found himself hand-and-kneeing it facing the brick pavers of his parents’ patio. “Christ in a sidecar what time is it?” He mumbled, flipping around so he sat, back against the chaise lounge that must have served as his bed for the night. Not that he recalled anything after the second joint. He groaned and ran a hand down his already sweaty face.
Jack walked out the back door, Mountain Dew in hand, dressed for work at his father’s construction site for the day. Brandis blinked at his friend. “How in the hell can be so awake and non-hung over? I feel like three day old shit.”
“You look like it, too.” Jack slammed the remaining soda and threw the can into the returnables' bin. “You taking those back today? We need food at the house while you’re at it.”
Brandis flipped him off. “I look like your personal shopper?”
“No,” Jack sat, laced his work boots up then leveled a deep blue stare at him. “You look like a guy lucky enough not to have to work on the Saturday after a giant pool party.” His friend leaned forward on his knees and gave Brandis an ominous look. “You also look like the guy who could possibly be messing around with my sister. I don’t recommend you be that guy. Not at all.”
“I’m…” Brandis started to say something, but he had nothing, so he stayed quiet. Jack stared him down, turned on his heel then left, letting the gate bang loud behind him. Brandis crawled to the edge of the pool, noted all the shit he needed to clean out of it including at least two condoms, then stuck his feet into the cold water, groaning when his temples started pounding to the beat of his heart. He put his head in his hands. Mo was the first thing he saw when he closed his eyes. Her bright blue eyes snapping with laughter, anger, and…desire … God help him, he had nursed a crush on her for years.
She’d been such a tomboy, running with him and Jack, tagging along then joining in the baseball, basketball, soccer whatever they concocted, up to and including egg throwing at Halloween and more less innocent vices. Their easy camaraderie had always allowed them to wrestle, to tickle, to touch. After she’d shown up at his house last month, determined to escape her jerk-off father, he thought he could just ease back into it. But, he hadn’t seen her in over a year, and in that time, she had become a full-fledged, jaw-dropping woman. Her tall, athletic frame was lush, lovely, full-hipped and inviting. The deep blue of her eyes and inky black fall of her hair made him want to bury his hands in it, to kiss her until she begged for more.
So, it seemed, his crush had bloomed into full-blown lust. A desire she apparently matched.
No way.
He’d heard Jack’s message loud and clear. And as much of a man-whore as Brandis was, he was a loyal friend. So, Mo was off limits. Fine. He did not need that hassle, not now, with just a month and a half before he left for Colorado.
He leaned back on his hands and willed his cock soft, but the memory of her lips, and the feel of her skin against his if just for that one moment was not something he would soon forget. When he’d fucked that girl in the basement then realized Mo had been down there, watching them, it had taken him a couple of seconds to acknowledge he’d been picturing her beneath him, her body taking his, the sounds of her climax in his ears the entire time.
What a fucking mess.
“Hey,” he nearly jumped a mile into the air at the sound of her voice. “I, um, just want to say, you know, well…” She sat a couple of feet from him and let her feet dangle in the water. “Sorry.” She looked straight ahead.
“For what?” He cleared his throat, nervous beyond belief.
“For spying on you. I mean, I wasn’t, I was getting a drink and just kind of … oh hell. You know what I mean.” She looked down into the water. “This pool is disgusting.” She shoved a greasy looking floating seat away with her foot. “Are those…” She pointed to the used rubbers on the bottom.
“Yeah,” he ran a hand down his face, then jumped up and grabbed the skimmer. He cleared the condoms, a bottle of sunscreen and three beer cans from the pool, trying to ignore her. But his baser self would not cooperate and he had to grab a towel and fasten it around his waist to hide the damn tent in his shorts. She moved all the chairs back into their usual places and cleaned off the two glass-topped tables, finding yet another rubber in the grass near the back fence.
“You guys sure do know how to throw a party.” She smiled at him, lifting his heart and making his damn cock pound in time with his headache.
“Huh,” he grunted, before turning the water on to refill the pool and taking a reading on the chemicals. Sweat dripped off his forehead, blurring his vision. Fuck it was hot out already and it was barely eight o’clock in the morning. She crouched down next to him, her arm grazing his, making him flinch. Crush, Brandis. Remember? She is a no-go zone. Don’t do it.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.
Her groundbreaking romance subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”)
Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.

LINKS:
www.lizcrowe.com
www.brewingpasssion.com
www.a2beerwench.com
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2
www.facebook.com/romanceforreallife
www.facebook.com/jackgordonrealtor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iowrG0V__cI

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Published on November 06, 2012 01:19

Welcome erotic romance writing duo, Amber Skyze & Katalina Leon...

Please welcome writing duo, Amber Skyze & Katalina Leon! Welcome, ladies - thanks for letting me be part of your ongoing tour. Looking forward to learning how you work - I cannot imagine writing as part of a duo!
Let's get started...

1)   Did you set any goals for 2012? Amber Skyze: No, I hoped to complete one book with a new baby.Katalina Leon: Yes, I wanted to get at least four books finished and I made that goal and dragged poor Amber with me! lol
2)   What is the best part of the writing process for you?Amber: The start of a new story and discovering the characters.Katalina: Falling in love with the hero or the time period and learning to see the world differently.
3)   The worst part?Amber: Sometimes the sex…lolKatalina: Going over allotted word count and having to cut.
4)   What is the book you wish you’d written?Amber: Gone with the WindKatalina: The Mist Of Avalon
5)   Favourite author/s & book/s?Amber: too many to list.Katalina: I’ll put Charlotte Bronte and Ray Bradbury at the top today but my favorites change all the time.
6)   Tell us about your latest release?Amber: Claimed by Dragons is a sexy dragon ménage.Katalina: Claimed By Dragons is a big adventure that tests each of the character’s limits. It is also a very sexy ménage that was a blast to write. I squirmed a lot in my chair. Lol
7)   What is your favourite attribute of the hero and heroine?Amber: Jael is adventurous.Katalina: Roarke is protective and responsible—a real Alpha. Kypton is very loving and patient and so much stronger than he originally believes.
8)   What’s next?Amber: I’ll be writing Becca’s story, so look for book 3 or 4 in late winter, early spring. Katalina: I just finished a novel for a new paranormal book series with Ellora’s Cave. After that I start Devon’s story for the Bag Of Tricks series. Devon is going to get involved with a dashing but ghostly sea captain who’s been trapped in limbo for two hundred years.
9)                  Tell me where you write?Amber: I write on my living room couch in the early morning hours while the house sleeps.Katalina: I have my own room that doubles as a painting studio.
10)                  Where would you like your career to be in 5 years?Amber: That’s easy…I’d like to be doing this full-time and on the NY Times Best Seller list. ;)Katalina: I hope I’m still waking up every morning feeling eager to write. If I can pay bills too, terrific.
11)                  Where can we find you?Amber: You can find me on Facebook, under Amber Skyze, www.amberskyze.com and http://amberskyze.blogspot.comKatalina, I’m all over! My website is being rebuilt so look for me on Facebook, ARe, Amazon, YouTube etc…

Claimed by Dragons(Book 2, Bag of Tricks Series)
by Katalina Leon & Amber Skyze
Published by Loose Id Publishing
92,000 words (eBook format)
M/M Erotic Fantasy Romance
Elements: Action, Adventure, Multiple Partners
Heat Level: Sizzling
Available at:Loose Idhttp://www.loose-id.com/authors/a-f/amber-skyze-katalina-leon/bag-of-tricks-2-claimed-by-dragons.html
All Romance eBookshttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-claimedbydragons-946836-142.html
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Claimed-Dragons-Bag-Tricks-ebook/dp/B009GMNKOG
Blurb:In an odd Wiccan shop in Salem, Jael pulls an unusual stone from a witch’s wish bag. Little does she know her wildest dreams of adventure and a torrid affair with two gorgeous co-workers are about to come true—in spades.
Jael’s dreamy boss, Roarke offers her the assignment of a lifetime: a photo safari to Mount Kilimanjaro. The African scenery is stunning but the unexpected arrival of her two office crushes, Roarke and Kypton ignites her passion. Just as the trio is getting steamy at a beautiful waterfall, danger intervenes forcing the men to reveal their secret. They're dragons. And now, to save her life, they have no choice but to abduct a startled Jael to their mountain lair on Kilimanjaro.
In the dragons' love nest, Jael learns the truth about their origins and explores all the erotic possibilities two eager lovers can offer. Love awakens, but the guys are being stalked by a covert group of dragon hunters and withholding a life or death secret that will push Jael’s courageous heart and commitment to the limits.
Warning: Story contains gorgeous male shape shifters eager to mate, lots of hot male action between two loving men, scorching ménage with one lucky woman, anal play for all, and polyandry with a happy ending. What more do you want?
Excerpt:(In this excerpt Jael has just pulled a stone from the wish bag in an odd Salem Wiccan shop.)
“Oh, Jael, that is an odd-looking stone.” Arcona reached for Jael’s hand to tip the sparkling stone toward the light. “It’s beautiful when things you’d never think would fuse together mix.” She stared at the stone in wonder. “The world is full of weird stuff, isn’t it?”
Jael looked from the two-sided stone to her friend. “It is different.” She glanced at Witch Casey to see if she had any advice as to why she’d chosen such a stone.
“Interesting, but not surprising.” Witch Casey shook her head with her lips firmly pinched together.
Jael couldn’t read the woman’s eccentric gesture.
“A dual stone is often attracted to an undecided person,” Witch Casey spoke tersely.
“Undecided?” Jael stiffened and crossed her arms in a defensive manner. She’d been often accused of being indecisive in the past, and it hurt. Obviously Witch Casey had been eavesdropping. “Are you referring to me?”
“Of course I’m referring to you.” Witch Casey planted her fist firmly on her hip as she confronted Jael. “You’re the one holding the dual stone, not me.”
“What do you mean by undecided?” Jael knew where this was going. Witch Casey would now deliver a trite and highly predictable forecast about her future love life. She braced for the safe little clichés she knew were headed her way.
Witch Casey arced her hands dramatically through the air. “Your heart is always in two places at once and refuses to choose a lasting home. Am I right?”
Jael slightly recoiled. Witch Casey was right. The way the woman spoke with utter authority sent a shiver up her spine.
All her life she’d rushed toward one goal when secretly desiring another. She longed for a stable relationship, even a family, but another rogue part of her soul wanted to ditch her responsibilities, pick up a camera, and flee to the exotic wilds of Africa to fulfill her creative dreams. The same went for men. She could never make up her mind. Variety was the spice of life.
“There might be some truth in what you’re saying,” Jael sheepishly answered Witch Casey.
Witch Casey’s eyes flashed. “Might?”
Arcona leaned close to Jael’s ear. “I remember our last semester. You were always dating at least two guys at once and trying to keep it a secret. It never stayed secret.”
Jael silently admitted her love life was a disaster of indecision. She’d never met a man who fulfilled all her needs. Okay, maybe one man—Roarke, the gorgeous guy at her office, was a thrilling date for a friends-with-benefits type of evening, but a more solid relationship never quite gelled. Deep down she knew why.
They were two of a kind. Roarke was almost as undecided and commitment shy as she was. He would pant after her with lustful looks, coax and almost beg her to visit his apartment. When she gave in, the sex was always hot. Roarke was a total turn-on. Her hopes would rise that maybe Roarke was the one, and then nothing would happen for weeks at a time. No pursuit, no invitations back to his bed. It was as if Roarke would deny himself her company until he couldn’t stand it a moment longer; then he would call.
Book Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9iN7Ajq4o4&feature=plcp
About Katalina Leon:I’m an artist, an author, mother and wife. I write for Loose Id Publishing and Ellora’s Cave. I try to bring a touch of the mystical and a big sense of adventure to everything I write because I believe there’s a bold, kick-ass heroine inside all of us who wants to take a wild ride with a strong worthy hero.
Visit Katalina online at: Night Owl Reviews Author Page - http://erotica.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Pages/Authors/Katalina-Leon.aspxSeven Sexy Scribes Blog - http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com/?zx=9dc4c582426b5efeKatalina’s Blog - http://katalinaleon111.blogspot.com/Ellora’s Cave - http://www.jasminejade.com/m-569-katalina-leon.aspxFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/katalina.leon.142?ref=tn_tnmn
About Amber Skyze:From a very young age, Amber Skyze began making up stories–the only child syndrome. Telling tall tales to all her friends she never dreamed of putting words on paper. In fact if anyone asked her if she would write when she grew up, she’d have laughed.
It wasn’t until raising children and reading all those romances that she decided–hey, I can write these. HA! Easier said than done.
When not crafting hot, steamy tales, this New York transplant now resides in Rhode Island with her husband, four children (who force her to work a day job), and three dogs.
She currently writes for Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id and is self-published.
Visit Amber online at: Website - www.amberskyze.comBlog - http://amberskyze.blogspot.comAmazon - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=amber+skyze&x=15&y=19
Rafflecopter Code:
"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f92c8687/"
Link to Schedule: http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/10/scheduled-vbt-claimed-by-dragons-book-2.html
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Published on November 03, 2012 04:00

Giveaway Time!!!

For my latest novella, Hot Summer Sands, I ran a poll to come up with the hero and heroine occupations and setting. I'd like to do that again but also add whether you'd like to see me write another contemporary or my first historical.

So it's over to you! - I've listed a few options below.

Choose your favourite combination and let me know in the comments. Whichever combination I choose to write next, the person who suggested it will win a free copy of either Explicitly English, Coming Back or Hot Summer Sands - winner's choice!

Okay, here are the options:

1) Contemporary or Historical (if historical, which era?)?

2) Hero occupation

3) Heroine occupation

4) Setting

What do you think???

Can't wait to read you suggestions... :)

I'll announce the winner on Saturday morning...

Rachel x

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Published on November 01, 2012 02:23

Welcome Siren Publishing author, Daisy Harris!

Hi, Daisy! Nice to meet you - I think I'm right in saying we haven't met before. Wishing you all the best with your tour and sales of your latest release - can't wait to find out more about you and your writing. Let's get started....
1)   Did you set any goals for 2012?
Yes! I made a plan to release a dozen books with a single publisher before the end of the year. And I managed to do eleven with Siren before life got the better of me and I ran out of steam. That said, I had thirteen releases total in 2012. (Two were with Ellora’s Cave.) So I figure I met my goal.
I am working on another book right now and I hope to have it contracted by the end of the year, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be released until 2013.
2)   What is the best part of the writing process for you?
I love when I get in the flow of a story and it just starts writing itself. Surprises are the most fun I have at this job. I’m a horrible planner, so whatever I think the characters are going to do is never what they end up doing.
However, when I reread what I’ve written I can see patterns and plot points. It’s just that I never seem to know what’s going to happen in my books until I’ve written it.
3)   The worst part?
The worst part is the same as the best part—getting into the flow. Near the end of writing a book I get completely manic. All the connections come together and I can’t write fast enough. This leads to a breakneck revision phase where I go faster and faster until I can make changes to the book in one sitting, or at least one day. And by the time I’ve got something ready to submit, my kids have eaten nothing but take out for days, I haven’t slept or showered and I’m flying so high on endorphins I probably shouldn’t be driving.
By that time, I’m so raring to submit a story that I often can’t even wait for feedback from beta readers. I know I’m done. I can FEEL it. And, okay… It pains me to admit it, but I’ve been known for the occasional drunken, late-night, impulse submission.
So, yeah. By the time I finish a story, I look like David Hasselhoff asking for a cheeseburger. But I’m trying to pace myself better… >.<

4) What is the book you wish you’d written?Hmmm… I wish I could write books like Maybe with a Chance of Certainty, by John Good. His work is so sweet. But I think maybe you need to be a gay man to write the gay high school experience convincingly. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t attempt it.
Then again, I often wish I could write YA, but I probably wouldn’t attempt it from a female point of view, either. My characters always end up having sex. Graphically. So, I guess that pushes me out of the YA fold.
5) Favourite author/s & book/s?
I love Marie Sexton, John Goode, KA Mitchell and Anne Tenino. All their books are favorites of mine. Then there are books I love—Country Mouse by Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov and Muscling Through by JL Merrow. But my favorite books and authors change from moment to moment. I’m really excited about Brien Michaels’ upcoming releases (which I’ve had the luck to have critiqued) and I loved Jumbo by Todd Young.
Oh, and I adored Grown Men by Damon Suede. I know it’s sci-fi, but everyone should read it!
The individual books I like best are usually the ones that pose a question or present a theme I hadn’t considered before. However, the authors I like best are the ones whose voice most resonates with me.

6)   Tell us about your latest release?It’s the most straightforward premise I’ve ever written: dork with a giant penis.
That’s really about it. Harold is a socially inept college freshman with a penis so big he’s embarrassed about it. Owen is a golden-boy popular kids who runs into Harold in the showers and becomes fascinated by making Harold over. At first, Owen wants to help Harold break out of his nerdy shell, but later, he just wants Harold.
Hijinks ensue.
7)   What is your favourite attribute of the hero and heroine?
I like my heroes to be vulnerable. I know that puts me in a minority among romance writers, but there you have it. I love tentative sex scenes, and nervousness, and breathless excitement. They don’t need to be naïve or waifish. But a degree of self-consciousness always makes a hero feel more real to me.
9)   What’s next?I’m working on a story about a college guy who loses his home in a fire, and a sexy firefighter helps him rescue the deadbeat neighbors’ dog. It’s a story near and dear to my heart as I once had a house fire. But overall, it’s more of a comedy than a drama, as my small town college boy and his newly rescued bull mastiff end up living with the firefighter and his extended Latino family.
10)                  Tell me where you write?In a word: Starbucks. I write at home sometimes, and I do have a desk. But I do more blogging and brainstorming there. To really buckle down and write, I need to be out of the house. With coffee.

11)                  Where would you like your career to be in 5 years?That’s a toughie. I guess I’d want to have at least one book with decent print distribution. But really, I just want more fans.
Holsum College fans are so awesome. They’re dedicated to the series and the characters, and they’re so supportive of everything I do. I want to keep building on that base of support and continue to produce great stories for my readers.
12)                  Where can we find you?I’m on Twitter all day and all night. I’m a complete tweet-a-holic, and am hardly on Facebook at all. Follow me on Twitter as @thedaisyharris. Of you can “like” my Fan Page on Facebook. I make a point to update my Fan Page with all relevant news.
Oh, and if you live in Seattle, you can find me at Starbucks!

My Fair Dork (Men of Holsum College 8)by Daisy Harris
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Owen knows he’s bi, but he keeps that secret close to his chest. He likes Harold, and wants to help him shed his dorky image and maybe even find a boyfriend. Still, Owen can’t stop obsessing about Harold’s equipment. And much as he doesn’t want to flip-flop on his sexuality, Owen does want to test-drive what Harold has between his legs.
Their friendship erupts into full-blown lust. But can Owen accept the loss of his golden child status and be Harold’s boyfriend? And can Harold outgrow his insecurity in time to keep the man he loves?~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
Harold held up yet another striped T-shirt, a hopeful look on his face. “How about this one?”
“Still too big.” Owen shook his head. Man, the kid needed his help something awful. “Maybe you’re better off borrowing something of mine.”
“Yeah, right.” Harold turned away, blushing. It was pretty funny how he did that all the time. His skin was so pale, he couldn’t hide it at all when he turned pink. That milky, English tone probably sucked when Harold had a zit. Owen remembered how when he’d had acne first semester, the redness had shined like a beacon.
But his blushes were sort of cute.
“What’s your middle name? Maybe we could do something with that.” Actually, Owen was starting to think it was a lost cause, cool-ing up Harold’s name. But he was having fun with the process.
“Eugene.” Harold folded up his shirt and laid it neatly in his drawer.
“You’re kidding.” Owen could stop the snicker that escaped his lips. Wow. Harold’s parents had really screwed him over in the name department.
“Don’t laugh.” But Harold was smiling, too.
Owen’s belly got warm, the way it did when he found someone he really liked to hang out with, or a girl he wanted to date. Why hadn’t he and Harold gotten to know each other sooner? The guy was funny, and had this great, deadpan sense of humor. But his personality was like his dick—something people would be amazed by if they ever saw it, but that Harold felt the need to hide.
“Okay.” Owen bounced off the bed. “We’re gonna have to stick with the name you’re currently using.”
“That’s good to hear. It’s on all my school forms,” Harold said.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Birkenstock-wearing glamour girl and mother of two by immaculate conception, Daisy Harris still isn't sure if she writes erotica. Her romances start out innocently enough. However, her characters behave like complete sluts. Much to Miss Harris's dismay the sex tends to get completely out of hand.
She writes about fantastical creatures and about young men getting their freak on, and she's never missed an episode of The Walking Dead
Links: My website: http://www.thedaisyharris.com/ Twitter: @thedaisyharris Siren Page: http://www.bookstrand.com/daisy-harris Book buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/my-fair-dork
Daisy will be awarding a large-size dildo, a scented penis candle, as well as a $20 gift certificate to the winner’s choice of Barnes and Noble or Amazon to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/virtual-book-tour-my-fair-dork-by-daisy.htmlComments??

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Published on October 30, 2012 03:00

Saturday Promo - Grace Marshall...

New Release: An Executive Decision by Grace Marshall
A hot romance novel - first in a series of three.
Overworked CEO Ellison Thorne has no time for sex, let alone romance. The only answer, at least where his retiring business partner Beverly is concerned, is a no-strings sex clause in her replacement’s contract, designed to make Ellis’ busy life easier – and hotter. But she’s joking, right?When Dee Henning takes over Beverly’s job, sparks fly between her and Ellis, but work takes priority in driven Dee’s life too. Can one night of passion in a Paris hotel room prove Beverly’s Sex Clause is their secret to success in the boardroom and the bedroom, and what will happen if that private clause becomes public knowledge?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009HUQFDK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B009HUQFDK&linkCode=as2&tag=lucyfelthouse-21
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009HUQFDK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009HUQFDK&linkCode=as2&tag=lucyfelt-20
Excerpt here: http://gracemarshallromance.co.uk/books/an-executive-decision/
*****Grace Marshall lives in South England with her husband and the growing gang of hooligan birds who frequent their feeders. When Grace isn’t busy writing something sexy and romantic, she’s busy digging in her ever-expanding veg garden or walking across the British countryside. She finds inspiration outdoors in nature, and most of her best story ideas come to her while she’s walking or gardening.
Grace is the author of the fast paced, quirky Executive Decisions Trilogy published by Xcite Romance. An Executive Decision, the first novel in the trilogy, will be available soon at all your favourite book sellers with lots more romance served hot to follow in the near future.
Grace Marshall’s alter-ego, K D Grace, writes critically acclaimed, best-selling erotic romance. Whether it’s sexy romance or romantic sex, between The Graces, there’s a story for you.
Find Grace here:
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/GraceMarshallRomanceTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/GM_Romance

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Published on October 27, 2012 04:53

Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe...

Paradise HopsByLiz Crowe
BLURB: A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family's famous brewery, she's determined to be independent--never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen,teaches her all she needs to know about the business.Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart.

But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies man reputation. But he's sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professionLori smiled as the classical music rolled around in the brewery space, watched the brewery staff scurry around, efficient, happy, in spite of the scowling presence of the brew master. They’d all learned so much from him. He’d instilled a sense of pride, a ton of new processes and systems and generally made the whole place run better. She looked over at him and blushed when she realized he’d been starting straight at her, his eyes dark and brooding.
She ignored him for another hour, busying herself with cleaning, then running the filter for a new batch of dark lager. When a hand touched her arm she jumped, and the safety glasses slid down her nose. “What?” Eli gestured for her to follow him out of the cooler. She did so, all the way into the office at the back, her scalp tingling at the memory of their one encounter there. His broad shoulders were tense and his face radiated anger when he turned to her.