Krista Ames's Blog, page 76
November 10, 2014
Author, author... Love Me To Death by Marissa Clarke ~ plus a #giveaway
Love Me To DeathMarissa Clarke
Medical research scientist Elena Arcos has always lived her life under the radar. When she is shot in a convenience store robbery, Elena finds herself rocketed into supernatural insanity courtesy of a sexy immortal law enforcer. He’s convinced she’s some kind of freaky half-vampire thing and that her deceased dad was the real deal: a blood sucking monster. Yeah, right.Nikolai Itzov never anticipated battling the urge to kiss the offspring of his father’s murderer. As a Slayer, an elite law enforcer descended from Azrael himself, his orders from the Underveil General are clear: Kill her or die.
Nikolai and Elena find themselves in a life and death battle to stop a plot designed to lift the Underveil and enslave humans. With her analytical mind and his centuries of training, they might be able to foil the plot with their lives and maybe their hearts intact. But in order to succeed, he must help her become the very thing he hates the most: an Undead.
Buy Links: Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Entangled
Entangled Select: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EntangledSelectTwitter: @EntangledSelect Steals and Deals
Link to Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Uk5uP00VQ
Author Bio:
Marissa Clarke lives in Texas, where everything is bigger, especially the mosquitoes. When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, husband, and a Cairn Terrier named Annabel, who rules the house (and Marissa's heart) with an iron paw. She loves to connect with readers, so follow/friend her on Facebook and Twitter or shoot her an email from her website "Contact" page. Website * Twitter * Blog * Facebook * Goodreads* Newsletter
Rafflecopter Giveaway: $50 Amazon GC One of 5 ebook copies of Marissa's contemporary romance, Sleeping with the Boss
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 9, 2014
Author, author... Paula Kennedy with Keeper of the Gate @evernightteen
...read all about her !!
...and don't forget to leave your comment at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of Keeper of the Gate !!
It’s All About the Book…
**Please tell us about your current or upcoming release.
Keeper of the Gate follows Annalisa Harold a high school student who struggles with self esteem issues and depression. She’s never really felt as though she belongs among her peer group. Over the years, she has had several relationships but none of them ever lasted or felt right. Devin, a mysterious dark hair senior with luminous aqua eyes, comes into the picture and Anna feels strangely drawn to him – this type of connection has never happened for her before. Anna soon finds out there’s more to Devin than good looks and his weird obsession with the Bible, and the sense of loneliness she felt her entire life is finally explained. Anna spends a good portion of the book searching for answers about her past with Devin and struggling to accept her true identity. Amid this turmoil she begins an adventure into the City of Fire to reseal the gates of Hell. The story is a roller coaster and I won’t let you off until the very end so hang on!
**What is this book’s genre? Is this the genre you usually write in? Are there any genre’s you haven’t written that you’d like to try?
Keeper of the Gate is a paranormal romance/fantasy. If you've read any of my other novels you'd know I'm slightly obsessed with all things paranormal so yes, this is the genre I usually write in. I would LOVE to try my hand at Science Fiction and have had an idea for a story floating around for a few years.
**What inspired you to write this book?
I talked about this at length in another blog visit. My oldest daughter was the one who inspired me to write this story. When I told her I was going to dedicate my latest book, Keeper of the Gate, to her because she had inspired me to write it, she crinkled her nose and said, "Book? What book are you talking about?" I had to laugh, and hold onto the nearest solid surface. The heated conversation we'd had so many years ago about what type of book I should write next was just a fleeting moment in her life. She had no idea I'd spent the last two years writing a story based on her desire to read a love story with angels. After some prompting and bugging - and possibly some tap dancing and head stands - Kristen finally nodded weakly and smiled.
"Oh sure, Mom, that's right." Her eyes skirted as she struggled to recall any memory of the conversation we'd had. "Thatbook. Now I remember. I thought it was about ghosts are something?"
Boy oh boy the things we do for our kids!
**How did you pick its title? Did it come first or did you have to write the story first?
The title for Keeper of the Gate actually came well before I had the idea for the book. Many years ago, when I worked in a call center selling credit cards, there was a term we used to describe people who screened our calls: Gate Keepers. Every time I heard someone say this, ideas for stories would start. I guess the title has been on the back burner for over ten years!
**Who is your favorite character of this book and why?
I think this is a tossup between Devin and Anna, the main characters. I love Devin because he is utterly devoted to Anna and suffers so much for her. Anna is flawed, much like most of us, and I love how real that makes her.
**What was the hardest part of this book to write? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
Without giving away too much, one of the most difficult parts to write was when Anna secretly follows Devin one day, determined to get answers. She does get the answers she wants but ends up witnessing something horrible that changes her forever. The torment Devin endures for Anna really tears at my heart. It was difficult to see him suffering.
Excerpt:“Please, Father.” Devin looked up at him, body shaking uncontrollably as he pulled his arm from the old man’s grip. “I must continue. If I do not. . .” he paused, head wavering as though he were going to pass out. The old priest moved forward but Devin held a bloodied hand up and boomed. “No! Stop! Do not assist me.” Silence. I held my breath as he continued. “If I do not show penance, I will not be able to stay here. She needs me, until she is strong enough to come back to us.”
**What is your favorite part of this book? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
Questions like this are tough because I have many favorite parts. I had to scan through the manuscript and the following section really stood out because it happens not long after the excerpt in the previous question. This really showcases Anna’s stubborn side.
Excerpt:Devin shook his head and stared at me through the hair hanging in his face. Face stained with tears, eyes puffy from crying, in an instant my heart melted for him and I felt like crying again. Damn mixed-up emotions. He frowned and wiped his hair out of his eyes with trembling fingers. “You shouldn’t have come.” Voice quavering, he gestured to the door. “Just go. I . . .” he stammered. “I don’t want you to see me like this. I-I’ll be fine.” “No!” I stomped my foot like a child. “There is no way I’m going anywhere before I know you’re okay.” I drew a shuddering breath. “And while we’re on the topic?” I crossed my arms after tucking my hair behind my ears. “What was that? I’m not leaving here without answers! No chance!” Screw him. “You don’t need to worry about that. Forget it.” His beautiful liquid eyes held mine. “It’s time for you to leave now. I––I’m going to be okay. Okay?” Narrowing my eyes, I shook my head. “No! I’m staying.” “Why do you have to be so stubborn?” “Because,” I fired back. “There’s something seriously wrong with you.” I held his gaze challengingly and he looked away defeated. “I’m not leaving until I know you’re okay. Until I get the answers I came for . . . until, until . . .” I was stammering and clenched my fists at my sides to ground myself. “I’m not leaving. Deal with it!”
**Did you have any special rhythm or quirks while writing this?
As a writer I find I’m inspired by music – new stuff and old. Often times, if I’m suffering from lack of motivation or even the dreaded writer’s block, I scan through the songs on my i-pod until I hear a song that propels me forward. If this fails, I’ll plug in my i-pod and take a long drive with the music cranked. My parents live 50 minutes from us so that’s a great reason to jump in the car. It might seem strange but my quirk would be that I’ve worked out more than a few issues driving on the highway. For Keeper of the Gate I found myself on many cross country drives as I tried to work out tough spots. My parents loved all the visits!
**Is this a stand-alone book or is it part of a series? If so, we want to hear about it and what’s next in the series. If not a series, what comes next to be released?
When I started writing this book I wasn’t thinking far beyond the first one. As I neared the end, however, it became apparent I had to write more books. There are so many possibilities for sequels I’m grappling with where to start. I really miss Devin and Anna and feel like I need to get them back right away.
Thanks so much for having me!
Paula it was a pleasure having you and please come back any time !!!
*****
Keeper of the Gate Paula KennedyEvernight Teen Paranormal Teen Romance, 63k
Anna, the girl with flaming red hair and attitude to match, always felt like an outcast. In her final year of high school, when she can’t even connect with the right guy, she meets mysterious bible-loving Devin and feels strangely drawn to him.
There’s more to Devin than good looks and his weird obsession with scripture, and Anna finally understands the emptiness she’s felt her entire life. Join Anna as she searches for answers about her past with Devin, struggles to accept her true identity, and begins an adventure into the City of Fire to reseal the gates of Hell.
Buy Links: Evernight Teen Amazon
Author Bio:
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Paula has a B.A. in
psychology, a B. Ed. in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior
divisions, and a vivid imagination. She spent her early years
listening to the stories of her father, a well-loved high school
teacher and creating tales of adventure for her two younger sisters.
She is a wife and mother to four amazing children.
“I am a mother, a wife, a teacher and a writer. Life does not get any
better than this!”
*****
Giveaway: 1 Ebook copy of Keeper of the Gate Please leave a comment on this blog to enter !!!
...and don't forget to leave your comment at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of Keeper of the Gate !!
It’s All About the Book…
**Please tell us about your current or upcoming release.
Keeper of the Gate follows Annalisa Harold a high school student who struggles with self esteem issues and depression. She’s never really felt as though she belongs among her peer group. Over the years, she has had several relationships but none of them ever lasted or felt right. Devin, a mysterious dark hair senior with luminous aqua eyes, comes into the picture and Anna feels strangely drawn to him – this type of connection has never happened for her before. Anna soon finds out there’s more to Devin than good looks and his weird obsession with the Bible, and the sense of loneliness she felt her entire life is finally explained. Anna spends a good portion of the book searching for answers about her past with Devin and struggling to accept her true identity. Amid this turmoil she begins an adventure into the City of Fire to reseal the gates of Hell. The story is a roller coaster and I won’t let you off until the very end so hang on!
**What is this book’s genre? Is this the genre you usually write in? Are there any genre’s you haven’t written that you’d like to try?
Keeper of the Gate is a paranormal romance/fantasy. If you've read any of my other novels you'd know I'm slightly obsessed with all things paranormal so yes, this is the genre I usually write in. I would LOVE to try my hand at Science Fiction and have had an idea for a story floating around for a few years.
**What inspired you to write this book?
I talked about this at length in another blog visit. My oldest daughter was the one who inspired me to write this story. When I told her I was going to dedicate my latest book, Keeper of the Gate, to her because she had inspired me to write it, she crinkled her nose and said, "Book? What book are you talking about?" I had to laugh, and hold onto the nearest solid surface. The heated conversation we'd had so many years ago about what type of book I should write next was just a fleeting moment in her life. She had no idea I'd spent the last two years writing a story based on her desire to read a love story with angels. After some prompting and bugging - and possibly some tap dancing and head stands - Kristen finally nodded weakly and smiled.
"Oh sure, Mom, that's right." Her eyes skirted as she struggled to recall any memory of the conversation we'd had. "Thatbook. Now I remember. I thought it was about ghosts are something?"
Boy oh boy the things we do for our kids!
**How did you pick its title? Did it come first or did you have to write the story first?
The title for Keeper of the Gate actually came well before I had the idea for the book. Many years ago, when I worked in a call center selling credit cards, there was a term we used to describe people who screened our calls: Gate Keepers. Every time I heard someone say this, ideas for stories would start. I guess the title has been on the back burner for over ten years!
**Who is your favorite character of this book and why?
I think this is a tossup between Devin and Anna, the main characters. I love Devin because he is utterly devoted to Anna and suffers so much for her. Anna is flawed, much like most of us, and I love how real that makes her.
**What was the hardest part of this book to write? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
Without giving away too much, one of the most difficult parts to write was when Anna secretly follows Devin one day, determined to get answers. She does get the answers she wants but ends up witnessing something horrible that changes her forever. The torment Devin endures for Anna really tears at my heart. It was difficult to see him suffering.
Excerpt:“Please, Father.” Devin looked up at him, body shaking uncontrollably as he pulled his arm from the old man’s grip. “I must continue. If I do not. . .” he paused, head wavering as though he were going to pass out. The old priest moved forward but Devin held a bloodied hand up and boomed. “No! Stop! Do not assist me.” Silence. I held my breath as he continued. “If I do not show penance, I will not be able to stay here. She needs me, until she is strong enough to come back to us.”
**What is your favorite part of this book? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
Questions like this are tough because I have many favorite parts. I had to scan through the manuscript and the following section really stood out because it happens not long after the excerpt in the previous question. This really showcases Anna’s stubborn side.
Excerpt:Devin shook his head and stared at me through the hair hanging in his face. Face stained with tears, eyes puffy from crying, in an instant my heart melted for him and I felt like crying again. Damn mixed-up emotions. He frowned and wiped his hair out of his eyes with trembling fingers. “You shouldn’t have come.” Voice quavering, he gestured to the door. “Just go. I . . .” he stammered. “I don’t want you to see me like this. I-I’ll be fine.” “No!” I stomped my foot like a child. “There is no way I’m going anywhere before I know you’re okay.” I drew a shuddering breath. “And while we’re on the topic?” I crossed my arms after tucking my hair behind my ears. “What was that? I’m not leaving here without answers! No chance!” Screw him. “You don’t need to worry about that. Forget it.” His beautiful liquid eyes held mine. “It’s time for you to leave now. I––I’m going to be okay. Okay?” Narrowing my eyes, I shook my head. “No! I’m staying.” “Why do you have to be so stubborn?” “Because,” I fired back. “There’s something seriously wrong with you.” I held his gaze challengingly and he looked away defeated. “I’m not leaving until I know you’re okay. Until I get the answers I came for . . . until, until . . .” I was stammering and clenched my fists at my sides to ground myself. “I’m not leaving. Deal with it!”
**Did you have any special rhythm or quirks while writing this?
As a writer I find I’m inspired by music – new stuff and old. Often times, if I’m suffering from lack of motivation or even the dreaded writer’s block, I scan through the songs on my i-pod until I hear a song that propels me forward. If this fails, I’ll plug in my i-pod and take a long drive with the music cranked. My parents live 50 minutes from us so that’s a great reason to jump in the car. It might seem strange but my quirk would be that I’ve worked out more than a few issues driving on the highway. For Keeper of the Gate I found myself on many cross country drives as I tried to work out tough spots. My parents loved all the visits!
**Is this a stand-alone book or is it part of a series? If so, we want to hear about it and what’s next in the series. If not a series, what comes next to be released?
When I started writing this book I wasn’t thinking far beyond the first one. As I neared the end, however, it became apparent I had to write more books. There are so many possibilities for sequels I’m grappling with where to start. I really miss Devin and Anna and feel like I need to get them back right away.
Thanks so much for having me!
Paula it was a pleasure having you and please come back any time !!!
*****
Keeper of the Gate Paula KennedyEvernight Teen Paranormal Teen Romance, 63k
Anna, the girl with flaming red hair and attitude to match, always felt like an outcast. In her final year of high school, when she can’t even connect with the right guy, she meets mysterious bible-loving Devin and feels strangely drawn to him. There’s more to Devin than good looks and his weird obsession with scripture, and Anna finally understands the emptiness she’s felt her entire life. Join Anna as she searches for answers about her past with Devin, struggles to accept her true identity, and begins an adventure into the City of Fire to reseal the gates of Hell.
Buy Links: Evernight Teen Amazon
Author Bio:
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Paula has a B.A. inpsychology, a B. Ed. in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior
divisions, and a vivid imagination. She spent her early years
listening to the stories of her father, a well-loved high school
teacher and creating tales of adventure for her two younger sisters.
She is a wife and mother to four amazing children.
“I am a mother, a wife, a teacher and a writer. Life does not get any
better than this!”
*****
Giveaway: 1 Ebook copy of Keeper of the Gate Please leave a comment on this blog to enter !!!
November 8, 2014
Spotlight: Taking Advantage Series by Jessica Jayne
Taking Advantage Series Media Kit (Book 1 & Book 2)Evernight Publishing Book 1 Title: Board StiffAuthor: Jessica JayneRelease Date: July 10, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Blurb: John Dorsey’s life is good. He is the owner of Dorsey Construction. He’s the youngest person on the board of directors for Advantage Insurance Company. He lives on the beach. And he knows he can have any woman he wants. John’s got the world at his fingertips…except he’s yet to find a woman that stimulates both his body and mind.Elizabeth Wright worked hard in a large Tampa law firm making a name for herself, but it came at the expense of her personal life. When Advantage Insurance Company offers her a job as corporate counsel, Elizabeth cannot turn it down. The thought that she can have a successful legal career and a life excites and intimidates her.
But when their worlds collide one day in the Advantage board room, neither Elizabeth nor John knows what’s hit them. All they know is they can’t stay away from each other.
Buy Links: Amazon B&N
Excerpt:“Are you seeing anyone? Sleeping with anyone?” he asked further. “What?” she said, standing up from her chair. Her face was incapable of hiding her shock at his questions. Her green eyes were wide. Her lips parted. “What sort of questions are these?” John’s stride made short use of the distance between them. He stood directly in front of her, cornering her behind her desk. He looked down into her green eyes. They were gorgeous… she was gorgeous. And he had every intention of claiming her. “Answer my questions, Elizabeth. Are you seeing anyone?” He watched as her eyes widened even further with shock at his determination to get answers to his questions. Nervousness flittered across her face, but her breath came out in short pants as if his close proximity affected her. He watched as her chest rose and fell with each breath. God, he wanted to feel her body against his. He just knew she would feel perfect against him… in his arms. “Your questions are inappropriate,” she replied sharply. Despite her body giving her attraction away, she held firm. He liked that. He liked a woman that wasn’t too easy of a catch. “I agree,” he said, impatiently. “They are inappropriate. I need the answers nonetheless.” “Why?” she asked. Her gaze scanned his face as if looking for the answer to her question. “Answer me,” he demanded. His hand reached out and caressed her cheek as if to soothe the harshness of his words. “You are way out of line, Mr. Dorsey,” Elizabeth said. “Yes, I know,” he said a little softer this time. His fingers tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. His gaze dropped to her bared neck. He had to fight the urge to nuzzle the spot just below her ear. “But I need to know if there are any obstacles to making you mine. Are you seeing anyone?” “No,” she whispered. “I’m not seeing anyone.” Her lips parted for a moment before she bit down on her lower lip. That was almost his undoing. “Are you fucking anyone?” he asked. She released her bottom lip and sucked in a breath when he asked that question. Her gaze fell from his eyes to his lips and then to her hands. He placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her head up to meet his gaze again. He wanted to see her eyes when she answered him. There was heat in her gaze, and that thrilled him. “No, Mr. Dorsey, I’m not fucking anyone at the moment,” she said. Her voice was hard, but he heard the desire in it and that snapped his restraint. His hand weaved into her hair until his palm gripped the back of her head, pulling her into him. His mouth slammed down on hers. Her full lips were soft and pliable, and his tongue flicked out over her lips to taste her. She tasted so sweet…like candy.
Book 2 Title: Board ApprovedAuthor: Jessica Jayne
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Blurb: After his divorce, Greg Snow dedicated his life to his work as a corporate attorney in a large law firm and as a member of the board of directors of Advantage Insurance Company. He liked it that way… at least that’s what he thought until Tessa Mills entered his life. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and never knowing her father, Tessa Mills has not had an easy life. And her relationship decisions have been less than stellar. But she’s finally making a life for herself and running her own business – a yoga studio. It’s her saving grace and that’s all she needs… until Greg Snow turns her world upside down.
Tessa and Greg have a strong attraction, but is it enough to overcome all their differences?
Buy Links: Amazon B&N
Excerpt:
“I don’t want to seem like I am ungrateful for what I have. I’ve worked hard for it. Very hard. And…” Before she knew what was happening, Greg’s hand palmed the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss that sent her head spinning. His lips were firm yet soft to the touch and he moved them expertly over her own. His goatee tickled her skin in a lascivious way that made her wonder what it would feel like at other spots on her body. His tongue flicked out over her lips and Tessa was unable to stifle the moan that rose up her chest. He took that as the opportunity to move further and pushed his tongue between her lips. Oh sweet Jesus, he tasted fantastic! He tasted like caramel coffee. She could get lost in his taste… in his kiss. His experience was evident as he licked into her mouth, exploring every crevice. His hand flexed at the back of her head before sliding down to the nape of her neck and caressing her there. She’d never been kissed so thoroughly, so sensuously. Her panties dampened as he took the kiss deeper and her hands gripped his shirt tightly as if it were the only way for her to keep from melting into the seat.
Beep! Beep! Startled back to reality by the cars honking behind them, Tessa pushed back from the kiss. She had been so wrapped up in her verbal dribble that she hadn’t even recognized that they had been stopped at the light just before the bridge. And then his kiss threw her into a tailspin. She’d completely lost track of where she was. She came to find out she was making out at a traffic light with a man she barely knew, and she was struggling to catch her breath after the make out session.
“You’d better go,” she whispered. She could feel the blush once again spread over her face. He looked at her closely, studying her. Another horn honked and his hand fell from the back of her neck and rested on her knee. He gave her a little squeeze and she watched as his lips quirked up into a gorgeous smile.
“I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment I laid eyes on you,” he said, roughly. “And truth be told, I can’t wait to do it again.” Tessa inhaled sharply at his words and the desire behind them. He glanced over at her and smiled. His grey eyes were darker than they had been earlier, and she wondered if this was the look she’d read countless times about in all the romance novels she adored. “Where to, Tessa?” he asked. His question brought her back to the present.
Author Bio: I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State
after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. What college major could possibly be better than one that requires you to read novels and write about them! After spending a year traveling, I attended law school and use that knowledge wisely. In the journey of life, became a wife and a mother of three children. So, life is always an adventure.
I love to read and write... obviously! I’m a huge sports fan, especially college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes! Go Steelers! Go Rays! Go Lightning! I LOVE to travel... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. And I love sharing my love to travel with my children. Did I say I love to travel? I love to drink coffee in the morning and tea at night! I love a good glass of wine, especially if it comes from a bottle made by the FOOLS wine club… yep, I’m a founding member of that crazy group! ☺ I love hanging out with my family and my friends! Music makes me happy. I’m a mix between country girl and city chic. But I love nothing more than putting on my jean shorts, tank top, cowboy boots and hat and watching Tim McGraw or Eric Church belt it out! I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat!
Author Links:Website: www.jessicajayneauthor.com/blogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jessica-Jayne/388268367912903Twitter: @JessicaJayne13Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/thejessicajayne/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6545547.Jessica_Jayne--
November 7, 2014
Beyond Fairytales: TALIASMAN by Anastasia Vitsky @AnastasiaVitsky
Taliasman Anastasia Vitsky Decadent Publishing 20K (66 pages)Heat level: 3
Genre: Fantasy, Erotic fiction
Mini-blurb:
Will Talia accept love, or will she reject the one who offers her everything?
Taliasman blurb:
Born to a destitute woodworker who wanted a son to carry on the family business, Talia grew up with one phrase on her lips: “If I had been born a boy.” If she had been born a boy, she would have been cherished, supported, and launched into the world with her father’s legacy. As only a worthless girl, she toils all day long to earn her handful of inferior grain. Far away in the heavenly palace, Queen Vina receives a mysterious coin necklace from Nicodemus, teller of stories. Compelled by the throbbing heartbeat, she scours the earth to come across Talia, enslaved to a family who never wanted her. Rather than admit her motives, Vina purchases the girl with a sack full of gold. Furious, betrayed, and homesick, Talia endeavors to share her misery with the entire palace. Vina, afraid to confess her love, allows herself to become trapped in the role of brutal slave owner.
Talia, bred to expect nothing but misery, faces the first choice of her life. Will she accept love, even if it comes from an unlikely source? Or will she reject the one who offers her everything?
A Beyond Fairytales Adaptation of Our Lady’s Child
Taliasman excerpt:
If I had been born a boy, I would have followed in my father’s footsteps to become a tradesman. Because I was a girl, he sold me instead.“No,” Vina corrects me when I bring up the story, which is not often. She doesn’t like the facts, and I dislike her pretty lies. “Your mother agonized whether to let you go, but she knew you would be better off here. She wanted to give you a better life.”I would call Vina on her mistruths, but she claims I still reason as a child. All of my protests to the contrary serve to prove her right, at least in her mind. Only when I agree with her does she admit I am a full-grown adult.“You’re happy with me, aren’t you?” Vina makes me sit next to her at the formal dinners she hosts most nights, and she dresses me in rich silks with real lace. If I tell her “no,” she sends me to my room as punishment for my petulance. If I resist, she gives me one of her lessons in obedience. Some are painful, some pleasurable, and all serve to narrow my world and make me focus on her. How could I not, when she owns me?“No,” Vina corrects me when I call her my owner. “I set you free, and I gave you the life you never could have had otherwise.”When I turned nineteen, no one wanted to marry me. My mother fussed with my “hope chest,” if it could be called that, and arranged the one cotton handkerchief as if it could attract a suitor.“Let me stay with you,” I entreated, and I won. I always did. The house needed new walls, and I wielded the power tools. “You’ve turned her into such a tomboy no one will want her,” Mother chided Father, and the truth stung. I could have cared for my parents into their old age, but they wanted me gone.
Where to buy Taliasman:
Decadent Publishing storeAmazon USAmazon UKAmazon JapanAmazon GermanyAmazon Australia
Barnes and NobleAll Romance EbooksKobo
Where to find out more about Anastasia Vitsky and her books:Blog (Governing Ana)Twitter: @AnastasiaVitskyFacebook pageAuthorgraphAuthor bio:
Cookie queen, wooden spoon lady, and champion of carbs, Anastasia Vitsky specializes in F/F erotic fiction. She hates shoes and is allergic to leather. When not writing about women who live spankily ever after, she coordinates reader and author events such as Spank or Treat, Love Spanks, and Sci Spanks. Her favorite event is Ana’s Advent Calendar, a month-long celebration of community, books, and making a difference.
She is too afraid to watch Dr. Who, but she adores The Good Wife and anything with Audrey Hepburn. In her next life, she will learn how to make the perfect pie crust.
Cover Reveal: SLUMBER by Cassandra Dean
The Tailor has been tasked to find the princess...
Upon decree from his king, Sebastian, Tailor to the entire kingdom of Dormiraa, embarks on the mission to fetch the Princess Thalia home, her seven year Royal Tour over. He didn't expect to find her working with clockwork and gears, encased within a coffin of glass. He did not expect the sight of her wild black hair to set his heart to pound, or the flash of her dark eyes would heat his blood. He did not expect he would want her so badly, not when he could never have her.The princess must become the Queen...
Thalia has always known she must return to the capital to prepare for the throne. She did not expect her father to send the Tailor to fetch her, or that this man with his extravagant clothes and subtle cosmetics would intrigue her so well. There was something about him, something that spoke of danger and secrets, even as his wicked mouth and knowing eyes made her yearn.
However, not everyone desires the princess's return. When they are attacked, they can only turn to each other. Will they overcome status and secrets to discover a love for all time?
Beyond FairytalesFantasy Romance
Coming soonDecadent Publishing
Excerpt:
The discordant note of a missed strike rose from the coffin, followed by a terse mutter. By the Maiden, was the princess cursing?
A sudden, terrible thought occurred. Was it the princess? Surely she wouldn’t curse as if she was a dockworker Maybe his source had lied about the gear worker being the lost princess. Maybe this wasn’t her at all, and he would spend another three months trying to find the erstwhile royal.
No. If it killed him, this would be her. He was not going to waste any more time on this.
So decided, he intoned, “Princess,” in the clear, strong voice he used to quell conversation.
The woman in the coffin—the princess, damn his eyes—started, and a loud clang split the air, immediately followed by one of those deliciously vulgar curses. Pulling out of the coffin, she glared at him.
His breath strangled in his throat. Heat stormed through him, his cock hardening in his too-thin breeches.
Thrice-damned god, but she was arresting.
Wild ebony hair escaped from the band holding it back while furious black eyes pilloried him, full lips pursed in displeasure. Her worker’s clothes revealed more of her form than they should, the homespun shirt opened to the middle of her breast bone. The undyed fabric seemed too rough for such fine skin, the dull off-white hue a contrast with her dusky flesh. The brown leather harness of her trade nipped in her waist and cupped her breasts, while trousers outlined full hips and long legs, the latter encased in knee-high boots of soft brown leather capped with steel.
Quite insanely, he wanted to taste the damp skin revealed by her shirt.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.She had to be the princess. Only royalty could deal such a stare.
“Doing?” he said.
She folded her arms beneath her breasts. He tried not to notice how her action plumped her flesh deliciously through the leather. “Do not come into a workroom and startle a gear worker, especially if she’s wielding tools that could harm her, the object she works on, and your fat head once she recovers herself.”
“My apologies, Princess.” He offered his most charming smile and ignored how the darkening of her scowl made him harder. “I am the tailor, and I have been sent to fetch you home.”
======================================
About Cassandra :
Cassandra Dean is a best-selling, multi-published author of historical and fantasy romance. Her latest novel, SILK & SCORN, is part of her popular Silk Series, featuring Victorian Era lawyers and their happily ever after. Her next novel, SLUMBER, will be available soon from Decadent Publishing’s Beyond Fairytales, and features Cassandra’s take on Sleeping Beauty. Cassandra is proud to call South Australia her home, where she regularly cheers on her AFL football team and creates her next tale.
Visit Cassandra’s website at http://cassandradean.com
Join Cassandra’s mailing list at http://eepurl.com/kzesP
Follow Cassandra on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraDean and on Twitter @authorCassDean
Contact Cassandra at cassandra@cassandradean.com
November 6, 2014
Author, author... An Absence of Light by Meradeth Houston with a #giveaway
...read all about it !!
It’s All About the Book…
Please tell us about your current or upcoming release.
My current release is An Absence of Light.
Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She thought she was immune to their evil—until now.
She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder, because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.
When Leah stumbled across a group who share her ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back. When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever.
Buy Links: Evernight Teen Amazon
What is this book’s genre? Is this the genre you usually write in? Are there any genre’s you haven’t written that you’d like to try?
This book is an upper YA sci-fi, though light on the science and heavier on the scary. It’s a new genre for me, as I’m mostly used to paranormals, but it’s been fun to try something a little different. I can’t say where my future stories will take me, but I imagine someplace fun!
What inspired you to write this book?
Honestly, that’s the hardest question! When I started this novel, I just had an image in my head (which eventually had to be cut out), and it just took shape on its own. I had no idea that there’s be aliens or anything else that goes bump in the night—just a girl escaping down a darkened highway in a stolen car.
How did you pick its title? Did it come first or did you have to write the story first?
I usually come up with my title after the book’s done. This one was written under “shadows” for a really long time until I landed on An Absence of Light and it stuck!
How did you create your characters? Did you use any real life people in their making?
I’ve only ever used a real person once, and not in this book. But generally my characters tend to show up in my head relatively fully formed. I think my subconscious gets bored and I end up with these people starting to chat in my head.
Who is your favorite character of this book and why?
Leah would have to be my favorite because she’s the main character, but Adam is rather yummy, I have to admit!
What is your favorite part of this book? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
There’s a scene where Leah and Adam go Shadow hunting for the first time and I have to admit it was pretty fun to write. Here’s a little taste:
“There!” I pointed and Adam glanced at me, startled. I hadn’t meant to shout, but we had their attention now anyhow.
Taking aim, I flicked back the safety on my cylinder. A moment later, the blinding green light slammed into the Shadow. In the darkness of the alley, the thin green line traced across the space, far too bright. I squinted against it, focusing all my attention on keeping the beam locked on the wriggling mass.
Thank heavens the thing didn’t do what the other had in the garage. Instead, the beam caught against its oily surface, dark, sizzling clouds rising from where it cut.
The thing made no noise. Somehow, I wanted it to scream. Instead it dissolved, leaving a burned smudge against the brick wall behind it.
“Nice,” Adam said.
I sputtered something that was supposed to be ‘thanks’, too shocked by his praise to be coherent.
“Three more coming.”
My words snatched away the brief moment of mutual relief. Adam turned, searching the darkness. He caught the lead Shadow, hurtling toward us through the air, a slick bullet of black that bore the same strange determination as the Shadow in the garage.
Adam’s beam sliced it like bread, forming four separate pieces that took their time falling apart. I didn’t have a chance to appreciate his ability with the laser. The next two appeared behind the leader, both locked onto me like I was a beacon in the dark.
Time slowed to a crawl. This time I was less freaked and let myself kind of enjoy it. I flicked on the beam, the cylinder seeming to vibrate as the batteries kicked in to support the powerful light.
My cuts were nothing like Adam’s. The second Shadow got too close, sneaking in past the first. Adam killed it inches from my face.
Breathing my thanks, I turned back to the nest that erupted from the back of the alley.
What was the hardest part of this book to write? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
The hardest part was toward the end, but I can’t share (spoilers!), but it definitely left me in tears.
Did you have any special rhythm or quirks while writing this?
Nothing out of my ordinary writing routine. I have had to train myself to be able to sit down and just write—I don’t have a ton of free time so I have to get down and get to work when I can. But a mug of hot chocolate certainly helps!
Is this a stand-alone book or is it part of a series? If so, we want to hear about it and what’s next in the series. If not a series, what comes next to be released?
My next book is still being edited, but I hope to have it out sometime soon! Otherwise, I have another Sary Society book in the works that will hopefully be released next year!
Meradeth, thank you so much for spending time talking with us today !
****
Author Bio:
I've never been a big fan of talking about myself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about me:~I'm a California girl. This generally means I talk too fast and use "like" a lot.~I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: I sequence dead people's DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a lab, which I love.~I've been writing since I was 11 years old. It's my hobby, my passion, and I'm so happy to get to share my work!~My other passion is teaching. There's nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology!~If I could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because I'm terrified of heights.
WEBSITE , Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Tumblr , and of course her blog !
[image error] Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
It’s All About the Book…
Please tell us about your current or upcoming release.
My current release is An Absence of Light.
Leah’s always seen the shadow creatures. She thought she was immune to their evil—until now. She’s walked into a massacre, stolen a BMW, and is running from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. Nineteen-year-old Leah’s life just went from mildly abnormal to totally crazy at lightning speed. But no one will believe that the shadow creatures are framing her for the murder, because she’s the only one that can see them. At least that’s what she thought.
When Leah stumbled across a group who share her ability, she discovers they have something she doesn’t: a way to fight back. When the group offers to teach her how to kill the shadow creatures, Leah jumps at the chance. But something is brewing with the creatures. They’re tracking down the hunters like there’s no tomorrow. Leah suspects that maybe there won’t be, and it’s up to her to make sure tomorrow comes. Because she’ll do anything to stop the shadows, including risking her life—and the life of the one she loves—to keep the world from being lost to darkness forever.
Buy Links: Evernight Teen Amazon
What is this book’s genre? Is this the genre you usually write in? Are there any genre’s you haven’t written that you’d like to try?
This book is an upper YA sci-fi, though light on the science and heavier on the scary. It’s a new genre for me, as I’m mostly used to paranormals, but it’s been fun to try something a little different. I can’t say where my future stories will take me, but I imagine someplace fun!
What inspired you to write this book?
Honestly, that’s the hardest question! When I started this novel, I just had an image in my head (which eventually had to be cut out), and it just took shape on its own. I had no idea that there’s be aliens or anything else that goes bump in the night—just a girl escaping down a darkened highway in a stolen car.
How did you pick its title? Did it come first or did you have to write the story first?
I usually come up with my title after the book’s done. This one was written under “shadows” for a really long time until I landed on An Absence of Light and it stuck!
How did you create your characters? Did you use any real life people in their making?
I’ve only ever used a real person once, and not in this book. But generally my characters tend to show up in my head relatively fully formed. I think my subconscious gets bored and I end up with these people starting to chat in my head.
Who is your favorite character of this book and why?
Leah would have to be my favorite because she’s the main character, but Adam is rather yummy, I have to admit!
What is your favorite part of this book? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
There’s a scene where Leah and Adam go Shadow hunting for the first time and I have to admit it was pretty fun to write. Here’s a little taste:
“There!” I pointed and Adam glanced at me, startled. I hadn’t meant to shout, but we had their attention now anyhow.
Taking aim, I flicked back the safety on my cylinder. A moment later, the blinding green light slammed into the Shadow. In the darkness of the alley, the thin green line traced across the space, far too bright. I squinted against it, focusing all my attention on keeping the beam locked on the wriggling mass.
Thank heavens the thing didn’t do what the other had in the garage. Instead, the beam caught against its oily surface, dark, sizzling clouds rising from where it cut.
The thing made no noise. Somehow, I wanted it to scream. Instead it dissolved, leaving a burned smudge against the brick wall behind it.
“Nice,” Adam said.
I sputtered something that was supposed to be ‘thanks’, too shocked by his praise to be coherent.“Three more coming.”
My words snatched away the brief moment of mutual relief. Adam turned, searching the darkness. He caught the lead Shadow, hurtling toward us through the air, a slick bullet of black that bore the same strange determination as the Shadow in the garage.
Adam’s beam sliced it like bread, forming four separate pieces that took their time falling apart. I didn’t have a chance to appreciate his ability with the laser. The next two appeared behind the leader, both locked onto me like I was a beacon in the dark.
Time slowed to a crawl. This time I was less freaked and let myself kind of enjoy it. I flicked on the beam, the cylinder seeming to vibrate as the batteries kicked in to support the powerful light.
My cuts were nothing like Adam’s. The second Shadow got too close, sneaking in past the first. Adam killed it inches from my face.
Breathing my thanks, I turned back to the nest that erupted from the back of the alley.
What was the hardest part of this book to write? Can you share an excerpt from that part?
The hardest part was toward the end, but I can’t share (spoilers!), but it definitely left me in tears.
Did you have any special rhythm or quirks while writing this?
Nothing out of my ordinary writing routine. I have had to train myself to be able to sit down and just write—I don’t have a ton of free time so I have to get down and get to work when I can. But a mug of hot chocolate certainly helps!
Is this a stand-alone book or is it part of a series? If so, we want to hear about it and what’s next in the series. If not a series, what comes next to be released?
My next book is still being edited, but I hope to have it out sometime soon! Otherwise, I have another Sary Society book in the works that will hopefully be released next year!
Meradeth, thank you so much for spending time talking with us today !
****
Author Bio:
I've never been a big fan of talking about myself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about me:~I'm a California girl. This generally means I talk too fast and use "like" a lot.~I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: I sequence dead people's DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a lab, which I love.~I've been writing since I was 11 years old. It's my hobby, my passion, and I'm so happy to get to share my work!~My other passion is teaching. There's nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology!~If I could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because I'm terrified of heights.WEBSITE , Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Tumblr , and of course her blog !
[image error] Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 4, 2014
Author, author... When I Dream of You by Rosa Sophia
...read all about it !!
Blurb:
**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.
Nina Archer battles memories of a trauma that occurred twelve years ago… With plans to move to North Carolina, she hopes to separate herself from her mother, whose excessive drinking is becoming unbearable. Then suddenly, fate steps in to help her heal in a way she would never think possible.
While running a race in Juno Beach, Nina finds herself next to a man whom she’s immediately attracted to. Wes Ladner, the same man she dreamt about one year ago… Wes is focused on his writing, and has no time for a woman. But the night before they met, he dreamt of Nina. Although they come from two very different worlds neither of them can deny the sparks that fly between them.
As her time runs out to make a decision, Nina wonders if she’s been given the chance to come to terms with her past, and accept a gift that some never receive—true love.
Genre: Romance
Limitless Publishing buy link: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/product/when-i-dream-of-you/
Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/When-Dream-You-Rosa-Sophia-ebook/dp/B00NLSRDCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414086014&sr=8-1&keywords=when+I+dream+of+you+rosa+sophia
Kobo buy link: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/when-i-dream-of-you-1
Excerpt:
My mother was drunk in the next room when it happened twelve years ago.
Now I’m sitting in a hotel that could be anywhere. I can hear the ocean lapping against the shore, and the lights of the city look like stars that hang too close to the horizon.
I know I shouldn’t be here. Sitting on the firm mattress, my legs bent toward me, I lean against the headboard. I take another drink of whiskey, let the burn sink deep. I feel it in my core, tingling. My breath quickens. I want to be here.
He lifts the comforter and draws me down with him, and I feel as if it’s something we’ve already done. Somewhere, sometime before, he held me this way. And I had to let go. I can hear his heart beating, my cheek pressed to his chest. I wonder how I ended up here, in the arms of a man I dreamt of before we met. His grip tightens and I feel soft kisses against my bare shoulder, his stubble scratching my skin. The warmth of his breath is welcome, somehow rejuvenating. Our lips meet and each kiss is exploratory, tender, slow—as if to make sure it’s right. I think about the hot tub six floors down. Is the water too searing? Should we get in?
We stop, cuddle, then continue, and I’m too afraid to move. My heart pounds. I start to hear things in my head, familiar voices. Each taunting, jeering. You stupid slut, what makes you think you’re good enough for him?
I shove them away. He kisses me again, and I invite it. Deep, passionate, frenzied—I’ve never felt anything like this before. Because I make a point to avoid it.
His hands roam my body, and I respond, wanting more.
Please go away, no . . . stay!
He presses against me, and I want to welcome him, thrust my hips up to meet his. But suddenly I feel trapped, unable to resist. And his tongue is probing my mouth, and I’m hot, wet between my legs—
Panic. Twelve years ago I was laying on a bed with a broken spring, pinned beneath a man who was laughing at me, shoving himself inside me despite my begging him to stop. He thought it was so funny, my resistance, like the way an adult cackles at a crying child after playing a cruel joke.
Why did you let him do that to me, Mama? Why didn’t you stop him?
Stumbling, wasted, she slammed her calloused feet against the faux wood floor and growled, “I trusted you!” Brandishing a gnarled finger, she looked at me in disgust, as if—
It was all my fault.
Panic. I’m back in the hotel, and I’m pressing against his chest, trying to pull away from his kisses. The surf licks the sand, warm and wet, and I can hear the syllables as they jump from the sea.
You are worthless. You deserve this. To be humiliated. Scorned. Treated like dirt.
“Please, please no, this is too much for me.” I manage to speak, and he stops. Am I talking to him, or the voices? I pull away, my chest aching, my heart sinking. I clutch my stomach. “It hurts.”
Something tells me it’s not the whiskey; it’s the pain I bury, the grief roiling inside me.
I tell him about the rape. How my mother was there. She didn’t stop it. Is that love? What is love? I suddenly wish I were six floors down, sinking in the hot tub, nothing but a shell without a soul.
A while later, he asks me if I’m all right, his head on my stomach, his arm around my hip.
I don’t know. I don’t know if I’m all right.
A year ago I had a vision I was in a hotel room with a man, and we made passionate love for hours. Then he went to war and died, shot in the chest, fallen on a dirt road.
I drag myself off the bed, capping the whiskey, listening to the voices taunt me.
Don’t listen. They’re wrong.
“I should go,” I tell him, but I don’t really want to.
He walks me to my car and I ask him to kiss me again, make it the best I’ve ever had. And he does. Driving down the empty roads, I want to turn around and know I shouldn’t.
In a hotel room, I realized my fears. Now instead of him leaving, it is I who is departing.
A balmy sea breeze tousles the palm trees.
And I drive on, gaze piercing the darkness, thinking of the man I dreamt about before I met him.
Author Bio:
Rosa Sophia is a novelist and full-time editorial consultant. With a degree in Automotive Technology, she adores writing and editing as well as fixing cars. Rosa is also a crazy cat lady in training, and currently divides her time between South Florida and Pennsylvania.
Other books by Rosa Sophia include: Taking 1960 and Check Out Time.
website address: www.authorrosasophia.com
http://www.facebook.com/editing.by.ro...
Blurb:
**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.
Nina Archer battles memories of a trauma that occurred twelve years ago… With plans to move to North Carolina, she hopes to separate herself from her mother, whose excessive drinking is becoming unbearable. Then suddenly, fate steps in to help her heal in a way she would never think possible. While running a race in Juno Beach, Nina finds herself next to a man whom she’s immediately attracted to. Wes Ladner, the same man she dreamt about one year ago… Wes is focused on his writing, and has no time for a woman. But the night before they met, he dreamt of Nina. Although they come from two very different worlds neither of them can deny the sparks that fly between them.
As her time runs out to make a decision, Nina wonders if she’s been given the chance to come to terms with her past, and accept a gift that some never receive—true love.
Genre: Romance
Limitless Publishing buy link: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/product/when-i-dream-of-you/
Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/When-Dream-You-Rosa-Sophia-ebook/dp/B00NLSRDCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414086014&sr=8-1&keywords=when+I+dream+of+you+rosa+sophia
Kobo buy link: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/when-i-dream-of-you-1
Excerpt:
My mother was drunk in the next room when it happened twelve years ago.
Now I’m sitting in a hotel that could be anywhere. I can hear the ocean lapping against the shore, and the lights of the city look like stars that hang too close to the horizon.
I know I shouldn’t be here. Sitting on the firm mattress, my legs bent toward me, I lean against the headboard. I take another drink of whiskey, let the burn sink deep. I feel it in my core, tingling. My breath quickens. I want to be here.
He lifts the comforter and draws me down with him, and I feel as if it’s something we’ve already done. Somewhere, sometime before, he held me this way. And I had to let go. I can hear his heart beating, my cheek pressed to his chest. I wonder how I ended up here, in the arms of a man I dreamt of before we met. His grip tightens and I feel soft kisses against my bare shoulder, his stubble scratching my skin. The warmth of his breath is welcome, somehow rejuvenating. Our lips meet and each kiss is exploratory, tender, slow—as if to make sure it’s right. I think about the hot tub six floors down. Is the water too searing? Should we get in?
We stop, cuddle, then continue, and I’m too afraid to move. My heart pounds. I start to hear things in my head, familiar voices. Each taunting, jeering. You stupid slut, what makes you think you’re good enough for him?
I shove them away. He kisses me again, and I invite it. Deep, passionate, frenzied—I’ve never felt anything like this before. Because I make a point to avoid it.
His hands roam my body, and I respond, wanting more.
Please go away, no . . . stay!
He presses against me, and I want to welcome him, thrust my hips up to meet his. But suddenly I feel trapped, unable to resist. And his tongue is probing my mouth, and I’m hot, wet between my legs—
Panic. Twelve years ago I was laying on a bed with a broken spring, pinned beneath a man who was laughing at me, shoving himself inside me despite my begging him to stop. He thought it was so funny, my resistance, like the way an adult cackles at a crying child after playing a cruel joke.
Why did you let him do that to me, Mama? Why didn’t you stop him?
Stumbling, wasted, she slammed her calloused feet against the faux wood floor and growled, “I trusted you!” Brandishing a gnarled finger, she looked at me in disgust, as if—
It was all my fault.
Panic. I’m back in the hotel, and I’m pressing against his chest, trying to pull away from his kisses. The surf licks the sand, warm and wet, and I can hear the syllables as they jump from the sea.
You are worthless. You deserve this. To be humiliated. Scorned. Treated like dirt.
“Please, please no, this is too much for me.” I manage to speak, and he stops. Am I talking to him, or the voices? I pull away, my chest aching, my heart sinking. I clutch my stomach. “It hurts.”
Something tells me it’s not the whiskey; it’s the pain I bury, the grief roiling inside me.
I tell him about the rape. How my mother was there. She didn’t stop it. Is that love? What is love? I suddenly wish I were six floors down, sinking in the hot tub, nothing but a shell without a soul.
A while later, he asks me if I’m all right, his head on my stomach, his arm around my hip.
I don’t know. I don’t know if I’m all right.
A year ago I had a vision I was in a hotel room with a man, and we made passionate love for hours. Then he went to war and died, shot in the chest, fallen on a dirt road.I drag myself off the bed, capping the whiskey, listening to the voices taunt me.
Don’t listen. They’re wrong.
“I should go,” I tell him, but I don’t really want to.
He walks me to my car and I ask him to kiss me again, make it the best I’ve ever had. And he does. Driving down the empty roads, I want to turn around and know I shouldn’t.
In a hotel room, I realized my fears. Now instead of him leaving, it is I who is departing.
A balmy sea breeze tousles the palm trees.
And I drive on, gaze piercing the darkness, thinking of the man I dreamt about before I met him.
Author Bio:
Rosa Sophia is a novelist and full-time editorial consultant. With a degree in Automotive Technology, she adores writing and editing as well as fixing cars. Rosa is also a crazy cat lady in training, and currently divides her time between South Florida and Pennsylvania. Other books by Rosa Sophia include: Taking 1960 and Check Out Time.
website address: www.authorrosasophia.com
http://www.facebook.com/editing.by.ro...
Release Day Blitz: SPANKED BY THE BAD BOY by London Saint James and an Amazon GC #giveaway
Spanked by the Bad BoyBad Boy Fever SeriesLondon Saint JamesDecadent PublishingCover Art by Mina Carter57 pgs, 49k wordsContemporary Erotic Romance (Spanking), Suspense, Thriller, Heat level 5
As the personal assistant to the owner of one of the top engineering firms in Denver, Tiffany Brooks has worked hard at maintaining a professional façade, intent on ridding herself of terrible habits—like her attraction to bad boys. But when the owner of DC Construction rides his chopper into her world two years after their one-time anonymous sexual encounter, everything turns upside down.Declan Cage is the type of guy who makes a lasting impression, especially with women, yet the gorgeous assistant at Stoub Engineering never remembers his name—or does she? Intrigued by her game, her sexier than sin body, and an infuriating prissy attitude, Ms. Brooks is begging to be taken into hand, and he’s the man to do it.Armed with the knowledge Declan doesn’t recognize her, will Tiffany give in to her desire for him yet again, or will her past come back to haunt them both and ruin their chance at something real?Buy Links: Decadent Publishing Goodreads AmazonAmazon UK iTunes Kobo
Adult Excerpt:“Straddle me, sugar,” he said in a sandpaper voice, all grit.Willing to go where she knew she shouldn’t tread, she did what he asked, throwing one leg over his lap, knees sinking into the leather cushion on either side of his denimclad thighs. His hands went to her hips. Slid down farther, where he stopped. Hisfingertips touched her flesh. Using his thumbs, he stroked the front of her thighs,undoing her. Shivers traversed her arms and legs. Her sex pulsed. He inched her skirt up, working until the fabric bunched around her waist. When coolair struck the back of her thighs, one side of his mouth quirked up. He appeared pleasedwith himself for exposing her panties.“I’ll give you exactly what you crave,” he said and ripped the thong from her body. Tiffany sucked in a breath. He threw the tattered silk to the floor with his right handwhile flicking her clit ring with the forefinger of his left. “Nice adornment.” He tugged onher piercing, giving her the right amount of pressure. “But you need me to scratch youritch, don’t you, baby?” She’d come too far to lie about what she needed now. Nodding, she whispered,“Harder.” He chuckled, and the sound was a flashpoint of sensation added to the slow stroke ofthe fingers he’d slipped between her crease. She leaned forward, hand resting on the top of the sofa by his head, and kissed him. While their tongues tangled, he rubbed her, his other hand going to her hair where hetugged the clip, releasing the long strands. They tumbled down her back in time with hispalm curling around the base of her neck, claiming her. Oh, she liked the way he took possession. Everything feminine inside her needed thepure maleness of him. Tiffany nibbled at his bottom lip, pulling scant inches from his mouth. “You make meburn,” she admitted. “The feeling is mutual,” he said and plunged a finger inside of her.“Ahh, yeah,” she uttered her approval.He shoved his finger deeper. “You’re so wet.”“Yes.”Her hand went to his bulging crotch. She squeezed him through his jeans. He groaned. With nimble fingers, she unbuttoned his fly, freeing his thick cock from thedenim. When the heavy head rested in her palm, she smiled. He was fantastic, and she’dknown from past experience he’d be commando. Wrapping her fingers around the base of his superb erection, she began to pump him.“Good?” “Hell, yes,” he said and fingered her in earnest, inserting another. His thumb pressedhard against her clitoris, sending heated spikes of sensation through her body. She moaned, spreading the silken pre-cum leaking from him with her fingertip andlicking her lips. Tiffany wanted to taste him. Put her lips over the crown. Skim hermouth along his shaft. Take him down the back of her throat. She swallowed, knowingthe feeling when she took him inside her pussy would be even better. She needed toexperience her sex stretched over the head of his dick again. The fiery invasion. Theawareness of being totally filled when he pressed into her tight channel. Her chest heaving, she mumbled, “Condom.”“Sorry, sugar. We’ll have to settle for this,” he said. Declan removed his fingers from her body and tugged her hips down on him before he placed his steel between herfeminine folds. “Slide your sweetness along the length of my cock.” Oh, God. She was so slick, she easily made the glide up and down, her chest rubbingagainst his. In the next instant, he splayed his large hands across her ass, pulling her against him even tighter. This was good, sex without penetration, something she’d never donebefore, and the delicious sensation had her nipples pebbled hard against the material ofher bra, but when he flicked out his tongue, everything got better. She moaned and gavehim access to her neck, where he wasted no time and tickled the hollow of her throatbefore he nipped at the soft flesh with his teeth. She shivered. “There you go.” The vibration of his deep voice sent a wave of pleasure across thecanvas of her flesh. Every part of her body hungered for his touch. He slapped her ass.She jumped and lost her rhythm—taken aback. “Faster,” he demanded, and she didn’thave time to consider if she liked the swat or not. He spanked her again. “Move your fineass.” She complied, sliding herself up and down. He slapped her ass once more, but thistime the sensation sent a buzz to her already-stimulated clit. The joy spreading acrossher caught— a wildfire. “Again,” she uttered in a breathy voice.“Like that, do you?”God help her, she did.
Author Bio & Links:
London Saint James has lived in many places, but never felt “at home” until she met the real-life man of her dreams and settled down in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. London lives with her husband and their fat cat who thinks he owns them. As an award-winning, bestselling, multi-published author, London is living her childhood dream. She knew all the scribbling she did, that big imagination of hers, and all those clamoring characters running around in her head would pay off someday. Web: http://www.londonsaintjames.comBlog: http://londonsj.blogspot.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/LSJRomanceFacebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/London-Saint-James/154331444626603Facebook Personal Page: http://www.facebook.com/LSaintJamesRomanceBad Boy Fever FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/badboyfeverGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/LSJRomance
Giveaway: (From Nov 4th– Nov 24th)
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Author, author... Temporarily Employed by Vicki Batman + a Kate Spade #giveaway
...read all about her !!
It’s All About the Author…
1) Please tell us 5 interesting facts about yourself that readers might not know about you …
Oldest of 4 daughters. My sisters are blonde, blue-eyes, and 5’4”—I’m not! My cat is twenty-one years old. I play mahjong almost every Monday. I had pneumonia so badly at age 9, I was home from school for a month.
2) What do you like to do in your spare time? Needlepoint, read, play mahjong, Jazzercise every day.
3) Is there one book that you love to read over and over again? If so, what is it and what is it that keeps you coming back to it?
Every so often, I reread Madam, Will You Talk by Mary Stewart. A war widow travels to the south of France and encounters a young boy who is possibly kidnapped by his father. I love the story, the time period—after WW2—how the romance develops between the hero and heroine, who really is/are the bad guy/s, and the setting.
4) How did you get started writing and have you always wanted to be an author?
I began ten years ago when a friend challenged me. I showed her what I’d done and she said, “Keep going.” I did. I really wanted to be an author after I read a whole slew of Dick Francis mysteries. Alas, I wasn’t English and didn’t know squat about horseracing.
5) If you for some reason couldn’t be an author, what would your other choice be?
Possibly have my own home store.
6) Did you like school? Were you a good student?
I liked it most of the time. I believe I was pigeon-holed as average, possibly because I started school so young. I liked college a whole lot more.
7) When you write, is there a specific way you have to write, ie: certain room, noise or quiet, computer or paper etc…
I sit at my lovely desk with a large window to my right that looks out at my groomed front yard with two large oak trees. Beyond them is the street. I mostly listen to classical guitar because lyrics tend to play with my brain. Sometimes, I listen to classical music and sometimes, Simply Frank. I always listen to Christmas music.
8) If you could write a collaboration with another author, do you have one in mind and what would you write?
I just don’t know. A friend said something so off-the-wall when we were up late, chatting at RWA and her comment struck that could be a good hook. We tease about writing one.
9) How do you come up with your story ideas?
Usually, dialogue. Something goes bing! And I do a dialogue run. I have to edit and polish a lot.
10) Do titles stump you or do they come easy? When do you pick a title, before the story is written or when it’s done?
Titles can come and not come. Very frustrating. I had a hard time naming my holiday story. But from the on-set, I knew Temporarily Employed would be named such.
11) Do you keep a notebook near you for when new ideas pop into your head?
I always have a pad at my left hand for things to remember. Everything goes there. It’s my second memory as the first one blinks off and on occasionally.
12) If you write a series, do you re-read your previous books before you begin the new one?
I don’t write a series –yet. I do have to have continuity, however, as my stories are all set in the same town.
13) How does your family feel about your writing?
My sons roll their eyes. Handsome has read one thing. My sisters tell everyone.
Thanks for sharing “you as an author” with us ! We hope you’ll come back and visit again soon!
****
Temporarily EmployedVicki BatmanRomantic Comedy/Cozy Mystery, 75kReleased October 17, 2014, The Wild Rose Press
Long Blurb: New Job. New Love. And Murder.
Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite insurance company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee--the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.
Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. He evolved from a pocket protector-wearing geek to a handsome police detective. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.
Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?
Buy Links: Amazon B&N The Wild Rose Press
Excerpt:“Yuck.” Pretty much covered the whole freakin’ day. A blinding red-white, red-white strobe, reflected in my brand new Wrangler’s rearview mirror, seized my attention. The police. I tossed my hands skyward, ready to surrender. I shouldn’t have been too surprised. Like I'd commented this a.m. to my roommate, Jenny, “Today, anything’s possible.” My Bad Day checklist included: - Crappy job interview, one which might have provided desperately needed income. - Wore gut-busting panty hose on a hot day which had now worked past my waist and strangled my diaphragm. - A barely blowing air conditioner indicated something had malfunctioned in my new, fun car. I stole another glance in the mirror, and with great reluctance, flipped the right turn indicator. My vehicle coasted to a stop on the shoulder of Boston Avenue in my hometown of Sommerville, a nice suburb located between two large cities. Four lanes of cars and trucks zipped by as I sat there where every single one of my family, friends, friends’ friends, and their friends—including Rat Fink Suzanne—would see a police vehicle positioned right behind mine. Gleefully, drivers would chant the “Ha-ha, got you, not me” ditty. How embarrassing.After killing the engine, I flopped back in the seat. Shooting the morons the finger was an idea. Nah. I'm too exhausted to care. A litany of: "No, not hiring." "Just filled the position." "You're over qualified." "You're under qualified…" tornadoed through my head. Coupled with the intense job search through various outlets like the internet and completing numerous online employment applications, no wonder my body had been depleted of all life force.Not even a breeze blew to take the edge off the unbearable summertime heat. Tangled wild trees and dry scrubby bushes banked the roadside. The grass had taken on a scorched look. Rolling down the driver’s window, I surveyed my surroundings. Nothing great. Nothing new. I stole a glance in the side mirror at the policeman who strode purposefully along the shoulder. The gravel crunched under his boots. He looked huge, probably because his uniform, which appeared to be bulked with a bullet-proof vest, made him resemble a buffed-up superhero in size. Exceedingly intimidating. Sigh. When things went wrong, they were really wrong.
Author bio:
Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm--the list is endless.Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories to TRUE LOVE, TRUE ROMANCE, TRUE CONFESSIONS, NOBLE ROMANCE PUBLISHING, LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS, MUSEITUP PUBLISHING, and THE WILD ROSE PRESS. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"
Find Vicki at:Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkvTwitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatmanPinter... http://pinterest.com/vickibatmanGoodr... http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatmanLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?... bit.ly/1zUggDF Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vickibatmanPlotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.co... http://www.shelfari.com/o1515093723Email: vlmbatman@hotmail.com
Giveaway: Kate Spade Handbag
a Rafflecopter giveaway
It’s All About the Author…
1) Please tell us 5 interesting facts about yourself that readers might not know about you …
Oldest of 4 daughters. My sisters are blonde, blue-eyes, and 5’4”—I’m not! My cat is twenty-one years old. I play mahjong almost every Monday. I had pneumonia so badly at age 9, I was home from school for a month.
2) What do you like to do in your spare time? Needlepoint, read, play mahjong, Jazzercise every day.
3) Is there one book that you love to read over and over again? If so, what is it and what is it that keeps you coming back to it?
Every so often, I reread Madam, Will You Talk by Mary Stewart. A war widow travels to the south of France and encounters a young boy who is possibly kidnapped by his father. I love the story, the time period—after WW2—how the romance develops between the hero and heroine, who really is/are the bad guy/s, and the setting.
4) How did you get started writing and have you always wanted to be an author?
I began ten years ago when a friend challenged me. I showed her what I’d done and she said, “Keep going.” I did. I really wanted to be an author after I read a whole slew of Dick Francis mysteries. Alas, I wasn’t English and didn’t know squat about horseracing.
5) If you for some reason couldn’t be an author, what would your other choice be?
Possibly have my own home store.
6) Did you like school? Were you a good student?
I liked it most of the time. I believe I was pigeon-holed as average, possibly because I started school so young. I liked college a whole lot more.
7) When you write, is there a specific way you have to write, ie: certain room, noise or quiet, computer or paper etc…
I sit at my lovely desk with a large window to my right that looks out at my groomed front yard with two large oak trees. Beyond them is the street. I mostly listen to classical guitar because lyrics tend to play with my brain. Sometimes, I listen to classical music and sometimes, Simply Frank. I always listen to Christmas music.
8) If you could write a collaboration with another author, do you have one in mind and what would you write?
I just don’t know. A friend said something so off-the-wall when we were up late, chatting at RWA and her comment struck that could be a good hook. We tease about writing one.
9) How do you come up with your story ideas?
Usually, dialogue. Something goes bing! And I do a dialogue run. I have to edit and polish a lot.
10) Do titles stump you or do they come easy? When do you pick a title, before the story is written or when it’s done?
Titles can come and not come. Very frustrating. I had a hard time naming my holiday story. But from the on-set, I knew Temporarily Employed would be named such.
11) Do you keep a notebook near you for when new ideas pop into your head?
I always have a pad at my left hand for things to remember. Everything goes there. It’s my second memory as the first one blinks off and on occasionally.
12) If you write a series, do you re-read your previous books before you begin the new one?
I don’t write a series –yet. I do have to have continuity, however, as my stories are all set in the same town.
13) How does your family feel about your writing?
My sons roll their eyes. Handsome has read one thing. My sisters tell everyone.
Thanks for sharing “you as an author” with us ! We hope you’ll come back and visit again soon!
****
Temporarily EmployedVicki BatmanRomantic Comedy/Cozy Mystery, 75kReleased October 17, 2014, The Wild Rose Press
Long Blurb: New Job. New Love. And Murder.
Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite insurance company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee--the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. He evolved from a pocket protector-wearing geek to a handsome police detective. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.
Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?
Buy Links: Amazon B&N The Wild Rose Press
Excerpt:“Yuck.” Pretty much covered the whole freakin’ day. A blinding red-white, red-white strobe, reflected in my brand new Wrangler’s rearview mirror, seized my attention. The police. I tossed my hands skyward, ready to surrender. I shouldn’t have been too surprised. Like I'd commented this a.m. to my roommate, Jenny, “Today, anything’s possible.” My Bad Day checklist included: - Crappy job interview, one which might have provided desperately needed income. - Wore gut-busting panty hose on a hot day which had now worked past my waist and strangled my diaphragm. - A barely blowing air conditioner indicated something had malfunctioned in my new, fun car. I stole another glance in the mirror, and with great reluctance, flipped the right turn indicator. My vehicle coasted to a stop on the shoulder of Boston Avenue in my hometown of Sommerville, a nice suburb located between two large cities. Four lanes of cars and trucks zipped by as I sat there where every single one of my family, friends, friends’ friends, and their friends—including Rat Fink Suzanne—would see a police vehicle positioned right behind mine. Gleefully, drivers would chant the “Ha-ha, got you, not me” ditty. How embarrassing.After killing the engine, I flopped back in the seat. Shooting the morons the finger was an idea. Nah. I'm too exhausted to care. A litany of: "No, not hiring." "Just filled the position." "You're over qualified." "You're under qualified…" tornadoed through my head. Coupled with the intense job search through various outlets like the internet and completing numerous online employment applications, no wonder my body had been depleted of all life force.Not even a breeze blew to take the edge off the unbearable summertime heat. Tangled wild trees and dry scrubby bushes banked the roadside. The grass had taken on a scorched look. Rolling down the driver’s window, I surveyed my surroundings. Nothing great. Nothing new. I stole a glance in the side mirror at the policeman who strode purposefully along the shoulder. The gravel crunched under his boots. He looked huge, probably because his uniform, which appeared to be bulked with a bullet-proof vest, made him resemble a buffed-up superhero in size. Exceedingly intimidating. Sigh. When things went wrong, they were really wrong.
Author bio:
Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm--the list is endless.Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories to TRUE LOVE, TRUE ROMANCE, TRUE CONFESSIONS, NOBLE ROMANCE PUBLISHING, LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS, MUSEITUP PUBLISHING, and THE WILD ROSE PRESS. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"Find Vicki at:Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkvTwitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatmanPinter... http://pinterest.com/vickibatmanGoodr... http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatmanLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?... bit.ly/1zUggDF Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vickibatmanPlotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.co... http://www.shelfari.com/o1515093723Email: vlmbatman@hotmail.com
Giveaway: Kate Spade Handbag
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blitz: Till Justice is Served by Jerrie Alexander
TILL JUSTICE IS SERVEDJERRIE ALEXANDER
Blurb: FBI agent Rafe Sirilli has made the war against narcotics drugs his personal fight. Home to settle his father's estate, Rafe has no desire to get involved in local matters. Yet, he finds himself involved in solving two homicides and busting a drug ring as he tries to prove the innocence of a girl he'd long forgotten. Erin has grown into a beautiful woman. The passion she ignites in Rafe is hot enough to incinerate them both. His decision to deliver his own brand of justice will put his commitment to the law to the test. High school counselor Erin Brady is committed to helping kids. Her world crashes around her when she's accused of making inappropriate sexual advances and suspected of murder. Erin's problems have only just begun. She has a secret admirer, one who vows to kill anybody who threatens to harm her or interfere with his plan. Rafe Sirilli agrees to help prove her innocence. Romance blooms, but Erin refuses to hope for permanence. Rafe is available for loan but not to keep. Will facing old fears help Rafe capture the heart of the woman he loves? The woman who just turned him away? Buy links:Amazon
BIO: A student of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and two wonderful children. A career in logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels. But the characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark, sexy stories with others. She writes alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other. She likes to torture people, make them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after.
The author of THE GREEN-EYED DOLL, THE LAST EXECUTION, SOMONE TO WATCH OVER ME, HELL OR HIGH WATER, and COLD DAY in HELL, books 1 and 2 in the Lost and Found, Inc. series. Book 3, NO CHANCE in HELL is scheduled for release in early April.
Social media links: http://jerriealexander.com - website http://www.jerriealexander.com/category/blog/ http://www.twitter.com/jerriealexander https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jerrie-Alexander /121521571355959?ref=hl http://www.goodreads.com/jerriealexander http://pinterest.com/jerriealexander/
Excerpt:Rafe used the time to inspect every aspect of her home, starting with the living room. The open floor plan gave him a quick overview. Modest furniture of laminated oak and butter-colored faux leather told him her salary was that of an underpaid educator. Her TV wasn't large, but her DVD collection hinted she enjoyed romantic comedies. A bookcase-lined wall reflected her other interests, running the gamut from books on the psychology of today's teenager to a stack of different sports magazines.
A dozen trophies and plaques decorated her counters and tables. Scattered around the room were pictures of young girls wearing YMCA basketball jerseys. A beautiful woman stood proudly behind them. Erin herself. The tall, lanky girl with the caramel-colored hair had grown into a traffic stopper. He moved down the hall and found her bedroom.
Across the hall, he wandered into her office. Rafe circled the room, walking past the desk and cloth secretary's chair, reading the titles off a stack of training manuals. He found more team pictures and sports memorabilia. Then he crossed to her bedroom. A queen-size bed, dresser, and easy chair took up most of the space. He closed his eyes and breathed in a light floral scent. Yeah, she spent most of her time at home in here. This area was her refuge. For some odd reason, he was reluctant to leave. He shook off the feeling and returned to the living room. "So? What do you think?"
Jeff held out two bottles of flavored water so Rafe could choose one.
"That she lives for others, loves sports, is frugal, and doesn't entertain a lot."
He selected the least-disgusting-sounding drink, a lemon-lime something. He left out his surprise at how beautiful she'd become, remembering how disappointed his dad and Jeff had been that Rafe's relationship with Erin had ended before it began.
"How do you know she doesn't entertain a lot?"
"There is one coaster on the coffee table. One cup sitting next to the coffeepot. And the drinks you carried in here? I'm betting there was no beer, and she only keeps flavored water in the fridge. And she shouldn't leave a key hidden under the garden fairy by the door. How am I doing so far?""Pretty damn good."
The older man smiled, and this time it looked sincere. The sound of a vehicle pulling into the driveway drew them back into the living room. Rafe moved to the far side of the room and settled in a wing-back chair. He assumed their company was Erin and her attorney, but it was Rafe's nature to be cautious. The only weapon he carried today was the subcompact .45 strapped to his ankle, so he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. His hands hung loose and at the ready. The lock on the front door turned, and a second later, Erin stepped inside, followed by a well-dressed man. Jesus. She took his breath away.
