Z.L. Arkadie's Blog, page 19

FREE Ebooks + A Giveaway – 3 Days Only!

Greetings Everyone!

If you love romance, then here’s an opportunity for you to try new authors and new series!

The Free eBooks + A Giveaway Promotion runs from June 22 – 24. So shop now and get ready to fall in love!

Also, you can enter to win a Kindle Paperwhite or an Amazon Gift Card!

Click or tap on PROMOTION to get there!

Happy Reading!

All Best,

Z.L.

New Release Alert! He’s So Good (Robert & Carter)

A new title by

Z.L. Arkadie

on sale now!

He’s So Good

(Robert & Carter)

Sparks fly when Robert and Carter find themselves bidding for the same project. Thanks to others, what starts off as friendly competition quickly morphs into their own version of the Game of Thrones.

However, Robert and Carter will come to learn that there are no losers in the game of love.

eBook Price: $3.99

Available at these retailers:

iBooks

Amazon

Google Play

Nook

Kobo (Coming soon!)

Thanks so much for signing up for the Z.L. Arkadie Books mailing-list! We appreciate your interest in receiving more books from us!

Enjoy!

From the Z.L. Arkadie Books Team

 

“The Sexy Boss” Last To Make It Free – Amazon

Just a quick FYI before I get back to writing.

I see that a lot of you are trying to get “The Sexy Boss – Sedition” free on Amazon, when it’s free everywhere else.

I presented the InstaFreebie option but if you want to acquire the book from Amazon. com directly, then let them know about it!

First, you can simply contact customer service and say that you will like it for free because it’s free everywhere else and they WILL give it to you.

Second, you can report the price and wait until it goes free. Here’s how you report the price.

Go to the product page:

The Sexy Boss – Sedition Product Page

2. Scroll down to the “Product Detail” section. At the bottom of that section you’ll see this:

 Would you like to give feedback on images or tell us about a lower price?

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Click on the “tell us about a lower price” link at the bottom. See it?

A Taste of “The Sexy Artist – Fixation”

We’ve released “The Sexy Artist – Fixation” a day early. It’s available now at ALL marketplaces!

If you’ve read The Sexy Boss – Sedition, then we have a special treat for you.

The Sexy Artist –  Fixation is a continuation of Liza “Sharp” Patrick, Nolan’s sister’s, story. If you haven’t read the Sexy Boss – Sedition, then you can get it now! The book is FREE on iBooks, Google Play and Kobo. It should be free on the other retail outlets in the upcoming days. However, you can also download the book on Instafreebie! Using Instafreebie is easy but if you have any problems, all you have to do is contact their Support Team.

And now here’s a sample of “The Sexy Artist – Fixation.”

Newly divorced, Liza must learn to open her heart and love again.

 

 

THE SEXY ARTIST – FIXATION
I sit on the chair, stooped over with my face buried in one hand. What my older brother, Nolan, just told me hits me so hard that it somehow knocks my soul out of my body.

“Liza?” he says.

Tears fall in a steady stream as I smash my lips together more tightly and whimper like a hurt puppy.

“I’ll give you a moment, Mouse,” he says, realizing that it’s impossible for me to speak when I feel this way.

My brother just said that my ex-husband, John, has been arrested for murdering our father. Nolan claims that the evidence against John is mostly circumstantial but strong.

The most hurtful thought going through my mind right now is the fact that I’m not shocked. Everyone accepted that John was bad news even before we said, “I do.” After my father died, I conceded to the fact that John was a selfish prick. While my father was still alive John stole and falsified documents in order to get his grubby hands on my inheritance and more.

Nolan had uncovered John’s dirty dealings and threatened to go to the police with the evidence if he didn’t offer me an uncontested divorce in which he got nothing, not even unsupervised visits with our son, Aiden. But after the lawyers left John and I in the room to have a final conversation, I learned who he really was.

“So why did you do it? Why did you lie and steal?” I asked.

He gave me an evil scowl as if he was mocking my existence. “I never loved you, do you know that?”

My face dropped. I remember wondering how I was supposed to answer that question. Do I answer truthfully, or do I continue deluding myself?

“You never loved me?” I said.

John continued to glare at me as if he wanted to rip off my head. No, he couldn’t love me because all I saw in his eyes was hate.

“I did it because it was what I was owed for being married to you.”

After a long moment, I cleared my throat and said, “What about our baby?”

John sniffed bitterly and stood. “The kid was your idea, not mine.”

His words made me feel as if I'd shattered into a million pieces. My lips parted. I watched him turn and leave, not even closing the door behind him. I wanted to bawl like baby or scream while pounding the table until my knuckles bled. Not because this cruel individual had broken my heart or hurt my feelings. No… it was because the truth had gushed to the surface like a soda pop shaken in a bottle. And when that illumination struck me, I shut my eyes tightly and shoved it back into its hiding place.

But now, with this new information that I’ve received from brother, the walls around the deep, dark space where I’ve hidden my true feelings have been demolished.

“I don’t know what to do now.” I sigh briskly. “What do you think I should do?”

“Liza, what do you want to do?” Nolan asks.

For a moment, I consider leaving Italy and returning to Minneapolis. I have a job here, and I’m in the midst of preparing for a big interview with Michael Donatello in three days. He’s the executor of Castello di Donatello, one of the most exquisite and famous castles in the region. This is a make-or-break interview for me.

I’m the host of a luxury living show for TV Adesso in Bari. My ratings are flat though, because the producers at TV Ora, our competitors, run a show exactly like mine. And someone over there keeps swiping every interview I book. I’ve managed to keep Castello di Donatello off their radar, and I so very much need this interview to materialize. My job is to take viewers into the halls and grounds of the great estates of Italy. I haven’t booked an estate this luxurious in six months, and if my ratings continue to slip, then my show just might be canceled. I don’t want that.

“When is he going to be arraigned?” I ask in an unsure tone.

“Listen, you don’t have to come home. You’re not married to the guy anymore.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“Plus, I’m keeping a close eye on the proceedings. I’ll let you know if you’re needed for anything.”

I lose my breath for a moment as dread rushes through me. “Are you saying that I might have to testify?”

“I don’t know. It’s a possibility.”

I detect irritation in his voice. Choosing not to push the envelope, I close my eyes and shake my head. “Okay. Well, thank you.”

“No problem. Listen, I have to go, but I love you.”

“Okay. Nolan, I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For what I’ve done.”

He goes silent.

“Nolan?” I say, checking to see if he’s still there.

“Liza, don’t you ever apologize for what that fucker chooses to do, hear me?” He sounds angry.

I gulp. “Well… okay.”

I say it to appease him, but I don’t believe it. No. I brought that monster into our family. My father’s death is my fault.

Nolan and I say our good-byes, our voices sad. I pick up the glass of merlot I was drinking before he called. I have dinner plans tonight with my boyfriend, Salvatore Bovetti. Suddenly, I lose my taste for the wine.

Want to read more? Go to Shop Z.L. Arkadie.

A Taste of “He’s So Good (Robert & Carter)”

He’s So Good

(Robert & Carter)

Sample

She moans, and it makes me harder. We’re in the bedroom. I’m at Jack’s house in Denver for Vince and Maggie’s wedding. It’s way past midnight. It sounds as if the reception party is finally winding down. I can hardly believe I’m doing this again. She’s on top of my bed, positioned on her hands and knees, cheek kissing the pillow and ass up. I shift in and out of her steamy wetness, infatuated by her sexy profile. I’m giving it to her slowly, and it feels too damn good.

By the way she’s moaning, it feels good to her too. But these deep, overwhelming sensations racing through me are not only confined to my groin—something’s happening in my heart. The music in the distance isn’t helping me contain my emotions. The chords are slower than they’ve been all day—sultrier—and my thrusts are in rhythm.

“Oh, Robert,” she sighs and bites the tip of her thumb.

“Shit,” I whisper, trying not to let loose inside her. It’s tough because I’m so fucking turned on. I’d been fighting the urge to make love to her since seeing her three days ago. We both traveled to Denver for the wedding. I was ecstatic when Vince asked me to be his best man. He said that I was his clear choice even though I’d betrayed him.

My excitement is about to explode. Not yet. I concentrate on not coming and pull out of her pulsating wetness. I push a deep breath past my clenched teeth as I grasp her by the hips and rotate her onto her back. I open her thighs and bask in the sight of her dripping slit. Our eyes connect. The seductive way she’s looking at me makes me lose my head. My tongue itches to get a taste of her juices. She’s been creaming since I plunged myself inside her. I close my eyes and suck in air sharply between my teeth. Suddenly a feeling washes over me, and my eyes pop open. My mind starts racing because I’m confused about everything that’s going on between this sexy woman and me.

Nine Hours Earlier…

End of sample

This book releases on May 17, 2016.

You can pre-order now on iBooks and Amazon.

Nothing Compares 2 U… Prince

 

Today my heart is broken. It’s so hard to believe the Prince is actually gone. The man taught a generation the TRUE meaning of sexy. The man who taught us to be bold. “Make the rules, the break them all cause you are the best.” But I think the reason I can’t stop crying is because musical artists dispense more than great music. They capture emotion, they strengthen the soul and the real great ones that are few and far between give us power. Power to be what’s deep in us, beyond scripts and programming and socialization. They allow our spirits, minds and souls to break free. And that’s why I can’t stop crying.

I’m so thankful I caught two shows during his Welcome 2 America tour at The Forum. If you’ve been following me for years, then you’ll remember that was one of my first blog posts. I was so excited, enthralled and satisfied. I wanted to catch so many more concerts. I planned to do so in 2017 and hopefully this year, waiting for his Piano and Mic tour to reach Cali.

… Prince …

(REPOST on 6/21/2016. ORIGINALLY POSTED on 5/15/2011)

The memory I will always hold dear.

I warn you…

This post is not about writing…

It’s about an earth shaking explosion of an experience I had last night!

[image error] The stage at Prince “Welcome 2 America” concert series at The Forum, Inglewood

Okay–so, I’ve seen the man himself in concert on the TV screen and still somehow found myself infused by his greatness. And you know when you go to a concert, they’re all “pitchy” and lip syncing because they’re moving around doing all this extra dancing to make up for their lack of singing ability?

Well, not Prince.

Listen–he is really only like — 5’2″ (a little guy) with an astronomical, inflated, humungous, and all the rest of those adjectives that means BIG x 3000 or more–presence!

I just kept saying, “wow” and again, “wow” and over and over again… He never misses a note (NEVER). I mean, how old is this guy? 20???? He looks 25 and moves like a teenager.  I mean first he’s at the tip of the symbol, next thing you know he’s jumped on top of the piano, next thing you know, he’s doing the splits at the back of the stage where the pit is about to lose their minds, reaching out for him begging for MORE! MOOOORE!!!  And did he even sweat? Or did he look absolutely perfect, through my adoring lenses? And those facial expressions–the definition of true sex appeal…Man … sighh…. And let me tell you, there were men in the audience mesmerized by him too…

And you know you have to be good when you can get us LA’ians off of our feet and dancing and shouting and out of our pretentiousness for a solid 2 hours–

And you know you’re unmatched when you get us pretentious LA’ians to sit around for thirty minutes after you TRULY packed it up, begging for more… no, really, like BEGGING… shouting and stomping our feet–watching the detail pack Shelia E’s drums set up and we still are staring at the stage just hoping he’d come back for at least ONE MORE song…

But here’s the thing about us LA’ians–we don’t get mad. We don’t complain… We drop another $180+ for next week’s concert!

We have discussion with the person sitting next to us precisely about that!

“I’m coming back.”

“How many times have you come?”

“This is my third time”

“My friend’s, friend, neighbor’s, dog walker, said he comes back three times and stays on stage as late as 2:00AM!”

“Oh well, see you next week.”

None of us mentioning which show we’ll catch because he’s been sold out for every one of them…

Ahhh…twas nice…

And now, back to reality…I must return to writing the vampire novel!

Apologies My LOVE in the USA Readers… Apologies.

Apologies because I certainly didn’t make reading the LOVE in the USA series uncomplicated.

So… you’re emotionally invested in one character and their continuing story and then WHAM, the next story stars an entirely different character and his or her love story. However, to my defense, at least the characters in the previous book are related to the character in the next book. And, the main characters in the previous book will show up in the next book. I mean… At least. Right????

Blog Freely on 4/15/2016

It has been a while since I’ve blogged freely. Sometimes I go back and read some of my old posts from when I used to blog about every little brain fart.

I mean… Remember when I was “A Single Writer in LA?”

LOL!!!

So much has changed since then. I’m older. Wiser. I’m no longer single. I haven’t lived in LA in five years–although I did return last year for like six months. I had been living in other cities which are totally different from home and NEEDED to return to my normalcy for a little while. Well… Here’s what I can’t live with EVER AGAIN: Traffic and Smog. They both just plainly suck. But I did Tito’s Tacos. Also, Orleans and York. Krispy Kreme. Grocery delivery to avoid traffic. Of course it was a whole production I had to plan to get to those places while facing the least traffic possible. Never worked. Which is why I didn’t gain weight overindulging on tacos, burritos, refried beans, shrimp po-boys and glazed donuts.

Sigh…

Also…

I met my boyfriend simply because I lived in LA. The city was getting to me–all the traffic, all the smog, all the needing to drive to get where I want to go. So my aunt needed to offload some days on her timeshare in Palm Springs and volunteered to take them.  Because I love Palm Springs. Actually, one day, I would love to write a Palm Springs Love Story.

Humph. I think I’ll stop while I’m ahead just in case I want the PS Love Story to mirror real life!

My boyfriend and I, we have a good one to tell. It was definitely fate that brought us together. And there was no magic bullet. We’ve had to work on our relationship to get this far. The chemistry that we share is in our friendship. The night we met we bonded over agreeing with each other philosophically.

Sigh…

OK. I’ll tell you the story.

So my cousin wanted to get out that night. It was a Saturday night. I think. Could’ve been Friday. Anyway, I had a deadline because I always have a deadline. Deadlines rule and run my life. So, she calls me and says, do you still want to go? I’m trying to get a read on her tone so I say in my hum drum voice, “I don’t know, do you?”

“Yeah,” she says excitedly.

And was like dang it she really wants to get out and play tonight. Ok so yeah, when it came to men , I was a bit of a snob. I was like, I’ll go out with her but for sure I’m not going to find the guy I’m going to bond with in Palm Springs. I needed a guy who thought big, lived big, the world was his oyster. More than that this guy that I wanted had to be on satellite am radio while the world was on the all the other real channels. One in a million. The one guy who would let me be my goofy, serious, philosophical, passionate and then more goofiness self. This guy, I’m telling you, deep down inside I knew he didn’t exist.

So yeah. So I continued working on my story and then put on my black DVF dress and high Roman sandals along with my long sweater or a moto jacket–I can’t remember. When my cousin showed up LATE I was committed to a quick dinner, a glass of wine an then return to my accommodations. The bed was comfortable. My brain was on overload. And we were going out in a town where there would be no man who would rise to my caliber as far as I was concerned.

So we went to this popular place on Palm Canyon Dr. I mean, the tacky outfits and makeup. Right away snobby me was turned off. Plus they were smoking. Yuck. Anyway. I forgot what my cousin and I were talking about but I think she repeated how much she needed a man about twenty times. Of course, I believed in something different. I believed in needing a LIFE.  A big HAPPY and FREE life. I believe that is God’s promise and not crazy religions. Anyway. So we order this HORRIBLE tasting pizza and I mean the food at this place is not the best which is why I’m not naming it. It’s all about the social scene which is full of a bunch of people who don’t know better. They’re not there for the food! So… This guy is sitting on the sofa bench across from us. He can’t keep his eyes off me. He’s too young. And he looks like a marine. I look fifteen years younger than my age and sometimes twenty years younger. I still get carded! Anyway, I said no to both of his details–young and marine. I need a MAN. A worldly MAN who isn’t afraid of LIFE and HAPPINESS and is willing to do whatever it takes to secure both. That means get up and go on a whim and not be beholden to duty and so forth. So he had great “dets” but those details were not for me.

So.

My cousin is looking around. She does this thing where she’s talking to me and her eyes are rolling all over the place. (If she’s reading this–I LOVE YOU but it’s the truth. LOL!) So she asks if I want to go check out the dance floor and I was like, “no. If I’m going to be here, then I’m going to sit my tail in this chair right here.” I was such a sour lemon. Jeez. But I told her that she could go check it out all she wants. Listen, she was on the prowl. I just wanted to go already.  This guy comes up and draws our pictures. She makes him draw it over because she said it didn’t look like her. I looked look an alien too in my drawing but I didn’t care. Then later she gets up to go to the bathroom and that’s when HE walks in–the guy who would eventually end up being my boyfriend and his friend….

Tune in for the rest in next week’s blog freely!

LOL!!!

I know. I’m so cruel but I have to get back to work.

Pre-order He’s So Good (Robert & Carter) on Amazon Today!

Hey fans of the LOVE in the USA series!

If you purchase primarily on Amazon.com, then you can now pre-order He’s So Good (Robert & Carter)!

More good news is that the book is complete and is now with the editor! Since I’ve set up the pre-order on Amazon, I had to push up the release date to 5/17/2016. It may release earlier. If so, pre-ordering will ensure that you receive the story as soon as it hits the marketplace.

Click on the image below to pre-order your copy on Amazon.com today!

Sparks fly when Robert and Carter find themselves bidding for the same project. Thanks to others, what starts off as friendly competition quickly morphs into their own version of the Game of Thrones.

However, Robert and Carter will come to learn that there are no losers in the game of love.

Thank you so much!

Best,

Z