Lacey Wolfe's Blog, page 27

New Release - The Naked Truth. #novella #romance

I'm so excited! The Naked Truth is now live for your reading pleasure. And so far, the reviews are good!

Amazon / All Romance / Nook

It’s amazing what one can find in strip clubs…

Josh Carter gets the shock of a lifetime when he shows up at a place of ill repute for a business meeting and sees the one that got away gyrating on the stage. Abigail Reese—the girl with so much potential, the girl that took his heart along with his body one night long ago—what brought her to this level?

Though stripping is not what Abigail set out to do, it’s putting food on the table and a roof over her daughter’s head. But just how much can she reveal to Josh without risking it all?

When Josh causes Abigail to lose her job, she has two choices: come clean about her past and her situation or push him out of her life as quick as he came into it. It’s up to her…only she has to think of her little girl too.
Chapter One Abigail cringed as her hands met the cool metal. She did her best not to look out at the crowd of men, holding dollars in their hands, waiting for that moment they got a shot at the parts she’d been raised to hide.

With her fingers wrapped lightly on the pole, Abigail walked a full circle around it before bending over, her legs straight, giving the greedy gazes a sight of her bottom clad in a dark green g-string. The men hollered and groaned in pleasure, but she knew what she had to do next—wrap her legs around the object of her income and spin. Not many of the women here could do it as well as her, so whenever she came out here, the boss wanted her to perform on it. Though, she supposed it was better than the women who grinded their bodies on the floor.

As her legs wrapped around the object the men so desired to see her on, she closed her eyes and did what she always did while she performed: imagined she was on a tropical island, with a martini in hand, and life was perfect.

By the time her performance was over, she walked topless toward the stage curtain, her tiny g-string filled with dollars. She entered the dressing room and stood in the corner, pulling each of the grubby bills from her body, flattening them in her palm. She laid the pile on her dressing table.

“Great performance,” Jenna, one of the other dancers said as she put on the finishing touches of her make-up.

“Thanks.” It wasn’t hard to have a great performance with horny men who simply wanted to see boobs.

“Don’t be so down. You’re a natural out there.”

Abigail laughed. She couldn’t help it. Oh, the joys of knowing she was a natural stripper. Just what every girl wanted to be raised to do. “The crowd’s really wanting a show tonight. The men I just danced for booed when it took me too long to get my bra off. They’re greedy this evening. But whoever they are, they’re big spenders.”

“Good. I’m up next.” Jenna shook her big round ass, which she was known for, and walked toward the stage door.

Abigail finished counting her money and placed it in her wallet. She pulled out her hand sanitizer. Once she felt somewhat sterile, she went to the bathroom to put on clothes that covered her from head to toe. She always slipped into a pair of sweatpants and hoodie. The soft cotton made her feel safe and hid much of her curves.

Once her station was cleaned up, she grabbed her purse and decided to get the hell out of this place. The exit door was within sight, but then her boss called her name.

“Abby, there’s a man out front requesting you.”

“But, sir, I’m off, remember? My babysitter can’t stay late.”

Mr. Regan smirked. “As much as it shames me to say this, I don’t think he’s looking for a lap dance or any other special treat. He says he knows you and wants to talk to you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Did he give his name?”

“Just get out there. He’s in room one. He paid for the time, thankfully, so just in case, go in your stage outfit.” He turned and left.

Abigail groaned and then went back to her dressing table. She locked her bag up in her drawer after she stripped out of the comfortable sweats she’d had on. The dancers were never allowed to go out front in regular clothes.

After she gazed at herself in the mirror for a few moments and fluffed her blond curls, she knew she couldn’t put off her visitor any longer. As she walked through the club to the private rooms, she saw Jenna on stage, shaking her ass, the men practically drooling over her. She noted Mr. Regan in a corner talking to a few of the regulars.

She stood in front of room one, took a deep breath, and lightly knocked before opening the door. Her nerves were on edge as she wondered who waited inside. The room was dimly lit with yet another pole in the middle for those customers who wanted private shows. The man’s head was slightly turned to where she couldn’t see who it was. But something in her gut told her she knew him. While she didn’t recognize him from this angle, she had a feeling things were about to change. Abigail wasn’t really sure what to say, so she leaned against the pole and asked in a sultry tone, “What can I do for you?”

He turned and looked at her. Abigail froze. Her mouth dropped open. She knew exactly who it was. She hadn’t seen him in years and he was slightly older now. But it was a face she’d recognize anywhere. In fact, she looked at a replica of it almost every day.

“Josh Carter.” It came out an almost whisper.

He nodded. His expression was cold, not like the last time she’d seen him over four years ago. His hair was a light brown with a few streaks of gray and his dark green eyes bore into her.

“What are you doing here? Did you come looking for me?” she asked, needing to know if his being here was a mere coincidence.

“I’m here on business and when you came on stage, I recognized you. Years ago you were getting your degree to be a lawyer. You were doing so well and I have to say I was quite surprised to see you. So when I came in here, I certainly wasn’t looking for you. What happened? Anything I can do to help?” He patted the seat next to him. “Please sit. You’re making me uncomfortable.”

Abigail did as he requested, but she didn’t answer his questions. Just him being there scared her. She wasn’t sure how much he knew about her and decided it was best to keep quiet. He was a rich man and held a lot of power.

“Did you finish your degree?” he asked.

“No.”

“How come?”

Because I got pregnant and school doesn’t work with a crying newborn. “Life.”

“You’ve got to give me more than that. I’d like to help you. Obviously if you’re working here, you’ve hit a rough patch.” His gaze locked on hers. “I’ve thought about you many times the last few years. I never intended for our evening together to be a one-time thing.” Josh reached out and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. A shiver shot down her spine.

Abigail thought back to that evening. It had been hot and perfect. He’d pleasured her more than anyone else ever had and they connected on so many levels. She’d known he’d wanted more than that one night—he’d been honest about the direction his thoughts were taking—but it had scared her and the next day, she’d left a fake phone number when they’d parted ways. By the time she realized the mistake she’d made, it had been too late, or so, she thought.

“I got scared.”

Josh removed his suit jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “As much as I enjoy the view, I’m not here for that.”

She suppressed the grin she wanted to give him and asked, “Why are you here if you didn’t come to see me?”

Josh was older than her by at least ten years. His life was already established when she’d met him and hers had just begun. She’d kept up with him throughout the years from different news reports and tabloids. It was almost hard not to. Josh Carter was a billionaire. It was one of the reasons why she’d never sought him out. Abigail wasn’t a gold digger and didn’t want to be accused of being one.

“Business, of course. I think that’s my life. The guys I was meeting with are younger and this was the place they wanted to come and for one particular act. The amazing girl on the pole.” He leaned in closer to her ear. “I must say, I was impressed by your act.”

Her heart raced, the result of him being so close. Even after all these years, he still had an effect on her. Biting her bottom lip, she pushed those feelings away and remembered that if he knew her secret, he could take everything from her.

“How about you get dressed and we’ll get out of here? I’d like to catch up,” he suggested.

Hailey crossed her mind and the babysitter who was waiting with her. “I can’t. I have to get home.”

“I understand.” Josh reached into his pocket and took out a card, handing it to her. “Call me. I’ll be in town for the next week and I’d like to chat. Maybe we can meet up for dinner and if you’ll let me, I’d like to help you get back on your feet.”

“Okay, I will.” She stood and began to remove his jacket.

“Keep it. It’s the only way I can ensure I’ll see you while I’m in town.”

“Thank you.” She gazed down at him. “I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I’m doing well and happy, even though this wasn’t the life I initially set out to have.” Abigail didn’t say another word, but left room one and high-tailed it back to the dressing room to change and get home. Josh Carter being in town was either going to be a good thing or a bad. Or maybe it was time she faced the truth and did what was right by Hailey. After all, her daughter deserved better then she had it now. Buy for only $1.99: Amazon / All Romance / Nook

Spotlight - Dark Tales Diaries by London Saint James

For years, Tristan Blackthorn has toiled to find his lost love. He finally decides to use Blackthorn Printing, along with his newly created Dark Tales Diaries, as a way to find her. Will her story be one of the three tales in Volume One?

Mistress Guinevere’s calling card is her Red Stilettos. She specializes in a particular fetish and always maintains her control, until a man from her past returns to test her will. 

A recently divorced woman experiences the effects of empty nest syndrome after her twins head off to college. With the clock ticking away, she decides it’s far past time to seek out something that has always eluded her. Will she find what she’s looking for withThe Leather’s Edge?

And a bored computer programmer learns what it’s like to feel sexual freedom after being bound by a Master in Safe Word.

Be Warned: bondage, anal sex, sex toys, fetish
Excerpt  “It’s been a long time,” he said in a voice that still sent shivers up my spine. “I was in town, and decided, why not?”

     I crossed my arms and eyed him suspiciously. “Humm…”

     “That’s it? All you have to say is, ‘Humm?’”

     “Humm is better than what I was really thinking, Marcus.”

     His mouth twitched at the corners, and I hated the fact I noticed how damn sexy his lips were.

     “Guinn,” he said.

    “Guinevere,” I corrected. I set my expression to that of unyielding stone and ignored those sparkling straight white teeth as he smiled. His wicked ways no longer affected me. I’d broken his spell two years ago, and I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. I was Mistress Guinevere. I was in control, he wasn’t, and I would never relinquish the balance of power out of my favor again.

     He tilted his head in that roguish way and eyed me. Heat radiated from my core. “So, am I to stand here in the hall or are you going to let me come in, Guinevere?”

     “I hate you, Marcus, so why should I let you in?”

     “Hate is a strong word for someone who claimed no feelings for me whatsoever as she stormed out of my apartment a couple of years ago.”

     “What do you want? I don’t have times for your games,” I said rather tersely.

     “Let me in. Then I’ll tell you.”

     “You’re going to have to do better than that, Marcus. What’s wrong? Have you lost your touch? If you think that will entice me, you are so wrong.”

     Marcus Warner, Master Dom, pulled out a gorgeous pair of thigh-high, red leather, spike-heeled boots from behind his back, holding them out in front of him so I could see every lovely inch of the unmistakable Italian craftsmanship on the handmade beauties.

     “You won’t let me in even if I’m baring gifts?”

     I eyed the boots before returning my gaze to him.

     “What’s the old saying?” I asked. His perfectly shaped eyebrow lifted. “Isn’t it, beware of those baring gifts?”

     He dangled the boots. Swinging them from side to side. Tempting me.
     Bastard.
    I’ll give Marcus his dues. Since the first day I met him, he had my number, and during the year I spent with him, I gave him too much of myself, falling back into what I believed to be the weakness I worked so hard with Mistress Payne to rid myself of.

     Marcus sniffed the leather of the boots in his hand, giving me that smile again. He knew me well, maybe too well, and he knew those boots would be like kryptonite, cracking my will.

     “All right. You can come in, but only for a while.”

     “That’s my little, Guinn,” he said.

     “I’m not your little anything, and don’t call me Guinn!” I stepped aside so he could enter, shutting the door behind him.

     He strolled into my apartment as though he belonged, sat the boots down on my glass coffee table, and took a seat, rather casually, on my leather couch. He patted the space next to him.

     “Well, come on. I’m not going to bite, unless you want me to,” he said, releasing his sexy sideway smirk.

     I took a seat in the chair across from the couch. This was my house, and I’d sit where I wanted to.
     He chuckled, shook his head, leaned back, and kicked his feet out, positioning them under my coffee table.

     “Marcus, are you going to tell me why you’re here?”

     “To see you.”

     “I’m not buying that.”

     He shrugged.

     “Aren’t you going to try on the boots?”

     “No,” I said.

     “You know you want to,” he baited.

     “Listen. I’m not sure what you are up to, and frankly I really don’t care—”

     “I’m up to the business of you,” he said.

     “What do you mean?”

     “Maybe I let you go too soon. Maybe I regret it. Maybe I’ve decided it’s been long enough, and I want you back.”

     I snorted. “I left you, remember? You didn’t let me do anything.”

     There was that grin of his. The one that makes any woman consider her panties, his mouth, his tongue… Stop it, Guinevere. Don’t forget this is Marcus, the man you loath.


     “Really?” His onyx-colored eyes met me, and held me there with him. Stare for stare, we were locked in a secret power play for dominance.

     “We never worked well together,” I said. “You’re a dom, and I’m a dom, and neither is willing to give.”

     “Baby, you’re a switch. You like to dominate, but you also like to be dominated.”

     “No. I’m not,” I protested.

     “You always liked it when I took the control,” he said, assuredly. “With one word, you were wet for me.”

     “I like being in control. And I have no intention or interest in being submissive. Not for you, not for anybody.”

     “How long are you going to keep telling yourself that lie?”

     I stood up, pissed off and ready to rage. “Marcus, I don’t have to explain anything, justify my life and my choices, or put up with your shit. I think your time is up. I’d like to say it was good seeing you again, but that would be a lie.”

     “You’ve always lied to yourself when it comes to me and how I make you feel.”

     “You don’t make me feel anything, Marcus. Get over yourself.”

     I marched to the front door. Marcus followed behind me. I reached for the knob, and was stopped by his large hand as it covered mine. He placed his mouth to my ear. His warm breath tickled across my cheek.

     “Guinevere,” he said in a low, deep growl. Immediately, my sex trembled. Andfuckadie, fuck, fuck, he was right. One word. And that one word was my name falling from his lips. Buy Links Evernight Publishing           All Romance eBooks           BookStrand
About The Author London wrote her first short story in the second grade.  Her teacher informed her parents London had a big imagination, but having a big imagination wasn’t necessarily a good thing as far as he was concerned.  Without watering that seed of imagination, London placed her vivid characters, her childhood stories, along with her imagination on the shelf, where they would wither for a while.  At the urging of her eighth grade English teacher, London pulled her imagination off that shelf, and wrote her second short story.  To no surprise, it was a love story inspired by a song.  Then as life does, it moves on, so yet again London placed her imagination on the shelf to wither for a while.  She needed to do the “sensible thing.”

The sensible thing earned London a degree in Psychology, but while in college she traversed into writing once more, and was encouraged by a couple of professors to pursue that endeavor.  She took on the world of written word, and has never looked back. 

London writes erotic romance from sweet to downright naughty.  She is an author for Evernight Publishing, a member of the Romance Writers of America, and a member of Passionate Ink.

Connect with the Author:


Site       Blog        Facebook       Twitter

Spotlight - ETreasures Publishing

Death to the Undead  by  Pembroke Sinclair

Before Death to the Undead opens, tough teenager Krista’s parents are killed by the zombie horde, but she escapes to the safety of Florida. After her reunion with General Liet, a distant cousin, she moves with him to North Platte to help build a wall to keep the zombies in the West. Krista falls in love with Quinn, a survivor and fighter from the zombie-infested wildlands of the West, and together they free the garrison at North Platte from the power-hungry Liet.

Now, North Platte is free, but Liet was not the only one using the zombie apocalypse to control their people. Florida is ruled by five ruthless Families, who use intimidation and the threat of the zombie horde to coerce their populace. While trying to solidify their new relationship, Krista and Quinn hatch a desperate plan to run guns into the state and help the people revolt. When The Families label Krista and Quinn rebels and attack North Platte, Krista and Quinn run for their lives. The Families want them captured, the zombies want to eat them, and other survivors want them dead. Caught in between powerful forces, they must survive long enough to devise a new plan and put it into action, all while trying not self-destruct in the meantime.

Genre(s): Young Adult, Science Fiction, Zombie

Publisher Buy Link
Brides and Dark Secrets Series

Ketchikan Man by Ciara Lake Leea, a young woman from Oklahoma, engages in a heated sexting relationship with a man from Alaska. Lucan, on a hunt for his mate, advertised for a mail order bride. Leea, aware of the risks, is still drawn to the Ketchikan man and his nightly naughty texts. She believes she’s behaved shockingly via text, now she’s embarrassed by the explicitness she shared with this virtual stranger. When she arrives in Alaska, she encounters an absolutely gorgeous male. Overwhelmed, she’s suddenly inhibited by timidity. However, Lucan is patient and determined to reveal Leea’s inner siren. His unique instincts tell him that she's his.

Lucan is a local artist, a talented man. He’s part Native American with an extra component in his genes. Unknown to Leea, his honored ancestor passed a special gift to him.

Will Leea and Lucan’s passion survive the wilds of Alaska?

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Part of PROM NIGHT SUMMER ANTHOLOGY

Secrets in the Fog: Danny's First Love By Ellen Spain

Danny Fennchar is a short and somewhat pudgy teen prodigy wearing broken glasses who looks forward to attending his high school Prom in a few weeks, and to attending college. There is a problem, at least to Danny. He is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and thinks his future plans are totally messed up. He doesn't have a date and in fact, being home schooled most of his life, never had a date except for his mother… Danny is a shy and insecure 12th grader, until he meets Christine Dillon from his senior class, who is quite mature for her young age. Their romance blossoms.

Publisher Buy Link
LOVE FROM THE ASHES by Patricia Andres

Did you ever wish someone could come back from the dead?

Lilith Ross, in her grief, gets her wish but, when Eve returns, she sets hair-raising events in motion. Murder, suicide, lost children and the underworld come together in this dreamy reality tale and sort themselves out in a unique way.

Genre: Romance, Mystery

Publisher Buy Link

Conducting Yourself Online #WWOW

What's on your mind, Lacey?

Do you really want to know? Do I really want to say? Wait...which account am I on?
Social media sites want to know how we are, what we are up to, etc. And we want to share this. But before you share, take a moment to really think about what you are in fact sharing. If you're an author, than you obviously know that you're more than an author. Maybe you work another job, married, kids, and such. Yes, you want to connect with you readers. But before you post your political views or strong opinions, take a moment to think about how it might effect your career. 

Reader's don't really want to know your views on gun control or which president you voted for. They don't want to know you had a fight with your husband or anything like that. Sure, sharing a cute moment with your kids or a new recipe your trying will engage them. But those are positive things. Yes, that's the key, stay upbeat and positive, even if you've been on a rejection cycle and you really just want to scream and cry to the world. 

I have a personal social media accounts as well as ones for my pen name. I keep things very separate. Since becoming an author, I really think about what I say. Once you hit tweet or post, its there. Someone can copy it in a moment and you'll never know. I find even on my personal accounts, I watch what I say as well.

This isn't to say I might have shared something at some point that might have been questionable, just remember, how you portray yourself can effect your career.  Want more wisdom? #WWOW or Writers Word of Wisdom - A Smart & Savvy Group of Authors who write a weekly feature for their blog -Writer's Words of Wisdom- each Wednesday. The goal is to impart what we've learned about writing, editing, getting published, book promotion, and more along the way.

For more Wisdom, be sure to check out these authors as well.

Carol Burnside/Annie Rayburn http://AnnieRayburn.com/blog
Paloma Beck http://romancebeckons.blogspot.com/search/label/WoW
Melinda Dozier http://melindadozier.blogspot.com

Obsession by Tamaria Soana - On sale for #99cents

Did you know January was National Stalking Awareness Month? Tamaria Soana's book, Obsession, is on sale this month.

Is there anywhere safe when you're the object of someone's obsession?

Alexandria Stevens is a New York Times best-selling romance novelist. After she makes a guest appearance on a popular TV talk show, she creates a Twitter account. 

Within a few short weeks she meets a fan, and they become fast friends…or that’s what Alex thinks. When Alex finds herself being stalked, the person she least suspects is her new friend Jillian. What she doesn’t know is that Jillian has been obsessed with her for years. She wants everything Alex has, even her husband.

Content Warning: sexual situations, adult language, violence Excerpt Alex went into her study to answer some emails and go over the script for her movie again when the doorbell rang. Knowing Hudson was on a conference call, she went to answer it. She looked out the window to find a deliveryman with a long, white box. Her heart melted, Hudson had flowers delivered for her. He was always so romantic and thoughtful. God, she loved him.

Alex opened the door and signed for the flowers. As she took them to the kitchen to place them in a vase, her mind wandered to all the ways she could thank Hudson properly after his conference call was over. Her favorite one involved her being down on her knees. Alex couldn't wait to see and smell the beautiful flowers. Giggling, she untied the ribbon and anxiously lifted the lid.

She screamed and dropped the box. It was filled with a dozen black roses, a purple plastic butterfly attached to one stem. Fear rocked through her body as she remembered the note left on her car. Like a butterfly, a wild butterfly. I will collect you and capture you. Alex fell to the floor and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Alex, oh my God. Are you okay? What happened?" Hudson asked as he placed his arms around her trembling body.

She pointed to the black roses. "I thought you sent me flowers," she stuttered in between her sobs.

Hudson looked at the roses with confusion, then Alex pointed to the butterfly and told him about the note she'd found on her car and how Colleen said it was nothing, probably a sick prank.

"You should've told me, baby. I'm calling your father, this isn't just a prank." Hudson dialed Anthony, Alex's father and a police detective. Hudson held her tight and assured her that he wouldn't let anything happen to her and they would find out what was going on.

Anthony was at his daughter's side within fifteen minutes with two policemen in tow. He asked a few questions and took the flowers for evidence. Alex just clung to Hudson as her father lectured her for not telling anyone about the note that had been left on her car. He was upset that the note had been destroyed, because there could've been forensic evidence on it that would help them figure out who was doing this.

Alex looked into her father's eyes, he looked both angry and conflicted. She knew this had to be hard on him. He had to be both her father and the detective on the case. He assured them he would try and keep a lid on it for as long as possible. Alex let out a moan knowing what would happen if the media found out about it.

Hudson asked Anthony about the possibility of the police providing some sort of security for Alex. She objected, saying she didn't want to be babysat. Her father quickly dismissed her objection, stating it was a good idea and he would arrange regular patrols of the street. He swore to her that he would catch the psycho who was stalking her. He hugged her before he left, which took Alex by surprise because he never showed emotion.

When everyone was finally gone, Hudson got Alex some water and two sleeping pills. Soon she was in bed wrapped in Hudson's arms. Although she was both emotionally and physically exhausted, she felt safe next to him. She sighed and snuggled as close to his warm body as she could as she wiped away a tear and drifted off to sleep.

Alex woke to her cellphone ringing over and over again. Who the hell keeps calling? She moaned as she grabbed her phone from the bedside table. When she looked at the screen and saw who the caller was, she rolled her eyes.

"Mom?"

"Oh my God, Alexandria, are you okay? Why do I have to find out from the media that someone is stalking my daughter?"

Alex just let her mother rant—no good would come out of trying to stop her and explain things until she had it all out of her system.

"And a movie deal? Why am I the last to know everything? Well, I'm waiting."

"I'm sorry, Mom. I was going to call you today. Things have been a bit crazy. What do you mean you heard it from the media?"

"It's all over the entertainment news."

"Christ!" Alex took a deep breath. She needed to focus and find out what was being said. "Mom, I have to go. I promise I'll call you later and fill you in on everything. I need to find out exactly what has been leaked."
Buy Links: ~January being National Stalking Awareness Month, my Publisher and I decided to lower the price on Obsession to $.99 for the month of January! ~   Beachwalk Press  / Amazon / Nook  About the Author Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story. 

She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights. 

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.

Author Links:    Site     Facebook Author Page     Twitter

The Naked Truth - Chapter One #romance #novella

Coming very soon, The Naked Truth! 

Chapter One

Abigail cringed as her hands met the cool metal. She did her best not to look out at the crowd of men, holding dollars in their hands, waiting for that moment they got a shot at the parts she’d been raised to hide.

With her fingers wrapped lightly on the pole, Abigail walked a full circle around it before bending over, her legs straight, giving the greedy gazes a sight of her bottom clad in a dark green g-string. The men hollered and groaned in pleasure, but she knew what she had to do next—wrap her legs around the object of her income and spin. Not many of the women here could do it as well as her, so whenever she came out here, the boss wanted her to perform on it. Though, she supposed it was better than the women who grinded their bodies on the floor.
As her legs wrapped around the object the men so desired to see her on, she closed her eyes and did what she always did while she performed: imagined she was on a tropical island, with a martini in hand, and life was perfect.

By the time her performance was over, she walked topless toward the stage curtain, her tiny g-string filled with dollars. She entered the dressing room and stood in the corner, pulling each of the grubby bills from her body, flattening them in her palm. She laid the pile on her dressing table.

“Great performance,” Jenna, one of the other dancers said as she put on the finishing touches of her make-up.

“Thanks.” It wasn’t hard to have a great performance with horny men who simply wanted to see boobs.

“Don’t be so down. You’re a natural out there.”

Abigail laughed. She couldn’t help it. Oh, the joys of knowing she was a natural stripper. Just what every girl wanted to be raised to do. “The crowd’s really wanting a show tonight. The men I just danced for booed when it took me too long to get my bra off. They’re greedy this evening. But whoever they are, they’re big spenders.”

“Good. I’m up next.” Jenna shook her big round ass, which she was known for, and walked toward the stage door.

Abigail finished counting her money and placed it in her wallet. She pulled out her hand sanitizer. Once she felt somewhat sterile, she went to the bathroom to put on clothes that covered her from head to toe. She always slipped into a pair of sweatpants and hoodie. The soft cotton made her feel safe and hid much of her curves.

Once her station was cleaned up, she grabbed her purse and decided to get the hell out of this place. The exit door was within sight, but then her boss called her name.

“Abby, there’s a man out front requesting you.”

“But, sir, I’m off, remember? My babysitter can’t stay late.”

Mr. Regan smirked. “As much as it shames me to say this, I don’t think he’s looking for a lap dance or any other special treat. He says he knows you and wants to talk to you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Did he give his name?”

“Just get out there. He’s in room one. He paid for the time, thankfully, so just in case, go in your stage outfit.” He turned and left.

Abigail groaned and then went back to her dressing table. She locked her bag up in her drawer after she stripped out of the comfortable sweats she’d had on. The dancers were never allowed to go out front in regular clothes.

After she gazed at herself in the mirror for a few moments and fluffed her blond curls, she knew she couldn’t put off her visitor any longer. As she walked through the club to the private rooms, she saw Jenna on stage, shaking her ass, the men practically drooling over her. She noted Mr. Regan in a corner talking to a few of the regulars.

She stood in front of room one, took a deep breath, and lightly knocked before opening the door. Her nerves were on edge as she wondered who waited inside. The room was dimly lit with yet another pole in the middle for those customers who wanted private shows. The man’s head was slightly turned to where she couldn’t see who it was. But something in her gut told her she knew him. While she didn’t recognize him from this angle, she had a feeling things were about to change. Abigail wasn’t really sure what to say, so she leaned against the pole and asked in a sultry tone, “What can I do for you?”

He turned and looked at her. Abigail froze. Her mouth dropped open. She knew exactly who it was. She hadn’t seen him in years and he was slightly older now. But it was a face she’d recognize anywhere. In fact, she looked at a replica of it almost every day.

“Josh Carter.” It came out an almost whisper.

He nodded. His expression was cold, not like the last time she’d seen him over four years ago. His hair was a light brown with a few streaks of gray and his dark green eyes bore into her.

“What are you doing here? Did you come looking for me?” she asked, needing to know if his being here was a mere coincidence.

“I’m here on business and when you came on stage, I recognized you. Years ago you were getting your degree to be a lawyer. You were doing so well and I have to say I was quite surprised to see you. So when I came in here, I certainly wasn’t looking for you. What happened? Anything I can do to help?” He patted the seat next to him. “Please sit. You’re making me uncomfortable.”

Abigail did as he requested, but she didn’t answer his questions. Just him being there scared her. She wasn’t sure how much he knew about her and decided it was best to keep quiet. He was a rich man and held a lot of power.

“Did you finish your degree?” he asked.

“No.”

“How come?”

Because I got pregnant and school doesn’t work with a crying newborn. “Life.”

“You’ve got to give me more than that. I’d like to help you. Obviously if you’re working here, you’ve hit a rough patch.” His gaze locked on hers. “I’ve thought about you many times the last few years. I never intended for our evening together to be a one-time thing.” Josh reached out and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. A shiver shot down her spine.

Abigail thought back to that evening. It had been hot and perfect. He’d pleasured her more than anyone else ever had and they connected on so many levels. She’d known he’d wanted more than that one night—he’d been honest about the direction his thoughts were taking—but it had scared her and the next day, she’d left a fake phone number when they’d parted ways. By the time she realized the mistake she’d made, it had been too late, or so, she thought.

“I got scared.”

Josh removed his suit jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “As much as I enjoy the view, I’m not here for that.”

She suppressed the grin she wanted to give him and asked, “Why are you here if you didn’t come to see me?”

Josh was older than her by at least ten years. His life was already established when she’d met him and hers had just begun. She’d kept up with him throughout the years from different news reports and tabloids. It was almost hard not to. Josh Carter was a billionaire. It was one of the reasons why she’d never sought him out. Abigail wasn’t a gold digger and didn’t want to be accused of being one.

“Business, of course. I think that’s my life. The guys I was meeting with are younger and this was the place they wanted to come and for one particular act. The amazing girl on the pole.” He leaned in closer to her ear. “I must say, I was impressed by your act.”

Her heart raced, the result of him being so close. Even after all these years, he still had an effect on her. Biting her bottom lip, she pushed those feelings away and remembered that if he knew her secret, he could take everything from her.

“How about you get dressed and we’ll get out of here? I’d like to catch up,” he suggested.

Hailey crossed her mind and the babysitter who was waiting with her. “I can’t. I have to get home.”

“I understand.” Josh reached into his pocket and took out a card, handing it to her. “Call me. I’ll be in town for the next week and I’d like to chat. Maybe we can meet up for dinner and if you’ll let me, I’d like to help you get back on your feet.”

“Okay, I will.” She stood and began to remove his jacket.

“Keep it. It’s the only way I can ensure I’ll see you while I’m in town.”

“Thank you.” She gazed down at him. “I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I’m doing well and happy, even though this wasn’t the life I initially set out to have.” Abigail didn’t say another word, but left room one and high-tailed it back to the dressing room to change and get home. Josh Carter being in town was either going to be a good thing or a bad. Or maybe it was time she faced the truth and did what was right by Hailey. After all, her daughter deserved better then she had it now.
About the book It’s amazing what one can find in strip clubs…

Josh Carter gets the shock of a lifetime when he shows up at a place of ill repute for a business meeting and sees the one that got away gyrating on the stage. Abigail Reese—the girl with so much potential, the girl that took his heart along with his body one night long ago—what brought her to this level?

Though stripping is not what Abigail set out to do, it’s putting food on the table and a roof over her daughter’s head. But just how much can she reveal to Josh without risking it all?

When Josh causes Abigail to lose her job, she has two choices: come clean about her past and her situation or push him out of her life as quick as he came into it. It’s up to her…only she has to think of her little girl too.

Interview - Autumn Piper - Trouble Won't Wait

Today I have Autumn Pepper on for a chat as we talk about her new book, Trouble Won't Wait. 

Tell us a little about yourself. Hm. How bout some stuff I don’t have up in my bio on my website:

I compulsively grow Jurassic-size house plants (seriously, I need a second person to repot most of them).

I did hard time for 7 years—as a teacher stunt-double (aka substitute teacher, and if you think stunt double is an exaggeration, try covering on the day the 5th graders watch the hygiene videos, an all-day walking field trip to the lake, or—horrors! the first day of school).

Sometimes when my teenagers fight, I yearn for temporary hearing loss. But only temporary, mind you.

2. What genre do you write?
Contemporary romance—more spicy than sweet.
3. Please tell us about your latest release Trouble Won’t Wait and how you came up with the idea.
For a local writing contest, I put together a short story, A Walk at a Crossroads, about a woman out for a walk on Thanksgiving Day, mulling over a big problem: she caught her husband “in the act” the night before, with another woman. While she’s out walking, she meets a man who obviously finds her attractive. She leaves the meeting trying to decide what to do about her marriage… and leaving the reader to decide as well. The short story placed in the contest, but by the time the awards night arrived, I’d already belted out the rest of the novel.

4. Is it part of a series?
It is now! I’m working on the sequel, in which Mandy’s husband Mike gets his happily-ever-after. He’s not a bad guy, really. And I’m also planning the prequel, which will probably be a short free read about Mandy’s big brother Mark.

5. A must have snack while you write.
I don’t eat much while writing, but I do love to drink Red Bull. In fact, I’d intended to dedicate my first published novel to it.

6. If you had to choose a favorite book that you’ve written, which would it be?
I really love Trouble Under Venus. The heroine, Randi travels back in time to find what happened to her father, who she’s never met because he’s been missing since she was a baby. My father went missing, too, and I never met him. So I was very emotionally invested in the outcome of her trip. (unlike Randi, I haven’t stumbled upon a means to travel back in time, lol)

7. Advice to writers who have yet to be published.
Keep revising. Keep writing, and definitely belong to a critique group. You’ll learn sooo much, not only about writing, but about the business in general.

8. Is there a genre you haven’t written yet that you want to?
I’ve considered writing a m/m romance about the gay BFF Nate, from Lone Star Trouble, and his happily-ever-after with Texas cowboy Clay. I might need to do that under my other pen name, though…

9. Any quirky habits?
I’m absolutely dedicated to brushing my teeth in the morning before eating. Or doing pretty much anything else. Otherwise, no. I’m not weird. Everyone else is! lol

10. Have you written a character that most resembles you?
That would be Mandy, in Trouble Won’t Wait. When my mom first read it, she insisted Mandy’s story must’ve happened to me. Sometimes convincing people we know that we’ve made all this stuff up, can be difficult.

11. What type of hero do you enjoy writing about?
Hunky! I made a list of my heroes and found a rich guy working a blue-collar job, a has-been rockstar, a cowboy, and FBI agent, a fireman, a lawyer…pretty varied. And their personalities vary, as well. But they’re all pretty to look at, and above all else, fiercely loyal.

12. What are you currently reading?
The Fiery Cross, by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander series)
And I Hate Everything, Starting With Me, by Joan Rivers (God, she makes me laugh!)

13. What are you currently working on?
The sequel to Trouble Won’t Wait: Trouble, Anonymous

Thanks for having me!

Have a great day.
Autumn Piper
Got romance?
Autumnpiper.com
Twitter: @AutumnPiperAuth
Good things may come to those who wait, but trouble waits for no one…

 Cheating is a dealbreaker...or so Mandy’s always thought. But when she catches her husband getting some “strange,” she realizes how hard it is to cut and run, or even file papers. She agrees to a month of counseling, which will give her time to grieve the loss of her marriage before she has to tell the world—and the kids. Then she meets Adam, who gives her a hunky--if mysterious--shoulder to cry on, and that thirty-day waiting period seems like an eternity.

Adam has no problem confessing that he’s watched Mandy from his window for months as she runs by his house. If he told her why, though, she’d freak out for sure. He knows they’ve got a future together, if he can think of a way to explain his past. And he’s sure the rat-bastard who cheated on her is putting the moves on her again, but he won’t be the revenge guy. The month-long cooling off period she agreed to is lasting forever, and might just be indefinite, if trouble keeps getting in their way.

WARNING: Eccentric old lady pushing salt-of-the-earth advice, bossy big brother, kooky counselor, super-secretive hunk, and perfect justice served amidst adult situations and language.


BUY: http://amzn.to/UvfJBb Excerpt Mandy’s individual session with the unconventional marriage counselor

I doubt Baldwin understands my resolve, so I explain. “I’m only here because I’m stalling Mike until after the holidays to separate.” Or was Mike stalling me? I’m not sure anymore. “I have no intention of ever sleeping with him again, and I want a divorce.” That should be clear enough.

His bushy brows shoot up. I’ve piqued the wanta-be therapist’s interest. “Why do you feel that way?”

God, could it be more simple? “He had sex with a woman we know, while I was in the same house! Anybody, even one of the kids, could have walked in on it! It makes me sick to think of him touching me.”

“Do you still love him?”

Jesus, did Mike put him up to asking that?

“It doesn’t matter. I can’t forgive him for what he did. I’ll never forget what I saw, it comes to me at all hours of the day and night.”

“So you do still love him, but you’re angry, possibly jealous of his having another partner without your consent.”

Without my consent. This guy probably advocates swapping and threesomes, all the fun and games, as long as both spouses consent. I snap my gawping mouth shut.

Good ole Baldwin looks me straight in the eye. “What if you were to have an encounter with an outside partner, to even the score?”

Is it the smoke from the candles or his suggestion making me choke?

“You mean like a revenge affair?” Stampeding thoughts of Adam shred my calm like buffalo through prairie turf. I feel flushed. 

Welcome Sonia Hightower #eroticromance #giveaway!

Announcing the first release of the Napa Valley Naughties by Sonia Hightower
Ladies Uncorked

There’s a reason the room on the ladies only wine tour is so cheap… There’s only one bed!

But it’s big enough for three…

Girls just wanna have fun and what better way to do that than a weekend wine tour? Rozella needs a break from caring for her mother and her friend Nicole is newly single and in need of a respite from her own troubles.

Their eagerness turns to mild dismay, however, when they discover they got a great deal on a fancy hotel room only because they’re apparently sharing a bed...a bed big enough for three. Will they make use of it? They may have a willing bedmate in the form of a sexy tour guide. But first, they must uncork their inhibitions.

Excerpt His gaze perused first Nicole, then Rozella, the glint in his eyes appreciative. Rozella busied herself pouring him a glass of wine. She willed her hands not to shake as she offered him the glass. “You’ve been left out of the festivities. I’m sure you’d like to make up for it now.”

He accepted the glass with a twitch at the corners of his mouth. “Yes, I assume I will.” He watched her as he took his first sip. Rozella saw the moisture of the wine on his lips and fought the urge to lick them. But then again, what was stopping her? Isn’t that what he was here for? Did they really want to waste time with their life stories?

As Nicole led him to the bed and sat down with him, her own wine glass in hand, Rozella decided not. They weren’t interested in life stories tonight. The sexual tension in the air was palpable.

She grabbed her own wine glass and gulped greedily, watching as Nicole set her own aside to place one hand on Blake’s thigh and one on his back, leaning in close. The whitish-gold liquid stung her throat and caused her eyes to tear. She wasn’t used to drinking so quickly, and the wine from Vespera’s was more potent than a store bought vintage.

Nicole and Blake were whispering to each other, smiles lighting their faces. Rozella set her glass down, grabbed the wine bottle, and approached them. She gestured to Blake’s empty glass as she held the bottle out. “More?”

“No.” He grinned, set his glass on the nightstand, and rose to stand before her. His chest was almost touching hers. Her nipples hardened beneath the material of her dress. “Maybe after,” he murmured right before he caught her mouth with his own.

Buy Links Secret Cravings / Amazon / All Romance / Bookstrand Giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

A look into 2013

2013 is right around the corner. 2012 was an awesome year for me. I had multiple releases, I hit a few milestones, and over all a very successful year. I'm giddy to see what 2013 has in store.

Releases in 2013 are going to be a variation of sweet, in the middle, and erotic. This year however I am trying to expand my sweet romance back list. I have found I really enjoy writing this genre. 

This year also I am trying to write longer. Last September I wrote a 50,000 sweet, Bidding Wars, and its been my longest to date. This one doesn't have a home yet, but I am hoping to does have one soon. I love this story and I think it has a unique story line.
So what can I tell you that you will definitely see from me in 2013?

The Naked Truth - a sweet erotic novella is set to release at the end of January. 
Opposites Attract - the last erotic novella in the Hot Bod series. Its time for Francesca's story...and its HOT! Coming February 18, 2013
Not Just Friends - The third story in the Brookfield series should be releasing in the spring of 2013.
Wanted: Wife - A sensual story is set to release late spring or early summer.

Of course I hope to see Bidding Wars get into this line up. But past what you see, I have NO IDEA. I suppose I should get writing.

Do I have any hopes or goals for 2013?
Of course. I want to see my career keep climbing. I write full-time at this point and I would like to see it grow and become more successful. With all the small presses now a days and the wonderful authors out there, its hard to stand out! I hope that in 2013, my name gets to be a little more known. 

Also in 2013 I will be attending Author After Dark in Savannah, GA. This will be my first author event and I'm really excited.

I wish you a wonderful 2013!

Cover Reveal - The Naked Truth

I'm still in love with this cover. It was made by Stanzalone Designs and its perfect for my story. :)

The Naked Truth is a novella (around 20k) and will be available at the end of January.  Want to know what its about? Below is the unedited blurb. 

Josh Carter’s life changes when he walks into a strip club for a business meeting and see’s the woman that got away from him dancing on stage. Josh can’t wrap his head around why Abigail would be stripping. Years ago she had everything going for her. She wasn’t far off from completing her degree and becoming a lawyer. 

Abigail Reese has been stripping for the last year of her life. It’s not her ideal job, but she’s good at it and the men who come to see her pay well. One evening, a guest has requested a meeting with her. When she enters the private room, she knows who the older gentleman is right away. Panic sets in and she wonders why he’s in town and if he knows the secret she’s kept all these years.

As Josh digs his way more and more in Abigail’s life, she isn’t sure she likes having him around all of a sudden, especially when he gets her fired from her job and demands she lets him take care of her. But the more Josh sticks around and worms his way into her heart, she realizes that she has to be honest with him about the secret she’s kept all these years. Abigail has to tell him that the child she has is his daughter.

Can Abigail let him in to be a part of not only their daughter’s life, but hers as well?