Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, page 151

Author Party Day 5: Lauren Dane

Lauren Dane is one of my favorite authors by far. She’s a rock star in the contemporary and paranormal world with characters and world building so rich, you’ll never find the same thing twice. Her first books I read were her paranormals. I was in a paranormal kick and hadn’t read a contemporary yet thinking that anything without the magic element would be boring. Boy, was I wrong. Her characters stand up for themselves and kick ass. They are vivid and spectacular. Some are tattooed and play in bands, some are scarred and make me cry. Some, like the upcoming Raven, are so hated that it would take a true genius like Lauren to make you love her as a character. I’m totally going to love Raven in her book—I can already tell. Lauren’s Chase Brother’s series was the first contemporary romance I’d ever read and I fell in love with those Chase Brothers. Those Chases are the reason I decided to write the Jamensons in the Redwood Pack series. I wanted a group of men with brotherly love and chemistry and Lauren knows how to do that.

As a person, I met Lauren through Twitter. She’s open, honest, and thrilling to follow. She’s not afraid to show you who she is and what she thinks. She’s never hateful, but honest and wants to make sure the people she loves and cares about aren’t taken advantage of. As a writer following her, I’ve learned how to be yourself and put yourself out there, but not come off as an ass. She always has helpful tips and is very vocal in the fact that she loves what she does. I would say I want to be her when I grow up, but that’s not true. I want to take what she says and still be me. That’s what I’ve learned from her.

Today I’m showing off Lost in You which is a great, great, great read and I hope you check it out.

Here is an excerpt just for you from Lauren

Petal, GA: LOST IN YOU by LAUREN DANE

Copyright 2013, Lauren Dane

All rights reserved, Samhain Publishing

Beth carted a huge tray of hot dogs and slider-sized hamburgers over to the table where the kids were sitting in Tate and Matt’s big backyard. A loud celebratory chorus met her, and she laughed, kissing heads as she did.

Little hands grabbed the food as she squirted mustard and ketchup on things when asked to. Tate insisted on fruit salad instead of chips, but the kids thought that was just fine.

“I’m going to get y’all some extra napkins. Be back in a sec.” She headed to the table near the barbecue to grab some and some juice boxes as well.

William loomed nearby, and when he saw her, he sidled over, pretending to be nonchalant in a way a guy who stood well over six feet tall could never be. She knew it was only a matter of time before her brothers approached her about Joe.

“Let me take these over and then you can ask me whatever it is,” she told him before returning to the kids’ table with the promised napkins and juice.

She grabbed her own burger and began to lay tomato, onion and pickle on it. “So?”

“Joe says you and he had lunch last week at the Sands.”

“We did. It was nice. Cake day, dontcha know.”

He sighed. “What’s your plan here, Beth?”

“It is my plan to make sure there is bacon the next time we have burgers.” She grabbed a root beer and cracked it open.

He sighed again and she took pity on him. “I’m feeling magnanimous so don’t get used to this. Are you asking about me and Joe?”

His grimace made her smile. “Yes. He’s…well he’s older than you are.”

“He’s five years older than I am. Let’s get to the heart of the issue. I like Joe. In a I-want-to-kiss-him sort of way. He of course is trying to hold on to the whole you’re my best friend’s sister so I can’t touch you in your no-no places thing.”

William flinched. “God. So leave him alone then.”

“Look here you.” She turned and narrowed her eyes at him. “I like Joe Harris. He’s a nice guy. I know he was a wild one when he was young. But you were too and now you’re a family man. People can change. Also, I’m a big girl. Five years is nothing. Anyway, if he didn’t like me, he wouldn’t be so panicked. You and I both know it.”

“It would be so nice if one of my sisters was unassuming and sweet.”

She guffawed. “Wrong family for that. But I can handle him. Anyway, you’re acting like I’m going to elope and have eleventy billion of his babies next week or something. We’re at the hey I like you-like you stage still. That’s the best part. Don’t ruin it. You know I’m going to have him if I really want him. I’m totally good enough for him.”

He shook his head and took her chin for a brief moment. “Honeybunch, that was never in question. You’re beautiful and successful, and as far as your brothers are concerned, there’s no one who’s good enough for you. He’s just, he’s seen a lot.”

“Yeah? Fancy that. I have too.”

He shrugged. “I guess that’s true. And I know you’re strong enough to kick any man who’d hurt you to the curb, though you’d have to get in line. But he was in Iraq for four tours. He’s seen a lot. I just don’t want you hurt.”

She grinned. Her brothers were all big, gruff men. But beneath the surface, they were each giant marshmallows for the women in their lives. It was a good thing. Made her lucky. “Thank you, William. I mean it. Thank you for looking out for me.”

He sighed. “You’re going to pursue him anyway, aren’t you?”

“Duh. And there’s already the fact that you and he are friends from way back. We know he’ll fit in just fine.”

“You’ll at least keep me updated? Not on any details of a physical nature or I’ll have to pound his face. But you know the general stuff?”

“I sure love you.” She dodged his question neatly before she patted his arm and headed off to the table where her sisters sat.

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Each day will have a separate giveaway in which I’ll give you the book the author is showcasing. Then at the end of it I’ll give away a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice. So comment every day to win a book and all comments will be pooled at the end for the large giveaway. Today is LOST IN YOU day so be sure to comment and show your love for Lauren.

Author Party Winner: Day 3

Howdy! The winner for Marie Harte’s post is Tawania. So, dear, please email me through the Contact Me section and Marie and I will get your eARC of Love in Electric Blue as soon as it comes available. Thank you so much for commenting and don’t forget the $50 Gift Card is still for grabs!

 

Author Party Day 4: Lia Davis

Lia Davis is my BFF. There I said it. She write hot paranormal that breaks the rules because she loves romance more than the sadness that can come from it. Because I know what’s coming from Lia, I know what books are in store for you guys. She has shifters, witches, and paranormals you guys are going to be so happy you’ve seen. I can’t say any more about her work because I’m full of spoilers, but you need to read this woman!

I met Lia in an online writing group where I noticed that she and I had similar writing styles. I bit the bullet and asked if she wanted to be my critique partner. Now we’re writing at least three series together, we opened a business together, and we’ve now met in person so let me tell you, she’s amazing. She might be quiet—I’m not sure since I’m so loud we may never know LOL.

Today I’m showing of her upcoming release A Mating Dance with a blurb and cover reveal!

A Mating Dance (Ashwood Falls 2)

Senior enforcer, Cameron Nickels has found her perfect mate. Blaine Andrews, leopard Pack Marshal, is strong, dominate, loyal, and passionate. He knows all her strengths and weaknesses—not to mention her pleasure points. Cam’s known Blaine most her life, but she’s always felt like something was missing and her jaguar refuses to fully accept him. Yet, she can’t walk away from him. When architect and sexy mountain lion shifter, Graham Griffin, comes to town to design the new den nursery and school, Cameron finds herself in a mating dance that throws her and her jaguar into flight mode while Blaine must decide if he can not only share his mate, but welcome another.

After his lover walked out on him a year ago, Graham has no intentions of entering another relationship any time soon. But he realizes that the fates have other plans for him when he meets Blaine and Cameron. When his ex-lover’s children are chased into Ashwood territory by a group of rogues, he discovers the male he shared a life with had died freeing the kids from the Onyx Pack. Graham must work side-by-side with the two enforcers to uncover lies from the past while his heart opens to his true mates.

Warning: Contains one-hot headed leopard, a man who thought he’d lost it all, and a woman who is about to rub up against both in the best possible ways.

Each day will have a separate giveaway in which I’ll give you the book the author is showcasing. Then at the end of it I’ll give away a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice. So comment every day to win a book and all comments will be pooled at the end for the large giveaway. Today is A TIGER’S CLAIM day so be sure to comment and show your love for Lia.

Author Party Winner: Day 2

Howdy! Thank you so much for the wonderful comments on Cari Quinn’s blog. The first winner is Sue G! Janet, please contact me so I can get you a copy of Jayne’s book DIRTY DISTRACTIONS. Keep commenting on all blog posts though because the overall gift card giveaway is still going on.

Thank you!

Author Party Day 3: Marie Harte

Marie Harte. Oh Marie, how I love thee. Marie Harte was the introduction to it all for me. She was the first ménage I read. The first m/m. The first oh so erotic romance that told me it was okay to want to push the edge and write what you want. I fell in love with her Circs and read everything I could get my hands on. Yes, I’ve read ALL her books. It was because of Marie Harte that I even made Trinity Bound a ménage. Now Marie is going contemporary with a few releases and I’m so freaking excited because the woman can surely write. She has new types of characters, love, and everything in between that pull you in from page one. Plus, OMG, talk about hot romance.

I think the first time I talked to Marie was when I asked her to guest on Heartthrob Haven. I was so nervous because she’s such a big time author to me and so many others. She turned out to be gracious and freaking hilarious. Now we’re Diamond Authors and may or may not have a few things up our sleeves. Marie’s emails are hilarious and so worth being up until 2am for.

I can’t wait to meet this woman. Today I’m showing off Love in Electric Blue. It doesn’t come out until later this month, so I’m excited!

 

Woo hoo! A party…with books! Carrie Ann Ryan has, I’m sad to say, put my reading habits to shame. What makes things even worse is that she manages to be as productive as she is while still reading constantly. Yes, I am green with envy. Especially since I sometimes find it hard to ignore the Internet, drink coffee, and work on my projects at the same time. So I tip my hat off to Carrie Ann, one of the nicest, most generous, talented (and well-read) people I know. *big grin*

So why the hell am I here today? To talk books, of course. I’m readying for my next release, an erotic romantic suspense. I love the book and can’t wait to share it! To that end, I’d like to give away an advanced eARC of Love in Electric Blue. It’s got hot psychics, angst, betrayal, a nasty villain, and steamy interludes between a hero and heroine who are, literally, electric.

I’m interested in psychic phenomena, especially after my trip to RT. I overheard a ghost story about a whole bunch of people who unfortunately died when the roof of the Sheraton collapsed many years ago. I also heard a few writers talking about premonitions and seeing the dead. Great fodder for fiction, but how much of it is real? Do you believe in the paranormal? That there are those of us with extra sensory perception? How do you explain the feeling that someone is looking at you? They’re not touching you, yet you still feel the weight of a stare? Or intuition that tells you not to drive your car one day, only to later find a brake line went bad?  Things exist which cannot be explained, and I admit I’m fascinated by the idea of using more of my mind than I currently do. So what do you believe? Is psychic phenomena real, or just bunk?

*One random commenter will win an eARC of Love In Electric Blue.*

Remy Davis does her best to live in the now, never sure when she’ll be forced to run again. She loves her work at Buchanan Investigations—there’s no better place for a woman with her special talent for controlling electricity—but she knows better than to let down her guard. And then everything changes when a man from her past, the man she never stopped loving, reappears in her life.

J.D. never thought he’d see the girl he’d once loved, the woman he thought had betrayed him. The chemistry he and Remy once felt is as strong as ever. Old wounds need time to heal, but time is running out on second chances.

A villain bent on returning them to his twisted experiments has resurfaced. But this time J.D. won’t let Remy face the madman alone: he’ll harness every ounce of his abilities to rescue the one woman who turns electric in his arms.

Product Warnings

There are misunderstandings, angst, and love lost and regained. Sparks fly when two special people with extraordinary abilities overcome science gone awry and some freakishly villainous bad guys.

Thanks for having me, Carrie Ann.

Marie Harte

website | blog | facebook

 

 

Each day will have a separate giveaway in which I’ll give you the book the author is showcasing. Then at the end of it I’ll give away a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice. So comment every day to win a book and all comments will be pooled at the end for the large giveaway. Today is Love in Electric Blue day so be sure to comment and show your love for Marie. (You’ll get your book as soon as she gets her ARCs.)

Author Party Winner Day 1

Howdy! Thank you so much for the wonderful comments on Jayne Rylon’s blog. The first winner is Janet Rodman! Janet, please contact me so I can get you a copy of Jayne’s book KING COBRA. Keep commenting on all blog posts though because the overall gift card giveaway is still going on.

Thank you!

Author Party Day 2: Cari Quinn

Cari Quinn writes hot romance with emotional characters. At least that’s my take on who she is as an author. I found her on, I believe, Six Sentence Sunday and fell into her excerpts. I hadn’t picked up one of her books though until she made the USA list and I hit myself over the head. Really, Carrie Ann? How could you neglect Cari? As soon as I picked up the first book I couldn’t put it down and now have read everything she’s written. I’m a fan, girl. A fan.

As a person I didn’t really know Cari until I asked her to join me on Diamond Authors. Her exact words were “You and Jayne are doing it? Hell yes!” I didn’t even know she knew who I was! Now that I have met her though, she so is spunky and open to learning what I know about the business—such as it is LOL—and she shares with me what she knows. She’s truly an amazing individual who I can learn from.

I do hope one day I can meet her! I will happen Cari—even if you spell your name wrong. *wink* Today I’m showcasing DIRTY DISTRACTIONS – coming soon! Oh, and of course, here’s a lovely guest post from our Cari!

Cougars on the Prowl…whaaa?

Yay, I’m so excited to be hanging out with the incredible Carrie Ann Ryan today! She’s an amazing writer and friend, and she always makes me giggle.

Today I’m here to talk cougars…and to give away an ARC of my upcoming release, DIRTY DISTRACTIONS, book one in the Afternoon Delight series and my first book with Samhain Publishing, which releases June 18th!  The heroine in DD, Sara Carmichael, is forty-two, and her hero is not quite thirty. To me, those ages, while a little farther apart than some couple, put both characters squarely in the adult category. Just like I wouldn’t come up with a cutesy name to describe a forty-two-year-old hero and an almost thirty heroine, I bristle a little at the term cougar. Maybe because the cougar age group keeps creeping younger and I’m very close to being old enough to be one myself. Perhaps because I think women get saddled with a name while men get to live without a label.

I’ve already written a couple of so-called cougar books, and I’ll admit I enjoy adding a hint of the “forbidden” to my stories, and for a lot of people, getting it on with a younger, way hotter guy definitely qualifies. But I always make sure that my hero and heroine are evenly matched in and out of bed, and oftentimes, those younger guys are a lot more certain about what—and who—they want than their older counterparts.

How do YOU feel about books featuring older heroines and younger men? Do you like the term cougar? (And just for fun, who wants to sign my petition to start using the term MOUGAR to describe men with younger women? C’mon, it should be a thing!) One random commenter will win an advanced copy of DIRTY DISTRACTIONS so comment away! 

DIRTY DISTRACTIONS preorder button: http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Distractions-ebook/dp/B00BMM5LG8/ref=la_B00410QGRQ_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367798277&sr=1-14

Visit Cari Quinn at www.cariquinn.com

 

 

Each day will have a separate giveaway in which I’ll give you the book the author is showcasing. Then at the end of it I’ll give away a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice. So comment every day to win a book and all comments will be pooled at the end for the large giveaway. Today is NO DIRTY DISTRACTIONS day so be sure to comment and show your love for Cari.

Author Party Day 1: Jayne Rylon

Jayne Rylon writes hot romance. Oh so hot but what makes me want to love her books even more than I already do is that she writes amazing characters first and sex second. If you were to cut every sexy scene from her books (gasp!) you’d end up with these rich characters who are vivid, compassionate, rock hard, and in need of a happy ending. If you add those scenes back in, you get some of the most imaginative ideas I’ve read. I really, really do love her work and she’s a must by.

As a person, I’ve met Jayne once at Lora Leigh’s RAW in 2012 and now I get to meet her again at RAW 2013. I was nervous as all get out to meet everyone and Jayne just smiled and told me to sit on the bed while Mari Carr handed out tequila shots. Yes, a great time was had by all. Jayne also showed me around what it meant to be at a conference as an author since it was my first time. Then we shared a table at the book signing where her books were literally taking over 3/4 of the table, but I love her anyway. She made me laugh, she took an autographed book, and she was truly happy to help me in what I do. Now we’re both Diamond Author bloggers and talk about the business and what it means to be an author.

So yes, I do love Jayne and I’m so happy she agreed to be part of this. If you haven’t checked out her as an author, you’re missing so much. Now onto her latest release KING COBRA, which is a spin off of her Power Tolls series. You need to check these out. I’ll be giving away a copy of KING COBRA to a commenter today.

Nothing’s sexier than seven men with hot rods.

Hot Rods, Book 1

After Eli’s mother died, his father honored her life’s mission as a social worker by taking in several kids from the wrong side of the tracks. Not all of them stuck, but those who did became Eli’s quasi family.

Their bonds, forged in fires set by their personal demons, are unbreakable—or so Eli wants to believe. Especially since he and Alanso, his best friend and head mechanic, witnessed the overpowering allure of polyamory while visiting the Powertools crew.

Much as Eli would like to deepen the relationships among his foster brothers and sister in the Hot Rods Restoration Team, he’s hesitant to risk everything on a quick romp behind a stack of tires.

But when Eli catches Alanso exploring their mutual fantasy at a known hookup spot in a public park, all bets are off. And Eli must decide if it’s time to jump in full throttle—and trust his instincts to guide him through the night. If the pair of mechanics can dodge the potholes in their own relationship, maybe they can race together toward the unconventional arrangement with Mustang Sally they both desire.

Warning: Fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be a wild (and naughty) ride!

Amazon, Barnes & Noble,Samhain Publishing,KOBO, All Romance Ebooks

Excerpt – Chapter One

Eli London stared at the drop of sweat gathering on the shoulder of one of his mechanics, Alanso. He flexed his fingers around the torque wrench he’d retrieved for the man, refusing to let go and trace the path perspiration took over deceptively wiry muscles.

Inked artwork brightened as the bead dampened several tattoos. First a tribal scribble, then a portrait of Al’s long-lost mom, and finally the top of an intricate cross that disappeared beneath the bunched fabric clinging around his waist. Torn and oil-stained coveralls hugged a high, tight ass.

All Eli could think of these days was that goddamned ass, which Alanso now shoved out in his direction while the bastard tuned some rich kid’s engine. With hardly any effort at all, Eli could smack it. Or bite it. Or fuck it.

Son of a bitch.

Nothing good could come of this obsession. Damn his cousin Joe for putting crazy thoughts in his brain. The guy was a member of a construction crew that liked to work hard and play harder together. Their polyamorous bedroom gymnastics had become obvious when Eli and Alanso had walked in on a scene he couldn’t forget. But just because that bastard had been lucky enough to find a whole team of fuck buddies his wife adored—no, loved—didn’t mean such a wild arrangement could work for everybody in the world.

Eli had no right to wish for the same. Yet lately, each time he looked at the half dozen guys and girl he considered his grease monkey family, he found himself sporting a hard-on stiff enough to jack up a tank with. Thankfully, the oblivious gang hadn’t identified the source of his recent frustration. Though they certainly had borne the brunt of his bad temper, adding guilt to the unslakable arousal stripping his gears, leaving him spinning his wheels.

Stuck and stranded. Alone with his dirty little secret.

Except for Alanso.

Why had that mechanic been the one to witness Joe and his crew’s alternative loving along with Eli? Probably because they went most everywhere together. Eli shoved the memory of his right-hand man’s right hand from his mind. Or at least he tried. The guy had tortured Eli’s cock with greedy pumps of his trembling fist while the crew’s foreman, Mike, demonstrated just how hot it could be to take on one of his own. By fucking Joe while the mechanics had stared, in awe of the power exchange.

Grunts had spilled from Joe’s mouth, which knocked against his wife’s breast as he took everything Mike gave him then begged for more. The audible decadence echoed through Eli’s mind day in and day out. In perfect harmony with the memory of Alanso’s answering cries as he witnessed the undeniable claiming.

Eli knew that if he slammed Alanso against the 426 inch engine block of that 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T coupe, the man would spread and welcome him.

Boss, friend…brother.

And that’s where the fantasy turned to battery acid, burning Eli’s insides with the bitter taste of responsibility and logic.

How could he want a guy he considered family? How could he violate that trust?

He couldn’t afford to lose Alanso.

Not from his business, definitely not from his life.

So he could never seize what he craved. Frustration bubbled over.

“What’s taking so long, Diaz?” Eli knocked thick, bunched biceps with the tool he carried.

“We’re trying to make a profit here, you know?”

Alanso couldn’t seem to wipe his glare away as easily as he rid his brow of the moisture dotting it. He snatched the wrench from Eli and returned to his task without taking the bait. If Eli couldn’t fuck, the least the guy could do was give him the courtesy of engaging in a decent fight. His teeth ground together.

“You hear me, huevón? This isn’t some charity case. Hot Rods is a business. Don’t spend all day on a five-hundred-dollar job.” Eli thumped the hood, knowing how the impact would reverberate.

Alanso’s shoulders tensed. The clench of muscles along his spine altered the shape of his tattoos. Still, he said nothing about the low blow—or how he’d repaid the Londons a million times over for their hand-up through a solid decade of friendship and loyalty—and continued about his job. One he was damn fine at performing. No one could make an engine purr like Alanso.

“You want half-assed, go hire a motorman from the chain in town.” He didn’t bother to acknowledge Eli with a look.

Still, as Alanso’s boss and best friend, Eli knew that tone well enough. It’d be accompanied by Al’s tattooed middle finger sticking up along that wrench, he’d bet.

The defiance made Eli long to grab the other man’s chin and force him to gaze up. Maybe then Alanso would see the desperation making Eli more unhinged than Mustang Sally during a particularly bad bout of PMS. God help them all.

He’d never wanted something he couldn’t have so badly before. Except maybe to heal his mom during those horrid weeks she’d spent dying.

Terror and a soul-deep pain that never entirely faded turned him into something no better than a cornered animal. Eli lashed out. “Good idea. Maybe they’d spend less time checking me out and do their goddamned work.”

A clang surprised him. He didn’t quite realize what had happened until a spark flew from the metal tool where it connected with the concrete floor of the garage. Alanso had winged the thing an inch or less from Eli’s thankfully steel-toed boot when he spun around.

He wouldn’t have missed by accident.

“Para el carajo! Maybe I should’ve done more than look. You’re obviously too hardheaded to man up and come for me. So the deal’s off the table. I’ve wasted too much time on a dude who’s in denial. You’re right about that.” Alanso sneered. “I’m tired of waiting for you to grow some cojones.”

“Keep your voice down.” Eli checked over his shoulder. Kaige and Carver didn’t so much as glance in their direction, but the stillness of their bodies made it clear they caught at least wisps of the conversation. Years of tough living had taught the men to tread lightly in conflict. At least until swinging a punch became necessary. Then it was likely to become a free-for-all.

“Joder! Now you want to shut me up. Come mierda.” Alanso scrubbed a hand over his bald head, leaving a streak of oil that tempted Eli to buff it away, maybe with his five o’clock shadow. “Wouldn’t want the rest of the Hot Rods hearing about the good life and how we’re not living it, right? They might revolt.”

“Hey, I’ve never kept anyone against their will. You all chose to stay here. With me. The door’s open.” Eli waved toward the enormous rolling metal sheets that protected the garage bays at night or when the weather turned cold. Through them, the pumps of the service station his dad had started were visible.

A flash of something miserable twisted Alanso’s usually smiling lips into a grimace. The gesture had Eli thinking of something other than what it would feel like to get a blowjob from the man. That was a first after weeks of studying that mouth.

He reached out, but it was too late. Alanso dodged, taking a step back and then another.

“You know what, Cobra.” He grabbed his crotch hard enough to make Eli wince. “You can suck it. Or, then again… No, you can’t. That fucking checkered flag has dropped, amigo.”

Reflex, instinct, dread—something—inspired Eli to lunge for the man who turned away.

Warm, moist skin met his palm.

“Get your fucking hands off me.” When the engine guru pivoted, the unusual chill in his brown eyes froze Eli in his tracks. “You had your chance. You blew it. For us both. I’m out of here.”

“You’re quitting?” Eli gaped as the bottom fell out of his stomach. “Wait—”

“Hell no. I told you I’m over that bus-stop phase.” Alanso sliced his hand through the air between them. His knuckles skimmed Eli’s chest. They left a slash of fire across his heart. “I’ve got places to go and people to do. There are things I gotta learn about myself. And for the first time since we were fifteen, you’re not going to be a part of that with me. Your loss.”

“Shit. I-I’m sorry.” Eli couldn’t find a way to say what for. For violating their friendship, for wanting to destroy what they had or for acting like an ass by postponing the inevitable—he couldn’t make up his mind. “Don’t go.”

They’d drawn a crowd. Even Roman inched closer now. The tough yet quiet guy stared openly at their spectacle. Charged air had somehow tipped off Sally too. She emerged from the painting booth, crossing the bays at an alarming rate. If she got tangled up in this, Eli would never forgive himself. Of all their gang, he knew better than to trample on her emotions. Her heart would rip in two if she had any idea of the rift opening at his feet right now.

Just like his chest was hewn.

“I’m not leaving leaving, Cobra.” Alanso lowered his voice. “This is my home. I hope some things haven’t changed. Let me know if I’m no longer welcome and I’ll pack my shit. But I can’t fucking do this anymore. Not for another damn minute. I have to know what it’s like. To be honest about who I am and what I want. Before I lose any more respect for either of us.”

“Fine then.” Eli leaned forward before he could stop himself. The awful sensations sliding through his guts had to stop. Fast. Before the rest of the garage got caught in their crossfire. He shoved Alanso hard enough the man stumbled across the threshold before catching his balance. It felt like forcing a baby bird from the nest. He only hoped Al spread his wings fast enough. “Get the hell out. Do what you gotta do.”

Alanso mouthed a plea out of sight of the guys now wiping hands on coveralls and milling near in a semi-circle. “Come with me.”

Eli slammed his fist on the big red button on the doorframe beside him. With an ominous rattle, the metal door began to lower between them, severing all communication as completely as if the aluminum were a drawbridge over a monster-filled moat.

The scream of a crotch rocket taking off at an unwise speed ricocheted through their space. Gravel pinged when it slung against the barrier he’d erected.

“What the fuck did you do to him, Cobra?” Sally canted her head as she laid into Eli.

“You’ve really been acting like a snake lately, ever since Dave’s accident. Hissing at anyone who comes near. We get that you’re afraid of losing people important to you. The crew’s near miss seems to have scared you stupid. I get it, I do.”

He closed his eyes, trying to block out the concern she voiced for all the rest of the guys staring at him.

“But keep going like you are and you’ll drive him away.”

“Stop talking, Salome.” He knew better than to tell her to shut up, even if she didn’t understand how her insight cut him. Hopefully using her full name would be enough to convey how serious he was. He couldn’t dive into the details.

No way could he admit what he and Alanso had seen. What they’d done.

“You better not have let your fear hurt him. Tell me you didn’t.” Her emerald eyes begged much more softly than her steely tone.

Eli didn’t bother to lie.

The hand she let fly didn’t catch him by surprise. She loved Alanso. They all did.

Which was why he didn’t bother to duck. He deserved the stinging impact of her open palm on his cheek. That and more. Because even as his head whipped to the side, he admired the stretch of her petite frame when she stood on her tiptoes, her raven hair and the glint of her fancy-painted fingernails, one of her pride and joys.

If he’d only wanted Alanso, maybe the two of them could have explored the possibility. But he was going to hell because he lusted after all of the Hot Rods.

The gang held their collective breath, waiting to see how he would react to Sally’s uncharacteristic act of violence. Roman stiffened, prepared to spring to her defense.

All the fight leeched out of Eli.

No matter how bad it got, they didn’t have to be afraid he’d attack one of their own. Then again, hadn’t he done just that?

The damage he’d wrought would be far worse than the impact of a fist.

His shoulders dropped and his head hung. “I’ll get him back.”

“You’d fucking better.” Mustang Sally shook her hand before propping it on her hip and pointing to the door. “Don’t come home without him.”

The five remaining guys closed rank around their littlest member. They knew she’d hate for Eli to see her tears or her alarm. He didn’t waste any time offering comfort she wouldn’t welcome. Kaige, Carver, Holden, Roman and Bryce would take good care of her.

They didn’t need him.

But Alanso might.

Each day will have a separate giveaway in which I’ll give you the book the author is showcasing. Then at the end of it I’ll give away a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice. So comment every day to win a book and all comments will be pooled at the end for the large giveaway. Today is KING COBRA today so be sure to comment and show your love for Jayne.

Author Party Starts Tomorrow

 

Starting tomorrow, I’m having an author I love on my blog for the next eight days. I’m in a horrible deadline and celebrating a new release, plus gearing up for my next release, but I wanted to show you guys that I love reading as well. Reading romance saved my life. I know it sounds corny, but it did. The idea of a happy ever after got me through chemo, got me through depression, and helped me find a passion in a new career I didn’t think possible. These are some of the thousands of authors I’ve read and loved. You’ll see some excerpts, blurbs, and other fun goodies from them. Plus I’ll introduce them to show you guys what they mean to me as authors and people.

Each day will have a separate giveaway in which I’ll give you the book the author is showcasing. Then at the end of it I’ll give away a $50 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice. So comment every day to win a book and all comments will be pooled at the end for the large giveaway.

I love reading and I love these authors. I just want to show my love for them.

FREE Holiday Montana Read: Bewitched

 Here’s a FREE READ from the Holiday Montana series centering on Jordan and Matt from CHARMED SPIRITS! This takes place after HER LUCKY LOVE and before DREAMS OF IVORY.

(c) 2013 Please do not copy or reproduce.

BEWITCHED 

“I’m a witch. I’m a lover. I’m a child. I’m a mother.”

Matt Cooper lowered his head as he tried not to laugh as his wife, Jordan, danced around her office signing off key and dusting.

“I’m a sinner. I’m saint. I do not feel ashamed!”

She turned on her last word and screamed.

“Holy shit, Matt! How long have you been standing there?” Her green eyes were wide, her long brown hair in a ponytail.

“Since you started with hating the world today.”

She blushed that pretty blush he knew went all over her body. The blush he loved to follow with his tongue.

“Oh no you don’t Matt Cooper. Don’t look at me with those bedroom eyes and get all broody and sexy when you’re in trouble.”

He strolled toward her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m in trouble am I?”

“You just stood there while I made an ass out of myself.”

He leaned down and kissed her softly, loving her taste. “It’s such a cute ass,” he said as he pulled back.

“You’re not getting any right now. Cameron is coming over to hang out.”

Cameron was Brayden and Allison’s middle son. Well, technically he was Allison’s son and Brayden was his new step dad, but that distinction didn’t really matter with the Coopers.

“Why aren’t Aiden and Lacy coming too?”

“Aiden is with Tyler and Abby since Aiden is in love with Tyler being a Sheriff. And Lacy is with Jackson.”

Matt snorted. “Jackson?”

Jordan grinned and kissed his chin. “Oh yes, that little girl has all you Cooper men wrapped around your finger and you know it. He’s taking her out for tea.”

“Tea.”

“Yes, tea. He’s at the Inn with Connie and having a tea party. She promised to take pictures.”

Matt threw his head back and laugh. “Oh my God. Please, can we take Cameron and go to see this?”

Jordan shook her head and led him downstairs. “Nope. This is all for Lacy to show her that the Coopers are her family. If you go in and mess with Jackson it might make her feel bad about it. You know Jackson is a softie under all that gruff and brood.”

“I just really want to see him in a feather boa and tiara.” The image would make anything better for years.

“I never said he’d dress up. Well, he might if Lacy asked, but I think she knows she’s pushing her luck. Now, Cameron is coming over because he wants to play catch with you and he’s going to watch me make some soap with a recipe I found in my spell book.”

“That boy really does like to try everything, doesn’t he?”

“Yep. I really, really, hope our kids are as good as Brayden and Allison’s.”

Matt swallowed hard and thought about Jordan swollen with his child. “Knowing us, they’ll be hellions, but we’d manage.”

Jordan smiled. “I think we’d manage quite well.”

He looked at the woman he’d loved for so long and thought he’d lost. “You know, if we hurry, we can practice making one right now.”

Jordan rolled her eyes. “Really? That’s like the worst line ever.” The doorbell rang and she raised a brow. “That would have been a record even for you.”

She flounced away and he pulled his gaze from her ass.

“Even? Really? Well just wait for tonight . I’ll show you ‘even’.”

“Aunt Jordan!”

Matt walked in as Jordan hugged Cameron while Allison and Brayden walked in the house. Hell, his brother looked damned happy and it was about time.

“Thank you so much for watching him,” Allison said as she ran a hand through Cameron’s hair. Cameron immediately fixed it back the way he wanted. “We should be back after dinner.”

“You guys need time to go on dates,” Jordan said as Cameron made gagging sounds.

Matt laughed and picked the boy up over his head and held him upside down. “What’s with the gagging, dude?”

Cameron laughed and tried to wiggle free. Of course Braden had to come over and tickle him just to make sure the kid knew who was boss. As Matt moved so he wouldn’t take a foot in the chin, we was afraid Cameron might end up being boss.

“I give! I give!” Cameron giggled. “I don’t want to hear about Mom and Dad kissing and stuff.”

Matt’s gaze met Brayden’s at the word Dad.

Yeah, that was awesome to hear.

“Have fun tonight, you two,” Matt said as his brother and his new wife left the house.

He held Cameron over his shoulder and Jordan rolled her eyes.

“Hey,” Matt said. “I’m teaching the kid manners.”

“Sure, hon, whatever you say.”

He took Cameron out to the back to play catch, Jordan coming with them. As the sun shone and the sound of a child’s laughter filled the air, Matt had to stand back and take a deep breath. This was it.

This was what he wanted.

He looked into Jordan’s eyes and she smiled back.

“Soon, Matt. Soon.”

He froze. “How soon, Jordan?”

She just winked and shook her head.

Was she? Could she be?