Sandra Bunino's Blog, page 35
January 27, 2013
Playing responsibly on ALL THINGS GIRL
Happy Monday and thanks for joining me at ALL THINGS GIRL today!
You may have noticed my new weekly feature called Sexy Toy Tuesday. I started it as a fun way to introduce you to authors and their new releases. The idea is to feature a sexy toy from their book. The “toy” can be anything to further intimacy and make one feel sexy, including candles, a long bubble bath, or a fun evening on the town. Intimacy can also be gained with the help of actual sexy toys. Toys have gained in popularity in recent years and have become acceptable in society. They’re discussed on daytime talk shows like The View and Oprah. There were even reports that Kate Middleton was spotted purchasing a vibrator, oh sorry, a personal massage unit, when she was dating the Prince.
As the laws of supply and demand dictates, if people are buying, companies are selling…and boy are they selling, especially online! Vibrators and other sex toys are flying off virtual shelves. But here’s something to think about. Many of these toys are manufactured overseas without health and safety tests and checks.
This is something I never thought about but fellow Evernight author, Lilith Duvalier, was kind enough to shed some light on the subject for us. According to The Coalition Against Toxic Toys (CATT), many sex toys – including some of the most popular toys made famous by appearances in shows like Sex and the City and Oprah – have been found to contain high concentrations of hazardous phlalates (toxic chemical “plasticizer” softeners used in PVC to make it soft and flexible) and polystyrene, industrial grade chemicals not fit for intimate use.
The CATT website features a handy Safe Toys Shopping Guide and a body-friendly Manufacturer’s List, as well as a checklist for evaluating toys you may already own or are considering purchasing.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite Sex in the City clips: Samantha and the neck massager. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to swing by tomorrow for Sexy Toy Tuesday! Lila Shaw will be here sharing her new release, Succubus Steam, along with her sexy toy.
Play responsibly.
xoxo
~S
January 26, 2013
#sexysnippet from THE SUBMISSION OF A MAFIA PRINCESS #sixsunday
Here we are at the last official Six Sentence Sunday. I’ve been a SSS participant for over a year and have enjoyed sharing, reading and enjoying the weekly ritual. I’ve found many fantastic reads from lots of talented authors here. Best of all, I’ve made some really rockin’ friends through Six Sunday. A special thanks goes out to author Sara Brookes (aka the Queen of Six Sunday) and all of the site admins for their tireless devotion to SSS. Thanks, ladies!
My final offering is from The Submission of a Mafia Princess (available February 12th from Evernight Publishing), book 3 of The Satin Rose Experience series. The story toggles between the past and present – this snippet is from a scene from their first summer together (Brax speaks first)…
She looked up to his eyes expecting to see a playful expression. What she saw was pure man and pure lust.
“I can’t hold back from you any longer. I need to hear you want the same thing.”
She took a deep breath. “From our first kiss at the park, I knew I wanted more with you but I didn’t know what that was until now.”
Blurb:
Duty, Respect and Honor thy Family …
As the only child of notorious mob boss, Tony “The Chief” Azzari, Antonietta lives her life by this mantra. Toni never questions the world where decisions are made for her, until she meets Harley-Davidson riding bad boy, Braxton Malone. Ever since their fiery first kiss all those years ago, she can’t deny the desire to submit to his control.
Brax always knew he’d be walking a dangerous tightrope if he fell for Toni, but like a moth to a flame, he couldn’t stay away. Barely surviving the wrath of the mob within an inch of his life, a scorned Brax has vowed never again to allow a woman under his skin.
Three years later, Brax is a top Dom at The Satin Rose Experience, New York’s posh BDSM club. When Toni shows up to fulfill her fantasy of submission before being forced into a loveless marriage, that vow is in just as much jeopardy as his life. Can they overcome the crimes of passion from their past and change Toni’s fate forever?
For more snippets, check out Six Sunday.
xoxo
~S
HOT NEW RELEASE: Marie Medina’s TALES OF THE HIGHWAYMEN series
I’m a fan of short stories, so of course I’m reading my way through Evernight Publishing’s Romance on the Go line (sexy shorts under 12K words). I’m excited about my latest find: Marie Medina’s fabulous Tales of the Highwaymen series. I loved the first two so much, I asked Marie to join me and share the series with you! Take it away, Marie…
Thanks for having me! I am incredibly happy about the release of this series, and the final volume of the trilogy (coming January 30) is one of my personal favorites out of everything I’ve ever written.
Stand and Deliver
Eloise thought being whisked to another dimension by a handsome man would be a fantasy come true, but the gorgeous nobleman in question can’t even make her come. As she tries to figure out how to free herself of him, she begins to notice a masked man following her wherever she goes.
In this world of lords and ladies, should she be afraid when this dashing highwayman rides up and demands that she be delivered into his arms? Her brain tells her to be wary, but her body tells her that the ultimate fantasy might be within reach after all…
Your Money or Your Life
When Jacob fell moving a portrait in the museum where he worked, he was worried about damaging it. He never imagined he would fall into it and wake up in another dimension. Though his day does start to improve when a sexy masked man rides to his rescue…
Gerard thought his friends Adam and Eloise would be the enchanted portrait’s only victims, but when he finds a gorgeous but bewildered young man wandering in the woods, he realizes how wrong he was. Now he has to enlist the help of a man he can’t stand to put a stop to the magic, even though he’d much rather be spending that time in the arms of the sexy man now sharing his home.
All Mine (releases Jan 30th)
Theodore has already been disappointed in love twice, and he isn’t looking for any more heartache. So when the handsome Nicholas, who happens to be suffering under a curse placed by Theodore’s mischievous godmother, informs Theodore that his love is the only cure, Theodore refuses to believe it. But Nicholas knows from their very first kiss that Theodore is the man for him. He isn’t going to give up until he convinces Theodore their love is what they’ve both spent years longing for.
Thanks, Marie! To find these and more delicious stories from Marie Medina check out these links!
xoxo
~S
January 24, 2013
#Temptation and The #BettyCrocker Clinic
Temptation lurks around every corner, especially when trying to stick to some sort of a diet. I’ve done really well losing a few pounds from the martini-drinking festivities of December. That is – until evil Rice Crispy treats entered Casa Bunino.
Mind you, these aren’t your ordinary Rice Crispy treats – no these are Rice Crispy treats on steroids. How did they end up at Casa Bunino? I have AB (the husb) to thank for that. He brought them home last night and left them artfully displayed on the kitchen counter for me to stare at every time I walked by. But I was safe because I have had will-power, damn it! Those evil little treats were wrapped in a plastic wrapper after all. *phew*
And then…
I caved…
So how is it I ended up consuming the majority of one of those delicious hunks of goodness. You guessed it! I have AB to thank for that, again. See, after dinner he unwrapped one, plopped it on a dish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. So one taste turned into five and soon I was shoving the rest into LAXBro’s mouth.
Well, today’s a new day but there’s still another one of those babies at home…
This will be me tonight….
*programs Betty Crocker Clinic into cell*
xoxo
~S
Temptation: Rice Crispy Treat style
Temptation lurks around every corner, especially when trying to stick to some sort of a diet. I’ve done really well losing a few pounds from the martini-drinking festivities of December. That is – until evil Rice Crispy treats entered Casa Bunino.
Mind you, these aren’t your ordinary Rice Crispy treats – no these are Rice Crispy treats on steroids. How did they end up at Casa Bunino? I have AB (the husb) to thank for that. He brought them home last night and left them artfully displayed on the kitchen counter for me to stare at every time I walked by. But I was safe because I have had will-power, damn it! Those evil little treats were wrapped in a plastic wrapper after all. *phew*
And then…
I caved…
So how is it I ended up consuming the majority of one of those delicious hunks of goodness. You guessed it! I have AB to thank for that, again. See, after dinner he unwrapped one, plopped it on a dish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. So one taste turned into five and soon I was shoving the rest into LAXBro’s mouth.
Well, today’s a new day but there’s still another one of those babies at home…
This will be me tonight…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfk5is...
*programs Betty Crocker Clinic into cell*
xoxo
~S
January 21, 2013
#SexyToyTuesday with Author R. Brennan! @bexbrennan
Welcome to the inaugural Sexy Toy Tuesday!
Sexy Toy Tuesday is a new feature idea invented while chatting with authors and readers on the Evernight Readers’ Facebook Group (if you’re not already a member join us for a rockin’ good time). I thought it’d be a fun way to get an up close and personal look at new releases and the talented authors who wrote them.
My very first Sexy Toy Tuesday guest is author R. Brennan. Take it away, R!
Hey, all. I am over the moon to have been granted the supreme privilege of kicking off Sandra’s new feature, Sexy Toy Tuesday. As someone who has been active in the D/s and BDSM lifestyles on and off for close to fifteen years, I have seen (and experienced) my fair share of sex toys, and I have to admit here, there have been very few I wouldn’t recommend you all try at least once. But, the one I would like to concentrate the focus on for today’s post, is something called a TENS unit.
Now, if you are someone with joint or muscle issues, you may actually be familiar with what this is already, since the original purpose of these little boxes of pleasure was for therapeutic and muscle stimulation. I don’t know who the first person was who used one for a more self-fulfilling reason, one outside label and doctor recommendations, but whoever you are. THANK YOU!!
According to Wiki — Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. TENS by definition covers the complete range of transcutaneously applied currents used for nerve excitation although the term is often used with a more restrictive intent, namely to describe the kind of pulses produced by portable stimulators used to treat pain.
The beauty is, these little devices do more than just treat pain. Properly placed, they can provide some amazing and pleasurable stimulation to, well, just use your imagination!
If you pick up one of these units from a vendor like Adam and Eve, or other “sex toy” shops, the generally come with a variety of attachments you can use instead of the pads shown in the picture. For instance, the one I have also came with nipple clamps end for easy attaching. I have to admit, we’ve never used them, as the pads are really sufficient by themselves. Trust me on that. *wink*
The steamy excerpt from my most recent release, BLOOD AND FIRE, illustrates the fun one of these toys can be. Personally, I think the TENS unit is a must for anyone looking to add a little BDSM play in their sex life. Even those who are into the “lighter side” of things will find a setting that works well for them.
Wow! Thanks, R! I’ve never heard of a TENS unit. Interesting! Now let’s take a peek at R. Brennan’s new release, BLOOD AND FIRE:
Blurb: College student, Francesca Morgan has finally met the Dominant man of her dreams. Kevin Stevenson is sexy, sure of himself, and knows just how to make her knees quake.
When he takes Frankie to her first fetish party, she is reminded being collared means her Master can do what he wishes with her, including offering her “services” for the evening to a sexy Dominant business associate he is trying to impress.
It doesn’t take long for Frankie to realize their host, Bartholomew Andrews is nothing like any Dom she has ever served. Aside from his devastating looks and heaping financial fortune, Bartholomew can read her thoughts, and knows just how to make her body react.
Can Frankie keep her wits about her and serve at his feet without falling for him, or will Master Amazing steal her heart and her soul in one steamy night of servitude?
Be warned — Contains elements of horror, BDSM, S&M, and a Dom/sub dynamic
Excerpt: The heat of Bartholomew’s presence grabbed my attention from the crowd as his voice tickled my ear. “You don’t belong down there with the huddled masses, Francesca. Your place is up here, with me.”
Writhing beneath the caress of his words, I ground my bottom against the wood supporting it. Yes. Yes. Yes. After a few swallows and a fish-mouthed attempt at speech, I could only nod. Yes, Master!
Bartholomew stepped away, a cool rush of air marking his movement. When he reappeared, electrical wires dangled from his hands. He attached white adhesive patches to each side of my aching nipples before capturing the nub between his teeth.
Sucking in my breath, I leaned toward his mouth.
When he’d finished wiring me up, he straightened and smiled while tracing a finger down my stomach.
I glanced at the patches. Electrical play was a new game. My chest resembled a heart attack patient on an upright emergency room gurney.
Bartholomew attached the wires to a black box with dials on it. His eyes captured mine. He clicked two knobs, his lips curling in a grin. “You’ll like this one. His fingers twisted one of the dials.
A faint pulsing began in the center of my left breast. The current passed between the strategically placed patches. When he turned the knob, the throbbing tingle sensation grew stronger, drawing a gasp from me.
With each surge of electricity, I sucked air through my teeth and melted against my restraints. Every nerve ending in my body seemed attuned to Bartholomew and the ease with which he manipulated them.
He moved his hand to the other knob and gave it a twist, until both of my breasts ached in time with the whims of the device in his hand. I groaned in anguished pleasure. My center begged for penetration, evidenced by the juices that made the long trek down my legs, finally reaching my ankles. My hands balled to fists. “Please…Master.”
BLOOD AND FIRE can be found here:
MuseItUp Publishing / Amazon / Coffee Time Romance / Bookstrand / All Romance eBooks
STALK R. BRENNAN here:
Website: http://rbrennan.weebly.com
Twitter: @bexbrennan
Blog: http://bexbooknook.wordpress.com
xoxo
~S
January 20, 2013
ALL THINGS GIRL: The Flawed Billionaire Hero
The Billionaire Hero…
Baby for the Billionaire, Blackmailing The Billionaire, Tamed by the Billionaire, The Bad Boy Billionaires, Billionaire’s Pet, Billionaires Prefer Curves…Well, you get the picture. Seems like all an author needs to do is slap “Billionaire” in the title to zoom to the top TBR lists everywhere!
Moneyed heroes in romance novels are nothing new. But it used to be a descriptor of the hero. Now it defines him. He’s the powerful man with a powerful job who has his pick of a host of beautiful women.
*snore*
Perfect men make boring heroes.
If you’ve read any of my books you’ll know I like my heroes rich and powerful. I do! Take one of my favorites, Jason Royce. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Jay. He was my first hero and we always remember our first, don’t we? Anyway, it wasn’t enough to make Jason rich. Sure the jet, Vegas bungalow and pool grotto (oh yes, every rich playboy needs a pool grotto) were nice and all, but were they enough to capture Stephanie’s heart?
Nope. Stef’s a tough girl and was not easily swayed by an expensive suit and bulging…roll of hundreds.
I had to give Jason a flaw or two. I read somewhere that a flaw is seen as a momentary weakness to the hero but a strength to the story. It gives your tale a backbone to build upon. As readers, we need a reason to love the hero other than good looks and a healthy bank account. Within the first few pages of Marooned we learned Jason’s flaw was his distrust of women and his unwillingness to love again (we can thank gold-digging Jessica for that!). His flaw made him human and in turn made the reader pull for Jason’s HEA.
By Trailer screenshot (Casablanca trailer) [Public domain
Flawed heroes come in all shapes and sizes but all true heroes have one thing in common – their devotion to the heroine. That’s a non-negotiable trait. Period.Tell me, what are some of your favorite hero flaws?
xoxo
~S
January 19, 2013
Sunday #SexySnippets: Brax wants his curves back ;) #SRE #MafiaPrincess
Happy Sunday!
Thanks to author Doris O’Connor and The Nuthouse Scribblers I’m trying something new today: SEXY SNIPPETS! It’s similar to the almost retired Six Sentence Sunday except you get an additional sentence.
Here we go…
My very first Sexy Snippet is from my February release, The Submission of a Mafia Princess.
Brax opened his mouth to answer when a husky laugh filled his ears. He’d know that laugh anywhere. Turning toward the sound, he spotted the back of a dark haired woman talking to Mick. His eyes washed over every dip and curve of her body, which filled the form-fitting black dress. He glared at Mick’s hand on the woman’s hip and wanted to break each finger that slowly rubbed circles into the crook of her waist. He knew those curves well. They were once his.
I don’t have cover art to share with you yet, the blurb is posted on Goodreads. I’ll add the cover as soon as it’s finalized. Want more sexy? Click here for Sexy Snippet Central or check out the Sexy Snippet Facebook page for more hot snippets!
xoxo
~S
January 16, 2013
The Lotus Ascension by Adonis Devereaux
Hello, lovelies!
I’m so excited because the authors known as Adonis Devereaux stopped by today and brought a FREE copy of their new release, The Lotus Ascension, for one lucky commenter! Want a chance to win? It’s easy! Just read the blurb and excerpt, then comment below with something surprising about your own love life. Don’t forget to leave your email address so they know where to find you!
Adonis Devereux is two people made one. He grew up in Michigan and in rural Indiana, a Midwestern boy with a passion for story. She was rootless, a Virginia native who lived in London, Paris, and Rome before her parents settled just outside Tokyo. Like him, stories burned in her.
They met in university at a poetry reading, and their love story continued into marriage, graduate school, and half a dozen children. Now he teaches at a Japanese national university, and she teaches children to invert fractions and decline Latin nouns, all while researching ancient Roman and medieval recipes for their novels.
Together, they are Adonis Devereux, and they’re proud to have published their entire line of Gilalion books with Evernight. They’re sad to say goodbye to the fantasy world that has cradled seven amazing couples, but they’re excited about moving on to a new line of books.
***************
The Lotus Trilogy, 3
Konas Seranimesti was present eighteen years ago when the last Lotus in Arinport gave birth to twins, Soren and Sillara. Sillara was betrothed to Konas’s brother the day of her birth, and Konas has fallen in love with his brother’s promised wife.
But what can Konas do? Sillara is the daughter of a Lotus, and her life has been planned out in advance. She has never been allowed to choose anything for herself. But when her twin brother, Soren, who is himself feeling the pressures of his station, joins her on a desert hunting trip arranged by his best friend, everyone’s plans for Sillara are ruined.
Lost in the desert and assumed dead, Sillara is given choices for the first time in her life, but how can she choose a love she has never recognized? Will Sillara’s choice ruin Soren’s chance for love? And can Konas win a heart promised to another man?
Be Warned: public exhibition, anal sex, multiple partners, m/m sex, f/f sex, bondage, spanking, erotic asphyxiation
Excerpt:
Soren had no more time to pursue his dark thoughts, for the shaking of the tambourines summoned everyone to the main tent. A male and female pleasure slave, clad in near-nothingness, stood at the entrance and greeted the revelers. Nathen gave Orien a light kick.
“Get up, sleepyhead. Delight calls.”
Orien groaned, squinted against the light, and rolled over. He rose, shook the sand from his massive, muscular frame, and stretched. His face broke into a wide grin. “Is it time to travel the marshes already?”
Soren nodded.
“Merieke brought plenty of herbs, so no one has to worry about bastards, so I am going to take one of the girls for myself. You all can fight it out over whoever’s left.”
Orien, Nathen, and Soren entered the tent and were carried along on waves of music, incense, and herbs. Soren watched as a slave crushed the petals of a purple flower in his hand and threw it into the brazier. Immediately he felt his mind slipping away to that thrilling realm of supreme carnal gratification. The slaves had some touch of their master, and though Konas was not here, his influence remained. Soren knew he was in for another unforgettable orgy.
Merieke came, too, and her natural beauty shamed the crafted appearances of the pleasure slaves. She wore nothing save her jewelry, and even her brothers turned and gasped at her arrival. Gold and malachite earrings dangled from her lovely earlobes, and a wide necklace of gold and silver fashioned in the likeness of two birds’ heads looking in opposite directions lay across the upper half of her breasts. Her lips were red as the ripest apples, and black wings of kohl rose from her eyes, giving her a cat-like look. Soren was almost convinced that she was purring. A belt of thin gold coins linked together hung on her hips, drawing his attention to her exposed and beautiful pussy. Clean. No hair. Just the way the Sunjaa liked it. But most magnificent of all was Merieke’s headpiece, an ornate black wig decorated with cold-worked glass of varying colors.
“Hello, boys,” she said.
No one responded, so stunned were the men by the sudden revelation of her charms.
Soren noticed that she held something in her hand, but whatever it was, it was small enough to be concealed in her closed fist. The only thing he could see was the long ribbon of silk that hung from her hand. It put him in mind of something fun, and with a grin, he walked over to a nearby casket and rummaged through its contents of toys in search of a blindfold.
Orien took one of the slave-girls and commandeered her. Due to Orien’s unpleasantly oversized cock, that was no more than Soren expected. That left two male pleasure slaves, one female, and Merieke.
Merieke walked over to Soren, reached up inside his skirt without breaking eye contact with him, and grabbed his cock. “It’s about time, don’t you think? We’ve known each other all our lives, and still we haven’t fucked?”
Soren untied his skirt and let it fall. “Well, I’ve been at sea.” He liked bantering with her.
Merieke’s eyes glowed. “From what I hear about what you sailors do to each other at sea, I’d say you’re more than ready to take what I’m offering.”
Soren grinned and ran his hands through his long hair, freeing any small tangles from his horns. “I’ll make your first time with an Ausir something to remember.”
Merieke went up on her tiptoes and kissed Soren’s mouth. “And I’ll make your first time with me unforgettable.”
Soren smiled back at Nathen, who nodded his approval. Merieke’s brother turned his attention toward a female pleasure slave, invited a male pleasure slave to join them, and moved off. Knowing that he was going to tell Sillara everything about this afterward, Soren resolved to thoroughly thank Merieke for her kindness in giving Sillara her first climax.
The part of Soren that was the attentive lover wished he had asked Nathen what kind of lover Merieke was, what she liked and disliked, and what she liked even if she did not know she liked it or just would not admit it to herself. But the other side of Soren, that adventurous side that liked a bit of a surprise, was glad to be sailing into uncharted waters. The sea had never looked more inviting.
Soren sensed that Merieke, in her excitement, wanted to lead, and he obliged her. He knew that some people dealt with their nervousness by overcompensating in matters of control. Soren could wait to assert himself; besides, he was happy to see what Merieke would do.
Merieke laid Soren down on a pile of soft pillows and leaned over him, arching her fingers in order to press her nails into his chest. Her hands played with Soren’s body, traveling over his shoulders, and down his muscular arms. She traced the wide wings of the proud falcon tattooed beautifully across his chest. She leaned in closer to play with the hair at the nape of his neck, and as she tousled his locks, she kissed his throat. Soren moaned and relaxed into the pillows. Merieke only used her left hand. Her right hand still held her secret.
The passion of Merieke’s kisses increased, and she, too, moaned as she rubbed her tits against Soren’s skin. Soren kneaded her breasts, ending each long caress in a pinch of her nipples. He breathed deep of the spices in the fibers of her wig, and his cock surged to life. In moments it was achingly hard. Merieke trailed her kisses across his collarbone and down his chest. She stopped at his nipple for a nibble, and Soren thrust his cock up into her stomach. The hard shaft slapped against her skin, and she looked up into his eyes and smiled.
Her kisses continued down to his navel, and there she paused to lick. With her left hand, she reached down and grasped Soren’s cock, working it in preparation for her tongue. She jacked him off against her throat, moving the head of his cock down her jawline and across her chin. Merieke’s tongue flicked out, almost touching it but not quite. Soren smiled at her game. Soon it would be his turn.
Without warning, Merieke devoured Soren’s cock, the pleasure of which caused him to suck in his breath and hold it. Her lips held his hard shaft against her ever-moving tongue. Her head bobbed up and down, and Soren groaned in pleasure to see his cock disappearing into the mouth he had wanted to fuck for so long. Merieke looked up into his eyes while she sucked. She knew exactly what to do.
But then something happened that surprised and impressed Soren, a man impressed by nothing where sex was concerned. Soren was so far more advanced than any of his lovers that no one had ever been able to catch him unawares in the bedroom.
Merieke did. As she sucked, she dropped both her hands below Soren’s legs so that her hands were out of sight. Soren knew she was up to something, but he could not guess what. Then he felt something cool against his asshole, and he looked down in surprise. Merieke managed to smile while still keeping his cock in her mouth.
Soren was open to anything, so he trusted Merieke to please him. So far she was doing an excellent job. He relaxed his asshole and let Merieke slip inside whatever she wanted to put there. Whatever it was, it was not very big. Not as big as a cock. And then a most pleasing vibrating sensation filled his back passage.
Other Books in The Lotus Trilogy:
***************
Where to find more about Adonis Devereux and their books:
Blog
Facebook
FB author page
Twitter
Amazon
Goodreads
Email
How to purchase:
Evernight Publishing
All Romance eBooks
Worth His Freedom
Bride for the God-King
Chasing Earth and Flame
The Twelve Naughty Princesses
Love Comes Twice
Evernight’s Naughty Nibbles (free)
Burn Like Ice (free)
January 11, 2013
HOT NEW RELEASE: Sidewalk Flower by Carlene Love Flores
Today’s HOT NEW RELEASE is the debut from author Carlene Love Flores. Take it away, Carlene!
Thank you so much for having me today to talk about my new release, Sidewalk Flower! About six years ago I had the amazing opportunity to hang out back stage with the security manager for one of my favorite bands. While Sidewalk Flower is completely fictional, the experience was very powerful and inspired many “what ifs?” Hope you enjoy!
Book Blurb: In Sidewalk Flower, a jaded young woman sets out on an intense road trip home to deal with her past when she is asked to allow a relative stranger to tag along.
But, she’s seen too many good guys succumb to the harsh realities of her supposed privileged life in the music business and intends on keeping her distance.
When she picks up Lucky, the southern gentleman cousin of her selfish best friend, she has absolutely no idea of how to accept a perfectly good person with good intentions. Home has never looked so good, or felt so far away.
Adult Excerpt:
Her two insistent hands pressed against the back of his neck like she was forcing him to do this. It was cute. Yeah, she was dead wrong. He’d wanted to kiss her since he’d first seen her, hopping down out of that girly silver Jeep. But he knew better. Earning something you wanted took more than a few hours. And if he’d gathered anything from her hot and cold responses so far, it was that Jaxon’s vague but deliberate warning that he take good care of her hadn’t been just puffed up, ego talk.
This girl was in trouble.
He should have stepped away for both their sakes. He knew he didn’t deserve this kind of kiss, not yet. But California was glued to him on full speed and didn’t appear to have a pause, let alone a rewind button. On second thought, he’d let her get this out of her system and then they’d start over.
Her hand had to be killing her, so he managed to pull it down and keep it tucked at her side. But the other one was petting those hairs at the back of his neck, leaving him seconds away from coming undone. If he clenched his jaw any tighter, those painful yet ticklish sensations shooting throughout his upper body would without a doubt get him into trouble down below. Heck, if he squeezed her in his arms like he wanted to, she’d feel how aroused he’d let himself get. He worked his jaw to ease away from the pain, wishing he could let go entirely and enjoy her touch. Yep, their fresh start was gonna have to wait until she was done proving her point. Cute girl though.
* * *
His lips were soft and salty like he’d worked up a sweat at some point during the day. Crap, again she cursed his damn tempting bloodline. This would only complicate their pending trip even more. So naturally, when he smartly pulled her one hand away, she found a sweet spot of baby hairs with the other and went for more. Her rules—that was the only way to play with the boys and stay safe.
Lucky’s hands eventually cupped the sides of her face, which was fine because she had made her point.
“Are we okay?” he asked.
Well, hell if she knew. “Yes,” she said. They could figure the truth out later. There would be an endless amount of open road ahead of them come Sunday to think. Tonight was desperate Friday. “We’re good.” But she hesitated because he looked for a moment like he may have regretted things. When he coughed and cleared his throat, she was sure of it.
“Come on, Miss ‘We’re Good’,” he said, as he urged her the rest of the way to the back door. “I’d like to keep that promise I made Jaxon. You could go a little easier on me from here on out.”
The inside of her mouth remained warm from their kiss as she swallowed a cool breath of air. The contrasting temperatures left her with a chill and a memory—the taste of the last kiss she’d had. Cigarettes and beer. No hand holding. No talking. No first, second or third date. As badly as her sour heart warned her to throw Lucky in with that lot, she just couldn’t do it. He’d already taken more care of her than any other guy she’d known.
“You shouldn’t take things so personally.” At his wince, she splintered and added, “I know you didn’t sign up for this; I’ll try to be…better.” No promises though.
“Okay.” He hesitated, and shifted on the steps. “Ready to go inside?”
“No, you should go in though. I need to be alone.” A tingle traveled around her wounded hand and she made the mistake of squeezing it into a fist.
Lucky dipped his head then and ran his hand up along the back of his neck, rubbing it in his obvious confusion. “Trista. I’m kind of at a loss here. You’re obviously in pain. Just come inside and let me help you.”
She tried to warn him, hoping he’d listen. “Lucky, you’re a nice guy. Okay, I get it. You want to help, but I didn’t ask for that and you have no idea what you’d be signing up for anyway. Assholes can barely handle my world; a good guy like you doesn’t stand a chance. Jaxon had no right doing this.”
“Hmmm.” He scratched at his sideburn. “You don’t know what I can and can’t handle.” He looked down but she had caught his every word.
Buy Links:
Evernight / Amazon / All Romance E-Books / BookStrand
Author Bio: Carlene Love Flores is a big fan of the stars (especially Orion), honest music (especially Depeche Mode), and her travelling family (no favorites there-she loves them all). These things have always inspired her to think up edgy, intimate love stories and continue to do so. If she could touch someone’s heart with her writing the way others have done for her, she’d say truly there never lived a luckier girl.
Contact Carlene:
Website & Blog: http://carlenelove.com/
Blog: http://waterworldmermaids.com/
Publisher: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/
Twitter: @cloveflores
Facebook: Carlene Love Flores
