Lydia Michaels's Blog, page 14

Top 10 Couples That Make Us Swoon Countdown...

# 9
Shane Martin & Kate McAlister 
SIMPLE MAN Secretive, lonely, bad boy hiding behind careless rocker facade meets preppy goody two shoes girl...it all comes back to the boys who picked on girls in the school yard because they wanted them most. When Shane and Kate put their assumed dislike for one another aside, true admiration and affection collide in what is a truly heartwarming story of love. 

“Outside. Now.”She turned and marched through the door, which slammed behind her. She had a great ass. “Hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave,” he grumbled as he stumbled to his feet.He tripped out the front door and saw her standing by his car. Kate did nice things, like bring his car back when he left it places. He clumsily walked up to her and hugged her.She stiffened and pushed him away. He pulled her back and kissed her, jamming his tongue in her mouth until she shoved his face hard.“What is wrong with you?”He glowered at her, disliking the sharp sting of her open rejection. “Nothing. What’s wrong with you?”“You stink.”“Gee, thanks.”“Shane, what are you doing? Do you think acting like this is solving anything?”Anger made him turn away. What could he say? His head wasn’t thinking clearly. She was smarter than him and he had nothing intelligent to bring to the table. He walked to the trailer and pushed against the siding. “Why are you here?”“Because I’m worried about you?”“Why?”“Because I care about you?”He laughed and spit in the sand. “You’re supposed to be smart, Kate. When are you going to get it? I. Am. A. Loser.”“You’re sure acting like one now.”He pivoted and nearly fell. Catching his balance, he scowled at her. “Don’t be like that. You’re not a bitch.”“And you’re not a loser so stop acting like you are.”“Really? I don’t have a job. I live in a trailer. I’m on fucking food stamps. And I just lost the only person, aside from you, that I care about in the whole world. It won’t be long before you wise up and leave me too. Yeah, I sure sound like a winner.”She marched up to him and jerked a fistful of his shirt. He looked down at her. It was like being attacked by an elf, which was kind of funny.“You listen to me, Shane Martin, the only way I’m leaving you is if you push me away. Now stop acting like an idiot and grow up!”“I am grown up!”“No, you’re being a child right now! If you’re unhappy with your life, do something about it. Don’t sit here and drink your liver away, waiting for situations to fix themselves, because it’s not going to happen.”“What do you know? You have everything!”She got in his face. “Do you think those things were just given to me? I worked my ass off for everything I have—”“And I didn’t? I sweat my ass off pouring concrete in a hundred degree weather. I bust my balls trying to make extra money playing guitar when I can. I’ve been struggling to make ends meet since I was seventeen fucking years old and God decided to pull the rug out from under me! I follow the rules. I play the game, but no matter what I end up getting fucked! I didn’t have the opportunities in front of me that you did, so excuse me if I don’t see us as equals.”She shook her head. “You may not have had the same opportunities as me, but don’t act like this is your only option. You have yourself so pegged as this lower class bum, because you’re afraid if you try to be anything more, you’ll fail. It’s a shitty self-fulfilling prophecy and if you think that way, you’ve already lost.”His lips tightened and he was breathing rapidly. “You don’t know what it feels like to be me.”“You’re right. I don’t. But I could say the same thing about you.” She put her hands on her hips and looked down, taking a deep breath, as if collecting her thoughts. “I’ve watched you, for months, go against all odds and do something most men could never do. You sit here and claim to be this simple man. Well, I don’t see a simple thing about you. As a matter of fact, you’re so complicated, that’s why I was afraid of getting too close. I knew, the minute I let you in, I’d fall for you. Shane, I love you, but this,” she waved her hand in front of him. “This is not the man I love.”He looked down. “Don’t love me, Kate.”Her hands cupped his jaw. He fought her hold, too ashamed to meet her gaze. She turned his face until he finally looked at her. “Too late.”It was too much. Everything finally collapsed inside of him and he broke. Shutting his eyes tight, he fought the tears, but it was a losing battle. “I’m dying inside.” She wrapped her arms around him. “I know.”
Months after Shane Martin’s sister vanishes, life crashes down and he finds himself the guardian of a nephew he never knew existed. Blissfully ignorant, Shane trades in his musician status, full of late nights and fast women, for midnight feedings and lullabies. But when Kate McAlister, his prissy, stuck up caseworker, arrives unexpectedly, he realizes he could lose everything. Kate isn’t impressed by Shane’s messy bachelor pad, rocker image, or sexy tattoos. As a matter of fact she finds it all very sophomoric. The sooner she’s off the case the better. Everything from his long hair to his sarcastic attitude threatens her professionalism. But when he lowers his guard and asks for help, she discovers a side to this tattooed musician she can’t resist. Behind this simple man is an unsung hero.BUY

February's TOP 10 Countdown of couples that make us swoon...

#10Trenton Cole & Chloe WolfeTO CATCH A WOLFE
Because who doesn't love the big bad wolf with a few battle scars and a tender heart? Put that with a shy, curvy woman who needs to come out of her shell...BAM! Blush worthy sexual tension and explosive chemistry!
       “Trenton, guys like you don’t date girls like me. They only end up disappointed in the end.”

“What are you talking about, guys like me?”“I mean…you’re…look at you…”A pinch of insecurity nipped at his chest. He thought she found him as attractive as he found her. “Is it this?” He touched the jagged silver scar under his jaw.“What? No!” She shook her head and looked shocked. “It has nothing to do with you. I mean it does, but not in any way like that. It’s just, I… I know what I am, Trenton. I’m not little. I’m not cute. I have freckles and difficult hair and I have no recollection of what a size twelve even feels like.”His frown transcended to a scowl. “If I wanted a size twelve girl I’d date one, Chloe. I like my women to feel like women, not little boys. And as far as being cute, I find you adorable.” She looked at Trent as if she didn’t believe him. “I also think you are sexy and charming. And in case you didn’t notice, I’m not exactly small myself. Tonight when I had my arms around you I kept thinking how great it felt to finally hold a woman who fit me so well. And as far as your freckles, I could spend days mapping them out with kisses, tracing each one with my tongue to the next. They remind me of cinnamon sprinkled over cream and I find myself wasting hours wondering if they’d taste spicy or sweet.”Her cheeks turned a dark shade of red and she smiled. Her breasts lifted as she drew in a deep, slow breath. Hopefully she understood how sincere he was being. As he opened his mouth to continue, she unbuckled her seatbelt and lunged at him. Her hands pulled his head to hers as her sweet little red mouth kissed him passionately. He laughed into the kiss and wrapped his arms around her.



After escaping her abusive husband Dr. Chloe Wolfe’s luck runs out and Trenton Cole steps in. Chloe reluctantly agrees to let this tall, dark, and devastatingly hot stranger help her find her children. What she doesn’t know is that Trent is the bounty hunter hired by her husband to catch her. Playing it safe, Chloe escapes his presence without a trace, but no secrets remain hidden forever. When worlds collide six years later, neither Chloe nor Trent have forgotten each other, but when her hero’s betrayal is exposed Chloe finds herself in love with another enemy. An unforgettable love story of a woman who sacrifices everything to protect the ones she loves, and loses her self along the way—A heart wrenching tale of survival, forgiveness, and new beginnings. 
BUY

CHASTE {McCullough Mountain 3} is finally here!

AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Pick up your copy of CHASTE {McCullough Mountain 3} at Secret Cravings Publishing today! CLICK HERE to BUY!


(CHASTE will be available at Amazon, B&N, ARe, and other sites next week.)

EXCERPT


His body nudged closer. She sucked in a breath and tried to focus on speaking, but the press of him was incredibly distracting.
“That’s the…um…” She caught her breath. “Um…” Her eyes shut. What was the question? “I can’t concentrate when you touch me,” she blurted.

He didn’t move. His breath tickled the back of her neck, as the soft press of his tongue traced over the curve leading to her shoulder. Her spine stretched as her skin drew tight. 

His lips made a smooching sound. “Mmm, you taste like hard work and sunshine.”

“Kelly…” she rasped, silently panting. Her insides vibrated so rapidly she worried she’d shatter into a thousand pieces of flesh and bones. Never had anyone aroused her the way he did.

He nuzzled her ear with his nose. “Have I ever told you how sexy you are? The glasses make me crazy. And I love the way your hair looks different every day. You remind me of a little garden nymph.” The weight of his palms closed over her baggy overalls, low on her hips, and she grew aware of every part of her body.

His lips sealed over her ear and she quivered, her body tightening and trembling. Her hands gripped the edge of the worktable with her leather-clad fingers, her knees turning unstable, as he proceeded to do wonderful things to her earlobe.

It amazed her that he found her hair nice. She’d cut it off after she graduated, finding the long locks dreadfully annoying. When her hair had been long it was always in her face. And she wore glasses because contacts were too much trouble with the dust from the gardens.

Oh my goodness! Is that his tongue in my ear?

Her knees buckled as he kissed over her racing pulse. Strong fingers dug into her hips, massaging beneath her overalls deep into her flesh. His hands had slipped into the gaping sides of her clothes where her tank top met the waist of her panties. No one had ever touched her so intimately.

“Let’s go inside,” he whispered.

Somehow she managed to shake her head. “I…I need to finish this.”

“Ashlynn…”

His mouth. He had a wicked mouth. She formed some sort of response in her throat as the tip of his finger toyed with the hem of her tank top next to her navel.

“Please…let me in,” he whispered as his tongue traveled over the slope of her shoulder, each word an erotic tattoo on her flesh.

Her feet shifted and his grip tightened. She whimpered. “Kelly, please…”

His whisper had faded to a breath of words. “I want you.”

Her hands closed over his, tightening, stilling his progress. Those last uttered words returned some of her common sense. “If we go inside my work will never get done.”

His fingers squeezed. “Do you know how many fantasies I’ve had about you? The things I could do to you without breaking your vow…” His touch never traveled, but the teasing chills escaping his whirling fingers seemed to go right to her breasts.

Baiting temptation, she breathed out a question she had no business asking. “Like what?”

“Mmm. I could spend days stripping you, unveiling every bit of flesh, anointing each square inch of skin with soft kisses. Only kissing, Ashlynn, but I’d kiss you everywhere.”

Holy Hannah, she needed to put some space between them. They hadn’t discussed boundaries and the line of her virtue was becoming more blurred by the second. Her breath stuttered out of her lungs as his mouth teased over her pulse. She wanted to know what such kisses would feel like, but feared her control would break.

“No naked.” Incapable of forming complete sentences, it was the best she could do.

“Touching?” he whispered.

Oh, God. She wanted to feel his touch, know what it was to be caressed by those strong fingers holding her now. She whimpered. Her promise had never been this difficult. There had never been such a temptation as Kelly and, now, with his hands playing over untried parts of her body, came a nagging desire for relief. “I should say no.”

“But?”

“Maybe.”

His front pressed into her bottom and her neck gave out, drooping her head to his broad shoulder. He growled and his mouth sealed to her throat, his hand sifting under the front of her overalls and holding her stomach, fingers splayed wide, pressing her into his hard form. “So fucking sexy, Ashlynn.”

“Kelly…”

“I want to go inside.”

He was already inside, inside of her head, in her blood, thrumming through her veins, inside every breath filling her lungs. She worried she could die from such over stimulation. She’d never survive sex, at least not with this man. But that was off the table.

Her muscles contracted and strange urges had her body fluttering in unfamiliar ways. It was too much. “No more,” she pleaded and he froze.

It took him a second to answer. “Okay.”

His hand slithered out from under her overalls and he stepped away. She caught her breath and wiped the back of her glove over her heated cheek. She was probably as red as a bell pepper.

She desperately searched for her bearings, but Kelly seemed fine. From the corner of her eye, she watched him slip his gloves back on and pick up the sanding block as she quietly panted. The longing inside of her had transformed into a painful ache. Her throat was thirsty, parched. Yet water did nothing to quench her yearning.

Kelly worked with precision and efficiency. Her concentration was crap. Every move she made was deliberate and clumsy, but Kelly proved to be a master carpenter. She suspected he wanted to be done with the chore and that scared her, because the moment they finished she’d have to come up with another distraction.

The echo of the nail hammering into the wood rattled through the air. “How far can we go, Ashlynn?”

Her hand stilled. Her gaze focused on the head of the nail she’d been about to hammer into the wood. Swallowing repetitively, she struggled to find the honest answer, but the truth seemed to abandon her in that moment. “I don’t know.”

Valentine's Day and Everyday Advice for Men

Romance Author Lydia Michaels Offers Men a Word of Advice about... WHAT WOMEN WANT

Dear Men,

As a show of affection for your lovely ladies, I'd like to let you men in on some secrets. Now, being that your lover reads romance books with erotic twists (assuming they read my work), I'm sure you're well aware of the influence this has on your intimate encounters. *wink* You're quite welcome. However, you may get your briefs in a bunch when you see your lover sigh over her Kindle and deep down you know that dreamy sigh was for another man. Not to worry! I'm here to tell you how to be the proud owner of those sighs and smitten eyes.

I'm going to disclose the secret behaviors of "Book Boyfriends". Pay attention! There's nothing here you can't do. I call this behavior Chivalrous Dominance and these simple approaches can make your lover melt into the fiery minx you've been waiting for.

(WARNING: Not all females desire the same level of attention, but these are uniform characteristics often found in the heroes of my books. If your lover likes my books, chances are she'd like some of these moves in real life.)


BE TERRITORIAL! A BBF (Book Boyfriend) will always keep a protective hand on his woman, usually at the small of her back or even by holding hands. This shows he is possessive of the beauty on his arm, disinterested in other females, and protective of his woman's safety. This often gives us girls the shivers and makes us feel oh so delicate and desired!
THE MAGICAL EAR! When in mixed company, a BBF does not gesture from across the room or shout. He approaches his lover intimately, cutting off all distraction, and whispers in her ear. As his lips barely caress her ear, her body pulls to full attention. Boys, you've just shot your lady from zero to sixty in less than a second. Not only does the undivided attention give us a thrill, there is a potent show of ownership on display and our insecurities fade as other's take note of how connected you are to our needs. It doesn't matter if your asking if we want a beer. You've taken something commonplace and made it intimate. Want to take it to the next notch? Once you've asked your question and gotten a breathless answer from your (turned on) lover, place a kiss just below her ear. You'll actually feel her pulse racing in reaction to your closeness.
INNUENDOS WITH EYES! Make eye contact! When you look at your lover, really look at her. Imagine her naked and show her with your eyes how desirable she is. Those few seconds of eye contact have the power to get our hearts racing like you wouldn't believe.


THE ART OF ANTICIPATION! The BBF is an expert in anticipation. Women put time into their appearance. Whether at home taking care of the family or out at a party, brush close to your lover and whisper something that will derail her thoughts. That little whisper is a heat seeking missile to a female libido. It doesn't have to be poetic or even thought out. It could be as simple as, "I can't wait to kiss you in bed tonight." That tiny show of interest makes us feel desired and off balance, because we aren't sure what we did to gain your sudden interest, but now we're intrigued and riddled with anticipation for later.  
BE CHIVALROUS! Bring it back boys! Chivalry is NOT dead! The BBF is a pro at chivalry. He opens doors (establishment and car). He helps his lover on with her coat. He even delicately lifts her hair out from the collar when necessary. She is his beauty and he takes care of what's his.
  DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE A LITTLE DOMINANT! We do not want every decision made for us, but there are ways you can keep our independence in tact and still take the lead. We like being pleasantly surprised by a man's initiative to take control. When at a restaurant, the BBF will inquire what his lover is in the mood for and when the server arrives he will take the lead and place their order. This show of power taps into the all-powerful eroticism of authority. We like men of confidence and authority when they know how to handle it carefully without ignoring our desires. 
TALK DIRTY! I receive more fan mail from women regarding the sex appeal of dirty talk than anything else. No, we do not want to be in a locker room. However, the BBF knows how to rock a silver tongue. When he kisses, he whispers how delicious his lover's lips are. When he nibbles, he describes how hot he is for the woman in his arms. When he's ready, he presses into her and clarifies that she's done that to him. Boys...this is key. It takes all five senses to get a woman completely involved. Your voice is a VERY powerful weapon. Use it! Oh, and the magic words almost every romance reader craves to hear in bed..."Good girl." ...especially when they're being quite naughty.
BE A LITTLE ROUGH! When in the throws of passion, the BBF never lets his lover forget how strong and powerful he is. He is ALL MAN. Sometimes he gathers her hair and gives it a little tug. Perhaps he playfully bites that extra sensitive spot. He may even squeeze her beautiful curves to express how rapidly she has his control slipping. Not all women are waiting for an aggressive lover, but those of us that enjoy a little alpha in our male...hit the right nerve and you'll have a firecracker on your hands. (If you aren't sure if your lover would appreciate such attention, I suggest discussing it with her. Such conversations can be great foreplay!)
BE SENSITIVE! The BBF isn't stupid. He is very attuned to his woman's needs. Men typically dislike talking because they are "fixers" and just want to fix whatever's wrong without dragging it out. Sometime's the solution or "fix" is as simple as listening. We like to vent. And like teapots, once we've let out a little steam, we're good. If your woman seems off, stop and ask her to talk to you. Let her talk. Comfort her while you silently take in what she's saying. You may not be able to fix her rotten co-worker that's making her day job miserable, but you can say these magic words, "What can I do to make you feel better?" Just hearing that you care and want her to feel better is often enough.
BE SEXY! There are so many versions of sexy...it could mean work boots and dirty jeans or it could be a GQ suit. Pay attention to what your lover likes. Every woman has different tastes. However, the BBF has some easy to follow traits that are often overlooked as a whole by men, when in fact they are secret weapons. Hands! Women love the strength and size of a man's hands. They are powerful and make us feel feminine. Scent! We love the smell of a man. Some women prefer cologne, some a more natural scent. Either way, be clean enough that your pheromones get noticed. Be Fit! You don't have to be a body builder, but you can't be a slob. The BBF is always put together, whether in lounge wear around the house or a suit, his clothes fit his body well. Rock that jaw! Women like a strong jaw and usually have a preference for hair, stubble, or clean shaven. Figure out the preference and she will notice. And most important of all--if you want to really get the sex-o-meter clanking--be confident! There is nothing sexier than a man who knows he's a man and is secure in himself. So there you have it, 10 easy to follow characteristics of a hero. Bet you never expected them to be so simple. I commend any man who applies any of these tactics already. If you don't... give it a try. I think you'll be quite happy with the response you get. 
Happy Valentine's Day! And remember, romance isn't just for the pages of novels. 
~Lydia Michaels
*Please feel free to add anything I've left out in the comment section below. What do you love?*

Carla's STALKING FILE

Subject: Kelly McCullough
Location: Center County
Description: Tattoos, body of a Greek God, black hair, crystal blue eyes
First Seen: Sacred Water by Lydia Michaels (McCullough Mountain 1)
Place of Employment: O'Malley's Pub
Lives: With Maureen and Frank McCullough (parents)
Obsession Began: At first sight
Observation Log:Stalker Notes:Upon my first observation of the subject, I knew there was something special about him. It could have been the body, tattoos, eyes... but alas, it was not. It was his rake-like behavior,  that crude and yet funny sense of humor, that cocky demeanor and yet that underlying heart of gold. If you had mentioned his good nature, he would have just brushed you off and made a wise crack about the size of his manhood. As a person with the same style of humor, I get it. People can't be disappointed if they don't expect too much. 
But what happens when that person wants to raise their own expectations of themselves? Hmmm, we shall have to see. 
Ask yourself these questions:Can Kelly backup all that big talk he does?Does he sleep in those Scooby Doo pajama bottoms?What does that tattoo mean?Boxers or briefs? Or maybe none?

Because I am nice, and have stalked, er, um, I mean "observed" Kelly, I will give you some insider hints. First, we'll wait until Becca stops laughing. I am too "nice", crazy woman. Anyways, here are some words to get you thinking about Kelly's story. (In no particular order)     
Kilt, fairy, Dirty Dancing, cobbler, Braveheart, apples, Employees Only, daiquiri, jail, confession  
And as one final word I give you... 
"Mine". Yes, I will fight you over Kelly McCullough.   Happy Reading!CHASTE, Kelly’s story, releases February 3, 2014.
 Pre-Order your copy NOW!

WIN a FREE ADVANCED COPY of CHASTE {McCullough Mountain 3}

We LOVE Kelly!!!
Right now, Lydia is hosting a giveaway on Facebook for a FREE advance copy of Chaste! That's right, girls...Kelly's story is finally here and you could be among the first to get your hands on him!
CLICK LINK HERE!

InD'tale Magazine gives Simple Man the Crowned Heart Award for Excellence!

Months after Shane Martin’s sister vanishes, life crashes down and he finds himself the guardian of a nephew he never knew existed. Blissfully ignorant, Shane trades in his musician status, full of late nights and fast women, for midnight feedings and lullabies. But when Kate McAlister, his prissy, stuck up caseworker, arrives unexpectedly, he realizes he could lose everything.
Kate isn’t impressed by Shane’s messy bachelor pad, rocker image, or sexy tattoos. As a matter of fact she finds it all very sophomoric. The sooner she’s off the case the better. Everything from his long hair to his sarcastic attitude threatens her professionalism. But when he lowers his guard and asks for help, she discovers a side to this tattooed musician she can’t resist. Behind this simple man is an unsung hero.

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~Lydia