Mia Downing's Blog, page 3
October 24, 2012
Just Ask!
Here's the new cover for my next book out, Just Ask, a m/m gay for you contemporary set in Fiji. What do you think of it? This one is contracted with TWRP and will be released for a trial romp through Amazon KDP soon, so keep your eyes open!
I really like this cover. It's the brightest cover I've had, and I love the guy on it. I've been lusting after him on the stock photo sites since I knew we'd have a cover with water. I love his abs, and I'm actually a thigh girl, too. I love his legs in this one.
Blurb for Just Ask:
When business mogul Jordan Hill inherits half of Bendura Island Resort, a posh vacation destination in the Fiji Islands, the will demands he release his half uncle's ashes somewhere on the island and that he indulge in a real vacation before he sells. As Jordan is reeling with grief and under good circumstances doesn't do vacations, especially if they include horses and looming volcanoes, he finds himself on uneven footing. The footing turns treacherous as Jordan realizes, for the first time in his life, he's attracted to a man--his new business partner.
For resort entrepreneur Ryan McCale, Bendura Island is a dream come true as well as his livelihood. He was warned Jordan would try to sell sight unseen, and after meeting him, there's no doubt the business shark has dollar signs in his eyes. But there's also vulnerability and desire in that chocolate gaze. Suddenly, Ryan's looking forward to showing Jordan the delights of the island and hoping to convince his new partner Bendura could be his dream, too.
So, what do you think?
I really like this cover. It's the brightest cover I've had, and I love the guy on it. I've been lusting after him on the stock photo sites since I knew we'd have a cover with water. I love his abs, and I'm actually a thigh girl, too. I love his legs in this one.
Blurb for Just Ask:When business mogul Jordan Hill inherits half of Bendura Island Resort, a posh vacation destination in the Fiji Islands, the will demands he release his half uncle's ashes somewhere on the island and that he indulge in a real vacation before he sells. As Jordan is reeling with grief and under good circumstances doesn't do vacations, especially if they include horses and looming volcanoes, he finds himself on uneven footing. The footing turns treacherous as Jordan realizes, for the first time in his life, he's attracted to a man--his new business partner.
For resort entrepreneur Ryan McCale, Bendura Island is a dream come true as well as his livelihood. He was warned Jordan would try to sell sight unseen, and after meeting him, there's no doubt the business shark has dollar signs in his eyes. But there's also vulnerability and desire in that chocolate gaze. Suddenly, Ryan's looking forward to showing Jordan the delights of the island and hoping to convince his new partner Bendura could be his dream, too.
So, what do you think?
October 20, 2012
Wet & Angsty Six Sentence Sunday from Ripped
Six Sentence Sunday features Ripped, my first published m/m. Gavin and Erik have been best friends since pre-school, but Erik doesn't know Gavin quite as well as he thought. Gavin has a dark and sinful past, one Erik is just learning about. After a stunning admission, Gavin now waits for Erik to turn on him, like everyone else in his life.
Six Sentences from Ripped (Boys of Summer)
Gavin waited for Erik to leave. He pressed his cheek to the clammy tile on the wall, lukewarm water streaming down his face, his body, his legs, swirling down the drain.
But Erik slid over on the floor of the shower and wrapped his arms around Gavin’s shoulders, pulling him to his chest. “I’m so sorry, Gav. So, so sorry,” he whispered.
He shuddered, relieved.
Ripped is available at: The Wild Rose Press,Amazon,B&N
Click here for more Six Sunday Sentences
October 19, 2012
Love Those Alpha Males! Blog Hop
Welcome to Carrie Ann's Alpha blog hop!
Thank you so much, Carrie Ann, for hosting this!
We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times! Prizes are below.
Mia's Giveaway...
I'm also giving away 2 e-copies of Spy Games: Trained for Seduction (Book 1 of the Spy Games series). If you've read it, I'll give away book 2 or book 3 (when available, 1/13)
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet (International prize)
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card (International prize)
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack! (US only)
Head on over to Mia's Blog to read more about my love of Alpha Males and leave a comment to be entered in the grand prize drawing. Then hop on over to the next blog for more prizes and chances to win the grand prize.
October 15, 2012
Book of the Month! Spy Games: Trained for Seduction
Chick-lits Book of the Month!
Spy Games: Trained for Seduction has been picked as the October book of the month, and what better hero to snuggle up to than spy boss Chase Sanders? Despite being a hard-assed alpha boss, he's actually quite cuddly. Link: The Chick-litsI'm not cuddly, which is something you won't learn on the talented Christi Snow's interview with yours truly (I get very hot very fast, and not in a fun way.) But you will learn lots of other interesting tidbits. If you've read Trained for Seduction then come, join in the conversation and win a free e-copy of Lethal Limits.
Buy links: The Wild Rose Press, Amazon , B&N
October 14, 2012
My Naughty Six Sunday Sentences
My Naughty Six Sentence Sunday Featuring Spy Games: Birthday Games 1.5
What do you give the spy who has everything for his birthday? A menage, of course! Jake Anderson is about to turn thirty-five, and his best friends, Kate and Chase Sanders, want to play again. Here's a snippet from them enjoying the cake Chase baked for the occasion (he's an excellent chef.)
Six Sentences from Spy Games: Birthday Games...
“You have cake on you,” Kate informed Jake. His chest was dabbed with little brown crumbs. She ducked and licked each one off, loving how the chocolate blended with the salt of his skin. Chase had crumbs, too. She scooted his way and lapped them up, loving how they made a trail down his belly, straight to his… “I think this was intentional.”
Buy LinkAmazon
For more six sentence goodness, visit: the Six Sunday Website
What do you give the spy who has everything for his birthday? A menage, of course! Jake Anderson is about to turn thirty-five, and his best friends, Kate and Chase Sanders, want to play again. Here's a snippet from them enjoying the cake Chase baked for the occasion (he's an excellent chef.)
Six Sentences from Spy Games: Birthday Games...
“You have cake on you,” Kate informed Jake. His chest was dabbed with little brown crumbs. She ducked and licked each one off, loving how the chocolate blended with the salt of his skin. Chase had crumbs, too. She scooted his way and lapped them up, loving how they made a trail down his belly, straight to his… “I think this was intentional.”
Buy LinkAmazon
For more six sentence goodness, visit: the Six Sunday Website
October 11, 2012
Spies Like Birthday Games! Release of Birthday Games: Spy Games 1.5
Did you ever wonder what to give that difficult someone for their birthday? A menage, of course!
Yes, Jake Anderson gets a menage for his birthday in my first Indie short novella: Birthday Games--Spy Games 1.5. The incomparable Diana Carlile created the cover and edited the book for me, and for those that recognize the handsome blond man, YES he is Jake from my Lethal Limits cover! Available at: Amazon for .99 because my spies are cheap but they're not easy.
So what's this one about? Well, let me tell you!
What do you give the spy who has everything for his thirty-fifth birthday? A menage, of course. Secret Agent Jake Anderson can't believe his good fortune. He's always had the hots for his best friend's blonde bombshell wife, but Kate is also his partner and he knows better than to cross the line unless Chase gives the word. But all lines are erased for a night of sinful pleasure with his best friends, and even better, Jake gets to be in charge. Since Jake loves nothing more than missions that end in gun fights and car explosions, he's gearing up for one smokin' hot birthday party.
Birthday Games is a short, erotic story of approx. 76 pages featuring Chase and Kate Sanders and of course, Jake Anderson, spies from the Spy Games series by Mia Downing. This sexy, hot read gives eager readers a glimpse of what happens between books 1 and 2. There is nothing revealed that you won't learn eventually, but sometimes having advanced knowledge is half of the fun!
Birthday Games contains: Explicit language, really graphic, smokin' hot, kinky sex between consenting adults. Expect to enjoy light BDSM, spanking, m/f/m action, birthday cake and more!
Yes, Jake Anderson gets a menage for his birthday in my first Indie short novella: Birthday Games--Spy Games 1.5. The incomparable Diana Carlile created the cover and edited the book for me, and for those that recognize the handsome blond man, YES he is Jake from my Lethal Limits cover! Available at: Amazon for .99 because my spies are cheap but they're not easy.
So what's this one about? Well, let me tell you!What do you give the spy who has everything for his thirty-fifth birthday? A menage, of course. Secret Agent Jake Anderson can't believe his good fortune. He's always had the hots for his best friend's blonde bombshell wife, but Kate is also his partner and he knows better than to cross the line unless Chase gives the word. But all lines are erased for a night of sinful pleasure with his best friends, and even better, Jake gets to be in charge. Since Jake loves nothing more than missions that end in gun fights and car explosions, he's gearing up for one smokin' hot birthday party.
Birthday Games is a short, erotic story of approx. 76 pages featuring Chase and Kate Sanders and of course, Jake Anderson, spies from the Spy Games series by Mia Downing. This sexy, hot read gives eager readers a glimpse of what happens between books 1 and 2. There is nothing revealed that you won't learn eventually, but sometimes having advanced knowledge is half of the fun!
Birthday Games contains: Explicit language, really graphic, smokin' hot, kinky sex between consenting adults. Expect to enjoy light BDSM, spanking, m/f/m action, birthday cake and more!
October 9, 2012
An Editing MUST!
You know when people give you tips about that final edit before you send it off to your editor one last time, and you say, "That's really cool, I should do that." And you don't? Well, I wish I had done one.
READ YOUR BOOK OUT LOUD. ALL OF IT.
Yes, I'm shouting at you, because I always thought this was cool advice, advice I'd given in the past to other writers. I didn't do it on Exceeding Boundaries and now I am kicking myself.
I've always recommended to critique partners or when I judged contest entries that they should read parts of their story out loud. Sometimes there are sentences that look awesome on paper, but man oh man, are they ridiculous when you read them out loud. Sometimes we miss words with our eyes that you discover when you read it out loud. And sometimes we writers get into a rhythm of words that makes our sentences all the same length and pattern. It may sound like a good thing, but this actually messes with your pacing.
Think of that teacher in school who would go on and on in a monotonous tone and put you to sleep. Mine was a professor in college who taught macroeconomics for an 8AM class. This sounded really smart at the time, because I'd be awake and the class would be over and done with since it was not a favorite subject. Bad idea. He'd speak in the same, deep, soothing tone and I'd be drooling on the desk and snoring in ten minutes. There wasn't enough coffee in the world to keep me awake since Dunkin Donuts didn't do turbo shots then. You don't want your book to become like this, especially in an exciting part. If your reader falls asleep while your heroine is about to get laid or is escaping death, it probably means a bad review later on.
Well, this tidbit of advice is coming around to bite me in the ass because Exceeding Boundaries going to become an audio book. I've heard the opening scene and it was freaky weird and fantastic, all at the same time. That woman was reading my words. She sounds barely legal and I'm sure she's beautiful and elegant. I think she was a little exited in a few parts, and yes, I cringed when she hit a buzz word. And a swear. But it was so freaking cool, and I'm kicking myself because though that snippet sounded awesome, I know there are parts I will cringe over in many ways.
First, just because I write the buzz words doesn't mean I say them out loud. EVER. I know, you picture me the princess of the filthy mouth, dirty talking and sexing Mr. Downing every chance I get. In all honesty, I don't say those words. I can f-bomb with the best of them, but when you start getting personal about the genitalia, I get all shy. My friend used to joke because she had no problem saying those words, but she could write them. I'm the opposite. She'd call me up and scream, "Just say it!" And I'd cringe and turn all pink and say, "The female P word." So hearing those words are just going to be torture.
Second, I'm sure there a few sentences in there that poor woman is going to seek me out and choke me over. I picture her on my front lawn with tar, feathers and duct tape (because what in life is fun or productive without duct tape?) And then she'll read the offensive sentences over and over as she applies the hot tar and sticks the feathers on me. I hope they're nice feathers. I'd prefer something fun, but I know I'll end up with boring white ones.
I have no clue how long it takes to make an audio book, or where you can buy it, or what. I'll update you on that when it happens. But for right now, some woman out there is reading my book aloud. I hope there are no kids in the room and I hope it all flows really well.
You better believe I'm reading the next one out loud. All of it.
READ YOUR BOOK OUT LOUD. ALL OF IT.
Yes, I'm shouting at you, because I always thought this was cool advice, advice I'd given in the past to other writers. I didn't do it on Exceeding Boundaries and now I am kicking myself.
I've always recommended to critique partners or when I judged contest entries that they should read parts of their story out loud. Sometimes there are sentences that look awesome on paper, but man oh man, are they ridiculous when you read them out loud. Sometimes we miss words with our eyes that you discover when you read it out loud. And sometimes we writers get into a rhythm of words that makes our sentences all the same length and pattern. It may sound like a good thing, but this actually messes with your pacing.
Think of that teacher in school who would go on and on in a monotonous tone and put you to sleep. Mine was a professor in college who taught macroeconomics for an 8AM class. This sounded really smart at the time, because I'd be awake and the class would be over and done with since it was not a favorite subject. Bad idea. He'd speak in the same, deep, soothing tone and I'd be drooling on the desk and snoring in ten minutes. There wasn't enough coffee in the world to keep me awake since Dunkin Donuts didn't do turbo shots then. You don't want your book to become like this, especially in an exciting part. If your reader falls asleep while your heroine is about to get laid or is escaping death, it probably means a bad review later on.
Well, this tidbit of advice is coming around to bite me in the ass because Exceeding Boundaries going to become an audio book. I've heard the opening scene and it was freaky weird and fantastic, all at the same time. That woman was reading my words. She sounds barely legal and I'm sure she's beautiful and elegant. I think she was a little exited in a few parts, and yes, I cringed when she hit a buzz word. And a swear. But it was so freaking cool, and I'm kicking myself because though that snippet sounded awesome, I know there are parts I will cringe over in many ways.
First, just because I write the buzz words doesn't mean I say them out loud. EVER. I know, you picture me the princess of the filthy mouth, dirty talking and sexing Mr. Downing every chance I get. In all honesty, I don't say those words. I can f-bomb with the best of them, but when you start getting personal about the genitalia, I get all shy. My friend used to joke because she had no problem saying those words, but she could write them. I'm the opposite. She'd call me up and scream, "Just say it!" And I'd cringe and turn all pink and say, "The female P word." So hearing those words are just going to be torture.
Second, I'm sure there a few sentences in there that poor woman is going to seek me out and choke me over. I picture her on my front lawn with tar, feathers and duct tape (because what in life is fun or productive without duct tape?) And then she'll read the offensive sentences over and over as she applies the hot tar and sticks the feathers on me. I hope they're nice feathers. I'd prefer something fun, but I know I'll end up with boring white ones.
I have no clue how long it takes to make an audio book, or where you can buy it, or what. I'll update you on that when it happens. But for right now, some woman out there is reading my book aloud. I hope there are no kids in the room and I hope it all flows really well.
You better believe I'm reading the next one out loud. All of it.
October 7, 2012
Spy Sexy Six Sentence Sunday
Here's my Six Sunday Sentence offering from Spy Games: Lethal Limits!
The set up:
Secret Agent Tia Richards doesn't know what to make of her sexy new partner, Jake Anderson, on their first afternoon of an ordered R&R weekend. She expects him to want to start right in with the sex like all the men in her past, but he's been nothing but a gentleman all afternoon, and he's now pulled her into his arm for a sweet slow dance in the kitchen while dinner cooks. Not at all what she expected from the infamous man whore, and she finds she wants more of this man!
Six Sentences from Spy Games: Lethal Limits
Tia let her head rest against Jake's strong chest as she inhaled. He smelled of leather, horses, and hay mingled with just a touch of salty male, and it was headier than any cologne he could have put on.
He kept a chaste distance between their hips, and she longed to mold herself against his hard length. She wanted him to kiss her, run his hands through her hair, and grind his hips against hers. She trembled slightly at the direction lust was taking her. How odd to be wary of lust when it usually dictated what they did together.
Buy Link: Amazon.com
For more well-crafted snippets hop on over to Sixsunday.com
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October 4, 2012
Big Changes! Release of Spy Games: Lethal LImits
Big Changes!!!
My awesome publisher, The Wild Rose Press, is a business that tries to stay with the times. I think in this economy it's hard to stay ahead, so as long as we're jogging along with reality, I'm a happy girl. Because of their forward thinking, they're trying something a little different to get product out to the readers in a bigger fashion.
So...Jake (Spy Games: Lethal Limits) has been released today as a Amazon KDP select book!
Amazon Buy Link
Blurb for Spy Games: Lethal Limits (book 2)
Secret Agent Jake Anderson would rather have the measles than love his best friend's wife. So when she gives him a mission--to find his own woman to love--he knows just the woman to target. Exotic beauty Tia Richards--his new partner--is wild, twisted, and has no limits when it comes to adventure, in bed and out. She's perfect for him. Now he just has to get Tia and his heart to agree.
Sexy spy Tia Richards has a problem, and the solution is Jake. The last time they hooked up, he left her bound and begging, unfulfilled, so close to finally getting the fireworks she deserves. But Jake loves his former partner, and Tia refuses to be second best. Will she listen to the ache in her heart that whispers she has what it takes to be first in Jake's life, or will lethal limits separate them forever?
The great thing is this will allow us to take advantage of all of the perks the KDP program is famous for--days we can offer a story for free to thank readers, days we can offer sales. In the future, it will make longer erotic romance books quicker on the release schedule. We have to wait at least 8 weeks after the final galley is approved before the print copy is ready for publication. This way the e-book can be available first, and the print copy can be prepared within the time frame.
I'm sad we won't release in print or other distributors until January 11, 2013. However, if you're a Nook or other e-reader client, I'll make sure to have Nook e-copy contests to make the book available for you. Of course, Kindle is an application you can download to your PC or other device for free. I use Kindle for PC and I love it. I believe books are also readable through Cloud, too.
And also....
Announcing the impending release of
Birthday Games (Spy Games 1.5)
I'm releasing a short menage story featuring a few of my favorite spies--Jake Anderson, Chase and Kate Sanders as a Amazon KDP select novella. Here's the blurb:
What do you give the spy who has everything for his thirty-fifth birthday? A menage, of course. Secret Agent Jake Anderson can't believe his good fortune. He's always had the hots for his best friend's blonde bombshell wife, but Kate is also his partner and he knows better than to cross the line unless Chase gives the word. But all lines are erased for a night of sinful pleasure with is best friends, and even better, Jake gets to be in charge. Since Jake loves nothing more than missions that end in gun fights and car explosions, he's gearing up for one smokin' hot birthday party.
Birthday Games (Spy Games 1.5) is a short, erotic story featuring Chase and Kate Sanders and of course, Jake Anderson, spies from the Spy Games series by Mia Downing. This sexy, hot read gives eager readers a glimpse of what happens between books 1 and 2. There is nothing revealed that you won't learn eventually, but sometimes having advanced knowledge is half of the fun!
Jake's Gift contains: Explicit language, really graphic, smokin' hot, kinky sex between consenting adults. Expect to enjoy light BDSM, spanking, m/f/m action, birthday cake, Jake's crazy birthday games and more!
My awesome publisher, The Wild Rose Press, is a business that tries to stay with the times. I think in this economy it's hard to stay ahead, so as long as we're jogging along with reality, I'm a happy girl. Because of their forward thinking, they're trying something a little different to get product out to the readers in a bigger fashion.
So...Jake (Spy Games: Lethal Limits) has been released today as a Amazon KDP select book!
Amazon Buy Link
Blurb for Spy Games: Lethal Limits (book 2)
Secret Agent Jake Anderson would rather have the measles than love his best friend's wife. So when she gives him a mission--to find his own woman to love--he knows just the woman to target. Exotic beauty Tia Richards--his new partner--is wild, twisted, and has no limits when it comes to adventure, in bed and out. She's perfect for him. Now he just has to get Tia and his heart to agree.
Sexy spy Tia Richards has a problem, and the solution is Jake. The last time they hooked up, he left her bound and begging, unfulfilled, so close to finally getting the fireworks she deserves. But Jake loves his former partner, and Tia refuses to be second best. Will she listen to the ache in her heart that whispers she has what it takes to be first in Jake's life, or will lethal limits separate them forever?
The great thing is this will allow us to take advantage of all of the perks the KDP program is famous for--days we can offer a story for free to thank readers, days we can offer sales. In the future, it will make longer erotic romance books quicker on the release schedule. We have to wait at least 8 weeks after the final galley is approved before the print copy is ready for publication. This way the e-book can be available first, and the print copy can be prepared within the time frame.
I'm sad we won't release in print or other distributors until January 11, 2013. However, if you're a Nook or other e-reader client, I'll make sure to have Nook e-copy contests to make the book available for you. Of course, Kindle is an application you can download to your PC or other device for free. I use Kindle for PC and I love it. I believe books are also readable through Cloud, too.
And also....
Announcing the impending release of
Birthday Games (Spy Games 1.5)
I'm releasing a short menage story featuring a few of my favorite spies--Jake Anderson, Chase and Kate Sanders as a Amazon KDP select novella. Here's the blurb:
What do you give the spy who has everything for his thirty-fifth birthday? A menage, of course. Secret Agent Jake Anderson can't believe his good fortune. He's always had the hots for his best friend's blonde bombshell wife, but Kate is also his partner and he knows better than to cross the line unless Chase gives the word. But all lines are erased for a night of sinful pleasure with is best friends, and even better, Jake gets to be in charge. Since Jake loves nothing more than missions that end in gun fights and car explosions, he's gearing up for one smokin' hot birthday party.
Birthday Games (Spy Games 1.5) is a short, erotic story featuring Chase and Kate Sanders and of course, Jake Anderson, spies from the Spy Games series by Mia Downing. This sexy, hot read gives eager readers a glimpse of what happens between books 1 and 2. There is nothing revealed that you won't learn eventually, but sometimes having advanced knowledge is half of the fun!
Jake's Gift contains: Explicit language, really graphic, smokin' hot, kinky sex between consenting adults. Expect to enjoy light BDSM, spanking, m/f/m action, birthday cake, Jake's crazy birthday games and more!
October 2, 2012
I'm Part of A Club! And A Nice, Long Taste Of Chase...
Besides FFA in high school, I was never really in any clubs. But I am now!
The Chick Lits are hosting Spy Games: Trained for Seduction as their October book read. The hostess for the month is the fabulous Christi Snow and she left a great review right here at GR.
Christi is giving away 2 print copies of Trained for Seduction if you leave a comment on the blog link above.
I'll give away two e-copies on my blog if you'd rather read it the newfangled way. You can leave a comment below, or at Mia's other blog.
And for your enjoyment, a nice, long excerpt from Spy Games: Trained for Seduction. This is the longer version of the six sentences posted for Sunday. Chase has never had a hard time being the boss, until he met Kate on an undercover assignment under the alias Alex Bishop. He has to come to grips with the fact that her first--and maybe last--mission will probably end in her death. How can he send a woman to hell and back when she loves him? And more importantly, how can he send her if he's the one with feelings...
Excerpt from Spy Games: Trained for Seduction
Kate looked away, unsure, and then her glare returned. “If you weren’t ordered to make love to me this weekend, would you have?”
She didn’t believe him, probably because she assumed he was as shallow as he was attractive. He swallowed again, not wanting to tell the truth. He had to, though. It was time for her to see the boss side of him. The man who would send her away to do God knows what with a madman.
“No. We would never have made love. Ever. I would have been your boss, and you would have been my spy. Period.” She stiffened and he hastily added, “Not for the reasons you think. This isn’t about you, not one iota. You are so damned attractive to me. The entire package. But this heavenly weekend of sex with you means our work life is going to be hell from here on out. I would have avoided that at all costs, but it was taken out of my hands. You don’t understand what kind of man I am, Kate. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“You’re sorry for what?”
“I’m sorry for being the man you’ll learn to hate.” She opened her mouth, and he shook his head. “You will hate me. I’ll send you to hell and back, make you do horrible things, and though the safety of America is worth it to me, I’m not so sure it’s worth it to you. I hate my job for taking someone I saw as so pure and beautiful, and turning her into a fucking hot, killing machine.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, looking tough, mulish. “I don’t regret it one bit. I’m happier now than I ever was in my life, Chase. I’m trapped, sure, but at least there’s some say. At least I know the rules up front.
"With my father, there were no rules. I was smart in the lab, but he found fault with every other aspect of my life and was mentally abusive. He was crazy, delusional, and it would have been a matter of time before he turned on me. He tried to sell my virginity to you, so what else would he have done? I don’t regret Alex kissing me, taking me to third base. And I don’t regret Chase being my first. I don’t regret becoming a fucking hot, killing machine. I feel free.”
“You’re still going to hate me.” He felt as if he were drowning, and she was standing on shore with a life preserver and he couldn’t ask for it, not even to save his life.
“Maybe. But isn’t there the possibility that we might end up loving each other? We have something special. I feel it. I know you do. Our lives don’t have to be hell.”
Chase sighed, closed his eyes for a second, and kissed Lady Luck goodbye forever. “Don’t go there, Kate. Please.”
Kate squared her shoulders, and Chase held up a finger. He wanted to tell her the truth, that he already loved her, to let her love him in return. The part of him that was the boss knew what was in store for her. He would destroy her eventually. He couldn’t live with himself if she loved him.
He steeled his heart and said, “You cannot fall in love with me. Don’t. If you feel that coming on, then kill it hard and fast. And run. Love doesn’t work for spies. I did that, once. It ended miserably. And I’m telling you, you will hate me.”
She looked so sad, lost, and he hated twisting the knife when he’d already stabbed her with it. But it was the kindest thing he could do at this point. Better she go back to thinking he was the devil. The egotistical bastard she hated. She needed to move on, fast, so if she lived, she could have a somewhat normal life, with a man who wouldn’t have to crush her.
She swallowed. “Are you telling me this as my boss?”
“I’m telling you this as Chase. Me. Just don’t, Kate. Please, just hate me a little now, so it’s easier on you later, when I destroy you.”
The Chick Lits are hosting Spy Games: Trained for Seduction as their October book read. The hostess for the month is the fabulous Christi Snow and she left a great review right here at GR.
Christi is giving away 2 print copies of Trained for Seduction if you leave a comment on the blog link above.
I'll give away two e-copies on my blog if you'd rather read it the newfangled way. You can leave a comment below, or at Mia's other blog.
And for your enjoyment, a nice, long excerpt from Spy Games: Trained for Seduction. This is the longer version of the six sentences posted for Sunday. Chase has never had a hard time being the boss, until he met Kate on an undercover assignment under the alias Alex Bishop. He has to come to grips with the fact that her first--and maybe last--mission will probably end in her death. How can he send a woman to hell and back when she loves him? And more importantly, how can he send her if he's the one with feelings...
Excerpt from Spy Games: Trained for Seduction
Kate looked away, unsure, and then her glare returned. “If you weren’t ordered to make love to me this weekend, would you have?”
She didn’t believe him, probably because she assumed he was as shallow as he was attractive. He swallowed again, not wanting to tell the truth. He had to, though. It was time for her to see the boss side of him. The man who would send her away to do God knows what with a madman.
“No. We would never have made love. Ever. I would have been your boss, and you would have been my spy. Period.” She stiffened and he hastily added, “Not for the reasons you think. This isn’t about you, not one iota. You are so damned attractive to me. The entire package. But this heavenly weekend of sex with you means our work life is going to be hell from here on out. I would have avoided that at all costs, but it was taken out of my hands. You don’t understand what kind of man I am, Kate. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“You’re sorry for what?”
“I’m sorry for being the man you’ll learn to hate.” She opened her mouth, and he shook his head. “You will hate me. I’ll send you to hell and back, make you do horrible things, and though the safety of America is worth it to me, I’m not so sure it’s worth it to you. I hate my job for taking someone I saw as so pure and beautiful, and turning her into a fucking hot, killing machine.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, looking tough, mulish. “I don’t regret it one bit. I’m happier now than I ever was in my life, Chase. I’m trapped, sure, but at least there’s some say. At least I know the rules up front.
"With my father, there were no rules. I was smart in the lab, but he found fault with every other aspect of my life and was mentally abusive. He was crazy, delusional, and it would have been a matter of time before he turned on me. He tried to sell my virginity to you, so what else would he have done? I don’t regret Alex kissing me, taking me to third base. And I don’t regret Chase being my first. I don’t regret becoming a fucking hot, killing machine. I feel free.”
“You’re still going to hate me.” He felt as if he were drowning, and she was standing on shore with a life preserver and he couldn’t ask for it, not even to save his life.
“Maybe. But isn’t there the possibility that we might end up loving each other? We have something special. I feel it. I know you do. Our lives don’t have to be hell.”
Chase sighed, closed his eyes for a second, and kissed Lady Luck goodbye forever. “Don’t go there, Kate. Please.”
Kate squared her shoulders, and Chase held up a finger. He wanted to tell her the truth, that he already loved her, to let her love him in return. The part of him that was the boss knew what was in store for her. He would destroy her eventually. He couldn’t live with himself if she loved him.
He steeled his heart and said, “You cannot fall in love with me. Don’t. If you feel that coming on, then kill it hard and fast. And run. Love doesn’t work for spies. I did that, once. It ended miserably. And I’m telling you, you will hate me.”
She looked so sad, lost, and he hated twisting the knife when he’d already stabbed her with it. But it was the kindest thing he could do at this point. Better she go back to thinking he was the devil. The egotistical bastard she hated. She needed to move on, fast, so if she lived, she could have a somewhat normal life, with a man who wouldn’t have to crush her.
She swallowed. “Are you telling me this as my boss?”
“I’m telling you this as Chase. Me. Just don’t, Kate. Please, just hate me a little now, so it’s easier on you later, when I destroy you.”
