Stevie MacFarlane's Blog, page 5

Kiss Me, O'Malley - Thoughts On Writing A Series

Writing a series is usually fun.  You already have a leg up, so to speak.  You know the characters, what they look like, how they think.  You know their personalities, their quirks and traits.  You've created their 'world' in book one and flowing into book two is easy.  Yes, you add other characters and situations, but you know what you're doing, you've done it before.
There is also a down side. 
When you write one book you hope and pray readers will like it.  If you're good at your craft they usually do, but there is always the chance your book will flop, for whatever reason, and it may be something as simple as a glutted market that particular month.  Sales can be slow or nearly non-existent.  You feel terrible, disappointed, even questioning your abilities as an author, but in the end it's one book.  Hopefully you have others that have done well, a decent back-list of successes.  You pick yourself up, dust off your ego and carry on.  It's just what we do.
Series writing feels different, especially if the previous books have done well, very well. Readers loved them.  There are expectations.  You feel an obligation to give them a story as good or preferably better than the books that came before.  You feel pressure, angst, and constantly question your skill as a writer.  Kiss Me, O'Malley was this book for me.
Part of that may have been losing Bill halfway through the book.  My biggest fan, the man who encouraged me and made me laugh every day was gone.  The man who frequently came into my office and whispered, "wanna do a little research" was gone.
Emotionally I was a wreck, yet this book somehow remained important to me.
Perhaps it was because Maeve and Sean were basically around our ages when I started the series.  They had grown children, or nearly grown if you count Bridget, lol, grandchildren, and a rich life filled with family, humor, love.
There were many things to consider as I tried to move forward. Because of this couple's love for one another, their commitment to each other, an entire world had been created.  I was terrified of screwing up 'their' story.  Can one poorly written book ruin an entire series?  Can it smash an author's career to smithereens? I don't know.
The time frame was not a problem. The book takes place in the seventies.  Okay, cool.  I know all about the seventies.  I fell in love with Bill in the seventies, but it also takes place in Ireland, so back up and do some research, a lot of research. In the end I don't think it was the problem I anticipated.  I worked my way around it as best I could and tried to keep the dialect fairly accurate.
There was also the 'ew' factor.  I haven't spelled it right but we all know what it is, the noise younger people make when they think of older ones having sex.  The readers already know Maeve and Sean as the matriarch and patriarch of The O'Malley clan.  How far should I go, how far could I go as far as sex, dd, or kink without grossing out younger readers?
Of course I saw them as a young, passionate, fiery couple.  I saw Maeve's luxurious long auburn hair, Sean's masculine, strong body.  I understood her independent streak, her sharp wit and sassy attitude.  I felt his stubborn determination to have her, win her, but would readers buy it when they already knew them as older and settled?
I agonized over some of this.  How could I write a sexy, funny, romantic novel when I was gutted?  Was it a mistake to write it at all?
I've been asked hundreds of times to continue the series.  Readers wanted Sean and Maeve's story, Noah and Colleen's, even Patrick and Molly's.  I've even had letters suggesting some of the grandchildren should be getting older by now, maybe Jason has a story.  While I'm not ready to go that far, I do have a story in the works in which Colleen's wild pursuit of Noah backfires on her, but I felt as though I couldn't continue with that until Maeve and Sean had their day.
Finally I bit the bullet and finished it. I don't know how good it is, I never do.  I'm not sure any honest author knows whether they've hit the mark or not. All I can say is that I've written them how I imagined them from the beginning and hope readers like it.

Kiss Me, O'Malley
Chapter One
      Maeve had her eye on Sean O’Malley ever since she made her first communion at St. Patrick’s.  He was an altar boy a few years older than her and while he had an angelic face she knew there was more to the tall young man than met the eye.  He had a reputation; at least that’s was what the older girls whispered about him.  What that meant exactly she didn’t quite grasp, but she was impressed just the same.  Anything that caused the nuns to scowl in his direction was interesting.  He always smiled back at them and spoke respectfully, but the nuns would tsk, frown and shake their heads as they walked away.  It was almost as though they wished he would do something they could reprimand him for. 
      Her fascination didn’t end when he turned fifteen and no longer lit the candles in church. Each Sunday she looked for him.   He was absent more than he was present, but that didn’t upset her.  She knew in her heart he was a good boy, despite what others might say.
      As she grew older, Sean always seemed to be in the vicinity when she got herself in hot water.  He’d either whisk her away or plant his big body between her and whatever threat presented itself.  Sometimes it was other boys bothering her for no reason she could determine and sometimes it was something foolish she’d done bringing trouble down on her own head.
      The nuns weren’t fond of make-up. Unfortunately Maeve was very fond of Strawberry Kiss lipstick.
      “Wipe that off,” he’d hiss as he passed her in the hall.  Or “don’t think I can’t tell that you’ve rolled your skirt up.”  One day he herded her toward the row of lockers in the hall and whispered in her ear. “I could still smell that perfume in the gym an hour after you’d left it.  Sooner or later you’re goin’ to be called to task about that.  Go back to the sweet scent you use to wear,” he demanded before walking away.
      Affronted Maeve sniffed her sweater.  Well, maybe it was a bit much but it was called Parisian Mist and wearing it made her feel grown up.
      It was a sad day when he graduated.  That summer, before he went off to college, she hardly saw him unless she happened to stroll by Woodies where he worked.  Occasionally he was outside, loading a truck, his white tee-shirt straining across his chest, the muscles in his arms bulging. 
      It was the early seventies and while her parents had a fit, she’d still managed to cajole them into letting her buy some of the latest fashions.  Of course they had no idea the skirts she bought could all be rolled up at the waist until they classified as miniskirts.  Or that the shorts she bought were technically called ‘hot pants.’  Platform shoes added many inches to her height and wearing them she felt mature.  Stopping outside the wire fence at Woodies she sent her girlfriends on ahead and watched Sean working.  He looked up and saw her. She smiled and waved.  After wiping the sweat from his brow he stared at her, his hands planted on his hips before his long-legged stride brought him to the fence.
      “Jesus Maeve, what the devil are ya doin’?” he demanded.
      “Nothin’.  My friends and I are goin’ shoppin’.  Why?”
      “Dressed like that?”
      “Aye, what wrong with the way I’m dressed, not that it’s any concern of yours?” she asked, slightly stung by his attitude.
      “For one thing you’re advertisin’ somethin’ that’s not available,” he snapped. 
      “How do you know what’s available and what isn’t,” she challenged, tossing her auburn hair over her shoulder.
      “Because I know you’re not yet sixteen, darlin’,” he said softly, leaning closer.
      Maeve’s heart raced.  Tipping her head back she looked into his eyes.
      “I also know that when it is available, tis mine.  I’ll be leavin’ soon so you’d better behave while I’m gone.  If you don’t, when your Da gets done skelpin’ you I’ll be waitin’ in line to give you the worst spankin’ of your young life.  Do you understand?”
      “No,” she breathed, her knees shaking.
      “You will,” he assured her with a gentle smile.  “Now go home and wash that muck off your face before I do it with that hose over there,” he insisted pointing to a big hose on the outside of the building. “And put some proper clothes on or I’ll give you a lickin’ right here.  Those shorts don’t cover much so I should be able to do a proper job of it.”
      Maeve drew back and straightened her spine with a snap.
      “I’ll do as I please, Sean O’Malley and you can go straight to the devil,” she hissed taking a step back when his face darkened.
      “Aye, that may be where I’m headed darlin’,” he conceded with a grin, “but you’re headin’ home to change,” he insisted, pointing in the direction she’d come from.
      “No I’m not,” she said, stomping her foot.  “I’m goin’ with my friends!”
      “Martin is it lunch time yet?” he called to a man behind him working on loading another truck.  “I find I’ve got an errand to run,” he continued taking off his leather gloves.
      “Sure Sean, go ahead.  I’ll cover for you” the man replied with a grunt.
      Maeve shivered and took another step back from the fence.  There was no doubt he meant exactly as he said.  With a huff she glared at him, pivoted on her platform sandals and stomped off in the direction he indicated. 
      Sean laughed.  “You can use a little of the strawberry lip paint,” he called after her.  “I fancy that one.”
      “Kiss my arse, O’Malley,” she yelled over her shoulder.
      “Oh I will, with my lips and my hand if you don’t have a care and mind me,” he whispered watching her bottom swing.  “Someday.”
 
      Maeve spent the next three years as a typical teenager.  She went to parties, dances and got decent grades in school.  Her first kiss was disappointing, as was smoking a joint.  Instead of feeling all happy as she expected, she got a little paranoid, wondering if somehow, someway he’d find out.  For some reason, Sean’s threat stuck like glue and although she only saw him once in a while at Mass when he was home for a school holiday she often wondered what he knew and what he didn’t.
      He’d clearly said he intended to be first in line when she became available and at seventeen it seemed he might be a little late.  As her eighteenth birthday neared she determined he was full of crap.   There’d been plenty of times he could have approached her after church and he hadn’t.  There was also the telephone and any idiot could write a note, if not a letter.
      No, he’d been playing with her that day, teasing the naive young girl who obviously had a crush on him.  She blushed knowing she’d been transparent and decided that strolling by his place of employment dressed as a South Street hooker hadn’t been her finest hour.  At the time she hadn’t even realized how much she worshiped him.  Then the big jerk threatened her.  That cooled her ardor.  How dare he act like he could intimidate her?  Well actually he had intimidated her, she admitted.  The thought of being on the receiving end of a spanking from Sean O’Malley was not something to joke about.  The man had muscles on his muscles and an attitude to match.  She’d never seen him back down from a fight; he had a ‘don’t mess with me assertiveness’ and the reputation to back it up.
      On the other hand he’d always looked out for her, coming between her and disaster many times.  He could be kind, gentle and thoughtful.  On her seventeenth birthday she received a dozen yellow roses with a card that said ‘Enjoy your birthday, but not too much’.  It wasn’t signed, so they could have been from anyone and she refused to believe they were from him.
 
      Maeve dated a few boys, but nothing serious developed.  She didn’t like being pawed and for some reason that seemed to be their main objective.  “What are you saving it for?” was a nasty question she heard more than once and that was usually the last date.  In truth, she wasn’t sure herself.  Most of her girlfriends had given it up long ago.  She tried to convince herself she remained ‘a good girl’ because of her religious beliefs, but part of her suspected it had something to do with The O’Malley’s warning, which was just stupid.  He was nowhere around and would probably never know nor care what she did after all this time.   It was a silly school girl infatuation and it was over.
 
      A few days before her eighteenth birthday, she joined some friends to hang out in the field behind the school.  They built a campfire and someone brought along a boom box.  Soon they were partying and attracted another group of kids from a nearby Public school. A cute boy visiting his cousins from the states named Tony singled her out immediately and Maeve was flattered as her girlfriends looked at her with envy.  From his pack he produced several bottles of wine which began to make the rounds.  Handing Maeve an unopened bottle called Tickle Pink he announced that it was hers alone in honor of her birthday.
      Smiling he opened it and handed it to her.  Taking a small sip she was surprised how good it was.  It did tickle her nose and tasted a bit like carbonated fruit juice, not at all like the heavy communion wine she was used to.  She shared her bottle with Tony who only took a few sips and all too soon she was holding it upside down with a pout on her face.
      “Aw, tis all gone,” she giggled.
      “That’s okay babe,” he assured her.  “I’ve got something else.”  Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a packet of pills and held out his hand to her.
      Maeve shook her head.
      “Come on, babe,” he pleaded.  “These are nothing, just a few ludes.  Have a couple.  They’ll make you feel great.”
      Cautiously Maeve took one pill and looked it over.  It was small, how much harm could it do she thought?   Popping it in her mouth she glanced around and saw that most of the kids had paired off and moved beyond the light of the fire.   Her world was beginning to spin when Tony eased her onto her back.
      His kisses were sweet, she sighed.  If another man’s face appeared in her mind, so what.  This boyo was here now. She hardly felt his fingers sliding under her sweater.  It wasn’t until she heard the snap of her jeans pop open that she tried to stop him.   That tiny noise sounded as loud as a shotgun.
      “No Tony, stop,” she said faintly, reaching to capture his hand as it slid down the front of her jeans. 
      “Come on, it will be fun,” he promised, lowering his face to her breasts.
      “No, I don’t want to.”  Trying to push him away she found her arms were about as strong as noodles.  A tear slipped into her hair as she realized what she’d done.  O’Malley was going to kill her.
      As though she’d conjured him, he suddenly appeared between her and the stars, his big body blocking out the light from the fire.  His face was completely in shadow, but there was no mistaking his sheer size, or the growl that came from his throat.  He picked Tony up by the scruff of the neck, shaking him as though he were a puppy.
      “What did you give her?” he demanded in a voice Maeve had never heard before.
      “Nothing man,” Tony squealed struggling to get away.  “She just had a little cheap wine.”
      “What did you give her?” Sean repeated, tightening his grip on the boy’s throat.
      “A lude man,” Tony whined as his hand clawed at Sean’s.  “Shit, she only took one. It’s no big deal. She’ll be fine.”
      “How long ago?”
      “I don’t know, maybe ten minutes.  She’s just drunk.”
      Maeve lay sprawled on the ground watching the scene unfold between the boy and O’Malley. She hoped when he killed her he did it quickly because there was a very good chance she was going to throw up.  If that happened she’d have to lay in it because she sure as hell couldn’t get up.
 
      Sean tossed the kid away, enjoying his yelp when he hit the ground.  Looking at Maeve he went down on one knee, gently tucked her breast back into her bra, and pulled down her sweater.  He tried not to notice her lacy underwear as he zipped her jeans and snapped them.
      Her expression was curious, but she neither moved nor spoke, something that worried him.
      “Come on, darlin’” he said, taking her under her arms.  “Let’s get you up.”   He held her by her waist once he had her upright.  Her legs seemed to be useless.  Moving her toward the light of the fire he was just getting ready to stick his big finger down her throat when she began to vomit.  Supporting her with one arm he gathered her long auburn hair in his other fist.
      It was over in a few minutes.  When she looked up at him she was white as a ghost and sweating profusely. 
      “Can you walk?” he asked after she wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her sweater.
      She nodded but when he took her arm to lead her away she didn’t get three steps before she went to her knees.  Scooping her into his arms he carried her away into the dark, her head resting weakly on his shoulder.
      “We’re not goin’ to discuss this tonight, darlin’” he told her as he drove her home.  She looked both terrible and terrified as she leaned against her door with the window open and let the cool night air sweep over her.  “Tell your Ma that you must have eaten somethin’ bad and that when you started gettin’ sick you called me for a lift.”
      “I didn’t even know you were home.”
      “They don’t know that.”
      “So you want me to lie?  To my own parents?” she asked with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
      “No, don’t lie.  Tell them that their daughter went off with some friends, met up with strangers and got good and drunk on cheap wine.  Then she took an illegal drug from one of them and almost got raped.  Don’t forget the possibility that you could be presentin’ ‘em with their first grandbabe in nine months if things had turned out differently,” he snapped. “Aye, you sassy little bit, I want you to lie.”
      “Okay, I’m sorry,” she sniffed, a sob escaping.
      “Don’t cry darlin’,” he advised her.  “There’ll be plenty of time for that later.”
      “What do you mean?” she whispered.
      “I think you know exactly what I mean, Maeve my girl,” he replied calmly.
      “No, no I don’t,” she insisted, turning to face him.
      “Well if you don’t, you should.  I told you three years ago how things stood between us and don’t go tryin’ to deny it.  I warned you not to be givin’ something away that belongs to me.”
      “And just what do you think belongs to you, O’Malley?  You haven’t called me, haven’t written and barely spoken to me when we saw each other at Mass.  And from this I’m supposed to know that I somehow belong to you?” she demanded.
      “No, you’re supposed to know because I told you, right out and proper like.  And don’t think I haven’t been keepin’ an eye on you darlin’ because I have.  The way I see it you have quite a few things to atone for.”
      “Oh, I do, do I?”
      “Aye, you certainly do.”
      “Like what?”
      “Like the way you let Kelly Rourke kiss you in the sanctuary after choir practice.”
      “How do you know about that?” she gasped.  “And I didn’t let him kiss me, he just did it.”
      “You should have slapped his face.  I haven’t even kissed you yet and I’m going to wed you.”
      “Who says?  What makes you think I’d marry you anyway?”
      “I don’t think, I know,” he replied confidently. 
      Maeve snorted as Sean pulled up in front of her house.
      “I’ll pick you up after school tomorrow,” he stated, turning to face her as he shut the car off.
      “Don’t bother,” she shot back, opening the door. 
      “Little lass, you’re playin’ with fire and you’re goin’ to get burnt in more ways than one.  You’ve loved me since you were seven so don’t try to deny it, and I’ve loved you too.  I’ve been waitin’ for you to grow up, but it’s come to me that you might need a man’s firm hand in order to do that.  After tonight I’m more convinced than ever.  I need to marry you before you get yourself into trouble you can’t get out of.  Now get up the yard before I forget that you’re not feelin’ well.  I’ll be waitin’ for you tomorrow.”
      “There’s no law against waitin’, O’Malley,” she said with a smile.  “I’ve been waitin’ for three years.”  Slamming the door she ran up the steps to her house.
©2017 Stevie MacFarlane

This book is not available yet.  I'll be submitting it to my publisher, Blushing Books, on Monday.  After that it's out of my hands and will be released on their time table, providing they like it.  I wanted to post the first chapter for those of you who have always supported me and waited so long and so patiently for this book.  Thank you.
Please feel free to comment.
Hugs,
Stevie

Photo credit: Copyright: dundanim / 123RF Stock Photo

Today I'm Sharing Shanna Handel's New Release, Daddy Mine

A non-traditional tale of traditional love.

Wes has come to the gripping realization that he would rather be a lifelong bachelor than to settle for anything less than his heart’s true desire—the love of a strong woman who can be a good little girl in his arms. Having decided that his type of woman does not exist, he represses his need by spending his days working dawn to dusk on his family’s ranch.
 
When Garrett, his younger brother, who left the ranch for a lucrative career on Wall Street, comes home to visit, he has a new girlfriend in tow. Carrie has an innocence that Garrett's women have never possessed. From her golden curls to her chocolate brown eyes, she is as sweet as they come. Wes is intrigued by her demeanor.
 
Wes discovers quickly that Carrie has a feisty side as well. When she demands to ride Mabel, his untamed horse, she doesn’t take Wes’ answer to heart. Wes threatens to take Carrie over his knee and her reply is only three little words, “Like a Daddy?” which turns Wes’ world upside down. When Carrie pushes Wes too far, the inevitable happens, and it unleashes a life-altering chain of events.
 
Will Wes be able to keep his feelings for Carrie to himself? Can Garrett stay true to Carrie, or will his wild ways return? Will the brothers be divided by unexpected circumstances? Will Carrie survive the ensuing turmoil? Or have their worlds indeed been turned upside down for good?
 
Publisher’s note: This sweet, messy love story is intended for adults only. There are some elements of mild age play language and discipline of an adult woman. If any of these themes offend you, please do not purchase.

Excerpts; Have a little taste of ‘Daddy Mine’-
 
Like a Daddy
Carrie straightened herself to her full height. “I’ll ride her before I leave. Make no mistake.”
An angry, yet playful glint shone in her eyes as she was trying to tug her arm away.
“You make no mistake—you ride that horse, and I will spank your bottom until you aren’t
sitting comfortably for a week. Garrett’s girl, or not.” He held her arm firmly, rendering her tugging
useless. “My ranch, my rules, little girl.”
She stood, shocked, her eyes wide. In a breathless whisper, she said, “Like a Daddy.” Carrie
had dated few men. She held onto them for a few months, but none could fulfill her. Each man
lacked what Carrie desired most. It was something she could never quite put into words. Finally,
meeting Garrett, she had put those thoughts away. Time to settle down and no longer be looking
for something that didn’t exist.

Buy Link:
Amazon

Author Bio; Get to know Shanna Handel-
 
Shanna Handel lives in the South, where men still hold doors open, and people call her ma'am. Shanna and her soulmate are raising many their many children in an old farmhouse that they are endlessly fixing up. Her ideal evening is hanging out catching fireflies and rocking on the porch with music playing and good food being served up.
 
Shanna is a hopeless romantic with a great love story of her own and frequently lost in her imagination. Her end goal is to create a happy, peaceful home that feels like a throwback to a simpler time where her family and friends can visit.
 
Shanna tries to bring that feeling into her books, with hopes of transporting you to another place where you can rest for awhile in a good romance.

Blog
http://www.shannahandel.com
 Follow Shanna Handel on Amazon for information on new releases
https://www.amazon.com/Shanna-Handel/e/B01M32ZQUD

Here's The Thing About Anthologies - They're Delicious!

 I like to think of buying a book as a trip to the bakery.  I peek through the glass display cases and ogle all the pastries trying to decide whether I'm going to buy my old favorite or try something new.  They all look so lovely and decadent, but what if I waste my money?  What if I try something new and I'm disappointed?

On the other hand, maybe something different is just what I need.  Will I close my eyes and moan as I consume the gooey treat, licking my fingers and wishing I'd bought more? 

The same is true for me when I'm looking for a new book.  I peruse the selection, reading the samples, making my choice.  Will I go with an author I already love, or try someone new?

An anthology is like getting to try dozens of different treats for a fraction of what you'd pay individually. What's not to love? Some of us read the stories written by our favorite authors first and then go on.  Other people start at the beginning and read every one in order.  In any case, chances are you'll discover an author you've never read whose story make your heart pound and you'll be off looking for more of his or her books.

.Stevie MacFarlane is sweet.  No seriously, they say I am the sweet one.  I hear it all the time and I’ve tried so very hard to get down and dirty, nasty even, but alas, I am a cupcake. I may even be a ‘vanilla’ cupcake!

The Arms I Run To is my contribution to the fabulous anthology, Hero Undercover , and I must admit it’s a little on the sweet side. *Cringe* Oh don’t worry, the story has all the juicy stuff, a hot sexy couple, spankings and of course a villain who is oh so attractive but slimy as a slug. The hero, my, my, he’s very nice to look at, even if he is a touch too dominating. He is exactly the sort of man you’d want around if your life were in danger. Now getting back to the cupcake thing, the anthology is more like this. An assortment of yummy stories from talented authors and the heat levels in this book will go from toasty warm to sizzling hot! So don’t be afraid of not finding your favorite um…flavor.  It’s in there.  What’s your desire?

I’d like to mention a couple other important facts.  One is that the proceeds from the Hero Undercover Anthology are going to be donated to charities:  The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and Copline , a hotline for officers. 
The second important thing is that the amazing price of $.99 won’t last long once the book goes live.  It will go to $6.99. Now that’s still a bargain, but let’s face it, that six dollars would buy you a cupcake or two.

So, what are you waiting for?  A super sexy collection of hot stories by 25 of the bestselling authors in the genre, a price of $.99 and a donation to help those who Protect and Serve.  If that's not enough to convince you, check out this trailer!
Buy Links:
Amazon --- https://goo.gl/kg8LQY
Barnes & Noble -- https://goo.gl/k9SsOR
iBooks -- http://apple.co/2s7xMqU

When you marry in June...

You will always be a bride; The O'Malley Brides is a great book to read in the wedding month. Find this book and others in the O'Malley series on Amazon.
 
      "Tess stood at the end of the long white runner.  The church was packed with people and the organ was playing soft, sweet music.  Four year old Caitlin almost vibrated with impatience, her blonds curls quivering as she waited for Tess to whisper that it was time for her to start down the aisle scattering flower petals as she walked.  Caitlin’s pink dress perfectly matched the ring of flowers and baby’s breath in her hair.  The gray satin dress that Tess wore was short, sleeveless and full with a wide pink satin band around the waist.  The design was vintage and certainly appropriate for this family, Tess thought irritably.  A pillbox hat with a gray net veil perched on top of her recently shorn locks and gray satin pumps completed the outfit. 
Tess swished her perfectly cut angled bob enjoying the feeling of weightlessness of it.  Two feet of silky black hair was on its way to make a wig for cancer patients and she felt damn good about it.  Too bad if Rory O’Malley didn’t like it, she thought, as she narrowed her eyes and sent a glare to the front of the church wondering where the hell the groom was.
“Stop fidgeting,” Molly O’Malley leaned forward and whispered in her ear.  “It won’t help and the crinoline will make it worse.”
Tess bristled.   Sometimes it was so annoying that Molly knew everything.  When she first met Patrick’s wife she thought it was cool that Molly was gifted.  Lately, she felt just the opposite.  It was galling that not only had Molly warned her about cutting her hair, she knew what had happened this morning.
 Tess blushed as her eyes darted around the area to see if anyone else had overheard. 
“They didn’t,” Molly whispered again, “But someone will figure it out if you don’t stop acting like your ass is on fire.”
“My ass is on fire,” Tess hissed back wanting to slap the grin off Rory’s face as he watched her discomfort.  Quickly he turned, walked up the side aisle of the church, and disappeared into the anteroom.
“This is Nick and Maggie’s day.  Please try to get through the wedding and reception without killing my brother-in-law.”
“I’ll get through it…at the bar…standing.  But I cannot promise not to kill him afterwards.”
Molly’s soft tinkling laugh drew a few curious looks but she and Tess just smiled sweetly until the guests turned around."

The Arms I Run To/Hero Undercover Anthology - 25 Best-Selling Authors, One Fabulous Book

      Jay sat with his size fourteen shoes on the desk, occasionally glancing at the bank of cameras and cleaning his fingernails with his penknife. Lord he hated this gig, but in his line of work you didn’t get to choose. Sighing, he picked up his coffee and took a sip before seeing movement at the back of the property. Zooming in, he checked out the figure and determined it was the kid.
      She didn’t concern him. He’d seen her come and go like this a hundred times and if it turned her on to think she was pulling something over on her old man, so be it. He knew better. He knew there were men stationed outside the perimeter who would follow her without her ever noticing.
      Leaning back, he took another sip and watched her; then his eyes narrowed. There was something different about her gait, about the way the jeans hugged her ass. The nervous way she stopped and looked around every few yards didn’t seem right. It set his senses on high alert. Peering closer, he noticed the hair peeking out from under her cap. Crap, it was dark and he knew if it should fall off the hair would spill down her back in a cascade of waves. It wasn’t the kid, it was the woman and she was walking right into a trap.
      What the hell!
      “Travis, I need you to cover for me,” he said calmly into his radio. “Nature calls.”
      “Sure thing, I’ll be there in a minute,” his partner responded.
      He knew Travis would be running. ‘Nature calls’ was their signal that something was up, something that couldn’t wait. As soon as the other man entered the room, Jay was out the door, no questions asked.
      He hit the pavement in less than thirty seconds, hopped over the side of his ’65 Mustang convertible and gunned it as soon as the powerful engine roared to life. Travis was on cue, hitting the button that unlocked the gate giving him mere inches to spare as he sailed through it. The uniformed guard was probably on the phone before he raced down the street.
      “Get in,” he yelled when he pulled up beside her.
      She ignored him, still pretending to listen to her earbuds.
      “NOW!” he roared.
      Joy froze, looking at him. It was obvious she recognized him, clear she was going to run and right this minute he didn’t have time to chase her. He had no idea where the others were. They could be ahead of him, behind him or taking aim right now. He pulled his gun and pointed it at her.
      “Get in the fucking car, now,” he growled. Thank God she moved, diving in the seat without opening the door. He hit the gas and spun out, leaving streaks of rubber on the pavement. Smoke filled the air, giving them precious seconds. He heard the squeal of brakes behind them and knew he’d bought them some time, not much. Jay buried the speedometer while Joy struggled to get in the seat properly.
      “Seat belt,” he barked out over the sound of the throbbing mufflers. About half a mile down the road he threw the shifter into neutral and flipped the key, killing the engine. Coasting he pulled into a break in the trees, thankful that it was still daylight and his ‘stang was dark green. He never touched the brakes.
      The car finally rolled to a stop and he looked at her. Tears were running down her cheeks and she was still struggling to buckle the belt. Reaching over, he brushed her trembling hands away and snapped it into place.
      Big blue eyes looked up at him. Her lip quivered.
      “Please don’t take me back,” she whispered.
      “Where were you going?” he asked roughly. He couldn’t lose sight of his objective here, no matter how her tears affected him.
      “I don’t know,” she replied, staring at her hands. “Somewhere… anywhere away from here.”
      “Why now?”
      Joy reached up and pulled the neck of her baggy sweatshirt down. Jay felt the blood rush to his head. He studied each fingerprint around her neck and slammed his fist on the steering wheel. He’d seen worse, but for some reason he couldn’t remember when. Bile rose in his throat and he swallowed it back down. Instinct pushed him to return to the house and beat the shit out of the man who’d done this to her. Not all the bruises were new. Some were green, indicating this was not a one-time incident. It made everything so much worse.
      “Who are you?” she asked, watching his face.
      “J.R. Everly,” he replied.
      “You work for him,” she said sadly. “I do his books. I sign your paychecks.”
      “Yup,” he admitted.
      “Then why did you grab me? Why not just let the others drag me back?” she asked suspiciously.
      “Let’s just say he’s not the only one I work for and leave it at that,” Jay answered, pulling a cigarette from a pack on the dashboard and lighting it.
      “Then you’re a plant of some kind,” she sneered. “Must be nice collecting two paychecks.”
      “It would be, if I could keep both of them,” he said with a sharp laugh.
      “Why can’t you?” she demanded, fiddling with the buckle.
      “Don’t,” he snapped, pleased when her hands fell away.
      “What are you going to do with me?” she asked. “Are you going to hurt me?”
      “Not like that,” he replied harshly, “never like that. If you’re a good girl and do exactly what I tell you, you might just come out of this unscathed, otherwise…”

Joy Bradley was a bit disappointed when she ended up taking a job as a Junior Accountant after finishing her degree in Forensic Accounting.  It seems like a step down the ladder instead of up, but she had rent to pay and debts to meet.  One of the things that made it slightly more bearable was John Barrows, the gorgeous owner of the company who was said to be worth billions. Not that she ever expected to catch the eligible bachelor’s notice, but a girl could still dream, couldn’t she?
Joy focused on doing the best job she could, despite how boring it was. However, it wasn’t long before Joy began to notice a number of discrepancies and strangely coded deposits into foreign accounts.  Unable to help herself she begins to investigate, falling headlong into a secret world of money laundering, racketeering and murder.

J.R. Everly has been working the Barrows case for months and the last thing he needs getting in his way is a young and ambitious woman like Joy.  When she presents her findings to the owner she inadvertently puts herself in a very dangerous position.

Barrows instantly lays claim to Joy, bringing her into his home to ‘keep her safe’ until he can conclude his own investigation. Jay knows far too well the kind of man Barrows is.  Can he protect Joy and still not blow his cover? 


This excerpt is part of The Arms I Run To , my novella contained in Hero Undercover .

SUMMER IS COOLER WHEN YOU STAY UNDERCOVER!
25 New York Times, USA Today, and award-winning best-selling romance authors offer this sizzling compilation of panty-melting undercover bad boys, from swoon-worthy cowboys and alpha military men to deliciously decadent dominants.  This smoking-hot collection features a wide array of stories including dark fantasies, seductive sci-fi, and erotic BDSM, all with the sweet happily-ever-afters you crave!
 
Hundreds of pages for one unbeatable price. Turn up the AC, lie back, and escape into these brand new, red hot riveting reads.
Authors include:  Annabel Joseph, Addison Cain, Renee Rose, Maggie Ryan, Maddie Taylor, Emily Tilton, Trent Evans, Jennifer Bene, Sophie Kisker, Megan Michaels, Katherine Deane, Maggie Carpenter, Jane Henry, Maisy Archer, Alyssa Bailey, Claire Conrad, Stevie MacFarlane, Piper Stone, Anya Summers, Lucy Wild, BJ Wane, A.C. Rose, April Hill, Amelia Smarts, Meredith O’Reilly

A Taste for Red by Piper Stone
When Private Investigator Shanna Jacobs and Cowboy Detective Cody Walker are forced to work on a wine fraud case, sparks fly in both directions. As the case moves into dangerous territory, the key players aren’t what they seem, but if they solve the case, will they learn to accept their intense attraction?
Justice, Roughly by Amelia Smarts
An undercover deputy must decide where his loyalties lie—with the law or with the beautiful criminal who rescues him.
The Strategy of Love by Alyssa Bailey
Part time photographic Journalist and benevolent worker Kayla Rhea was not haunted by the memory of her kidnappers but of her rescuer and his admonition. Ex-Army Major Hunter Barrett, settled in his civilian life, is now on a mission to claim the woman of his dreams or purge her from his life forever.
The Arms I Run To by Stevie MacFarlane
Can a woman be too smart for her own good?  Apparently, for when Joy Bradley takes a position she’s overqualified for, she soon finds herself up to her neck in trouble.
Uncharted Waters by Maisy Archer
An undercover protection detail aboard a luxury cruise ship seems like just the kind of easy, straightforward assignment Lucas needs … Until he learns that the client he’s tasked with protecting is the one beautiful, headstrong, infuriating woman he’s never been able to get out of his mind.
The Ranger’s Shotgun Bride by Maddie Taylor
Having fallen hard for her father's hired man, Amelia is crushed when she learns he's behind a string of stagecoach robberies.  When she takes matters into her own hands, and goes after the bandits herself, she learns things aren't always what they seem.
Revenge Served Hot by Sophie Kisker
My name is Livvi, and for the next thirteen months I’ll be on my knees, paying off my father's debts, owned by a man who seeks to destroy me. My life looks painfully short, until a man with a dark past offers to rescue me - but only at a price I'm terrified to pay.
The Mercenary’s Girl by Emily Tilton
CIA operative Jack Regensburg would have had enough trouble taking down mercenary kingpin Sir Jeffrey Young even if he hadn't fallen helplessly in love with one of Sir Jeffrey's captive girls, the lovely young Tess Roberts. When Sir Jeffrey decides that Jack, undercover as a bodyguard, must punish Tess in a new and extremely humiliating way, Jack must act, but will he be able to save Tess from Sir Jeffrey's fury without putting his cover, and the crucial operation, at grave risk?
Cherry on Top by Katherine Deane
What do you get when you combine a sassy, curvy baker, her overprotective brother, his hot Army best friend, a crazy stalker, sexual chemistry hot enough to bake a chocolate cake, and nuns? The kinky spankings Cherry has always desired, a bit of Daddy talk Jacob loves, and a recipe ending with a Happily Ever After—and a Cherry on Top.
Saving Sarah by BJ Wane
When Sarah Thompson goes husband hunting at a local night club, she attracts the attention of a serial GHB rapist.  Police Chief Travis Nolan intends to be the man in Sarah’s bed and won’t let anything stand in his way, including Sarah’s stubborn tenacity.  
The Honey Trap by Lucy Wild
Nate - I went undercover to get the place shut down. Not to fall for her…
Kathryn - It was just a job. Until he arrived.
The Scarlet Stiletto by Maggie Carpenter
1940’s Murder Mystery.
A frantic but beautiful woman bursts into the office of a roguishly handsome detective and begs him for help, claiming she found her red stiletto at the scene of her husband’s murder. The sexy seductive siren with kiss-me-now lips is hard to resist, but he quickly discovers there are gaping holes in her story.
The Russian by Renee Rose
Yuri - I don't care if I get whacked by the mob or fired from the FBI. I can’t stay away from her. And there’s no way I’m letting her get hurt. Hell, if any of them touch her, I’ll blow my cover in a second.
A Thief for the Duke by Megan Michaels
Rescuing a thieving beauty from the prospect of prison, the Duke of Norfolk has taken on the role of Headmaster for a School for Wayward Women under the guise of reforming the waif into a lady of society. Will it be she who is reformed, or will it be he who is changed in the process?
Tamara’s Choice by Trent Evans
Assigned to infiltrate the shadowy Dominion Trust, a vice cop on deep cover visits the lurid, penitential installation known as The Farm.
But to rescue one of the beautiful inmates from her sentence of sexual slavery, he must save something else first — himself.
Detective Hercules by A.C. Rose
Detective Hercules Andrews and drive time radio dating expert Lizzy Harper bond over their respective injuries. When she reveals details about the super hot cop on her show, a New York City controversy of epic proportion ensues and he's forced to go undercover – as her boyfriend.
Slave for a Day: an Idan and Svali novella by Jane Henry
When Svali’s sister is taken hostage on a foreign planet, Svali and her fierce warrior husband are eager to undertake the rescue mission. Neither Svali nor Idan anticipated their job would mean masquerading as master and slave…. nor how very erotic the venture could be.
Testimony by Maggie Ryan
Vows—hers to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth—his to protect the witness with his very life. But when both are up against pure evil, what will the ultimate price of justice be?
Her Protector by Annabel Joseph
Rowan Park works in a secret, hyper-secure area of the government, defending the homeland from malicious hacking attacks. When a kidnapping attempt threatens her life, she’s forced to seek shelter—and comfort—in an unexpected protector’s arms.
Monster by Jennifer Bene
Cold, ruthless, vicious… I’m Paulo García’s monster, and I’d swallowed that bitter pill whole, learned to deal with it — until Nicky. I know I should try to help her, protect her, but then who will save her from me?
Her Undercover Doms by Anya Summers
Sherry can't believe her luck, she followed a Dom to the Bahamas only to have him fall for another submissive, and to make matters worse, that same Dom has issued her an ultimatum, either submit to the handsome Doms Patrick and Nick to become a better sub or leave the island. Will the two undercover CIA Agents convince the gorgeous beauty that she is the submissive for them or will their undercover investigation tear them apart?
A Night by my Fir e by Addison Cain
The risk River had taken saving a stranger bigger than a linebacker and as grateful as a psychopath put her in a bad position. Someone had left him to die... and good men didn’t get dumped in the cold.
The Officer's Little Girl by Meredith O’Reilly
Adam is assigned to go undercover at 'The Little Resort' and take down the owner who has been selling illegal drugs. He gets partnered to be Chloe's Daddy and ends up falling head over heels in love for his little girl.
Pandora and the Pool Guy by April Hill
Forced to enter the Witness Protection Program, Pandora finds a mutual attraction with the pool guy. But is he really just the handyman next door?
In Too Deep by Claire Conrad
One chance encounter is all it takes for hard-ass undercover agent Jace Montgomery to fall in love. When the woman who stole his heart is taken hostage, he'll destroy anything and everything in his way to save her.

This anthology is now available for pre-order for $0.99.  The release date is June 27, 2017, so in about 16 days it will automatically be delivered to your Kindle, Nook or cellphone.  Don't miss out on this great deal.  I imagine it will take you several steamy nights to read and it might cause some as well.

Links:
Amazon --- https://goo.gl/kg8LQY
Kobo -- https://goo.gl/sA0i3Z
Barnes & Noble -- https://goo.gl/k9SsOR


The Arms I Run To Photo Credit:
Copyright: teksomolika / 123RF Stock Photo

The Marriage Market, Complete 5 Book Set on Sale on Amazon

  Martha is the final book in my mail-order bride series and you can currently buy all five books as a set on Amazon for a reduced price of $14.95!  I'm not sure how long this price cut will last, but now is the time to jump on it if you haven't read this series.

Follow the brides as they journey to the Pacific Northwest seeking husbands only to find upon their arrival that the position has been filled by Amelia, the first bride.

Amelia travels west to marry Hugh Jordon and is not happy when she finds she's not the only young woman her new husband has promised to wed.  It's all a mistake, of course, but before she can come to terms with what's happened she sends a very distressed letter to her best friends back east.

Euphemia and Grace immediately set out for Seattle to 'rescue' Amelia and find their own brand of trouble along the way as a Pinkerton Detective dogs their every move. Jonah Blackthorn has been hired to track the runaway socialites and return Grace to her fiancee, never knowing the man is abusive. Effie is not having it and the two women match wits with both the persistent detective as well as Horace Remington, who is determined to reclaim and punish the woman who ran from him.

The irrepressible Effie meets her match in Hugh Jordon's brother, Samuel, a man who has no desire to marry but finds he cannot keep his hands off the opinionated, gun-toting Effie.

Suzanna is a haughty southern 'bitch' who is determined to snag her own wealthy husband and she doesn't particularly care if she has to steal him away from one of the other brides. Effie becomes her nemesis and the two form an epic hatred for each other that doesn't resolve until they must depend on each other to survive a horrible accident.  Suzanna meets her match in Dalton, the sheriff's deputy who can't decide which she needs more, discipline or love.

Throughout the series Martha is always the level-headed, steadfast one. A dressmaker from Philadelphia she's used to being on her own and making her own decisions.  When she's swept off her feet by Ethan Jorgenson she's not sure she can bow to a man's authority.  Ethan is understanding and patient until Effie and Susanna nearly perish. It's then he decides he must wed a woman who will listen and obey when it concerns her safety. Martha loves Ethan, but is consumed by doubt regarding the wisdom of marrying at all. 

When the ladies join together to start a temperance movement next door to the most notorious saloon in Seattle, The Bucket of Blood, all bets are off!  Skirts are raised, fannies are paddled and ears are boxed as the ladies fight for their independence.

The stories of many other brides are woven into this series.  Jane, Elinor, Alice, Molly, Clara, Mary and Charlotte all find the men they are meant for. 

I think my favorite one of these love stories is the one between the long-married Tempest and Duncan Jordon.  Sam and Hugh's parents have always had a very tempestuous relationship, one that has not set a good example for their sons and is the main reason Sam is so hesitant to marry.  It's not until the arrival of Amelia that Duncan learns the secret of dealing with his beautiful and volatile french wife.

So come along for a wild ride.  These books are full of romance, humor, intrigue, danger and some pretty hot lovemaking, if I do say so myself. There are villains, troublemakers and some very loving yet dominant men trying to protect the women they adore.  There are bright and feisty women who while they don't mind submitting to their men in the bedroom, will fight tooth and nail to maintain their independence outside of it. 

If you already own some of these books, the first four are on sale separately. Now is the time to complete your collection.  Check them out on Amazon, read the reviews and take the plunge.  If this is your genre, I don't think you'll be sorry.  You can find these by clicking the picture above or this link.

Amazon

Thanks for stopping by.
Stevie

A New Release by Vanessa Brooks, Elspeth: Mudlark Waif

 Debauchery-Darkness-Despair-Passion-Light-hope...
 A woman is made up of many aspects of personality and Elspeth Merryweather is no exception. She is a young Victorian woman whose character has been formed out of necessity. Lifted from despair she is given hope, but a cruel twist of fate changes everything. A simple courageous act on her part leaves her with total amnesia. Remembering nothing of her previous life she awakens with no memories of the cruelties she has previously suffered or the love she has recently found. Can Elspeth, a lost waif, survive the rigours of poverty in the harshness of Victorian London?
Turning to mudlarking as a way of survival, can she create enough strength to sustain her through desperate times?  Can a strict professor make her feel alive? Using loving discipline he brings safety to Elspeth’s troubled life but will she have the courage to become her own person and rekindle the passion she once felt for her lost love, even though she cannot remember his name? Can an emerald, the mystical Shiromani, help bring these star crossed lovers back together to form the bonds that they have lost?
Vanessa Brooks brings us her new sensual Victorian melodrama, one that will enthrall you and carry you on a journey spanning the distance from India all the way to Victorian England during the 1870s. This is an epic tale that encompasses betrayal and a lasting love that knows no bounds.

DISCLAIMER: This book is intended for adults only. It contains elements of power exchange, dubious consent, discipline, explicit sexual scenes including anal play. If any of these elements offend you, please do not purchase this book.

Excerpt:
“Open your eyes Elspeth, watch yourself come. Watch yourself as I control your pleasure.” She stared into the mirror, a young woman, naked, flushed with arousal stared back at her, wide eyed, pupils dilated with lust, nipples puckered like raspberries. Pale coppery hair that escaped her coiffure, hung in curls about her shoulders. Her legs divided either side of her handsome husband’s lap. His knees, set with neat creases in his trousers, looked wickedly incongruous between her immodestly splayed thighs. Even more inappropriate to her eye, was the sight of his white cuffed wrists as his hands fervently delved into her pinkly exposed loins, tormenting her quim to the point where she would very soon orgasm. It was an overwhelmingly erotic sight, her body hummed with impending culmination.

Links:
Amazon
Blushing Books

Bio:
 International bestselling author Vanessa Brooks lives in Sussex England. She has a lifelong love of history, most especially English and American. She has written a couple of western tales, one notably for the Red Petticoat series which was such a huge success in America. Her Georgian series, Masterful Husbands, set in the 1700's also proved highly successful both sides of the Atlantic.
Vanessa’s novels are generally historically based; she has a knack of bringing an authenticity to the era in which her novels are set. Vanessa carefully researches each time period and strives to ensure that any historical facts she uses are correct.
More importantly, she writes entertaining books for her readers to enjoy. She includes passion adventure, romance and domestic discipline, de rigueur within the eras of her popular novels.

The best way you can ensure that your likes and dislikes are made known to an author, is to leave a review. Please, take a moment out from your busy day and leave a review for the books that you enjoy! It is often the only indication an author has that you enjoyed their tale.

Vanessa loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her:
vanessanovels@inbox.com

Follow her on Twitter @blushingvanessa
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vanessanovels

website: http://vanessanovels.weebly.com/
Vanessa writes exclusively for American publishers ABCD Graphics Design - Blushing Books

Wip It Up Wednesday

Welcome to my post for the Wip It Up Wednesday Blog Hop. It's been a while since I participated in a blog hop and I'm not sure I've ever done this one, so I hope I don't screw it up.
From what I understand I'm not limited to a few sentences so I'm going to share an excerpt from Martha, Book Five in The Marriage Market Series, which is the final book.  It was just release last weekend and so far the reviews are good.  I hope you enjoy it and you'll consider checking this series out.  I really had some fun writing about all of these women, Amelia, Grace, Effie, Suzanna and Martha and them men who love them.

In this, the final book of the series, I had more than one bride to marry off, so things get a bit wild.  This particular excerpt is about Clara, one of the brides who is very involved in getting the ladies active in the Temperance Movement and Lucas, the owner of Seattle's most notorious saloon, The Bucket of Blood.

Excerpt:
“Have you lost what little sense you were born with?” Clara demanded when Lucas entered his office and set her on her feet, plucking the blanket from her head.
He ignored her, placed one big hand on the top of her head and pushed her down onto the chair behind his desk.
“Stay,” he commanded, walking to the wall and pressing his ear against it.
“Why, you nasty little eavesdropper,” Clara hissed in outrage as she jumped from the chair.
“Little?” he asked with a laugh as he looked her up and down. “Sit.”
“I am not a dog,” she replied. “Martha,” she screamed, marching over next to him. “He’s listening to everything.”
“She can’t hear you,” he said smiling. “She wouldn’t be able to hear her own mother calling her to dinner with the racket she’s making. Now sit down before you meet the same fate,” he continued, staring down at her.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she gasped, taking a step back.
“Don’t delude yourself, little woman. Not only would I dare, but I have a feeling I’d enjoy it a whole lot more than our friend next door. He happens to love her. I only think you’re cute and you’d be just as cute over my knee. Now, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get your bustle in that chair,” he warned, pointing to the item.
Clara made a run for it. He’d known she would. It was only a matter of time, but he’d been hoping to hear how Ethan handled himself and his feisty fiancée. Sighing, he lunged for Clara and wrapping one arm around her waist, held her easily well off the floor, her back to his front. He twisted her out of range when she tried to beat on the wall with her fist as she yelled her head off.
“Well, I guess I’m not going to be able to hear anything of importance,” Lucas sighed. “We might as well sit down.” Walking to his desk he sank onto his chair and settled her on his lap.
“Let me go, immediately,” she demanded, pulling his hair until he pried her hands loose and clasped them both in one of his.
“Why, so you can run and help your misguided friend? I don’t think so. It’s my belief Miss Martha is getting exactly what she deserves and if you don’t settle down, I’ll tan your hide as well. Now what do you have to say about that?” he asked, smiling.
“I say you’re an overgrown, demented man who wouldn’t know good manners if he fell over them. Why don’t you go back to the sorry state of Texas where you belong?” she said, prying her hands free and crossing them over her chest.
“What? You wait just one minute, sassy-pants, you can say what you want about me, but you leave Texas out of it. Texas is a fine state, just fine,” he insisted, with a glare.
“Yes, I can see the kind of uncivilized brutes that fine state produces!”
“Aw, can’t you be quiet for a minute or two. I want to hear what’s going on. Sounds like Ethan is getting to the bottom of things,” he said with a grin.
Clara boxed his ears.
“There, see what you can hear now,” she crowed, jumping from his lap when his hands flew to his ringing ears.

Thanks for stopping by. Please click on the linky list below to visit the others authors sharing on this blog today or the WIP photo at the top of this post to take you to the home page. 

To purchase Martha use the Amazon or Blushing Books link.


Links:
Amazon
Blushing Books

Martha, Book Five, The Marriage Market

Martha Jonas can’t seem to help feeling a bit sorry for herself. Her gentle Ethan, the man she plans to marry, has put his foot down, telling her what she must and must not do. It’s appalling! The very idea that, as her husband, the big Swede would feel justified – no, worse than that – entitled to pull her over his lap and smack her bottom when she displeases him is simply too much to bear.

Perhaps she won’t marry at all! Martha decides an independent woman is not a good match for a dominating man. She will show Ethan that she isn’t a silly woman and can take care of herself.

That, of course, is before all hell breaks loose.

In the space of a few days, everything changes. When the men find out about the secret plans for ‘that temperance nonsense,’ they are not amused. Jane’s children go missing on their way west, and their escort turns out to be less than desirable. Clara Webster falls into the hands of Lucas Armstrong, the owner of The Bucket of Blood, one of the most notorious saloons in Seattle. Mary disappears entirely, and Ethan finally decides he’s had enough of Martha’s wishy-washy attitude toward marriage.

Come along for the ride. Will the last bride bow to convention and accept the love and authority of the man who offers what might be her last chance for wedded bliss?

Martha is the fifth book in the Marriage Market series and while it can be read as a stand-alone, the reader would benefit from reading the books of this best-selling series in order.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains elements of power exchange, domestic discipline, and adult content. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.



Excerpt:
“Then take me now, Ethan,” she pleaded. “I am distraught and I want to look forward to my wedding and the wedding night with happiness and not fear.”

“Martha, you do not know what you are asking of me. It is not the way I was raised. I want you to come to me as a virgin bride.”

“Well I don’t,” she replied crossly. “Really, Ethan, I can’t believe you won’t do this one little thing for me. You say you love me, but refuse to consider how I feel about this. What difference does it make if we do this now? Wouldn’t you rather have me come to our wedding happy and eager instead of scared to death?” she demanded.

“Yes, of course I would prefer that,” he answered thoughtfully.

Ethan was surprised and completely tempted. At the same time, he worried that if he failed to perform properly, or hurt her unduly she might call off the wedding entirely and insist she would prefer to remain single. It was quite a dilemma, until she snaked her arms around his neck and began to nibble on his ear.

“Martha, that is not fair,” he protested weakly. “I am trying to think of all possible consequences of what you ask of me.”

“Ethan, for once can’t you be a little less thoughtful and a little more spontaneous?” she breathed in his ear before biting sharply on the lobe.

“Ouch, you are being very naughty,” he cried, rubbing his earlobe.

Martha said nothing; she simple lifted one of his large hands, slipped it inside her robe and placed it on her breast. He felt her pebbled nipple pressing against his palm, felt his member swelling faster than it ever had in his entire life and knew with one hundred percent certainty that he had lost this argument.

With a heavy sigh, Ethan removed his hand, after tweaking her nipple and lifted her from his lap. He placed her on the couch and rose to his enormous height, looked down at her and shook his head. He locked the front door; made sure the screen was in front of the dying fire and returned to the couch.

Reaching down with one hand he pulled her to her feet and right over his shoulder. She squealed out in surprise, but did not struggle. Halfway up the stairs, he swatted her bottom, hard.

“What was that for?” she gasped, lifting her head.

“For being so darn stubborn,” he replied as he continued up to her room.

“Ethan, I’m afraid of heights,” she cried, clutching his shirt fretfully.

“Then perhaps you should have married a stubby, little man,” he offered as he strode down the hallway.

“Perhaps I still will,” she sassed.

He swatted her again as he entered her room.

“Ouch!”

“You no longer have any such option,” he informed her before tossing her on her bed and following her down. “From this moment on, you belong to me and only to me, forever,” he breathed against her lips. “Say stop now, Älskling, for this is your last chance,” he warned.

“Take me,” she whispered.

Links:
Amazon
Blushing Books

Cheri's New Rules, Markie Morelli

Something a little different today.  I hope you enjoy it.

Every marriage has its ups and downs and for twenty years Judge Michael Reynolds reminded himself of that fact, daily. His wife, Chéri, was the epitome of the perfect suburban wife. Chéri, worked for an advertising agency, raised their twin sons and micromanaged them all to within an inch of their lives. It worked, he assured himself. It didn’t work well, but it worked. He kept his nose to the grindstone and stayed out of her way as best he could, avoiding confrontations and acting as a buffer between her and the boys. Even now he wasn’t sure if he had a mid-life crisis or it had something to do with the boys going off to college, but one day he’d had enough, more than enough! It was time for some new rules and for the first time in a very long marriage he felt capable of enforcing them. Michael tried not to present them as an ultimatum, but Chéri, knew what they were just the same. Her husband was tired of her domineering, controlling ways. While he readily accepted his part of the blame for what their marriage had become, he was not willing to continue with the status quo.

What he wanted shocked her to her core. At the same time, there was a certain aspect of his idea that appealed to her in a way she never would have suspected. You see Michael wanted to take over, everything. He wanted to be the one in charge of their household and especially of her, convinced it would improve their love life as well as their marriage. He wanted to try age-play. They would start slowly, he assured her. On the weekends he would become her daddy. She would leave her troubles and adult responsibilities at the door when she walked in the house on Friday evening. From then on it was his turn to take care of her. He would provide for all her needs, love and care for her and discipline her when the need arose. In return for her obedience, she would be pampered and sexually satisfied in ways only he was aware of.

For sure it was a leap of faith, but Chéri takes it and finds far more than she bargained for as this forty-something couple learns you can teach an old dog, new rules.

DISCLAIMER: This book contains the spanking of adult women, the dynamic of age-play, elements of power exchange, sexually explicit scenes including anal play. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase this book.

Excerpt:

Chéri staggered into the kitchen an hour later, barefoot and wearing nothing but a pair of bikini panties and a crop top. Her hair was a total mess, her eye make-up was smeared to the point she resembled a raccoon and she shot him a dismissive glance as she opened the refrigerator and got out the orange juice.
“Just how much longer is this silent treatment expected to last?” he inquired, placing his cup in the sink.
“I have a headache,” she shot back, moving to get a glass from the cupboard. Her fingers worked hard trying to snag it as she stood on her tip-toes.
Michael reached over her head, took it from the cupboard and handed it to her. She did not say thank you. She snatched it from his hand and turned away.
“Having a headache is the least of your worries,” he drawled, setting a bottle of aspirin on the island. She ignored him and poured a glass of juice. Taking the bottle, she opened it and shook several pills into her hand before tossing them back. Then she wiped the back of her hand across her mouth.
“Says who?” she demanded.
“Chéri, what day is it?” Michael asked, leaning his forearms on the island and staring at her.
“Sunday, why?” she asked, gulping more of her drink. “And what happens in our home on Sundays?”
“Well,” she replied resting her chin on her hand and staring back at him. “Usually we play sexy games Daddy dreams up, but that was before I knew if I didn’t agree I was likely to become suddenly single,” she finished sweetly. “Now that I know the truth, I’m not so sure I want to play those games with a daddy who was clearly ready to give me up. I thought divorce was a dirty word in this house, Your Honor, but I guess not.”
“I never said I was going to divorce you,” Michael snapped. “I said I was unhappy. You never heard a thing I said because you can’t get past what you wanted to hear. I said I felt  useless, unwanted, disrespected, unappreciated and needed to do something about it. In desperation I took matters into my own hands and I’ve never been sorry for a moment. You needed someone to straighten out your priorities and who better than your husband, the man who loves you?” he growled.
“Oh,” she shouted, putting a hand to her head in pain. “I’ve always listened to you, supported you, you block head! Who stuck by you when you decided you didn’t want to be a doctor? Who helped pay the bills while you were in law school? It wasn’t some little girl, it was your wife, the big, bad bitch, that’s who,” she hissed.
“Chéri, we’ve been married over twenty years. We’ve helped each other through many difficult times. Marriage is supposed to be a partnership, not a platoon run by an out of control drill sergeant. No, wait, I take that back, it was worse than that. It was a dictatorship with you as the queen and the boys and I your subjects. I’m telling you there had to be a revolution and I organized it. There’s been a coup, pretty baby, and now the shoe is on the other foot. The only
difference is I am not a control freak. I will make sure you’re happy and satisfied, not left out in the cold like I was!”
“You make me sound horrible,” she accused, trying not to cry.
“You were, as much as it pains me to hurt you, you were. But those days are over, honey, behind us. What we have now is so much more. Why can’t you admit it, accept it?” he asked.
“Why are they better?” she demanded, “because now it’s you who has the control, the power?”
“No, you’ve got it all wrong. I only have what you’ve given me, don’t you see that? It’s your submission to me that’s healed me, made me feel like a man again. You’ve given me your love. You trust me to take care of you, to do what’s best for us. Chéri, you’re the woman I fell in love with times ten. I love the softness of you, the tenderness. I adore the way you come to me with your troubles and let me handle them; the way you put your body in my hands and let me lead you to climaxes so passionate you sometimes pass out.
“Don’t even try and tell me you don’t love the life we’ve made. All I have to do is slap your ass and your panties are wet. Do you think I don’t know there are certain words and phrases that make your heart pound and your knees weak? I’m an observant man, my love, and I’ve got your number. I know what turns you on and I know that while you may say otherwise, you love it when I push your limits. Your brain may say something different, but your body never lies. In fact, I think part of the problem is you need more, not less.

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