Té Russ's Blog, page 12
May 2, 2015
Excerpt from Love's Taken Over
Hey all!
It's been awhile since I shared an excerpt on here (I know I know, I need to do better, I've got to get a new computer).
I posted this teaser pic yesterday and decided to share the scene that inspired the pic. It's quite steamier than most of my excerpts. :-D Enjoy!This is a scene from my upcoming book, Love's Taken Over, book two in my upcoming series In the Line of Love.
Marcus had called to let Scarlette know that he was on his way to pick her up in the limousine he'd rented for them for the night and she head down to the lobby to wait for him.The doorman was opening the door for Scarlette as the limo pulled up to the curb. The back door slung open and she watched as Marcus stepped out of the vehicle, one leg at a time. He stood and looked up at Scarlette with a smile of appreciation."Ready and gorgeous as usual," he said, holding his hand out to her. "Yet, you never let me come upstairs to pick you up for these things."Scarlette smiled. "Why waste a trip upstairs? The sooner we get out of here, the sooner we can get to the food," she teased with a wink, as she placed her hand in his. She tried to ignore the slow moving heat that made it's way through her body ending with a pulsing between her legs.Marcus helped Scarlette into the limousine and she slid across the seat leaving a large space between them once he followed her in.He closed the door and they were on their way."Why in the world are you sitting way over there?"Scarlette looked up to see Marcus watching her intently.A slow wolfish grin spread across his lips and she clenched her legs tighter together as the throb intensified. "I won't bite," he teased, showing his perfect teeth."I know firsthand that's a lie," Scarlette said, laughing."Oh really?" Marcus said, raising an eyebrow. Scarlette sobered quickly. She'd spoke without thinking. Marcus crept closer toward her. He lifted his hand and traced a finger down her neck. "I'm guessing you had to cover up those passion marks I left on you for awhile."Scarlette swallowed and watched as Marcus eyes dropped down to her full breast being accentuated by the tight bodice of her gown. "Only the visible ones," Scarlette retorted, trying to calm her pulse down."Hmmm," Marcus said, pensively. "I wonder...""What?" She wasn't sure if she really wanted to know what was on his mind."Did...Julian leave any marks on you?"That was like a being doused in cold water. She recoiled from his touch and glared at him."Why in the hell would you ask me something like that?" she spat out.Marcus, who seemed extremely calm shrugged his shoulders. "Just sizing up the competition.""There is no competition between you and Julian," Scarlette insisted.Marcus looked at her with a conceited look. "Oh I know there's no competition."Scarlette shook her head. "That's not how I meant it, Marcus." She looked away from the intense stare he was giving her."We shouldn't be talking about this," Scarlette insisted."Why not? It's not like we haven't had conversations like this before," Marcus pointed out."True, but that was before..."She tried to scoot away from him, but he just closed the distance between them. He reached around her, his arm brushing against her waist as he pushed the button to close the privacy window in the limo. When it was closed, Marcus stayed where he was, practically pinning himself against Scarlette."He didn't leave one single reminder of your night together on you?" he asked, looking up and down her body as if he were giving her a thorough inspection. Although she was full clothed, she felt completely naked under his scrutiny. "Not everyone is as voracious as you are," Scarlette said, her breath growing labored."That's a pity," Marcus said. "No wonder you ended the night early.""If I recall, you ended your night early too.""Do you want to know the real reason I ended it early?" Marcus asked.Scarlette had a feeling she wouldn't like the answer, but she couldn't stop curiosity from running rampant. Marcus could see the question in her eyes so he answered. "The entire time I was with her, I was thinking of you."Scarlette gasped and looked Marcus in the eyes. "I have a feeling that's why you couldn't enjoy yourself with the doctor either."Scarlette shook her head, adamant to deny his accusations. "That's not–"All of her breath, whooshed out of her lungs, as he felt his hand slid up her leg that was revealed by the high slit in her dress."Did he make your body come alive the way I did?" he whispered in her ear. His hand went higher until his fingers reached the line of her panties."Marc–""Did he strum your body like I did? Take you higher and higher, bring you to the edge then stop right before you came apart in his arms. Then do it all over again."He pushed her panties to the side and slid his finger inside of her.A moan slid from her lips through no volition of her own. He stroked her over and over, rubbing his thumb across her sensitive bulb at the same time. "Did he make you as wet as you are right now?"Her mind was saying they needed to stop, but with one touch, her body was putty in his hands."Did he taste you Scar?" Marcus asked, gruffly. "What?" She'd gotten so lost in the sensations he was conjuring up inside of her, she barely heard his question. He grabbed the top of her panties in his hands. "Did. He. Taste. You?" he asked, as he slowly rolled down her panties. She should have been pissed off that he was asking her about her time with another man. But she knew what he was about to do and heaven help her she didn't want to stop him.She shook her head, as her legs trembled with anticipation. "No," she rasped, "he didn't."Marcus slid to his knees in front of her and spread her legs wide."Good," he said, triumphantly before she felt his tongue on her. Scarlette instantly bucked against his mouth as he began to feast on her. He lapped her up slowly at first, as if they had all of the time in the world; as if they weren't in the back of a limo and not on their way to a party. His hand went up from her thighs to her hips and he pulled her even further down on his mouth. "Marcus!" Scarlette cried out, as tension built up in her body, starting from where his mouth was connected to her, and shot out through every pore. He swirled his tongue and he picked up the pace, as if he just couldn't get enough of her.Scarlette placed her hand on the back of his head as she felt a powerful orgasm rip through her. She no longer cared whether or not the driver could hear her moans of ecstasy, especially when he clamped his mouth around her core and sucked hard.She thought she would pass out from the pleasure that nearly bordered on pain. As Scarlette came back down from her climax, Marcus slowed his ministrations, but never stopped. Finally, he pulled away and looked at her with a smile. "I bet the doctor never made you come like that."Instantly, Scarlette was pissed. She shoved him out of the way and yanked her panties off of the floor."Scarlette?""Don't," she said, as she shimmied back into her panties. "Just don't."She rolled the partition down. "Driver. Pull over please.""Scarlette, what are you doing?" Marcus asked, as he sat back on the seat."I'm getting out," she said, as the limo pulled to the side and came to a stop."What the hell do you mean you're getting out?"Scarlette opened the door and got out of the limo, with Marcus on her heels."Scarlette, wait a minute.""Taxi!" Scarlette shouted, with her hand up.Marcus reached for her hand and Scarlette jumped back, holding up her dress."Don't touch me Marcus.""You weren't saying that five minutes ago," he said."And I was a damn fool for not doing so," Scarlette said, walking to the cab that pulled up to them. She opened the door, but he slammed it shut."What is that suppose to mean?" Marucs demanded. "What just happened was nothing more than a pissing contest with someone who wasn't even relevant. It was just something for you to do to self-inflate your own damn ego. You didn't do it to satisfy me, you did it to satisfy yourself.""Scarlette–"Scarlette opened the door, and Marcus had to jump out of the way to keep from getting hit. "I'm going home," she said finally.Before he had a chance to stop her, she climbed in the taxi and slammed the door shut.When she got home, she got out of the dress, that she'd bought just for the party, and put on some pajamas. She went in her kitchen, grabbed her pint size carton of ice cream and spent the rest of the night on the couch, wondering how the hell things got so complicated.
April 12, 2015
Sample Sunday: From Just One Night
From Just One Night, coming this summer
*unedited*
“All right single ladies! It’s that time! Get out on the dance floor for the throwing of the bouquet!”Denise rolled her eyes and took a sip of her wine. She found the whole bouquet tossing routine insane. Women nearly tackling each other. Over some flowers? Absolutely insane.The ceremony itself had been wonderful. And the reception, up until this point, had been great. There weren’t many children in attendance, but the ones who were there had been sent off with nannies upstairs in the hotel rooms. The adults figured they’d had a long enough day as it was, and they deserved their own little fun time.So now the adults were letting their hair down so to speak.Denise knew with this bouquet toss, things were about to get really crazy.“Aren’t you a single lady?”Anthony’s voice slid across her skin like a sweet caress. She grinned and looked up over her shoulders into his eyes.Good Lord Anthony McAllister was an absolutely gorgeous man. He looked amazing in his tuxedo.Mahogany skin, chocolate brown eyes. And muscles. How did a doctor find time for the upkeep of a body like his?It was no wonder he was considered one of the city’s most eligible bachelors.Women nearly fell over themselves just to get a glance of him.The man actually stopped traffic every time he walked into her shop.Which brought her thoughts to his hair.The majority of the McAllister men wore their hair in an easy low cut style. But Anthony’s hair was long. Right now, he had his gorgeous dreadlocks bound at the nape of his neck, but Denise loved seeing it down.It was the highlight of her day sometimes to run her hand through that man’s hair when he came to her shop for his appointments.She’d been harboring somewhat of a crush on him for years now, but she’d been able to keep her feelings for him at bay with only seeing him once or twice a week. Even less lately since he hadn’t been coming in as much.But having to be around him so much now was wreaking havoc on her senses.She realized she must have been ogling the man somewhat and took a sip of her wine.“Yes,” she finally said, “I am a single lady. You know that Tony.”“So why aren’t you out there?”“I’d rather not get trampled by a bunch of matrimony hungry ladies.”He laughed. “Come on Dee! It’s all in good fun!”“I’m sure I won’t see you rushing out during the garter toss. Unless you’re eager to be the next McAllister married.”At those words she smiled when he cringed.“I suppose I see your point.”“I find this whole part of the ceremony-”“Denise!”Before she could get out the rest of her rant, Connie was calling her name. She turned back around and looked at her.“Get out here girl!”Denise shook her head at Connie and held up her hand to wave her off.“If you don’t get out here, I will come over there and drag you onto the dance floor,” Connie shouted.“Looks like Connie is calling you out,” Anthony said with a chuckle.“Looks that way,” Denise said, laughing as well. She gulped down the rest of her wine. “Well, duty calls.”“Good luck!” he shouted.“Same to you!” she shouted back.Anthony watched her slowly walk out to the dance floor then chuckled as she slid to the back of the very large crowd of women. The shoving had already begun. He shook his head. Denise was right, these women had a hunger in their eyes. He couldn’t believe women lost their minds over a crazy superstition over some flowers.Connie turned her back to the women. “Are you all ready?” she called out.There were shouts of anticipation from the women.She began to swing the flowers over her head. “One…two…three…”Her hands went over her head, but the bouquet was still in her hands.The women had already began to go wild.Connie grinned. “Just kidding!” she teased, “Here…we…go!”Then she tossed the bouquet and turned to watch it sail through the air.And land right into Denise’s folded arms.The women turned and looked like they were going run Denise over for the flowers, but then seemed to settle down with the applause.Denise’s eyes grew wide for a moment then relief flooded her as the crowd calmed down. She took it all in stride and waved the flowers over her head then curtsied. She made her way back over to him.“Not. A. Word.”He let out a loud laugh.“Fellas, it’s your turn!”Now it was Denise’s turn to laugh.The men reluctantly made their way to the dance floor. Like Denise, Anthony was the last to make his way out there. He took a glass of wine and stood with the rest of the men. He took a sip of wine and the DJ did a countdown for Drew to toss the garter.As the garter flew through the air, everyone laughed as all of the bachelors took a step back to try and avoid the lacy garment.And the laughs grew louder when the garter landed around Anthony’s wine glass.Anthony looked at the garter then shrugged and slid it up his arm. Like he’d told Denise, it was just good fun. He headed back to the wedding party table and winked at Denise who was still laughing. She nodded and held up the flowers again.“Congrats to both winners!” the DJ said. “Will the lovely lady who won the bouquet please return to the dance floor?”Denise, who seemed to have loosened up, after another glass of wine, stood and headed to the dance floor. A chair was set out and she was led to sit down in the chair.“Now it’s time for the catcher of the garter to put the garter on the catcher of bouquet!”The whistles and catcalls started at that announcement.The first chords of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get it On started, and Denise let a laugh that lit up the room. It was so infectious that Anthony couldn’t help but smile.Then he made his way over to Denise and she felt her pulse quicken at the look in his eyes. He sauntered over slowly. When he was finally standing in front of her she was snapped out of the trance Anthony’s gaze had held her in by the sound of the DJ.“Here’s the deal you guys. For every inch above the knee you put the garter, that is five years of happiness for the bride and groom.”Denise and Anthony both looked over to Connie and Drew who were smiling at them.Anthony looked back at Denise and grinned.“Well, we certainly can’t let them down now can we?”Denise couldn’t stop the giggle that rose up. “I suppose we can’t.”Finally, he knelt down and took her foot in his hand.“Miss Monroe, I must say you have a lovely set of legs.”“Flatterer.”He stretched the garter around her foot and slid it, slowly, up her leg.Denise was thankful that the dress was long, because she could have sworn the way Anthony’s fingers lingered on her thigh a little longer than necessary after he got the garter up as high as it would go. She attempted to keep the lighthearted look on her face but she felt her body heating up quickly. The heated look in his eyes didn’t help matters.“Uh-oh Anthony. I’ve got bad news.”They turned and looked at the DJ. “You did a great job getting the garter on. Unfortunately, you put it on the wrong leg. You’re going to have to take it off and do it all over again.”Anthony clutched his chest as if his task was a great pain. He looked at Denise with a wolfish grin. “We have to follow the rules Dee. Their marriage is at stake.”Denise sighed dramatically and lifted her leg. “If we must, we must!”Prince’s Kiss began to play and Anthony knelt down again to retrieve the garter. “It must be my lucky night,” he said pulling the garter down off of her leg.“Is that right?” Denise said with a smile on her face.“Getting to see these gorgeous legs twice in one night? Definitely, my lucky night.” He slid the garter up Denise’s other leg and this time she felt his fingers graze her thigh.“Mr. McAllister, I hope you’re not getting too fresh.”“You make it incredibly hard not to.”Denise looked away and blushed.“So, just how long are Connie and Drew going to have a happy marriage?”Anthony looked at Denise and that sexy grin spread across his face again. “I’d say a very long time.”
*unedited*
“All right single ladies! It’s that time! Get out on the dance floor for the throwing of the bouquet!”Denise rolled her eyes and took a sip of her wine. She found the whole bouquet tossing routine insane. Women nearly tackling each other. Over some flowers? Absolutely insane.The ceremony itself had been wonderful. And the reception, up until this point, had been great. There weren’t many children in attendance, but the ones who were there had been sent off with nannies upstairs in the hotel rooms. The adults figured they’d had a long enough day as it was, and they deserved their own little fun time.So now the adults were letting their hair down so to speak.Denise knew with this bouquet toss, things were about to get really crazy.“Aren’t you a single lady?”Anthony’s voice slid across her skin like a sweet caress. She grinned and looked up over her shoulders into his eyes.Good Lord Anthony McAllister was an absolutely gorgeous man. He looked amazing in his tuxedo.Mahogany skin, chocolate brown eyes. And muscles. How did a doctor find time for the upkeep of a body like his?It was no wonder he was considered one of the city’s most eligible bachelors.Women nearly fell over themselves just to get a glance of him.The man actually stopped traffic every time he walked into her shop.Which brought her thoughts to his hair.The majority of the McAllister men wore their hair in an easy low cut style. But Anthony’s hair was long. Right now, he had his gorgeous dreadlocks bound at the nape of his neck, but Denise loved seeing it down.It was the highlight of her day sometimes to run her hand through that man’s hair when he came to her shop for his appointments.She’d been harboring somewhat of a crush on him for years now, but she’d been able to keep her feelings for him at bay with only seeing him once or twice a week. Even less lately since he hadn’t been coming in as much.But having to be around him so much now was wreaking havoc on her senses.She realized she must have been ogling the man somewhat and took a sip of her wine.“Yes,” she finally said, “I am a single lady. You know that Tony.”“So why aren’t you out there?”“I’d rather not get trampled by a bunch of matrimony hungry ladies.”He laughed. “Come on Dee! It’s all in good fun!”“I’m sure I won’t see you rushing out during the garter toss. Unless you’re eager to be the next McAllister married.”At those words she smiled when he cringed.“I suppose I see your point.”“I find this whole part of the ceremony-”“Denise!”Before she could get out the rest of her rant, Connie was calling her name. She turned back around and looked at her.“Get out here girl!”Denise shook her head at Connie and held up her hand to wave her off.“If you don’t get out here, I will come over there and drag you onto the dance floor,” Connie shouted.“Looks like Connie is calling you out,” Anthony said with a chuckle.“Looks that way,” Denise said, laughing as well. She gulped down the rest of her wine. “Well, duty calls.”“Good luck!” he shouted.“Same to you!” she shouted back.Anthony watched her slowly walk out to the dance floor then chuckled as she slid to the back of the very large crowd of women. The shoving had already begun. He shook his head. Denise was right, these women had a hunger in their eyes. He couldn’t believe women lost their minds over a crazy superstition over some flowers.Connie turned her back to the women. “Are you all ready?” she called out.There were shouts of anticipation from the women.She began to swing the flowers over her head. “One…two…three…”Her hands went over her head, but the bouquet was still in her hands.The women had already began to go wild.Connie grinned. “Just kidding!” she teased, “Here…we…go!”Then she tossed the bouquet and turned to watch it sail through the air.And land right into Denise’s folded arms.The women turned and looked like they were going run Denise over for the flowers, but then seemed to settle down with the applause.Denise’s eyes grew wide for a moment then relief flooded her as the crowd calmed down. She took it all in stride and waved the flowers over her head then curtsied. She made her way back over to him.“Not. A. Word.”He let out a loud laugh.“Fellas, it’s your turn!”Now it was Denise’s turn to laugh.The men reluctantly made their way to the dance floor. Like Denise, Anthony was the last to make his way out there. He took a glass of wine and stood with the rest of the men. He took a sip of wine and the DJ did a countdown for Drew to toss the garter.As the garter flew through the air, everyone laughed as all of the bachelors took a step back to try and avoid the lacy garment.And the laughs grew louder when the garter landed around Anthony’s wine glass.Anthony looked at the garter then shrugged and slid it up his arm. Like he’d told Denise, it was just good fun. He headed back to the wedding party table and winked at Denise who was still laughing. She nodded and held up the flowers again.“Congrats to both winners!” the DJ said. “Will the lovely lady who won the bouquet please return to the dance floor?”Denise, who seemed to have loosened up, after another glass of wine, stood and headed to the dance floor. A chair was set out and she was led to sit down in the chair.“Now it’s time for the catcher of the garter to put the garter on the catcher of bouquet!”The whistles and catcalls started at that announcement.The first chords of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get it On started, and Denise let a laugh that lit up the room. It was so infectious that Anthony couldn’t help but smile.Then he made his way over to Denise and she felt her pulse quicken at the look in his eyes. He sauntered over slowly. When he was finally standing in front of her she was snapped out of the trance Anthony’s gaze had held her in by the sound of the DJ.“Here’s the deal you guys. For every inch above the knee you put the garter, that is five years of happiness for the bride and groom.”Denise and Anthony both looked over to Connie and Drew who were smiling at them.Anthony looked back at Denise and grinned.“Well, we certainly can’t let them down now can we?”Denise couldn’t stop the giggle that rose up. “I suppose we can’t.”Finally, he knelt down and took her foot in his hand.“Miss Monroe, I must say you have a lovely set of legs.”“Flatterer.”He stretched the garter around her foot and slid it, slowly, up her leg.Denise was thankful that the dress was long, because she could have sworn the way Anthony’s fingers lingered on her thigh a little longer than necessary after he got the garter up as high as it would go. She attempted to keep the lighthearted look on her face but she felt her body heating up quickly. The heated look in his eyes didn’t help matters.“Uh-oh Anthony. I’ve got bad news.”They turned and looked at the DJ. “You did a great job getting the garter on. Unfortunately, you put it on the wrong leg. You’re going to have to take it off and do it all over again.”Anthony clutched his chest as if his task was a great pain. He looked at Denise with a wolfish grin. “We have to follow the rules Dee. Their marriage is at stake.”Denise sighed dramatically and lifted her leg. “If we must, we must!”Prince’s Kiss began to play and Anthony knelt down again to retrieve the garter. “It must be my lucky night,” he said pulling the garter down off of her leg.“Is that right?” Denise said with a smile on her face.“Getting to see these gorgeous legs twice in one night? Definitely, my lucky night.” He slid the garter up Denise’s other leg and this time she felt his fingers graze her thigh.“Mr. McAllister, I hope you’re not getting too fresh.”“You make it incredibly hard not to.”Denise looked away and blushed.“So, just how long are Connie and Drew going to have a happy marriage?”Anthony looked at Denise and that sexy grin spread across his face again. “I’d say a very long time.”
April 9, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Candace Shaw
Today Candace Shaw is sharing an excerpt from her book My Kind of Girl. It’s the 5th book in my contemporary romance series, the Arrrington Family. In this sweet excerpt we get to see a little business get mixed with pleasure!
About the Book:
Dr. Sean Arrington loves his family, patients, and the ladies. With no interest in settling down with one woman, he dates women—who like him—just want to have fun with no commitment and no strings attached—unless they like being tied up. Literally. However, when he lands his eyes on the cute-dimpled, quirky botanist Traci Reed, something tugs at his heart and he figures rules can be broken. Traci has been infatuated with the rivetingly handsome bad boy since his mother showed her Sean’s picture a few years ago. When he asks her to design the gardens in his backyard, Traci can’t refuse. After they share a heated first kiss, she can’t believe Sean actually has feelings for her. She’s drawn to his smooth charisma and intellect; however, she’s cautious for she knows he prefers his bachelor lifestyle. Can Sean prove to Traci she’s his kind of girl after all?
Excerpt:
Following the directions of his car’s navigation system, Sean made it to the Memphis Nursery on time. He shook off his tie—tossing it in the passenger seat—and unfastened the top two buttons of his dress shirt. He’d noticed the day before that Traci drove a lime green Volkswagen Bug. Odd car in his opinion, but then again it sort of went with her quirky personality. He glanced in the rearview mirror and spotted a flash of lime green pull into the lot and park next to his Porsche. She waved and fiddled around with her cell phone while he hurried out of the car and made his way to her driver’s door. After opening it, she glanced up at him with a weak smile and back to her cell phone screen which had a series of text messages he couldn’t make out. She shut it off and grabbed her purse from the passenger’s seat.
“Hi,” she said softly, placing her tennis shoe clad feet on the pavement.
Taking her hand, he helped her out and closed the car door. She was dressed casually in jeans and a yellow T-shirt that pulled against her cleavage. He was suddenly aroused, but remembered she wasn’t happy about something.
“Hey. Everything all right?”
“Yeah … just some family stuff. Ready to go flower shopping?” she asked in a more upbeat tone.
“Lead the way.”
For the next thirty minutes, they browsed a variety of flowers and plants for his tranquility hummingbird garden she was creating in the right corner of the yard. Traci informed him that a landscape company would arrive the next day to pull up the grass. The day after, another company would lay the pavers for the walking trails, along with a patio for the pergola and fire pit area.
“So if all goes well this week, I’ll be able to begin planting the hummingbird garden on Friday around two o’clock,” she said, glancing over the work order for the flowers that were scheduled for pick up on Friday.
“All these plants can’t fit in your little beetle.”
She stooped down to look at the leaves of a ground cover plant he’d noticed was also in his mother’s garden but couldn’t remember the name.
“I have a truck with a trailer. I do it all the time.” She stood and they continued walking along the trail of plants.
“Cool, and I’ll be home by that time to help you unload and plant. I only do half days on Fridays unless it’s an emergency.”
“Thank you. It shouldn’t take too long. I’m sure we’ll be done in time so you can hit the streets on Friday night.
“I don’t have any plans for this weekend.”
“Mmm … I’m sure someone will pop up.” Traci winked and sat on a bench in the middle of a slew of potted crepe myrtles.
Sitting next to her, he stretched out his long legs. “I hope not. What you saw yesterday was actually out of the norm. My pet peeve is people showing up unannounced. That’s one of the reasons I told her to leave.” And the other is since I’ve met you, I’ve only wanted you. Wait. What? Did I say that out loud? Realizing he hadn’t, he exhaled in his head.
Traci giggled. “Well, Ms. Thang was heated strutting down your sidewalk quite fiercely to her Range Rover.”
“She’ll be fine. She’s in New York and then off to Paris and Milan for the next four to six months. She’s not thinking about me nor am I thinking of her. Not that kind of relationship.”
“Of course. I’m sure you have other women to take her place while she’s gone.”
“Contrary to what you may think, I don’t have a bunch of women lined up waiting. I go through dry spells like every other single person.”
“You just prefer to stay single.”
“Yes. And you? How’s your dating life?”
She pondered for a minute. “I guess you could say a dry spell at the moment. It’s the beginning of April, and I haven’t had an actual date since January.”
“What happened?”
“Nothing. No sparks. Nice guy, but not my type.”
Her cell phone vibrated in her purse. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she checked the caller ID and smacked her lips as she tossed the phone back into her purse as it continued to vibrate.
“Family issues again?”
She stood and motioned for him to join her as she looked at the potted crepe myrtles.
“Yep.”
“Care to discuss? I’m a really good listener … or so I’ve been told.”
“I’m sure you are for a couple of hundred bucks or more an hour, but there’s nothing to discuss.” She turned toward him, sliding her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “I’ll deal with it like I always do.”
“How? By working all day at the gardens even on your off days, and then moonlighting by designing gardens for residential homes?”
“If that’s what you want to believe, go ahead. Now what color trees would you like? Crepes come in purple, pink, white or red.”
“I like the deep purple ones, and if you want to avoid the question, I understand,” he said sincerely, placing his hand on her cheek. “I just hated the crumbled look on your face when you arrived and again when your phone rang. I love seeing your dimples.”
Traci trembled when he placed his hand on her face, and her chest rose and fell a few times as she breathed out. He found himself in her personal space and the urge to taste her pouty lips ran rampant through him. He’d never wanted to mix business with pleasure, but she was so close and the homemade rose oil she wore engulfed his senses. The puzzlement in her eyes as she stared up at him needed to be answered, so he had no choice but to lower his lips and pray she didn’t push him away.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xycO0V
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1K1xsgr
iBooks/iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/kmr67nt
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1C04h7W
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/14ciQux
About Candace
Candace Shaw was born and raised under the sunny skies of northwest Florida and knew she wanted to become a writer after reading Little Women in fourth grade. After graduating from the University of West Florida with a degree in elementary education, Candace began teaching and put her dream of becoming a writer on hold until one summer vacation she started writing again and hasn’t stopped.
When Candace is not writing or researching for a book, she’s reading, shopping, learning how to cook a new dish or spending time with her loving husband and their loyal, overprotective Weimaraner, Ali. Candace is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance novel.
You can contact Candace by emailing her at Candace.Shaw@aol.com or chat with her on Facebook or Twitter.
About the Book:
Dr. Sean Arrington loves his family, patients, and the ladies. With no interest in settling down with one woman, he dates women—who like him—just want to have fun with no commitment and no strings attached—unless they like being tied up. Literally. However, when he lands his eyes on the cute-dimpled, quirky botanist Traci Reed, something tugs at his heart and he figures rules can be broken. Traci has been infatuated with the rivetingly handsome bad boy since his mother showed her Sean’s picture a few years ago. When he asks her to design the gardens in his backyard, Traci can’t refuse. After they share a heated first kiss, she can’t believe Sean actually has feelings for her. She’s drawn to his smooth charisma and intellect; however, she’s cautious for she knows he prefers his bachelor lifestyle. Can Sean prove to Traci she’s his kind of girl after all?
Excerpt:
Following the directions of his car’s navigation system, Sean made it to the Memphis Nursery on time. He shook off his tie—tossing it in the passenger seat—and unfastened the top two buttons of his dress shirt. He’d noticed the day before that Traci drove a lime green Volkswagen Bug. Odd car in his opinion, but then again it sort of went with her quirky personality. He glanced in the rearview mirror and spotted a flash of lime green pull into the lot and park next to his Porsche. She waved and fiddled around with her cell phone while he hurried out of the car and made his way to her driver’s door. After opening it, she glanced up at him with a weak smile and back to her cell phone screen which had a series of text messages he couldn’t make out. She shut it off and grabbed her purse from the passenger’s seat.
“Hi,” she said softly, placing her tennis shoe clad feet on the pavement.
Taking her hand, he helped her out and closed the car door. She was dressed casually in jeans and a yellow T-shirt that pulled against her cleavage. He was suddenly aroused, but remembered she wasn’t happy about something.
“Hey. Everything all right?”
“Yeah … just some family stuff. Ready to go flower shopping?” she asked in a more upbeat tone.
“Lead the way.”
For the next thirty minutes, they browsed a variety of flowers and plants for his tranquility hummingbird garden she was creating in the right corner of the yard. Traci informed him that a landscape company would arrive the next day to pull up the grass. The day after, another company would lay the pavers for the walking trails, along with a patio for the pergola and fire pit area.
“So if all goes well this week, I’ll be able to begin planting the hummingbird garden on Friday around two o’clock,” she said, glancing over the work order for the flowers that were scheduled for pick up on Friday.
“All these plants can’t fit in your little beetle.”
She stooped down to look at the leaves of a ground cover plant he’d noticed was also in his mother’s garden but couldn’t remember the name.
“I have a truck with a trailer. I do it all the time.” She stood and they continued walking along the trail of plants.
“Cool, and I’ll be home by that time to help you unload and plant. I only do half days on Fridays unless it’s an emergency.”
“Thank you. It shouldn’t take too long. I’m sure we’ll be done in time so you can hit the streets on Friday night.
“I don’t have any plans for this weekend.”
“Mmm … I’m sure someone will pop up.” Traci winked and sat on a bench in the middle of a slew of potted crepe myrtles.
Sitting next to her, he stretched out his long legs. “I hope not. What you saw yesterday was actually out of the norm. My pet peeve is people showing up unannounced. That’s one of the reasons I told her to leave.” And the other is since I’ve met you, I’ve only wanted you. Wait. What? Did I say that out loud? Realizing he hadn’t, he exhaled in his head.
Traci giggled. “Well, Ms. Thang was heated strutting down your sidewalk quite fiercely to her Range Rover.”
“She’ll be fine. She’s in New York and then off to Paris and Milan for the next four to six months. She’s not thinking about me nor am I thinking of her. Not that kind of relationship.”
“Of course. I’m sure you have other women to take her place while she’s gone.”
“Contrary to what you may think, I don’t have a bunch of women lined up waiting. I go through dry spells like every other single person.”
“You just prefer to stay single.”
“Yes. And you? How’s your dating life?”
She pondered for a minute. “I guess you could say a dry spell at the moment. It’s the beginning of April, and I haven’t had an actual date since January.”
“What happened?”
“Nothing. No sparks. Nice guy, but not my type.”
Her cell phone vibrated in her purse. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she checked the caller ID and smacked her lips as she tossed the phone back into her purse as it continued to vibrate.
“Family issues again?”
She stood and motioned for him to join her as she looked at the potted crepe myrtles.
“Yep.”
“Care to discuss? I’m a really good listener … or so I’ve been told.”
“I’m sure you are for a couple of hundred bucks or more an hour, but there’s nothing to discuss.” She turned toward him, sliding her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “I’ll deal with it like I always do.”
“How? By working all day at the gardens even on your off days, and then moonlighting by designing gardens for residential homes?”
“If that’s what you want to believe, go ahead. Now what color trees would you like? Crepes come in purple, pink, white or red.”
“I like the deep purple ones, and if you want to avoid the question, I understand,” he said sincerely, placing his hand on her cheek. “I just hated the crumbled look on your face when you arrived and again when your phone rang. I love seeing your dimples.”
Traci trembled when he placed his hand on her face, and her chest rose and fell a few times as she breathed out. He found himself in her personal space and the urge to taste her pouty lips ran rampant through him. He’d never wanted to mix business with pleasure, but she was so close and the homemade rose oil she wore engulfed his senses. The puzzlement in her eyes as she stared up at him needed to be answered, so he had no choice but to lower his lips and pray she didn’t push him away.
Buy Links:
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Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1K1xsgr
iBooks/iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/kmr67nt
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1C04h7W
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/14ciQux
About Candace
Candace Shaw was born and raised under the sunny skies of northwest Florida and knew she wanted to become a writer after reading Little Women in fourth grade. After graduating from the University of West Florida with a degree in elementary education, Candace began teaching and put her dream of becoming a writer on hold until one summer vacation she started writing again and hasn’t stopped.
When Candace is not writing or researching for a book, she’s reading, shopping, learning how to cook a new dish or spending time with her loving husband and their loyal, overprotective Weimaraner, Ali. Candace is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance novel.
You can contact Candace by emailing her at Candace.Shaw@aol.com or chat with her on Facebook or Twitter.
April 7, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Farrah Rochon
Today Farrah Rochon visits the Spring Fever Blog Tour with an excerpt from her book, Forever with You
About the book:
The tranquil bayou town of Gauthier is the perfect place for widowed single mother Leslie Kirkland to raise her two daughters. Until she's elected president of the elementary school's Parent-Teacher Organization. Caught in a clash between the community and progressive science-teacher-turned-assistant-principal Gabriel Franklin, Leslie vows not to take sides. But it's hard to be objective when a sexy younger man is awakening such an irresistible desire.
Years ago, a teacher saved Gabriel from a one-way path to destruction, and now he is dedicated to his students and the Louisiana town he calls home. But the chemistry sizzling between him and Leslie could ignite a scandal. And when the gathering firestorm threatens both their dreams, Gabe is ready to take a stand. Can he convince Leslie that it's time to move on and make a bright future…with him?
Excerpt:
Chapter 1
The frenetic whir of post-Sunday service gossip floating through the Mop & Glo-scented air of the New Hope Baptist Church hall intensified the throbbing behind Leslie Kirkland’s eyes. She slid into a cubby between the water cooler and a multitiered plant stand, her cheeks demanding a respite from the constant smiling at well-meaning church members determined to impart their gratitude for her singing at this morning’s service.Leslie took a sip of lukewarm fruit punch, the drink of choice during the church’s fellowship hour, and glanced at her watch. She was counting down the seconds until she and her girls could leave without garnering judgmental stares from the deaconesses who considered the fellowship hour sacred. She’d faced her share of raised penciled-in eyebrows when she walked into the sanctuary this morning after being absent the past two weekends. That was more than enough censure for one day, thank you very much.“Leslie Kirkland, I swear you are an angel sent down from heaven.”Frustration at being discovered tightened the skin around her mouth, but her expression softened when she saw it was Nathan Robottom, owner of the hardware store in Gauthier, the tiny dot on the Louisiana map that Leslie had called home for more than a decade.Nathan clasped her hands between his roughened palms and gave them a gentle squeeze. “That solo this morning was the loveliest thing I’ve heard since the last time you sang a solo in church.”“That’s so nice of you to say, Mr. Nathan,” Leslie said, her lips stretching into a genuine smile. It was impossible not to love this old man. “How is Ms. Penelope? I noticed she didn’t join you this morning. I hope everything is okay.”“Aw, she’s fine,” he said, waving off Leslie’s concern. “Her gout flared up and she didn’t want to come limpin’ in the church. She’ll be sorry she missed your pretty singing.” He gave her hands a good-natured pat before heading to the other side of the church hall where day-old doughnuts were doled out after Sunday service.Leslie glanced at her watch again and decided that twenty minutes of fellowshipping should more than satisfy the deaconesses. She left her safe cubby in search of Kristi and Cassidy. Based on the trouble her daughters had given her when she’d woke them for church this morning, they should have been scratching at the doors to leave. As usual, they’d met up with friends and now she had to play Find the Kirkland Sisters.As her eyes roamed the crowded hall, Leslie spotted Clementine Washington and Claudette Robinson sitting at the church ministries sign-up table. She averted her gaze, trying not to make eye contact, but she wasn’t quick enough. The Two Cs rose from the table simultaneously and started straight for her.What would happen if she made a run for it? Just dashed right through the doors?“Leslie!” Claudette called, waving her arms to get her attention.Too late.“Ms. Clementine. Ms. Claudette,” Leslie greeted with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. “How are you two doing this morning?” Please don’t ask me to join the Ladies’ Auxiliary. “I hope you’re both doing well.”“Oh, yes. And especially after hearing you sing,” Claudette said. “Girl, I know the spirit was moving in you.”“Amen,” Clementine added.“Thank you.” She smiled. Leslie just knew her cheek muscles were on the verge of staging a revolt after the workout she’d put them through today. “Well,” she said, clamping her hands in front of her. “I really need to find my girls. We have plans for this afternoon.”“Oh, I’m sure they’re out there with the youth ministry,” Claudette said. “Marsha and Lewis Marcel donated popsicles for the little ones.” She slid a step closer to Leslie and leaned toward her, “And speaking of people who live out on Willow Street…”Confusion tugged at the corners of Leslie’s mouth. Huh?“Did you notice the way Sawyer Robertson was looking at you while you sang this morning?” Clementine asked.Leslie couldn’t prevent her eye roll even if the Eye Roll Prevention Wizard had granted her special powers. And her eyes were rolling. Hard.She should have known these two had something much more intrusive up their sleeves to ask her than joining the Ladies’ Auxiliary. In the month since Sawyer Robertson had moved into the charming colonial on Willow Street—only a few streets from where she lived in the residential area of downtown Gauthier—Leslie had encountered no less than a dozen people who were all too eager to make introductions.According to the gossip she’d overheard while browsing the produce section at the supermarket last week, the handsome divorcee, who had left Gauthier about three years ago, had just started a job with the state, though the gossipers had not been sure in what capacity. He hailed from one of Gauthier’s more prominent families, and both of the ladies had agreed that he probably didn’t have to work if he didn’t want to.Despite the town’s small size, Leslie had never had much interaction with Sawyer in the years before he’d hightailed it out of Gauthier. She hadn’t seen him much in the month since he’d returned either, though she sure had heard his name enough.“Sawyer comes from good people,” Claudette said. “Rich as sin, but not uppity.”“Nope, never was uppity,” Clementine agreed. “I went to high school with his momma, Cheryl Ann. Cancer took her a while back.”“Oh, I didn’t know that,” Leslie said. “Didn’t his father die of cancer, too?”She knew at least that much about him.Clementine nodded. “Sawyer took care of Earl until he passed, then he sold the house, married that girl from New Orleans and moved somewhere up north.” Clementine clucked her tongue. “Don’t know what happened, but that marriage sure didn’t last long.”“You know what I heard,” Claudette started.Leslie held up her hand. “This really isn’t the place for that, is it? And I should really go—”Claudette’s face brightened. “Well, speak of the devil.”Leslie turned and just barely held in her groan at the sight of Eloise Dubois—another pillar of the church—and Sawyer Robertson walking toward them. Sawyer looked as though he’d been hit by a hurricane.Or three very determined deaconesses.“Look who I found in the parking lot,” Eloise said.“Why, Sawyer, you remember Leslie Kirkland, don’t you?” Clementine asked in the most pathetic attempt at subtly known to mankind.If only the floor could open up and swallow me…Or, better yet, let it swallow up the deaconesses.Leslie hid her frustration behind a smile as she stuck out her hand. “Nice to see you again, Sawyer.”The shimmer of understanding that flashed in his eyes put Leslie at ease. He sympathized. Of course he sympathized. They were in the same boat, being thrust together by a community of meddlesome, though well-meaning, people.“It’s nice to see you, as well,” he said.So, he had a really nice voice. And strong, yet soft hands. He wasn’t bad on the eyes, either. His smooth dark skin was practically flawless, and those obsidian eyes practically dared you to look away from him.But a pretty face had never been a selling point for her.“I was sorry to hear about Braylon,” he said. “All of Gauthier was proud of him when he joined the military. He served our country well.”Leslie nodded and smiled. The old nod and smile had become her rote response whenever talk veered in the vicinity of her deceased husband.“I really enjoyed your singing this morning,” Sawyer added, his tone lighter. “It’s been a long time since I stepped foot in a church. Your voice was a lovely homecoming.”He had that charm thing down pat. She was a sucker for a charmer, but still, no cigar.“Thank you,” Leslie said with another polite smile.He shifted from one foot to the other. So did she. The awkwardness was so tangible that Reverend Allan would demand it add money to the collection plate if it hung around much longer.Of course, it was hard not to notice the palpable awkwardness when the conversations around them had all but ceased, making it painfully obvious that she and Sawyer were the focus of every eye in the church hall.Where in the heck were her daughters? She needed rescuing from this charming, handsome man before the dozens of people watching them—all of them failing miserably at being covert—got the wrong impression. Leslie knew that if even one person thought there was a spark between her and Sawyer the sweet, well-intentioned matriarchs of Gauthier would wage an all-out campaign to get the two of them together.Why couldn’t the people in this town mind their own damn business?It was as if a green light had been turned on the day after the first anniversary of Braylon’s death. Once the acceptable grieving period had passed, all of Gauthier had been on a quest to find her a man, as if she was on the verge of collapsing from loneliness if she wasn’t paired with someone soon.Because, of course, she had all the time in the world to be lonely.She was a single working mother with two daughters determined to take part in every extracurricular activity they could sign up for, and a full-time job that demanded more from her than she had to give. She barely had time to breathe.But that didn’t stop the fine people of Gauthier from foisting their single friends and relatives on her.Sawyer Robertson was just one in a passel of men who had been paraded before her, all of them the perfect man to help her raise her poor little fatherless daughters. But Sawyer had proven to be more dangerous than any of the other men thus far. She had been introduced to her share of visiting nephews or friends of a friend of a friend, but the full court press she’d faced since Sawyer’s return was unprecedented.And unlike the visiting nephews, Sawyer wasn’t just passing through town. He was in Gauthier to stay. In a house just a few blocks from hers. All of Gauthier was determined to see this love connection happen.This town! These nosy, prying people! She needed a break from it all.“Mommy!” Kristi, her youngest, who had just turned five and was no longer her little baby, came running up to Leslie, the front of her white dress stained with purple popsicle juice. “Mommy, are we still putting the swinging bed in the backyard after church?”“Yes, we are!” And Kristi would get extra dessert for rescuing her from this painful situation. “Why don’t you get your sister so we can leave?” Leslie turned to Sawyer and explained, “It’s a hammock. I promised the girls we would finally hang it today. ““Sounds like a lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon.”Yeah, that smile was really nice. There was no way to deny it.“Do you need any help hanging the hammock?” he asked.“Oh, no,” Leslie said quickly. “The instructions are pretty straightforward. My girls and I can handle it.”A perfectly shaped brow arched before he asked, “Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind coming over to help.”Leslie heard an excited gasp come from somewhere just over her shoulder. Lord, she needed to leave. Now.“Yes, I’m sure,” she said.More silence. More awkwardness. More reasons to get the heck out of here.She pointed to the double doors of the church hall. “I should probably go.”Sawyer nodded and stepped aside so she could pass. As she skirted around him, he called, “Uh, Leslie?”Her eyes darted to him and she held her breath.Please don’t ask me out. Please don’t ask me out.Sawyer stuck both hands in his pockets and quickly glanced to the side where Eloise, Clementine and Claudette were staring openly. He lifted one shoulder in an indelicate shrug and said, “I was wondering if maybe you’d like to grab dinner some time?”Oh, good God. He asked me out.The effort to keep the pained expression from taking over her face was a valiant one, but it was impossible to stop it. She mentally cursed every interfering busybody in this town. Sawyer was a perfectly nice man. He didn’t deserve this.“I’m sorry, but I can’t,” Leslie said. “I’m so busy with work, and my girls, and I’m also president of the PTO at the school this year. I just can’t spare the time. Thank you for the invitation, though.”He did a fantastic job of hiding his disappointment, but Leslie still caught a glimpse of it in the way his mouth pinched at the corners.She hated this. She hated being this perpetual stick-in-the-mud who constantly shot down advances from genuinely nice men. But finding a man was the very last thing on her agenda. She didn’t care that the people in this town thought it was time for her to jump into the dating pool again. She was not putting herself out there until she was good and ready.“Maybe some other time,” Sawyer said.Leslie didn’t give him an answer, only another of those half-smiles before she quickly made her way toward the door. She caught sight of Clementine, Claudette and Eloise standing off to the right. All three looked shocked and agitated, as if she’d messed up their well-laid plans.That was too bad. She didn’t need a matchmaker.Unfortunately, she was living in a town that was chock-full of them.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her New York Sabers football series for Harlequin's Kimani Romance imprint. Farrah was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007, and her debut novel, Deliver Me, claimed the prize for Best Multicultural Romance Debut. She has been nominated for the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America and an RT BOOKReviews Reviewer's Choice Award. She spends way too much money on chocolate and Broadway shows.
Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037386390X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=037386390X&linkCode=as2&tag=farrroch-20&linkId=SIBGH2E6ECNZGAPD
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-with-you-farrah-rochon/1119955716?ean=9780373863907
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forever-with-you/id924452191?mt=11
About the book:
The tranquil bayou town of Gauthier is the perfect place for widowed single mother Leslie Kirkland to raise her two daughters. Until she's elected president of the elementary school's Parent-Teacher Organization. Caught in a clash between the community and progressive science-teacher-turned-assistant-principal Gabriel Franklin, Leslie vows not to take sides. But it's hard to be objective when a sexy younger man is awakening such an irresistible desire.
Years ago, a teacher saved Gabriel from a one-way path to destruction, and now he is dedicated to his students and the Louisiana town he calls home. But the chemistry sizzling between him and Leslie could ignite a scandal. And when the gathering firestorm threatens both their dreams, Gabe is ready to take a stand. Can he convince Leslie that it's time to move on and make a bright future…with him?
Excerpt:
Chapter 1
The frenetic whir of post-Sunday service gossip floating through the Mop & Glo-scented air of the New Hope Baptist Church hall intensified the throbbing behind Leslie Kirkland’s eyes. She slid into a cubby between the water cooler and a multitiered plant stand, her cheeks demanding a respite from the constant smiling at well-meaning church members determined to impart their gratitude for her singing at this morning’s service.Leslie took a sip of lukewarm fruit punch, the drink of choice during the church’s fellowship hour, and glanced at her watch. She was counting down the seconds until she and her girls could leave without garnering judgmental stares from the deaconesses who considered the fellowship hour sacred. She’d faced her share of raised penciled-in eyebrows when she walked into the sanctuary this morning after being absent the past two weekends. That was more than enough censure for one day, thank you very much.“Leslie Kirkland, I swear you are an angel sent down from heaven.”Frustration at being discovered tightened the skin around her mouth, but her expression softened when she saw it was Nathan Robottom, owner of the hardware store in Gauthier, the tiny dot on the Louisiana map that Leslie had called home for more than a decade.Nathan clasped her hands between his roughened palms and gave them a gentle squeeze. “That solo this morning was the loveliest thing I’ve heard since the last time you sang a solo in church.”“That’s so nice of you to say, Mr. Nathan,” Leslie said, her lips stretching into a genuine smile. It was impossible not to love this old man. “How is Ms. Penelope? I noticed she didn’t join you this morning. I hope everything is okay.”“Aw, she’s fine,” he said, waving off Leslie’s concern. “Her gout flared up and she didn’t want to come limpin’ in the church. She’ll be sorry she missed your pretty singing.” He gave her hands a good-natured pat before heading to the other side of the church hall where day-old doughnuts were doled out after Sunday service.Leslie glanced at her watch again and decided that twenty minutes of fellowshipping should more than satisfy the deaconesses. She left her safe cubby in search of Kristi and Cassidy. Based on the trouble her daughters had given her when she’d woke them for church this morning, they should have been scratching at the doors to leave. As usual, they’d met up with friends and now she had to play Find the Kirkland Sisters.As her eyes roamed the crowded hall, Leslie spotted Clementine Washington and Claudette Robinson sitting at the church ministries sign-up table. She averted her gaze, trying not to make eye contact, but she wasn’t quick enough. The Two Cs rose from the table simultaneously and started straight for her.What would happen if she made a run for it? Just dashed right through the doors?“Leslie!” Claudette called, waving her arms to get her attention.Too late.“Ms. Clementine. Ms. Claudette,” Leslie greeted with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. “How are you two doing this morning?” Please don’t ask me to join the Ladies’ Auxiliary. “I hope you’re both doing well.”“Oh, yes. And especially after hearing you sing,” Claudette said. “Girl, I know the spirit was moving in you.”“Amen,” Clementine added.“Thank you.” She smiled. Leslie just knew her cheek muscles were on the verge of staging a revolt after the workout she’d put them through today. “Well,” she said, clamping her hands in front of her. “I really need to find my girls. We have plans for this afternoon.”“Oh, I’m sure they’re out there with the youth ministry,” Claudette said. “Marsha and Lewis Marcel donated popsicles for the little ones.” She slid a step closer to Leslie and leaned toward her, “And speaking of people who live out on Willow Street…”Confusion tugged at the corners of Leslie’s mouth. Huh?“Did you notice the way Sawyer Robertson was looking at you while you sang this morning?” Clementine asked.Leslie couldn’t prevent her eye roll even if the Eye Roll Prevention Wizard had granted her special powers. And her eyes were rolling. Hard.She should have known these two had something much more intrusive up their sleeves to ask her than joining the Ladies’ Auxiliary. In the month since Sawyer Robertson had moved into the charming colonial on Willow Street—only a few streets from where she lived in the residential area of downtown Gauthier—Leslie had encountered no less than a dozen people who were all too eager to make introductions.According to the gossip she’d overheard while browsing the produce section at the supermarket last week, the handsome divorcee, who had left Gauthier about three years ago, had just started a job with the state, though the gossipers had not been sure in what capacity. He hailed from one of Gauthier’s more prominent families, and both of the ladies had agreed that he probably didn’t have to work if he didn’t want to.Despite the town’s small size, Leslie had never had much interaction with Sawyer in the years before he’d hightailed it out of Gauthier. She hadn’t seen him much in the month since he’d returned either, though she sure had heard his name enough.“Sawyer comes from good people,” Claudette said. “Rich as sin, but not uppity.”“Nope, never was uppity,” Clementine agreed. “I went to high school with his momma, Cheryl Ann. Cancer took her a while back.”“Oh, I didn’t know that,” Leslie said. “Didn’t his father die of cancer, too?”She knew at least that much about him.Clementine nodded. “Sawyer took care of Earl until he passed, then he sold the house, married that girl from New Orleans and moved somewhere up north.” Clementine clucked her tongue. “Don’t know what happened, but that marriage sure didn’t last long.”“You know what I heard,” Claudette started.Leslie held up her hand. “This really isn’t the place for that, is it? And I should really go—”Claudette’s face brightened. “Well, speak of the devil.”Leslie turned and just barely held in her groan at the sight of Eloise Dubois—another pillar of the church—and Sawyer Robertson walking toward them. Sawyer looked as though he’d been hit by a hurricane.Or three very determined deaconesses.“Look who I found in the parking lot,” Eloise said.“Why, Sawyer, you remember Leslie Kirkland, don’t you?” Clementine asked in the most pathetic attempt at subtly known to mankind.If only the floor could open up and swallow me…Or, better yet, let it swallow up the deaconesses.Leslie hid her frustration behind a smile as she stuck out her hand. “Nice to see you again, Sawyer.”The shimmer of understanding that flashed in his eyes put Leslie at ease. He sympathized. Of course he sympathized. They were in the same boat, being thrust together by a community of meddlesome, though well-meaning, people.“It’s nice to see you, as well,” he said.So, he had a really nice voice. And strong, yet soft hands. He wasn’t bad on the eyes, either. His smooth dark skin was practically flawless, and those obsidian eyes practically dared you to look away from him.But a pretty face had never been a selling point for her.“I was sorry to hear about Braylon,” he said. “All of Gauthier was proud of him when he joined the military. He served our country well.”Leslie nodded and smiled. The old nod and smile had become her rote response whenever talk veered in the vicinity of her deceased husband.“I really enjoyed your singing this morning,” Sawyer added, his tone lighter. “It’s been a long time since I stepped foot in a church. Your voice was a lovely homecoming.”He had that charm thing down pat. She was a sucker for a charmer, but still, no cigar.“Thank you,” Leslie said with another polite smile.He shifted from one foot to the other. So did she. The awkwardness was so tangible that Reverend Allan would demand it add money to the collection plate if it hung around much longer.Of course, it was hard not to notice the palpable awkwardness when the conversations around them had all but ceased, making it painfully obvious that she and Sawyer were the focus of every eye in the church hall.Where in the heck were her daughters? She needed rescuing from this charming, handsome man before the dozens of people watching them—all of them failing miserably at being covert—got the wrong impression. Leslie knew that if even one person thought there was a spark between her and Sawyer the sweet, well-intentioned matriarchs of Gauthier would wage an all-out campaign to get the two of them together.Why couldn’t the people in this town mind their own damn business?It was as if a green light had been turned on the day after the first anniversary of Braylon’s death. Once the acceptable grieving period had passed, all of Gauthier had been on a quest to find her a man, as if she was on the verge of collapsing from loneliness if she wasn’t paired with someone soon.Because, of course, she had all the time in the world to be lonely.She was a single working mother with two daughters determined to take part in every extracurricular activity they could sign up for, and a full-time job that demanded more from her than she had to give. She barely had time to breathe.But that didn’t stop the fine people of Gauthier from foisting their single friends and relatives on her.Sawyer Robertson was just one in a passel of men who had been paraded before her, all of them the perfect man to help her raise her poor little fatherless daughters. But Sawyer had proven to be more dangerous than any of the other men thus far. She had been introduced to her share of visiting nephews or friends of a friend of a friend, but the full court press she’d faced since Sawyer’s return was unprecedented.And unlike the visiting nephews, Sawyer wasn’t just passing through town. He was in Gauthier to stay. In a house just a few blocks from hers. All of Gauthier was determined to see this love connection happen.This town! These nosy, prying people! She needed a break from it all.“Mommy!” Kristi, her youngest, who had just turned five and was no longer her little baby, came running up to Leslie, the front of her white dress stained with purple popsicle juice. “Mommy, are we still putting the swinging bed in the backyard after church?”“Yes, we are!” And Kristi would get extra dessert for rescuing her from this painful situation. “Why don’t you get your sister so we can leave?” Leslie turned to Sawyer and explained, “It’s a hammock. I promised the girls we would finally hang it today. ““Sounds like a lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon.”Yeah, that smile was really nice. There was no way to deny it.“Do you need any help hanging the hammock?” he asked.“Oh, no,” Leslie said quickly. “The instructions are pretty straightforward. My girls and I can handle it.”A perfectly shaped brow arched before he asked, “Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind coming over to help.”Leslie heard an excited gasp come from somewhere just over her shoulder. Lord, she needed to leave. Now.“Yes, I’m sure,” she said.More silence. More awkwardness. More reasons to get the heck out of here.She pointed to the double doors of the church hall. “I should probably go.”Sawyer nodded and stepped aside so she could pass. As she skirted around him, he called, “Uh, Leslie?”Her eyes darted to him and she held her breath.Please don’t ask me out. Please don’t ask me out.Sawyer stuck both hands in his pockets and quickly glanced to the side where Eloise, Clementine and Claudette were staring openly. He lifted one shoulder in an indelicate shrug and said, “I was wondering if maybe you’d like to grab dinner some time?”Oh, good God. He asked me out.The effort to keep the pained expression from taking over her face was a valiant one, but it was impossible to stop it. She mentally cursed every interfering busybody in this town. Sawyer was a perfectly nice man. He didn’t deserve this.“I’m sorry, but I can’t,” Leslie said. “I’m so busy with work, and my girls, and I’m also president of the PTO at the school this year. I just can’t spare the time. Thank you for the invitation, though.”He did a fantastic job of hiding his disappointment, but Leslie still caught a glimpse of it in the way his mouth pinched at the corners.She hated this. She hated being this perpetual stick-in-the-mud who constantly shot down advances from genuinely nice men. But finding a man was the very last thing on her agenda. She didn’t care that the people in this town thought it was time for her to jump into the dating pool again. She was not putting herself out there until she was good and ready.“Maybe some other time,” Sawyer said.Leslie didn’t give him an answer, only another of those half-smiles before she quickly made her way toward the door. She caught sight of Clementine, Claudette and Eloise standing off to the right. All three looked shocked and agitated, as if she’d messed up their well-laid plans.That was too bad. She didn’t need a matchmaker.Unfortunately, she was living in a town that was chock-full of them.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her New York Sabers football series for Harlequin's Kimani Romance imprint. Farrah was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007, and her debut novel, Deliver Me, claimed the prize for Best Multicultural Romance Debut. She has been nominated for the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America and an RT BOOKReviews Reviewer's Choice Award. She spends way too much money on chocolate and Broadway shows.
Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037386390X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=037386390X&linkCode=as2&tag=farrroch-20&linkId=SIBGH2E6ECNZGAPD
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-with-you-farrah-rochon/1119955716?ean=9780373863907
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forever-with-you/id924452191?mt=11
April 5, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Dalia Florea
Visiting us today on the Spring Fever Blog tour is Dalia Florea with an excerpt from her latest book Teardrops Know My Name.
About the book:
Someone is stalking, fashion photographer, Linda McNair and turning her world upside down. She has no idea who it could be. Is it an old boyfriend? Someone in the industry? A complete stranger? The only thing Linda knows for sure is her stalker has to be stopped. Her life may depend on it.
When Linda meets Detective Sean Gregory, one of New York’s finest in more ways than one, stories unravel, revealing secrets, lies and betrayal that nearly destroy her, breaking her heart into a million tiny pieces.
Linda tries to resist Sean’s affection, but she can’t help wondering if he’s the right man who can put the shattered pieces of her heart back to together.
Excerpt: She regarded him silently for a moment, gazing into his dark brown eyes and watching a smile curve his lips. “I think that it would be. You don’t know me very well. I’ve had too many heartbreaks, and I’m in a vulnerable state right now where I may be incapable of making good choices. I don’t ever want to end up where I am right now—in this same place—again. For God’s sake, my last boyfriend was married, and I had absolutely no idea. How could I not have known? Other people were able to see the red flags, but I didn’t see a thing.”“I hear what you’re saying, and I understand, but you can’t live the rest of your life that way. You can’t shield yourself from getting to know someone and never open yourself up to love again because of your past relationships.” He sipped water from the glass in front of him. His eyes were fixed on hers.He stood and came around to her side of the booth, sat next to her, and reached for her hand, taking it into his and intertwining their fingers. He slowly lifted her hand to his mouth and gently pressed his lips to the back of it. Feeling his warm breath against the skin of her hand made her tremble. “I promise you that if you give me a chance, you won’t need to worry about anything. You will see no red flags when it comes to me. I have no secrets and no hidden agenda,” he said softly, lips brushing against her hand again. He lifted his eyes, looking her straight in the face.Damn. He’s making this difficult. She couldn’t think clearly. Her senses had been heightened by his sensual touch, his silky smooth dark skin, and his masculine musk mixed with the spicy cologne he wore. She had to stop herself from being drawn in by this magnetic force that threatened to take her over mentally and physically.He tipped her head up with his finger and lowered his mouth onto hers, brushing his lips against hers, teasing her, barely touching them at first. Then he whispered against her lips, “Please give me”— soft kiss—“a chance.”Linda had to admit that she wanted Sean. There was something about him that stirred her soul. But was she willing to throw caution to the wind as she had done in the past? When she thought about it, she had always jumped from one relationship to another without giving herself a break in between. Maybe that was the problem. Was she codependent? Did she need to be in a relationship in order to feel whole? She needed some distance from Sean to find out more about who she was and what she wanted for herself in life.It took every bit of her self-control and willpower to pull away from his kiss. She breathed in deeply. She knew she needed to say what she didn’t want to say. She mentally prepared herself to resist what she knew would be another attempt from him to pursue the idea of them being in a relationship. She slid a few inches away from him in an effort to prevent any further temptation, and she watched his shoulders droop. About the Author:
Dalia grew up in Queens, New York and now makes her home in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. She is a voracious reader who enjoys writing fiction stories with a mixture of mystery, suspense and romance. When she isn’t crafting suspense romance, she enjoys reading, attending live music concerts, visiting wineries and solving puzzles.
Keep in touch:
Website:
www.daliafloreabooks.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalia-Florea-Author
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DaliaFlorea
Instagram: Dalia Florea
Pinterest: Dalia Florea
Blog: http://daliaflorea.blogspot.com/
About the book:
Someone is stalking, fashion photographer, Linda McNair and turning her world upside down. She has no idea who it could be. Is it an old boyfriend? Someone in the industry? A complete stranger? The only thing Linda knows for sure is her stalker has to be stopped. Her life may depend on it.
When Linda meets Detective Sean Gregory, one of New York’s finest in more ways than one, stories unravel, revealing secrets, lies and betrayal that nearly destroy her, breaking her heart into a million tiny pieces.
Linda tries to resist Sean’s affection, but she can’t help wondering if he’s the right man who can put the shattered pieces of her heart back to together.
Excerpt: She regarded him silently for a moment, gazing into his dark brown eyes and watching a smile curve his lips. “I think that it would be. You don’t know me very well. I’ve had too many heartbreaks, and I’m in a vulnerable state right now where I may be incapable of making good choices. I don’t ever want to end up where I am right now—in this same place—again. For God’s sake, my last boyfriend was married, and I had absolutely no idea. How could I not have known? Other people were able to see the red flags, but I didn’t see a thing.”“I hear what you’re saying, and I understand, but you can’t live the rest of your life that way. You can’t shield yourself from getting to know someone and never open yourself up to love again because of your past relationships.” He sipped water from the glass in front of him. His eyes were fixed on hers.He stood and came around to her side of the booth, sat next to her, and reached for her hand, taking it into his and intertwining their fingers. He slowly lifted her hand to his mouth and gently pressed his lips to the back of it. Feeling his warm breath against the skin of her hand made her tremble. “I promise you that if you give me a chance, you won’t need to worry about anything. You will see no red flags when it comes to me. I have no secrets and no hidden agenda,” he said softly, lips brushing against her hand again. He lifted his eyes, looking her straight in the face.Damn. He’s making this difficult. She couldn’t think clearly. Her senses had been heightened by his sensual touch, his silky smooth dark skin, and his masculine musk mixed with the spicy cologne he wore. She had to stop herself from being drawn in by this magnetic force that threatened to take her over mentally and physically.He tipped her head up with his finger and lowered his mouth onto hers, brushing his lips against hers, teasing her, barely touching them at first. Then he whispered against her lips, “Please give me”— soft kiss—“a chance.”Linda had to admit that she wanted Sean. There was something about him that stirred her soul. But was she willing to throw caution to the wind as she had done in the past? When she thought about it, she had always jumped from one relationship to another without giving herself a break in between. Maybe that was the problem. Was she codependent? Did she need to be in a relationship in order to feel whole? She needed some distance from Sean to find out more about who she was and what she wanted for herself in life.It took every bit of her self-control and willpower to pull away from his kiss. She breathed in deeply. She knew she needed to say what she didn’t want to say. She mentally prepared herself to resist what she knew would be another attempt from him to pursue the idea of them being in a relationship. She slid a few inches away from him in an effort to prevent any further temptation, and she watched his shoulders droop. About the Author:
Dalia grew up in Queens, New York and now makes her home in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. She is a voracious reader who enjoys writing fiction stories with a mixture of mystery, suspense and romance. When she isn’t crafting suspense romance, she enjoys reading, attending live music concerts, visiting wineries and solving puzzles.
Keep in touch:
Website:
www.daliafloreabooks.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalia-Florea-Author
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DaliaFlorea
Instagram: Dalia Florea
Pinterest: Dalia Florea
Blog: http://daliaflorea.blogspot.com/
April 2, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Alexandra Warren
Alexandra Warren is visiting our blog tour today and she's sharing an excerpt that give a sexy little special delivery!
About the Author:
Alexandra Warren is a twenty-something year old Nebraska girl who enjoys teaching, blogging, traveling, and of course, writing. Contemporary Romance novels are her absolute favorite to write as well as to read. With two books under her belt, and two on the way, she is excited to see what 2015 will bring!
Twitter: @mspiedoubleu
Instagram: @mspiedoubleu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexandraw
Blog: http://www.thebookwormlodge.com/alexandras-author-page
Email: thebookwormlodge@gmail.com
Purchase link: Attractions & Distractions: Freshman Year , Attractions & Distractions: Sophomore Year
About the Book:
Alexis + men = disaster. At least, that’s how it’s always been. Still, she’s easily tempted by her new surroundings at the University of California to put a foot forward into the dating pool; just not her best one. Relationships and situation-ships quickly become a balancing act as she tries to survive her freshman year.
Jaden is something like an “it guy”, but not by choice. He would much rather live a quiet, normal life exactly opposite of the one the media portrays. So when he meets Alexis by chance, he instantly falls for her beauty, charm, and… normalcy. But he learns very quickly that dealing with her is anything but normal.
Tyree isn’t a man of many words; he prefers action. When, sweet, sexy, naive Alexis Martin becomes a resident in his dorm, he can’t help trying his hand at getting with her, even if she is a freshman.
Attractions and Distractions will take you on a bumpy ride through the struggles and triumphs of finding love on the college scene.
Excerpt from Attractions & Distractions: Freshman Year, available on Amazon!
Just when I thought about sneaking a catnap, there was a knock on the door. I figured my roomie had just forgotten her key card so I opened the door without looking. My body figured out it wasn’t her before my mind did. I didn’t even have to look at his face. I knew exactly who it was by the way the little hairs in random places stood up from my body.
“Tyree, what brings you back by so soon?”
“I was...umm…there were some boxes with your name on them downstairs so I figured I would deliver them myself. Save you the trip.” I could tell there was more to the story by the way he held his hand behind his head, rubbing his neck and avoiding eye contact.
“Oh yes, thank you. You really didn’t have to do that.”
“I know. Just thought I’d lend a helping hand. It’s in the job description.” I was probably trippin’ but it seemed like he was nervous. But that made no sense.
“I’m sure. You can just set them smack dab in the middle of the room.” I watched as he lifted the three boxes with ease and set them amongst Amanda’s chaos.
“Looks like your roomie finally made it.”
“She did.”
“Everything okay?”
No.
“Yeah…yeah. She seems cool.” I was sure she and I would get along fine once she calmed her ol’ happy ass down.
“Good. We try to match people up as best as we can but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.”
You think?
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” There was an elephant of silence when I felt Tyree stepping closer to me. On the inside, I panicked. Being in such close proximity to this God of a man made my heart take off sprinting.
“Tyree?”
“Yes Alexis.” There he went…saying my name like that again.
“What are you really doing here?”
“Delivering your packages.” He stepped closer and my breath hitched. “And gettin’ a better look at you. You. Are. Gorgeous.”
Ashley turned on the heat when she left didn’t she?
“Tyree...look….I…” didn’t know what I was going to say, so I was glad when he did the talking for me.
“I know. It’s all good. But I do have to find out one thing before I go.”
Shoe size?
Zodiac sign?
Blood type?
“What’s that?” Now I was using this foreign breathy whisper voice. So unlike me. “How your lips taste.” He made it sound so casual yet so sexy and here I was, getting ready to pass out cause Anna decided to turn our room into a damn sauna before she left. I heard the click of the electronic lock on the door and wanted to run to it and open it for her.
Saved by the Blonde.
About the Author:
Alexandra Warren is a twenty-something year old Nebraska girl who enjoys teaching, blogging, traveling, and of course, writing. Contemporary Romance novels are her absolute favorite to write as well as to read. With two books under her belt, and two on the way, she is excited to see what 2015 will bring!
Twitter: @mspiedoubleu
Instagram: @mspiedoubleu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexandraw
Blog: http://www.thebookwormlodge.com/alexandras-author-page
Email: thebookwormlodge@gmail.com
Purchase link: Attractions & Distractions: Freshman Year , Attractions & Distractions: Sophomore Year
About the Book:
Alexis + men = disaster. At least, that’s how it’s always been. Still, she’s easily tempted by her new surroundings at the University of California to put a foot forward into the dating pool; just not her best one. Relationships and situation-ships quickly become a balancing act as she tries to survive her freshman year.
Jaden is something like an “it guy”, but not by choice. He would much rather live a quiet, normal life exactly opposite of the one the media portrays. So when he meets Alexis by chance, he instantly falls for her beauty, charm, and… normalcy. But he learns very quickly that dealing with her is anything but normal.
Tyree isn’t a man of many words; he prefers action. When, sweet, sexy, naive Alexis Martin becomes a resident in his dorm, he can’t help trying his hand at getting with her, even if she is a freshman.
Attractions and Distractions will take you on a bumpy ride through the struggles and triumphs of finding love on the college scene.
Excerpt from Attractions & Distractions: Freshman Year, available on Amazon!
Just when I thought about sneaking a catnap, there was a knock on the door. I figured my roomie had just forgotten her key card so I opened the door without looking. My body figured out it wasn’t her before my mind did. I didn’t even have to look at his face. I knew exactly who it was by the way the little hairs in random places stood up from my body.
“Tyree, what brings you back by so soon?”
“I was...umm…there were some boxes with your name on them downstairs so I figured I would deliver them myself. Save you the trip.” I could tell there was more to the story by the way he held his hand behind his head, rubbing his neck and avoiding eye contact.
“Oh yes, thank you. You really didn’t have to do that.”
“I know. Just thought I’d lend a helping hand. It’s in the job description.” I was probably trippin’ but it seemed like he was nervous. But that made no sense.
“I’m sure. You can just set them smack dab in the middle of the room.” I watched as he lifted the three boxes with ease and set them amongst Amanda’s chaos.
“Looks like your roomie finally made it.”
“She did.”
“Everything okay?”
No.
“Yeah…yeah. She seems cool.” I was sure she and I would get along fine once she calmed her ol’ happy ass down.
“Good. We try to match people up as best as we can but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.”
You think?
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” There was an elephant of silence when I felt Tyree stepping closer to me. On the inside, I panicked. Being in such close proximity to this God of a man made my heart take off sprinting.
“Tyree?”
“Yes Alexis.” There he went…saying my name like that again.
“What are you really doing here?”
“Delivering your packages.” He stepped closer and my breath hitched. “And gettin’ a better look at you. You. Are. Gorgeous.”
Ashley turned on the heat when she left didn’t she?
“Tyree...look….I…” didn’t know what I was going to say, so I was glad when he did the talking for me.
“I know. It’s all good. But I do have to find out one thing before I go.”
Shoe size?
Zodiac sign?
Blood type?
“What’s that?” Now I was using this foreign breathy whisper voice. So unlike me. “How your lips taste.” He made it sound so casual yet so sexy and here I was, getting ready to pass out cause Anna decided to turn our room into a damn sauna before she left. I heard the click of the electronic lock on the door and wanted to run to it and open it for her.
Saved by the Blonde.
April 1, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Melissa Blue
Melissa Blue is visiting today and sharing a little office flirting in her excerpt from Kilted for Pleasure.
About the Book:
Callan Baird used to laugh more than he frowned, but that was before his wife died. Now his life is duty, debts and a general apathy for anything else. And then Victoria Burke burst into his life. She's everything he wants to corrupt. Victoria has two choices: agree to a grouchy, sexy Scotsman's extortion or call her boss to explain why she can't do her job. Since she's spent the last three years rebuilding her career as antique appraiser, and this one commission could make or break it, the decision is a no-brainer. Except everything about Callan is complicated. He sees no problem turning their work relationship into a sexual one. She refuses to break her boss' no-fraternization rule. He's the one thing she wants and the one thing she can't have. He's had his one great love, and doesn't want a replacement. His heart doesn't agree, because she's everything he desires. Callan will have to let go of his past if he wants Victoria to be in his future.
***
Excerpt:
“How about drinks after we're done here? That table over there is the last on our list. You can make amends for calling me goat-fucker.”
Booze, plus him seemed to equal a dumb-ass decision. Also, she wasn't sorry for that particular insult. “I still have more work to do. I'm sorry but I'll have to decline the offer.”
“The same Burke who'd have likely slept on my doorstep until I signed a contract has suddenly lost her guff?” He tutted in disappointment.
He dangled that as bait, and with him this close, she only wanted to bite into his lower lip as punishment. This was bad. “The only thing I need to know about you is whether or not you can competently repair the antiques.”
“That's all?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I was worried there for a moment. The way you were looking at me...”
His position had forced her to hold his gaze. Heat burned in her chest, and she realized she'd been holding her breath. Letting it out, she took her time in replying—okay, she had to wait until her voice could come out cool, unaffected. “If you were the last man on earth, yada, yada.”
He laughed, and this time she was sure he'd taken her words as a challenge. She pushed him back and stood. For a fraction of a second, her palms lingered on his chest. His pecs under the shirt felt as wonderful as they looked.
Victoria snatched her hands away. Isn't this how she'd screwed up in the first place? She'd lost sight of her goal because a man had made her swoon. She'd already gotten hoodwinked into taking care of her boss' father. Victoria didn't need to add sex with Callan to the situation.
“Back up.” She put a bit of steel in the words and hoped it would trickle down her spine.
He tilted his head, taking in her face. “If I misread you then I apologize about making you uncomfortable.”
Her brows shot up in surprise. She didn't think he was the type to apologize, but nothing about him seemed consistent. He'd been a pain in her ass, gruff, impatient, thoughtful, uncaring and smart. She couldn't catch a foothold around him, but the tension in her shoulders ebbed.
“Apology accepted.” After his nod of acknowledgment she added, “We're at work. Let's act like it.”
He stuffed his hands in his jacket's pockets, his blue eyes so damn observant as he took her in. “For the record, I didn't read you wrong.”
She huffed. They'd circled back to him being a pain in her ass. At least she'd found something consistent about him. “Tell me one thing, Callan.”
His lip twitched. “Aye?”
“Do you hit women in the head and then drag them into your cave by their hair? Because that's the only way I can imagine you ever get laid.”
He took a moment to think about his answer. “Only the pulling hair part, but I've yet to get a complaint about that. So, the last thing on our list?”
Yup. That one thing was consistent. “Please, let's get this over with.”
He laughed again. She had the distinct impression he’d taken her reply as another challenge.
***
About the Author:
Melissa Blue’s writing career started on a typewriter one month after her son was born. This would have been an idyllic situation for a writer if it had been 1985, not 2004. Eventually she upgraded to a computer. She’s still typing away on the same computer, making imaginary people fall in love.
Where to find Melissa online:
http://www.themelissablue.com
https://www.facebook.com/themelissablue.author
Buy Links:
Amazon Amazon UK Barnes and Noble iTunes Kobo ARe Smashwords
About the Book:
Callan Baird used to laugh more than he frowned, but that was before his wife died. Now his life is duty, debts and a general apathy for anything else. And then Victoria Burke burst into his life. She's everything he wants to corrupt. Victoria has two choices: agree to a grouchy, sexy Scotsman's extortion or call her boss to explain why she can't do her job. Since she's spent the last three years rebuilding her career as antique appraiser, and this one commission could make or break it, the decision is a no-brainer. Except everything about Callan is complicated. He sees no problem turning their work relationship into a sexual one. She refuses to break her boss' no-fraternization rule. He's the one thing she wants and the one thing she can't have. He's had his one great love, and doesn't want a replacement. His heart doesn't agree, because she's everything he desires. Callan will have to let go of his past if he wants Victoria to be in his future.
***
Excerpt:
“How about drinks after we're done here? That table over there is the last on our list. You can make amends for calling me goat-fucker.”
Booze, plus him seemed to equal a dumb-ass decision. Also, she wasn't sorry for that particular insult. “I still have more work to do. I'm sorry but I'll have to decline the offer.”
“The same Burke who'd have likely slept on my doorstep until I signed a contract has suddenly lost her guff?” He tutted in disappointment.
He dangled that as bait, and with him this close, she only wanted to bite into his lower lip as punishment. This was bad. “The only thing I need to know about you is whether or not you can competently repair the antiques.”
“That's all?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I was worried there for a moment. The way you were looking at me...”
His position had forced her to hold his gaze. Heat burned in her chest, and she realized she'd been holding her breath. Letting it out, she took her time in replying—okay, she had to wait until her voice could come out cool, unaffected. “If you were the last man on earth, yada, yada.”
He laughed, and this time she was sure he'd taken her words as a challenge. She pushed him back and stood. For a fraction of a second, her palms lingered on his chest. His pecs under the shirt felt as wonderful as they looked.
Victoria snatched her hands away. Isn't this how she'd screwed up in the first place? She'd lost sight of her goal because a man had made her swoon. She'd already gotten hoodwinked into taking care of her boss' father. Victoria didn't need to add sex with Callan to the situation.
“Back up.” She put a bit of steel in the words and hoped it would trickle down her spine.
He tilted his head, taking in her face. “If I misread you then I apologize about making you uncomfortable.”
Her brows shot up in surprise. She didn't think he was the type to apologize, but nothing about him seemed consistent. He'd been a pain in her ass, gruff, impatient, thoughtful, uncaring and smart. She couldn't catch a foothold around him, but the tension in her shoulders ebbed.
“Apology accepted.” After his nod of acknowledgment she added, “We're at work. Let's act like it.”
He stuffed his hands in his jacket's pockets, his blue eyes so damn observant as he took her in. “For the record, I didn't read you wrong.”
She huffed. They'd circled back to him being a pain in her ass. At least she'd found something consistent about him. “Tell me one thing, Callan.”
His lip twitched. “Aye?”
“Do you hit women in the head and then drag them into your cave by their hair? Because that's the only way I can imagine you ever get laid.”
He took a moment to think about his answer. “Only the pulling hair part, but I've yet to get a complaint about that. So, the last thing on our list?”
Yup. That one thing was consistent. “Please, let's get this over with.”
He laughed again. She had the distinct impression he’d taken her reply as another challenge.
***
About the Author:
Melissa Blue’s writing career started on a typewriter one month after her son was born. This would have been an idyllic situation for a writer if it had been 1985, not 2004. Eventually she upgraded to a computer. She’s still typing away on the same computer, making imaginary people fall in love.
Where to find Melissa online:
http://www.themelissablue.com
https://www.facebook.com/themelissablue.author
Buy Links:
Amazon Amazon UK Barnes and Noble iTunes Kobo ARe Smashwords
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Ebony Nicole Smith
Ebony Nicole Smith visits today with an excerpt from her book, Eve's Confession. In this excerpt, we see that when the kids are away, the parents like to play!
Excerpt:
“Happy Sunday, Grandma!”“Happy Sunday to you, baby.” She bent down to kiss CJ and he gave her a big hug. “Where’s Dad?” I asked as I sat up in the bed, still a little tired from the night before.“Downstairs, his knees were bothering him,” she said, sitting on the bed.“Oh,” I replied looking away from her. “Look at my pretty grandbaby. Are you ready for church?” she said to Jay, picking her up. Jay looked and nodded her head. She was happy to go somewhere, anywhere, she didn’t care.“We’re going to leave. Are you two going to meet us after church?” my mom asked.Shamar patted his stomach “Yes ma’am. You know I loves me some food! I can eat a horse if you cook it right.” CJ looked at Shamar and shook his head. “Grandma, I told you my daddy and mommy crazy, but nobody wants to believe me.” He shrugged his shoulders and walked out the door. My mom laughed, picked up Jay’s diaper bag, and then walked out behind him. “Go get in the car,” my mother said, laughing and pushing him out of the door after he said his goodbyes to his dad and me. “I will call you when we leave church,” Mom said. She pointed her finger at me, and continued, “And you, Miss Thing. Your godfather will be mad at you for not showing up today.” “I know, but I will be there next time. I promise,” I said.Adding his unsolicited two-cents, Shamar said, “You know she’s lying, right?” I threw a pillow at him that bounced off his chest and onto the bed. “I’ll get her in there next Sunday, front row,” he said and threw the pillow back at me.“You gonna be there too, right?” my mom asked as she nodded her head. “Woo, you said he’ll be mad at Eve, not me. So, you know.” Shamar smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “Let me go before I have to snatch you two out this door for church. I’ll see y’all later.”“Okay, Ma,” he kissed her and Jay, then locked the door and looked out of the window to watch them leave.
“Do you remember that promise I made to you?” he asked as he walked towards me.I nodded my head. “The one where you promised to give meyour credit card and bank card whenever I want it, no questions asked? Was that the one?” He stood at the end of the bed looking down at me and licking his lips. “You better stop licking them lips like that. I might have to put them to work,” I said.He smirked, walked over to the TV and turned it off. “The promise I made last night. The one when I said that I would get that ass as soon as the kids left.”“Mmm, sounds good to me. But, you have to do something before you get this.”I opened my legs as he crawled on to the bed and lay on top of me. With him kissing on my neck and moving his hand up and down my thighs, I moved my hips up to him and let out a moan to let him know I was getting ready for him. He sat up and removed his shirt as I moved my hand down into his sweat pants. Looking at him, I licked my lips and smiled seductively. He said, “You want that?” I nodded my head and stroked his bone as he pulled down my shorts and ran his hand over the slit of my body and thighs. “Sit up so this shirt can come off.” I guess I wasn’t taking my shirt off fast enough for him because he tried to help me, but I got hung up in it. One arm was out and the other in the air stuck along with my head. We laughed as he took it off and laid me back down. He kissed and sucked on my nipples. I rubbed his head, shoulders, back, and moaned as he fingered my opening. I sat up and pushed him back to his knees. I kissed and sucked on his chest as I stroked his hardness. I told him to stand up as I wanted to do something to him. He smiled and quickly got out of the bed. He stood in front of me as I moved him in and out of my mouth. He moaned as I inhaled every inch of him. I sucked him like I was trying to get to the middle of a tootsie pop. Just like that, I didn’t know how many licks or sucks it would take to get to his creamy core, but when I did, I enjoyed it. He moved back and forth with each back and forth motion I gave with my head. He grabbed the back of my head and held it. I didn’t move. I left my mouth open for him to do what he wanted. That was good hood love. “I’m about to cum, Baby,” he groaned, holding on to my head. I felt his fingers run through my hair. I wasn’t sure if I felt what I had, so I asked. Pulling him from my mouth, “Mmm, did I just feel you tap on my head? I think you tapped out just like I knew you would.” I put him back in my mouth. “I didn’t tap. I rubbed. There’s a difference.”I held on to his waist and sucked and inhaled him until his juices flowed from inside him to inside of me. He tasted as good as he looked. His legs gave way, but he caught his balance by holding on to the wall. He laid on the bed panting and whispered my name. Shaking his head, he said he hated me for what I did and he would to get pay back. I told him, “Get off the kid’s bed and come get me.” “You ain’t saying nothing but a word.” In one swoop he was on the bed with me. He put my legs on his shoulders and his face between my thighs. I held the back of his head while he sucked and inhaled me. It didn’t take long to make my sweet spot cream. My legs had a mind of their own as they locked around his face, but that did not stop him. He licked me from the bottom to the top. He did circles around my soft button with his tongue. He massaged my g-spot causing my juices to flow more. He moved his ring finger and middle finger deep inside me. I came again, pushing his head into my pussy. I began to feel the pleasures of his tongue wear me down. “Stop, stop.” I tapped on his head while my clit pulsated in his mouth. I panted just as he had done. He sat up and laughed at me, then said, “I made that million dollar pussy tap out.”
We laughed as he laid on top me. We kissed and our juices mixed in our mouths. His erection lay on top of my moist center while I stroked it a little. I made sure he was ready, then I put him inside me. I raised my hips to him, but he came down slow and hard, pinning me to the bed. He moved up and down a few times before moving to the side of me. He put my legs together getting me on my side then re-entered me. He moved in and out slowly, just the way I liked it, my old school. He held me close to him, not stopping even when I tried to push him away. My body twitched and locked as I started to cum again. He knew just what to do to get me where I needed to be. He lifted my left leg and played with my pussy. Words, again, disappeared as he moved a little faster as his ending started to rise. He rolled on top of me and gazed into my eyes. I saw his orgasm building. With my right leg locked in his arm, left leg on his shoulder, the juices from my middle played a beautiful ballad as he led us toward ecstasy. He whispered, “I’m about to cum, Eve. I’m about to cum.” I uttered back, “Me too.” The headboard knocked hard on the wall. With each stroke of his love stick, I dug my nails into his back. My body twitched, I laid my head into him, bit his shoulder, and came. He squeezed my butt, bit my neck, and he came. Our moans were the base line, our breathing the hook, our juices the lyrics of love.
About the Book:
After a year of marriage counseling, the Dawson’s were finally, back on track to a lasting relationship. Unfortunately, the joys of marriage would be disrupted, yet again, by a source neither party saw coming. The longing to be the center of her husband’s life, Eve found that being the center of anyone’s life was better than nothing. For her, the young delivery driver was just the one to set her where she wanted to be. Blowing caution and responsibility to the wind, Eve embarked on a journey that turned her world upside down while tilting the lives of those around her. Dance to the beats of Eve’s heart as she confesses her fleshy sins and desires in Eve’s Confession: Songs of a Lustful Soul.
Eve’s Confession can be purchased on paperback at: www.createspace.com/4424380 or click the following link for Amazon e-book copy of EvesConfession.
Also available by Ebony Nicole Smith:
5Harts: Re-releasing May 2015
For years, Bill and Chardress Hart attempted to have a child of their own. With a number of miscarriages to harden their desires, they stepped out on faith and sought parenthood another way: adoption. Through distance, time and a lot of prayer, the Harts open their home and hearts to three children that would soon change their world. The decision, which was easily made, was met with much resistance from their oldest adopted son. Determined to keep their new family a float, Chardress opens up the wounds of her childhood to help heal the wounds of her son. But will her sacrifices be enough to save him before it’s too late?
About the Author:
Ebony Nicole Smith is the author of a number of Christian novels and short stories, aspiring playwright, blogger, mentor to aspiring authors and follower of Jesus Christ. She was also a featured writer for Our Voice Magazine. Her short stories will appear on the re-launch of her blog, www.ebonynicolesmith.com/rollinghills, beginning June 2015. Ebony penned her first novel in 2010, which was the outlet she needed to distance herself from a toxic relationship, and released it in 2012. Since then, Ebony has released a full-length novel every year. She is currently writing her first play, titled An Afternoon with Immanuel, which will hit the stage in 2016. The next novel to be released at the end of 2015 is The Beautiful Side of Evil. Ebony is a mentor to Christian women who desires to know their worth in Christ Jesus and those that have yet to have known Him. Eve’s Confession is available now! 5Harts will be re-launched in May 2015.
You can connect with Ebony on Twitter and Instagram @ebnicsmith, FB under her name and via email at novelist@ebonynicolesmith.com. Her novels are available on Nook, Kindle and paperback on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel.
Excerpt:
“Happy Sunday, Grandma!”“Happy Sunday to you, baby.” She bent down to kiss CJ and he gave her a big hug. “Where’s Dad?” I asked as I sat up in the bed, still a little tired from the night before.“Downstairs, his knees were bothering him,” she said, sitting on the bed.“Oh,” I replied looking away from her. “Look at my pretty grandbaby. Are you ready for church?” she said to Jay, picking her up. Jay looked and nodded her head. She was happy to go somewhere, anywhere, she didn’t care.“We’re going to leave. Are you two going to meet us after church?” my mom asked.Shamar patted his stomach “Yes ma’am. You know I loves me some food! I can eat a horse if you cook it right.” CJ looked at Shamar and shook his head. “Grandma, I told you my daddy and mommy crazy, but nobody wants to believe me.” He shrugged his shoulders and walked out the door. My mom laughed, picked up Jay’s diaper bag, and then walked out behind him. “Go get in the car,” my mother said, laughing and pushing him out of the door after he said his goodbyes to his dad and me. “I will call you when we leave church,” Mom said. She pointed her finger at me, and continued, “And you, Miss Thing. Your godfather will be mad at you for not showing up today.” “I know, but I will be there next time. I promise,” I said.Adding his unsolicited two-cents, Shamar said, “You know she’s lying, right?” I threw a pillow at him that bounced off his chest and onto the bed. “I’ll get her in there next Sunday, front row,” he said and threw the pillow back at me.“You gonna be there too, right?” my mom asked as she nodded her head. “Woo, you said he’ll be mad at Eve, not me. So, you know.” Shamar smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “Let me go before I have to snatch you two out this door for church. I’ll see y’all later.”“Okay, Ma,” he kissed her and Jay, then locked the door and looked out of the window to watch them leave.
“Do you remember that promise I made to you?” he asked as he walked towards me.I nodded my head. “The one where you promised to give meyour credit card and bank card whenever I want it, no questions asked? Was that the one?” He stood at the end of the bed looking down at me and licking his lips. “You better stop licking them lips like that. I might have to put them to work,” I said.He smirked, walked over to the TV and turned it off. “The promise I made last night. The one when I said that I would get that ass as soon as the kids left.”“Mmm, sounds good to me. But, you have to do something before you get this.”I opened my legs as he crawled on to the bed and lay on top of me. With him kissing on my neck and moving his hand up and down my thighs, I moved my hips up to him and let out a moan to let him know I was getting ready for him. He sat up and removed his shirt as I moved my hand down into his sweat pants. Looking at him, I licked my lips and smiled seductively. He said, “You want that?” I nodded my head and stroked his bone as he pulled down my shorts and ran his hand over the slit of my body and thighs. “Sit up so this shirt can come off.” I guess I wasn’t taking my shirt off fast enough for him because he tried to help me, but I got hung up in it. One arm was out and the other in the air stuck along with my head. We laughed as he took it off and laid me back down. He kissed and sucked on my nipples. I rubbed his head, shoulders, back, and moaned as he fingered my opening. I sat up and pushed him back to his knees. I kissed and sucked on his chest as I stroked his hardness. I told him to stand up as I wanted to do something to him. He smiled and quickly got out of the bed. He stood in front of me as I moved him in and out of my mouth. He moaned as I inhaled every inch of him. I sucked him like I was trying to get to the middle of a tootsie pop. Just like that, I didn’t know how many licks or sucks it would take to get to his creamy core, but when I did, I enjoyed it. He moved back and forth with each back and forth motion I gave with my head. He grabbed the back of my head and held it. I didn’t move. I left my mouth open for him to do what he wanted. That was good hood love. “I’m about to cum, Baby,” he groaned, holding on to my head. I felt his fingers run through my hair. I wasn’t sure if I felt what I had, so I asked. Pulling him from my mouth, “Mmm, did I just feel you tap on my head? I think you tapped out just like I knew you would.” I put him back in my mouth. “I didn’t tap. I rubbed. There’s a difference.”I held on to his waist and sucked and inhaled him until his juices flowed from inside him to inside of me. He tasted as good as he looked. His legs gave way, but he caught his balance by holding on to the wall. He laid on the bed panting and whispered my name. Shaking his head, he said he hated me for what I did and he would to get pay back. I told him, “Get off the kid’s bed and come get me.” “You ain’t saying nothing but a word.” In one swoop he was on the bed with me. He put my legs on his shoulders and his face between my thighs. I held the back of his head while he sucked and inhaled me. It didn’t take long to make my sweet spot cream. My legs had a mind of their own as they locked around his face, but that did not stop him. He licked me from the bottom to the top. He did circles around my soft button with his tongue. He massaged my g-spot causing my juices to flow more. He moved his ring finger and middle finger deep inside me. I came again, pushing his head into my pussy. I began to feel the pleasures of his tongue wear me down. “Stop, stop.” I tapped on his head while my clit pulsated in his mouth. I panted just as he had done. He sat up and laughed at me, then said, “I made that million dollar pussy tap out.”
We laughed as he laid on top me. We kissed and our juices mixed in our mouths. His erection lay on top of my moist center while I stroked it a little. I made sure he was ready, then I put him inside me. I raised my hips to him, but he came down slow and hard, pinning me to the bed. He moved up and down a few times before moving to the side of me. He put my legs together getting me on my side then re-entered me. He moved in and out slowly, just the way I liked it, my old school. He held me close to him, not stopping even when I tried to push him away. My body twitched and locked as I started to cum again. He knew just what to do to get me where I needed to be. He lifted my left leg and played with my pussy. Words, again, disappeared as he moved a little faster as his ending started to rise. He rolled on top of me and gazed into my eyes. I saw his orgasm building. With my right leg locked in his arm, left leg on his shoulder, the juices from my middle played a beautiful ballad as he led us toward ecstasy. He whispered, “I’m about to cum, Eve. I’m about to cum.” I uttered back, “Me too.” The headboard knocked hard on the wall. With each stroke of his love stick, I dug my nails into his back. My body twitched, I laid my head into him, bit his shoulder, and came. He squeezed my butt, bit my neck, and he came. Our moans were the base line, our breathing the hook, our juices the lyrics of love.
About the Book:
After a year of marriage counseling, the Dawson’s were finally, back on track to a lasting relationship. Unfortunately, the joys of marriage would be disrupted, yet again, by a source neither party saw coming. The longing to be the center of her husband’s life, Eve found that being the center of anyone’s life was better than nothing. For her, the young delivery driver was just the one to set her where she wanted to be. Blowing caution and responsibility to the wind, Eve embarked on a journey that turned her world upside down while tilting the lives of those around her. Dance to the beats of Eve’s heart as she confesses her fleshy sins and desires in Eve’s Confession: Songs of a Lustful Soul.
Eve’s Confession can be purchased on paperback at: www.createspace.com/4424380 or click the following link for Amazon e-book copy of EvesConfession.
Also available by Ebony Nicole Smith:
5Harts: Re-releasing May 2015
For years, Bill and Chardress Hart attempted to have a child of their own. With a number of miscarriages to harden their desires, they stepped out on faith and sought parenthood another way: adoption. Through distance, time and a lot of prayer, the Harts open their home and hearts to three children that would soon change their world. The decision, which was easily made, was met with much resistance from their oldest adopted son. Determined to keep their new family a float, Chardress opens up the wounds of her childhood to help heal the wounds of her son. But will her sacrifices be enough to save him before it’s too late?
About the Author:
Ebony Nicole Smith is the author of a number of Christian novels and short stories, aspiring playwright, blogger, mentor to aspiring authors and follower of Jesus Christ. She was also a featured writer for Our Voice Magazine. Her short stories will appear on the re-launch of her blog, www.ebonynicolesmith.com/rollinghills, beginning June 2015. Ebony penned her first novel in 2010, which was the outlet she needed to distance herself from a toxic relationship, and released it in 2012. Since then, Ebony has released a full-length novel every year. She is currently writing her first play, titled An Afternoon with Immanuel, which will hit the stage in 2016. The next novel to be released at the end of 2015 is The Beautiful Side of Evil. Ebony is a mentor to Christian women who desires to know their worth in Christ Jesus and those that have yet to have known Him. Eve’s Confession is available now! 5Harts will be re-launched in May 2015.
You can connect with Ebony on Twitter and Instagram @ebnicsmith, FB under her name and via email at novelist@ebonynicolesmith.com. Her novels are available on Nook, Kindle and paperback on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel.
March 30, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Christina C. Jones
Today Miss Christina C. Jones shares an excerpt that begins to heat up and leaves you wanting more from her (awesome) paranormal Haunted
Excerpt:
“Khalida?”I turned to see Trav’s assistant, a petite blonde with electric-blue framed glasses, standing at the doorway to the club. “What is it, Brooke?”“Travis wants to see you in his office.” She gave me a sympathetic smile, like she knew her boss was full of shit, then shrugged.With a deep, cleansing breath, I nodded, then turned back to the construction. This was a damned disaster, and Travis could wait. I went to my office first, to call Cameron Taylor — owner of the magazine — to let her know about the problem. I knew she’d be pissed, and wanted to let her know as soon as possible, but wasn’t able to get an answer. After several messages, I realized I was just putting off the inevitable.I collected my phone, tablet, and other belongings from my desk, suspecting that I wouldn’t be calling this office my own any longer, and headed down to Trav’s office. On the way there, I steeled myself. I had done nothing wrong, and no matter how much he tried, I wouldn’t let Travis get anything close to an over-the-top reaction from me.Brooke wasn’t at her normal post outside the office, so I simply walked in, expecting to see Travis waiting at his desk.Instead… there was Aram.He smiled when he looked up and saw me, and a now-familiar arousal prickled my skin. I swallowed hard, remembering the last time — hell, every time I’d shared space with him. Since the day we met — the day before, actually — I’d been plagued by what I could only describe as hallucinations, always featuring him as the co-star of some vivid sexual fantasy. Since breaking up with Travis, they gotten even worse… if I could call them bad at all. Because those… bouts of delirium… were good.So, so good that it made it incredibly hard to look this man in the face without those fantasies coming to mind. I couldn’t even be near him without imagining his hands on me, and inside of me, touching and teasing me until I reached the pinnacle of ecstasy and passed out.Then started over again.“Ara—Mr. Duncan. I was expecting Travis. He… summoned me.”Aram nodded as he stood from his seated position on the corner of Trav’s desk. “Yeah… about that. I sent Travis on a few errands to clear his head. He needed a time out.”“A time out?”“Yes. That’s what you do when kids misbehave, you know?” He lifted a hand, beckoning me closer, and of course I obliged. The door swung firmly shut behind me, and I jumped a little as it clicked in the frame. Aram smirked as he approached me, filling my nostrils with his prevailing scent of citrus and cedar. “Why are you so on edge, Khalida? What do you think is gonna happen?”“Well, I came down here expecting to get fired, so…”“That’s not about to happen. Don’t worry about that.”“But—““Don’t worry about that.” He touched my bare arm, letting his fingers drift over my skin.That’s not the only thing I’m worried about.“So tell me what else,” Aram said, the heat from his body scorching through the thin fabric of my skirt and blouse as he stood behind me. I trembled as his hands first touched high on my thighs, then moved up until he was gripping my waist.“This is another fantasy.” I spoke the words aloud, hoping they would give me some type of leverage in reality. “It’s not really happening.”“Oh, it’s happening, Beautiful.” Aram chuckled against my ear, then gently nipped it between his teeth. “And… another implies that it was ever a fantasy.”What?“It has to be.” I bit my lip as he pulled my hips back, pressing his erection against me. “My private thoughts. My dreams. Your eyes in the window, the—““Shower, the hallway, that day in the conference room, that time on the roof of your building, and let’s not forget the produce fridge at the grocery store. I really thought you might crawl out of your skin.”Panic gripped my chest, stifled quickly by arousal as Aram pressed his lips to the back of my neck.Those times… they can’t be real. It’s not possible.“Oh, but it is. You gonna deny the memory of me inside you, Khalida? The soreness between your legs, hickies on your neck… do you want me to show you the scratch marks you’ve left on my back. They feel pretty damn real to me.”I shook my head, turning in his arms to face him. “But you’re never there after. You disappear, or you’re across the room, and my clothes are back on like nothing happened.”He shrugged. “Time manipulation is nothing for an immortal, Khalida.”
About the Book:
Within the bounds of complacency, there exists a boring, beautiful sort of peace, and Khalida has found it. Welcomes it, in fact. A nice, comfortable life, with a great job, a good, albeit on and off again boyfriend, a great relationship with her younger sister... She has nothing to complain about.
But that's only if she ignores the sense of unrest that has haunted her ever since she could remember, overshadowing her ability to connect in love. Only if she glosses over the fact that she’s leaning more toward a permanent off switch when it comes to Travis. Only if she tunes out her way-too-old-for-make-believe younger sister's sudden insistence that some things are a little suspicious when it comes to the details of their past.
A month ago... Everything was fine. But now — and suspiciously timed with the entry of sexier than possible Aram Duncan into her life — unexplained hallucinations have Khalida questioning if maybe there’s something other-worldly happening around her. But all of that nonsense... Psychic abilities, immortals, time manipulation, mind control.... None of that really exists... Right?
http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-paranormal-story-Christina-Jones-ebook/dp/B00UWE2IQI
About the Author:
Christina Jones is a budding author on a mission to show the beautiful -- but not always pretty -- journey of love in all stages, with a focus on people of color. When she's not immersed in writing it, Christina is an avid reader of her favorite genre, Black romance.
Read her blog: http://www.beingmrsjones.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingmrsjonesFollow her on Twitter: @BeingMrsJones
Standalone Titles:Love and Other ThingsThe Trouble With Love
Friends & Lovers:Finding ForeverChasing Commitment
Strictly Professional:Strictly ProfessionalUnfinished Business
Serendipitous Love:A Crazy Little Thing Called LoveDidn't Mean To Love YouFall In Love Again
If You Can:Catch Me If You CanRelease Me If You Can
Excerpt:
“Khalida?”I turned to see Trav’s assistant, a petite blonde with electric-blue framed glasses, standing at the doorway to the club. “What is it, Brooke?”“Travis wants to see you in his office.” She gave me a sympathetic smile, like she knew her boss was full of shit, then shrugged.With a deep, cleansing breath, I nodded, then turned back to the construction. This was a damned disaster, and Travis could wait. I went to my office first, to call Cameron Taylor — owner of the magazine — to let her know about the problem. I knew she’d be pissed, and wanted to let her know as soon as possible, but wasn’t able to get an answer. After several messages, I realized I was just putting off the inevitable.I collected my phone, tablet, and other belongings from my desk, suspecting that I wouldn’t be calling this office my own any longer, and headed down to Trav’s office. On the way there, I steeled myself. I had done nothing wrong, and no matter how much he tried, I wouldn’t let Travis get anything close to an over-the-top reaction from me.Brooke wasn’t at her normal post outside the office, so I simply walked in, expecting to see Travis waiting at his desk.Instead… there was Aram.He smiled when he looked up and saw me, and a now-familiar arousal prickled my skin. I swallowed hard, remembering the last time — hell, every time I’d shared space with him. Since the day we met — the day before, actually — I’d been plagued by what I could only describe as hallucinations, always featuring him as the co-star of some vivid sexual fantasy. Since breaking up with Travis, they gotten even worse… if I could call them bad at all. Because those… bouts of delirium… were good.So, so good that it made it incredibly hard to look this man in the face without those fantasies coming to mind. I couldn’t even be near him without imagining his hands on me, and inside of me, touching and teasing me until I reached the pinnacle of ecstasy and passed out.Then started over again.“Ara—Mr. Duncan. I was expecting Travis. He… summoned me.”Aram nodded as he stood from his seated position on the corner of Trav’s desk. “Yeah… about that. I sent Travis on a few errands to clear his head. He needed a time out.”“A time out?”“Yes. That’s what you do when kids misbehave, you know?” He lifted a hand, beckoning me closer, and of course I obliged. The door swung firmly shut behind me, and I jumped a little as it clicked in the frame. Aram smirked as he approached me, filling my nostrils with his prevailing scent of citrus and cedar. “Why are you so on edge, Khalida? What do you think is gonna happen?”“Well, I came down here expecting to get fired, so…”“That’s not about to happen. Don’t worry about that.”“But—““Don’t worry about that.” He touched my bare arm, letting his fingers drift over my skin.That’s not the only thing I’m worried about.“So tell me what else,” Aram said, the heat from his body scorching through the thin fabric of my skirt and blouse as he stood behind me. I trembled as his hands first touched high on my thighs, then moved up until he was gripping my waist.“This is another fantasy.” I spoke the words aloud, hoping they would give me some type of leverage in reality. “It’s not really happening.”“Oh, it’s happening, Beautiful.” Aram chuckled against my ear, then gently nipped it between his teeth. “And… another implies that it was ever a fantasy.”What?“It has to be.” I bit my lip as he pulled my hips back, pressing his erection against me. “My private thoughts. My dreams. Your eyes in the window, the—““Shower, the hallway, that day in the conference room, that time on the roof of your building, and let’s not forget the produce fridge at the grocery store. I really thought you might crawl out of your skin.”Panic gripped my chest, stifled quickly by arousal as Aram pressed his lips to the back of my neck.Those times… they can’t be real. It’s not possible.“Oh, but it is. You gonna deny the memory of me inside you, Khalida? The soreness between your legs, hickies on your neck… do you want me to show you the scratch marks you’ve left on my back. They feel pretty damn real to me.”I shook my head, turning in his arms to face him. “But you’re never there after. You disappear, or you’re across the room, and my clothes are back on like nothing happened.”He shrugged. “Time manipulation is nothing for an immortal, Khalida.”
About the Book:
Within the bounds of complacency, there exists a boring, beautiful sort of peace, and Khalida has found it. Welcomes it, in fact. A nice, comfortable life, with a great job, a good, albeit on and off again boyfriend, a great relationship with her younger sister... She has nothing to complain about.
But that's only if she ignores the sense of unrest that has haunted her ever since she could remember, overshadowing her ability to connect in love. Only if she glosses over the fact that she’s leaning more toward a permanent off switch when it comes to Travis. Only if she tunes out her way-too-old-for-make-believe younger sister's sudden insistence that some things are a little suspicious when it comes to the details of their past.
A month ago... Everything was fine. But now — and suspiciously timed with the entry of sexier than possible Aram Duncan into her life — unexplained hallucinations have Khalida questioning if maybe there’s something other-worldly happening around her. But all of that nonsense... Psychic abilities, immortals, time manipulation, mind control.... None of that really exists... Right?
http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-paranormal-story-Christina-Jones-ebook/dp/B00UWE2IQI
About the Author:
Christina Jones is a budding author on a mission to show the beautiful -- but not always pretty -- journey of love in all stages, with a focus on people of color. When she's not immersed in writing it, Christina is an avid reader of her favorite genre, Black romance.
Read her blog: http://www.beingmrsjones.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingmrsjonesFollow her on Twitter: @BeingMrsJones
Standalone Titles:Love and Other ThingsThe Trouble With Love
Friends & Lovers:Finding ForeverChasing Commitment
Strictly Professional:Strictly ProfessionalUnfinished Business
Serendipitous Love:A Crazy Little Thing Called LoveDidn't Mean To Love YouFall In Love Again
If You Can:Catch Me If You CanRelease Me If You Can
March 29, 2015
Spring Fever Blog Tour: Michele Kimbrough
Visiting us today is Michele Kimbrough, and she is sharing a very steamy excerpt from her book Dangerously in Love.
About the Book
During a sizzling-hot Chicago summer, landscaper and former attorney Hilton "Hill" Parker becomes dangerously involved with the sultry Caitlin Church, whose casual flirtation turns Hill's world upside down. But Hill has no idea the sea of trouble in which he is about to swim, and that certain events are already set in motion for him to take the dive. He soon learns that Caitlin is more cunning than anyone ever dreamed.
About the Author
Michele Kimbrough lives in Chicago (but cheers for the Green Bay Packers). She’s an Air Force veteran and formerly a nonprofit corporate executive. She describes herself as a work in progress, and counts coffee and red wine as the best discoveries of all times.
Michele writes stories because she loves peeling back the layers of messy truths that come with living life. Her characters are flawed and encounter challenges that either grow them or destroy them. Her passion is writing and she’s written freelance articles and contributed to various blogs. Dangerously in Love is her third novel.
You can find Michele on the web at:www.facebook.com/michelekimbroughwriterwww.twitter.com/madambitionwww.michelekimbrough.com
Excerpt
“What’s going on, Caitlin?” Hill asked, concerned something had happened. “You sounded distraught on the phone...” He followed her down the hall, admiring the way her long stride swayed her hips. Instead of her usual floral scent, a cool fresh fragrance trailed her.She pushed through the kitchen door and led him to the massive den. “Can I get you something to drink?” She bit down on her bottom lip, her ankles crossed as she stood, looking as if she’d spin into a pirouette at any moment.
“No.” He looked around, taking in his environment. He was uncomfortable standing in Adam’s home, thinking about all the things he wanted to do with his wife. It was reckless, too, them being there together—Hill could feel the tension in the air. Suppose Adam came home unexpectedly? What if Adam had cameras hidden in the house, which was something Hill imagined Adam would do? Then what?
She pushed her hair away from her face with one practiced sweep of her hand. “You can sit if you’d like.”
She noticed how far away from her he sat—deliberately. The rugged scent of his body drew her nearer to him. She scooted closer and closer until she could feel his breath against her skin.
“You can touch me,” she said, gazing into eyes that seemed surprised at her boldness. She reached for his hand and pressed it against her heart. A fierce possessiveness came over him, and he grabbed hold of her, his fingers caressing, stroking, and taunting her. There was nothing more exquisite than the feel of his hands caressing her body. And Hill’s touch was warm and inviting. It was a sensation like no other. Her body pleaded silently for him to take her—here and now. But he pulled back, releasing her from the warmth of his touch.
“I’m not going to break,” she said as she stood in front of him, unbuttoning her sleeveless shirtdress to unveil full, plump breasts. She ran her hands over his smooth, chiseled chest and gazed into his eyes. His hands explored her body from her neck down to her hips. His lips pressed tenderly against her bare shoulder.
“I want you, Hill.” She let the dress drop to the floor as she reached for his hand and pressed it against her breasts. Her gaze pleaded for him to consume her—and she hoped with all hope that he could see her burning desire.
[Dangerously in Love, Excerpt from Chapter 16]
About the Book
During a sizzling-hot Chicago summer, landscaper and former attorney Hilton "Hill" Parker becomes dangerously involved with the sultry Caitlin Church, whose casual flirtation turns Hill's world upside down. But Hill has no idea the sea of trouble in which he is about to swim, and that certain events are already set in motion for him to take the dive. He soon learns that Caitlin is more cunning than anyone ever dreamed.
About the Author
Michele Kimbrough lives in Chicago (but cheers for the Green Bay Packers). She’s an Air Force veteran and formerly a nonprofit corporate executive. She describes herself as a work in progress, and counts coffee and red wine as the best discoveries of all times.
Michele writes stories because she loves peeling back the layers of messy truths that come with living life. Her characters are flawed and encounter challenges that either grow them or destroy them. Her passion is writing and she’s written freelance articles and contributed to various blogs. Dangerously in Love is her third novel.
You can find Michele on the web at:www.facebook.com/michelekimbroughwriterwww.twitter.com/madambitionwww.michelekimbrough.com
Excerpt
“What’s going on, Caitlin?” Hill asked, concerned something had happened. “You sounded distraught on the phone...” He followed her down the hall, admiring the way her long stride swayed her hips. Instead of her usual floral scent, a cool fresh fragrance trailed her.She pushed through the kitchen door and led him to the massive den. “Can I get you something to drink?” She bit down on her bottom lip, her ankles crossed as she stood, looking as if she’d spin into a pirouette at any moment.
“No.” He looked around, taking in his environment. He was uncomfortable standing in Adam’s home, thinking about all the things he wanted to do with his wife. It was reckless, too, them being there together—Hill could feel the tension in the air. Suppose Adam came home unexpectedly? What if Adam had cameras hidden in the house, which was something Hill imagined Adam would do? Then what?
She pushed her hair away from her face with one practiced sweep of her hand. “You can sit if you’d like.”
She noticed how far away from her he sat—deliberately. The rugged scent of his body drew her nearer to him. She scooted closer and closer until she could feel his breath against her skin.
“You can touch me,” she said, gazing into eyes that seemed surprised at her boldness. She reached for his hand and pressed it against her heart. A fierce possessiveness came over him, and he grabbed hold of her, his fingers caressing, stroking, and taunting her. There was nothing more exquisite than the feel of his hands caressing her body. And Hill’s touch was warm and inviting. It was a sensation like no other. Her body pleaded silently for him to take her—here and now. But he pulled back, releasing her from the warmth of his touch.
“I’m not going to break,” she said as she stood in front of him, unbuttoning her sleeveless shirtdress to unveil full, plump breasts. She ran her hands over his smooth, chiseled chest and gazed into his eyes. His hands explored her body from her neck down to her hips. His lips pressed tenderly against her bare shoulder.
“I want you, Hill.” She let the dress drop to the floor as she reached for his hand and pressed it against her breasts. Her gaze pleaded for him to consume her—and she hoped with all hope that he could see her burning desire.
Don't stop now! To read more of Dangerously in Love, order here.
[Dangerously in Love, Excerpt from Chapter 16]
