H.K. Carlton's Blog, page 35
May 20, 2019
Release Tour + #Giveaway - Defend Me - by Ayden K. Morgen @AKMorgen #erotic #romance
Defend Me Her Best Friend's Father #3by Ayden K. Morgen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Forget the rules.
Forget right or wrong.
Forget letting go.
When Roman Gregory's daughter caught him and Mila Lawson together in Santa Cruz, he swore he would face whatever he had to face to keep Mila by his side and win back his daughter. But now Talia isn't speaking to either of them, and their relationship has gotten a whole lot more complicated thanks to the violent gang gunning for the ATF agent.
Mila knows nothing good comes easy, but she never imagined being the reason Talia stopped speaking to her father. All Mila wants to do is fix what she broke before the man she loves loses his daughter for good…even if that means she has to break her own heart to do it.
For Roman, bringing Mila to Los Angeles with a gang war looming on the horizon is the most terrifying thing he's ever done. But now that he's fallen in love with the gorgeous blonde, he can't let her go. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and regain his daughter's trust…even if he has to walk away from his career to do it.
But neither Roman nor Mila could have foreseen the news that will change their lives forever.
When his worst fear becomes a reality and Mila is targeted, more than just their hearts are on the line. To save Mila's life and guarantee a future with her, Roman will do more than break the rules. He'll rewrite the rule book entirely.
Nothing will stand in his way. Not even the law itself.
Defend Me is the third part of Mila and Roman's steamy story.
**Only 99 cents!!**Goodreads * Amazon
Destroy MeHer Best Friend's Father #2
Two weeks.No strings attached.
No messy emotions.
Those were the terms Mila Lawson offered Roman Gregory when they found themselves living together in Santa Cruz. Now that the ATF agent has his daughter's twenty-two year old best friend in his bed every night, he's finding it more and more difficult to deny what he's felt for her since the day they met.
With a drug cartel threatening to go to war and his daughter becoming increasingly suspicious, the last thing Roman should be thinking about is keeping Mila by his side. He's never wanted much, but he wants her…and he's willing to break more than a few of his own rules to convince the feisty little blonde to put her heart in his hands.
For Mila, falling for Roman might just be the most terrifying thing she's ever done. Trusting him with her body is one thing, but with her past still hanging over her, she knows all too well that the scary-hot man who drives her wild has the power to destroy her.
As their time in Santa Cruz draws to a close and the world beyond their little stretch of beach closes in on them, Roman and Mila will be forced to confront the truth about their relationship and make decisions neither could have imagined.
But who ever said falling in love would be easy?
Destroy Me is the second of three steamy novellas featuring Mila and Roman.
**Only 99 cents!!**Goodreads * Amazon
Devour MeHer Best Friend's Father #1
Don't get caught.
Never fall in love.
And steer clear of his daughter's friends.
The rules were easy enough for Roman Gregory...until Mila Lawson set out to break every single one of them.
When the twenty-two year old lands on the ATF agent's doorstep after a nasty breakup, he knows all too well that she's off-limits. At thirty-eight, he's almost twice her age, she's hurting, and the blonde bombshell is his daughter's best friend.
Mila knows all about wanting what she can't have. For four years, she's lusted after Talia McPherson's scary hot, terminally single father from afar. After walking away from her cheating ex and what she thought was her happily-ever-after, the last thing on her mind is jumping into a new relationship.
Until she find herself living with Roman in Santa Cruz...
Now all she can think about is making all those dirty fantasies come to life. With nothing left to lose, she makes him an offer he can't refuse: Two weeks of no-holds-barred sex. No strings. No commitments. No messy emotions.
Roman has no business agreeing to her insane proposition. He can't have her. He shouldn't even want her. But he's going to take her anyway… and he has no intentions of stopping until she's his completely.
If there's one thing Roman knows for a fact, it's that he doesn't lose. Ever.
Devour Me is the first of three steamy novellas featuring Mila and Roman.
**Only 99 cents!!**Goodreads * Amazon
Ayden is the Amazon Bestselling author of the Ragnarök Prophesies series. She lives in the heart of Arkansas with her childhood sweetheart/husband of fourteen years, and their furry minions. When not writing, she spends her time hiking, reading, volunteering, causing mischief, and building a Spork army.Ayden graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology in 2009 before going on to complete her graduate degree in CJ and Law. She currently puts her education to use in the CJ and Social Services field.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
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May 17, 2019
SWAP is back! One Woman's Mad Crush on her Brother-in-law Spirals into a Red-hot Affair #forbiddenlove #eroticrom
Happy Victoria Day Weekend!
This past week I self-pubbed and re-released fan favorite, Swap.For readers who enjoyed the story the first time around, you might recall it was my debut novel back in 2012. And this time around, it is my second self-published book. I'm pretty excited to share this story again. But be forewarned, the content is not for everyone. Please read the author note at the end of the blurb so there are no surprises.
A huge Thank You to Emmy Ellis of Studioenp for the amazing cover design!
Hailey Hollinger has it all—a great husband, a fantastic career, good friends… and one hot brother-in-law who won’t stay out of her fantasies
When Hailey was sixteen she thought her boyfriend, Brent, was the best-looking guy around. That was until he introduced her to his older brother, Mike. From that moment on she had the biggest crush on him and he became the star of all her teenage fantasies.
Hailey’s all grown up now and has been married to Brent for three years. They have great careers, a nice house—they enjoy life and each other. Everything is supposed to be perfect. Except that pesky little infatuation with her husband’s brother has never completely gone away. A crush, by nature and definition, is supposed to be short-lived and should diminish over time. But, unfortunately for Hailey, it hasn’t, and it’s beginning to fuck with what she thinks should be perfection. And, if her life is so great, why does she then find herself groping her brother-in-law in the cab of his truck like some sex-starved teenager? Or the more pressing question yet—why is he groping her right back?
Author Note: This erotic romance story, which has been previously published, is written in first person, and contains cheating/adulterous themes. The material has been updated and reformatted for re-release, with a smokin’ new cover, as well as additional content
What readers are saying:
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each other.
Swap was an excellent read that kept me captivated the entire time. Hailey and Mike's struggle of their attraction to each other was incredibly well written - I could feel the tension between them myself and of course was silently rooting for them. Most people might find their trysts immoral, but once you learn of Hailey and Mike's relationships with their own spouses, you'll understand the imperative need to have Hailey and Mike find their own happily ever after together. I definitely recommend Swap as a must read, and if you cherish a good night's sleep then I also recommend that you start the book early in the day, because you'll find it impossible to put down.
Most of the book chronicles Hailey's and Mike's desperate attempts to remain faithful despite their mutual attraction. Neither of the main characters treats marriage casually. Both want to do the right thing. As time goes on, though, it becomes clear that their physical connection is merely a symptom of the deep emotional bond that connects them. Ultimately, they have no choice but to surrender to their passion and face the consequences...
....Swap is a brave book, tackling as it does the uncomfortable topic of infidelity. A few years ago, this subject would have been taboo in a romance. Ms. Carlton does not whitewash the issue, but handles it with an admirable degree of honesty and realism. Hailey and Mike are sympathetic, likable characters. They really try to resist one another, although it's clear to the reader from an early stage that this is futile. In fact, their heroic efforts to “be good” raise the level of sexual tension, as they skirt the edges of adultery, drawing back time and time again from a precipitous fall.
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each other.
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each other.
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each otherStay tuned for a +18 excerpt below, but first here's
The Prologue
When I was sixteen I thought my boyfriend, Brent, was the best-looking guy around. That was until he introduced me to his older brother Mike. From that moment on I had the biggest crush on him, and he was the star of most of my teenage fantasies.
At the time Mike was twenty-five and newly married, but that didn’t stop my overactive imagination. I was so shy back then, every conversation I had with the man left me a red-faced, tongue-tied mess.
To this day, Mike can still make me blush, even though I’m now twenty-six and have been married to Brent for three years. I have a great career in journalism and I’m sketching outlines for my first romance novel.
Brent and I both have great jobs, although he travels a lot for work as a territory auto parts sales rep. We own a nice house. We enjoy our life and each other. Everything is supposed to be perfect—except that my infatuation with my brother-in-law has never completely gone away.
A crush, by nature and definition, is something that’s supposed to be short-lived and should diminish over time. But, unfortunately, mine hasn’t, and it’s beginning to fuck with what I think should be perfection.
Mike and his wife of ten-plus years now, Cheryl, live nearby. They seem fairly happy, too, until you look a little deeper. Which I often do. With Brent away so much, I spend a fair amount of time with Mike and Cheryl. I go out with my friends too, but Mike and I have a lot in common, and not only interests-wise—we are both creative. I have my writing and he has this passion for photography that I think I’ve finally convinced him to pursue.
As long as I’ve known Mike, he’s worked in construction. I also know he hates it. Especially now that he’s getting a little older and his back and his knees have started to protest the constant activity. I mean, thirty-five isn’t old by any means, but it isn’t just his body that it’s taking a toll on. He isn’t happy, and I know from experience what a rush it is to have an article published, or some kind of recognition for a job well done. Mike’s photographs are really good, and I know in my heart that he could make a go of it, if he would just give himself the chance.
And how do I know all this? Well, even though we do a lot of things together as couples when Brent is home—which isn’t often—lately it’s just been Mike and me. We find ourselves spending more and more time together. Cheryl is often busy with her newest get-rich-quick scheme or charity events. To her, life is all about money, and other people’s perceptions of her and the life that she and Mike have carved out. She wants people to think that she and Mike live a whole lot more comfortably than they really do.
And my husband, Brent—when he isn’t away on business—has a passion of his own. And it isn’t me. Currently, she is housed in the garage under a custom-fit car cover. She is sleek, shiny, and midnight black with four hundred and six cubic inches of raw power, that I can’t compete with.
+18 Excerpt:
“See, my biggest fan.” Mike looked away. “Cheryl booked me a bunch of baby portraits for this week.”
“Oh, my God, Mike, don’t do that! You don’t want to be known as a wedding or portrait photographer. Why would she do that? That’s not what your business is about!”
“And that, right there, is why I didn’t tell her that I registered a business name—and why I did tell you. You get it.”
“I don’t understand her. Doesn’t she want you to be happy in your work? I mean, money isn’t everything. I can’t imagine going to work every day to do something I hate.”
“So, how do I get out of these portraits?”
“Are they paying?”
“Fifty bucks a sitting.” His mouth drew into a straight line.
“Fifty bucks? Well, I’ll pay you fifteen hundred for the nineties photos, and I need it before Thursday.” His eyes widened. “And I have another project I was hoping you could help me with. It’s more of a favor than a job, but I’ll pay for it, too.”
“That seems like an awful lot of money, Hails. Are you just feeling sorry for me?”
“No. Some photos can bring six-digit figures or more.”
“So, what’s the other project?”
“Well, you know Brent’s birthday is coming up. And I’ve really no idea what to get him.”
“Yeah, I remember the little shit’s birthday. I went from being an only child to having to pick up after him. Why is it the oldest kid is the one that gets blamed for everything?”
“Little bitter there, Mikey?” I teased.
He laughed. “No, not at all. So, what can I help you get the young prince?”
“I was hoping you might take some shots of the Impala, put together some kind of layout he can put in the garage or take to car shows with him. But not a calendar. I don’t want you known for that, either.”
“Yeah, that sounds doable. But can I go in on it with you? I don’t have anything in mind for him, either.”
“Sounds good, but I will pay for any supplies you might use or need. Deal?”
He gave his head a slight shake. “You’ve done enough for me.” Before I could speak, he said, “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.”
We paid the bill, then headed for the truck.
In the parking lot, he handed over the keys.
In a moment of sheer insanity on my part, I threw my arms around his waist and gave him a squeeze. “I really am proud of you, you know.”
He placed his arm around my shoulder and he pulled me closer. I felt his chest rumble. “Thanks, Hails.”
We slowed our progress, as if neither one of us was in any hurry to get to the truck. I laid my head back against his shoulder. We walked to the passenger’s side of the truck and I hit the remote on his key fob, unlocking the doors. I opened it for him. He laughed. “I’m supposed to get the door for you.”
“Oh, I thought that was just a shotgun thing, not a chivalry thing. A woman can open the door for a dude, ya know,” I said with mock impatience. “Just get in.”
He turned to face me and, to my surprise, he reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear. “You’re really lame, ya know?” He laughed at my expense.
“I think that’s an eighties catchphrase. And yeah, I know I’m lame, but you love me anyway.” I tossed his words from earlier back at him.
But his smile slipped. “Yeah. I do.”
Something in his voice made every body part I owned turn liquid. In my head, I rushed to tell myself that he meant like a brother and that he’d had a few beers, but his next words stopped my thought process cold.
“You might be the only thing I’ve ever envied about my little brother.”
He moved his hand to the side of my neck and grazed my cheek with his thumb. Then his lips were there, hovering just inches from mine, as if he were seeking permission. My senses swam with the possibilities.
I pounced, seizing what might be my only opportunity to kiss him. I didn’t hold back—he experienced the full-on, ravenous impact of years of worship and sexual fantasies that had run the gamut from sweet, innocent eighteen-year-old’s kisses to the tantalizing nocturnal fantasy that I’d created just the night before.
I flattened my chest against his, trying to get inside his coat. He spun me around, and nudged me onto the seat of the truck. I didn’t want to separate from his lips afraid that if we lost contact he would call a halt to this. So, I fisted my hands into his shirt and hauled him in after me. I opened my legs, encouraging him between them.
When he followed, I crabbed toward the driver’s side. My shoulder hit the steering wheel. I released his shirt long enough to grope for the tilt-steering lever. I pushed the wheel up to give us a little extra room. He was not a small man. The thought shot another little thrill through my already highly sensitized body.
He reached backward with one arm, trying to close the door, but I pulled him toward me with all my strength. I wanted to get as much as I could before he put a stop to this. I knew he would. He was too nice a guy to let this happen. What did that say about me?
“Let me get the door,” he said against my mouth. His breathing was choppy and heavy.
I released him long enough so that he could reach behind him. The door clicked and I didn’t even have to coax him back—he was there and kissing me. I strained to get closer to him. He settled his hips between my thighs. His thick erection prodded my entrance through my jeans. I rubbed my aching cunt shamelessly over his rock-hard cock. I was soaking wet.
Needy sounds erupted from the back of my throat. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anything, and at that very moment I didn’t care about anything else. Not Brent. Not Cheryl. Not even the fact that I was probably making an absolute fool of myself. There was one thing on my mind, and that was getting him inside my body.
Impatiently, I yanked at the bottom of his shirt. As I dragged the flannel up his chest, he pushed at my t-shirt. His large, warm palm passed over my ribs. Skin met skin, but it wasn’t enough for me. I let him push my top all the way up, exposing my bra. He smoothed his hand over me, before cupping my breast. I pressed more fully into his hand. My nipple pearled against his palm.
“Mmm,” he hummed, a deep affecting sound. He gave my breast a firm squeeze as he hunted around back for the hooks, but the bra had a front clasp. I made a protest into his mouth as I directed his hand back around to the front. He undid my bra, setting my breasts free. He released my mouth, then kissed a slow scorching path down my neck and chest, finally fastening his hot lips around my nipple.
I moaned at the exquisite sensation, arching my back, giving him full access. He growled in return and I wanted to laugh out loud. This was incredible! He swirled his tongue—my nipple tightened into a hard knot, and my pussy contracted. He rocked his hips. I could almost imagine he was inside me. If not for the goddamn clothes between us, he would be. I wanted it. I wanted it now!
He fluttered his clever tongue, and thrust his hips faster. Christ! I was so beyond turned on, I was going to come, and I wanted him inside me when I did.
I reached between us and undid the snap of his jeans. I grazed my fingers over the tip of his smooth cock with one hand, while unzipping his pants with the other.
All of a sudden, he blocked my hands, and released my breast.
“Hails!” He gasped for breath.
And there it was. He was too good a guy to let this happen.
“What are we doing?” The anguish in his voice broke my determination to push him over the edge.
I made a disappointed, frustrated noise and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see the guilt on his handsome face. He sat up. I slid my leg out from behind him and pulled my shirt down, then struggled to refasten my bra. My fingers shook with latent need and embarrassment. I fought against the hot tears that threatened to cascade down my cheeks and make us both more miserable than we already were. I knew my tears would only double his guilt, so I tried not to let them fall.
I fumbled to put the key in the ignition. I wanted to get the hell out of there before he tried to talk to me. I only had a thin hold on the tidal wave of emotion that was threatening.
Calmly, he placed his hand over mine and helped me fit the key in. But to my horror, he didn’t let go of my hand. “Hails.”
“I’m fine,” I blurted, snatching my hand away.
I started the truck and tried to drive through the haze of stinging, shameful tears. It wasn’t even shame that we were both married people that I was feeling. It was deep disappointment that I hadn’t gotten what I’d wanted. My body still screamed for release. Maybe I’d feel the right kind of guilt tomorrow.
We drove all the way to his house without a word.
I pulled into the driveway and prayed he would just get out and go inside.
From the passenger’s seat, he looked anywhere but at me.
“What the hell was that?” he finally said.
I gave an impartial shrug. “Maybe you’re just one of those drunks that loves everybody.” I tried to joke at the not-so-funny situation we’d found ourselves in. My voice was raw and raspy, and I knew he caught it.
“Yeah, that must be it.” He pulled on the door handle, then got out of the truck.
I looked over at him for the first time since he’d called a halt to our wrestling match.
He returned my stare. “But we both know that I’m not drunk. And what’s your excuse?” He held my gaze for an extra ten uncomfortable seconds or so, then shut the door. He walked slowly toward the porch.
I didn’t wait to see if he looked back before he went inside—I threw the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway, before racing down the street.
About a block from the house I shared with Brent, I pulled over to the side of the road and let loose with the tears. I couldn’t face Brent like this. I had to get it out before I went home.
After about twenty minutes, I pulled myself back together enough so I could continue the rest of the way home.
Thankfully, I found the house in darkness.
As quiet as possible, I let myself in, then went straight to the bathroom where I washed my face, before pulling on a tank top and some panties. I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest.
I checked on Brent, who was sound asleep. Again, I was grateful.
I made my way into the den and worked on my articles. I finished the economy piece and sent it in early. Their editors would be pleased—I normally took things right to the deadline, using every last second to make every word perfect.
I moved on to the lost nineties piece, rattling off eighty per cent of it before I finally thought I could lie down and sleep.
Tiptoeing to the bedroom, I carefully slid into bed next to Brent, praying he wouldn’t wake up and pull me against him, as was his habit. He didn’t budge. His breathing remained deep and even.
I tried to clear my mind, and will myself to sleep.
Buy Links: Amazon Kobo Barnes & Noble Apple/iTunes Universal Books2Read link
Have an awesome Victoria Day Weekend, folks!
or as we Canucks prefer
Happy May Two-Four Weekend!
This past week I self-pubbed and re-released fan favorite, Swap.For readers who enjoyed the story the first time around, you might recall it was my debut novel back in 2012. And this time around, it is my second self-published book. I'm pretty excited to share this story again. But be forewarned, the content is not for everyone. Please read the author note at the end of the blurb so there are no surprises.
A huge Thank You to Emmy Ellis of Studioenp for the amazing cover design!
Hailey Hollinger has it all—a great husband, a fantastic career, good friends… and one hot brother-in-law who won’t stay out of her fantasies
When Hailey was sixteen she thought her boyfriend, Brent, was the best-looking guy around. That was until he introduced her to his older brother, Mike. From that moment on she had the biggest crush on him and he became the star of all her teenage fantasies.Hailey’s all grown up now and has been married to Brent for three years. They have great careers, a nice house—they enjoy life and each other. Everything is supposed to be perfect. Except that pesky little infatuation with her husband’s brother has never completely gone away. A crush, by nature and definition, is supposed to be short-lived and should diminish over time. But, unfortunately for Hailey, it hasn’t, and it’s beginning to fuck with what she thinks should be perfection. And, if her life is so great, why does she then find herself groping her brother-in-law in the cab of his truck like some sex-starved teenager? Or the more pressing question yet—why is he groping her right back?
Author Note: This erotic romance story, which has been previously published, is written in first person, and contains cheating/adulterous themes. The material has been updated and reformatted for re-release, with a smokin’ new cover, as well as additional content
What readers are saying:
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each other.
Swap was an excellent read that kept me captivated the entire time. Hailey and Mike's struggle of their attraction to each other was incredibly well written - I could feel the tension between them myself and of course was silently rooting for them. Most people might find their trysts immoral, but once you learn of Hailey and Mike's relationships with their own spouses, you'll understand the imperative need to have Hailey and Mike find their own happily ever after together. I definitely recommend Swap as a must read, and if you cherish a good night's sleep then I also recommend that you start the book early in the day, because you'll find it impossible to put down.
Most of the book chronicles Hailey's and Mike's desperate attempts to remain faithful despite their mutual attraction. Neither of the main characters treats marriage casually. Both want to do the right thing. As time goes on, though, it becomes clear that their physical connection is merely a symptom of the deep emotional bond that connects them. Ultimately, they have no choice but to surrender to their passion and face the consequences...
....Swap is a brave book, tackling as it does the uncomfortable topic of infidelity. A few years ago, this subject would have been taboo in a romance. Ms. Carlton does not whitewash the issue, but handles it with an admirable degree of honesty and realism. Hailey and Mike are sympathetic, likable characters. They really try to resist one another, although it's clear to the reader from an early stage that this is futile. In fact, their heroic efforts to “be good” raise the level of sexual tension, as they skirt the edges of adultery, drawing back time and time again from a precipitous fall.
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each other.HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each other.
HK Carlton did a fantastic job of showing the angst Michael and Hailey faced as they deal with their growing attraction to each other. You fall in love with them as their love grows, and you wonder if they will choose to betray their spouses an act on their love for each otherStay tuned for a +18 excerpt below, but first here's
The Prologue
When I was sixteen I thought my boyfriend, Brent, was the best-looking guy around. That was until he introduced me to his older brother Mike. From that moment on I had the biggest crush on him, and he was the star of most of my teenage fantasies.
At the time Mike was twenty-five and newly married, but that didn’t stop my overactive imagination. I was so shy back then, every conversation I had with the man left me a red-faced, tongue-tied mess.
To this day, Mike can still make me blush, even though I’m now twenty-six and have been married to Brent for three years. I have a great career in journalism and I’m sketching outlines for my first romance novel.
Brent and I both have great jobs, although he travels a lot for work as a territory auto parts sales rep. We own a nice house. We enjoy our life and each other. Everything is supposed to be perfect—except that my infatuation with my brother-in-law has never completely gone away.
A crush, by nature and definition, is something that’s supposed to be short-lived and should diminish over time. But, unfortunately, mine hasn’t, and it’s beginning to fuck with what I think should be perfection.
Mike and his wife of ten-plus years now, Cheryl, live nearby. They seem fairly happy, too, until you look a little deeper. Which I often do. With Brent away so much, I spend a fair amount of time with Mike and Cheryl. I go out with my friends too, but Mike and I have a lot in common, and not only interests-wise—we are both creative. I have my writing and he has this passion for photography that I think I’ve finally convinced him to pursue.
As long as I’ve known Mike, he’s worked in construction. I also know he hates it. Especially now that he’s getting a little older and his back and his knees have started to protest the constant activity. I mean, thirty-five isn’t old by any means, but it isn’t just his body that it’s taking a toll on. He isn’t happy, and I know from experience what a rush it is to have an article published, or some kind of recognition for a job well done. Mike’s photographs are really good, and I know in my heart that he could make a go of it, if he would just give himself the chance.
And how do I know all this? Well, even though we do a lot of things together as couples when Brent is home—which isn’t often—lately it’s just been Mike and me. We find ourselves spending more and more time together. Cheryl is often busy with her newest get-rich-quick scheme or charity events. To her, life is all about money, and other people’s perceptions of her and the life that she and Mike have carved out. She wants people to think that she and Mike live a whole lot more comfortably than they really do.
And my husband, Brent—when he isn’t away on business—has a passion of his own. And it isn’t me. Currently, she is housed in the garage under a custom-fit car cover. She is sleek, shiny, and midnight black with four hundred and six cubic inches of raw power, that I can’t compete with.
+18 Excerpt:
“See, my biggest fan.” Mike looked away. “Cheryl booked me a bunch of baby portraits for this week.”
“Oh, my God, Mike, don’t do that! You don’t want to be known as a wedding or portrait photographer. Why would she do that? That’s not what your business is about!”
“And that, right there, is why I didn’t tell her that I registered a business name—and why I did tell you. You get it.”
“I don’t understand her. Doesn’t she want you to be happy in your work? I mean, money isn’t everything. I can’t imagine going to work every day to do something I hate.”
“So, how do I get out of these portraits?”
“Are they paying?”
“Fifty bucks a sitting.” His mouth drew into a straight line.
“Fifty bucks? Well, I’ll pay you fifteen hundred for the nineties photos, and I need it before Thursday.” His eyes widened. “And I have another project I was hoping you could help me with. It’s more of a favor than a job, but I’ll pay for it, too.”
“That seems like an awful lot of money, Hails. Are you just feeling sorry for me?”
“No. Some photos can bring six-digit figures or more.”
“So, what’s the other project?”
“Well, you know Brent’s birthday is coming up. And I’ve really no idea what to get him.”
“Yeah, I remember the little shit’s birthday. I went from being an only child to having to pick up after him. Why is it the oldest kid is the one that gets blamed for everything?”
“Little bitter there, Mikey?” I teased.
He laughed. “No, not at all. So, what can I help you get the young prince?”
“I was hoping you might take some shots of the Impala, put together some kind of layout he can put in the garage or take to car shows with him. But not a calendar. I don’t want you known for that, either.”
“Yeah, that sounds doable. But can I go in on it with you? I don’t have anything in mind for him, either.”
“Sounds good, but I will pay for any supplies you might use or need. Deal?”
He gave his head a slight shake. “You’ve done enough for me.” Before I could speak, he said, “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.”
We paid the bill, then headed for the truck.
In the parking lot, he handed over the keys.
In a moment of sheer insanity on my part, I threw my arms around his waist and gave him a squeeze. “I really am proud of you, you know.”
He placed his arm around my shoulder and he pulled me closer. I felt his chest rumble. “Thanks, Hails.”
We slowed our progress, as if neither one of us was in any hurry to get to the truck. I laid my head back against his shoulder. We walked to the passenger’s side of the truck and I hit the remote on his key fob, unlocking the doors. I opened it for him. He laughed. “I’m supposed to get the door for you.”
“Oh, I thought that was just a shotgun thing, not a chivalry thing. A woman can open the door for a dude, ya know,” I said with mock impatience. “Just get in.”
He turned to face me and, to my surprise, he reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear. “You’re really lame, ya know?” He laughed at my expense.
“I think that’s an eighties catchphrase. And yeah, I know I’m lame, but you love me anyway.” I tossed his words from earlier back at him.
But his smile slipped. “Yeah. I do.”
Something in his voice made every body part I owned turn liquid. In my head, I rushed to tell myself that he meant like a brother and that he’d had a few beers, but his next words stopped my thought process cold.
“You might be the only thing I’ve ever envied about my little brother.”
He moved his hand to the side of my neck and grazed my cheek with his thumb. Then his lips were there, hovering just inches from mine, as if he were seeking permission. My senses swam with the possibilities.
I pounced, seizing what might be my only opportunity to kiss him. I didn’t hold back—he experienced the full-on, ravenous impact of years of worship and sexual fantasies that had run the gamut from sweet, innocent eighteen-year-old’s kisses to the tantalizing nocturnal fantasy that I’d created just the night before.
I flattened my chest against his, trying to get inside his coat. He spun me around, and nudged me onto the seat of the truck. I didn’t want to separate from his lips afraid that if we lost contact he would call a halt to this. So, I fisted my hands into his shirt and hauled him in after me. I opened my legs, encouraging him between them.
When he followed, I crabbed toward the driver’s side. My shoulder hit the steering wheel. I released his shirt long enough to grope for the tilt-steering lever. I pushed the wheel up to give us a little extra room. He was not a small man. The thought shot another little thrill through my already highly sensitized body.
He reached backward with one arm, trying to close the door, but I pulled him toward me with all my strength. I wanted to get as much as I could before he put a stop to this. I knew he would. He was too nice a guy to let this happen. What did that say about me?
“Let me get the door,” he said against my mouth. His breathing was choppy and heavy.
I released him long enough so that he could reach behind him. The door clicked and I didn’t even have to coax him back—he was there and kissing me. I strained to get closer to him. He settled his hips between my thighs. His thick erection prodded my entrance through my jeans. I rubbed my aching cunt shamelessly over his rock-hard cock. I was soaking wet.
Needy sounds erupted from the back of my throat. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anything, and at that very moment I didn’t care about anything else. Not Brent. Not Cheryl. Not even the fact that I was probably making an absolute fool of myself. There was one thing on my mind, and that was getting him inside my body.
Impatiently, I yanked at the bottom of his shirt. As I dragged the flannel up his chest, he pushed at my t-shirt. His large, warm palm passed over my ribs. Skin met skin, but it wasn’t enough for me. I let him push my top all the way up, exposing my bra. He smoothed his hand over me, before cupping my breast. I pressed more fully into his hand. My nipple pearled against his palm.
“Mmm,” he hummed, a deep affecting sound. He gave my breast a firm squeeze as he hunted around back for the hooks, but the bra had a front clasp. I made a protest into his mouth as I directed his hand back around to the front. He undid my bra, setting my breasts free. He released my mouth, then kissed a slow scorching path down my neck and chest, finally fastening his hot lips around my nipple.
I moaned at the exquisite sensation, arching my back, giving him full access. He growled in return and I wanted to laugh out loud. This was incredible! He swirled his tongue—my nipple tightened into a hard knot, and my pussy contracted. He rocked his hips. I could almost imagine he was inside me. If not for the goddamn clothes between us, he would be. I wanted it. I wanted it now!
He fluttered his clever tongue, and thrust his hips faster. Christ! I was so beyond turned on, I was going to come, and I wanted him inside me when I did.
I reached between us and undid the snap of his jeans. I grazed my fingers over the tip of his smooth cock with one hand, while unzipping his pants with the other.
All of a sudden, he blocked my hands, and released my breast.
“Hails!” He gasped for breath.
And there it was. He was too good a guy to let this happen.
“What are we doing?” The anguish in his voice broke my determination to push him over the edge.
I made a disappointed, frustrated noise and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see the guilt on his handsome face. He sat up. I slid my leg out from behind him and pulled my shirt down, then struggled to refasten my bra. My fingers shook with latent need and embarrassment. I fought against the hot tears that threatened to cascade down my cheeks and make us both more miserable than we already were. I knew my tears would only double his guilt, so I tried not to let them fall.
I fumbled to put the key in the ignition. I wanted to get the hell out of there before he tried to talk to me. I only had a thin hold on the tidal wave of emotion that was threatening.
Calmly, he placed his hand over mine and helped me fit the key in. But to my horror, he didn’t let go of my hand. “Hails.”
“I’m fine,” I blurted, snatching my hand away.
I started the truck and tried to drive through the haze of stinging, shameful tears. It wasn’t even shame that we were both married people that I was feeling. It was deep disappointment that I hadn’t gotten what I’d wanted. My body still screamed for release. Maybe I’d feel the right kind of guilt tomorrow.
We drove all the way to his house without a word.
I pulled into the driveway and prayed he would just get out and go inside.
From the passenger’s seat, he looked anywhere but at me.
“What the hell was that?” he finally said.
I gave an impartial shrug. “Maybe you’re just one of those drunks that loves everybody.” I tried to joke at the not-so-funny situation we’d found ourselves in. My voice was raw and raspy, and I knew he caught it.
“Yeah, that must be it.” He pulled on the door handle, then got out of the truck.
I looked over at him for the first time since he’d called a halt to our wrestling match.
He returned my stare. “But we both know that I’m not drunk. And what’s your excuse?” He held my gaze for an extra ten uncomfortable seconds or so, then shut the door. He walked slowly toward the porch.
I didn’t wait to see if he looked back before he went inside—I threw the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway, before racing down the street.
About a block from the house I shared with Brent, I pulled over to the side of the road and let loose with the tears. I couldn’t face Brent like this. I had to get it out before I went home.
After about twenty minutes, I pulled myself back together enough so I could continue the rest of the way home.
Thankfully, I found the house in darkness.
As quiet as possible, I let myself in, then went straight to the bathroom where I washed my face, before pulling on a tank top and some panties. I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest.
I checked on Brent, who was sound asleep. Again, I was grateful.
I made my way into the den and worked on my articles. I finished the economy piece and sent it in early. Their editors would be pleased—I normally took things right to the deadline, using every last second to make every word perfect.
I moved on to the lost nineties piece, rattling off eighty per cent of it before I finally thought I could lie down and sleep.
Tiptoeing to the bedroom, I carefully slid into bed next to Brent, praying he wouldn’t wake up and pull me against him, as was his habit. He didn’t budge. His breathing remained deep and even.
I tried to clear my mind, and will myself to sleep.
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Have an awesome Victoria Day Weekend, folks!
or as we Canucks prefer
Happy May Two-Four Weekend!
May 14, 2019
Release Blitz - Concerto [North Security #2] by Skye Warren @skye_warren #erotic #romance
Title: ConcertoSeries: North Security #2
Author: Skye WarrenGenre: Contemporary Erotic RomanceRelease Date: May 14, 2019
Blurb
The spotlight lands on Samantha Brooks. Years of practice build to the opening night of a global tour. She plays her heart out, but there are darker forces underneath the stage.
There are eyes watching from the wings.
Liam North fights to keep her safe with every weapon he owns. She’s his greatest pride—and his greatest weakness. The danger comes from somewhere no one expected. Betrayal threatens to destroy everything he’s built. His business. His family. His life.
When the curtain falls, only one of them will be left standing.
“Swoon-worthy, forbidden, and sexy, Liam North is my new obsession.” – New York Times bestselling author Claire Contreras
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Author Bio
Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat.
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May 13, 2019
Cover Reveal - A Debt Owed - by Clarissa Wild @WildClarissa #DarkRomance
Title: A Debt OwedAuthor: Clarissa WildGenre: Dark Romance
Cover Design: Clarissa Wild's Booming CoversRelease Date: May 27, 2019
Blurb
My enemy’s daughter … offered to me as payment towards a debt.
Now she’ll become my wife … my pet.
I wasn’t always cold-hearted and vindictive.
She made me that way.
Charlotte Davis … the most beautiful and privileged princess there is.
I’d kill for her to be mine.
We met by chance at her father’s wedding … And then again years later.
But she forgot about me. Ignored me. Enraged me.
Then her father did the unforgivable, and I made it my lifelong goal to ruin him ...
By taking her as payment towards a debt he owed.
A debt she will repay by marrying me.
Until death do us part.
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Trailer
ExcerptI push the button to close off the front of the car to the back of the car so we can have some privacy. “What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing,” she mutters, averting her eyes.
I frown. “You’re looking at me …”
“I can’t look at you now?” she scoffs.
“You can.” I grab her chin and turn her head. “But not like that. Like you’re hiding something or think I’m the worst man in the entire world.”
“You are,” she says, smirking at her own savviness.
I lick my lips at her comment. “Worse than your father, who sold you to the first bidder?”
Her nostrils flare, and she looks away, blinking heavily. I know I touched on a sore point there, but it’s the truth, and she knows it. Her father couldn’t care less about her, explaining why she’s become such a stuck-up princess. Always trying to grab his attention and then right her wrongs when he wasn’t pleased. Her whole life revolved around making her family happy.
Well, not anymore. She’s mine now, and she needs to remember that.
“I’ll be good to you if you let me,” I murmur into her ear, and I press a kiss just below it. “If you’d just let me kiss you … fuck you … without fighting.”
“No way,” she hisses, but she still bites her lip as I place another kiss on her neck.
“You only say that because you think you should. Because you’ve been taught to act like a lady and defend against any immoral behavior. But you don’t have to with me. I want you to be immoral.” My hand slides up her knee between her legs to right where her soft spot lies. And she clenches her legs in response, her breath faltering. “Be sinful with me. It could be so fucking good.”
Author Bio
Clarissa Wild is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of Dark Romance and Contemporary Romance novels. She is an avid reader and writer of swoony stories about dangerous men and feisty women. Her other loves include her hilarious husband, her two crazy but cute dogs, and her ninja cat that sometimes thinks he's a dog too. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, playing video games, reading tons of books, and cooking her favorite meals.Want to get an email when my next book is released? Sign up here to receive 4 FREE short
stories: http://eepurl.com/FdY71
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NEWSLETTER
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May 10, 2019
Book Tour + #Giveaway - Matawapit Family Series - by Maggie Blackbird @BlackbirdMaggie #Inspirational #Romance
RedeemedThe Matawapit Family Series Book 2byMaggie Blackbird
Genre:Contemporary Inspirational Romance
A single woman battles to keep her foster child from his newly-paroledfather—a dangerous man she used to love.
Bridget Matawapit is an Indigenous activist, daughter of a Catholic deacon, and foster mother to Kyle, the son of an Ojibway father—the
ex-fiancé she kicked to the curb after he chose alcohol over her love. With Adam out on parole and back in Thunder Bay, she is determined to stop him from obtaining custody of Kyle.
Adam Guimond is a recovering alcoholic and ex-gangbanger newly-paroled. Through counselling, reconnecting with his Ojibway culture and twelve-step meetings while in prison, Adam now understands he’s
worthy of the love that frightened him enough to pick up the bottle
he’d previously corked. He can't escape the damage he caused so
many others, but he longs to rise like a true warrior in the pursuit
of forgiveness and a second chance. There's nothing he isn't willing
to do to win back his son--and Bridget.
When an old cellmate’s daughter dies under mysterious circumstances in foster care, Adam begs Bridget to help him uncover the truth. Bound to the plight of the Indigenous children in care, Bridget agrees. But putting herself in contact with Adam threatens to resurrect her long-buried feelings for him, and even worse, she risks losing care of Kyle, by falling for a man who might destroy her faith in love completely this
time.
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BlessedThe Matawapit Family Series Book 1Genre:Contemporary M/M Inspirational Romance
It’s been ten years since Emery Matawapit sinned, having succumbed to
temptation for the one thing in his life that felt right, another man. In six months he’ll make a life-changing decision that will bar him from sexual relationships for the rest of his life.
Darryl Keejik has a decade-long chip on his shoulder, and he holds Emery’s father, the church deacon, responsible for what he’s suffered: the loss of his family and a chance at true love with Emery. No longer a
powerless kid, Darryl has influence within the community—maybe more
than the deacon. Darryl intends on using his power to destroy Deacon
Matawapit and his church.
Hoping to save the church, Emery races home. But stopping Darryl is harder than expected when their sizzling chemistry threatens to consume Emery. Now he is faced with the toughest decision of his life: please his devout parents and fulfill his call to the priesthood, or remain
true to his heart and marry the man created for him.
This is very erotic book about a spiritual journey.
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An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes.When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush,
teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.
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Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
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May 9, 2019
Book Tour + #Giveaway - The Holiday Chronicles - by Denise N. Wheatley @DeniseWheatley #Contemporary #Romance
A Naughty Jolly Christmas The Holiday Chronicles Book 1 byDenise N. Wheatley
Genre:Contemporary Romance
Sasha Williams is an African-American public relations powerhouse who’s come a long way from the tough streets of Chicago to glamorous Los Angeles. While she loves her LA life, she hasn’t forgotten her roots and always goes back home to celebrate Christmas with her tight-knit family.
This year, however, Sasha’s holiday plans are nixed when she’s forced to accompany her sexy, notoriously naughty new client, Drake Lancaster, on the press tour for his upcoming Christmas movie.
Sasha’s furious, yet finds herself overcome with lust when Drake strolls into her office. She’s surprised, considering she’s never dated a white man. Drake’s attraction toward her is just as intense, and the pair partake in a hot, steamy sex session right there in her office.
Despite Sasha’s promise to keep things all business during the press tour, their sensual trysts heat up even further while out on the road. In the end, Sasha must decide whether their cultural differences, along with her secret painful past and Drake’s playboy reputation, are worth her risking her heart and career—especially without knowing whether this is the real thing or a racy fling.
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My Unconditional Valentine The Holiday Chronicles Book 2
Interracial entertainment industry it couple Sasha Williams and Drake Lancaster are still going strong. Her impeccable publicist skills have kept him on the A-list, helping Drake land the lead role in a major Valentine’s Day movie. When filming wraps, the couple plan on heading to Cabo San Lucas, inviting both their families along to meet for the first time.
But plans go astray when Drake reverts back to his bad boy ways during filming and gets into a huge altercation with the director. He’s booted from the movie and replaced by Mitch Morrison, a hot young African-American actor who’s recently taken Hollywood by storm.
While Drake struggles to repair his image, Mitch hires Sasha to help manage his burgeoning career. The move infuriates Drake, but Sasha insists it’s a great business opportunity. She doesn’t realize Drake’s threatened by Mitch’s good looks and charismatic personality and is worried the pair will bond over their African-American heritage.
The stress of it all puts a strain on the couple’s relationship, especially when Mitch admits to Sasha that he’s developed feelings for her and she realizes the sentiments may be mutual. With the pressures of Sasha and Drake’s rocky union continuing to mount, the anticipation of their families meeting, and Sasha’s elusive affections towards Mitch, the couple can’t help but wonder whether their once booming relationship is about to crash. In the end, they must figure out whether their love is strong enough to withstand these challenges and carry them through this Valentine’s Day.
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Denise N. Wheatley is a lover of romance, happy endings and the art of storytelling. She used to cry as a three-year old child when her mother read to her because she so badly wanted to read the booksherself! Once she learned, Denise constantly had her nose in a novel (especially the ones she’d sneak from her mom’s bookshelf). She’s been writing for as long as she can remember and draws inspiration
from Chicago, the city where she was born and raised, as well as Los Angeles, which is one of her favorite places in the world. Denise has published several books and novellas with Simon & Schuster, Red Sage Publishing, eXtasy Books and independently, has written
screenplays and teleplays, and has ghostwritten for some of your
faves. When she isn’t sitting behind her computer, you can find
Denise in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime
television or chatting on social media.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
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May 8, 2019
Enjoy a Sexy Snippet from - Team Building - by F. Leonora Solomon from New Release Chemical Sex 2 : Just One More!
I'm delighted to have Special Guest F. Leonora Solomon here today! Enjoy!
So honored to be on HK’s blog today, and also honored to talk about the new book I am in Chemical Sex 2 : Just One More! I was in the first book as well, and I thought about continuing that story in some way. It ended up being so more fun to come up with a new story. I love couples who dislike each other at first, conversely I love couples who start out well and end up badly—I love the evolution—and then the foodie in me came out, so it all over then! I love the story I wrote, and want to give you just a taste—like when you go in a candy store or ice cream parlor…Indulge!
From Team Building by F. Leonora Solomon
“Tere, where’s Carter?” Gigi asked suddenly, as if alarmed.
“He took a call at the last minute,” Tere said around a mouthful of bread.
“Why?” Gigi asked.
“We received an urgent call. From Acme,” Jake said.
Everyone turned to look at Jake. Acme was a huge client, and as such, any call from them took top priority.
“I’m sure it’s nothing Carter can’t handle, so let’s go back to enjoying this wonderful outing, courtesy of Tere’s brilliant mind,” Libby said, tipping her glass in Tere’s direction.
Tere wasn’t sure what made her blush more, Libby’s compliment, or being named in the same sentence as Carter, as if they were a pair. The only thing they had in common was working for the same company, a small consulting firm that provided specialized creative and technical services for other businesses. Since Tere was the lead creative, and Carter was the lead tech, they barely interacted with each other, which was for the best. Tere never wanted to shit where she ate, and she really liked her job.
Handsome distractions like Carter were meant to be avoided.
Tere dipped another hunk of bread into the oil, the fragrance of which reminded her of the cologne Carter wore. An ex of hers wore the same one, and when she used to sit on his lap, he’d hold her close and she would take him all in. Nose buried in the curve of his neck, sometimes the scent would infuse with his sweat, and it aroused her all the more.
She had definitely taken Carter in. From the moment, he arrived in the morning and muttered a terse good morning, until one of them left. They were both workaholics, even to the point of taunting each other with phrases like, “First one to clock out is a rotten egg.”
But until they were separated, she took him in.
“We’re just waiting for one more, and then we’ll start,” the woman in the front of the room said. “This is going to be a very relaxed class. We just want to give you a little background about the cheeses and wines so you can show off to friends, or maybe make yourself a cheese plate at home.”
Tere took another sip of wine and continued to pluck at the addictive bread. She knew she should leave some for Carter but didn’t care that much if he had any. Carter walked in a bit later and was handed a glass of wine, some of which he spilled on her as he got into his seat. She was lucky she wore black.
“I am so sorry,” he said, handing her a napkin.
Tere shrugged and used the napkin to dab at her dress. “It’s fine.”
Servers appeared and placed delectable samplings on each table. Tere’s mouth watered over the circular spread of cheeses—six in all—placed in order from mild to robust. A different wine was paired with each cheese.
Jake turned and looked at Carter. “Is everything okay?”
That was how serious Acme was to the firm. Carter could not even get settled before Jake pressed him for details about the phone call.
“Perfect,” Carter said with a smile, his deep voice confident and warm.
His confidence, that’s what bothered her about him, Tere thought to herself. From his first day at the firm, he had acted like something special, treating Tere like an assistant. Even sitting next to her now, he said nothing, just plucked bread from the basket with his long fingers.
Tere sampled the first cheese, a semi-soft variety called Valencay paired with prosecco and a rosemary honey garnish. The pure decadence of the pairing made Tere want to close her eyes. Carter copied her and spread the cheese on his bread, putting a dab of honey on top. When she watched him lick the left-over honey from his finger, she was glad she’d kept her eyes open.
“This was a good suggestion Tere,” Carter said. He took a generous sip of the prosecco while gazing into her eyes.
Tere realized she had never been this close to Carter before. Even though they shared an office, they were very good about boundaries. Her side was her side, and his side was his side. But at this proximity, she couldn’t forget how handsome he was, or how he smelled of Le Labo, the same scent she took in while sitting on her ex’s lap, when he’d held her close, and she wanted nothing more than for him to be inside of her.
She moved away from Carter—as much as she could with their chairs side by side—and continued to eat her bread with Valencay. There was so much giggling and clinking of glasses that she was happy that she had a plate chart. It was almost impossible to hear what cheese they were tasting above the noise.
Next, they sampled a washed rind cheese which was funkier than the cheeses they’d had to that point. Tere was nervous about the cloth bound cheeses, afraid she might gag if she ate the rind. The locker room smell of the current cheese was jarring, but tasted delicious.
“So, the Acme call went well?” she asked Carter, following Jake in asking about business to make small talk. She wondered if the suggestion of absinthe in the rind had placed her a little out of her comfort zone.
“We still have jobs if that is what you mean.” Carter gave her a mocking smile to let her know he was joking and Tere smiled back, in spite of herself. “Everything went well. They just wanted me to check on some minor things before their website launch tomorrow. They have a new line of chocolates.”
“The sexy chocolates?” Gigi said.
Mara giggled. “Do you think they’re sexier than the candy they already make?”
Carter looked over at them and shrugged. “I don’t know,” he said. “I’ve never had their chocolates.”
Acme’s chocolates were rumored to have an aphrodisiacal component, but the company would not confirm it. Their tongue-in-cheek commercials hinted at it though, so they played with their reputation, nonetheless.
“I’ve never had them either,” Tere said to Carter. “It’s funny, because they’ve sent us some amazing holiday gift baskets, but they never include the chocolate.”
Carter shot her a smile, and said, “Maybe they’re not safe for work.”
This small snippet of witty banter was the most they’d ever spoken to each other and she wondered if she would continue on Monday…
You can read the rest in Chemical Sex 2 : Just One More, and find several other confectionary tales here. You can find more of me here.
So honored to be on HK’s blog today, and also honored to talk about the new book I am in Chemical Sex 2 : Just One More! I was in the first book as well, and I thought about continuing that story in some way. It ended up being so more fun to come up with a new story. I love couples who dislike each other at first, conversely I love couples who start out well and end up badly—I love the evolution—and then the foodie in me came out, so it all over then! I love the story I wrote, and want to give you just a taste—like when you go in a candy store or ice cream parlor…Indulge!
From Team Building by F. Leonora Solomon
“Tere, where’s Carter?” Gigi asked suddenly, as if alarmed.
“He took a call at the last minute,” Tere said around a mouthful of bread.
“Why?” Gigi asked.
“We received an urgent call. From Acme,” Jake said.
Everyone turned to look at Jake. Acme was a huge client, and as such, any call from them took top priority.
“I’m sure it’s nothing Carter can’t handle, so let’s go back to enjoying this wonderful outing, courtesy of Tere’s brilliant mind,” Libby said, tipping her glass in Tere’s direction.
Tere wasn’t sure what made her blush more, Libby’s compliment, or being named in the same sentence as Carter, as if they were a pair. The only thing they had in common was working for the same company, a small consulting firm that provided specialized creative and technical services for other businesses. Since Tere was the lead creative, and Carter was the lead tech, they barely interacted with each other, which was for the best. Tere never wanted to shit where she ate, and she really liked her job.
Handsome distractions like Carter were meant to be avoided.
Tere dipped another hunk of bread into the oil, the fragrance of which reminded her of the cologne Carter wore. An ex of hers wore the same one, and when she used to sit on his lap, he’d hold her close and she would take him all in. Nose buried in the curve of his neck, sometimes the scent would infuse with his sweat, and it aroused her all the more.
She had definitely taken Carter in. From the moment, he arrived in the morning and muttered a terse good morning, until one of them left. They were both workaholics, even to the point of taunting each other with phrases like, “First one to clock out is a rotten egg.”
But until they were separated, she took him in.
“We’re just waiting for one more, and then we’ll start,” the woman in the front of the room said. “This is going to be a very relaxed class. We just want to give you a little background about the cheeses and wines so you can show off to friends, or maybe make yourself a cheese plate at home.”
Tere took another sip of wine and continued to pluck at the addictive bread. She knew she should leave some for Carter but didn’t care that much if he had any. Carter walked in a bit later and was handed a glass of wine, some of which he spilled on her as he got into his seat. She was lucky she wore black.
“I am so sorry,” he said, handing her a napkin.
Tere shrugged and used the napkin to dab at her dress. “It’s fine.”
Servers appeared and placed delectable samplings on each table. Tere’s mouth watered over the circular spread of cheeses—six in all—placed in order from mild to robust. A different wine was paired with each cheese.
Jake turned and looked at Carter. “Is everything okay?”
That was how serious Acme was to the firm. Carter could not even get settled before Jake pressed him for details about the phone call.
“Perfect,” Carter said with a smile, his deep voice confident and warm.
His confidence, that’s what bothered her about him, Tere thought to herself. From his first day at the firm, he had acted like something special, treating Tere like an assistant. Even sitting next to her now, he said nothing, just plucked bread from the basket with his long fingers.
Tere sampled the first cheese, a semi-soft variety called Valencay paired with prosecco and a rosemary honey garnish. The pure decadence of the pairing made Tere want to close her eyes. Carter copied her and spread the cheese on his bread, putting a dab of honey on top. When she watched him lick the left-over honey from his finger, she was glad she’d kept her eyes open.
“This was a good suggestion Tere,” Carter said. He took a generous sip of the prosecco while gazing into her eyes.
Tere realized she had never been this close to Carter before. Even though they shared an office, they were very good about boundaries. Her side was her side, and his side was his side. But at this proximity, she couldn’t forget how handsome he was, or how he smelled of Le Labo, the same scent she took in while sitting on her ex’s lap, when he’d held her close, and she wanted nothing more than for him to be inside of her.
She moved away from Carter—as much as she could with their chairs side by side—and continued to eat her bread with Valencay. There was so much giggling and clinking of glasses that she was happy that she had a plate chart. It was almost impossible to hear what cheese they were tasting above the noise.
Next, they sampled a washed rind cheese which was funkier than the cheeses they’d had to that point. Tere was nervous about the cloth bound cheeses, afraid she might gag if she ate the rind. The locker room smell of the current cheese was jarring, but tasted delicious.
“So, the Acme call went well?” she asked Carter, following Jake in asking about business to make small talk. She wondered if the suggestion of absinthe in the rind had placed her a little out of her comfort zone.
“We still have jobs if that is what you mean.” Carter gave her a mocking smile to let her know he was joking and Tere smiled back, in spite of herself. “Everything went well. They just wanted me to check on some minor things before their website launch tomorrow. They have a new line of chocolates.”
“The sexy chocolates?” Gigi said.
Mara giggled. “Do you think they’re sexier than the candy they already make?”
Carter looked over at them and shrugged. “I don’t know,” he said. “I’ve never had their chocolates.”
Acme’s chocolates were rumored to have an aphrodisiacal component, but the company would not confirm it. Their tongue-in-cheek commercials hinted at it though, so they played with their reputation, nonetheless.
“I’ve never had them either,” Tere said to Carter. “It’s funny, because they’ve sent us some amazing holiday gift baskets, but they never include the chocolate.”
Carter shot her a smile, and said, “Maybe they’re not safe for work.”
This small snippet of witty banter was the most they’d ever spoken to each other and she wondered if she would continue on Monday…
You can read the rest in Chemical Sex 2 : Just One More, and find several other confectionary tales here. You can find more of me here.
May 2, 2019
Release Blitz + #Giveaway - COLE - by Tory Richards #MCRomance #Suspense @ToryRichards
A New MC Romance by Amazon Bestselling Author Tory Richards
Series: Desert Rebels MC Series # 1 Genre: MC Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: May 1, 2019His job is to protect his MC but he can't resist her, she can't refuse him, and deception will test the strength of their attraction to one another.
He can't resist her.
She can't refuse him.
Lies will rip them apart.
As enforcer of the Desert Rebels Cole's job is to protect his MC. A favor for a friend has them taking in a young woman they think is trying to get away from a crazy ex. Turns out she's lying. When the truth comes out, so does trouble to the club. Cole wants Raven, but will their insane attraction to one another be enough to overcome the deception and give them a chance at happiness?
Add to GoodreadsPurchase LinksAmazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Smashwords | Universal LinkExcerptHeart pounding, I panted breathlessly, "Cole! I'm-I'm not who you th-think I am!" I scraped his scalp with my nails, bowing sharply beneath his mouth. Oh, sweet Jesus, he was going to kill me with pleasure! Breathing hard, he pulled his mouth off my nipple and looked up at me with surprising clarity in his eyes, his dark expression stamped with raw arousal. "I know exactly who you are," he grated hoarsely. "I've known since I pulled you beneath me." What? I took a second to process what he'd said, or to at least try. I was so turned on that it felt as if I were on some life-altering drug, and I was, in a way--I was high on Cole. "We-We can't do this," I whispered, while at the same time asking myself why it was that we couldn't. His grin was pure sex. "Looks like we are." "But . . . you thought I was someone else," I reminded him. "What about her?" He released a frustrated breath. "Can we talk about this later? I'm right in the middle of something." I was not going to be a convenient fill-in for another woman, no matter how turned on I was. No matter how hot Cole was. "Listen, jerk, when a man makes love to me, I'd at least like to know that he knows it's me he’s making love to." His body vibrated with laughter against me. "I don't make love, baby. I fuck." I felt a surge of anger in response to his flippant attitude. "Well, then find someone else to fuck," I hissed, trying to wiggle out from beneath him. Cole was a big man, and he was heavy. Bumping my hips to try to force him to move proved to be a dumb move, because all it managed to do was reveal how fucking huge and hard his cock was. Cole grunted in response and dropped his head back onto my breasts. I began to wiggle wildly, afraid of where this was going.Afraid of myself. "Get off!" "Jesus, wait a fucking minute, will you?" he growled as if he were in pain, pressing my body down to hold me still. I stilled. "I'll give you ten seconds." His mouth was against my breast, and the feel of his smile on my flesh caused a shiver to ripple through my body.About Tory Richards
Tory Richards is an Amazon bestselling author who writes smut with a plot. Born in Maine, she's lived most of her life in Florida where she went to school, married, and raised her daughter. She's retired from Disney and spends her time with family and friends, traveling, and writing.Website: http://www.toryrichards.com
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May 1, 2019
3 Days - 3 books - $3 - Grab Lynn Burke's Sandy Ridge Series BoxSet on #Sale @AuthorLynnBurke
#Contemporary #Erotic #Romance #Series #HEA #Novellas #MMF #Menage #MF
Sandy Ridge Series Boxsetby Lynn Burke
Heat Level: 4Release Date: May 1, 2019
Will a trip to Sandy Ridge change the friends’ lives for the better or worse?
Set includes:
Without Reservation - MMF Romance:
Art studio vandalized and her mother in a fresh grave, Meg Winters heads off on vacation with her two best friends. She hopes for peace from her grief and the return of her muse. She doesn’t expect to run into the two men she idolizes, Trevor and Jack, the secretive wonders of the art world whose work she’s long admired. She certainly doesn’t expect them to be sex-on-legs gorgeous and determined to fulfill her number one sexual fantasy. They not only awaken her slumbering body, but also her creativity and the life she used to wield with her brushes.
However, Meg carries a secret of her own which holds her back from surrendering herself fully to their desires. Will Trevor and Jack be able to overcome her reservations, or will the truth of her past ruin their chance for love?
Without Hesitation - MF Romance:
Dumped like a bag of misshapen clay four months before her wedding, grade-school art teacher Mindy Hughson has no intention of opening her heart to anyone ever again. Hookups and one-night-stands fill the ache of abandonment—but still leave her wanting.
Attempting to find peace from the shattered pieces of her past, Mindy returns to Sandy Ridge where she's drawn to the cabin’s owner, Gage Hart. A carefree fling with a ripped hunk of fuck-a-licious beefsteak is just what she needs to fill the emptiness she feels inside. But Gage's sexy smirk, lone dimple, and deep stare demand more than just the press of her body against his. He wants her love. With his mere presence threatening her resolve to keep things simple, will the pain of her past force her to flee? Or will Mindy dare to open her heart to Gage without hesitation?
Without Condition - MF Romance:
Nothing but Kayla’s fingers and not-so-trusty vibrator have given her an orgasm in almost a year, and the one man she’s hell-bent on breaking her losing streak hides behind his badge. Detective “Hottie Pants” Ford thwarts her every attempt at seduction, and even though vandalisms, a trashed apartment, and physical assault keeps throwing them together, he refuses to attempt a relationship ever again.
She sees past his facade into the man hiding his pain behind unbreakable rules and inflexible conditions, but even after the fiery chemistry between them ignites, she struggles to prove to him she is nothing like the woman who jaded him for life.
Heartbroken, Kayla decides on a vacation to help her peace of mind—and ends up at Sandy Ridge. With danger hot on her heels, can the man she turns to first recognize Kayla for who she is? Will he give her the chance she needs to let him know she wants him without condition, before it’s too late?
PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon Universal B & N Kobo iTunes Smashwords
ABOUT LYNN BURKE:
Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life.
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April 30, 2019
Book Tour + #Giveaway - Kings of Mayhem - by Penny Dee @AuthorPennyDee #MCRomance #RomanticSuspense
Kings of Mayhem The Kings of Mayhem MC Book 1by
Penny Dee
Genre: MC Romantic Suspense
When a King lovesHe loves hard
CADE
I’ve loved her since we were five years old.
We grew up side by side.
Two kids tied together by the Kings of Mayhem Motorcycle Club.
But I broke us.
I broke her.
So, she fled.
Now she’s back after twelve long years.
And I’m going to show her all the reasons why we should be together and make her forget all the reasons why we shouldn’t.
INDY
I’m back in town but only because I have to be.
I’m here to help my mom bury my father.
And the sooner we get it done, the better.
Because I want to see Cade as much as I want a hole in the head.
He broke me once—no, he broke my everything— and I’ll be damned if I’ll let him do it again.
Get in and get out. That is the plan.
But you know what they say about best-laid plans.
For readers 18+. May contain triggers.
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Brothers In ArmsThe Kings of Mayhem MC Book 2
Someone is going to pay.But who?
CADE
They took someone from me.
And I’m going to make them pay.
In blood.
But before I can do that, I have to make sure my girl is safe.
And I will do whatever I have to, even break my own heart, to make sure she survives.
Because she is my queen.
My everything.
INDY
He’s changed.
His grief is overwhelming and I can feel the gap widening between us.
Someone is coming after the Kings of Mayhem MC.
And we are trapped as they play out their evil scheme.
Because under the cover of darkness, they are coming for each of us, one by one, to play out their own twisted vendetta.
And no one is safe.
For readers 18+. This book contains profanity, explicit sex, and violence including murder and one madman’s psychopathic tendencies. It also contains two people destined for one another and how they keep it together when everything else around them is falling apart.
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Biker Baby The Kings of Mayhem MC Book 3
I was about to make a huge mistake.
And when I say huge, I mean, approximately ten inches’ worth of mistake.
But after the week I’d had, this was just what I needed. A night of big bad mistakes with a big bad biker.
Honey Scott
Finding out your boyfriend is a cheating loser is a real buzz kill. Finding out you’re actually the other woman, is devastating. Call it temporary insanity, but I decide the best way to get over the loser I’d dated for two years is to get under a biker with tattoos, dimples and a hard body he knows how to use.
He’s going to make everything better with numerous mind-blowing orgasms. But just for one night.
Except one faulty condom means my one-night stand isn’t so one-night after all.
Caleb Calley
After a night of insane sex, the beautiful blue-eyed brunette gave me the slip. And even with all the women on offer afterwards, I can’t get her off my mind. So when she turns up at the Kings of Mayhem MC compound I’m quick to give her a second night of amazing sex and crazy orgasms. But this time, I’m not ready to let her go.
There’s just one problem— she’s not interested.
But if she thinks she’s going to give me the slip again, then she’s got another thing coming. I know she is keeping a secret from me but I don’t care what it is. I want her and I’m going to make her mine.
Biker Baby, book three in the Kings of Mayhem MC series.
Please note: you must be 18+ to read and due to the content there may be triggers.
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Penny Dee writes contemporary romance about rockstars, bikers, hockey players and everyone in-between. She believes true love never runs smoothly, and her characters realize this too, with a boatload of drama and a whole lot of steam.She found her happily ever after in Australia where she lives with her husband, daughter and a dog named Bindi.
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