H.K. Carlton's Blog, page 43
October 29, 2018
Release Blitz - TAKEN [Dark Legacy Duet #1] by Natasha Knight @NatashaKnight13 #DarkRomance
Title: Taken
Series: Dark Legacy Duet #1Author: Natasha KnightGenre: Dark Romance
Release Date: October 29, 2018
Blurb
I’m one of four Willow daughters. He’s the first-born son of the Scafoni family. And we have history.
For generations, the Scafoni family have demanded a sacrifice of us. A virgin daughter to atone for sins so old, we don’t even remember what they are anymore.
But when you have as much money as they do, you don’t play by the rules. You make them.
And Sebastian Scafoni makes all the rules.
The moment I saw him, I knew he would choose me. Even though the mark on my sheath declared me unclean. Even though my beautiful sisters stood beside me, offered to him, he still chose me.
He made me his.And then he set out to break me.
ADD TO GOODREADS
Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AUB&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Coming Soon
Releasing November 14, 2018
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AUB&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Author Bio
USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are almost always guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.
Author Links
WEBSITE BOOKBUB
AMAZON
FACEBOOK GROUP
NEWSLETTER
October 26, 2018
Halloween Sale! Enjoy a snippet from - Autumn's Healing - A spooky and heart wrenching read - on Sale now
Happy Halloween
Autumn's Healing
Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.
Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.
When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.
However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he's not sure he can win.
Autumn's Healing 30% off at Totally Bound - On Sale thru November 1st
Totally Bound
Excerpt From Autumn's Healing
Chapter On
Kaylah closed her eyes and shampooed her hair. The hot spray from the shower stung her skin, but she didn’t care.
Her mind went back to the day Autumn and her friend Emily had set off for college.
“Best laid plans…” she mumbled in the mist.
It had started out as a bright, beautiful, sunny day, perfect for new beginnings.
In the driveway, Kaylah tried not to wring her hands.
“Stop looking like that,” Autumn warned.
“I should be taking you, though,” Kaylah repeated under her breath, as she Tetris-ed another box into the hatchback. It’d been an ongoing discussion since the girls had come up with the idea of driving alone.
Autumn slammed the trunk of the overstuffed compact car. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and all the other aggravation of the last few weeks fell away.
“We won’t be in the same city for a while.” Autumn frowned and draped her arms around Kaylah. “It’s gonna be weird. We’ve never really been away from each other for more than a night or two.”
“It won’t be long,” Kaylah reassured. “I’ll get things settled here and I’ll join you in about a week’s time—if all goes well, that is. Keep your fingers crossed. But I really wish I was taking you now.”
“But this is kind of appropriate, too. I’m supposed to drive off into the sunset, while you wave profusely from the driveway. This is the way it’s supposed to be—the child leaving the nest and all that. And next weekend when you collect the keys and take possession of the new house, I’ll probably crash with you because I’ll have missed you so much.”
“Me, too,” Emily chimed in, joining the hug.
Kaylah nodded. The closing dates on the old house and the new place were about a week apart and coincided with Autumn’s orientation week.
“Bye, Mrs. MacDonough.”
Kaylah hugged Emily, as well. “Take care, Em.”
“You, too. We’ll see you next week.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Autumn squeezed her one last time. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for everything.” She sniffled. “You promised. No tears until we can’t see each other anymore.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just harder than I thought.” Autumn let her go then took one last look at the house.
“First step to the rest of your life.” Kaylah wiped her daughter’s rosy cheeks. “I’m so proud to be your mama. I love you, baby.”
“I love you. And I’ll see you—”
“Next week.” Kaylah managed a smile as she finished the sentence.
The girls got into the car and Kaylah waved profusely as they pulled away—just as Autumn had predicted—before she gave way to tears.
Kaylah rinsed the suds from her hair as the old pipes started to knock inside the walls. From experience, she knew the water would turn cold within seconds.
Turning off the taps before that happened, she then grabbed a towel from the rack and wound the terrycloth around her shoulder-length hair. She yanked another towel from the shelf and dried off.
The entire bathroom was filled with steam. Obviously, it needed a new fan and some better ventilation. Another addition to the ever-growing list of upgrades this ‘new’ house needed. What a nightmare the entire undertaking had turned into. Even the contractors she’d interviewed had shied away from the massive workload the turn-of-the-century home presented. It required updating on every level, not to mention the work it needed on the outside.
The home had been grossly misrepresented, but Kaylah blamed herself. She and Autumn had found and bought it, sight unseen, over the Internet. It had been so beautiful—or so they’d thought.
She’d gone so far as to contact a lawyer, hoping he could give her a rundown of her options. But, as of this morning, he still had not returned her call.
Nothing was going right. Nothing had since Autumn had left for school.
Kaylah stepped out of the shower and looked toward the vanity mirror. It was frosted with condensation, but that’s not what caught her eye. She pulled the towel tightly around her body as her gaze darted around the tiny room. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and a shiver ran through her body. Her heart began to pound. It looked as if someone—or something—had written a message in the film on the glass. Jerusalem.
The word had started to run, streaking the letters down the glass, dripping off the edge and into the sink below.
That name. She’d been seeing it everywhere recently—on newspapers, street signs, on the side of transport trucks, when she flicked on the TV. She’d even driven through a town near Geneva, New York, named Jerusalem on her way here. Now this.
Irrational anger flooded her. “What are you trying to tell me?” she screamed.
She picked up the closest thing—her handheld hairdryer—and threw it at the mirror. The glass blew out and shattered all over the sink and the bathroom floor—one more thing to add to the repair list.
Kaylah hurried to her bedroom. She dressed quickly then left the house.
* * * *
Kaylah stood on the bridge, looking down over the water in the park. It was so peaceful here, but the craziest thoughts raced through her head. Ever since Autumn had moved and Kaylah had taken possession of the new house, her thinking had been muddled, unpredictable. She didn’t feel like herself at all—one minute angry as hell for no logical reason, the next crying uncontrollably. Like now, looking down at the water from the great height on the walkway, she had the most overwhelming urge to jump—to end it all.
It would take away the crushing pain in her chest.
She pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket and quick-dialed Autumn.
“You’ve reached Autumn. You know what to do. Beep.” There was a little giggle, then the digital sound followed.
Unbidden tears filled her eyes at the sound of her daughter’s voice.
The water beckoned.
Jerusalem, the wind seemed to whisper.
Kaylah jerked at the sound and looked across the bay. Her gaze collided with another sightseer. He didn’t scare her, but he watched her intently. She stared right back.
“Jerusalem.” The stranger’s mouth seemed to form the word, but Kaylah’s mind rebelled. There was no possible way she’d have really heard that. “Ma’am. Ma’am? Are you all right?”
At the sound of the voice from behind, she realized she’d stepped up to the wrought-iron railing, her hands poised as if to pull herself up. And what? Over? Dear God! She jumped down.
Swiftly, she wiped her cheeks and stuffed her cell back into her pocket. She didn’t even turn or wait to see if the passerby had been addressing her. She fled the scene.
As she walked briskly by the downtown shops, she began to feel more in control and aware of her surroundings. A shop window with huge steaming cup and saucer painted on the inside pane beckoned.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Kaylah mumbled under her breath as she tugged open the door to the inviting establishment.
Once she was seated at the little restaurant with a hot cup of coffee, Kaylah looked around but didn’t really take note of any of the other patrons.
She took a deep breath, inhaling through the pain in her chest. Absently, she rubbed it. She’d experienced this before, prior to her diagnosis. Was the cancer back? Had she already diagnosed herself? And, in so doing, could this explain the mood swings? The unexplained sorrow and irrational anger? The symptoms all went hand in hand when dealing with any illness, along with the self-pity and why-me syndrome.
“Can I get you a refill?” the waitress asked cheerfully with the coffee pot poised over her cup.
“Please. Thank you.”
“Are you just passing through?”
“No, we’re new to the area. I purchased the Cleary property.” By mistake, she added, silently.
“That’s a beautiful old place,” the server replied, her eyes lighting with interest. “Needs some major TLC, though.”
“You’re telling me. I’ve been shopping around for contractors.”
“Where are you coming from?”
“Out West,” she answered vaguely.
“Jenna! Customer at booth two,” the rotund and harassed-looking cook in a stained yellowed apron hollered across the dining area. “Sorry. Gotta go. This one’s on the house. Nice meeting you. I hope you’ll be back.” She smiled.
“I will. Thank you.” Kaylah cracked open a creamer and poured it into her cup.
Her cell phone vibrated. She dug through her purse, frantic to get to it.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Mama.”
Closing her eyes, Kaylah savored the sweet sound of her eighteen-year-old daughter’s voice. These days, nothing seemed to set her back on an even keel better than Autumn.
“Hey, baby, how are you?” she said, upon opening her eyes.
As she stared out of the window, a small blonde girl charged along the sidewalk. Kaylah watched her and grinned as she skipped along, her pigtails bouncing. She remembered when her little girl was that age, curious and full of energy and endless questions.
‘Who’s that man, Mommy? Why do dogs lift their leg when they pee, Mommy? Why do I call you Mommy but my friend Bonnie calls one of her mommies ‘Mommy’ and the other one ‘Pam’?’
It seemed like yesterday.
“I’m okay,” Autumn replied. “I miss you, though.”
More tears sprang to her eyes. “I wish you could meet me.”
“Mom…we talked about this.” Another awkward silence stretched between them.
“How are classes, baby?”
“Good. I love lecture hall. Everyone else falls asleep, but I find it the most informative part of the week. I’ve learned so much about how things work here, and the teacher is an absolute angel.”
“That’s good.”
“I have this big assignment due in about a week, so I’m going to shut out all my new friends and funnel all of my energies into it.”
“There’s a good girl. Make your mama proud.”
“I will.”
“You always do.”
“Thanks, Mom. How’s the new house?”
“It’s too quiet.” Kaylah picked at a paper napkin. “You’ll get used to it.”
“I know. I haven’t got a choice.”
“Have you met any people? Neighbors?”
Still spellbound by the little person flouncing about, Kaylah watched as she and the adult accompanying her entered the café through the glass door, making the bell ring.
“Why is that bell there?” the little girl asked.
The question made Kaylah chuckle.
“To let the servers know a new customer has entered,” the man with her answered.
“Well, that’s just silly. They don’t need a bell for that when they have eyes.”
Her handler hesitated, then he nodded his dark head at her logic.
Kaylah paused at the mere sight of him. Very handsome.
“Yes, I’m meeting people.” Kaylah turned her attention back to the conversation.
“Good. I’m glad. Meet any men-type people?”
“Autumn…” she cautioned, which prompted a giggle.
Kaylah’s attention strayed back to the new customers.
“What do you want to eat, Lindsay?” As she’d expected, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome’s voice was deep.
“I’m having trouble hearing you,” Autumn said. “You sound very far away. I’ll let you go for now.”
“Oh, no, don’t. You don’t have to do that. I can run outside.” Kaylah felt the familiar disappointment. Would this separation ever become any easier? Autumn’s calls were what kept her sane.
“I’ll call you later…to say goodnight. All right?”
“Okay. Talk to you then. I love you, Autumn.”
“I love you, too, Mama.”
Kaylah ended the call, but her attention was riveted on the other customers.
“What do you want, Lindsay?” The man prompted the girl again. Kaylah studied his back. He was solid, muscular and had incredibly broad shoulders.
“Umm, fries and a Coke.”
“Fries and milk,” he corrected.
“French fries and chocolate milk,” she countered.
“Deal. Go hop up at our table.”
The girl turned and eyed Kaylah.
She swung around and tugged his back pocket, directing Kaylah’s focus to the snug denim.
“Uncle Salem, there’s someone at our table.”
Salem?
“Then pick another,” he said while retrieving his wallet.
“No, that’s our table,” she pouted, scowling at Kaylah.
Kaylah made eye contact with the girl. With an exaggerated facial expression, she pointed at the table. “Is this your table?” she asked.
The child nodded but wrapped her arm around her uncle’s leg.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’ll move so you and your uncle can have your spot. Would you like that?”
With her lip still jutting, the girl simply stared at her.
“You don’t have to do that,” the distracted man said, after paying for their snacks. He shoved his billfold back into his jeans and turned fully in her direction.
Whoa!
He approached the table, walking with a bit of a limp.
“No, I don’t mind. I was leaving anyway,” she said, shuffling out from between the table and the banquet seat. As she straightened to her full height, she gazed up him.
The little girl scooted onto the bench.
He was a good-looking man in a rugged sort of way. A sexy layer of stubble coated his strong chin as if he hadn’t shaved that morning. He assessed her with shrewd hazel eyes as he yanked a worn ball cap from his head. A thick swatch of dark hair tumbled over his forehead, which he was quick to slick down. Yet, in contrast, the sides and the back were shaved close. No doubt Autumn would call it a ‘righteous flow’.
“Please, don’t let us rush you,” he said, as he shrugged out of his plaid jacket. The cut of his black T-shirt fit snug to his sculpted biceps. “She needs to learn the world doesn’t stop for her. Her mom spoils her rotten as it is.”
“Chocolate milk?” Kaylah called him out on how he’d caved to Lindsay’s wishes. Passing his hand over the back of his neck, he looked down at the floor then grinned. He had nice teeth and full lips. “Yeah, well, I’m her uncle. I’m allowed. Besides, we negotiated, right, Lindsay? That’s different.”
“I’d rather have the pop,” she replied, dragging a napkin over the tabletop and now standing on the seat.
“Aw, is that how it works?” Kaylah responded.
“Hey, why don’t you join us? I see you’ve still got a full cup there.”
“No, I’ve got to go, but thank you. Nice meeting you…both.”
To her surprise, he stuck out his hand. She hesitated, staring at it stupidly before tucking hers in his. His palm was warm, his grip strong. A jolt of sensation shot up her arm.
“Jerusalem Aames,” he introduced himself.
Kaylah’s stomach clenched. Her vision tunneled. “Jerusalem?” she echoed in a whisper, peering into his eyes.
Her head swam as the message on the bathroom mirror shimmered in her mind.
“Jerusalem,” she said again.
©Copyright H K Carlton 2017
REVIEWS:
5 Stars from Reviewer: Alberta Manic Readers
By the time we find out the true story, Kay & Salem are deeply in love, but she has demons that Salem isn’t sure he can vanquish. I can’t say anything more about the story, without giving it away, so suffice it to say, it’s tender, loving, & totally worth the occasional tear it will evoke. Get it right away, & look for more by this author.Read the full review HERE
From Amazon 5 more stars!☆☆☆☆☆WOW! What a heartwarming, beautiful tale of two people struggling through the pain of unexpected disasters. I promise you that you will cheer for Kaylah & Salem to come together, their characters being so finely drawn by the author. Long past reading this page turner you will remember them. And wish them well. Not to mention the story is spicy hot with sexy, powerful scenes set against an intriguing backdrop. Throw in an unexpected plot twist that makes perfect sense in hindsight, one that you’ll never see coming or at least I didn’t, and you have the real deal. I look forward, with pleasure, to reading more books by this fine author.
Autumn's Healing 30% off at Totally Bound - On Sale thru November 1stTotally Bound
Autumn's Healing
Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.
Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.
However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he's not sure he can win.
Autumn's Healing 30% off at Totally Bound - On Sale thru November 1st
Totally Bound
Excerpt From Autumn's Healing
Chapter On
Kaylah closed her eyes and shampooed her hair. The hot spray from the shower stung her skin, but she didn’t care.
Her mind went back to the day Autumn and her friend Emily had set off for college.
“Best laid plans…” she mumbled in the mist.
It had started out as a bright, beautiful, sunny day, perfect for new beginnings.
In the driveway, Kaylah tried not to wring her hands.
“Stop looking like that,” Autumn warned.
“I should be taking you, though,” Kaylah repeated under her breath, as she Tetris-ed another box into the hatchback. It’d been an ongoing discussion since the girls had come up with the idea of driving alone.
Autumn slammed the trunk of the overstuffed compact car. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and all the other aggravation of the last few weeks fell away.
“We won’t be in the same city for a while.” Autumn frowned and draped her arms around Kaylah. “It’s gonna be weird. We’ve never really been away from each other for more than a night or two.”
“It won’t be long,” Kaylah reassured. “I’ll get things settled here and I’ll join you in about a week’s time—if all goes well, that is. Keep your fingers crossed. But I really wish I was taking you now.”
“But this is kind of appropriate, too. I’m supposed to drive off into the sunset, while you wave profusely from the driveway. This is the way it’s supposed to be—the child leaving the nest and all that. And next weekend when you collect the keys and take possession of the new house, I’ll probably crash with you because I’ll have missed you so much.”
“Me, too,” Emily chimed in, joining the hug.
Kaylah nodded. The closing dates on the old house and the new place were about a week apart and coincided with Autumn’s orientation week.
“Bye, Mrs. MacDonough.”
Kaylah hugged Emily, as well. “Take care, Em.”
“You, too. We’ll see you next week.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Autumn squeezed her one last time. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for everything.” She sniffled. “You promised. No tears until we can’t see each other anymore.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just harder than I thought.” Autumn let her go then took one last look at the house.
“First step to the rest of your life.” Kaylah wiped her daughter’s rosy cheeks. “I’m so proud to be your mama. I love you, baby.”
“I love you. And I’ll see you—”
“Next week.” Kaylah managed a smile as she finished the sentence.
The girls got into the car and Kaylah waved profusely as they pulled away—just as Autumn had predicted—before she gave way to tears.
Kaylah rinsed the suds from her hair as the old pipes started to knock inside the walls. From experience, she knew the water would turn cold within seconds.
Turning off the taps before that happened, she then grabbed a towel from the rack and wound the terrycloth around her shoulder-length hair. She yanked another towel from the shelf and dried off.
The entire bathroom was filled with steam. Obviously, it needed a new fan and some better ventilation. Another addition to the ever-growing list of upgrades this ‘new’ house needed. What a nightmare the entire undertaking had turned into. Even the contractors she’d interviewed had shied away from the massive workload the turn-of-the-century home presented. It required updating on every level, not to mention the work it needed on the outside.
The home had been grossly misrepresented, but Kaylah blamed herself. She and Autumn had found and bought it, sight unseen, over the Internet. It had been so beautiful—or so they’d thought.
She’d gone so far as to contact a lawyer, hoping he could give her a rundown of her options. But, as of this morning, he still had not returned her call.
Nothing was going right. Nothing had since Autumn had left for school.
Kaylah stepped out of the shower and looked toward the vanity mirror. It was frosted with condensation, but that’s not what caught her eye. She pulled the towel tightly around her body as her gaze darted around the tiny room. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and a shiver ran through her body. Her heart began to pound. It looked as if someone—or something—had written a message in the film on the glass. Jerusalem.
The word had started to run, streaking the letters down the glass, dripping off the edge and into the sink below.
That name. She’d been seeing it everywhere recently—on newspapers, street signs, on the side of transport trucks, when she flicked on the TV. She’d even driven through a town near Geneva, New York, named Jerusalem on her way here. Now this.
Irrational anger flooded her. “What are you trying to tell me?” she screamed.
She picked up the closest thing—her handheld hairdryer—and threw it at the mirror. The glass blew out and shattered all over the sink and the bathroom floor—one more thing to add to the repair list.
Kaylah hurried to her bedroom. She dressed quickly then left the house.
* * * *
Kaylah stood on the bridge, looking down over the water in the park. It was so peaceful here, but the craziest thoughts raced through her head. Ever since Autumn had moved and Kaylah had taken possession of the new house, her thinking had been muddled, unpredictable. She didn’t feel like herself at all—one minute angry as hell for no logical reason, the next crying uncontrollably. Like now, looking down at the water from the great height on the walkway, she had the most overwhelming urge to jump—to end it all.
It would take away the crushing pain in her chest.
She pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket and quick-dialed Autumn.
“You’ve reached Autumn. You know what to do. Beep.” There was a little giggle, then the digital sound followed.
Unbidden tears filled her eyes at the sound of her daughter’s voice.
The water beckoned.
Jerusalem, the wind seemed to whisper.
Kaylah jerked at the sound and looked across the bay. Her gaze collided with another sightseer. He didn’t scare her, but he watched her intently. She stared right back.
“Jerusalem.” The stranger’s mouth seemed to form the word, but Kaylah’s mind rebelled. There was no possible way she’d have really heard that. “Ma’am. Ma’am? Are you all right?”
At the sound of the voice from behind, she realized she’d stepped up to the wrought-iron railing, her hands poised as if to pull herself up. And what? Over? Dear God! She jumped down.
Swiftly, she wiped her cheeks and stuffed her cell back into her pocket. She didn’t even turn or wait to see if the passerby had been addressing her. She fled the scene.
As she walked briskly by the downtown shops, she began to feel more in control and aware of her surroundings. A shop window with huge steaming cup and saucer painted on the inside pane beckoned.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Kaylah mumbled under her breath as she tugged open the door to the inviting establishment.
Once she was seated at the little restaurant with a hot cup of coffee, Kaylah looked around but didn’t really take note of any of the other patrons.
She took a deep breath, inhaling through the pain in her chest. Absently, she rubbed it. She’d experienced this before, prior to her diagnosis. Was the cancer back? Had she already diagnosed herself? And, in so doing, could this explain the mood swings? The unexplained sorrow and irrational anger? The symptoms all went hand in hand when dealing with any illness, along with the self-pity and why-me syndrome.
“Can I get you a refill?” the waitress asked cheerfully with the coffee pot poised over her cup.
“Please. Thank you.”
“Are you just passing through?”
“No, we’re new to the area. I purchased the Cleary property.” By mistake, she added, silently.
“That’s a beautiful old place,” the server replied, her eyes lighting with interest. “Needs some major TLC, though.”
“You’re telling me. I’ve been shopping around for contractors.”
“Where are you coming from?”
“Out West,” she answered vaguely.
“Jenna! Customer at booth two,” the rotund and harassed-looking cook in a stained yellowed apron hollered across the dining area. “Sorry. Gotta go. This one’s on the house. Nice meeting you. I hope you’ll be back.” She smiled.
“I will. Thank you.” Kaylah cracked open a creamer and poured it into her cup.
Her cell phone vibrated. She dug through her purse, frantic to get to it.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Mama.”
Closing her eyes, Kaylah savored the sweet sound of her eighteen-year-old daughter’s voice. These days, nothing seemed to set her back on an even keel better than Autumn.
“Hey, baby, how are you?” she said, upon opening her eyes.
As she stared out of the window, a small blonde girl charged along the sidewalk. Kaylah watched her and grinned as she skipped along, her pigtails bouncing. She remembered when her little girl was that age, curious and full of energy and endless questions.
‘Who’s that man, Mommy? Why do dogs lift their leg when they pee, Mommy? Why do I call you Mommy but my friend Bonnie calls one of her mommies ‘Mommy’ and the other one ‘Pam’?’
It seemed like yesterday.
“I’m okay,” Autumn replied. “I miss you, though.”
More tears sprang to her eyes. “I wish you could meet me.”
“Mom…we talked about this.” Another awkward silence stretched between them.
“How are classes, baby?”
“Good. I love lecture hall. Everyone else falls asleep, but I find it the most informative part of the week. I’ve learned so much about how things work here, and the teacher is an absolute angel.”
“That’s good.”
“I have this big assignment due in about a week, so I’m going to shut out all my new friends and funnel all of my energies into it.”
“There’s a good girl. Make your mama proud.”
“I will.”
“You always do.”
“Thanks, Mom. How’s the new house?”
“It’s too quiet.” Kaylah picked at a paper napkin. “You’ll get used to it.”
“I know. I haven’t got a choice.”
“Have you met any people? Neighbors?”
Still spellbound by the little person flouncing about, Kaylah watched as she and the adult accompanying her entered the café through the glass door, making the bell ring.
“Why is that bell there?” the little girl asked.
The question made Kaylah chuckle.
“To let the servers know a new customer has entered,” the man with her answered.
“Well, that’s just silly. They don’t need a bell for that when they have eyes.”
Her handler hesitated, then he nodded his dark head at her logic.
Kaylah paused at the mere sight of him. Very handsome.
“Yes, I’m meeting people.” Kaylah turned her attention back to the conversation.
“Good. I’m glad. Meet any men-type people?”
“Autumn…” she cautioned, which prompted a giggle.
Kaylah’s attention strayed back to the new customers.
“What do you want to eat, Lindsay?” As she’d expected, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome’s voice was deep.
“I’m having trouble hearing you,” Autumn said. “You sound very far away. I’ll let you go for now.”
“Oh, no, don’t. You don’t have to do that. I can run outside.” Kaylah felt the familiar disappointment. Would this separation ever become any easier? Autumn’s calls were what kept her sane.
“I’ll call you later…to say goodnight. All right?”
“Okay. Talk to you then. I love you, Autumn.”
“I love you, too, Mama.”
Kaylah ended the call, but her attention was riveted on the other customers.
“What do you want, Lindsay?” The man prompted the girl again. Kaylah studied his back. He was solid, muscular and had incredibly broad shoulders.
“Umm, fries and a Coke.”
“Fries and milk,” he corrected.
“French fries and chocolate milk,” she countered.
“Deal. Go hop up at our table.”
The girl turned and eyed Kaylah.
She swung around and tugged his back pocket, directing Kaylah’s focus to the snug denim.
“Uncle Salem, there’s someone at our table.”
Salem?
“Then pick another,” he said while retrieving his wallet.
“No, that’s our table,” she pouted, scowling at Kaylah.
Kaylah made eye contact with the girl. With an exaggerated facial expression, she pointed at the table. “Is this your table?” she asked.
The child nodded but wrapped her arm around her uncle’s leg.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’ll move so you and your uncle can have your spot. Would you like that?”
With her lip still jutting, the girl simply stared at her.
“You don’t have to do that,” the distracted man said, after paying for their snacks. He shoved his billfold back into his jeans and turned fully in her direction.
Whoa!
He approached the table, walking with a bit of a limp.
“No, I don’t mind. I was leaving anyway,” she said, shuffling out from between the table and the banquet seat. As she straightened to her full height, she gazed up him.
The little girl scooted onto the bench.
He was a good-looking man in a rugged sort of way. A sexy layer of stubble coated his strong chin as if he hadn’t shaved that morning. He assessed her with shrewd hazel eyes as he yanked a worn ball cap from his head. A thick swatch of dark hair tumbled over his forehead, which he was quick to slick down. Yet, in contrast, the sides and the back were shaved close. No doubt Autumn would call it a ‘righteous flow’.
“Please, don’t let us rush you,” he said, as he shrugged out of his plaid jacket. The cut of his black T-shirt fit snug to his sculpted biceps. “She needs to learn the world doesn’t stop for her. Her mom spoils her rotten as it is.”
“Chocolate milk?” Kaylah called him out on how he’d caved to Lindsay’s wishes. Passing his hand over the back of his neck, he looked down at the floor then grinned. He had nice teeth and full lips. “Yeah, well, I’m her uncle. I’m allowed. Besides, we negotiated, right, Lindsay? That’s different.”
“I’d rather have the pop,” she replied, dragging a napkin over the tabletop and now standing on the seat.
“Aw, is that how it works?” Kaylah responded.
“Hey, why don’t you join us? I see you’ve still got a full cup there.”
“No, I’ve got to go, but thank you. Nice meeting you…both.”
To her surprise, he stuck out his hand. She hesitated, staring at it stupidly before tucking hers in his. His palm was warm, his grip strong. A jolt of sensation shot up her arm.
“Jerusalem Aames,” he introduced himself.
Kaylah’s stomach clenched. Her vision tunneled. “Jerusalem?” she echoed in a whisper, peering into his eyes.
Her head swam as the message on the bathroom mirror shimmered in her mind.
“Jerusalem,” she said again.
©Copyright H K Carlton 2017
REVIEWS:
5 Stars from Reviewer: Alberta Manic Readers
By the time we find out the true story, Kay & Salem are deeply in love, but she has demons that Salem isn’t sure he can vanquish. I can’t say anything more about the story, without giving it away, so suffice it to say, it’s tender, loving, & totally worth the occasional tear it will evoke. Get it right away, & look for more by this author.Read the full review HERE
From Amazon 5 more stars!☆☆☆☆☆WOW! What a heartwarming, beautiful tale of two people struggling through the pain of unexpected disasters. I promise you that you will cheer for Kaylah & Salem to come together, their characters being so finely drawn by the author. Long past reading this page turner you will remember them. And wish them well. Not to mention the story is spicy hot with sexy, powerful scenes set against an intriguing backdrop. Throw in an unexpected plot twist that makes perfect sense in hindsight, one that you’ll never see coming or at least I didn’t, and you have the real deal. I look forward, with pleasure, to reading more books by this fine author.
Autumn's Healing 30% off at Totally Bound - On Sale thru November 1stTotally Bound
October 25, 2018
Release Blitz - The Traitor - by T.J. London @TJLondonauthor [Rebels & Redcoats #2] #historical #fiction w/ Romantic Elements
Title: The Traitor Book 2 in The Rebels and Redcoats SagaAuthor: T.J. LondonGenre: Historical Fiction with Romantic ElementsCover Designer: Steve MillerConcept Editor: Kathe RobinCopy Editor and Proofreader: Jo MichaelsPublication Date: October 26th, 2018Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
Spy. Liar. Scoundrel. Redcoat.
Provocateur and spy for His Majesty, Captain John Carlisle returns to Fort Niagara with the secrets he stole in the arms of the beautiful Oneida innkeeper, Dellis McKesson. Determined to complete his mission and clear his name, he’ll see justice done—and damn the consequences. Now, he finds himself drawn into political intrigue as the British prepare to launch a three-pronged attack that will bring the Rebels and the Mohawk River Valley to its knees.
A dangerous revelation finds Dellis as whispers of intrigue insinuate her beloved is not all that he seems. Unwilling to wait for her lover’s return, she sets out in search of the truth as the Onieda begin negotiations with the Rebels, breaking the neutrality agreement with the crown. A bold move that will stoke a fire between the brother tribes and lead to a bloody inter-confederacy war—one Dellis predicted, and one John incited.
While war between the colonies and the King smolders, the punishing winter of 1777 allows the perfect opportunity for old enemies to settle scores, lying in wait, ready to exploit John’s one weakness—his heart. John is not an innocent man. The truth he’s long tried to hide from can no longer be ignored, the ghosts of the past seeking justice, and karma wanting payment for sins so dark they cannot be forgiven.
Buy Links:The ToryAmazon: https://amzn.to/2JQC8iaKobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-tory
The TraitorAmazon: https://amzn.to/2R9vHWxKobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-traitor-31
T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, and Mohawk rockin pharmacist-turned-author who loves history. As an author her goal is to fill in the gaps, writing stories about missing history, those little places that are so interesting yet often forgotten. Her favorite time periods to write in are first and foremost the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, the French and Indian War, the Russian Revolution and the Victorian Era. Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, barre, and sharing a glass of wine with her friends, while she collects experiences in this drama called life. She is a native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband Fred and her beloved cat Mickey.Author Links: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2tmUqfLGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17931882.T_J_LondonTwitter: https://twitter.com/TJLondonauthorWeb: https://www.revolutionaryauthor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjlondonauthor/Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/t-j-londonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjlondonauthor/
October 22, 2018
Cover Reveal - TAKEN [Dark Legacy Duet, 1] by Natasha Knight #DarkRomance
Title: Taken
Series: Dark Legacy Duet #1Author: Natasha KnightGenre: Dark Romance
Cover Design: Jay Aheer
Photo: Eric David Battershell
Model: Zeke Samples
Release Date: October 29, 2018
Blurb
I’m one of four Willow daughters. He’s the first-born son of the Scafoni family. And we have history.
For generations, the Scafoni family have demanded a sacrifice of us. A virgin daughter to atone for sins so old, we don’t even remember what they are anymore.
But when you have as much money as they do, you don’t play by the rules. You make them.
And Sebastian Scafoni makes all the rules.
The moment I saw him, I knew he would choose me. Even though the mark on my sheath declared me unclean. Even though my beautiful sisters stood beside me, offered to him, he still chose me.
He made me his.And then he set out to break me.
ADD TO GOODREADS
Pre-order Link
$3.99 pre-order only price
APPLE BOOKS EXCLUSIVE
Author Bio
USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are almost always guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.
Author Links
WEBSITE BOOKBUB
AMAZON
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NEWSLETTER
October 19, 2018
New Scintillating Romantic Suspense from Seelie Kay - Snatching Dianna - Out Now!
Snatching Dianna Feisty Lawyers, bk 1by Seelie Kay
(Released10/19 by eXtasy Books)
SOMEONE’S KIDNAPPING LAW STUDENTS. WILL THEY FIND THEM IN TIME?
The hours are counting down as investigators try to prove that Dianna Murphy has been snatched. Unfortunately, without witnesses and solid evidence, all the police really know is that she is missing.
When suburban Milwaukee law student Dianna Murphy fails to connect with her roommate, there is no real evidence that she has been snatched. Until Law Professor Janet MacLachlan, a former covert Romantic Suspense (Three Flames)
* * * FROM THE AUTHOR * * *
MILWAUKEE, WI—Law student Dianna Murphy is missing, but with no witnesses and no evidence, the Little River, WI police are stymied.
Until a singular clue points to a slave trafficking cartel. Then it’s a race against time as the police, a law professor, law students, and secretive government agents trace Dianna to Morocco and attempt to rescue her from the auction block. However, Dianna isn’t the only one in peril. The man masterminding the auction has also decided to claim one of the hunters as his own: A certain “luscious law professor.”
Called “intricate, fast-paced, and gripping” by an early reviewer, Snatching Dianna is author and lawyer Seelie Kay’s first attempt at romantic suspense. It is Book One of her new Feisty Lawyers series. The book was released today, October 19, by eXtasy Books.
Kay says she wrote the book for two reasons. “First, when writing the Kinky Briefs series, there were certain couples I fell in love with--The Sheikh and his American lawyer wife who sue terrorists on behalf of their victims, the police chief with a fondness for handcuffs and his criminal defense attorney wife who seek to right injustice, and a covert agent and his law professor wife, who are smart, funny, and incredibly hot,” she said. “Each of these couples have wonderful relationships and incredible lives. And each and every one of them is dedicated to preserving justice. So, I wanted their stories to continue.”
Second, Kay said, the plot “permitted me to focus on the continuing problem of slave trafficking as well as the investigative issues behind finding a missing adult. In this story, there is no evidence and no witnesses. It’s takes a lot of investigative savvy to piece together seemingly unrelated clues. It was a complex puzzle and I wanted readers to get a sense of how difficult it was to solve.”
Snatching Dianna is currently available on the publisher’s website (www.extasybooks.com) as an eBook. It will also be sold as an eBook and paperback by other major booksellers, including Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com.
eXtasy Books
Amazon: Coming soon
Barnes and Noble: Coming soon
After what seemed like hours in the sweltering van, it lurched to a stop.
Dianna heard a man bark orders. A door to the van opened and someone pulled the rope from her feet, then removed her hood. She took a deep breath. A man grabbed her by the arm, forced to her feet, and pulled from the van. Dianna stumbled when she hit the ground. The stones were hot and her feet were covered by athletic socks, no shoes. Show no weakness.
Dianna immediately surveyed her surroundings. It was still night, but she was in a well-lit courtyard. A large stone mansion stood in front of her. She looked to her right, then her left. The courtyard was enclosed by a large stone fence, at least eight feet high. A fortress. Fortunately, Dianna was a rock-climber. She could rappel over the fence with the right equipment. All she would need was something to serve as a pick, maybe a rope. A knife, a screwdriver, even a fork. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be ready.
A large black man, dressed in a white suit and a maroon turban, walked out of the front door and down the stairs. He stopped and flashed a malevolent smile. He flung his arms wide and in a cultured baritone boomed, “Welcome to paradise, ladies. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Some of the guards laughed.
“Crikey,” Tillie muttered. “Sounds like a blasted genie.”
Dianna glanced sideways and for the first time, got a look at her new friend. She was tall and thin, her body well defined. She looked strong and aware, almost fierce. Her eyes seemed to be studying the place, taking everything in. She showed no fear. Instead, she seemed interested. Something was off. Tillie did not act like a victim as the others did. She was not cowed. Was she a cop? Or like Dianna, someone who would not permit themselves to be broken?
There was only one thing of which Dianna was certain. She had found a friend. A useful one.
Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen! In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of multiple works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, and The President’s Wife.
When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
Ms. Kay is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!
WebsiteBlogTwitter - @SeelieKayFacebookAmazon Author Page
Prior Books:
Kinky BriefsKinky Briefs, TooKinky Briefs, ThriceKinky Briefs, QuatroKinky Briefs, CinqueThe Garage DwellerA Touchdown To RememberThe President's Wife
* * * Coming soon * * *
Infamy (Part Two, Feisty Lawyers): TBDCult (Part Three, Feisty Lawyers): TBDChasing Hope (Divorce Divas anthology): January 2019The President’s Daughter (Stocking Stuffer): December 2018
(Released10/19 by eXtasy Books)
SOMEONE’S KIDNAPPING LAW STUDENTS. WILL THEY FIND THEM IN TIME?
The hours are counting down as investigators try to prove that Dianna Murphy has been snatched. Unfortunately, without witnesses and solid evidence, all the police really know is that she is missing.
When suburban Milwaukee law student Dianna Murphy fails to connect with her roommate, there is no real evidence that she has been snatched. Until Law Professor Janet MacLachlan, a former covert Romantic Suspense (Three Flames)
* * * FROM THE AUTHOR * * *
MILWAUKEE, WI—Law student Dianna Murphy is missing, but with no witnesses and no evidence, the Little River, WI police are stymied.
Until a singular clue points to a slave trafficking cartel. Then it’s a race against time as the police, a law professor, law students, and secretive government agents trace Dianna to Morocco and attempt to rescue her from the auction block. However, Dianna isn’t the only one in peril. The man masterminding the auction has also decided to claim one of the hunters as his own: A certain “luscious law professor.”
Called “intricate, fast-paced, and gripping” by an early reviewer, Snatching Dianna is author and lawyer Seelie Kay’s first attempt at romantic suspense. It is Book One of her new Feisty Lawyers series. The book was released today, October 19, by eXtasy Books.
Kay says she wrote the book for two reasons. “First, when writing the Kinky Briefs series, there were certain couples I fell in love with--The Sheikh and his American lawyer wife who sue terrorists on behalf of their victims, the police chief with a fondness for handcuffs and his criminal defense attorney wife who seek to right injustice, and a covert agent and his law professor wife, who are smart, funny, and incredibly hot,” she said. “Each of these couples have wonderful relationships and incredible lives. And each and every one of them is dedicated to preserving justice. So, I wanted their stories to continue.”
Second, Kay said, the plot “permitted me to focus on the continuing problem of slave trafficking as well as the investigative issues behind finding a missing adult. In this story, there is no evidence and no witnesses. It’s takes a lot of investigative savvy to piece together seemingly unrelated clues. It was a complex puzzle and I wanted readers to get a sense of how difficult it was to solve.”
Snatching Dianna is currently available on the publisher’s website (www.extasybooks.com) as an eBook. It will also be sold as an eBook and paperback by other major booksellers, including Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com.
eXtasy Books
Amazon: Coming soon
Barnes and Noble: Coming soon
After what seemed like hours in the sweltering van, it lurched to a stop.
Dianna heard a man bark orders. A door to the van opened and someone pulled the rope from her feet, then removed her hood. She took a deep breath. A man grabbed her by the arm, forced to her feet, and pulled from the van. Dianna stumbled when she hit the ground. The stones were hot and her feet were covered by athletic socks, no shoes. Show no weakness.
Dianna immediately surveyed her surroundings. It was still night, but she was in a well-lit courtyard. A large stone mansion stood in front of her. She looked to her right, then her left. The courtyard was enclosed by a large stone fence, at least eight feet high. A fortress. Fortunately, Dianna was a rock-climber. She could rappel over the fence with the right equipment. All she would need was something to serve as a pick, maybe a rope. A knife, a screwdriver, even a fork. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be ready.
A large black man, dressed in a white suit and a maroon turban, walked out of the front door and down the stairs. He stopped and flashed a malevolent smile. He flung his arms wide and in a cultured baritone boomed, “Welcome to paradise, ladies. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Some of the guards laughed.
“Crikey,” Tillie muttered. “Sounds like a blasted genie.”
Dianna glanced sideways and for the first time, got a look at her new friend. She was tall and thin, her body well defined. She looked strong and aware, almost fierce. Her eyes seemed to be studying the place, taking everything in. She showed no fear. Instead, she seemed interested. Something was off. Tillie did not act like a victim as the others did. She was not cowed. Was she a cop? Or like Dianna, someone who would not permit themselves to be broken?
There was only one thing of which Dianna was certain. She had found a friend. A useful one.
Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen! In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of multiple works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, and The President’s Wife.
When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
Ms. Kay is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!
WebsiteBlogTwitter - @SeelieKayFacebookAmazon Author Page
Prior Books:
Kinky BriefsKinky Briefs, TooKinky Briefs, ThriceKinky Briefs, QuatroKinky Briefs, CinqueThe Garage DwellerA Touchdown To RememberThe President's Wife
* * * Coming soon * * *
Infamy (Part Two, Feisty Lawyers): TBDCult (Part Three, Feisty Lawyers): TBDChasing Hope (Divorce Divas anthology): January 2019The President’s Daughter (Stocking Stuffer): December 2018
October 16, 2018
Beyond Romance: Welcome the month of magic! #99cents #freebooks #g...
Beyond Romance: Welcome the month of magic! #99cents #freebooks #g...: It’s finally here — October, the month of magic. We’re counting down to Halloween, that thrilling, haunted night when we can become some...
October 15, 2018
Those devilish Cairnnon Twins are at it again!
Enjoy a +18 teaser from the third book in the Lustful Possession Series - The Fall of Cairnnon Castle
#erotic #timetravel #paranormal
The next day, with a healthy, new blush upon her face, Nevaeh accompanied her sisters to break the fast.
Hualryn met her as she approached the trestle table. With everyone observing their interaction, he leaned in and placed a chaste kiss to her cheek.
“Hualryn!” she rebuked, in a whisper.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Hual grinned. “Everyone here knows ’tis only a matter of vows. Where did ya disappear to last eve?”
“I couldna verra well stay all night, could I now?” she murmured, taking the chair he proffered.
“Well, I missed ya. Ye’ll have to make it up to me.”
A server placed a bowl of gruel before her. Just as Nev was about to lift her spoon, a group of Hualryn’s men joined them, boisterous and loud as always.
“Nevaeh McBenn, soon to be O’Cairnnon”—Hual smiled— ”welcome my brother, SaBástienne O’Cairnnon.”
Nev turned her attention from her intended to his sibling. Her smile slipped a little. In looks they were almost identical. She’d had no idea they were twins. She would have thought the overblown O’Cairnnon legend would have included such a significant fact in its folklore.
Without a word, SaBástienne nodded in greeting. His gaze was so intense, it was unnerving. He stared straight through her.
“Gud morn, My Lord,” she began, but had to pause to clear her throat. “’Tis a pleasure to finally meet you.”
The corner of his generous mouth lifted as he continued to peer right into her eyes. A trickle of awareness slithered up her spine.
Where Hualryn’s eyes were playful and mischievous, SaBástienne’s were piercing and calculating.
Unable to look away from him, she scrambled for something to say, but could think of nothing.
Slowly, he wet his lips with his tongue, and she was mesmerized by the action. Another shiver of responsiveness shook her, and a heaviness settled into her lower abdomen. Normally, she only experienced that kind of reaction to Hual. Something familiar danced in her mind. She tried to push it away. He reminds me of Hual, of course. That is all it is.
Nev pried her gaze from his and turned her attention to the meal as conversation went on around her. She ate mechanically, not tasting. “Nev... Nevaeh.”
Hearing her name, she blinked.
“Are ya all right, lass?” Hual asked. Concern etched his handsome features.
“Aye?” she questioned.
“Yor cheeks were bloomin’ with color when you first arrived, and now ya are white as a sheet.”
“I am fine. Perhaps a tad weary, I suppose.”
“You and Bástienne both seem as if ya are in need of a wee nap.” Hual and his man resumed their exchange.
As she listened in, she was shaken to learn that Bástienne and his men had been attacked on their journey to Cairnnon. By all accounts, it had been a brutal assault, and a battle had ensued—although Hual’s sibling did not look the worse for wear. For a man who had troops dying in the barracks, he seemed completely at ease and undisturbed by the violence and inhumanity of it all.
Though she was absorbed in Hualryn’s version of events, she couldn’t help but continue to compare the brothers. Feature for feature, they were as near as two people could be. Yet their personalities presented a cavern-sized difference. Where Hual was animated and social as he spoke of Bástienne’s feats during the battle, the man himself remained silent, nearly brooding, neither adding to nor crowing about his triumph.
“Now that we are back together, Bástienne and me, we will be unstoppable. I will assume the title, but we will rule as one. I am a born leader, and Bás, a natural soldier. I will command the castle and its folk, and SaBástienne will defend us.”
Unable to help herself, Nev slanted her gaze to Bástienne.
Deliberately, he dipped his index finger into the swirl of honey that sat atop his gruel. He lifted the digit to his generous mouth and sucked at the sticky substance, all the while keeping her engaged. The gesture, coupled with his extreme regard, tripped an image in her memory—her knees over his shoulders, right before he bent his head and kissed her most intimately. It was as if he’d just wrapped his full lips around the tiny nub of nerves between her legs. She suffered a visceral reaction. Her lower body flooded with heat while the rest of her filled with shame.
Bástienne, pushed his chair out and stood. “If ya will excuse me... sweeting,” he exaggerated the endearment.
With it hanging between them, he walked away, leaving her no doubt.
Dear God! It wasn’t Hualryn I lay with last eve. It was SaBástienne!
She gasped. Her cheeks grew hot, her stomach roiled as the realization of what she’d done seeped into her. Nev jumped up from the table and ran from the hall. Hualryn yelled her name behind her. That’s why he’d asked where she’d disappeared to. To him, she’d deserted him.
Bástienne the Dark was too tame a designation to encompass the immense wickedness of the man!
eXtasy Books Smashwords BookStrand Amazon
#erotic #timetravel #paranormal
The next day, with a healthy, new blush upon her face, Nevaeh accompanied her sisters to break the fast.
Hualryn met her as she approached the trestle table. With everyone observing their interaction, he leaned in and placed a chaste kiss to her cheek.
“Hualryn!” she rebuked, in a whisper.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Hual grinned. “Everyone here knows ’tis only a matter of vows. Where did ya disappear to last eve?”
“I couldna verra well stay all night, could I now?” she murmured, taking the chair he proffered.
“Well, I missed ya. Ye’ll have to make it up to me.”
A server placed a bowl of gruel before her. Just as Nev was about to lift her spoon, a group of Hualryn’s men joined them, boisterous and loud as always.
“Nevaeh McBenn, soon to be O’Cairnnon”—Hual smiled— ”welcome my brother, SaBástienne O’Cairnnon.”
Nev turned her attention from her intended to his sibling. Her smile slipped a little. In looks they were almost identical. She’d had no idea they were twins. She would have thought the overblown O’Cairnnon legend would have included such a significant fact in its folklore.
Without a word, SaBástienne nodded in greeting. His gaze was so intense, it was unnerving. He stared straight through her.
“Gud morn, My Lord,” she began, but had to pause to clear her throat. “’Tis a pleasure to finally meet you.”
The corner of his generous mouth lifted as he continued to peer right into her eyes. A trickle of awareness slithered up her spine.
Where Hualryn’s eyes were playful and mischievous, SaBástienne’s were piercing and calculating.
Unable to look away from him, she scrambled for something to say, but could think of nothing.
Slowly, he wet his lips with his tongue, and she was mesmerized by the action. Another shiver of responsiveness shook her, and a heaviness settled into her lower abdomen. Normally, she only experienced that kind of reaction to Hual. Something familiar danced in her mind. She tried to push it away. He reminds me of Hual, of course. That is all it is.
Nev pried her gaze from his and turned her attention to the meal as conversation went on around her. She ate mechanically, not tasting. “Nev... Nevaeh.”
Hearing her name, she blinked.
“Are ya all right, lass?” Hual asked. Concern etched his handsome features.
“Aye?” she questioned.
“Yor cheeks were bloomin’ with color when you first arrived, and now ya are white as a sheet.”
“I am fine. Perhaps a tad weary, I suppose.”
“You and Bástienne both seem as if ya are in need of a wee nap.” Hual and his man resumed their exchange.
As she listened in, she was shaken to learn that Bástienne and his men had been attacked on their journey to Cairnnon. By all accounts, it had been a brutal assault, and a battle had ensued—although Hual’s sibling did not look the worse for wear. For a man who had troops dying in the barracks, he seemed completely at ease and undisturbed by the violence and inhumanity of it all.
Though she was absorbed in Hualryn’s version of events, she couldn’t help but continue to compare the brothers. Feature for feature, they were as near as two people could be. Yet their personalities presented a cavern-sized difference. Where Hual was animated and social as he spoke of Bástienne’s feats during the battle, the man himself remained silent, nearly brooding, neither adding to nor crowing about his triumph.
“Now that we are back together, Bástienne and me, we will be unstoppable. I will assume the title, but we will rule as one. I am a born leader, and Bás, a natural soldier. I will command the castle and its folk, and SaBástienne will defend us.”
Unable to help herself, Nev slanted her gaze to Bástienne.
Deliberately, he dipped his index finger into the swirl of honey that sat atop his gruel. He lifted the digit to his generous mouth and sucked at the sticky substance, all the while keeping her engaged. The gesture, coupled with his extreme regard, tripped an image in her memory—her knees over his shoulders, right before he bent his head and kissed her most intimately. It was as if he’d just wrapped his full lips around the tiny nub of nerves between her legs. She suffered a visceral reaction. Her lower body flooded with heat while the rest of her filled with shame.
Bástienne, pushed his chair out and stood. “If ya will excuse me... sweeting,” he exaggerated the endearment.
With it hanging between them, he walked away, leaving her no doubt.
Dear God! It wasn’t Hualryn I lay with last eve. It was SaBástienne!
She gasped. Her cheeks grew hot, her stomach roiled as the realization of what she’d done seeped into her. Nev jumped up from the table and ran from the hall. Hualryn yelled her name behind her. That’s why he’d asked where she’d disappeared to. To him, she’d deserted him.
Bástienne the Dark was too tame a designation to encompass the immense wickedness of the man!
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Beyond Romance: Charity Sunday: For the children in Sulawesi - #Ch...
Beyond Romance: Charity Sunday: For the children in Sulawesi - #Ch...: It seems that every day brings a new story of some horrific disaster. Many of my friends and family in the US are reeling from the...
October 9, 2018
Book Tour + #Giveaway - The Thorne Brothers - by Lee Kilraine @LeeKilraine #contemporary #romance
Give and Take
The Thorne Brothers #2by
Lee Kilraine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
* * * Pub Date: 9/18/2018 * * *
Six Brothers Construction was built to reunite a family and heal a painful past. So far it’s opened to rave reviews. But the youngest sibling is about to discover that the right woman can shake even a rock-solid foundation
Wyatt Thorne was so traumatized by his mother’s abandonment he didn’t speak until he was six. At 26, he’s still the quiet type—strong and silent, most comfortable with a hammer in his hand and work to do. But the reassuring rhythm of his life is interrupted when his brother Beckett decides to pay forward their unused office space to a needy start-up. Enter Rhia Hollis, flighty, impulsive, and outspoken—everything that drives Wyatt crazy. Only this time in the sexiest, most irresistible way.
Rhia is determined to disprove her reckless, party girl image by making her new company, Seize the Day, the premier event planning firm in Raleigh. She has big dreams, and the Thornes’ offer of a free command center is a huge help. But Wyatt’s gruff, stubborn resistance to her presence is an annoying hindrance. They’re as different as night and day, yet when they begin to meet in the middle, the sparks fly hot. Is this a case of opposites distract—or the beginning of a beautiful long-term project?
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Give It UpThe Thorne Brothers #1
Beckett. Asher. Gray. Eli. Ryker. Wyatt. Five out of six very different brothers reunited—and working to make their construction firm a success. But oldest brother Beckett just found their major new project becoming one hard and sexy challenge . . .
A rough childhood tore Beckett and his brothers apart. It took everything he had to track them down and establish Six Brothers Construction. He only trusts them—and his drive to win. Now if SBC can build a billionaire team owner’s much-hyped new mansion, it will put them on the map—and finally fulfill Beckett’s promise to take care of his siblings. Too bad he’ll have to collaborate with hot new rival Samantha Devine, who’s throwing him curves on-site, out-the-box . . . and between the sheets.
Sam knows from experience that arrogant good-ole-boy Beckett is long, strong, and built to go the distance. But this is her only shot to prove she and her fledgling design company can succeed on her own terms. She’ll match Beckett’s expertise by day—and reignite the explosive heat between them by night. But when passion threatens to become real love, will this competition separate them for good . . . or make the sizzling collaboration of a lifetime?
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A former Air Force spouse, Lee Kilraine moved seventimes over eighteen years before finally settling with her husband in the pine woods of North Carolina. She has worked as a physical therapy aide, a cashier, a waitress, an English tutor, a ballet teacher and a stay-at-home mom. Holding tight to her mother’s motto, “There’s nothing you can’t do if you try hard enough,”
Lee returned to college as an adult and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Writing thirty-one papers in two years (she counted) rekindled her love of writing, and she set her sights on her other dream—writing romance. When she isn’t swinging on her front porch swing or watching another of their four young adult children leave the nest (she swears she isn’t pushing
them out!), you can find her typing away on her computer with her
golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet. Lee is a
2014 Golden Heart® Finalist.
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October 4, 2018
Book Tour - The Hotter They Come - by Roxanne D. Howard @RoxanneDHoward #Romance
The Hotter They ComeRomancing the Seas #1byRoxanne D. Howard
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When Piper’s job sends her undercover to spy on Jack - the beyond sexy hook-up she can’t stop thinking about - she is forced to decide if her job is more important than her happiness.
HAPPINESS HAS A PRICE
Captain Jack Spencer owns and runs a whale watching company, Ahoy, Matey. When his business takes off, a jealous rival wants him and his company gone. Jack has no idea the delectable Piper Goldhirsch is tasked with scuttling everything he's worked for - he's too caught up in their magnetic attraction and her web of lies.
Piper Goldhirsch, head reporter for the tabloid TV show Business Buster, is all work and no play. When she and the all too tempting Jack Spencer have a one-night stand that turns out to be the greatest sex of her life, she is haunted by the powerful magic between them. Sent undercover to expose his whale watching business, she is torn between her assignment and the first man she has ever wanted. With her happiness on the line, Piper has only one choice.
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Roxanne D. Howard is a romance novelist who resides in the mid-western United States. She is a RWA PAN member. She loves to read poetry, classical literature, and Stephen King. She is also an avid Star Wars fan, musical theater nut, and loves everything related to marine biology.She is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, several pets, and loves to spend time with her husband and children when she's not writing.
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