J.J. Devine's Blog, page 35

Life has a way of putting on the breaks...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I should have known it was coming. In fact, I told myself, you better slow your ass down. Well, I didn't listen. I kept telling myself you have a week left then you will be on retreat for a few days.

​So what happens when you don't listen to your internal self??? You get sick. I spent my day off with no voice, laying around watching movies I've been wanting to see, and just resting the entire day. It's been a good while since I've had laryngitis, I'm talking years. I'm glad that's all it is along with a slightly runny nose. Being sick is not something I'm good at for sure. I just don't have time for that LOL.

​I'm just glad it happened on a day off.

​Baby Bear had never heard momma without a voice before. It drove him nuts, LOL. He kept looking at me, jumping all around me, and just plain kept checking on me. He wasn't quite sure what was going on and the strange sound trying to come out of me was just all too crazy for him LOL.

​I spent a very quiet day mostly. I watched My Name is Doris and Tarzan, both movies I have wanted to see. Then I watched another version of Wurthering Heights. I lounged around in pjs all day, telling myself periodically I needed a shower. But yeah, that didn't happen. Now I really need a shower this morning, yuk...

​I hope I can get this thing under control over the next few days because I hate being sick. It's been a long while since my last spring cold and the laryngitis just doesn't work so well for me LOL. Especially when you have to talk as part of your job.

​Oh well, it is back to the grind today. I'm not going to let something so petty get me down and out. I was a good girl and got plenty of rest yesterday. Now today it is back to the real world and doing what I need to do :)

Wish me luck :)

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!



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Beauty in this lifetime...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Each time I look into the eyes of one of my grandchildren I'm reminded that this world is not only filled with beauty but also filled with new excitement and adventure. It is also filled with so many things that are the same seen through different eyes can become something completely unique.

​Last night the youngest grandchild spent the night with me. I love her enthusiasm for life. It's as if there is nothing she can't do if she sets her mind to it :) She's strong willed, determined, and definitely has a soft side to her :)

​I love the way out of the blue she just decides its time to cuddle and climbs up beside me to sit real close and jabber away. Then just as quickly decides she is once again off to explore and find new things to occupy her time.

​The older children are in school right now. So, my little adventurer spends most of her time with mommy, daddy, or her other grandma while her parents work. I treasure these little stolen moments of getting to know this little firecracker :)

​Children change so much in the course of an eye blink, that getting to know them is such a wonderful journey. They learn so much in such a short amount of time. It seems like only yesterday our oldest grandchild was being born. Now he is almost a preteen and is learning to do 'man' things like mow the lawn, till the garden, and growing into such a wonderful young man.

​The oldest granddaughter is turning into a fine young lady. Loving anything pretty, with her own style of beautiful. She chatters like her mother used to, a mile a minute, and full of excitement.

​The next oldest granddaughter has an imagination to die for. She will be our little writer for certain. For the stories she tells are very detailed and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

​The youngest grandchild is just beginning to come into herself. Her sense of adventure rivals no other. She has no fears to speak of. She has the drive to experience it all.

​One thing I learned being a mother was I went too fast with the first two children. I didn't slow down and watch what was around me. With the last one I watched the changes more closely of the growing process. It amazed me. I had not been aware of how much children pick up and learn each day.

​Now with the grandchildren this is the part about life that I look forward too. Seeing how much they grow and change over the course of time. Seeing how life transforms them. It's amazing how this works and plays out.

​It reminds me to slow down in my own life and watch the world around me. Notice the changes each and every day within myself. Because even in the darkest times in this life there is beauty. We just have to sit still long enough to see it.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!



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At the end of the day...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I have a lot running through this mind of mine this morning. Another moment in time where I am in a position I really didn't choose. I should be a pro at stepping away from this sort of thing and watching it play out by now :)

​However, today I decide I would blog about at the end of the day...

​At the end of the day all that matters is in what direction our decisions have taken us. Is this direction going to be life changing? If so, how? For good? Or for the not so good?

​At the end of the day can I go to sleep at night happy with my choices? Were they productive choices? Did they allow me a forward motion in my life? Did my decisions stifle my flow? Did they keep me stuck in the same place not allowing things to move forward in my life?

​At the end of the day did I set a good example for someone else? Without all the excuses of why I chose to react the way I did will the example I put out there still look as appealing?

​At the end of the day what truly matters? Was it the small things I thought were important? Or were those small things only a means of justification?

​At the end of the day what was the larger picture meant to be seen and felt? Where was the lesson? What was to be learned?

​At the end of the day was the choices I made worth the consequences of my actions? Did it make or break a relationship in my life?

​At the end of the day...

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!



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Mondays are a new beginning...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Sometimes just popping onto social media is depressing. It seems like everyone has that hate Mondays syndrome and with it comes posts of negativity. One can't seem to scroll through their feed without seeing everyone either complaining about one thing or another.

​During the election and after elections I unfollowed several people. Not unfriended, just unfollowed, because frankly, I couldn't take anymore of the depressing posts on my feed every time I signed on.

​I understand having your convictions and your right to following your convictions. I am all for that. I am also all for everyone having their own opinions. But what I was seeing wasn't just convictions, following your convictions and expressing them, but just down right brutal attacks on good people for following their own convictions. It makes for a very depressing way to see your fellow man.

​As time has passed I guess you could say this has changed how I view social media. It makes it difficult to know if one should comment on someone's post on a Monday because of how much they seemingly hate Mondays. Will they attack your hope for a positive day for them? Will they jump down your throat because they hate starting a new week and you just want to bring a smile to their face on a day they would rather not smile?

​So instead of dwelling in the Hate Monday syndrome, I thought I would post my blog today on what Monday's mean to me.

​Mondays are the beginning of a new work week for our little store. So Mondays are usually packed full of things that must be done. So waking up in the right mind frame is pretty beneficial for me. The ability to psych up for a busy day ahead allows me to get more accomplished. If I go in with the attitude that this day is going to suck, well, it will no matter how much I try otherwise to make it not suck. Because I've already told myself and prepared myself for a shitty day.

​However, waking up, telling myself this day is going to be a good day. Preparing for it. Understanding going into it that there is a lot to accomplish in a day. Well, frankly, it allows for a better day no matter how much goes wrong. It allows for me to problem solve in a much more positive fashion. Freeing up my mind frame to see things more clearly.

​Mondays are a new beginning each week. No, I'm not surrounded by people who share my views of positive outlook. No, I'm not surrounded by sunshine and roses each and every day either. However, I choose not to dwell in the downside. Sure, I hate Mondays is a metaphor that most people joke about. However, the impact of this statement to someone who may be having trouble viewing anything positive in their life can be overwhelming.

​I choose to look at each new week as a beginning of an adventure just waiting to happen. Who knows what it will bring? However, I choose not to look toward this adventure with dread, but with hope.

​As I laid down to sleep last night I thought of how long it has been since I actually laid eyes on a sunrise or sunset. We've had some very depressing weather here in Indiana for certain. I love sunshine and what it brings into my life. I hate how days upon days of rain can still get me down. But, I still slap a smile on my face, greet each of my customers with a heartfelt good morning, and try my hardest to ward off the depression of too many rainy days in a row.

​I guess signing onto social media this morning just hit me wrong. I'm not good at listening to others put themselves down, put others down, or just plain reading how day in and day out the same people over and over again are complaining about life in general.

​It's simple to me, change the way you see the world. I know I know that is harder work than seeing all the negative. I know this first hand because I used to be that person who saw nothing but the downside to the world around me. But I wasn't growing inwardly during that time. I was standing still in my own self inflicted misery. Because it is easier to sit in that world than to change the world you live in.

​Being positive every day isn't easy by any means. First you have to dig deep for something to be positive about. That's the hardest part of changing your outlook on Mondays or any other day for that matter. If you complain each and every day, then you find you get stuck in that rat race of hunting for something to complain about. Believe me, people around you can help with that aspect of life so easy.

​The world around us can be a bitter place all on its own. It doesn't need our help. Even in the midst of adversity we can still find the silver lining if we try. It's okay to have bad days, but living there only sucks your soul dry.

​For me, I choose to find the good in each day. I choose to be happy even if it is hard. I choose to Love Mondays, even though it is not the popular choice :) For each day is a new day to experience new beginnings.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!




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The first week of May is almost over...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​We're already almost through the first week of May. If rushing through April was mind blowing, this is getting quite crazy. I wish there was a button to slow down time because savoring every moment seems like it would be so much more satisfying if one was able to move more slowly.

​What happened to the days when an hour seemed like a long time? Or an entire day seemed like it would never end? I get up these days to begin the day and it's bedtime before I know it. I swear someone has pushed the fast forward button on life.

​I guess it just makes one appreciate a day more. Plus there are perks to this disappearing days. Fun things seem to get here much faster, even though they also slip by faster. The other day 19 days seemed so far away now there's only 15 days until writing retreat :) See the perks :)

​Before long vacation will be here and gone. Memories will be made. Each day is a blessing for sure no matter how fast or slow they slip by.

​I was in our camper the other evening with hubby who had just made a trip to the camping parts store. While sitting out there I could almost hear the good times we spent in that wonderful home away from home last year. I felt the excitement grow thinking about the fun we will have this year hanging out in our little space. Even the thought of cleaning and preparing for this year's adventures, didn't seem so bad.

​I love the times we share our vacation home with the kids and grandkids, but I do believe the times I enjoy most is when it is just hubby and I and our furbies. It's not that I don't adore the family aspect of our adventures, but with hubby and I's work lives, it is nice to have those special times where we just hang out and enjoy each others company. The evenings by the campfires. The long walks throughout the campgrounds. Those moments that may seem boring to someone on the outside looking in but are filled with intimate moments of just the two of us. Those are the times I have no problem with time flying to get here :) Sadly, the time flies by too quickly once they're here.

The memories made however, last a lifetime.

​Treasure each moment of every day, no matter how fast or slow they go. Because soon they become a memory, and it is so much better to look back on something that brought a smile to your lips versus something that brought tears to your eyes.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!



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Preparing for this day...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​Tuesdays and Fridays are mentally prepare mornings before the day job. Deliveries come in abundance on these days and this mingles with all the responsibilities of our normal days. There's no time to feel overwhelmed even if you are feeling the pressure of the weight :) You just keep moving forward.

​We got our final totals for our charity drive in yesterday. We came in second in our region, which is fantastic seeing as there is much larger towns and cities involved in our region. Another small town came in first. Which only goes to show that small towns are amazing :)

So this morning as I sit here drinking my coffee, writing this blog, and checking my facebook, I am also preparing myself mentally for the challenges of the day ahead. I know we will be super busy not only with putting away deliveries but also with customers. I also know that on any typical Tuesday or Friday I always forget to put on lunch until a half hour later than I normally do, because my brain is in work mode and I lose track of time LOL. Something I'm striving to do better at and make sure it is on the grill on time :)

​Truck comes later these days so hopefully this will continue to help me get prepared for the lunch crowd. My morning rush is already in full speed when I arrive. This does help get me started right out of the gate. People heading out to work and school. Grabbing their breakfasts and coffee.

​This busy mode does help the writer brain a great deal. It gets the creative juices flowing by allowing my body to stay busy. The only downfall is at my age I slow down a bit faster LOL. Hence the reason for getting up a bit earlier than I need to. However, this particular morning I overslept by an hour and a half :( I should have went to bed sooner.

​Okay, this is enough rambling this morning. I should really try to get something done before heading out.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!


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Where did April go???

Good morning, everyone!!!

​I can't believe April has flown by like it has. Can you believe today is May 1st already??? Me either. It just seems like the older I get the faster time flies by.

​With today marks the end of our charity drive for Riley Children's Hospital. I'm anxious to see how we did yesterday and see if we are still at least $1.06 ahead of the Converse store :) I'm super proud of our two small towns. We maintained 1st and 2nd place in our region this entire month. That is saying a great deal about the support we received from our communities :)

​This month I have a great deal going on. We're still a tiny bit short handed at the day job, but hopefully we'll have that remedied soon. I'm hoping for a speedy recovery for one of our employees and I am hoping our ex employee finally finds what she's looking for in this life.

​My writing retreat comes up in 19 days!!! I'm so looking forward to that. I really need this break from life with my writer friends. I also have my Lake House story to edit and I've been working on Unfinished Business and hope to have that completed in the next few weeks. Hopefully, retreat will give me the push I need to get both of these projects done.

​I also need to spend some time this month working on my speaking engagement for June. I will be speaking on herbal remedies. My focus will be on the herbs one can find here in Indiana. Basically, in your own backyard :) Along with a few others I've used when writing my stories.

​Then of course I need to get my newsletter for this month ready to go :) I plan to give you all a little surprise this month :) I hope you enjoy it :)

​At the day job, we have a visit from the big wig and image coming up this month. So, that is a lot of prep work. We're wanting to get the building painted and of course, I have some organizing in our back room and cooler section to do :) Then there is a general cleaning of everything in the store. Thankfully, our people keep our store clean every day so it is just little things like baseboards, walls, window seals, ect. I'm so proud to work with the people I do, because they take pride in their job and store.

​Well, it is almost shower time and I still have a few things left to finish up this morning before I head out.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

​Blessings to all!!!


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The Weekend is almost here :)

Good morning, everyone!!!

​It's almost the weekend :) Can you believe it? Me either :) We're doing our final push for our charity, Riley Children's Hospital, tomorrow. So far our little store has collected over $2,000 this month. We're also in second place in our region :)

​So tonight after work I hit the store again and grab the goodies to make potato salad and baked beans :) I may even throw together a few cookies for the occasion :) Sunday is our last collection day then on Monday I will do the drawing for our raffles!!!

​Something that has really spoke to my heart is how our little community has gotten behind us on this. I am so thrilled to see how many people have donated, not only money, but food to our cookouts. It is overwhelming how much the community has supported our cause and us during this time.

​I can honestly say I am very proud to say I am a part of this community. I have always adored small town living, but over the course of the last two years and being a part of the only store in town, I've been able to get to know more people who make up our little piece of the world. We have a beautifully mixed variety of people here. There is a definite feel of community in our little town.

​Living here continues to firm my beliefs in how you view the world is what you will see. We're not the perfect small town USA, but we're perfect for us. Sure there can be improvements to our little area, such as more businesses lining our main street, old buildings that either could be torn down or put to better use than sitting there empty. I understand this, but progress isn't made over night, and what I see in the people of this community is amazing.

​Everything starts somewhere. The first place to begin is definitely in our own backyards. Within ourselves and how we view what is around us.

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!


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Moving forward...

Good morning, everyone!!!

​As much as I hate to see bad things happen to people, sometimes consequences for choices made are the only thing left that can happen.

​I try to be mindful of the choices I make each day because I know life is all about choices and taking responsibility for those choices.

​There is nothing sadder to me than watching someone make bad choices left and right, then place blame on those around them for the consequences that come from those choices.

​It is human nature to see ourselves as nearly perfect. It is also human nature for us to hide from the choices we make each day. Human nature to find someone to blame for our circumstances.

​Sure, how others act can effect our lives. Their choices can make things more difficult for our daily lives. But their choices on how they go through each day is up to them, regardless of how their choices effect others. It is up to us how much we allow their choices to be a part of our day. If we wallow in their attitudes and decisions, turning their choices to be a big part of our day, then we have made that choice to join our lives with theirs. To take on their issues, their problems, their attitudes. This is a choice we make. Sure, we could say, well, they make me feel this way. You're right, other people can make us feel certain ways. However, if they make us feel angry, worried, ready to climb the walls, well, that is our choice on how we allow them to affect us.

​As most of you know, I'm all about trying to maintain a positive outlook on life. Sure, I hate when other people blame me or someone else for their choices, but just because they blame someone else does not mean it is someone else's fault. They are just having trouble accepting their own decisions and need an outlet for why.

​I try very hard to assess situations that happen in my life. I try to remind myself just because someone says something to bring me or someone else down, doesn't necessarily mean it is true. People lash out for all sorts of reasons and often times this is the hardest aspect in life to see when they are throwing the blame game around.

​Rising above these behavior patterns within ourselves is difficult but can be done. I personally hate when I allow myself to get down and out because of how someone else is acting. I hate that side of myself. I work very hard at trying to maintain a positive outlook on this life. I try to see the good to each side even the bad stuff. Or things that just make me angry. I assess why it makes me angry. Make the choice to either wallow in it or move on.

​One big question I ask myself is, Can I change it? If the answer is no, I work hard to release the negative feelings it brings out in me. Sometimes this can take a few days. If the answer is yes, I go deeper into thinking and making decisions on how to change it. Then I start the process of making the changes. This can take even longer than letting go of the harsh feelings of something one can't change.

​To me, life is about forward motion. One thing I've learned over the course of my lifetime is we can't move forward if we are always standing in the same place emotionally. If we allow one person's choices to take over our lives, making it our problem also, then we will allow the next person's bad choices to do the same, and so on and so on. It is a never ending cycle we can find ourselves trapped in.

​So today, take charge of your destiny. Take responsibility for your choices and don't push them off on someone else. Stake claim to your life and grab every moment possible in a day. Because when the day is done, the choice is up to you!!!

​Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Blessings to all!!!


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Please re Welcome amazing author and my dear friend, Fiona Riplee!!! Don't forget to grab your chance to win a fantastic prize package below!!!

I have always been an avid reader of romance and science fiction. I decided to merge my two reading passions together to create my own version of paranormal/science fiction romance. I love creating new worlds where there are endless possibilities for finding love. I grew up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania and am currently living in Indiana with my hopelessly romantic husband (who would never admit it under torture), the cutest and craziest toddler I’ve ever seen, and two mischievous dogs.  While I haven’t sailed around the world I have been to Jamaica where I was married beside the ocean and in a previous career traveled to Germany and Switzerland.
Find me online:
 Author Website: http://fionariplee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fionariplee
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/fionariplee/
Twitter: @FionaRiplee
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+FionaRiplee
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/fionariplee
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/43183443-fiona-riplee

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I’m so excited to introduce you to Mia Wendel and Daniel Anderson in Circle of Fantasies. The sample below is the point where Mia and Daniel can no longer ignore their attraction to each other. It’s also the point where their professional actions and personal goals become intertwined within the story and they have no choice but to find out what going on. Kyle and Stephen Belrich, the father and son owners of Crimson Teck, have both Mia and Daniel on their radar and neither will let them continue forward in a lover’s relationship or a professional coup over the experiments the company has been hiding.
Enjoy the excerpt below from Circle of Fantasies:
Daniel saw red. He knew Stephen Belrich was a bastard, but hadn’t realized to what extend the old fart had lost his mind. Stephen didn’t have an ounce of proof Daniel’s personal research was associated with Crimson Teck. On the other hand, he probably had the connections to pull Daniel’s private funding.
“Let me worry about the details. Just get the deal. I would’ve liked to attend the meeting myself, but Mia will handle all the negotiations. Watch yourself. She’s gonna be your boss soon. Mia, take the reins. See you both back at Crimson Teck in two days.” Stephen ended the call.
The silence in the cab spoke volumes about their future.
Daniel swore.
Mia grabbed his arm. “You’ll have to change your presentation. Our careers are on the line.” She struggled to put her mobile phone assistant in her purse one-handed.
He shook off her grip. She grabbed his thigh bringing his attention back to her.
A buzz of static electricity snapped from her fingertips and gave his leg a tiny jolt. God, the sensuous energy oozing from her affected him like no one else.
“I know that!” He raked his hand through his hair and looked out the window. “I want to change the world on my terms, not Stephen Belrich’s.”
“You’re lost in your laboratory and clueless on how this technology will blow Crimson Teck off the map. This project will skyrocket the company to top-dog status in the industry. Stephen isn’t going to to budge on this decision. You should’ve kept your personal research private.”
Daniel shook his head. “Did you know he would do this? Is this the reason you replaced Sullivan Drake for this meeting?” Stephen brainwashed her good. She was a lamb going to slaughter. Neither Mia or Daniel would get any credit for Crimson Teck’s success if this deal went through tomorrow. The threat against Daniel’s work guaranteed he wouldn’t be able to work at any other company.
“The faster Bradley Grant Industries signs this deal the quicker production will occur. Your work will save millions of lives. Isn’t that knowledge worth a small loss of freedom?”
Daniel snorted. “Stephen has his hands in the pockets of the military. Years will pass before the technology reaches the public. The people who need the devices and medicine to fight their diseases will never see the benefits of what I’m doing right now. I’d love to earn a living that doesn’t require me to work eighty hours a week listening to a boss that doesn't give a shit about them.”
He directed the comment right at her and she pulled back as if he had shoved her.
“I give a shit about you,” she said.
“Tell me one thing you know about me that doesn’t involve work.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t have to memorize what movies you like to care about your well-being.”
“Why are you so afraid to get close to anyone? I’m laying the cards down right now. I want an honest response from you.”
The panic was back in her eyes.
She swallowed. “I’ve never lied—”
“Why do you fight this obvious sexual attraction we have for each other?”
Mia snapped her head back as though Daniel just slapped her in the face.
Her mouth dropped open. She stammered.
Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink.
“The chemistry is there, Mia.” His arm settled along the back of the seat. He brushed loose strands of hair from her face, and his fingers tunneled into the perfect arrangement. He wanted to mess up her precise business-like demeanor and watch her come apart. Daniel could show her the passion he sensed inside her. “The interest flashes in your eyes every time I accidentally touch you. For months, the tension between us has been under the surface of every meeting and conversation we have. You run from it.”
She shook her head, but didn’t pull away. “I’m going to this meeting for us. To move our professions to the next level. I know how brilliant you are. The two of us could run Crimson Teck or a company of our own
“I don’t care about Crimson Teck. I want you. Why do you ignore me at work? Why do you refuse to discuss—”
“This is a passing phase. I know. This situation has happened to me before.” She leaned in closer. Green fire flared in the tawny-brown center of her eyes. She clenched her teeth, and a muscle jumped in her cheek.
“Are you talking about your ex? He’s a douche. I’d never betray your trust like that and I’m glad you kicked him out of your life.”
She paled. “You watched the video.” She sat back and huddled by the door.
Seeing her broken, hurt him to the core. “No. I refused to.”
She laughed in what seemed to be self-deprecation.
Her eyes became glassy. “Lying won’t get you a date.”
Daniel cupped her chin and made her face him. “He had no right, Mia. Our private lives are our own. No one else’s.”
“You’d be the only one in the world who hasn’t seen that five-minute embarrassment. One point three billion views so far. I know others in the office will use my ex’s home movie as a reason for my promotion. I can’t obviously have earned a raise from my professional talents.”
He grasped her shoulders and made her face him. “Listen. That recording has nothing to do with you being a tough and excellent manager. The world-wide broadcast has everything to do with your reasons for pushing me away.”
A low-level glow highlighted her cheekbones.
Daniel blinked. Was the stress of this meeting getting to him? Mia’s skin wasn’t glowing.
“Don’t you know how rare our chemistry is?” he asked.
“Our fascination with each other is not unique. I told you, I’ve experienced these sensations before. They created that cluster with my ex. I’m not opening myself to that again.”
“I don’t believe you’ve felt an attraction like this before. The connection between us ... it’s something people only read about, but never get to have in real life.”
She really gazed into his eyes at that point, searching for … what?
The knowledge that what he spoke was the truth. That’s what she hunted for. Daniel drowned in the swirling pools of light within her eyes. They were a unique shade of green and brown he’d never seen before. The brilliant lime shade was outlined by a darker blue ring at the edge of the iris. Her pupils were surrounded with flicks of topaz and bronze exploding from the center.
“We haven’t experienced anything,” she softly said.
“Yes, since we got on the plane. The fire between us was there while we were sleeping Maybe this is our chance for happily ever after.”
“A relationship is a complication I can’t allow myself right now.” She closed her eyes.
He pulled her to him. Her lips were a breath away, and her heat fluttered over his mouth. He caught the sweet aroma of her airport pastry and knew she’d taste just as decadent.
She moved the slightest millimeter closer.
He moaned and sealed their mouths together.
She clenched his hand cupping her face and melted towards him, falling onto his chest.
Passion burst like fireworks where her body aligned with his. Better than his fantasies. He deepened the kiss finding out just how divine her lips tasted. A lingering flavor of icing and chocolate assaulted him as he allowed his tongue to sweep in and caress her mouth. He expected her to lash out, maybe hit him for the inappropriate behavior, for pushing her to admit something that terrified her.
She kissed him back. She sucked his tongue and licked his lips in mutual need.
He took control of the kiss and his hand stroked up that glorious silk-covered thigh. Conjuring every bit of control in his body, he stopped at the edge of her skirt just below the lace.
The cab pulled into the hotel drive and jostled them as the driver maneuvered over a speed bump. They pulled away from each other, both breathing hard and fast. The afternoon sun was a bitter reminder they weren’t in their own private cocoon of passion. They were here not for themselves, but for their employer.
A cold wave emanated from her body as though she stepped out of a deep freezer.
Daniel already missed her heat.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby for dinner.” She clutched the door handle ready to spring out any second.
There was stubble burn on her face and her lips were plump and swollen. No way could she deny the power of their attraction. Not once Mia looked in a mirror and saw the pleasure and desire written on her face.

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​ ​Now for some fun!!! Leave a comment with your email address in the comments and grab your chance to win Fiona Riplee's cool prize package:

Signed postcards and notebooks. The notebooks have a personal message from me inside. Bracelets, pen, talisman, and surprise gift. Included in this prize package is also a kindle ebook of Fiona's first book, Circle of Lies :) ​Raz Donovan

Is Raz the savior of the Sixxer alien race, or will his child bring mankind and Sixxers together in peace? As a former M83 soldier and Transor, Raz vows to never get involved in the fight against humans again. Now, his only purpose is to protect his small circle and stay away from the one human female ruining all his plans. Once Raz realizes the extent of the Sixxer destruction, he is forced into a battle that will include fighting his heart.

Sandra Robins

Sandra always wanted a husband and a family. She wanted a happy and ordinary life. Unfortunately, her ex-husband had a different ideal. Now wary of men, she's drawn to the mysterious man that takes care of her best friend. Raz is nothing like her ex, and because of circumstances put into motion before she met him, she'll be thrown into a world where she can't tell the truth from the lies. Once she is a part of this world, there is no turning back. Her heart convinces her to fall in love again.


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