A.R. Von's Blog, page 27

Review Control by Charlotte Stein

"Control"
Author: Charlotte Stein
Genre: Erotic Romance
Pages: 240
Source: Netgalley
Published: January 7, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
When Madison Morris decides to hire an assistant to help run her naughty bookshop, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Aggressive Andy doesn't quite make the grade, but continues to push her buttons in other areas, while uptight and utterly repressed Gabriel can't quite take Madison's training techniques. One makes her grasp control, while the other makes her lose it. But the lines are blurring and she's no longer sure who's leading and who's following. In the midst of kinky threesomes and power plays, can Madison work out what she really wants?

My Review:
A deliciously delightful, original, erotic and engrossing read that any fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy!

Madison owns a book store that carries the type of books you won't find in any major booksellers. Her store specializes in adult books, namely erotica.
Needing help with the store so she can have a bit of time for herself. She goes through the interviewing process for a handful of candidates and finds herself with much more than just a simple hire ;)There are some EXTRA hot MFM scenes and some sexual fetishes that some might consider...forbidden. But for me they only added to the spice level of the story. This was my first time reading any of Charlotte Stein's work and certainly not my last. I truly enjoyed her writing style, characters and everything all around! 




Overall Rating:


 Sex Rating: 

Spotlight with Jon Keys Author of Heart of the Pines

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Hello A.R.! Thanks so much for having me today. I’m excited about my first commercially published story and so far I’ve had fun sharing with everyone. Heart of the Pinesis part of Dreamspinner’s 2013 Advent Calendar and below you’ll find out all the good stuff about the story. In the frozen American Midwest it’s already getting that official holiday feeling with more snow than I was expecting. But after a childhood where we almost never had snow for Christmas (The weather was more likely to be 65 degrees and sunny) I still enjoy the covering of white and nip in the air. Okay, I’ll admit it. The last few days have been more like winter sinking his teeth into you and shaking you like a rag doll. But on days when the weather gets still, you can walk over the fresh powder and there’s a distinctive crunch as your boots compress snow. I particularly like it when the sky is clear and it’s almost dark. The points of light look like they’re cut into fine crystal, there are soft mounds of snow on everything, and there really is only a nip in the air that makes you enjoy the season.Heart of the Pines is that kind of setting; a perfect winter scene for the guys to find themselves in for the season.~ Jon ~
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Blurb
Christmas is the worst time of the year to find yourself alone. Chris Moss, owner of a tree farm, knows this down to his bones as he makes his way through his first holiday season after losing his wife to cancer. When Wade Hart, an annual customer at the farm, visits, they find common ground: Wade lost his own longtime lover to a parting of ways and is lonely too. The constant, gentle companionship provides fertile soil for an attraction neither expects, but nurturing a new relationship is a tough proposition. With the encouragement of family and friends, Chris and Wade may yet find that a second love later in life can be just as fulfilling as the first.

Excerptfrom Heart of the Pines.
Jets of steamy breath shot from Wade’s nostrils as he struggled to drag the enormous Christmas tree across the loose Michigan snow. The bells on Chris’s Santa hat jingled merrily as he hurried out to help his friend pull the tree up the final hillock to the barn.“Here, let me give you a hand.” Stepping along the slowing tree, Chris wrapped a glove-covered hand around a branch and lent his strength to the effort.Wade nodded and smiled. “Thanks, it’s a little much by myself.”“No problem, happy to help. Looks like you got a beaut,” said Chris.Wade pulled off his knit hat and wiped the perspiration from his head. “It’s a good one. I think I’ve covered your whole farm, several times, to find the perfect tree.”They pulled the tree into the work area and hoisted it onto the sawbuck. “Want me to trim it up for you?”“Sure. One less thing I’ll have to do.” Wade laid the handsaw he’d used on the table behind them, then tugged his thick cap on while Chris made a few quick cuts with the chainsaw to ready the tree for his stand. The roar of the saw faded, and Chris struggled for a few minutes as he tried to push the tree into the netting. As he began his second attempt, Wade woke from his stupor and grabbed the other side of the tree.“Sorry, I’m a little spacey today,” said Wade.With his help, Chris slid the tree into the tube of netting, getting it ready for Wade’s SUV. “No problem. It’s a huge tree. I hope Jeff will be around to help you unload.”Wade folded his arms over his chest, a pained look on his face. “Jeff moved out. Last week. I thought makin’ our annual trip to your farm for a tree would keep me from thinkin’ about it.” Wade turned his head and let out a shuddering sigh. “I guess it’s not ‘our’ trip anymore.”Chris gave Wade’s shoulder a squeeze. “Sorry to hear that. You guys always seemed happy together. Jeff was always cutting up and flirting with Mary.” I haven’t forgotten you attended her funeral.“It happens. I guess we lasted longer than a lot of couples. Ten years isn’t bad.” Wade’s fingers ran over one of the fir boughs edging the barn windows. “It was good in the beginning, like newlyweds. Jeff loved our loft in Chicago. But ever since we moved to Traverse City, the relationship had slowly gone downhill. Our business downtown was an attempt to find something to keep Jeff happy.”The pain in Wade’s eyes sparked a wave of bitter nostalgia for Chris. He missed Mary so desperately some days. She always was the caretaker of the family, even when they got the diagnosis of stage-four cancer; she still took care of everyone else until it was impossible for her to keep doing it. He turned to the barn behind them, pulled off the Santa hat, and held it tight in his hands as the frigid air gusted through his short white hair. The farm was always beautiful this time of year, the ground covered with crystalline flakes in a white carpet that extended to the steps of the house, which he kept carefully swept. He hadn’t changed anything since Mary died. It had been more difficult in the summer when the beds that hugged the foundation of their house were ablaze with flowers Mary had planted and nursed through the years. The winter covering had been a blessed relief, but his heart still ached at the lack of holiday decorations. Mary had loved the season, and given half a chance, she covered everything within striking distance with lights. Without her, the trimmings just hadn’t mattered.He shook himself and focused on finishing with Wade’s tree. He tied the bottom of the netting and turned to Wade. “There you go. All bundled and ready to put in that great foyer you have.”“Not so grand this year. It’s kind of tough to get into the spirit of the season.”Chris gave Wade a sympathetic smile. “It could be worse….”Realization hit Wade. “Oh my God! I can’t believe I’ve been such an ass. This is your first Christmas alone. I’m so sorry, Chris. I feel awful.”“It’s not your fault. It’s been almost a year since her funeral. It’s ancient history to most people.” Although it seems like yesterday to me. I can still feel her soft hand in mine as we picnicked on one of Lake Michigan’s sugar sand beaches on our first date, playing in the chilly crystal clear water. Even then, she’d taken care of everything and had the perfect lunch basket packed. “Yeah, but Mary always said Christmas was her favorite time of the year.”“It was, and I haven’t felt like doing much. It’s a lot more work to take care of the farm alone too. But the income for the whole year happens in the next month or so. Doesn’t leave me with many choices.” Chris smiled at Wade. “Bad thing about a Christmas tree farm, firs just aren’t that tasty.”Wade gave a nod, and then his eyes lit up. “Hey, what if I do it? I’ve helped Mary put up the decorations before. It’ll keep me busy, and Santa’s Tree Farm needs to look more festive than either of us feels.”Chris couldn’t help but smile at the sudden enthusiasm. “If you’d like, that would be great. I just can’t face the stuff. Too many memories.”“Southern boy to the rescue! I got this covered.” Wade clapped his hand on Chris’s bicep and squeezed it. Chris found a comfort from the contact that surprised him. Mary’s touch had always had that unique ability to soothe him. Some nights its absence had left him curled around her pillow with tears streaming down his face.Chris fished a ring of keys from his pocket, flipped through them, and held one out for Wade. “This unlocks the storage padlock. Anything you want to do would be great. I have a few customers wandering around looking for trees. I better go check on them.”Chris raced through the light snowfall while Wade started for the storage building.
Purchase Link:  http://tinyurl.com/poamkye
Bio:Jon Keys’ earliest memories revolve around books; with the first ones he can recall reading himself being “The Warlord of Mars” and anything with Tarzan. (The local library wasn’t particularly up to date.) But as puberty set in he started sneaking his mother’s romance magazines and added the world of romance and erotica to his mix of science fiction, fantasy, and comic books.A voracious reader for almost half a century, Jon has only recently begun creating his own flights of fiction for the entertainment of others. Born in the Southwest and now living in the Midwest, Jon has worked as a ranch hand, teacher, computer tech, roughneck, designer, retail clerk, welder, artist, and, yes, pool boy; with interests ranging from kayaking and hunting to painting and cooking, he draws from a wide range of life experiences to create written works that draw the reader in and wrap them in a good story.
E-mail: jon.keys@ymail.comBlog: http://jonkeys.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jon.keys.773Twitter: @Jon4Keys

Save Me From Me by Erika Ashby Release Day

  SynopsisDani refuses to lose another parent due to her absence from their life. After pulling herself back together following the death of her father, she moves back to her childhood town to live with her mom. She’s slowly pulled back into the lifestyle she worked so hard to get away from ten years ago. She accepts that this is the life she has always been destined to live. Getting a job at the store down the road and hooking back up with her first love Gage, seems to be the logical way to go…that is until Holden Reynolds shows up in town. Now that Holden is finally back home from the Navy he plans on following in his father’s footsteps. Still trying to move on from the one woman who had his heart, he busies himself in work and returning to the country boy lifestyle he’s always loved. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone, right? That’s his mindset as he travels town to town with his job perfectly content with being a rambling man…that is until he meets Danielle Brooks. When Dani isn't leaving and Holden isn't staying will they be able to keep themselves from getting too attached? Or will they be just what each other needs to cut all the strings that have them bound? “You can’t save me from me, Holden.” –Dani♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Buy Now(Insert buy links here please) ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Book Trailer ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ExcerptDani “Have you even been skinny dipping, Holden?” I ask as I start to slowly undress. “No, this will be a first,” he says as he pulls his shirt over his head, his eyes never leaving my body. “Have you?” “Yeah, I used to go a lot when I was younger.” I slowly drag my skirt down my legs. “But besides the fact that I was usually the only girl, I was also the only one who was fully developed.” I let my eyes travel up and down Holden’s now naked body before letting them rest at the area below his waistline for a little longer than I should. Dirty thoughts flood my mind. Mainly thoughts of how good I bet he feels. “But my, oh my, how the times have changed,” I say before biting my lip to keep from saying anything else. “Yes, they have, Hot Shot.” He rakes his gaze over me standing there in my panties and bra. “Meet ya in the water.” He winks before taking off towards the dock. I watch him as he goes, taking in every movement of each muscle, mainly that one called the gluteus maximus. Day-um, does Holden have a fine behind. I just want to squeeze it. And smack it. And grip it as he’s pushing himself into me. Dirty thoughts, again.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Teaser Pic ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Meet Erika Facebook ♥ Goodreads ♥ TwitterBeing born an "Army Brat", Erika Ashby has been residing in Oklahoma the last 10 years finally putting an end to the nomad tendencies she had grown accustomed to. She's a happily married woman who has 5 kids between her and her husband. She has an insane passion for music and embraces her Inner Groupie any chance she has. It wasn't until the age of 29 that she realized she also had a hidden passion for reading; before then she claimed to have hated it. Six months after unlocking that deep desire she never knew she held, she turned the key to another chapter of her life which has become the desire to write. And the rest is still history in the making.  Hosted By:

Taking Jessie by JD Alexander Blog Tour

  SynopsisBeau is a strong military man. Working most of his life on a ranch, he's a cowboy threw and threw. However he's not ready to settle down and live the life of a rancher so he joins the Navy to see the world and experience life. That was until Jessie comes into the picture. He's head over heels in love with her. When Jessie leaves Amarillo heartbroken she thinks she is done with men and will never love again. What she doesn't expect to find is true love in the form of a cowboy named Beau. Just when things start to work out for Jessie, her controlling ex-boyfriend, Tommy returns, he threats to harm her because of her new love. Will Jessie and Beau live their happily ever after or will anger and jealousy take over. Find out what will happen in Taking JessieA Her Sailor Novel.♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣Buy NowAmazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo 
♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣Excerpt“I held Jessie in my arms as she started to nod off to sleep. She looked so peaceful with her head on my chest. We’d just made love for the first time in a long time and it was great. I felt that it might have been a bit too much for Jessie though; she was obviously winded and looked like she was going to pass out. I knew that she was doing better but I also knew that it would be a while before she was up to herself again. I was still early in the evening so I maneuvered to get up without disturbing her. She stirred a little but I kissed her cheek and whispered into her ear, take a little nap, Darling. I’m going to help granny with Dinner.” ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣Meet the Author Facebook - Goodreads Author J.D. Alexander currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida. She’s a Navy wife and mother of three wonderful children. She decided to write when every time she finished reading a novel she would come up with her own ending or beginning. Getting tired of saying "I would have done it this way" she decided to give it a whirl. Her sailor and children are her life and spends as much time with them as possible. When not spending time with her family and friends she enjoys helping youth in the community. She also likes to sew and has made special occasion outfits as well as everyday outfits for those she loves. Next to her family and friends she has a deep love; read and you will find her any chance that she has curled up with her e-reader engrossed in a romance novel. ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣ Hosted By:

Brie Embraces the Heart of Submission Blog Tour

[image error]The large commons broke out in applause as the elevator doors closed. Brie couldn’t stop the tears from falling, knowing that Sir had given up his position at the Submissive Training Center to claim her.         Her heart melted when he looked down and winked. “No need to cry, babygirl. This is just the beginning.”         She smiled through the tears and slipped her hand into his.          “Yes, Sir.”          “No more tears,” he commanded gently. Brie dutifully wiped them away and took a deep breath. When the doors opened at the first floor, Sir put down his box of office mementoes and took off his jacket. “I can’t have you walking out into the cool night like this.” He wrapped his jacket, still warm from his body heat, around her naked shoulders. He buttoned it up, picked up his box again and guided her out of the elevator, saying, “Come with me, Brie.”         She held her breath, loving those four simple words. Her Master was taking her home... She had to pinch herself to believe it.         Sir led her to the farthest corner of the parking lot, to a glossy red car that looked like it belonged in a car show, not at a community college. It was Batman hot. He held out his hand and helped her into the low-lying car. She tried to enter it gracefully but fell into the bucket seat with a plop. Sir chuckled lightly. “Such style.” He slid the door closed and proceeded to the other side, then buckled himself in before starting the roaring engine.                    “What kind of car is this?” she asked.          “It’s not a car, Brie. This is a modified Lotus Evora S.”          She hid her smile. Obviously, she knew nothing about his ‘baby’ and would need to google it later.He drove like he played with a sub—skillfully, but pushing the limits of the vehicle. Brie flushed in excitement, knowing that Sir was taking her home to play with her, alone.         Brie’s jaw dropped when he pulled up to the front of a towering high-rise and a debonair valet immediately ran up to greet him. Sir opened her car door, and supported Brie as she made a second attempt at being graceful upon exiting the low vehicle. She smiled and glanced up, mesmerized by the possessive look in Sir’s eyes. Her heart skipped a beat when he bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips before handing over his key to the attendant.         Brie took the arm he offered her and they walked through the doors, which were held open by a doorman.         “Good evening, Mr. Davis.”         Sir nodded courteously, but said nothing as he guided Brie to the elevator. The foyer of the apartment building was opulent. She couldn’t imagine what his apartment must be like. She licked her lips apprehensively, feeling out of place.         “Nothing to be nervous about, babygirl,” Sir said.          She whispered, “I’ve never been here. I feel...”          “At home,” he answered for her.          Her body tingled at his words. The bell chimed and the elevator doors opened for them. Sir placed his hand on the small of her back, the electricity of his touch making her whole body quiver. The interior of the elevator was mirrored, so Brie was able to sneak glances at Sir as they traveled up to his apartment. He stared straight ahead with a slight smirk on his face, as if he was already considering what he would do with her.         Will my heart survive tonight? she wondered.         At the fifteenth floor, the door opened to a marbled hallway. Sir escorted her out and led Brie to the last door on the right. The door was made of dark wood, engraved with a symbol that looked suspiciously like a BDSM triskele, the emblem for the lifestyle. Was Sir that forthright about it? Did the whole high-rise know what he did for a living...what he used to do? A momentary jolt of guilt clouded her joy.         Sir opened the heavy door to a long, narrow hallway with walls covered in various forms of modern art, from sculptures mounted on the walls to alluring paintings. Brie’s heels made an attractive clicking sound on the dark marble floor as he escorted her inside. The apartment smelled of Sir.         He walked her to a large, open area with windows from floor to ceiling, with a breathtaking view overlooking the city.          “Impressive,” she said quietly.         “I quite agree,” he answered, unbuttoning the jacket he’d put around her and slipping it off her shoulders. Her nipples were already erect, begging for her Master’s attention.          “I prefer you like this,” he murmured. His lips grazed her neck teasingly, and then he gestured towards the seating area. “Sit while I make us a drink. I would like to talk about our new arrangement.”         Brie’s heart fluttered as she watched him walk away. She glanced around the large room, noting that it was decorated in a minimalistic style, but the furniture was artfully placed and sensual in appearance. Sir had pointed to a black sofa, but she was drawn to an attractive red chair on the other side of the room. It was curvaceous and thin, made only for one person. She walked up to it, noting its unique shape. It was more like a chaise longue, made for a single person to lie in rather than sit. It had a high, attractively curved back and an equally aesthetic, rounded foot area. She lay down, fitting comfortably in the concave middle of the chair, and looked out over the city from her comfortable vantage point, listening to Sir moving about in the kitchen.         Brie tried to calm her nerves as she came to grips with her new reality. She was in Sir’s apartment—he was her Master. Be still my beating heart!         Sir walked back out of the kitchen holding two martini glasses. When he saw her, he stopped and chuckled. “Of course you would choose that chair.”         Brie didn’t understand and started to get up.         “No, stay where you are. It’s actually perfect.” He walked over and handed her a glass. Then he looked out over the cityscape and smiled as he took a drink. Brie regained her composure, and tasted it. The martini Sir had made was slightly dirty, with just the right amount of olive brine mixed with the smooth, high-end vodka.         “Lie back, Brie. I want to enjoy the beauty you bring to my place.”         She happily obliged, lying against the back of the sexy chaise, being careful not to spill. Brie lifted one arm over her head casually, knowing it would display her breasts in a pleasing manner for her Master.         “Lovely.” He took another sip of his drink with a playful smirk on his lips. Brie wondered what he was thinking but she quietly followed suit, unable to stop the tremor in her hands as she brought the glass to her lips.         “We have much to discuss, you and I. However, I wish to leave the majority of it for another day. I will be putting my consultant work on hold for a few days off so we can grow accustomed to our new relationship, but in truth...I plan to play with you hard and often. Expect little rest.”Brie loved the idea of that, but her practical side took over.
            “Sir, I am scheduled to work tomorrow night.”


[image error] Red Phoenix is an award-winning indie author who began her writing career with her novelette, Brie’s First Day of Submissive Training, published in March, 2012. This was followed by the wildly popular eBook serial compilation, Brie Learns the Art of Submission. Brie Embraces the Heart of Submission: After Graduation is the second book in the series. She has won 3 reader choice awards at IRC, including Best Indie Short Romance for The Erotic Adventures of Amy and Troy, Best Indie Book Cover for Brie Learns the Art of Submission, and Best Indie Paranormal Romance for Varick: The Reckoning. Red is a mother of three and wife to one. When she is not writing, you can find her on Facebook or Twitter interacting with fans. She resides outside Denver in Colorado.
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/redphoenix69 <https://www.facebook.com/redphoenix69> 
Twitter: @redphoenix69 <https://twitter.com/redphoenix69> 
Google+:  plus.google.com/redphoenix <https://plus.google.com/u/0/114582203656225769790> 
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/Red_Phoenix <https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5557309.Red_Phoenix> 
Shelfari: www.shelfari.com/redphoenix69 <http://www.shelfari.com/redphoenix69> 

For further information on the book and the author, please visit www.redphoenix69.com <http://www.redphoenix69.com/> .
Brie Embraces the Heart of Submission: After Graduation is available for purchase at all major booksellers including www.amazon.com <http://www.amazon.com/Brie-Embraces-Heart-Submission-Graduation-ebook/dp/B00G8OBBZA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384375931&sr=1-1&keywords=brie+embraces+the+heart+of+submission> andwww.barnesandnoble.com <http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brie-embraces-the-heart-of-submission-red-phoenix/1117252933?ean=2940148546702> . 

Blog Tour In The Beginning by London Miller

Title: In the Beginning (Volkov Bratva #1)Author: London MillerGenre: NA/Romantic Suspense/Organized CrimePublication Date: October 23, 2013Tour Host: Dreams Come True Promotions


Twenty-year-old Lauren Thompson left her small town in Michigan to begin a new life in the Big Apple where no one knows her name or the tragedy that had rocked her family fifteen years prior. With new friends and an intriguing new love interest, starting over is easier than she expected...but Mishca Volkov isn't what he seems. As the son of a Russian Mob boss, he thrives in a world of chaos and fear, earning the title of Bratva Captain through blood and pain.

When the two cross paths, lines blur and passions ignite, bringing them closer than they could ever imagine. Until secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. Can they fight past their demons...or were they doomed by fate before they ever met.

**Book Two: Until the End Coming Spring 2014**



I'm not all that interesting, just to be honest, but I try to create interesting characters. My debut novel, In the Beginning, was released in October and the sequel, Until the End, will be released early Spring 2014.



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#1

In all honesty, he was gorgeous, like take your breath away and just stare for a while, gorgeous. Yet, there was something a bit dangerous about him that Lauren couldn’t put her finger on. It seemed like his presence was magnetic, and she felt compelled to be near him.

“I would hope to think you like what you see.”

Lauren snapped out of her thoughts, blinking rapidly as she realized she had just been standing there, staring at him…again. Clearing her throat, she tried for a smile, extending her hand. “I’m Lauren.”

A corner of his mouth tipped up as he pocketed his phone. He took her hand in his much larger one, his hold gentle as he swept his thumb across her knuckles.

For a moment, it felt like they were the only ones in the café as she stared up at him, captivated by the sheer curiosity she saw in his eyes. Was this what it was like? That instant attraction? She had never felt breathless before, had never felt more than a casual interest in a boy, but right now, standing in front of him, blood rushing to her face, this was definitely more than a casual interest.

“Mishca Volkov,” he answered softly, like it was only meant for her to hear.


#2

It was nearly twenty years ago when Mishca met Dr. Cameron Thompson for the first time. He had been his and Alex’s private physician. He had never made the connection between Lauren and the doc, mainly because had never known where the man was from, or any other aspect of his life. Whenever they called, the doctor just showed up, no questions asked.

“Does she know of us?” Mikhail asked.

This was what this meeting was about, not about Mishca’s personal life. Mikhail didn’t care who Mishca was with, but if it compromised their business, then it became a problem.

“I don’t think so. She would have been what…five when her father was murdered, yes? I doubt he would have announced his side job. Besides, any connection we had with him was buried as soon as he went in the ground.”

Mikhail dropped his napkin n the table, withdrawing a number of bills from his pocket. “Talk to her. Find out. I am allowing you to handle this situation on your own since this is your territory after all. Do not make me regret it. You know the consequences.”

Mishca nodded, stuffing all of the photos and documents back into the envelope, placing it in the inside pocket of his jacket.

“Was his murder our doing?” Mishca asked looking back at his father.

Clapping Mishca on the shoulder, giving him a small smile, Mikhail and his men left.


#3

No two men were the same when they faced possible execution. Some begged and pleaded, trying to bargain their way out of it, promising obscene amounts of money or anything their executioner could want. Others stood—or kneeled in this instance—already accepting their fate, but there was still that fear in their eyes, and even some regret. These two? They cared more for one another and Mishca would use that.

“Give my regards to Declan.”

Shifting his aim by a couple of inches, he shot the younger brother in the shoulder, the momentum of the bullet throwing him backwards. He hit the ground hard, groaning in agony behind the gag, but at least he was alive.

Blondie groaned in protest, lurching to get to him, but Vlad held fast, holding him steady. The younger brother’s shirt was already darkening with blood, the saturation quickly growing by the second.

“Don’t worry,” Mishca said conversationally as he wiped the gun clean of any prints with the tail end of his shirt. “Your brother will live, but he needs to see a doctor.”

Grabbing his hand, he placed the gun in Blondie’s hand, wrapping his fingers around it. He didn’t seem to understand at first, staring first at the gun like it was foreign to him, then up at Mishca.

“Let him go.”

Vlad backed off, allowing his captive to rush to his brother’s aid. He apologized over and over again, draping the younger boy’s arm around his shoulders as he hauled him up and out of the alley without a backwards glance.

“How did you know he wouldn’t shoot you, Captain?” John asked as he holstered his own weapon, looking to Mishca with a calculating stare.

“His younger brother meant more to him than impressing Declan.” Mishca looked around, then over his clothes. “Clean up any evidence.”

With that brusque order, Mishca left his men in the alley, returning to the club, making his way over to the bar, ordering a vodka for himself and a club soda with lime for Lauren.

Mishca found her in their corner, chatting with Amber over the pounding bass of the music. When she saw him ,she lit up, tucking her hair behind her ear, and he couldn’t help but return her welcoming smile. She knew nothing about what he had just done, there wasn’t any evidence on him—even still, these clothes would be burned—and he didn’t want her to. He didn’t want to see any other expression on her face when she saw him besides the sweet smile that always greeted him.

“What took you so long?” She asked when he was close enough to hear her over the music.

He handed her the glass, taking a sip of his own. “Long line.”


#4

After a while, Lauren felt guilty. Since her father had died when she was five, if there hadn’t been a new suspect in the following eleven years, there wasn’t much see for Ross to do. He continued to work tirelessly, though, all hours of the night, wanting to give her answers because he felt like she deserved them. She had finally asked him to stop when he began spending more time in the precinct looking over the files instead of enjoying his off days at home.

“I was only five at the time and don’t remember much of anything.” She stared down at a button down the front of his shirt. She didn’t remember the night or the time before it.

“And that is why you feel this...guilt, because you don’t remember your father.”

When he said the words that had plagued her over the years, she nodded. “I wish I could.” And no matter how hard she tried to bring that night to the forefront of her mind, it slipped farther away.

Mishca shifted so they were now facing each other. “What do you remember about him?”

She looked back at the picture, smiling wistfully. “I remember he loved me more than anything in the world.”

“Then that is all that matters,” he told her gently.


#5


At the end of the night, Lauren walked Mishca out, pulling the door up behind them so they could talk privately. He had his hands tucked into his front pockets, an easy smile on his lips.

“How did I do?”

She shrugged a shoulder. “I liked you.”

“Good.”

She hesitated, not ready for him to leave yet. “Same time and place as always?”

He seemed to notice her reluctance, taking a step closer to her. She met his eyes, saw the curiosity in them and it was enough to make her do something she had thought about for days.

Going up onto the tips of her toes, she kissed him. When he gave no reaction, she pulled away.

She took a step back, feeling the blush in her cheeks, not sure what else to do after doing something so bold, but he didn’t let her get far, tugging her back by the front of her shirt until they were flush against each other. Cupping her cheek, he tilted her face up until they were just a whisper apart.

She wanted to think that because she initiated the kiss, he would have known that she wasn’t going to back out of it now, but he still hesitated, giving her the chance to back away before he kissed her. First, he pressed his lips to hers gently, then pulled away like she had done, but in the next moment, he was coaxing her lips to part, twining his tongue with hers.

Lauren fisted her hands in his shirt, just above his waist, holding him against her, but she couldn’t seem to get close enough as she arched against him. He returned the sentiment, one hand sifting through the heavy fall of her hair, gripping the strands. His other arm went around her waist, his hand at the small of her back.

Neither of them cared that they were in the hallway of her apartment building, open for all to see. Lauren sighed, the sound lost in his urgent kisses, the way he expertly took control of the kiss, the way they fit together and moved like they had done this thousands of times before.

She was too caught up in the moment to notice Miss. Carter, her elderly next door neighbor as she appeared at the top of the stairs. She cleared her throat dramatically, looking at them disapprovingly as she shuffled to her apartment, shaking her head.

#WedBriefs Flash Fiction It's All in the Tips #3 by A.R. Von

Happy Hump Day and welcome to Wednesday Briefs Flash Fiction! As always, I was given various options to inspire this weeks brief. I chose to go with the following 2 photos and the word prompts "my whole world collapsed about my ears" & "more dead than alive".
I hope you enjoy & thank you for reading!
"It's All in the Tips #3"
I want to turn and stare at him but I’m honestly afraid. Afraid—I’ll throw myself at him like some desperate slut who spreads her legs for any good looking Joe she meets. I have a feeling I’m going to have a hard time with self-control and restraint with Mr. Sexy over there. I quickly think up a sort of escape plan and put it into action. I’m not ready to face him just yet. “Darla? Do you think you can cover here for a few? I want to talk with Marcia a little. I can’t think straight with this shit on my mind.”

Darla looks over at Marcia, shakes her head, then places a hand on my shoulder and gives a light squeeze. “Yeah, sure. Go ahead. I know how you are. Just don’t take too long, all right?”

I walk toward Marcia but remember something and stop in my tracks. “Oh, and please don’t let anyone in the back. I don’t want anyone knowing our business and some of these people have ears that are too good to be true, ok?”

She smiles and nods her head at me. “Gotcha woman. I’ll see you shortly.” She gives me a wink and strolls away to serve a few stragglers left at the bar.

I link my arm with Marcia’s and take her into the store room. Not the most comfortable place to chat. But it’ll due for the privacy aspect of it. I shut the door, slide the latch lock in place, then turn to Marcia.
She has the nerve to look embarrassed. Her neck and face turn as red as a berry.
[image error]  I can’t help but burst out with a laugh. “Alright woman, spill!”

Unable to look me in the eye, she keeps her eyes focused on the cracks in the floor while sliding her shoe back and forth over one of the larger cracks and begins to spill it all out, “I went for breakfast with this guy named Tex after a shift two weeks ago. He’s been coming in during my shifts for a few weeks now. I really like him. He’s different and treats me like a woman should be treated, you know?”

I nod my head and wait for her to continue.

“Well, we had pancakes, coffee and lots of convo. I told him about how my Pop works in the pharmaceutical industry and how easy it is for him to get Viagra. One thing led to another. The conversation heated up about 20 notches and he asked me to go home with him. I did and O. M. G Renee! I’ve never had my body mastered, controlled, conquered and satisfied like he did to me. I’m talking hot cowboy, ropes, whips—the whole nine yards—I mean I came so hard my whole world collapsed around me.”
[image error] My lips feels dry and I realize I’m standing there with my mouth open, gaping at her while she’s telling me all of this. I snap it shut and try my best to swallow to gain some moisture back. Clearing my throat first because I really don’t want to sound as confounded as I am, I gasp out, “Wow!”

She smiles and finally gazes over at me. “I know. We’ve been seeing each other almost every day since that first night. Not for only sex, mind you. We enjoy each other and feel comfortable together. That pirate bitch who stormed in here is his delusional ex. He told me everything. They grew up together and dated only briefly. Each time he’s even around a female, she pulls some shit like she did tonight. She actually almost killed his best friend, Mike’s sister. She went by his house to pick something up for him. Next thing she knew, she was more dead than alive. She only remembered the psycho’s face. But it was enough to have her put away for a bit.”

I don’t know what to say about this. I’m afraid for Marcia, because it’s easy to see the  pirate-woman isn’t fully there. At the same time, I’m happy for her because she deserves to be happy. She’s longed for this kind of relationship just like I have. “Wow!”

“Um—you said that already Renee.”

She’s laughing at me and I can’t help but to join her. “Ok, woman. I’m happy for you and I’m here if you need me. Always will be. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. When do I get to meet this male that’s rocked your world so thoroughly?”

Once again, she stares down at the floor as she speaks, “Well, you sort of did already..." 
Be sure to come back for the next brief!


Here are other AMAZING Wednesday Briefs for you to visit:
Jon Keys Lily Sawyer  JC Wallace MA Church Chris T. Kat Rob Colton  Nephylim  Lily Velden   Grace Duncan   Renee Stevens Andrew Q. Gordon Tali Spencer Cia Nordwell Elyzabeth VaLey  Julie Lynn Hayes
Victoria Adams

Review Two's A Couple, Three's The Law by Eve Langlais

"Two's a Couple, Three's the Law"
Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 360
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: December 1, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Can one woman handle two dominant men intent on staking their claim?

Warning: This story contains adult subject matter and language that is probably not suitable for anyone. (MFM paranormal erotic romance)

Two’s a couple, three’s a ménage, not to mention the law. Welcome to an alternate world where the government gives tax breaks to women who choose to take on two or more men—and werewolves live amongst us.

Despite the laws encouraging polygamy, Chloe isn’t interested in a relationship with one man, let alone two. But all that changes when a werewolf client decides he wants her for more than just legal aid. He’s not alone though. Her nemesis in the courtroom, district attorney Anthony Vanderson, is also intent on seduction.

Caught between two men—naked and panting—she succumbs to passion, gets embroiled in a mystery and learns werewolves aren’t the only creatures living amongst humans.


My Review:
I've read at least 2 dozen of Eve Langlais' works and I've enjoyed each and every single one of them. This time is no different. Two's a Couple, Three's the Law is a different sort of ménage reading experience for me. It was written with class and humor as only this author can and does with all of her work. A great read for all fans of the genre :)
Chloe is in law. Not the gun toting kind, but the lawyer kind. She enjoys her job to a point, but has desires...cravings for more. More success and more...let's just say other things many would not approve of. She's an intelligent woman and knows (mostly) what she wants out of life. One thing is she DOES NOT want a serious relationship. 
She's fine with having a friend with occasional benefits. But that's as far as she'll go. She especially does not want a ménage relationship. Her parents have had a successful marriage as a ménage but Chloe feels it's just not her thing. Or it is?

I have to admit while I liked Chloe. There were a few occasions when she got on my nerves, GAWD!
All in all a great read with great characters and a very entertaining story line.

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Blog Tour/Review Saviour by Lesley Jones

Title: Saviour (Book 1 of The Saviour Series)Author: Lesley JonesPublication Date: May 16, 2013

She's a smart mouthed Essex Girl, now living in Australia. He's a good looking, born and raised. all surfing Aussie Boy.
Enjoy the fireworks, fun and the very hot sex as their worlds collide

Lauren has decided that her marriage is over but has yet to tell Jay, her abusive husband of the past twentyfive years. After making this decision and resigning herself to the fact that she will now be middle aged and single, she embarks on a girls night out and spills her guts to her girlfriends about what she has endured, in secret all these years.

Gabriel joins his brothers for a drink at a local bar. He's thirty five and very single. Good looks and a good job mean the ladies are generally lining up every night, which is just the way he likes it, straight sex, no complications.

Then their worlds collide, neither of them looking or thinking that what they need is each other, but the chemistry is instant and overwhelming and has the possibilty to consume and destroy them both. Can they overcome both their pasts to survive the future, together? Is the amazing, mindblowing sex enough?Join Lauren and Gabriel on their emotional, funny, sexy and traumatic journey as they try to conquer the demons from their past and try to build a future together. Their story will make you laugh and it will make you cry and sometimes do both at the same time!

Add on Good Reads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17841269-saviour?from_search=true




I was born and raised in a small working class town in Essex, just outside of East London. I am married with three sons and in 2006 we all moved to the other side of the world, settling on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, about 50K outside of Melbourne Australia. It's a whole new way of life for us down here,we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

I am currently a stay at home mum but in the past I have worked at Marks & Spencer, as a classroom assistant/teachers aid and have run my business.

As well as writing, I love to read and have been known to get through four or five books a week. My other interests are watching my boys play football...The round ball version; I am happy to admit to being an addict of social media and I owe a lot to my Facebook and Twitter family in promoting my work; I am also rather partial to a glass... or bottle of wine, a nicely chilled Marlborough Sav Blanc being my favorite. Being a born and raised Essex girl, I will happily admit to be being a big fan of spray tans, Shellac and am regularly, waxed, tinted and sculpted, although I am more likely to be found in thongs/flipflops than a pair of white stilettos these days.





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Book 1Amazon - Amazon UK
Book 2Amazon - Amazon UK




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"Review"

I've read a ton of different stories of various genres in my life but NEVER anything like this. It was really good! A first for me in many ways and I feel many fans of the genre looking to change their reading path a bit will enjoy it :)
It took Lauren a long time to realize the situation she's truly in but when she finally does realize the danger she makes a move/change for the better. After over 20 years of a marriage, 2 kids and living the way she has, she's finally going to start anew. No more pain, no more physical worries and more control over her life.
Is it too good to be true?

Saviour is an emotional ride that one must be prepped for with a tissue of four. My only thing is I felt a bit cheated with the ending and there's nothing within that states this is a series or to be continued. Other than that, I enjoyed the story and would most likely read more by this author in the near future.


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Review Sefton Manor by Cait O'Sullivan

"Sefton Manor"
Author: Cait O'Sullivan
Genre: Contemporary
Pages: 18 k words
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: October 25, 2013
Author's Website

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Sefton Manor, a country house that has somehow withstood the ravages of time, holds the key to Martha Kendall’s dysfunctional family. Asked by her grandmother to uncover the truth about her missing Aunt, Martha comes to Buckhurst Village. Despite unsettling occurrences upsetting her sensibilities, she starts asking questions. Questions that lead her to Will Fellowes, a man whose family tended the grounds of Sefton Manor for centuries. Amidst whispers of pacts with the Devil, they pair up to wrestle the secret from the house.
Or will Sefton Manor consume them all? 
My Review:
A ghostly mysterious and quick read by Cait O'Sullivan. Sefton Manor is my third time reading any of this author's work and as with the others, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Any fans of the genre looking for a good, quick reading fix will enjoy it :)

Martha is following through on a direct request from a family member. She enters the whole situation as an adventure and with an open mind. Good thing too, because not only does she meet one hot male. She runs into many ghostly entities and some are not so pretty to look at. Will she be the same once all of it is over? Will she survive the ordeal with her sanity in tact and will she get to keep the hunk of a man as well?

As I've come to expect from Cait, she wrote us an original tale with paranormal elements and a light romantic touch and all within a short, quick read that manages to satisfy the reader. Bravo!


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