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It’s BBQ Season! Romance Writers Weekly

Welcome to another installment of Romance Writers Weekly. It’s been a little while since I’ve been in the hop. I was on the road for most of the last month, traveling over 14,000 miles from Las Vegas, to London, to Glasgow, and back. Whew! This week, the lovely and talented Carrie Elks asked us to share our favourite recipes for backyard grilling.

I picked a good time to come home! This weekend is Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer here in the U.S. Across the country, millions of people will spend the weekend chowing down on hamburgers, hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, macaroni salad, and other BBQ staples. There will be hundreds of good-natured arguments over what’s better, gas or charcoal? By the way, I’d argue that gas is for grilling, while charcoal (wood, please!) is for BBQing. What are your thoughts?

My favourite smoky treat has to be classic, babyback ribs. And yes, mine are DELICIOUS. Haha! I don’t have a set recipe for seasoning the ribs, it’s my cooking method that makes them yummy. I once heard a BBQ pitmaster say, if the meat is cooked perfectly, you don’t even need to season it with anything more than a little salt. I don’t think I’ve achieved that level of perfection, but they are pretty darn good. The trick is to cook them low and slow over wood coals. I prefer the taste of wood to charcoal, preferably mesquite. I’ll wrap my slab(s) in foil and cook the ribs over low heat, around 300F, checking for tenderness after three hours or so before finishing them naked. And I don’t add sauce until after they’re done. It’s not rocket science.

With the ribs, I’ll grill fresh corn. I soak the ears, husk and all, in water for ten minutes before trimming the silk and any loose leaves. Then I place them over the heat (gas usually, I have both gas and charcoal in my backyard). I keep them on the top rack and let the husks caramelize, turning the ears every so often. I have no idea how long it takes, I just eyeball it as I go. I try to keep the temperature around 350F for this, so expect ten or fifteen minutes for the husks to blacken, but don’t forget to turn. Soaking the corn in its own husk essentially allows it to steam when it’s cooking, resulting in sweet, tender kernels. So good!

Leave the Husks On

For larger gatherings, I’ll also have the usual goodies (burgers, dogs, etc) and also grilled veggies. If I’m feeling particularly saucy, I’ll slice up a pineapple and throw that over the flames for dessert.

A Crowd Favourite!

But my favourite summer BBQ treat? Mojitos. We have a nice little garden behind our city townhome, and a fresh supply of mint is always handy during the warmer months. Mr. X has perfected his mojito-making skills over the last few years. So, as soon as the greenery starts to thrive (which is around this time of year), the pestle comes out and the rum starts to disappear. Never had a Mojito? Here’s a simple recipe:

So refreshing!

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz rum, 6 leaves of Mint, Soda Water, Fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons sugar




Preparation: In a glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves with the sugar and 1/2 a lime. Add the rum and top off with soda water and ice. Garnish with sprig of mint leaves and/or a slice of lime. Serve with a straw.

Now head on over to see what the awesome Kathryn Renard has on her menu. See you next time!

FoX Friday with L.V. Lewis

Welcome to another FoX Friday. This week, I’ve invited LV Lewis to join us. She’s here with her new release European Tour, book one in her Rocking the Pop Star series. Before we learn more about the book, let’s get to know the author.

Growing up, L.V. wanted to be an internationally known rock star, but unfortunately, lived in the wrong part of the country to pursue that career (and neither American Idol nor The Voice were available then). An early love for the written word gave her the plan B she sought. Now she pens romance novels that let her live vicariously through rock stars and other fascinating archetypes.

I asked L.V. a few questions, just to give us some insight into her creative mind.

What other genre would you write if you did not write romance?

If I didn’t write romance, I would most likely write literary fiction because I love the play on words, and striving to use all the tools in my writer’s tool box to create a virtuoso work of art in the form of a story. There is nothing like words of your own creation coming together in a way that moves, inspires, and uplifts readers (and also brand you as an artist).

I absolutely agree. It’s such a thrill! Name three authors whose work inspired you?

The three authors whose works have inspired me the most are Anne Moody, Ernest J. Gaines, and Toni Morrison.

Nice! So, what food or drink do you have to have by your side when you write?

Most of the time, it’s water, because I try to be intentional about staying hydrated daily. However, when I’m in a celebratory mood, or am in need a little liquid inspiration, I’ll have a glass of wine handy in the evenings while I write.

For me, it’s usually tea. If it’s after five, I may have a glass of whine or a dram of Scotch. What was the nicest comment or most interesting question you’ve received from a reader?

The most interesting comments I get are from readers who read to understand the characters well, and who make the most insightful comments about the characters’ personalities and growth. Readers who get invested in my characters honor me more than anything, and I’m exceedingly grateful for them.

It’s a lovely feeling, isn’t it, when readers get what you’re doing and understand your characters and their motivations? I love it. When you take a break from writing, what do you like to do?

Reading is the activity I gravitate to when I’m not writing, nine times out of ten. The other times, I’m watching the few shows on television I allow myself to follow during the various seasons. Right now the three shows I’m following are Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Orphan Black.

Well, you know about me and Outlander, lol. I also love Game of Thrones. I like Orphan Black too, but I’ve only seen the first season. I need to catch up. Tell us, what’s your favourite love song?

It’s “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley right now, because his style of music reminds me of the song Brody wrote for Skylar at the end of European Tour, my new release.

“Hellelujah” is a gorgeous song, and I love Jeff’s version. k.d. lang also does an amazing rendition, and there’s one by Justin Timberlake that’s pretty good. Leonard Cohen is an amazing lyricist. That’s definitely one of my favourites of his.

To celebrate the release of European Tour, L.V. has a spectacular giveaway underway. Make sure you enter!

Speaking of European Tour, let’s read a little more about it:

Broken. Guilt-ridden. Ready to start over.

Brody Kent walked away from the pinnacle of rock superstardom and never looked back. Financially, he never has to work again, but takes jobs as a personal assistant to keep his mind—and other things—busy. The women he works for always want something, and he’s more than willing to help. But when he’s sent to work for a pop princess, Brody will do anything to make her happy—even if it means admitting the ugly truth about his past.

Smothered. Talented. Ready to start her life.

Successful pop star, Skylar Samuelson is about to embark upon the turning point of her career—a summer tour in Europe. Her manager mother has promised to pull back and allow her full reign of the overseas tour. When Brody Kent becomes her new assistant, Skylar can’t deny the attraction. He’s perfect. Everything she’s ever wanted. But Brody’s hiding something and the truth may break her. If someone else doesn’t break her first…

Lies. Betrayal. And the truth that could ruin them all.

Sounds fantastic! You can grab a copy on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Smashwords, and Google.

Learn more about L.V. Lewis at www.lvlewis.com and subscribe to L.V.’s newsletter to receive notifications about new books.

See you next time!

Xio oxo

FoX Friday with LaQuette and Love’s Changes

Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to another delicious FoX Friday. We have a brand new FoX this week. My friend LaQuette is here with her upcoming release, LOVE’S CHANGES. Here’s a bit about the book:

A near-fatal shot through his chest teaches Lieutenant Bryan Smyth of the NYPD two things: He wants to live to see more days and he wants to spend them with his estranged husband, Justice.
 
Poor decisions made under the strain of grief split the seams of their marriage. Now it’s up to Bryan to show Justice there’s still enough of their love left to salvage from the ruins, still something worth the battle ahead.
 
Bryan’s shooting has opened Justice’s eyes to new lessons too. The first, tomorrow isn’t promised, the second, life’s too short to live in misery. Justice has watched Bryan shuffle back and forth attempting to balance the man he is at home and the man he has to be at the precinct for too long. Now, he’s done.
 
The only problem is Justice’s heart is having a hard time adhering to the exit strategy in his head.
 
Desperate to repair their bond, Bryan does the only thing he can to keep his marriage intact, he calls his crazy sister-in-law, True to stir up some organized chaos. She’s a wildcard, yes.  As unstable and deadly as

nitroglycerin, but she gets the one thing Bryan needs more than anything, results.
 
The only question left: Is family and fidelity enough to get them through love’s changes, or is this really the end?



Gah! I hope not. I really need Justice to get his happily-ever-after with Bryan. LaQuette was sweet enough to give us a sneak peek at  LOVE’S CHANGE’S . Check out this riveting excerpt. I guarantee you’ll want to read all about Justice and Bryan’s passionate-but-tumultuous marriage. Warning: this excerpt is for Mature Audiences Only.

 ***
As soon as he heard the lock turn from the outside, Justice was on his feet and heading in the direction of the door.

“It’s two o’ clock in the fucking morning and you’re just dragging your ass in here now?”

Justice watched glass-like eyes stare back at him.  He pulled Bryan by his collar, leaving him close enough to soak up the intoxicating scent of Bryan’s natural man-spice aroma mixed with liquor.

“You went drinking with him?”

Bryan’s eyes focused on him a split second before he pulled out of Justice’s grasp. “Yeah, we had a few, then went to see a movie.  What of it?”

Bryan pushed past him and headed for the bathroom.  He opened his pants and pulled out his long cock before positioning himself in front of the toilet.

“A little privacy?” Bryan quipped.

“Not anything I haven’t seen before.” Justice wedged his shoulder into the doorframe as he watched Bryan.  He had to admit, watching Bryan take a piss wasn’t on his ‘Things that turn me on list’, but he wasn’t about to give Bryan an inch of privacy until he knew every fucking detail of the evening Bryan spent with that fucking Herrera.

Bryan shrugged his shoulders, oblivious to, or unconcerned with, Justice’s building anger, and relieved himself without further thought. When he was done, he washed his hands, then turned the shower on and adjusted the spray.

As he began to remove his clothing he stopped to look at Justice.  “I’ve had a long day.  I’m gonna take a shower and take my ass to bed.  You wanna fight?  You’ll be fighting alone tonight.”

Without giving Justice another glance, or thought as it appeared, Bryan stepped inside of the darkened shower stall.

Justice stood in the middle of the floor waiting, for what he couldn’t really pinpoint.  Acknowledgement, an explanation, contrition, something from Bryan that expressed some form of regret that he’d done

something to piss Justice off, instead Bryan’s slightly drunk ass—if his whistling of some pop tune was any indication of his intoxication level—continued on behind the smoky shower glass as if Justice wasn’t even in

the room.

Bryan finished his shower, pulled a towel from the nearby rack and tied it around his waist.  He stepped around Justice, and headed for their bedroom. 

Justice tried hard not to stare at Bryan’s water-slicked skin.  Bryan at any given time was a turn-on for him.  Bryan naked and wet looking like something Justice should be licking or sopping up with a

biscuit had a way of making him forget his train of thought. 

At the moment Justice knew he was supposed to be mad about something, but watching his man saunter in front of him, shoulders pulled back in confidence, the globes of his ass sitting high and tight, Justice could

scarcely remember what he’d eaten for dinner, let alone the complicated trigger to his inner-asshole.

He palmed the hard bulge of his jean-clad cock and closed his eyes, trying his damnedest to remain focused on anything other than being buried in Bryan’s ass.  After a few moments of fighting with his mind and body, he walked into their bedroom.  Bryan was still in his towel, sitting at the edge of the foot of the bed.

“Bryan, I can’t believe you’re really going to let this asshole fuck with your recovery like this.  You fucking know better.  All this jack-off is after is getting a piece of ass.”

“So what if he is?” Bryan’s answer striking a fast and fierce blow to Justice’s chest.  “So what if the only thing he wants from me is a good, hard fuck?  Why the fuck does that matter to you?  Why do you

get a say in that?  You just filed divorce papers.  Obviously you don’t care about who fucks me or who I fuck.”

Molten heat carved through the walls of his chest, into the center of his heart.  The gripping pain caused his breath to rush past his lips.

“I will always care about you, Bryan.  About everything you do,” he whispered. Bryan’s flat palms rested against his spread thighs, holding his heavy shoulders up as they threatened to slump in defeat.

“You don’t act like it.  You act like you don’t want anything to do with me.  Like you hate me,” Bryan flinched as he spoke, like the thought of Justice hating him physically hurt. 

Justice averted his eyes; he knew if he found the same sadness in Bryan’s eyes as he did his words, he was going to crumble right where he stood.

“I’ve never lived in the closet, Bryan.  I’ve been out since I knew what gay meant.  I married you knowing that you weren’t comfortable with your sexuality. That was my fault.  I shouldn’t have fought you over the divorce when you asked me for it.  I should have seen the writing on the wall then.  But I loved you so much, I couldn’t bear to think of walking away.”

“And now you can?” Bryan’s words were quiet, but the question shook him from the inside out making Justice’s body twitch with nervous energy.

No

The small word bounced off the inside of his head and made its way to his hollow heart.  This was killing him.  Letting go of the only man he’d loved, relinquishing his claim on Bryan, it was breaking him.

“What happened while I was in that coma to make you give up on us, Justice?  Why are you so hell-bent on giving up now?” The mixture of frustration and pain in Bryan’s voice was nearly choking Justice.  “For

five fucking years I pushed to end our marriage and you refused, you fought for us, even when I couldn’t.  And now that I can finally see what a fool I was you want to bounce?  What made this happen, Justice?”

“I just got tired of being the only one fighting for us. After watching you nearly die, I didn’t have the energy to come back to us fighting about these same issues.  Your fear to live in the light as a gay man has been slowly killing us for years,” Justice offered.  “I’m just finally giving you the freedom to live as you’ve always wanted, in the shadows.”

Justice heard an audible breath cross Bryan’s lips.  It’s heavy sound pulling his eyes from their current position on the floor to his husband’s face. He’d expected to find the sadness he’d been avoiding, but

instead he found Bryan’s features twisted into an angry scowl. 

“You know what Justice…fuck you!’

***
LOVE’S CHANGES will be out on June 3rd and is available now for pre-order. Guess what, kiddies? There’s a trailer!





 

LaQuette is the 2015 Swirl Awards Bronze winner in Romantic Suspense, a 2015 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award Finalist in Erotic Romance, and a bestselling erotic romance author. A native of Brooklyn, New York, she spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator. Writing–her escape from everyday madness–has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she’d forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic. She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. LaQuette is also having a Rafflecopter giveaway! Enter now. 

LaQuette loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, NovelsbyLaQuette.com, Amazon, her Facebook group, LaQuette’s Lounge, and via email at NovelsbyLaQuette@gmail.com. Sign sign up for her monthly newsletter by clicking here. 

See you next time! oxo

Xio

Review: Outlander – Through A Glass, Darkly (S2E1)

Vive Les Frasers!

Whelp, the droughtlander ended in fine fashion as Ron D. Moore & company unleashed the season premiere of Outlander on an unsuspecting world. And though the episode was available days early, courtesy of Starz’ promotion of their app, I resisted the urge to watch it before Saturday night. (Okay, I watched it a few hours early while Mr. X napped on the couch. I prefer to enjoy episodes alone, at least the first viewing.)

If you haven’t seen the episode yet and don’t want to be spoiled, stop here.

I guessed early on that the season would open in 1948. I’m not entirely sure why or how I came up with that theory, but it still surprised me to see it on-screen. I knew, from comments Ron made during the hiatus, that events wouldn’t unfold exactly the way they do in Dragonfly In Amber. If you’ve read the book (and I sincerely hope you have) you’ll know exactly what I mean. If not, I don’t want to spoil you. Suffice it to say it’s just as shocking, if not more so, than what we saw in the season opener.

I’m sure a few will grumble about the change but, as I’ve said from the beginning, if Diana is alright with it then so am I. And I was more than alright with Through A Glass, Darkly.

As a season opener, it achieved a few things:

It was a startling portrait of grief and loss, unlike anything I’ve seen in a drama of this nature. Claire’s opening line set the scene for the entire episode. “I wished I were dead.” And the use of the voiceover, followed by the overhead shot of her lying in the grass, was heartstopping. Her frantic search for the signet nearly broke me, and her wail when she found out the outcome of the Culloden battle, well… my throat hurt, my heart ached, and my eyes became leaky. I can’t lie about that. But that was only an appetizer for what happened when Frank arrived in Inverness.

I’m ambivalent when it comes to book Frank. I neither like him nor hate him, though I know a great portion of the fandom has strong feelings on both sides. I’ve never thought of Frank as anything but a normal guy who had to deal with some extraordinary things. Did he handle them the best way? Who’s to say? He’s very…human. I have a feeling that the series writers felt they needed to explore the aftermath of Claire’s disappearance, and its effect on Frank, a bit more than was done in the book(s). Again, some aren’t interested. I am. Maybe it’s the writer in me but, as much as I adore Jamie, I feel enormous sympathy for Frank.

Ron D. Moore, who wrote this episode, plays upon that sympathy beautifully. I fully felt Frank’s hope, his tempered joy at Claire’s return, and his perplexed patience with Claire. Even Reverend Wakefield is perplexed by Frank’s refusal to demand answers. It stems from Frank’s fervent desire to pick up where they left off. He has his wife back!

Frank doesn’t care where she’s been, what she’s been doing (or who). He only cares that she came back to him. He wants so badly to move forward that he accepts, with the aid of a night of chugging whisky, Claire’s preposterous tale of time travel. (Note: Claire chugs too. It’s 1948.) He accepts her version of events, even though those events boil down to two things: she’s not happy to be back with him, and she was with another man nearly the whole time.

Poor Frank. Talented Tobias!

I have to pause here to acknowledge Tobias Menzies in this episode. I sang his praises last season to anyone who’d listen. He and Sam Heughan earned Emmys in my eyes (Caitriona Balfe too, naturally.) I hope the 2016 nominations reflect the work that these actors do because Tobias owned this episode.

Frank’s emotional range: relief to joy to confusion to joy to fear to joy to rage to embarrassment to quiet anger and resignation and, finally back to joy was breathtaking. Just…devastating to watch. At one point, I even found myself getting annoyed with Claire and wanting to shout “cut the guy a break!” lol. She seemed to almost blame Frank for her return. And I understand the choice there, she was angry and hurting and wanted someone to blame. Of course, he naturally reminded her of Black Jack. It was a good writing choice.

I loved the flashback in the hospital room. It was something I wanted more of in the book; a callback to Frank’s lineage. And Moore takes it a step further when Claire reveals she’s pregnant.

It’s Jamie’s.

The acting in that entire scene was perfection but Tobias, once again, steals the scene, joyful at the news before the truth of it dawns on him. Then the utter disbelief followed quickly by barely-checked rage. Tobias allowed Frank to channel his ancestor. Watch it again, watch his eyes and his mouth. The brief transformation is frightening to behold. Pack up all the Emmys and BAFTAs and give them to him now, please.

Okay, enough gushing. Claire’s demands on Frank’s patience “you’re never to use that word [flogging] in my presence ever again. Do you understand?” was wearing on mine. I had to keep reminding myself about her loss and her grief, but boy did she take it out on Frank. Again, I understand why and I think it’s a fabulous choice, but, ugh! This was payback for Claire. Not against Frank, but against Black Jack. Frank is on the receiving end of some long pent-up frustration, anger, and disgust against his ancestor. And he has no idea. In fact, I wonder how much about his great-great-great_____ Claire actually told him.

On the other side, Frank’s “conditions,” as painful as they were for Claire and for us as viewers, were perfectly reasonable. And so very British. Quietly stated, almost matter-of-fact, and dignified.

I can’t say I loved the cinematic transition between the landing in Boston and the landing in Le Havre, i.e Claire reaching for Frank’s hand/Jamie’s hand. It was a little too on the nose for me, but that may have been more about the editing than the idea itself. Whatevs, I”m nitpicking. We finally have our Jamie back!!

And, whew! I was beginning to think we’d go an entire episode without seeing him. But there he was in all his ginger glory, grinning and kissing and flirting with his wife. Charging to her defense. And we got Murtagh to boot, grumbling about the bloody French. Jamie and Claire are almost giddy when they step onto the docks, ready to move on from the horrors they experienced in Scotland. France represents a new beginning, and more importantly, possibilities. They’re hopeful.

Murtagh less so, lol.

Claire convinces Jamie to move forward with their plan to sabotage the Jacobite rebellion and The Frasers are of an accord. It’s the best way to stop the slaughter, she says. Jamie may not believe this, and even wonders aloud the logic of it, but he trusts Claire. It’s a lovely moment between them at the inn.

We’re in this together.

I also loved the moment between Jamie and Murtagh, not to mention Duncan LaCroix’s portrayal of Murtagh’s disbelief that, after everything they’d been through together, Claire didn’t trust him enough to tell him the truth. The way it was written and directed, it didn’t seem like Claire was prepared to ever tell Murtagh, so I was glad when Jamie assured him he would in due time.

Claire and Jamie use Dougal’s old tactic (displaying Jamie’s back) to win over Jamie’s cousin Jared, who will introduce them to the highest ranking Jacobites in France. Oh, and give Jamie a well-paying job on top of it. Selling and drinking wine. It pays to have friends and family in high places, but it doesn’t take long for Claire to embroil them all in yet another quagmire, this time with the (am I supposed to find him this yummy?) Le Comte St. Germain.

Stanley Weber makes vengeance look good.

Proudly displaying her medical expertise, Claire announces rather publicly that the fallen sailors from one of the docked ships (Germain’s ship) both suffer from small pox. “Do you know what you have cost me?” Germain asks, following it with a promise. “You will pay.”

And then they decide to make out while watching his ship burn at sea. Oh boy.

What I loved:

Claire’s heart-to-heart with Mrs.Graham was lovely and Cait acted the hell out of that scene.
Wee Roger! Loved the references to the Spitfire.
Seeing Jamie smile. Sure, we skipped over what happens on the journey to France, but they’ve made it clear that, while Jamie hasn’t fully recovered, he’s in a much better place.
Tobias.

Wee Roger!

Next week, we get to see the red dress in all its glory. I can’t wait!

My wish list: Paris decadence, political intrigue, more Jamie and Claire. Yes, please!

See you next time,

XiO

FOX Friday with Brenda Margriet

Happy FoX Friday, my lovelies. We have a brand new FoX with us today. Please welcome Brenda Margriet!

Brenda will tell you that she writes contemporary romances with heroes you’d meet at the grocery store. And by that she means real-life men – sexy, smart and looking for the love of their life. Her heroines are bold, savvy and determined to accept nothing less than the man they deserve.

A voracious reader since she was old enough to hold a book, Brenda’s idea of the perfect holiday involves a comfortable chair near the water (ocean, lake or pool will do), a glass of wine, and a full-loaded e-reader.

She lives in Northern British Columbia with her husband, three children (all of whom are taller than her) and various funny and furry pets.

Brenda is here with her wonderful new release, When Time Falls Still.

Professor Charlotte Girardet is focused on one thing – securing tenure at a large, prestigious university.

  Her career is firmly on track, but her life is complicated by her attraction to rough and rugged security guard Justice Cooper. It isn’t only Charlotte’s heart in danger, however. Tensions blaze on campus after several students are viciously attacked.

  Struggling to balance her ambitions and her growing passion, Charlotte takes a leap of faith, and trusts Justice with her deepest secret. But when the assailant’s attacks escalate to kidnapping, will Charlotte have the chance to decide between her long-held dreams or a new life with Justice?

I asked Brenda a few questions, just so you could get to know her a little better.

What is the most romantic gesture you’ve ever received?

I tell my husband that the most romantic thing he does for me is take out the garbage. I’m only sort of joking. For me, a romantic gesture doesn’t have to be the grand, running-through-the-rain-in-a-movie moment. A bouquet of flowers from the grocery store, offering to order take out after a busy day at work. That’s enough romance for me.

But to answer the true spirit of your question, the most romantic (and mysterious) thing that’s ever happened to me was receiving bouquets of flowers from a secret admirer. My husband-to-be and I were dating at the time, and he swears up and down to this day it wasn’t him. The last bouquet I received had a note on it that said “Meet me at our special place” – and as I had no idea who was sending me the flowers I didn’t know where he meant! I still wonder every once in a while who I may have left standing all alone.

Wow! I think you need to write that into one of your novels. =) Name some of your favorite authors who do not write romance.

I have so many favourite authors! But when I read this question, the first two names that came to mind were Robert B. Parker and Dick Francis. Both are unfortunately no longer with us, but I read their stories over and over again with the same enjoyment as the first time. Both wrote mysteries, with a hefty dose of action, and while they are certainly not romances they both wrote strong female characters. Robert B. Parker in his Spenser series, wrote an especially unique, enduring love story between Spenser and Susan, and my favourite Dick Francis novels have a healthy dose of romantic intrigue.

Sounds like I need to add them to my TBR list. Tell me your favorite pick up line, and did it work on you or for you?

Uh, I don’t think I can answer this one. I can’t remember ever using or being on the receiving end of a pick up line! Now I feeling a bit sad about that. I guess that might what happens when you meet your happily-ever-after at nineteen.  I do remember being at a party once and having a guy say to me “You’ve got a crooked smile. I love crooked smiles.” But since those were the only words he spoke to me I don’t think that counts.

Lucky girl! Though, you have to admit, that’s a great line. What writing rituals help to get your mojo flowing so you can write?

I’m more of a carrot and stick writer. There are very few days that I feel like writing, but I know I will feel worse if I don’t write, so that motivates me. I also have a daily quota. It’s only 500 words, but I can only write in the evenings after my day job, so most days that is more than enough.  I suppose you could say one of my rituals is washing the dinner dishes—I simply can’t sit down to write knowing the kitchen is a mess. I have to clean that up first!

I can relate to that. I find it difficult to write amidst clutter. What was the nicest comment or most interesting question you’ve received from a reader?

The best comment I ever received was from my sister. I even saved a screen shot of the text she sent because it meant so much to me. I was so thrilled she’d even wanted to read it, so when she liked it I was over the moon!

Wow, I would be too! =)

Join Brenda’s newsletter and be the first to know about new releases and other exciting news! Plus, receive a free c-copy of her short story, The Life She Had Before.

You can catch up with Brenda on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, and on Amazon.

Brenda brought along an excerpt from When Time Falls Still. Let’s check it out!

Charlotte braced herself against the motion of the elevator, but not before her breasts, protected only by thin fabric and thinner lace, brushed Justice’s chest. He was standing so close she felt overwhelmed. Not intimidated—he didn’t scare her—just…swamped by his nearness.

Or maybe it was the heat in his eyes.

Ocean depths had nothing on the blueness searing into her, she thought wildly. Vertigo weakened her knees, but she couldn’t look away.

“I—” She broke off, swallowed, and tried again. “I don’t know what to say.” He toyed with the end of her braid, and she swore she could feel the touch of his fingers fizzle up the strands, down her spine and into the soles of her feet.

“Did you honestly think I wasn’t attracted to you?” His voice rumbled, low and sexy.

The doors slid open. Thank God the hallway was empty. Her legs felt disconnected from her body, but she managed not to stumble. She unlocked her office, seeking refuge inside. Justice followed.

“Charlotte?”

He wasn’t going to let it go. Perseverance was his greatest strength—and his most irritating habit, she thought peevishly. “I threw myself at you and you walked away.”

“I just about took you up against your front door.” Frustration coloured his tone. He scrubbed his hands over his close-cropped head.

“Fine. Maybe you were right.” She lifted her satchel off her shoulder and tossed it into a nearby chair. “Maybe I wasn’t thinking clearly enough.”

“Maybe.” He crossed his ankles and leaned against the wall, the casual stance belying the tension evident in the fists jammed in his pockets, the set of his shoulders. “Now what?”

“I don’t know.” The collar of his uniform jacket had kinked up on one side. Without thinking, she stepped forward to smooth it down. He caught her hand and held it. Her fingers curled into his.

The connection felt good. It felt right. Maybe she should stop thinking altogether, and just go with her gut.

She never did that. She planned and researched and debated and planned some more. Trying to regain her equilibrium, she tugged away and escaped behind her desk.

“Let’s look at this rationally,” she said. His scarred eyebrow arched and amusement flickered in his face, but she battled on. “We are both healthy, single adults. For some reason, we seem to have strong physical chemistry.”

“Some reason?” The amusement was uppermost, now. His lips remained firm and straight, but she could see it in his eyes, as usual.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you are not the kind of man I ever thought I’d be attracted to.”

​He lowered his lids and regarded her through narrow slits. “Right back at you.”

She bristled, but took her own advice and let it go. “Regardless, we could take advantage of this mutual appeal.”

“There’s the professor I know and…admire,” he murmured.

She ignored the sarcasm. “I’m only here for a few more months.” The exam today was the last she needed to invigilate. As soon as they were marked and the results submitted, she was flying out to spend Christmas with Sonny and family, returning a few days before the start of the winter session. “Are you in any of my classes next semester?”

He shook his head, watching her closely.

“Would you consider a short-term, exclusive relationship, with a predefined end date?” There, she thought. That sounded mature, sensible. No need to let emotions colour what promised to be a satisfying adult affair.

He straightened from the wall, looming to his full height. “Would this so-called relationship be strictly physical? Or could it involve social aspects as well?”

Once again, she sensed an underlying current of laughter, but she ignored it. “I can’t see why not.”

“And it would come to an end the same time as your contract?”

“Or earlier, of course, should either of us find it no longer meets our needs.”

“I thought English professors were supposed to be romantic.”

Romance. Love. That’s what hurt you. Sex, on the other hand, was just sex. “Not all of us.”

Don’t you want to devour this story right now? Luckily, you can. Grab a copy of When Time Falls Still from Amazon and on Brenda’s website.

See you next time!

XiO oxo

RT Las Vegas, Plus New Formats!

Hello my lovelies!

The week-long countdown for the RT Booklovers Convention in Las Vegas has begun, and I am super psyched to meet you there. This will be my first, big reader event, so I hope I get to meet a lot of you.

Look at the pretties!

In preparation for RT, all of my novella and novel-length titles are now available in print. This includes The Calum, Falling Stars, and Starlight. They feel so good in my hands, let me tell you. =)

I’ll have a limited number of copies available at the Giant Book Fair, so don’t fret if you don’t get a chance to order ahead of time. I’m also bringing some pretty cool swag with me, so make sure to stop by my table, swing by the FAN-tastic Day Party, or just tap me on the shoulder as I wander the halls of the Rio.

While I’m on the subject of available formats, don’t forget to check out the audio versions of my books on Amazon, Audible and iTunes. All three titles are available, and production for La Promesse is underway.

2016 has been quite the year already, and it’s only going to get even better. I have decreed it, so it must come to pass.

FoX Friday with Katie Kenyhercz!

Oh yeah, we have a double-feature this FoX Friday! Please welcome brand new FoX, Katie Kenyhercz and her upcoming release, What Happens in Vegas.

Life in Las Vegas is changing for the Sinners family in a big way. When Carter Phlynn gets an offer to coach for Pittsburgh, he ignores it. Until his wife finds the letter. No stranger to sacrificing for the ones she loves, Jacey isn’t about to let her retired hockey player husband fade away in upper management when his heart is still on the ice, but encouraging him to follow his dream means walking away from hers–the hockey team she inherited from her father and raised from obscurity to the sport’s highest honor.

Sinners goalie, Shane Reese, grew up with Carter. The move could mean growing apart from the man who’d been his brother. As one of the team’s sport psychologists, Allie Kallen-Reese faces potentially losing her job if new ownership decides they don’t need her, but her biggest struggle is opening up and letting her husband shoulder some of her worries–one skill she’s never fully developed.

Jacey’s brother, Madden Vaughn, left the Sinners organization to launch a financial planning business that found much success, but family has always been the most important thing to him. He’s been engaged to Saralynn Reese, head of Sinners PR, for two years but every time he tries to make plans, she claims it’s not a good time. If he wants Jacey to be at the wedding, he’ll have to act fast, but Saralynn has a lifetime of commitment issues to contend with.

Dylan Cole, young captain of the Sinners, is due for a contract renewal, but after a less-than-impressive few seasons, new ownership might easily trade him to land a different player. Las Vegas had become a home he shared with Lori Kelly, his Olympic figure skater girlfriend. They trained on the same ice, lived in the same apartment, and shared the same goals for the future. But Lori’s last chance at a gold medal depends on the money she makes starring in Sin City on Ice. If he got traded, would she follow?

Grayson Gunn left his hockey career on a high note and took a job as an assistant coach for the Sinners. A head coach offer from the Carson City Saints, the Sinners minor league affiliate, has him thinking. If only it didn’t mean moving seven hours away from the love of his life. As the Sinners’ assistant physician, Olivia Parker is tied to the team whether it stays in Vegas or moves out of state. Things have been better than ever with Grayson, but could she give up her dream to follow him and his?

Sin City is about to get seriously complicated.

Enjoy this excerpt from What Happens in Vegas: 

The world tipped, and Jacey Phlynn’s heart pounded so hard she could feel it in her face and all the way to her toes. She stared at the letter, but the words had swirled into an illegible blur. A few blinks brought enough focus back to concentrate on the important parts. It was a coaching offer from Pittsburgh. For her husband dated two weeks ago.

She fell into the chair behind his desk, her body at a weird impasse where she was completely numb but about to burst out of her skin. Why hadn’t he told her? Was he considering it? He had to be. The opportunity was too big. Too good. But what would it mean for them? The possibilities stemming from that threatened to crush her like a tsunami, so she forced them back before they gained too much of a foothold.

However he’d reacted to the offer, it was something they needed to talk about. Her legs didn’t give out when she stood. Progress. She nudged the desk drawer closed then remembered. Team stationary. The reason she’d come in his office to begin with. She grabbed a stack, tucked the letter in her blazer pocket, then locked his door behind her.

As she headed for the elevator, life buzzed in the bullpen like usual as if the universe hadn’t just turned inside out. She went down the to main concourse and started walking. Past the closed concessions, the open team store, the larger-than-life banners of her players. Six years ago, she wasn’t sure she’d make it as owner of the Las Vegas Sinners. The team crashing and burning on her watch had been a real and terrifying possibility. But it hadn’t. Through her decisions, resolve, and bull-headed tenacity, it’d flourished, reached previously unthinkable heights and the highest honor in hockey. Several times. The team was no longer her father’s legacy. It was hers.

What Happens in Vegas will be out on 28 March. Add it to your Goodreads bookshelf and  Pre-order a copy now!

Author Bio:

Katie lives in Seattle with my Air Force hubby, and she writes hockey romance. She played one season of roller hockey when she was fifteen–it hurt enough that she decided she liked it better as a spectator–and it’s been true love ever since! Her fictional team is the Las Vegas Sinners, and her real-world team is the Pittsburgh Penguins. (I won’t hold that against her, LOL)

Katie likes strong, capable heroines who bring out the vulnerability in their tough guys.

Catch up with Katie:

On her Amazon Author Page, Facebook, Twitter: @KatieKenyhercz, and on her website.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

XiO oxo

FoX Friday: Cover Reveal from Raven St. Pierre

Hey lovelies! The lovely Raven St. Pierre is back with the gorgeous cover of her next release, Marco.

Who is Marco Rios?

Most would say guys like him are only good at one thing… breaking hearts.

By day he’s a tattoo artist who took the plunge and started his own business, but by night…

He’ll be whoever you want him to be—a wet dream in the flesh.

Brynn Palmer was content, enjoying her low-key life, one that rarely sprouted surprises. That is, until she crossed paths with the force better known as Marco.

It was only one night, but that one night changed everything.

*To the guys, Indecent Exposure is more than just their place of business; it’s a place where they make women’s fantasies come true… and have a ton of fun doing it. “Marco” is the first standalone in “The Men of Indecent Exposure” series, so kick back and enjoy, but don’t get too comfortable. You never know when you’ll need to have your singles ready!*

*Save the date! Release day will be April 25th, 2016*

CLICK HERE to read the beginning of Marco and Brynn’s story!

Photo: Courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

Cover Artist: Raven St. Pierre

Length: 129,000+ words

Categories: Interracial Romance (BW/HM), Curvy Romance

Full-Length | No Cliffhanger | HEA

Connect with the author!

Newsletter | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Pinterest | YouTube | Goodreads raven.stpierre@gmail.com

New Release: La Promesse (The Promise)

As Bonnie Raitt once sang, in that sultry voice of hers, turn down the lights.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I sometimes dabble in erotic literature, writing as Xio Nin. In fact, my first ever paid writing gig was for a magazine called Oysters and Chocolate. If I recall correctly, they paid me $10 for 1000 words. I remember shedding a tear. Someone actually paid me for something I’d written.

It was a revelation.

I never did cash that check.

Sadly, O&C folded but the ficlet I wrote for them stuck with me and I decided to expand it into something a little longer.

At only 7500 words, La Promesse is a snapshot.  A glimpse behind a closed door. A peek into the passion between new lovers.

After a chance meeting, two kindred souls are separated by an ocean.

A year of correspondence solidifies their bond, and their tender reunion ignites a burning passion.

They only have thirty-six hours to quench that thirst, but the more they explore it, the more they want.

Would forever even be enough?

La Promesse is exclusive to Amazon for now, and will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Add La Promesse to your Goodreads bookshelf.

I don’t think I’m done with these characters, or rather, they may not be done with me. It’s the way it goes sometimes. =)

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy!

In other news, THE CALUM and FALLING STARS are both available in print. STARLIGHT is now available in audio, and the print edition is coming very soon. Exciting!

~XiO oxo

FoX Friday with Author Ines Johnson

Welcome to another beautiful FoX Friday. Today’s guest is a first-time FoX, so let’s give a warm welcome to the lovely and talented Ines Johnson! Ines is here with her latest, Rumpeled: a Cindermama Story.

In this new spin on an old fairytale, Guy Rumpel’s golden touch could put a wrinkle in Midori Miller’s designs.

Former model, Midori Miller, left the fashion world in disgrace and now lives quietly as a small town dressmaker and single mom. When her talented daughter catches the ear of a New York record producer, the last thing Midori wants is to return to the harsh glare of the spotlight. Caught between the producer’s charms, her daughter’s dreams, and her own new chance at success, Midori isn’t sure she can design the right path for herself or her family, especially when the producer makes a play for her heart.

After a string of flops, producer Guy Rumpel believes he’s lost his golden touch. He needs to turn his career around with a hit record, and the young songbird from his hometown just may be the key. But when his family’s gift for finding their one true love shines its light on Midori, he’ll have to convince her to make the deal of a lifetime.

Rumpeled is the second book in Ines Johnson’s bestselling Cindermama series. If you love contemporary romance with a touch of magic then this series is definitely for you!

Ines writes books for strong women who suck at love. If you rocked out to the twisted triangle of Jem, Jericha, and Rio as a girl; if you were slayed by vampires with souls alongside Buffy; if you need your scandalous fix from Olivia Pope each week, then you’ll love her books. Trust me!

Aside from being a writer, professional reader, and teacher, Ines is a very bad Buddhist. She sits in sangha each week, and while others are meditating and getting their zen on, she’s contemplating how to use the teachings to strengthen her plots and character motivations.

I asked Ines a few fun questions and her answers are everything! She’s so adorable. =)

What was the most romantic date you’ve ever had?

I wince to write that I have planned all of my most romantic dates. Is that even romantic? Anywho, my favorite was in a bookstore café. I don’t remember the menu. Sorta remember the guy. I definitely remember the candlelight and the smell of the books!

Nice! Okay, name three authors (living or dead) who you’d like to sit down to dinner with and pick their brains.

The three writers I’d love to sit down with all wrote/write for the Doctor Who television series. They are Russell T. Davies, Steven Moffat and Neil Gaiman. I’d want to sit with these guys to talk about how they planted seeds that blossomed into payoffs that still have me obsessing years later in the books, television shows, and movies they’ve created.

The river is the only pond in the forest. Neil Gaiman, The Doctor’s Wife (Season 6, Episode 4)

Yes! I am so there with you. Although, I might want to shake Moffat by the shoulders, even as I thank him for bringing such wonderful stories and characters to my small screen on Doctor Who. Which TV show(s) can you absolutely not miss every week?

I’m a huge consumer of media; it’s actually my primary business. For the winter television season, I was obsessed with The Shannarah Chronicles, The Walking Dead, and Into the Badlands. I love shows with strong female leads and the complicated men who love them, mixed with a touch of the fantastic like magic, martial arts, and zombies.

Same! Though I couldn’t latch onto The Shannara Chronicles. Maybe I need to give it another try. What is your greatest accomplishment as an author so far?

Clicking the Publish button across e-platforms has been my greatest accomplishment. I spent five years writing my first novel, which had been a script that I was unable to sell. I saw what Stephanie Myers did with Twilight and assumed writing a book was easier than writing a script. Hey, I can hear you laughing at me! Anyway, I made a pact with another writer friend of mine to publish in 2014. We both did it and have had great success.

Not laughing at all. *grin* That’s an awesome pact and an awesome feeling! My first was in 20144 too. So, what inspired you to write Rumpeled: a Cindermama Story?

It’s book two in the Cindermama series, which are fairytale retellings with mothers cast in the princess and damsel roles and get a second chance at true love.

I love that concept!

The first book, Pumpkin: a Cindermama Story was my first attempt at NANO [That’s National Novel Writing Month, if you didn’t know, dear readers] and my second attempt at novel writing. This story is based on actual events. Shortly after my divorce, I was out with my two children at a community farmer’s market. A really handsome politician waved me over and began chatting with me about his platform. I was more interested in his light-colored eyes. But my burgeoning fantasy was dashed when my son sauntered over and embarrassing words spewed from his mouth. I ushered myself and my kids away, chiding my silly imagination. What man would be interested in a single mother of two school-aged kids? There are no fairytales featuring mothers as the heroines.

That night, I rewrote the events of the day to my liking. In my imagination, the light-eyed politician asked me out, after winning over my guard dog of a son. We got married and I moved out of my apartment and into some big mansion with a closet stocked full of name brand clothes. Oh, that closet…

Anyway, it was October, and so I plotted the book for the next month of NANO. The completed manuscript sat in a drawer for years because I didn’t think anyone would want to read a story where a single mother was the hero. Thankfully, I was wrong. Every woman deserves an HEA.

Absolutely!! I’m a huge fan of second-chance love stories and fond of writing them myself. If you could date the hero from one of your books, who would it be and why?

I’m obsessed with my hero, Jian, from my first published book, The Pleasure Hound. Ever since I was a tween and watched The Thornbirds, I’ve had a thing for priests. Jian is a monk, but of an order that teaches the sexual arts. He studies women’s bodies like textbooks. After thorough perusal of, he emerges ready to ace the examination.

****

See? I told you she was adorable. Ines lives outside Washington, DC with her two little sidekicks who, she says, are growing up way too fast. Reach out to Ines via her website, her Facebook fan page or Facebook profile, on Twitter: @ineswrites, and on GoodReads.

Ines brought along an excerpt from Rumpeled… for your reading pleasure. Check it out!

[Mature audiences only]

Guy fought a monster headache without the benefit of having imbibed any alcohol. The bright lights and boisterous sounds of New York City at night roiled through his body like vodka over rocks. Surviving the unwanted advances of a sexually aggressive stripper who was out of touch with reality, and the pressures of trying to keep up a hot and heavy relationship with a closeted lesbian, left Guy with a stiff neck instead of a stiff cock.

Escaping to a hotel room where no one could bother him would be a welcome relief. After a peaceful night’s sleep, he would escape the incessant throb of the city for a trip down south where things moved at a slower, quieter pace.

Guy grimaced as a room service attendant rolled a cart of unfinished, roasted vegetables down the hall. The asparagus lay limp, untouched. A speared stalk of broccoli wilted over the tines of a fork.

His stomach grumbled, but not for any of the green fare on the cart. He hungered for something sweet and decadent on his tongue. A lush chocolate cake to assuage his throbbing head. A velvety slice of cheesecake to ease its way down his stiff throat.

Guy’s fingers went numb with anticipation of the treat. It took him a second to fish the room key card from his pocket. The first swipe netted him a red light. He tried it again, with the same result.

The young woman at the concierge desk had been a mess with a large wedding party trying to check in. The hotel had been booked solid even though Guy had a reservation. It had taken a bribe to get the concierge to get the key he now held in his hand. She’d recognized him, it was New York after all. She was a budding songstress, of course. Guy had slipped her his business card in order to secure his room. He had to remind himself to put the chain lock on the door or face a midnight visitor with hopes of sweetening a potential record deal.

After a third swipe the key card failed again. Guy shut his eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was go back down and face the budding songstress who’d had a thick Jersey drawl and a straw colored aura. He sent up a prayer and tried once more. This time it worked.

Guy stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The light was already on, which was odd. His first order of business was to reach the phone to place his room service order. Before he could reach the desk where the phone lay, he caught a flash of white from the corner of his eye.

In the middle of the room was a mannequin in a wedding dress. Guy nearly laughed at the absurdity of it. Was this some kind of joke?

While Guy’s tired brain tried to puzzle that one out, another flash of movement caught his eye. He turned his head. Standing to the left of the mannequin was a woman dressed in only a towel. All the anticipation of dessert slumped out of him.

Guy had his fair share of groupies, desperate women and men trying to slip him a CD. Models and video girls sneaking back stage or into his hotel room. Even children coming up to his table in restaurants. But he was not in the mood for it tonight. He did not have the time or disposition to deal with a groupie or wannabe starlit after the day he’d had. He just wanted a moment of peace where he had to focus on no one but himself.

The woman made a movement towards him. Guy assumed it was to drop the towel and show her wares. He held up his hands in a stop motion and shut his eyes.

“Look,” he began, “I’ll make a deal with you. Whatever you’re selling, pushing, or promoting just leave it on the desk and I’ll look at it or listen to it in the morning.”

He heard a shuffle, which indicated she’d moved. When he didn’t hear her belt out a tune or make a sexual suggestion, he decided he’d better chance a look. Not because he was interested, because he wasn’t.

Guy lifted a tentative eyelid. Then he wrenched them both open in utter shock.

A tall drink of a woman was standing before him. She had honeyed skin that was the color of piecrust just out of the oven. Her eyes, the color of caramel drizzled on top of a warm brownie, slanted in an exotic way. She had plump, strawberry red lips that didn’t look artificially injected. The towel was pressed down on her chest, not buoyed, which would indicate a lack of silicon. The towel was still pulled tightly around her body, but Guy could make out the humps and bumps of her body. Her mouth was agape, but no sounds came from her lips to try and impress or seduce him. Most shocking of all, she had a pair of scissors in one hand, and they were pointed at his chest.

Guy dropped his hands. “What the hell is this?”

“Get out of my room,” she snarled, waving the sharp shears at him.

“Are you studying to be an actress? Because this is feeling pretty, damn real. I could probably get you on as an extra—“

“I said out.” She waved the shears again.

Guy took a step back, utterly confused. How would she get what she wanted from him if he wasn’t in the room?

“What are you?” She waved the shears again. “Some friend of the groom’s? All of you guys are the same, thinking women want you for your money or your connections or whatever.”

Guy cocked his head. Yeah, that was what women typically wanted him for. What was this particular woman’s game? Guy looked down at the keycard clutched in his hand. “You sneak into my room, with this bawdy wedding dress, right after I-“

“Bawdy!” The scissors lowered, but her chin rose sky high.

He looked into her eyes. The deep hazel brown contrast made her skin shimmer with more honey, or was that gold?

“I’ll have you know, this is top of the line quality lace.” She reached out and ran a hand gently over the fabric.

Guy looked over the dress. Then back at her. She looked more interested in the dress than him.

Guy was an excellent read of people. He could make anyone a star, had made a great many people stars who would’ve never reached the altitude without his guidance and golden touch. He could always tell what people wanted, and he could see how to help them achieve it. He was more a talent magician than talent scout.

But this woman, he couldn’t quite get a read on. It was as though a cloud surrounded her aura, as though she were shielding herself. Guy focused and stared just in front of her person. A single ray of golden-yellow broke over her shoulder, but he blinked, and it was gone.

She had the height and posture of a model, but she had to be in her mid or late twenties, too old to enter that arena. She didn’t strike him as a singer either, not with that husky voice. He would’ve guessed actress by her indignant performance, but the way she looked at the dress instead of carrying on with a performance gave him pause.

Guy was intrigued. “Tell me what you want from me?”

She tore her gaze from the dress. Her grip retightened around the handle of the scissors. “I told you, I want you to get out of my room.”

“Your room?”

She nodded.

“Where’s your key card?”

She flinched. “Well, it’s not exactly my room. It’s the dress’ room.”

“Oh,” Guy backed away. “The dress booked the room.” She was a crazy.

She frowned at his retreat. “The bride. She got the room for the dress.”

Now she was looking at Guy as though he was the one talking crazy.

“There’s a wedding happening here tomorrow,” she said. “The bride booked the room so we could do the last minute alterations.”

“The bride?”

“The bride is my client. I thought you might be one of the groom’s guests?”

Guy shrugged. He had no idea who was in the wedding party. He looked at the dress. Then down at the shears in her hands. On the floor was a case with measuring tape and materials. “So you’re a seamstress?”

Her eyes blazed once more. “No, I’m a designer. I designed this dress.”

“Oh. It’s…nice.”

Another fire in those hazel eyes.

“Look, I’m sorry.” Guy put his hands back up. “I don’t know anything about fashion.”

“This dress is more than nice. It’s a masterpiece.”

She stood there in a towel and detailed the technicalities of her craftsmanship on the garment. It all went over Guy’s head. He studied her again. Her long legs. The purple paint on her toenails. The way the corners of her eyes tilted up like a secret smile. As she spoke about the dress another ray of golden-yellow broke from her person. Guy focused on the ray. It looked pure and golden, but the moment she stopped talking and turned back to him it blinked away again.

Guy cursed under his breath. He was seeing things now. His gifts only lent themselves to the performing arts. He had no understanding of fashion. There was no reason he should see any light around this designer. The curse must be getting worse.

The tiredness returned to his shoulders. “I guess the hotel mixed up the rooms.”

“No,” she put down the scissors. “We were just using this room as a fitting room. I’m supposed to have checked out by now. I was just getting freshened up before leaving. Just let me get dressed and I’ll get out of your way.”

She ducked into the bathroom.

Guy sat down on the bed, his appetite suddenly gone. He massaged to the place where his neck and shoulder connected and tried to ease the stiff ache. He could deny it no longer. His Sight was failing him. He was well and truly cursed.

For the last year he’d taken on more than one artist he’d thought was a deep shade of yellow. Rather than admit he’d stepped on a banana peel, Guy had worked twice, sometimes four times, as hard to get the duds onto the bottom of the charts.

The numbness returned to Guy’s fingers and his head began to throb once more. He wondered if the constant headaches and numbing were more aspects of the curse. His fingers and toes weren’t his only appendages that were constantly numb.

Guy didn’t have time to sink any further into his woe-is-me. The designer reemerged only five minutes later. He was stunned at the quickness.

“That was a fast change.” He stood, remembering his manners when a lady entered the room. He’d spent so much time around women who acted anything but the genteel lady, his knees creaked as he straightened them for this one.

“Occupational hazard,” she said.

She was dressed in a simple black dress, but the belt at the waist showed off her hourglass figure. Guy’s fingertips and toes warmed as he regarded her curves.

She bent down to gather the rest of the fabric and her scissors into her case. Then she stood and put the wedding dress in a garment bag. Guy watched as she loaded the garment bag, her case, and the mannequin into her arms.

“Let me help you with that.” He’d been standing still, watching her body swish around in the confines of the dress.

“No, no. I’ve got it.”

“Seriously, I can—“

“I’m good,” she insisted. “I’ve been doing this for years without an any help. I can handle it.” And as though to illustrate her point she headed for the door, arms full, back straight. Her long legs carried her forth with grace and ease.

Guy dashed ahead. The least he could do was get the door for her. “You going to your room?”

“I don’t have a room. I’m gonna drop the dress off and head home.”

“You’re not staying for the wedding?”

“I don’t do weddings.” She crossed the threshold into the hall.

“I didn’t catch your name,” Guy called after her.

“Why would you need it?” She paused, looking over her shoulder, her arms loaded with her wares.

Guy caught a glimpse of her rounded ass under the contours of her dress. It was heart-shaped. “Want to be able to say I met the famous dress designer before she blew up.”

She didn’t smile at that. “Name’s Midori. Midori Miller.” She turned and continued down the hall without waiting for his name.

Upon her retreat, Guy checked her aura again. He saw a ray of the brightest gold shine through, and this time it stayed after he blinked. Even if it were a mirage, a trick of the curse, Guy drank it in. It had been so long since he’d seen real, golden talent. He felt the tiniest kick in his pants. But then Midori turned the corner, and the ray, the woman, and his erection were gone.

Grab Rumpeled: a Cindermama Story at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Kobo aand AllRomance and look for this amazing offer!

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 Oops!

I jumped the gun on Raven’s cover reveal. Check back for it next week! =)