Penelope Douglas's Blog, page 5
April 26, 2015
Charity Book Auction!!
There's a wonderful charity book auction going on, supported by lots of authors!!
http://bit.ly/1IcRIeW
The funds raised will help a three year old with Autism obtain a trained service dog <3
http://bit.ly/1IcRIeW
The funds raised will help a three year old with Autism obtain a trained service dog <3
April 22, 2015
MISCONDUCT Sneak Peek!
Thank you everyone for making Aflame's release so much fun. It was a great day yesterday, and I'm so grateful for the wonderful response.
However, there's no rest for the wicked, which means I have to high-tail it back to the computer and finish my next manuscript :D
Here's a little peek at Misconduct, due out Dec. 1, 2015!
***
Scene
Tyler Marek (parent) and Easton Bradbury (teacher) are having a conference with the principal. During the meeting, Principal Shaw is called out of the office to handle a matter, leaving Easton and Tyler alone.
***
Easton
The door clicked shut behind me, and I couldn’t ignore the feeling of Marek’s large frame next to me—his stiffness and silence telling me he was just as annoyed as I was. I hoped he wouldn’t talk, but the sound of the air conditioning circulating throughout the room only accentuated the deafening silence.
And if he did say anything that rubbed me the wrong way, I couldn’t predict how I would react. I had little control on my temper with my superior in the room, for crying out loud.
Now, with him gone…
I held my hands in my lap. He stayed motionless.
I looked off out the window. He inhaled a thick breath through his nose.
I checked the cleanliness of my nails, feigning boredom, while heat spread over my face down my neck, and I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t his eyes raking down my body.
“You do realize,” he started, bringing me out of my thoughts. “That you don’t have a union to protect you, right?”
I clenched the binder in my lap and stared ahead, his threat and edged voice not getting by me.
Yes, I was aware.
Most private school teachers were hired and fired at will, and administrators liked to have that freedom. Hence, no benefit of unions to protect us like the public school teachers enjoyed.
“And even then you still can’t stop yourself from mouthing off,” he commented.
A small smile spread over my lips, but I stopped it before he noticed.
“Is that what this is about?” I turned, keeping my voice even. “You can't manage me?”
He narrowed his stone eyes, his black eyebrows pinching together over what looked like smooth skin.
“This is about my son,” he clarified.
“And this is my job,” I threw back. “I know what I’m doing, and I care very much about your son.”
His eyebrow shot up, and I quickly added, “About all of my students, of course.”
What was his problem anyway? My class didn’t carry unreasonable expectations. I’d thoroughly reviewed my intentions with the administrators and the parents. Most agreed, once I’d explained my plans and the reasoning behind them, and any naysayers quickly came around. Not only was Marek ignorant, but he was late to the game.
“You’re incredible,” I mumbled.
I saw his face turn toward me out of the corner of my eye. “I would watch my step if I were you.”
I twisted my head away, closing my eyes and inhaling a deep breath. He was enjoying this.
In his head, we weren’t equals, and he thought that he had me right where he wanted me. Right underneath him, so to speak. His inferior. Arrogant and ignorant, not even the slightest bit interested in treating me with the respect I’d earned, given my education and hard work.
I liked control, and I loved being in charge, but had I told my doctor how to do his job when he’d ordered me off my ankle for six weeks when I was seventeen? No, I’d deferred to those who knew what they were talking about, and if I had questions, I asked.
Politely.
I folded my lips between my teeth, trying to keep my big mouth shut. This had always been a problem. It had pretty much killed my tennis career, because I couldn’t maintain perspective and distance myself from criticism when I thought I’d been wronged.
Kill ‘em with kindness, my father had said. Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends? Abraham Lincoln had said.
But even though I understood the wisdom of those words, I’d never been able to reign it in. If I’d had something to say, I said it.
My chest rose and feel quickly, and I gritted my teeth.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” he laughed. “Spit it out, then. Go ahead.”
I shot up, out of my chair, and glared down at him. “You went over my head,” I burst out, not hesitating. “You’re not interested in communicating with me as Christian’s teacher. You wanted to humiliate me in front of my superior,” I charged.
He cocked his head, watching me as his jaw flexed.
“If you had a concern,” I went on, “then you should’ve come to me, and if that failed, then go to Shaw. You didn’t sign any of the documents I sent home, and you haven’t accepted any invitations into the social media groups for parents and students,” I pointed out, “proving that you have no interest in Christian’s education. This is a farce and a waste of my time.”
“And have you contacted me?” he shot up, standing within an inch of me and looking down. “When I didn’t sign the papers or join the groups, or when he failed the last unit test,” he bared his teeth, growling out every syllable, “Did you email or call me to discuss my son’s education?”
“It’s not my responsibility to chase you down!” I fought.
“Yeah, it kind of is,” he retorted. “Parent communication is part of your job, so let’s talk about why you’re communicating regularly with Christian’s friends’ parents but not with me.”
“Are you serious?” I nearly laughed, dropping the binder on the chair. “We’re not playing some childish “who’s going to call first?” game. This isn’t high school!”
“Then stop acting like a brat,” he ordered, his minty breath falling across my face. “You know nothing about my interest in my son.”
“Interest in your son?” This time my lips spread wide in a smile as I looked up at him. “Don’t make me laugh. Does he even know your name?"
His eyes flared, and then zoned in, turning dark.
My throat tightened, and I couldn’t swallow. I’d definitely gone too far.
I could hear the heavy breaths pouring in through his nose and back out, and I wasn’t sure what he would do if I’d tried to back away. Not that I felt threatened—physically anyway—but I suddenly felt like I needed space.
His body was flush with mine, and his scent made my eyelids flutter.
His eyes narrowed on me and then fell to my mouth. I turned my head quickly, my lungs suddenly aching for air.
Damn.
“Okay, sorry about that.” Shaw burst into the office, and Marek and I pulled apart, turning away from each other while the principal twisted around to close the door.
I smoothed my hand down my blouse and leaned down, picking up the binder of lesson plans.
Shaw walked around us, and I glanced at Marek to see him with his arms crossed over his chest and glaring ahead.
“While Mrs. Vincent practically runs this school,” Shaw went on, amusement in his voice, “some things require my signature. So where were we?”
“Edward,” Marek interrupted, buttoning his Armani jacket and offering a tight smile. “Unfortunately I have a meeting to get to,” he told him. “Ms. Bradbury and I have talked, and she’s agreed to adjust her lesson plans to make accommodations for Christian.”
Excuse me?!
I started to twist my head to shoot him a look, but I stopped, correcting myself. Instead, I glued my teeth together and lifted my chin, refusing to look at him.
I would not be adjusting my lesson plans.
“Oh, wonderful.” Shaw smiled, looking relieved. “Thank you, Ms. Bradbury for compromising. I love it when things work out so easily.”
I curled one corner of my lips, deciding it was best to let the issue lie. What Shaw didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him, and Marek would most likely zone out of his parenting responsibilities for another few weeks before I would have to deal with him again.
“Ms. Bradbury.” Marek turned, holding out a hand for me to shake.
I met his eyes, noticing how one was not as wide as the other, giving it a sinister look as it pierced me.
Two things could be assumed about Marek.
He expected to get everything he wanted. And he thought he just had.
Idiot.
***
Add to Goodreads--->http://bit.ly/14EBRGh
Pre-Order ---> http://amzn.to/1Ggo8mz
Pinterest Board --->
http://bit.ly/1PdErod
*I am planning for Corrupt to be out before Misconduct.
However, there's no rest for the wicked, which means I have to high-tail it back to the computer and finish my next manuscript :D
Here's a little peek at Misconduct, due out Dec. 1, 2015!
***
Scene
Tyler Marek (parent) and Easton Bradbury (teacher) are having a conference with the principal. During the meeting, Principal Shaw is called out of the office to handle a matter, leaving Easton and Tyler alone.
***
Easton
The door clicked shut behind me, and I couldn’t ignore the feeling of Marek’s large frame next to me—his stiffness and silence telling me he was just as annoyed as I was. I hoped he wouldn’t talk, but the sound of the air conditioning circulating throughout the room only accentuated the deafening silence.
And if he did say anything that rubbed me the wrong way, I couldn’t predict how I would react. I had little control on my temper with my superior in the room, for crying out loud.
Now, with him gone…
I held my hands in my lap. He stayed motionless.
I looked off out the window. He inhaled a thick breath through his nose.
I checked the cleanliness of my nails, feigning boredom, while heat spread over my face down my neck, and I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t his eyes raking down my body.
“You do realize,” he started, bringing me out of my thoughts. “That you don’t have a union to protect you, right?”
I clenched the binder in my lap and stared ahead, his threat and edged voice not getting by me.
Yes, I was aware.
Most private school teachers were hired and fired at will, and administrators liked to have that freedom. Hence, no benefit of unions to protect us like the public school teachers enjoyed.
“And even then you still can’t stop yourself from mouthing off,” he commented.
A small smile spread over my lips, but I stopped it before he noticed.
“Is that what this is about?” I turned, keeping my voice even. “You can't manage me?”
He narrowed his stone eyes, his black eyebrows pinching together over what looked like smooth skin.
“This is about my son,” he clarified.
“And this is my job,” I threw back. “I know what I’m doing, and I care very much about your son.”
His eyebrow shot up, and I quickly added, “About all of my students, of course.”
What was his problem anyway? My class didn’t carry unreasonable expectations. I’d thoroughly reviewed my intentions with the administrators and the parents. Most agreed, once I’d explained my plans and the reasoning behind them, and any naysayers quickly came around. Not only was Marek ignorant, but he was late to the game.
“You’re incredible,” I mumbled.
I saw his face turn toward me out of the corner of my eye. “I would watch my step if I were you.”
I twisted my head away, closing my eyes and inhaling a deep breath. He was enjoying this.
In his head, we weren’t equals, and he thought that he had me right where he wanted me. Right underneath him, so to speak. His inferior. Arrogant and ignorant, not even the slightest bit interested in treating me with the respect I’d earned, given my education and hard work.
I liked control, and I loved being in charge, but had I told my doctor how to do his job when he’d ordered me off my ankle for six weeks when I was seventeen? No, I’d deferred to those who knew what they were talking about, and if I had questions, I asked.
Politely.
I folded my lips between my teeth, trying to keep my big mouth shut. This had always been a problem. It had pretty much killed my tennis career, because I couldn’t maintain perspective and distance myself from criticism when I thought I’d been wronged.
Kill ‘em with kindness, my father had said. Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends? Abraham Lincoln had said.
But even though I understood the wisdom of those words, I’d never been able to reign it in. If I’d had something to say, I said it.
My chest rose and feel quickly, and I gritted my teeth.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” he laughed. “Spit it out, then. Go ahead.”
I shot up, out of my chair, and glared down at him. “You went over my head,” I burst out, not hesitating. “You’re not interested in communicating with me as Christian’s teacher. You wanted to humiliate me in front of my superior,” I charged.
He cocked his head, watching me as his jaw flexed.
“If you had a concern,” I went on, “then you should’ve come to me, and if that failed, then go to Shaw. You didn’t sign any of the documents I sent home, and you haven’t accepted any invitations into the social media groups for parents and students,” I pointed out, “proving that you have no interest in Christian’s education. This is a farce and a waste of my time.”
“And have you contacted me?” he shot up, standing within an inch of me and looking down. “When I didn’t sign the papers or join the groups, or when he failed the last unit test,” he bared his teeth, growling out every syllable, “Did you email or call me to discuss my son’s education?”
“It’s not my responsibility to chase you down!” I fought.
“Yeah, it kind of is,” he retorted. “Parent communication is part of your job, so let’s talk about why you’re communicating regularly with Christian’s friends’ parents but not with me.”
“Are you serious?” I nearly laughed, dropping the binder on the chair. “We’re not playing some childish “who’s going to call first?” game. This isn’t high school!”
“Then stop acting like a brat,” he ordered, his minty breath falling across my face. “You know nothing about my interest in my son.”
“Interest in your son?” This time my lips spread wide in a smile as I looked up at him. “Don’t make me laugh. Does he even know your name?"
His eyes flared, and then zoned in, turning dark.
My throat tightened, and I couldn’t swallow. I’d definitely gone too far.
I could hear the heavy breaths pouring in through his nose and back out, and I wasn’t sure what he would do if I’d tried to back away. Not that I felt threatened—physically anyway—but I suddenly felt like I needed space.
His body was flush with mine, and his scent made my eyelids flutter.
His eyes narrowed on me and then fell to my mouth. I turned my head quickly, my lungs suddenly aching for air.
Damn.
“Okay, sorry about that.” Shaw burst into the office, and Marek and I pulled apart, turning away from each other while the principal twisted around to close the door.
I smoothed my hand down my blouse and leaned down, picking up the binder of lesson plans.
Shaw walked around us, and I glanced at Marek to see him with his arms crossed over his chest and glaring ahead.
“While Mrs. Vincent practically runs this school,” Shaw went on, amusement in his voice, “some things require my signature. So where were we?”
“Edward,” Marek interrupted, buttoning his Armani jacket and offering a tight smile. “Unfortunately I have a meeting to get to,” he told him. “Ms. Bradbury and I have talked, and she’s agreed to adjust her lesson plans to make accommodations for Christian.”
Excuse me?!
I started to twist my head to shoot him a look, but I stopped, correcting myself. Instead, I glued my teeth together and lifted my chin, refusing to look at him.
I would not be adjusting my lesson plans.
“Oh, wonderful.” Shaw smiled, looking relieved. “Thank you, Ms. Bradbury for compromising. I love it when things work out so easily.”
I curled one corner of my lips, deciding it was best to let the issue lie. What Shaw didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him, and Marek would most likely zone out of his parenting responsibilities for another few weeks before I would have to deal with him again.
“Ms. Bradbury.” Marek turned, holding out a hand for me to shake.
I met his eyes, noticing how one was not as wide as the other, giving it a sinister look as it pierced me.
Two things could be assumed about Marek.
He expected to get everything he wanted. And he thought he just had.
Idiot.
***
Add to Goodreads--->http://bit.ly/14EBRGh
Pre-Order ---> http://amzn.to/1Ggo8mz
Pinterest Board --->
http://bit.ly/1PdErod
*I am planning for Corrupt to be out before Misconduct.
April 20, 2015
The Fall Away Series Is Complete!!
Thanks everyone who has taken the time to message, tweet, and comment with feedback. It means the world, and I truly hope I did the series justice. Thank you for reading!
Visit the Pinterest boards---> http://bit.ly/1yFFSYJ
Visit my website for playlists and bonus scenes--> http://bit.ly/1OrwFot
April 14, 2015
1 MORE WEEK!!
Pre-Order!
Amazon US —> http://amzn.to/1uKjUBN
Amazon UK —> http://amzn.to/1B77Kzw
B&N —> http://bit.ly/1BZHw7M
iBooks —> http://apple.co/1N1u06c
April 11, 2015
Companion Features
Do any authors you follow have bonus material for their books that you'd like to see more of?
I already do playlists, Pinterest boards, and we just added book club discussion questions to my website. Is there anything else, other than book trailers, that help bring the story to life for you?
I already do playlists, Pinterest boards, and we just added book club discussion questions to my website. Is there anything else, other than book trailers, that help bring the story to life for you?
April 7, 2015
Wrong Turn!
So I went to go check Aflame's 5-star reviews and I accidentally filtered by NEWEST and saw things I probably shouldn't. I would be laughing if I wasn't so baffled right now.
To set the record straight, Aflame does not have any menage a trois, slut heroines, and Jared did not return to his manwhore ways. Of course not.
It doesn't have any aliens, muppets, or vampire-human hybrid babies, either.
Okay, that made me laugh. Now I'm laughing. This is good. :D
Anyway, please be careful what you read. Many have marked the book as read in March or earlier. Arcs didn't go out until April 3rd. These are readers who have not read the book and are simply angry with me. We'll let them be.
As for you, rest easy. Aflame is fun and angsty, sexy and heartfelt. It's not cheap or shallow. You may tear up at the touching moments, and your heart will pump during times, but you'll also laugh and hopefully feel great closure.
To set the record straight, Aflame does not have any menage a trois, slut heroines, and Jared did not return to his manwhore ways. Of course not.
It doesn't have any aliens, muppets, or vampire-human hybrid babies, either.
Okay, that made me laugh. Now I'm laughing. This is good. :D
Anyway, please be careful what you read. Many have marked the book as read in March or earlier. Arcs didn't go out until April 3rd. These are readers who have not read the book and are simply angry with me. We'll let them be.
As for you, rest easy. Aflame is fun and angsty, sexy and heartfelt. It's not cheap or shallow. You may tear up at the touching moments, and your heart will pump during times, but you'll also laugh and hopefully feel great closure.
April 5, 2015
March 17, 2015
Coming Dec. 1st!!
Misconduct is a stand alone, contemporary romance...
Former tennis player Easton Bradbury is trying to be the best teacher she can be, trying to reach her bored students and trying to forget her past. What brought her to this stage in her life isn’t important. She can’t let it be. But now one parent-teacher meeting may be her undoing…
Meeting Tyler Marek for the first time makes it easy for Easton to see why his son is having trouble in school. The man knows how to manage businesses and wealth, not a teenage boy. Or a young teacher, for that matter, though he tries to. And yet…there is something about him that draws Easton in—a hint of vulnerability, a flash of attraction, a spark that might burn.
Wanting him is taboo. Needing him is undeniable. And his long-awaited touch will weaken Easton’s resolve—and reveal what should stay hidden…
Add it to your TBR---> http://bit.ly/14EBRGh
Aflame Prologue and Chapter 1!
Hope you enjoy!
http://bit.ly/1LlvScr
http://bit.ly/1LlvScr
March 11, 2015
Thanks for your amazing patience!
I know Corrupt is behind schedule.
I promise I haven't been lazy, but I did get sidetracked with Aflame and another project with the publisher.
Corrupt is expected within the next 6 months, and it is a top priority. I know I suck, so thank you for understanding. ;)
When I'm finished, and it's shipped off to the editors, I will post a release date. I will NOT be sending out ARCs for those of you inquiring about that. I will definitely offer some bloggers complimentary copies, but I don't want to wait to publish. The readers have waited long enough, so when I have it formatted, I'm loading it up. No waiting.
If you like teasers, I have posted a scene on my website. If you don't want to taunt yourself, I completely understand.
To read, go here--->http://bit.ly/1k1yB8R
This book is a dark romance/erotica with no PNR element.
Again, thanks for your patience, and I'm on it! :)
I promise I haven't been lazy, but I did get sidetracked with Aflame and another project with the publisher.
Corrupt is expected within the next 6 months, and it is a top priority. I know I suck, so thank you for understanding. ;)
When I'm finished, and it's shipped off to the editors, I will post a release date. I will NOT be sending out ARCs for those of you inquiring about that. I will definitely offer some bloggers complimentary copies, but I don't want to wait to publish. The readers have waited long enough, so when I have it formatted, I'm loading it up. No waiting.
If you like teasers, I have posted a scene on my website. If you don't want to taunt yourself, I completely understand.
To read, go here--->http://bit.ly/1k1yB8R
This book is a dark romance/erotica with no PNR element.
Again, thanks for your patience, and I'm on it! :)
