C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 148

Tell Again Tuesday 2016 – New Year, new format

Tell Again Tuesday
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
2016 – New Year, new format

January, February, March Edition by Catherine E. McLean

In order to have a real relationship with our creativity, we must take the time and care to cultivate it. –Julia Cameron

Do you believe a writer is born not made?

Do you believe that something as intrinsic as storytelling cannot be taught?

Do you believe that there is something mysterious about the creative process?

Well, I’m a realist. I believe that the true definition of a writer is . . .

For the rest of the blog go to:

http://writerscheatsheets.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-2016-new-year-new-format.html

 

 

Friday Features Emma Janis Lane Tutored by a Duke

Friday Feature
Is
Emma Janis Lane
Author of
Tutored by Duke

Thanks for letting me visit, Catherine and Donald. I always enjoy hanging out around this lovely web site. When I conceived the story of Elisabeth and the duke, I imagined how funny it would be for an ingenue demanding a male childhood friend teach her how to kiss. She assumed it was a simple technique while her poor male friend would rather kiss his puppy than his friend. From there it was but a chuckle more to imagine an eavesdropper at the other end of the room–the duke! The more serious question asked and finally answered in the story was ‘Could trust broken ever be regained?’ Here then is Elisabeth and her incognito duke in a Regency romantic romp. Hope you have as much fun reading as I did writing about these characters. Emma Janis Lane.

Blurb:

The handsome but incognito Richard Hawlester, Duke of Roderick, weary of toad-eating house guests, engages in a serious flirtation with young Elisabeth Barrows, who is primed for an exciting adventure. Mistaking the fat squire for the duke, she holds her secret relationship with a man known only as Richard, Nobel Rescuer, close to a tender heart while discovering love for the first time.

Elisabeth’s trust seems irrevocably lost when the duke’s actual identity is revealed. Realizing his mistake, Roderick begins an earnest, dangerous, and often hilarious campaign to convince her of his love. Elisabeth ponders whether true love can overcome the loss of trust between two people, even as danger presents in the guise of a vile, undesirable suitor, while a wicked assassin makes an attempt on the life of the duke. Trust broken can never be regained, or can it?

The handsome but incognito Richard Hawlester, Duke of Roderick, weary of toad-eating house guests, engages in a serious flirtation with young Elisabeth Barrows, who is primed for an exciting adventure. Mistaking the fat squire for the duke, she holds her secret relationship with a man known only as Richard, Nobel Rescuer, close to a tender heart while discovering love for the first time.

Elisabeth’s trust seems irrevocably lost when the duke’s actual identity is revealed. Realizing his mistake, Roderick begins an earnest, dangerous, and often hilarious campaign to convince her of his love. Elisabeth ponders whether true love can overcome the loss of trust between two people, even as danger presents in the guise of a vile, undesirable suitor, while a wicked assassin makes an attempt on the life of the duke. Trust broken can never be regained, or can it?

Excerpt:

What does one wear to a secret assignation?” she wondered, smoothing her gown. When her maid entered the room, Elisabeth dismissed her with the same excuse of a headache. She actually made ready to put her head on her pillow until the maid left. She laughed quietly to herself and felt somewhat guilty. It was almost impossible to stay still with her heart thumping hard in her chest. After waiting for what seemed to be hours but was in reality mere minutes, she sat up and smoothed her hair, despairing of the wisps of curls that always escaped her efforts to tame them.

The guests were gathered in the front parlor, but she peeked carefully out the door just in case. She would make her way by the back stairs, which she hoped would lead her to the garden. Quickly she descended and stepped, as she suspected, directly into the beginnings of the garden. Statues of various gods loomed whitely in the twilight. The tinkle of running water alerted her of the nearness of a small frog pond. She knew her way from there and walked confidently forward. She almost screamed when an arm reached out and encircled her waist.

“Shhh…little one. It is only I, Richard, your Noble Rescuer.” He laughed softly and rubbed his face gently in her hair as he held her close. She twisted around to look up into his eyes but could not read his thoughts in the dim light. He released her and caught her hand, pulling her gently with him around the hedge and back to that private floral bower, borrowed once more from their host.

At his urging, she settled on a white garden bench which nestled against a flowering vine. Heady night fragrances enveloped her as she looked up into the handsome face of her friend. He gazed back at her but then paced a step or two back.

“I have things to say, sweetness. Please do not be upset when I use words I know are improper. Let us be two different people for tonight. What say you?” He stepped closer, but still did not join her on the bench.

Elisabeth waited for what she knew not. She was content to be this close to one for whom she had such feelings. She nodded. Why did she trust him so implicitly? She only knew she did. Perhaps it was because she enjoyed an enchanted night in a magic room with a handsome man who called her pet names. This was not real life, but she could not give up the thought that magic existed, especially for those who were in love.

Surrounding her was a fairy garden which glowed with moonlight under the watchful eyes of stone guardians. Perhaps they came to life when the sunlight faded?

She inhaled sharply and clasped her hands together in her lap when he settled himself on the bench, their shoulders touching. His unique scent wrapped around her, causing her head to spin with excitement. As he turned toward her, he reached out with his arm, first touching her shoulder with his hand, and then folding around it. She did not stop herself from leaning toward him, although briefly she did try. The prickling of her conscience was like a buzzing, annoying gnat she could easily dismiss. Elisabeth was mesmerized by an intoxicating spell she never wanted to end. Richard leaned closer pulling her gently forward.

“Richard?” she whispered tentatively, not certain whether she wanted him to move away or come closer.

Bio:

The author writes Regency Romances as Emma Lane and Cozy Mysteries as Janis Lane. When not writing, she enjoys nature and works part time in her son’s nursery with cut flowers.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BIEOM3M

http://www.emmajlane.com/

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/

http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/murder-in-the-neighborhood/

 

Wednesday Special Spotlight Desire in the Arctic by Stacy Hoff

Wednesday Special Spotlight
Covers
Desire in the Arctic
By
Stacy Hoff
Book blurb

Ana Davis has been given the promotion of the century—from secretary to television producer. But the new job is not without its problems.

The network will do anything for ratings. In the executive’s scramble to come out on top, they reveal Ana’s newest show—one she’s forced to star in herself. She’ll have to survive in the Arctic Circle for twelve days. If she wins, she’ll get the prize money she desperately needs. But the stakes are high, she could lose her very life. Good thing she’s been paired with expert survivalist William “Redd” Redding, a mysterious, solitary and very sexy man. Too bad she thinks he doesn’t even want to talk to her.

William “Redd” Redding is a former Special Ops Marine in need of cash to help a cause near and dear to his heart. What he’s not in need of, however, is Ana Davis—his clueless but captivating partner. It’s up to Redd to ensure the two of them survive in the most dangerous, hostile environment of all. But worse than snowstorms, predators, and a scarcity of food is an even greater danger—Ana. Resisting her, when he wants her more than anything, is his hardest challenge yet. How does he go about protecting her when his ultimate goal is to protect his heart?

Buy link for Desire in the Arctic: http://www.amzn.com/B01AMUVJKW

Excerpt

“I’m not into surprises, Ana,” Redd said gruffly. “Not when our lives are on the line. Do you have any survival skills or don’t you? I’ve got to know exactly what I’m dealing with.”

“I-I’m sorry,” Ana stuttered, although she wasn’t sure what she was apologizing for. Her slow response, or for not being somebody better?

“Just level with me, okay?” he said again, gentler this time. “I won’t be mad. Panicked, maybe. But not mad. At least not mad at you.” He managed to give her a small smile. She wished to God it was sincere.

“All right, I’ll level. But I hope you won’t be too upset. I don’t have any survival skills at all.”

“None at all,” he repeated tonelessly.

“Well, no. I grew up in Brooklyn. The show wants me to say I’m from Manhattan but you said you want me to be honest.”

“Have you at least gone camping before?”

“Yes!”

“Great.” He exhaled hard, his expression showing relief. “How often do you go?”

“I’ve only been once, actually. But that still counts, right?”

“That depends,” he said, looking as if he had a sudden, severe headache.

“I went during summer camp, right after seventh grade. My whole bunk slept outside. It was fun. The counselors even let us roast a whole bag of marshmallows.”

She could have sworn she heard him swallow. It was almost as if he was choking on one of those marshmallows.

“Any hiking experience?” he asked weakly.

Be engaging, Ana. Don’t look so scared. Crack a joke or something. She managed a playful smile. “Close. I’ve told people to take a hike.”

He bit down on his lip. It looked like he was in pain. “Fishing?”

“No. The closest I’ve gotten to fishing is picking up jars of herring from the supermarket.” Taking one look at his ashen expression, she added, “I’m a fast learner though. If you teach me how to do these things, I’ll catch on quick. I even managed to learn a whole lot about wilderness survival before I came up here.”

“I think I need a beer,” he said, abruptly changing the topic.

“I can get you one, if you want.” Ana felt her face go hot.

When he stepped away, she put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. “Look, I’m sorry I’m not what you wanted in a partner,” she said quietly. “I kinda got forced into this. With no notice for me to prepare.”

He swallowed again, seemingly making a determined effort to soften his countenance. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just do what I tell you, and we’ll get through this ordeal as best as we can.” His face was so scrunched up now he could have been a shar-pei puppy. “How’d they force you?”

“I’m their newest producer. I don’t have much track record yet, so . . .”

“That explains it.”

Amazon buy link http://amzn.com/B01AMUVJKW

AUTHOR BIO

Stacy Hoff is a contemporary romance author, as well as an attorney. She has practiced law for two decades, primarily handling contracts. Romance novels have always been her secret passion. She writes her romantic stories until the wee hours of the night. Stacy lives in New England with her husband and two boys.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com/

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorstacyhoff/

 

Other Books by Stacy Hoff:
Click to view slideshow.

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES: http://amzn.com/B00NFSMCYG

LAWFULLY YOURS: http://amzn.com/B00U7U2WCC

HOT SEDUCTION (Box set with Stacy Hoff): http://amzn.com/B014RQX8GU

SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff): http://amzn.com/B00X3ZAR3E

 

 

Tell Again Tuesday The Harvey Girls

Tell Again Tuesday
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.

A bit of American history I bet you’ve not heard before.

The Harvey Girls

February 19, 2016 by Becky Lower

If you’re a fan of American historical romances, you’ve read your share of stories about women headed west on wagon trains. However, most women on the wagon trains were married, at least when they pulled out of St. Joseph. Single women were discouraged from joining the trains, since they didn’t have the manpower needed to keep track of the animals, hunt for food, and protect themselves from marauding Indians. It wasn’t until the advent of rail transportation that women began . . .

 

For the rest of the blog go to:

https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2016/02/19/the-harvey-girls/

 

Please Vote TRR Readers’ Choice Awards

Special Feature
Please Vote
Son of the Moonless Night
Urban Fantasy

TRR Readers’ Choice Awards

We are asking for your support and help today.

Our book, Son of the Moonless Night by C.D. Hersh, is competing in the TRR Readers’ Choice Awards – Summer 2016 – the Nomination Round in the Urban Fantasy category.

‎In the Nomination Round, Son of the Moonless Night has to garner at least 50 nominations between March 14 and March 31 in order to qualify for the next and final round.

If you would be so kind to help us to the next round you can nominate our book via this link: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=17876

This site will take you directly to our book and you can vote from there.

You may also go to the general page to nominate other books: http://www.theromancereviews.com/bookvote.php

You will have to scroll way down the list to the Urban Fantasy Category to find Son of the Moonless Night to vote.

Thanks for your support.

 

Friday Features Storm Slave by M. Garnet

Friday Feature
Talks with
M. Garnet
Author of
Storm Slave

Today we turn our blog over to M. Garnet to learn about her book and where the idea came from as well as why she writes.

The STORM SLAVE by M. Garnet pits one man against many worlds full of greedy governments wanting what is buried within the mountains that peek up within the oceans of the storm planet.  His strength from his two fathers is all that can save this world as he looks for help from a freed slave, an Assassin and the special tools left within the caves of the planet.

In the STORM SLAVE story, the storm planet is one of my favorite inventions and a place that I go back to in my stories. It came to me from Frank Herbert’s book DUNE or better still, the movie that showed the planet they left to go to the desert planet.

I decided it had to be challenging and exciting to be the animal that crawled from the stormy ocean to take shelter in a cave and eventually achieve intelligence. Wouldn’t they be stronger and braver than those that developed on most worlds?

So that one snip-it might tell a little bit about how I get my ideas. I get my ideas from everywhere and everything.

I once wrote a mystery story about detectives and one greedy killer and a beautiful Wiccan that had a fat black cat, all because my fat black cat decided she wanted a special treat. My cat thinks she is royalty.

When I am writing, I try to get in at least 1000 words a day, but when things are moving smoothly, it will be more. I have to admit I am not one of those organized authors that build an outline and find a title and get the names. I am the type of writer that just creates. If you look at my website you will see that I also paint and for me, writing a story is like painting. It starts with the blank canvas, and I pretty much know what I want to end up with, so I just need to add the words to get there. I have a strong idea about my characters and I often have to flesh them out as I tell the story. For me the story is as important as the characters, it must be interesting and move the reader to want to know what will happen next.

I open a narrow page next to my story page called NOTES and as I am writing the story I put down the names of each character and a description. I add additional notes that I will need to build the story or will need to refer to later in my story to make sure I keep my details correct.

As for being correct, I don’t hesitate to research and use whatever is available. Maps from today and maps from ancient centuries are now available. I have the minds of many friends and family to draw from and don’t hesitate. A family member of the armed forces can give details on weapons. A friend who was in China will know what mountains produce the best tea. Someone from Argentina knows if the herders wear spurs. In Florida, I have seen the flights take off at night and in early morning, sigh, and it makes me think of a future far away.

Why do I write? I can’t think of anything else that I would rather do.

Bio

I’ve run businesses and traveled extensive, but what I love the most is writing. Taking all my years of experience and from my many friends and fellow workers, I can add a lot of details to make a story better by drawing on my personal knowledge or asking those friends for information.

I now live in Florida and have the time to spend hours on my computers, letting my muse cut loose and fill the pages. With over forty books published and four of them as independents that I put out there by myself, I never tire of filling the pages with my tales.

I write Mystery, Romance and my favorite Scifi, all with a touch of love and happy ever after, but around a full story.

Blurb

The freed slave looked around in awe inside the city cave buried within the mountain, protected from the storms behind her on the wave-tossed ocean.

Walking toward her was the one man who held not only her future but the future of this planet in his hand. He alone knew the secrets to protect them all from the war that was approaching this one world, from a group of many greedy worlds.

Excerpt

Quill turned to the Assassin. “My fathers left me weapons. They told me one day I would need those weapons. Those amazing minds that no longer think like our normal beings forgot to tell me where they hid the weapons.” Quill looked over at the storm out on the ocean. “I think I can figure out how to use them, but I must find them. Can you help?”

The Assassin also looked out at the ocean. “There is a gemstone in the upper reaches of this cavern. I thought it was a strange place to store such a valuable small item. Perhaps I should go up and retrieve it.”

Quill would have laughed at anyone else saying such a ridiculous statement. From this tall, dark-skinned male with the long white hair braid, he could do nothing but smile in acceptance.

“I think, my fighting teacher, I would greatly appreciate it if you were to do just that. I will wait here and get relaxation from the storm.”

A nod of his head and Bogdan was again among the beams. This was not a quick job. The gem he remembered and puzzled about was high. It was buried up in the deepest crack of the final split of rock that was the last untouched portion of the top section of the cavern.

The cross beams stopped below its location, and he used his strong body to inch upward. His back was on one rock wall, and his legs pushed on the other as the crack narrowed to the point that held the green gem. The thought hit the Assassin that the gem was exactly like the green glitter of the Heir’s eyes.

Struggling upward, discarding his clothes to give him more room and traction, he ignored the deep scratches into his back as he inched higher. One last thrust with a knee and his long arm, at last, could reach the gem.

It burned, harsh and deep. He pulled back in confusion. Bogdan hesitated then yanked off his last bit of clothing, his cloth covering his groin.

Quill turned to find his guard once again caught by surprise as the dark Assassin dropped among them. For the first time since the explosions had begun, Quill smiled. Holding out a hand with a cloth wrapped item, was the entirely nude Master Assassin.

Quill took the offering from the hand but had to add a low-voiced comment. “As usual my friend, you came through as promised. But I see why the females in my city whisper about your sexual powers. Perhaps you would like to retire to treat your wounds and get dressed.”

With the dignity only a trained assassin could do when surrounded by dozens of soldiers and weapons while totally naked, Bogdan nodded.

Amazon buy link:

http://amzn.com/B01972WCH0

 

M. Garnet, Author

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Email:  mgarnet2@yahoo.com

Website:  www.mgarnet.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/@MGarnet_Author

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/muriel.yantiss

 

Wednesday Special Spotlight Unforgettable Lover

Wednesday Special Spotlight
Focuses on
Unforgettable Lover

 

Blurb:

The Betram ritual, when the full moon occurs on the summer solstice, is a sexual rite—and a requirement—for all unbonded Stiyaha of age. The irresistible urge to mate drives their inner beasts. Some succumb and transform, while others hide behind masks. None can escape the compelling need.

For Leonna, Betram offers one night of freedom from a destiny she doesn’t want. Eager to participate, she’s drawn to a formidable male whose tenderness burrows into her soul. Despite discovering she’s below his status, she is caught up in their passionate frenzy, and loses her heart to a male she can never have.

Though reluctant, as an unbonded male, Prince Nicholai must participate in the Betram ritual. Because he fears harming anyone he gets close to, he dons his mask and vows to stay in human form. What he doesn’t expect is the intensity of his hunger for a certain honeyed female hidden behind a disguise. As much as he longs to forget her, he can’t, for she’s unforgettable.

Excerpt:

As they raced through the trees, Nicholai caught glimpses of her fine figure. A dark short sleeved shirt fitted her body, accentuating her firm breasts. Long, elegant legs couldn’t hide beneath the short skirt that accentuated her hips. Black gloves covered her hands, extending mid-way up her forearms. Each time he spotted her, he learned more about the female he pursued. She intrigued him, and he intensified the hunt.

He closed the distance in a matter of moments. The excitement of the chase and the thrill of the catch were like a drug in his system. He craved more.

As he took her down, he expected softness and curves. Instead, her delicate skin covered a muscular build that took him by surprise. His beast responded, eager to couple with this strong, virile female. At the last moment he spun, using his own body to cushion their fall.

Ahhhh. Her cry rang in his ears and burrowed down into his soul. A sense of masculine pride and possessiveness filled his chest, a need so raw he couldn’t deny its power over him. A thin veil of red blurred his vision, the power of the full moon on the summer solstice taking its toll on his psyche.

The spongy earth, covered in moss and small bits of grass, provided the perfect blanket of softness. Cradling her in his arms as he lay on his back, he gazed upon her masked face for the first time.

Vibrant blue eyes encased with long lashes stared back at him through the holes in her disguise. High cheekbones, flushed from her exertion, were visible beneath the edge of her mask. Although her nose was hidden behind the tip of the material, ruby red lips provided enough details to spark his imagination.

Book links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A2JDJM4/

http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A2JDJM4/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A2JDJM4/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1071655075

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/unforgettable-lover-worlds-of-lemuria-earth-colony

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unforgettable-lover-worlds-of-lemuria-rosalie-redd/1123197520?ean=2940152798449

Author bio:

After finishing a rewarding career in finance and accounting, it was time for Rosalie Redd to put away the spreadsheets and take out the word processor. She writes Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance inspired by classics from the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres layered with a good, hot dose of romance.

Her debut novel, Untouchable Lover, won or was a finalist in several contests sponsored by local chapters of Romance Writers of America.

She lives in Oregon, where rain is just another excuse to keep writing. When not at her computer, you can find her at Jazzercise, waterfall collecting in the Pacific Northwest, or relaxing with her husband and their pesky cat, Snookums.

 

Author links

Website  Facebook  Goodreads  Pinterest  Author Page

 

 

Tell Again Tuesday Accounting 101 for Authors Collecting and Filing Sales Tax

Tell Again Tuesday
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.

Okay a topic not of great interest but something you should think about.

Accounting 101 for Authors – Collecting and Filing Sales Tax

So you’ve attended a book fair, festival, or conference, or you’ve hosted a release party or book signing.  and you’ve sold some books. First off, congratulations on the sales! Second off, now comes the fun part—paying state sales tax.

Before you even arrived at the book event, it’s your responsibility to know the state/county sales tax laws in the state where the event is held. Each county in each state will have a different sales tax percentage rate. Once you’ve figured out the amount of sales tax you will owe for each book sold, it’s up to you . . .

For the rest of the blog go to:

http://longvalleypress.com/2016/02/24/accounting-101-for-authors-collecting-and-filing-sales-tax/

 

 

Friday Feature Trapped Alison Aimes

Friday Feature
Talks with
Alison Aimes
Author of
Trapped

Alison Aimes joins us today to share a little background on her new book Trapped. We are happy to have her here and hope you enjoy her post as much as we do.

Hi Catherine and Donald. Thank you so much for hosting me.

A lot of people have asked me where I got the idea for Trapped. I know it sounds cliché, but the idea came to me in a dream. I woke up with images of a hostile prison planet and a trapped woman floating around in my brain. (If there are any Freudian or Jungian theorists reading this, I’m fine, I promise. J) From those images, the story just took off and the ‘what if’s’ kept coming. What if a woman crashed on a hostile planet? What if that planet was filled with ruthless criminals? What if her only hope for survival was one of the convicts, a hardened man with a questionable past? What would she be willing to do to save herself? What would he be prepared to take? The answers ended up being action-packed and scorching hot and so much fun to write. Thank goodness for dreams!

Thank you so much for having me here today. Happy reading!

Blurb:

Recently Awarded Top Reader Pick by Night Owl Review….

A tale of unbridled desire, stunning sacrifice, and unwavering love, Trapped is an action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance that takes you to the brink of oblivion on a prison planet where only the strong survive.

Cadet Bella West has one simple objective when she joins the scientific mission to Dragath25, the notorious penal planet housing Earth’s condemned. Earn the credits necessary to save her family from starvation. But when her shuttle crashes and the majority of her crew perish, her simple mission becomes complicated fast. Now, to stay alive she’ll have to depend on one of Dragath’s own. But such protection doesn’t come free.

Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, 673 has become more beast than man after eight grueling years on an unforgiving, hazardous planet of dirt and rock—and even more treacherous inhabitants. He doesn’t look out for anyone but himself and he certainly never grows attached. So when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects how her touch will alter him. Or the growing realization that saving her may be the key to his own salvation.

But as dangers mount and their ‘simple’ deal unravels will he prove to be her surprise savior or her ultimate downfall? Because caring for someone on Dragath25 may prove the greatest hazard of all.

The first book in the Condemned Series, Trapped has a HEA and can be read as a stand-alone.

Excerpt:

A splash sounded. Powerful ripples washed against her back like a surging tide. He was coming for her.

She whirled and discovered small bubbles on the surface of the water. An inky cloud of red and brown streamed in all directions followed by foamy white. Then a dark head broke the surface and he was standing before her, waist high in the water, a mud man no more.

Her mouth opened on a tiny o.

Without the dirt, dark, thick hair, shorn close to his scalp, was now visible. Along with olive skin, a wide forehead, low brows, firm lips, and a square jaw. Tiny droplets left his long lashes spikey while rivulets of water tracked over chiseled cheekbones down his sculpted chest and abdomen to a small trail of dark hair that snaked from his belly button to disappear into the water. Scars of various length and width tracked across miles of pure, hard muscle.

My God, mud man was a flesh and blood man—an incredibly masculine one. If she’d met him at the Academy or the barracks on Earth, she would have been unable to stop staring. He was that beautiful.

Then his hand shot out and her daze shattered.

With a hiss, she stumbled back.

One dark eyebrow rose. “Here.”

She looked down to see a small white bar in his hand.

“It’s soap.” His tone was brusque. “The drones dump trash from Earth. Use it.”

“Thank you.” It took all her courage to reach out and take the bar from his hand. “I—I’ve never used it before. The Academy only allows lasers for cleaning. The use of water was banned a long time ago.” She stopped short.

Of course, he knew that. He wasn’t from some distant galaxy. He was from Earth. He just wasn’t welcome there anymore.

His lips flat lined. “I’ve been here a while, but not as long as that.”

Was that a joke? His expression offered no clue.

“Of course.” Hands shaking, she took the soap and rubbed it against her arm. The blood stayed put. She rubbed harder.

She hadn’t expected this…this talking. Or the kindness of a bath—with soap. It was confusing.

“You need the water to make it work.” Rough hands reached out and took the soap, dunking it under the water, making that same foamy circle she’d seen before.

“Turn around.” His voice had gone husky again.

That overworked heart of hers started up double time once again. Her feet remained planted where they were.

He waited for longer than she would have expected before he spoke again, his jaw locked tight. “Anything?” It was a reminder. A reproach. A challenge.

And her last chance to change her mind.

Her eyes sunk shut. I can do this. I need to do this.

She whirled around, bracing for a grab. A strike. But the deliberate slow glide of a calloused fingertip down the bumps of her spine slammed through her with more force than any blow.

Trapped is available at http://amzn.to/1Qex8hU

About the Author:

© 2015 | Kristina Sherk Photography | http://www.Kristinasherk.com

Alison Aimes is the award-winning author of the sexy sci-fi romance series the Condemned as well as the sizzling contemporary romance Billionaires’ Revenge series. A sci-fi fanatic with a PhD in Modern History, she’s an all over the map kind of woman whose always had a love for dramatic stories and great books, no matter the era. Now, she’s creating her own stories full of intrigue and passion, but always with a happy-ever-after ending. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, and her dog. When not in front of the computer, she can be found hanging with family and friends, hiking, trying to turn herself into a pretzel through yoga, listening to a fabulous TED talk, or, last but not least, sitting on the couch imagining her characters’ next great adventures. Alison can be found on line at http://www.alisonaimes.com/

Title of book: Trapped: A SciFi Convict Romance

Part of a series: Book One in the Condemned Series

Release date: March 1, 2016

Genre: SciFi Romance/Fantasy Romance

Heat Level: Hot

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Wednesday Special Spotlight Illusions of Death Lauren Linwood

Wednesday Special Spotlight
Focuses on
ILLUSIONS OF DEATH

Just a note from Donald about this book. The story draws you in and you keep turning the pages wondering; What’s going to happen next with Karlyn? Is Logan the man for her? Will the killer be caught? If you like mystery, intrigue, and romance then this is a book to get.

Blurb:

Best-selling author Karlyn Campbell is ready for a new start after her recent divorce from a temperamental artist. When she receives word that her father had a stroke, she heads for Walton Springs with mixed feelings. Broderick Campbell wrote Pulitzer Prize-winning literary novels and denounced his daughter’s work as pedestrian and commercial, causing a rift that finally heals on his deathbed. Karlyn chooses to stay in the small Georgia town to write her popular Matt Collins series and decides to try her hand at true crime when Atlanta’s Rainbow Killer, Roy G. Biv, captures her interest.

Detective Logan Warner’s marriage didn’t survive after he lost his twins to a crazed killer who was never caught. He returns to his hometown’s police force and runs for police chief, happy he’s escaped big city crime and corruption. Emotionally dead, his interest in life is renewed when he falls in love with Karlyn and begins to build a new life with her.

But the Rainbow Killer moves beyond Atlanta, leaving a trail of dead bodies painted in bright hues in several towns north of the city. Leaving no trace evidence or DNA and choosing random victims with no apparent rhyme or reason, Roy proves unstoppable. Then he arrives in Walton Springs, threatening the peaceful town with his murder spree. With a serial killer in their back yard, Logan and Karlyn unite with the FBI to find the killer—before he finds them.

Excerpt:

He placed the last of the wet dirt on top of the second grave. Smoothed it with the back of the shovel. Reached for the collection of branches and rocks and leaves that he’d gathered before he began digging. He tossed them haphazardly over his handiwork and stepped back to survey the ground. Perfect. Anyone venturing off the Appalachian Trail this far would have no idea what rested beneath the soil.

If only people knew how much he’d accomplished in his killing time.

His latest specimen gathering consisted of high-end prostitutes. The Chattahoochee National Forest had provided cover for this most recent hunt. Its miles of wilderness proved the ideal disposal area. He’d witnessed the arrival of spring as the area greened up. Watched it blossom into its summer loveliness. Seen the explosion of fall colors come vividly to life as he buried his precious specimens.

But he was at the end of this cycle of murders. He refused to tramp through isolated areas during winter snow. Last night’s kill would be the final in this series.

He chuckled to himself. Plus, the unexpected bonus.

The lone hiker appeared just before dusk settled. He’d already made camp. Set up his tent. The specimen, bound and gagged, waited for him inside. The Rohypnol’s effects had faded. She would know everything that happened from this point on.

Then the kid arrived, sporting a backpack almost bigger than he was. Made himself at home. Admitted he was lost.

They chatted over bottled water and protein bars. The teen spilled that he was traipsing around during Thanksgiving break in hopes of having some majestic, eye-opening experience that would be good enough to write about in his upcoming college admission essay. He was looking for something life-changing that he could write about.

At least the kid wouldn’t be put through the agony of writing that essay. Or being rejected by his top choices and settling for community college and a mundane life.

He returned to the campsite as the rain slacked off to a drizzle. Packed up. He pulled his keys from his pocket. Noticed the rain had stopped. The sky lightened.

And then he saw it. A rainbow in the sky.

Of course. That was it.

Just as God placed the rainbow in the sky as a promise to Noah that He would never flood the earth again, He’d generously gifted him with a new idea.

His next mission would be served as The Rainbow Killer.

Thoughts raced in his head as he planned a new series of murders to commit. The specimens would share nothing in common, making him impossible to catch. But every murder would end in spectacular colors. In hues of the rainbow.

Confidence pulsated through him. This could be his claim to fame. A lasting legacy.

He couldn’t wait to begin.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B019Y45TS0
Author Bio:

Lauren Linwood’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.

A native Texan, Lauren is an avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan who manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for Fixer Upper addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

Social Media Links for Lauren:

Website: http://www.laurenlinwood.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurenlinwood

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurenLinwood

Blog: http://www.embracingromance.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Linwood/e/B00CSSG8BC

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+LaurenLinwood/about