Twinkle (Sugandha) Varshney's Blog, page 352

The Seer's Daughter [Beyond the Grave, Book 1] By Athena Daniels

Author:  Athena DanielsTitle:  The Seer's DaughterSeries:  Beyond the Grave, book 1Genre:  Paranormal RomanceRelease Date:  November 9, 2015Cover Designer:  Damonza.comEditor:  By Your Side Publishing


To save her, he must let go of everything he ever believed.

Upon returning to her hometown for her grandmother’s funeral, Sage Matthews is terrorized by a series of strange events. She dismisses each eerie occurrence as a by-product of her overwrought emotional state, until it becomes chillingly clear that something not of this world is desperate to get a message—or is it a warning?—through to her…

Detective Sergeant Ethan Blade comes to Cryton, South Australia, to catch a serial killer. When Ethan meets Sage—the latest victim’s beautiful granddaughter—his attraction to her is explosive and inconvenient. He knows she’s not crazy, but Sage’s theory about the murders is unbelievable.

With the handsome detective rejecting her ideas, Sage embarks on the supernatural journey that her grandmother started. What she discovers shatters everything Sage ever knew about herself—and who she really is.

Ethan’s routine case quickly turns personal when he discovers Sage is the killer’s next target. For her, he’ll break all the rules and cross every line. But how can he protect Sage from an evil he cannot even conceive of?


Amazon:  US | UK | AU | CA


“You look so sexy lying there with your shirt ripped open and your hair scattered across the pillow.” His voice was deep, his focus intense. Her pulse tripped, skittering along in a new rhythm.

“Don’t move,” he ordered. He removed his gun and utility belt and placed them on the chair. Grabbing the neckline of his fitted gray T-shirt with one hand, he tugged it up and off in one swift movement. Sage knew she was staring. She couldn’t help it; his body was even more perfect than she had imagined. Well-toned, but not bulky, his muscles rippling with his movements. A thin and sexy trail of hair started at his bellybutton and disappeared suggestively into the top of his jeans. She struggled to swallow, her mouth suddenly dry.

Not taking his eyes off her, he undid the top button of his jeans and positioned his body over hers, resting his weight on his arms. His mouth captured hers, the deep kiss reigniting the fire that had barely banked between them.

She ran her hands over the taught contours of his abdomen, marvelling at the way the individual muscles contracted beneath her fingertips. She played with that neat line of hair, and he sucked in a breath, catching her wrists as she tried to tug the denim down. Capturing both hands, he placed them above her head.

“Thought I told you not to move.” His voice was barely recognizable, little more than a sexy rasp. He motioned to the chair where his utility belt lay. “Do I have to use my cuffs, or will you stay still?”

Cuffs? Oh hell, yes! An image of herself, restrained on the bed while Ethan teased and pleasured her needy flesh, flashed into her mind. The tender place between her legs throbbed its approval.



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Athena Daniels lives on the northern beaches of sunny Western Australia where she writes romantic suspense, romantic thrillers and erotic suspense.
The author of Desperate, The Seer’s Daughter is her second novel. When she is not writing, you will find her at the beach, or under a tree with a coffee and a good book. 
Sign up for Athena's newsletter HERE.

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Floating by Michelle Dare

Fear wasn’t a fleeting emotion for Lucy Abrams. It was something she felt every day of her life. The night she almost drowned was seared into her memory, marking the beginning of her problem with anxiety. Her oceanfront home and the crashing of waves against the shoreline served as an ever-present reminder of her past. Until the day she saw someone on the beach whose very presence calmed her.Ellis Sullivan was a recent law school graduate, spending the summer with his best friends at his family’s beach house in Ray Point. It was their last chance to have fun together before they entered the workforce. Summer was supposed to be full of days on the sand and parties at night, but that changed the day he first saw Lucy. She walked into his life and rendered him speechless. He knew he’d never be the same.A relationship between the two was unexpected, but their connection was strong. Not everyone thought they should be together, though. Lucy’s ex-boyfriend, Gabe, wasn’t ready to give up on a future with her. After all, he was the one who saved her life.Love and trust came together to help Lucy find the peace within that she had searched for since that terrible night. Only with the right person by her side was she able to move on, beyond the fear that had ruled her life for far too long. The person who made her feel like she was floating. Amazon US I Amazon UK I Amazon CA Michelle Dare is a Jersey girl living over the border in Pennsylvania. She started out as a reader, then became a book blogger. She loves the book community and thought she’d try her hand at writing. She writes romance.She is a married mom with two wonderful children and a German Shepherd that she considers her third child. She is a lover of books, music, and movies. Her favorite band is Maroon 5 and has too many favorite movies to list. Paranormal romance is her favorite genre to read. Facebook I Twitter I Website I Newsletter Sign-Up

Choosy Bookworm Holiday Extravaganza

Welcome to the Choosy Bookworm Holiday Extravaganza ! 
Choosy Bookworm has partnered with eNovel Authors at Work  to bring you a month long celebration with great books, great book deals, and let's not forget the great giveaways! 
Check out today's featured authors and books, then head on over to the event page and enter to win one of two $250 Amazon Gift Cards or Paypal Cash!
Be sure to check out the featured books and the awesome author sponsored giveaway below!


Masquerade by the Sea by Traci Hall Series: By the Sea, #4
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
After personal tragedy, Captain Jolie Gordon takes charge of the Masquerade, a fishing boat turned pleasure-cruiser. Jolie dreams of owning a successful business charter, but she is one pinion away from losing everything she’s invested. She’s got the summer to come up with enough money to buy a new engine and can’t afford any distractions.

Ex ski instructor Heath Hamilton boards the Masquerade for his brother’s wedding party charter, angry at all he’s lost due to a random accident on the slopes. Excruciating pain keeps Heath from trusting that he will ever be whole again. Left with the pieces of who he used to be, nobody is more surprised than Heath when he accepts Jolie’s offered job as a bartender on the yacht for the summer.

Opening her heart is a risk, but Jolie recognizes in Heath a kindred spirit, forced to rebuild after circumstances changed the planned course. They spend the steamy South Florida summer daring to love again, fearing that life does not always go according to plan.

Goodreads ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo
Meet Traci Hall

With an impressive bibliography in an array of genres, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall has garnered a notable fan base. She pens stories guaranteed to touch the heart while transporting the reader to another time and place. Her belief in happily ever after shines through, whether it's a romantic glimpse into history or a love affair for today.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Amazon
Pineapple Lies by Amy Vansant Series: A Pineapple Port Mystery, #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Growing up in one of Florida’s fifty-five plus communities, Charlotte never expected life to be wild. Golf cart racing with her surrogate mothers Mariska and Darla was about as nutty as life got...until she found the hot pawnbroker’s mom buried in her backyard.

Talk about making a lousy first impression.
Armed with nothing but her wits, Pineapple Port’s questionable cast of characters and a growing crush, Charlotte is determined to solve the mystery of Declan’s mother’s murder.

Hey, at least this guy’s skeletons aren't in his closet.

Goodreads ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK
Meet Amy Vansant

Amy specializes in fun, comedic reads about accident prone, easily distracted women with questionable taste in men.
So, autobiographies, mostly.
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Amazon
Shiver Cove, Part 1: Tamyra by T.J. Shortt Series: Shiver Cove, #1Genre: Young Adult
Something stalks the streets of Shiver Cove. Are Tamyra's deepest fears of her werewolf side killing coming true or has something far more sinister than she can imagine made Shiver Cove its home?

Goodreads ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UKBarnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo
Always FREE!
Meet T.J. Shortt

TJ Shortt, a perpetual teenager, has been fascinated by the supernatural her entire life. She spends her days dispatching trucks and plotting out how to kill people… on paper. In 2010 she attended the Borderlands Press Writer’s Bootcamp. She enjoys participating in local and on-line writing groups improving her craft.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ AmazonHead on over to the
Choosy Bookworm
Holiday Extravaganza
event page to learn more and enter to win one of two $250 Amazon Gift Cards or Paypal Cash!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tempting Scrooge By Kaithlin Shepherd - V. Cantrell - Katherine May - Mari Brown - Amy McClung - Becca Lee Lola Stark - Debra Elisa - Vanessa Morse - Ann Grech - K.D. Robichaux - Danielle Jamie

12 Hot Scrooges * 12 Amazing Stories * 12 Days of ChristmasKaithlin Shepherd - V. Cantrell - Katherine May - Mari Brown - Amy McClung - Becca Lee Lola Stark - Debra Elisa - Vanessa Morse - Ann Grech - K.D. Robichaux - Danielle Jamie

Available November 24th


Sometimes hot alphas struggle to get into the festive spirit, but holidays offer the perfect opportunity to tempt Scrooge. Join 12 amazing authors and fall in love with their 12 Scrooges.
There's never a more perfect time than today to be swept away in sweet kisses and tempting caresses.

Exclusive Pre-order for Nook

A Hot Tree Publishing Anthology

His Christmas Miracle by Kaithlin ShepherdJayce promised himself that he would never risk losing anything again, but sometimes the magic of Christmas sends you what you need the most.
Presents & Possibilities by V. CantrellEvent planner, Lily, must be prepared for all possibilities, but not even she can predict the outcome of working with Tyler during the holiday season.
Seducing Mr. Scrooge by Katherine MayJude Shepherd isn't feeling the holiday spirit, and is taking his frustration out on his staff. When Ariana Gilbert hears Jude, her high school crush, has an opening at his multi-million corporation, her mind is set: she's going to seduce Mr. Scrooge.
Belle's Christmas Miracle by Mari BrownSierra needs Cage's help. But with six years of history between them, can they get through the past to work on the future? A Christmas Makeover by Amy McClungThatcher Cole’s Grinch-like attitude clashes with Skye’s jolly-holiday stance. When Skye’s house needs a makeover, it’s not the only transformation occurring this holiday season.
All Wrapped Up by Lola Stark He wanted a fling, she wanted to forget. A chance meeting gives each more than they bargained for.
Mistletoe & Scrooge by Debra Elise A scrooge and a party planner agree to a "business only" date on Christmas Eve. But it's not long before a meddling aunt, a pixie, and plenty of mistletoe bring Grant and Sophie closer together - sharing hot kisses and relearning the true meaning of Christmas.
Mistletoe by Vanessa Morse Holly's holiday began long before a kiss under the mistletoe. A night forgotten, a love found...Christmas wishes really can come true.
A Christmas Wish Come True by Ann Grech Christmas is always a difficult time for Declan, made worse when he's faced with an impossible choice: his straight step-brother or an anonymous one-night stand. Will Declan find a reason to smile this holiday?
The Christmas Hunt by KD Robichaux Finally landing the super-sexy, broody, tatted-up hottie, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he can give The Grinch and Scrooge a run for the title of Biggest Christmas Bad Boy.
Seducing St. Nick by Danielle Jamie Marina has vowed to never allow herself to fall for the arrogant playboy, Dr. St. Nick...but sometimes vows are made to broken.
Kiss & Tell by Becca Lee Avoiding the festivities of Christmas is virtually impossible for Jenna. Not only is she forced to man the community fete’s kissing booth, but Nick, a man she’s been lusting over for far too long, finally finds the perfect opportunity to get her to kiss and tell.


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Boxed Set by Lucile Wild, Paula Knight, Violet Walker, S. Bridges, Rose Haven, Natalia Hunter

Boxed Setby Lucile Wild, Paula Knight, Violet Walker, S. Bridges, Rose Haven, Natalia Hunter

"The Complete Boxed Set (Best-selling Kindled Romance Publishing) includes 9 different boxed sets with 27 stories. 
Reading about Demons, Cougars, Billionaires, Dragons, Vampires, Heartless Rakes, and Cowboys has never been so entertaining. 
Great sexy read for the weekend! "

This boxed set is FANTASTIC!! Something to wet every romance palate...From beginning to end you will not want to put it down, Billionaires, Demons, Dragons, Cougars and more you are bound to find one to love ....unless your like me, and WOW just loved them all. I am so glad I one clicked and will follow all the authors works...as each one had a unique way to captivate me and tell their tale. So hurry and #oneclick this amazing boxed set box bundle of incredible stories!! ~~ Jen with Moment in West FL (verified purchase added October 7, 2015)

OMG a boxed set of COMPLETE BOXED SETS!!! It is the best purchase I have ever made! there are so many different types of books in here that all readers should find AT LEAST one they will fall in love with. There are so many authors to be introduced to and now I want to start reading all of their works. This is a great boxed set and I hope everyone is as happy with the read as I am. ~~ MandalynnJDG (verified purchase added October 9, 2015)
MoB

Body, Ink, and Soul & Music, Ink, and Love by Jude Ouvrard

BODY, INK, AND SOUL &MUSIC, INK, AND LOVE
AUTHOR: Jude OuvrardSERIES: Ink SeriesGenre: Contemporary Romance with a heat level
BODY, INK, AND SOUL

Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect. 
Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid. 
But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys. 
Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything?

The entire mass of guys sitting around my station flocked to Val’s, giving me some time to clean up. I looked up to find only one left, and he was watching me intently. It was the same guy Ty had greeted so enthusiastically earlier.
''Can I get you anything?'' I asked, taking empty glasses off the counter.
''A smile. Give me one and I guarantee you’ll get the biggest tip tonight.'' The slow seductive tone rolling from his shapely lips told me he wasn’t just fooling around. His green eyes stared at me like I was dessert. This guy was hot and he knew it. He was looking me up and down, biting on his lips. He was clearly not afraid to show me how much he liked what he saw. Me. His confidence and determination were fierce. The way his tousled light brown hair went every which way, hanging down across his forehead, told me right away he didn’t care about his looks. He didn’t have to.
He wanted a smile? I shook my head. ''You don’t want a drink? Just water, maybe?''
''No, just a smile. You're the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and it's just a smile I want.'' He brushed his hand through his hair, making it even more tousled.
MUSIC, INK, AND LOVE

Levi Munroe’s life consists of his friends Tyler and Kyle, a lot of ink and having a good time, but most importantly, his heart only has one reason to beat, Nix. 
Phoenix Silverstone came into his life and put him through an emotional roller coaster. No one knows what they sign up for when they fall in love, and Levi is no exception. Dealing with his girlfriend’s negligent biological father, and her old demons returning to tempt her, Levi has way more on his plate than he bargained for. It can break them or make them stronger. 
Both getting to know each other more, they fall deeper in love and are ready to take on the next step. With their wedding approaching, Levi wants what is best for her. A time apart turns out to be exactly what Nix needs but in Levi’s world, it means moping around missing the girl of his dreams. 
More love, more ink, more Kyle and definitely a whole lot more of Levi. Can Nix and Levi survive the reality of their life together or will it break them apart?

Tonight, Nix had planned on taking me out on a date for my birthday. She made reservations in a nice restaurant downtown and I planned on giving her the design of her next tattoo. I had been working on it since she spoke about getting new ink. That had some sort of a super power effect on me. She nearly drove me nuts. That night, sex had been way more intense than before. The thought only gave me goose bumps. 
Okay, whipped man, get your ass back to work.
I had done two designs, one in color and one in black and grey. They were pretty much the same thing. She said she wanted some more flowers, and two hummingbirds, old school style. I kept her demands and I added more details to it like water droplets on the flowers and more water in the background. It looked neat. I preferred the color filled one but the choice was hers, not mine. 
“What do you think, K?”
“It’s a nice one, Levi. The colors are fucking amazing. The flowers almost look alive and the water is impressive too.” He punched my shoulder. 
“What was that for, punk?”
“I hate when you do something better than I can.” He admitted.
MoB

Fooling Around With Cinderella by Stacy Juba

FOOLING AROUND WITH CINDERELLA
AUTHOR: Stacy JubaGENRE: Chick Lit/Sweet RomanceCOVER DESIGNER: Mark Juba


What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella's toes?
When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom. First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun. 


Dylan wheeled his chair around and pointed to the castle poster. She followed his thumb toward the girl in an elegant white and gold gown. “I need a Cinderella.”
Jaine stared at Dylan to gauge whether he was kidding. Oh God, he wasn’t kidding. As he lowered his hand, tightness lodged in the pit of her stomach. “Cinderella?” 
“Since you’ve been coming here for so long, you probably realize Cinderella is our centerpiece character. She sits on her throne all day, posing for pictures. She leads story times in the castle and appears during our weekend Meet and Greet Fireworks Gala.”
“What happened to the regular Cinderella?”
“She didn’t work out.” He fiddled with the pens poking out of a ski boot-shaped shot glass. “One of my cousins plays the part a couple days per week and fills in when she can, but her schedule doesn’t allow her to fulfill our full-time needs. It’s the middle of July and I’m tired of fooling around with Cinderella.”
He grinned, his dimples diverting her from the princess problem. “That didn’t come out right. But you know what I mean. It’s getting frustrating, Jaine. I’m having a hard time finding someone reliable.” 
She bet that Cinderella wouldn’t get tired of fooling around with him.

AMAZON US ~ AMAZON (paperback) ~ NOOK
B&N (paperback) ~ GOOGLE PLAY ~ KOBO
iTUNES ~ SMASHWORDS

Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her new Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers), or writing about them, Stacy helps writers to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. She is currently writing the next books in the Storybook Valley Series, Prancing Around With Sleeping Beauty and The Cinderella Curse.

           
Magic of Books Promotions

Hooked, Book 3 by K.B. Winters

Riley Simmons is on a mission. When all else fails, she logs into an exclusive website—looking for a discrete encounter. A paying discrete encounter. What does she have to lose? Her dignity? That went out with the eviction notice and she knows desperate times bring desperate measures.Alexander Maxwell is a very wealthy man. When he finds Riley on the site, he’s drawn to her immediately—and he has the ways and means to take care of her.Exclusively.Will Riley jump in with both feet? Or will she realize escort is another name for hooker—and she’s hooked? Amazon US I Amazon UK Amazon US I Amazon UK Amazon US I Amazon UK KB Winters is the author of the brand new Billionaire Romance Series, Plush. She has an addiction to caffeine and hard-bodied alpha males. The men in her books are very sexy, protective and sometimes bossy, her ladies are...well...bossier!Living in sunny Southern California, this hopeless romantic writes every chance she gets! Facebook I Twitter I Newsletter Sign-Up

Handyman By Claire Thompson

Title: Handyman By Claire Thompson Genre: M/M Erotic Romance Tour Host: DRC Promotions
SynopsisWhat can a sophisticated Wall Street trader and a simple handyman possibly have in common? Handsome, sexy and gay, Will Spencer uses and discards lovers as easily as he trades stocks. He is used to taking what—and who—he wants. Jack Crawford, a recently widowed handyman, never thought of himself as gay. Frightened by an erotic encounter years before, Jack has never embraced his deepest sexual longings. In an unlikely pairing, Will and Jack explore an incendiary relationship, sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, always scintillatingly erotic. Jack is forced to confront feelings he’s hidden for a lifetime. Will is faced with something he isn’t sure he can handle—love. Warning: Hot, delicious male/male erotic romance. Danger: Explicit m/m sex.
Buy The BookRomance Unbound - Amazon Kindle - Paperback - BN - Smashwords - Kobo - iBooks - All Romance ExcerptWill awoke with a start, his body jerking in response to a half-remembered dream. He was sitting in his living room, an empty brandy glass still clutched in one hand. After he sent Jack away he’d proceeded to pour himself way too much brandy and drink it all, cursing himself all the while. I had him. He was reaching out to me. And I rebuffed him. I sent him home like we were characters in some stupid romantic comedy from the fifties. Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Now he’ll go home, sober up and thank God he got out of that one. I’ll never hear from him again. I’m such a fucking idiot. Will sighed and pressed his hands to his head, which was throbbing dully. Wearily he stood and made his way to the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water from the new faucet Jack had helped him pick out and stood silently admiring the space. Jack was more than a handyman, more than a carpenter. He was an artist. The room was elegant, functional and pleasing to the eye. One would never have looked at the burly, masculine Jack and assumed he was capable of such artistry. Will realized he was holding on to a stereotype in reverse—assuming a straight man like Jack wouldn’t be capable of creating something beautiful. Will drank the glass of water and poured another. Yes, he’d sent Jack away but, though he’d maybe lost an opportunity, he knew he had done the right thing. Any potential erotic feelings Jack was experiencing were too tentative to be taken advantage of while he was under the influence of alcohol. He might have been able to squeeze a one-night something out of it, but that wasn’t what he wanted. For whatever reason, he had to admit he wanted something more with Jack. Unlike Paul and all the other sex partners he’d had over the years, he felt a connection with Jack he couldn’t explain. It made no sense when he tried to analyze it—Jack wasn’t particularly handsome, he was too old, he was straight, or even if he wasn’t, he came with a lot of baggage to shuck off before they could really have a meaningful relationship. Why would Will want to bother with someone like that? Why waste his time and energy? He could have his pick of men—why choose one so unlikely? Why indeed? What made a person fall in love? Was it really something so simple as the way the other person smiled when you talked? The way he stroked the wall before applying paint, feeling for any hidden roughness he would sand away? Was it the way he’d touched Will’s elbow as he stood close behind him at the pool table, guiding him with a gentle, sure touch that spoke of his quiet self-assurance? Was it his scent, a sexy combination of male essence and whatever soap he used, mixed with the fresh laundry scent of his faded, soft denim work shirts? Am I in love? Surely it was too soon to say. Will knew he was in lust. He knew he wanted to explore Jack’s newfound interest, if that’s what it was. He was dying to pick up the phone and call him—just to see if he got home okay, if he was okay with what they’d talked about. He looked at his watch. Two a.m. was a little late to be checking, seeing as he’d sent the guy away hours before. With a sigh, he hauled himself off to bed. ~*~ In the morning a single beam of light fell onto Jack’s face, waking him. Before he was fully conscious he knew something had changed. Something had happened that made him feel different, though still in a semi-sleep state, he couldn’t recall what it was. He became aware of the chirping of birds outside his bedroom window. He sat up and opened his eyes, squinting in the bright sunlight to see two robins, their red breasts proudly puffed as they whistled their springy duet. Jack smiled. He’d always regarded seeing robins as a sign of good luck. He glanced at the clock. It was after nine. He rarely slept this late. Must have been all that brandy. The night returned to him with a flash, scrolling across his brain like a silent movie. He lay back against the pillows and put his hands behind his head. Just what exactly had gone on last night? He tried to recall Will’s precise words. I feel a kindred connection, something between us that sometimes I imagine you feel too. I have this crazy idea maybe we could explore it—together. Men didn’t say that sort of thing to one another. Not straight men, anyway. Yet when Will had said it, Jack hadn’t recoiled, though he hadn’t known how to respond. He felt the same way, really. At least as far as feeling a certain connection—an easiness he rarely felt with anyone. Will had crept up on him. He’d slipped past Jack’s usual reserve with his disarming admiration and open friendliness. Was that all it was? Was Jack merely lonely? Was Will the first person to bother, since Emma had been gone, to push past his defenses? Or was there something more? Did he find Will attractive? As a man? As a potential…lover? Just the word made Jack flush, though he was alone in the room in his empty house. Did he flush because the idea repulsed him? Or because it excited him? Was he finally ready, twenty-six years after the fact, to explore whatever homoerotic feelings he might have buried beneath a lifetime of denial? Jack got up and went into the bathroom, his bladder for the moment distracting him from his ruminations. After he peed, he turned on the shower and waited for the spray to heat as he shucked off his pajama bottoms and underwear. He stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. What could Will possibly see in him? He was in his forties, the hair on his chest going gray, the laugh lines around his eyes pronounced, as were the grooves along either side of his mouth. His body was still strong and firm, as a result of steady, hard physical work all his life. No gym workouts and tennis games to keep in shape, not for Jack Crawford. He’d built his muscles through the labor of his back and the sweat of his brow. He grinned at himself, aware for a horrible moment he sounded just like his father. He turned sideways, consciously holding in his stomach and thrusting out his chest. Then he laughed out loud. He was being ridiculous—acting as vain as any insecure kid. He climbed into the shower and soaped up his body and his hair, his mind returning to Will. Will’s body was lean and firm—the body of an athlete. He was definitely good-looking—almost too good-looking, Jack thought. The kind of man whose face you’d see in an ad for men’s cologne or fine Italian loafers. Will had the look of an aristocrat, that’s the word Jack was groping for. He was young, rich and smart. Why in the hell was he interested in Jack? Was he interested in Jack? Will might have meant only and precisely what he’d said—that he liked and admired Jack. That didn’t mean he wanted to have anything more, did it? Just because he was gay didn’t mean he wanted to jump into bed with every guy he came into contact with. Jack rinsed in the hot spray and soaped himself up again, this time lingering over his cock and balls. He sighed with pleasure as his cock elongated and hardened beneath his fingers. He closed his eyes, lifting his face to the hot spray as he massaged his shaft. Will… Despite himself, Jack saw those brilliant green eyes, fixed so intently upon him. He felt for one ridiculous heart-stopping moment Will was actually there, watching him stroke himself in the shower. Would Will like to watch such a thing? Jack flushed at the thought but tried not to censor himself from thinking it. Did Will have sexual fantasies about him? Was he way off the mark about Will’s feelings for him? After all, he’d only said he liked him. He’d said he enjoyed spending time with him. Yet when he had tried to respond in kind, admittedly in a clumsy, drunken ramble, Will had sent him away—dismissed him. Though part of him was relieved, it rankled nonetheless. “My God, give it a rest, Crawford,” Jack said aloud. “For all I know, the guy has zero interest, no intentions. Here I am, gearing up for some kind of gay encounter and Will has probably forgotten the whole thing. Jesus, I’m pathetic.” He forced himself to think of a naked woman as he finished jerking himself off. Just as he ejaculated his libido got the better of his conscious mind, thrusting the image of Will, bent over the pool table, his hair falling into his eyes, his lips parted as he prepared for a shot… Jack finished his shower and roughly toweled himself dry. If only he hadn’t finished the job at Will’s place already. He prided himself on working steady and fast—it was a big reason he got repeat business, maybe the main reason. He had two jobs lined up for next week, though neither would take more than a day or two. After that, maybe he could call Will, invite himself over with some plans for Will’s master bathroom. It could definitely use some renovation… Wait a minute. What was he thinking? Jack never solicited business. He let it come to him. If Will wanted more work done, he had Jack’s number. He wasn’t about to foist himself on the guy just because they’d maybe spoken a little too freely after a little too much to drink. If Will wanted to see him again, Will could call. Will, after all, had been the one to send him away. Let him call him back—if that’s what he wanted. And if he didn’t, well, that was that. Jack had been doing fine on his own these past two years. There was no reason to suppose he couldn’t go on just as he had been for the next twenty. Jack went about his business, making himself breakfast, eating it in front of the TV as he watched the Friday morning news, washing the few dishes and putting them in the rack to dry. He had a small job that afternoon—some finishing touches on a sunroom he’d built on a house not far from Will’s. Then the weekend loomed. As he poured himself a second cup of coffee an uninvited thought slipped into his head. What if you wait for him to call, but he doesn’t? Will you let this second chance slip away like you did the first? He had no answer.
About The AuthorI've been writing for nearly two decades, and have published over 60 novels. I write BDSM romance and non-con abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. My love affair is with all things D/s (Dominance/submission). My work began as a romantic exploration of the BDSM life style, and then veered somewhat to the darker side of fantasy. I love delving into the dark psyche of a twisted mind, and gaining insight into what might motivate such a person to do what they do. I don't create all black and white villains and heroes, but rather strive to develop real, complex and flawed human beings. I don't want to simply provide an erotic thrill or evocative description. I seek not only to tell a story, but to come to grips with, and ultimately exalt in the true beauty and spirituality of a loving exchange of power. My darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately my work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience. 
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Love is Found [The Only If Series #1 ] by R. Paone

 Title: Love is Found Series: The Only If Series #1 Author: R. Paone Genre: Adult, Gay Contemporary Romance, Coming of Age Coming: November 16, 2015 “Love is Found” is the moving story about coming-of-age in suburban New York and discovering the broad concept of sexuality and love.

Based on true events of love, the story’s protagonist, Robert, finds himself thrown into the realization that upon entering graduate school he is beginning a new chapter in his adult life. Comfortable with being gay, he yearns for love but dwells on the ideal of being alone while being consumed by the world of academia. Upon starting a new job he meets a coworker, whom he begins an unlikely relationship with considering this man identifies as straight.

When sex is introduced and emotions run amok, the routine of Robert’s life is thrown into chaos with unexpected outcomes. Little does he know if his heart can survive the overwhelming desire and how this man will alter the course of his life just not now, but for the next decade.

The first novel in the debut “Only If…” series by R.Paone introduces the heartbreaking portrait of one young man finding love in all the wrong places while exploring themes of one’s sexual identity, passion, and nostalgia. Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU “Are you sleeping?”My eyes cracked open. I was still lying in the bed of grass. I am glad my dream was a true account of what happened the night before. I sat up and smiled as Mitch was standing over me with a grocery bag of food he picked up from the market. He was looking at me with such intent and determination. We were headed to the local art museum downtown but stopped by the adjacent park to have some lunch. I looked at my cell phone, I must have fell asleep for about five minutes. A good dream, nonetheless. It’ll happen again, I know it.He emptied the contents of the bag onto the a bath towel we grabbed from his apartment and turned his gaze to me before even opening the container of hummus and bottle of water. “I have something I have to tell you.” I held my breath and waited… “ Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AUAmazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU R.Paone started on this writing journey in June, 2014. From events that were beyond his control, he decided to start this new path in his life before my 30th birthday. It has been quite the journey mapping out this story arc. He has learned so much writing a novel in that it has been therapeutic and also eye opening as it evolves. He hopes everyone will enjoy what is to come from the "ONLY IF" series as I want this to be something anyone could reach for and say "that could happen to me." Stay tuned! Three fun facts about him is: he live in NYC, has a vast horror movie collection and has a great appreciation for Enya. FACEBOOK I TWITTER I GOODREADS I WEBSITE  a Rafflecopter giveaway