E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 39
October 6, 2016
Indie Spotlight: BDSM Romance
*Reposted from Some Like it Hot Group
There is a lot of speculation about the enduring popularity of BDSM Romance among mainstream readers. Personally, I think that it is the intensity of the relationships as much as the super hot adult content. Although not essential, throw in life among the super wealthy and romantic, exotic locations and it's a total winner.
At least when it is well written and fellow Some Like it Hot Group member, Jillian Verne's Master of Order series is extremely well written. These are true romances with heroes, heroines, villains, melodrama and a satisfying HEA - the kinky adult content is all consensual.
Each novel is standalone and they can be read in any order.
Purchase Links:
LooseId: http://www.loose-id.com/masters-of-th...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Ma...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maste...
Kobo:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maste...
Apple:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mast...
There is a lot of speculation about the enduring popularity of BDSM Romance among mainstream readers. Personally, I think that it is the intensity of the relationships as much as the super hot adult content. Although not essential, throw in life among the super wealthy and romantic, exotic locations and it's a total winner.
At least when it is well written and fellow Some Like it Hot Group member, Jillian Verne's Master of Order series is extremely well written. These are true romances with heroes, heroines, villains, melodrama and a satisfying HEA - the kinky adult content is all consensual.
Each novel is standalone and they can be read in any order.
Master. Lover. Submissive. Muse.
When Julianne Giroux, an aspiring artist with a dark secret, apprentices with Nicolai Stavros in his Paris gallery, she finds far more than a passion for art. She finds herself. The masterful artist with forbidden tastes strips away her reserved veneer to reveal the daring, darkly passionate woman beneath and introduces her to the erotic world of The Order.
A celebrated artist, an indulged heir, and a sexual Dominant, Nicolai has it all...except what he needs. In Julianne, he finds his muse. Nicolai crafts the ingénue into his living masterpiece and through the arduous process, finds himself re-created. With Julianne as his inspiration, Nicolai aspires to become something greater than he has been.
But in an erotic world where powerful players enjoy dark games and buried secrets bite, new life comes at a painful price.
Welcome to The Order, an elite and secret society of powerful brothers bound by social status and sexual tastes. Come. Play dark games with us.
Purchase Links:
LooseId: http://www.loose-id.com/masters-of-th...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Ma...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maste...
Kobo:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maste...
Apple:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mast...
September 29, 2016
Indie Spotlight on Romance Authors: Space Opera
*Reposted from Some Like it Hot Group
Fellow Some Like it Hot Group member, Emma Jaye is an amazingly versatile writer. Her work includes:
The Call Girl Series Contemporary kink
The Succubus Trilogy PNR
Holiday rom-com
M/M romance
My personal favorite Space Opera Romance
And for those who like a little extra hotness, the series develops into a ménage M/F/M.
Purchase links: http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Hybri...
Fellow Some Like it Hot Group member, Emma Jaye is an amazingly versatile writer. Her work includes:
The Call Girl Series Contemporary kink
The Succubus Trilogy PNR
Holiday rom-com
M/M romanceMy personal favorite Space Opera Romance
Enmeshed in a universe that wants to use her, a rare alien/human hybrid must find her way through political intrigue, lust, violence and ambition to discover who and what she is.
Chesara extraordinary ability means she is coddled, pampered and in high demand from the wealthy of the Universe as she can heal illnesses and injuries far beyond the skills of medical science. Being pursued for herself, rather than her ability is a new experience, and one that thrills her to the core. Unfortunately things that seem too good to be true, usually are.
And for those who like a little extra hotness, the series develops into a ménage M/F/M.
Purchase links: http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Hybri...
September 22, 2016
Indie Spotlight: Regency Romance
*reposted from Some Like it Hot Group
Historical romance in general, and Regency Romance in particular, have long been a staple of the genre. Who doesn't like a virtuous and feisty heroine overcoming adversity to be carried off to a castle by a dashing nobleman. Preferably a Duke?
In a lovely spin on the trope, the Duke was bounder and his very noble brother-in-law stuck with cleaning up the mess. Throw in a little Christmas magic, and a heroine who does more rescuing than being rescued, and you have A Dangerous Nativity by Caroline Warfield.
Although the steam factor is low, the charm and true love factor is high in this little novella and its full-length companions The Dangerous Works series.
Fair warning - although this novella is available on multiple platforms, the subsequent novels are kindle only.
Freebie Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dan...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Historical romance in general, and Regency Romance in particular, have long been a staple of the genre. Who doesn't like a virtuous and feisty heroine overcoming adversity to be carried off to a castle by a dashing nobleman. Preferably a Duke?
In a lovely spin on the trope, the Duke was bounder and his very noble brother-in-law stuck with cleaning up the mess. Throw in a little Christmas magic, and a heroine who does more rescuing than being rescued, and you have A Dangerous Nativity by Caroline Warfield.
Although the steam factor is low, the charm and true love factor is high in this little novella and its full-length companions The Dangerous Works series.
The Earl of Chadbourn loves nothing better than to care for his fields, his flocks, and the people who earn their living from the land. Trapped by his brother-in-law’s death into responsibility for his traumatized nephew, grieving sister, and an estate gone to ruin, loneliness overwhelms him. The first-rate husbandry of a neighboring farm and the woman who runs it draw him like a moth to flame. With Christmas coming, can he repair the damaged estate and far more damaged family? Dare he hope for love in the bargain?
Catherine Wheatly is content to manage Songbird Cottage and care for her father and brothers. She has long since accepted that marriage and a home of her own are not in her future. She is content—until an interfering earl descends on Songbird determined to unearth their secrets and upend her world.
Fair warning - although this novella is available on multiple platforms, the subsequent novels are kindle only.
Freebie Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dan...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
September 15, 2016
Indie Spotlight: Time Travel Romance
*reposted from Some Like It Hot Group
Time travel romances are usually either really good or really silly. Elizabeth Davies Resurrection series falls into the 'really good' category. I discovered the Resurrection series the way I discover many of my favorite reads - from a recommendation by a Goodreads friend.
Steamy and romantic, this time travel series features two twists that I really enjoyed. The first, our heroine Grace makes multiple trips in time - each to a different era. The author does a fabulous job in portraying periods from the middle ages to Victorian England. In every time leap, Grace encounters Roman, super sexy vampire. Yes, vampire. Time travel and vampires - what could be more fun?
The first novel is perma-free, and although it ends on a cliffhanger, the other two novels are modestly priced at US$2.99.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/State-Grace-Re...
Barnes &Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/state...
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/stat...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Time travel romances are usually either really good or really silly. Elizabeth Davies Resurrection series falls into the 'really good' category. I discovered the Resurrection series the way I discover many of my favorite reads - from a recommendation by a Goodreads friend.
Steamy and romantic, this time travel series features two twists that I really enjoyed. The first, our heroine Grace makes multiple trips in time - each to a different era. The author does a fabulous job in portraying periods from the middle ages to Victorian England. In every time leap, Grace encounters Roman, super sexy vampire. Yes, vampire. Time travel and vampires - what could be more fun?
Grace has a terminal brain tumour and will die in the next few months. Roman has an addiction to blood, and could possibly live forever.
Grace is twenty-seven years old. When they meet in the twelfth century, Roman is several hundred years old.
And Grace has another problem - she's from his future and neither of them believe it.
The first novel is perma-free, and although it ends on a cliffhanger, the other two novels are modestly priced at US$2.99.
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/State-Grace-Re...
Barnes &Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/state...
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/stat...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
September 8, 2016
Indie Spotlight on Romance Authors: Romantic Suspense
Reposted from Some Like it Hot Indie Spotlight.
I love romantic suspense. I need more than relationship drama for a romance to really work for me. Suspense set in the world of competitive chess where the Grand Master needs a body guard -- who could resist? Add in some serious steam, and I'm in romance reader heaven.
Author Molly Joseph romantic suspense novel caught my attention for its unique premise. Discovery that the author is also BDSM Romance and erotica Annabel Joseph assured me that this independently published novel would be well-written and edited.
The first in Molly Joseph's new Ironclad Bodyguards series Pawn is a refreshing role reversal. The brilliant chess playing heroine is moody and temperamental, while the hero is expressive, patient, and loving. Throw intrigue and danger and it is one of those novels that is hard to put down.
High stakes chess competition has always been a man’s game—until Grace Ann Frasier topples some of the game’s greatest champions and turns the chess world on its ear. Her prowess at the game is matched only by her rivals’ desire to defeat her, or, worse, avenge their losses. When an international championship threatens Grace’s safety, a bevy of security experts are hired to look after her, but only one is her personal, close-duty bodyguard, courtesy of Ironclad Solutions, Inc.
Sam Knight knows nothing about chess, but he knows that Grace is working to achieve something important, and he vows to shelter her from those who mean her harm. In the course of his duties, he realizes there’s more going on than a simple chess match between rivals, and his fragile client is all too aware of the stakes. When she leans on him for emotional support, attraction battles with professionalism and Sam finds his self-discipline wavering. Soon the complexity of their relationship resembles a chess board, where one questionable move can ruin everything—or win a game that could resonate around the world
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
B&N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pawn-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
I love romantic suspense. I need more than relationship drama for a romance to really work for me. Suspense set in the world of competitive chess where the Grand Master needs a body guard -- who could resist? Add in some serious steam, and I'm in romance reader heaven.
Author Molly Joseph romantic suspense novel caught my attention for its unique premise. Discovery that the author is also BDSM Romance and erotica Annabel Joseph assured me that this independently published novel would be well-written and edited.
The first in Molly Joseph's new Ironclad Bodyguards series Pawn is a refreshing role reversal. The brilliant chess playing heroine is moody and temperamental, while the hero is expressive, patient, and loving. Throw intrigue and danger and it is one of those novels that is hard to put down.
I'll protect you. That's what I'm here for. Even if I have to protect you from myself."
High stakes chess competition has always been a man’s game—until Grace Ann Frasier topples some of the game’s greatest champions and turns the chess world on its ear. Her prowess at the game is matched only by her rivals’ desire to defeat her, or, worse, avenge their losses. When an international championship threatens Grace’s safety, a bevy of security experts are hired to look after her, but only one is her personal, close-duty bodyguard, courtesy of Ironclad Solutions, Inc.
Sam Knight knows nothing about chess, but he knows that Grace is working to achieve something important, and he vows to shelter her from those who mean her harm. In the course of his duties, he realizes there’s more going on than a simple chess match between rivals, and his fragile client is all too aware of the stakes. When she leans on him for emotional support, attraction battles with professionalism and Sam finds his self-discipline wavering. Soon the complexity of their relationship resembles a chess board, where one questionable move can ruin everything—or win a game that could resonate around the world
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
B&N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pawn-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
September 5, 2016
SNEAK PEEK: Fortuna
For all those who like their science-fiction with interstellar travel, this sneak peak from Fortuna: The Apprentice, Volume 4 is for you.
Lucius stretches out his legs and glances over at his apprentice. Lilian’s head is bent toward her slate as she rapidly taps instructions. Her good humor pleases him, evidence that she is recovering from the violence of her assaults at the hands of Grey Spear. The relaxed posture exhibits naught of strain that could have her startling at shadows. The journey to Fortuna is already benefiting his apprentice.
Immersed in his thoughts, they are almost to the pavilion before Lucius realizes Lilian’s competent tapping has ceased. Her earlier relaxation is gone, replaced by ramrod posture, a stoic expression, and a tight grip on the slate satchel where her thorn resides. What troubles the woman? Before Lucius can explore this latest enigma, Mr. George is opening the door of the transport.
The Shimmering Horizon is among the most luxurious transports in the Twelve Systems. For most of the year, it travels between the commerce centers of the Third and Second Systems. Only during the green season does travel to Fortuna. The only transports that are finer do not transit to the Fourth System at all.
A deferential steward escorts them to a suite in a quiet and secluded section of the transport where a Blooded Dagger Militia guard already in position by the door. Inside the suite, the steward guides them through a well-appointed and commodious reception salon divided into three seating areas and a dining section. The amenities include a wall-sized reviewer on the long interior wall and window the length of the chamber with a view of the Stellar Transport Center.
There are two doors off the reception salon. Directly opposite the entry door are the double doors that lead to Lucius’ bed chamber which in turn has a single door on the left that leads to a comfortable freshening closet. Adjoining Lucius’ freshening chamber and accessible through an entrance next to the reviewer is the servitor’s complete with a miniscule excuse for a freshening closet.
Lilian cannot fail to make the obvious comparison between the luxury of milord’s accommodations and the Spartan nature of the militia transport that returned her and her family to Metricelli Prime two years gone. Repressing a shudder, refusing to allow the memories of that ordeal to overwhelm her, Lilian focuses on the stellar transit center beyond the window. She is not looking forward to when the planet disappears to be replaced by the star-filled void.
“What think you, Lilian?” Milord tosses his jacket on a chair and drops onto the oversize couch opposite the reviewer.
That I pray this stellar journey will be more agreeable than my last. Do not voice that. “The accommodations are very fine.”
Milord’s eyes narrow and his lips firm in unspoken command. Cautiously, Lilian adds, “Much nicer than the utilitarian accommodations of a militia transport.”
As Lucius suspected, Lilian is troubled by evil memories of her protocol review. Although Lilian does not know it, Lucius owns the only monitor recording of Remus Gariten’s Final Draught and the ugly scene it included. The nasty militia corporal who allowed Lilian’s abuse no longer lives. Trevelyan’s operatives eliminated that particular threat to his apprentice with their customary efficiency. It occurs to Lucius that the pervert might not have been the only one. Media reports of prisoner abuse are common enough. Reaching out a hand, Lucius beckons to Lilian. Pulling her down next to him on the couch, he encircles her shoulders with one arm. “Were they cruel to you?”
Raising startled eyes, Lilian shakes her head in denial, “No milord. For the most part the militia officers were indifferent. Prisoners are but cargo to be transported safely, free of damage, and with as little effort as possible.”
A shadow flickers across Lilian’s face, and she adds, “There was one very nasty corporal. Fortunately, I was no longer a prisoner when I encountered him.”
With a gentle squeeze, Lucius encourages Lilian to continue. If there is aught of the corporal Lucius does not know, he will know it now.
With a lightening of her features, Lilian adds, “He came to a violent end some months gone. It was in the media. I admit, I pray regularly for the wellbeing of his murderers.”
Stunned and amused, Lucius pulls Lilian in for a kiss. Releasing her after several enjoyable moments, Lucius notes with pleasure Lilian’s wide eyes and red, swollen lips. A heartbeat later, sharp intellect replaces Lilian’s bemusement and a hint of wariness, “Should I be naming Seigneur Trevelyan in my prayers?”
Demon shit. Lilian is well aware Trevelyan’s services are often less than legal, and she is beyond intuitive.
Lilian’s eyes darken. Lucius’ silence is answer enough. “Milord has viewed the recording.”
“I have,” Lucius admits, wondering at her distress. The man was a threat to Lilian, and she was pleased to pray for his killers.
Lilian drops her eyes, her fingers nervously tracing the weave of her cheap linen skirt. “Milord is not… my behavior… I…”
Provoked by Gariten’s verbal abuse of Helena and Katleen, Lilian had put her thorn to his throat and compelled him to swallow the Final Draught. Raising a weapon to her sire violated multiple taboos, threatening patricide bordered on an annihilation crime. None of this troubles Lucius. Cupping Lilian’s chin, he tilts her face to meet his gaze. “Peace, woman. You have no cause for shame. The corporal should never have permitted Gariten’s abuse. It was the corporal’s duty to administer the Draught. You did naught but what was necessary.”
Lilian’s eyes flare and brighten with emotion. Lowering her lashes, Lilian turns her face into his hand to kiss Lucius’ fingers. Her murmured, ‘my thanks, milord’ is felt as much as heard. The gesture sends a familiar stab of lust to Lucius’ groin and a curious warmth to his heart. Unable to resist, he asks, “Will your prayers add my name to Trevelyan’s?”
“There is no need, milord,” Lilian’s eyes are full of conviction. “Milord’s name has long been included.”
Both lust and the odd warmth ignite into heat, Lucius drags Lilian close, claiming her mouth.
Milord’s mouth descends in a plundering kiss, scattering Lilian’s wits and swamping her senses. Relief that milord is not horrified by her behavior at Gariten’s execution blends with wonder that milord saw to her protection with the assassination of the corporal. Lilian knew that once she proved her bond, the corporal would have used that incident for blackmail. Had milord not had the man slain, it would have fallen to Lilian.
To Lilian’s regret, milord proceeds no further than a kiss. Gently releasing her, milord says, “We have some bells until planet exit. It would be well to take advantage of the communications network while we may.”
Nodding, Lilian shifts to the other side of the couch and takes up her slate. She is anxious to complete the fisheries analysis before communications become difficult. At midday, Lilian begs to retreat for a few moments. Returning to the salon, she discovers Milord seated at a table, a meal for two arrayed before him, his slate resting on its stand. At milord’s gesture, Lilian collects her slate and takes her place. They eat in silence, both focused on commerce. As soon as milord rises from table, Lilian follows, retreating to her chamber to cleanse as milord disappears into his. When she returns to her place on the couch, the phantom servitors have removed the debris from the meal.
Within a bell, chimes sound, alerting Lilian to deactivate her slate. Milord is already moving to a chair that faces the window where passengers can have a clear view of Metricelli Prime dropping away. It is not the first time Lilian has been on a luxury stellar transport. Even in the finest accommodations the g-force is breathtaking, as is the knowledge that once it ceases, they have entered the void.
As the pressure of planet exit fades, Metricelli Prime turns into a small green ball. It will be two years before construction completes on the SEV1 and it launches for the Thirteenth system. Even with all their plans and preparations, there is much that could go amiss. Lilian is overwhelmed at the thought of the courage it will take the SEV1 crew to leave the last beacon behind and head into the void with nothing to guide them but the markers left by the Serengeti XII probe. Naught but a fragile trail of candles across a vast darkness.
“It is a fearsome notion,” Milord echoes her thoughts.
Whether milord can read her mind or is simply that intuitive, there is no purpose in dissembling. “Yes, milord, all those stars and only twelve that are beaconed. It would be very easy to get lost in the void.”
Gazing into the inky black scattered with pinpricks of light, Lilian’s mind starts to work through the SEV1 plans again, seeking flaws and risks. Nickolas and Fletcher will be on the SEV1. They will not be lost.
Again, as if reading her mind, milord says, “Then we must make very certain that the SEV1 does not get lost.”
“Yes, milord.”
Shortly after third bell, the release chimes sound. They have left the Third System. The speed of the transport has turned the pinpricks into streamers of light as the Shimmering Horizon leaps toward the next beacon. The passengers are at liberty to move about the transport.
Lucius stretches out his legs and glances over at his apprentice. Lilian’s head is bent toward her slate as she rapidly taps instructions. Her good humor pleases him, evidence that she is recovering from the violence of her assaults at the hands of Grey Spear. The relaxed posture exhibits naught of strain that could have her startling at shadows. The journey to Fortuna is already benefiting his apprentice.
Immersed in his thoughts, they are almost to the pavilion before Lucius realizes Lilian’s competent tapping has ceased. Her earlier relaxation is gone, replaced by ramrod posture, a stoic expression, and a tight grip on the slate satchel where her thorn resides. What troubles the woman? Before Lucius can explore this latest enigma, Mr. George is opening the door of the transport.
The Shimmering Horizon is among the most luxurious transports in the Twelve Systems. For most of the year, it travels between the commerce centers of the Third and Second Systems. Only during the green season does travel to Fortuna. The only transports that are finer do not transit to the Fourth System at all.
A deferential steward escorts them to a suite in a quiet and secluded section of the transport where a Blooded Dagger Militia guard already in position by the door. Inside the suite, the steward guides them through a well-appointed and commodious reception salon divided into three seating areas and a dining section. The amenities include a wall-sized reviewer on the long interior wall and window the length of the chamber with a view of the Stellar Transport Center.
There are two doors off the reception salon. Directly opposite the entry door are the double doors that lead to Lucius’ bed chamber which in turn has a single door on the left that leads to a comfortable freshening closet. Adjoining Lucius’ freshening chamber and accessible through an entrance next to the reviewer is the servitor’s complete with a miniscule excuse for a freshening closet.
Lilian cannot fail to make the obvious comparison between the luxury of milord’s accommodations and the Spartan nature of the militia transport that returned her and her family to Metricelli Prime two years gone. Repressing a shudder, refusing to allow the memories of that ordeal to overwhelm her, Lilian focuses on the stellar transit center beyond the window. She is not looking forward to when the planet disappears to be replaced by the star-filled void.
“What think you, Lilian?” Milord tosses his jacket on a chair and drops onto the oversize couch opposite the reviewer.
That I pray this stellar journey will be more agreeable than my last. Do not voice that. “The accommodations are very fine.”
Milord’s eyes narrow and his lips firm in unspoken command. Cautiously, Lilian adds, “Much nicer than the utilitarian accommodations of a militia transport.”
As Lucius suspected, Lilian is troubled by evil memories of her protocol review. Although Lilian does not know it, Lucius owns the only monitor recording of Remus Gariten’s Final Draught and the ugly scene it included. The nasty militia corporal who allowed Lilian’s abuse no longer lives. Trevelyan’s operatives eliminated that particular threat to his apprentice with their customary efficiency. It occurs to Lucius that the pervert might not have been the only one. Media reports of prisoner abuse are common enough. Reaching out a hand, Lucius beckons to Lilian. Pulling her down next to him on the couch, he encircles her shoulders with one arm. “Were they cruel to you?”
Raising startled eyes, Lilian shakes her head in denial, “No milord. For the most part the militia officers were indifferent. Prisoners are but cargo to be transported safely, free of damage, and with as little effort as possible.”
A shadow flickers across Lilian’s face, and she adds, “There was one very nasty corporal. Fortunately, I was no longer a prisoner when I encountered him.”
With a gentle squeeze, Lucius encourages Lilian to continue. If there is aught of the corporal Lucius does not know, he will know it now.
With a lightening of her features, Lilian adds, “He came to a violent end some months gone. It was in the media. I admit, I pray regularly for the wellbeing of his murderers.”
Stunned and amused, Lucius pulls Lilian in for a kiss. Releasing her after several enjoyable moments, Lucius notes with pleasure Lilian’s wide eyes and red, swollen lips. A heartbeat later, sharp intellect replaces Lilian’s bemusement and a hint of wariness, “Should I be naming Seigneur Trevelyan in my prayers?”
Demon shit. Lilian is well aware Trevelyan’s services are often less than legal, and she is beyond intuitive.
Lilian’s eyes darken. Lucius’ silence is answer enough. “Milord has viewed the recording.”
“I have,” Lucius admits, wondering at her distress. The man was a threat to Lilian, and she was pleased to pray for his killers.
Lilian drops her eyes, her fingers nervously tracing the weave of her cheap linen skirt. “Milord is not… my behavior… I…”
Provoked by Gariten’s verbal abuse of Helena and Katleen, Lilian had put her thorn to his throat and compelled him to swallow the Final Draught. Raising a weapon to her sire violated multiple taboos, threatening patricide bordered on an annihilation crime. None of this troubles Lucius. Cupping Lilian’s chin, he tilts her face to meet his gaze. “Peace, woman. You have no cause for shame. The corporal should never have permitted Gariten’s abuse. It was the corporal’s duty to administer the Draught. You did naught but what was necessary.”
Lilian’s eyes flare and brighten with emotion. Lowering her lashes, Lilian turns her face into his hand to kiss Lucius’ fingers. Her murmured, ‘my thanks, milord’ is felt as much as heard. The gesture sends a familiar stab of lust to Lucius’ groin and a curious warmth to his heart. Unable to resist, he asks, “Will your prayers add my name to Trevelyan’s?”
“There is no need, milord,” Lilian’s eyes are full of conviction. “Milord’s name has long been included.”
Both lust and the odd warmth ignite into heat, Lucius drags Lilian close, claiming her mouth.
Milord’s mouth descends in a plundering kiss, scattering Lilian’s wits and swamping her senses. Relief that milord is not horrified by her behavior at Gariten’s execution blends with wonder that milord saw to her protection with the assassination of the corporal. Lilian knew that once she proved her bond, the corporal would have used that incident for blackmail. Had milord not had the man slain, it would have fallen to Lilian.
To Lilian’s regret, milord proceeds no further than a kiss. Gently releasing her, milord says, “We have some bells until planet exit. It would be well to take advantage of the communications network while we may.”
Nodding, Lilian shifts to the other side of the couch and takes up her slate. She is anxious to complete the fisheries analysis before communications become difficult. At midday, Lilian begs to retreat for a few moments. Returning to the salon, she discovers Milord seated at a table, a meal for two arrayed before him, his slate resting on its stand. At milord’s gesture, Lilian collects her slate and takes her place. They eat in silence, both focused on commerce. As soon as milord rises from table, Lilian follows, retreating to her chamber to cleanse as milord disappears into his. When she returns to her place on the couch, the phantom servitors have removed the debris from the meal.
Within a bell, chimes sound, alerting Lilian to deactivate her slate. Milord is already moving to a chair that faces the window where passengers can have a clear view of Metricelli Prime dropping away. It is not the first time Lilian has been on a luxury stellar transport. Even in the finest accommodations the g-force is breathtaking, as is the knowledge that once it ceases, they have entered the void.
As the pressure of planet exit fades, Metricelli Prime turns into a small green ball. It will be two years before construction completes on the SEV1 and it launches for the Thirteenth system. Even with all their plans and preparations, there is much that could go amiss. Lilian is overwhelmed at the thought of the courage it will take the SEV1 crew to leave the last beacon behind and head into the void with nothing to guide them but the markers left by the Serengeti XII probe. Naught but a fragile trail of candles across a vast darkness.
“It is a fearsome notion,” Milord echoes her thoughts.
Whether milord can read her mind or is simply that intuitive, there is no purpose in dissembling. “Yes, milord, all those stars and only twelve that are beaconed. It would be very easy to get lost in the void.”
Gazing into the inky black scattered with pinpricks of light, Lilian’s mind starts to work through the SEV1 plans again, seeking flaws and risks. Nickolas and Fletcher will be on the SEV1. They will not be lost.
Again, as if reading her mind, milord says, “Then we must make very certain that the SEV1 does not get lost.”
“Yes, milord.”
Shortly after third bell, the release chimes sound. They have left the Third System. The speed of the transport has turned the pinpricks into streamers of light as the Shimmering Horizon leaps toward the next beacon. The passengers are at liberty to move about the transport.
September 1, 2016
Indie Spotlight Sep 1: Paranormal Romance
Reposted from Some Like it Hot Indie Spotlight.
I discovered Zoe Forward's work through a 99c promo - or maybe a freebie - I don't recall. Take note, Indie Authors, those promos work.
Her Keeper's of the Veil series features witches who defend the earth from destruction, the super hot druids who protect them, and an evil organization determined to destroy them. Fun, action-packed, witty, and steamy, these are great romance reads with definite HEA.
Book 2, His Witch to Keep is my favorite of the three, but all are worth reading.
First in the Series; Protecting His Witch.
The last thing he wanted was to fall for a witch...
Veterinarian Kat Ramsey hasn't a clue that she's a witch. Sure, she can read minds, and there's the whole “dimension-hopping” issue that she can't quite control, but Kat is determined to keep things normal. That is, until she accidentally hops into the Otherworld, and runs smack into Matthew Ryan–the seriously hot one-night stand from years ago who shoved her out of his dorm. Naked.
And there's the tiny matter of the curse she gave him.
May you never find satisfaction with another woman. Billionaire and former druid Matthew Ryan hasn't forgotten the curse, or the witch who gave it to him. Kat's unexpected return means the curse will finally be broken. Unfortunately, his libido has other ideas–like how to get her back into his bed one last time. But far more worrying is his suspicion that Kat is the seventh Pleiades witch. Because while he's turned his back on his druidic ways, he's still bound to protect the woman who made his life hell
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prote...
Apple:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/prot...
Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
I discovered Zoe Forward's work through a 99c promo - or maybe a freebie - I don't recall. Take note, Indie Authors, those promos work.
Her Keeper's of the Veil series features witches who defend the earth from destruction, the super hot druids who protect them, and an evil organization determined to destroy them. Fun, action-packed, witty, and steamy, these are great romance reads with definite HEA.
Book 2, His Witch to Keep is my favorite of the three, but all are worth reading.
First in the Series; Protecting His Witch.
The last thing he wanted was to fall for a witch...
Veterinarian Kat Ramsey hasn't a clue that she's a witch. Sure, she can read minds, and there's the whole “dimension-hopping” issue that she can't quite control, but Kat is determined to keep things normal. That is, until she accidentally hops into the Otherworld, and runs smack into Matthew Ryan–the seriously hot one-night stand from years ago who shoved her out of his dorm. Naked.
And there's the tiny matter of the curse she gave him.
May you never find satisfaction with another woman. Billionaire and former druid Matthew Ryan hasn't forgotten the curse, or the witch who gave it to him. Kat's unexpected return means the curse will finally be broken. Unfortunately, his libido has other ideas–like how to get her back into his bed one last time. But far more worrying is his suspicion that Kat is the seventh Pleiades witch. Because while he's turned his back on his druidic ways, he's still bound to protect the woman who made his life hell
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prote...
Apple:https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/prot...
Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
August 25, 2016
Indie Spotlight Aug 24: BDSM Romance
*reposted from Some Like it Hot Group's Indie Spotlight*
Some Like it Hot member Gem Larkspur credits her fellow group members for helping her launch her first novel, Fantasy Forfeit with their generous support as beta-readers.
What if a scam artist put everything you have at risk and selling yourself to a stranger for four days solves all of your problems?
*Contains a cliffhanger that concludes in Fantasy Reclaimed
Purchase Links:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2822V8
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fanta...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fanta...
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/eboo...
Some Like it Hot member Gem Larkspur credits her fellow group members for helping her launch her first novel, Fantasy Forfeit with their generous support as beta-readers.
What if a scam artist put everything you have at risk and selling yourself to a stranger for four days solves all of your problems?
Beast steps closer and presses against me. His lips are against my temple. “You have such lovely, silky skin. So sensitive.”
The island is discreet, luxurious, and anonymous. Invitations to the island’s exclusive Hunt carry a six figure price tag. The quarry is a well-trained submissive, the prize is four days of unfettered play where only aliases are exchanged and satisfaction is guaranteed. It’s the perfect getaway for a Dom who likes to play hard and walk away with no entanglements.
Threatened with bankruptcy 'Sapphire' clutches at the possibility of solving her problems with one long weekend. Armed with a friend’s reference and knowledge gained through novels and internet research, Sapphire is accepted as a Hunt submissive. She expects a weekend Dom, someone older, with more money than virility. She hopes for someone who will give her a taste of fantasy without pushing her limits.
'Beast' is a master of the Hunt and the island is his playground. A demanding Dom, he wants nothing more than a four day retreat where he can indulge his desires with a professional submissive. When an old rivalry turns dangerous, everyone’s limits are challenged.
*Contains a cliffhanger that concludes in Fantasy Reclaimed
Purchase Links:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2822V8
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fanta...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fanta...
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/eboo...
August 21, 2016
If 'Truth is the daughter of time', sometimes I think 'Justice is an orphan'
Reposting from Facebook. My comments were abbreviated for FB. You know how it goes - big picture, few words. Check out the meme and see my comments below.
My FB post is true without complete accuracy or commentary:
Thank you to 12 Systems reader, Deb Davis. If 'truth is the daughter of time', I sometimes feel that 'Justice is an orphan'.
From Wikipedia, "Payne-Gaposchkin remained her entire academic career at Harvard. At first, she had no official position, merely serving as a technical assistant from 1927 to 1938.She was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1943. None of the courses she taught at Harvard were recorded in the catalogue until 1945.
In 1956 she became the first woman to be promoted to full professor from within the faculty at Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.Later, with her appointment to the Chair of the Department of Astronomy, she also became the first woman to head a department at Harvard."
Also from Wikipedia - Henry Norris Russell earned 7 prizes/medals ($) including having the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship endowed at Harvard.
In 1976 - Celia Payne-Caposchikin was appointed to the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship.
What I couldn't fit in a FB post:
My deepest respect to the men who insisted that Ms Payne-Gaposchkin be given the academic postings and compensation she deserved. They risked the respect of their peers and their careers. True 'Warriors' in their quest for justice.
My eye-rolling at the contributors to Henry Norris Russell's wikipedia page where they state Henry Norris Russell dissuaded Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin from concluding that the composition of the Sun is different from that of the Earth in her papers, as it contradicted the accepted wisdom at the time. However, he changed his mind four years later after deriving the same result by different means. After Payne was proven correct, Russell briefly credited Payne for discovering that the Sun had a different chemical composition from Earth in his paper. However the credit was still generally given to him instead.
By different means? Really?
Here's the thing - all Mr Russell needed to do was point out the flaws in Ms Payne's theories (she was 25, it's likely there were some) and offer her a place as his assistant in proving her ideas. It would have given her academic standing and him the right to publish her research. That's how it worked then and now. But he didn't. Too egotistical? Too greedy? Too misogynistic?
No way to know.
It's not all that different today. The media regularly report instances of intellectual property theft and the bullying of the newly rising by the established authority.
Courage can be costly. Power preserves itself.
Truth is the daughter of time. Justice is an orphan, only if those of good conscience permit it.
I bow to Ms Payne Payne-Gaposchkin's courage, and the integrity of those who supported her.
*Honor Endures*
My FB post is true without complete accuracy or commentary:
Thank you to 12 Systems reader, Deb Davis. If 'truth is the daughter of time', I sometimes feel that 'Justice is an orphan'.
From Wikipedia, "Payne-Gaposchkin remained her entire academic career at Harvard. At first, she had no official position, merely serving as a technical assistant from 1927 to 1938.She was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1943. None of the courses she taught at Harvard were recorded in the catalogue until 1945.
In 1956 she became the first woman to be promoted to full professor from within the faculty at Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.Later, with her appointment to the Chair of the Department of Astronomy, she also became the first woman to head a department at Harvard."
Also from Wikipedia - Henry Norris Russell earned 7 prizes/medals ($) including having the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship endowed at Harvard.
In 1976 - Celia Payne-Caposchikin was appointed to the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship.
What I couldn't fit in a FB post:
My deepest respect to the men who insisted that Ms Payne-Gaposchkin be given the academic postings and compensation she deserved. They risked the respect of their peers and their careers. True 'Warriors' in their quest for justice.
My eye-rolling at the contributors to Henry Norris Russell's wikipedia page where they state Henry Norris Russell dissuaded Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin from concluding that the composition of the Sun is different from that of the Earth in her papers, as it contradicted the accepted wisdom at the time. However, he changed his mind four years later after deriving the same result by different means. After Payne was proven correct, Russell briefly credited Payne for discovering that the Sun had a different chemical composition from Earth in his paper. However the credit was still generally given to him instead.
By different means? Really?
Here's the thing - all Mr Russell needed to do was point out the flaws in Ms Payne's theories (she was 25, it's likely there were some) and offer her a place as his assistant in proving her ideas. It would have given her academic standing and him the right to publish her research. That's how it worked then and now. But he didn't. Too egotistical? Too greedy? Too misogynistic?
No way to know.
It's not all that different today. The media regularly report instances of intellectual property theft and the bullying of the newly rising by the established authority.
Courage can be costly. Power preserves itself.
Truth is the daughter of time. Justice is an orphan, only if those of good conscience permit it.
I bow to Ms Payne Payne-Gaposchkin's courage, and the integrity of those who supported her.
*Honor Endures*
August 18, 2016
Indie Spotlight on Romance Authors
Hi all,
Through September I will be guest posting weekly on the Some Like it Hot Group's Indie Spotlight, shining the light on Indie Romance Author's I've discovered and enjoyed. I will also be reposting here on my blog. Since I read all romance subgenres, there will be something for everyone.
This week's post features a hot, sweet, short story collection by one of the Some Like it Hot Group members, Canadian Indie Author Alexandra Isobel.
Sometimes it’s just a moment . . . less than a heat beat . . . that fleeting instant when a man lays claim to his woman.
CHIMERA TEAM romances follow the elite team within the Canadian Armed Forces - JTF2 Special Operations Unit. Their loyalty to each other and the mission is unbreakable.Their operations are relentless and blacked out with political silence.If the make it back alive, they still cannot risk falling in love. Highly qualified and intense alpha soldiers determined to resist the women who hold their hearts. Hipster mixed chicks with the grit to love a Chimera Team man.
THREE STORIES. THREE ROMANTIC HEART BEATS.
Take Flight
Welcome Home
Standing Guard
“These stories all whet the appetite leaving the reader wanting more.” CoCoFierceBookBlog.
Purchase links:
https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Heart...
Or FREE from the author's website: https://alexandraisobel.com/short-sto...
Through September I will be guest posting weekly on the Some Like it Hot Group's Indie Spotlight, shining the light on Indie Romance Author's I've discovered and enjoyed. I will also be reposting here on my blog. Since I read all romance subgenres, there will be something for everyone.
This week's post features a hot, sweet, short story collection by one of the Some Like it Hot Group members, Canadian Indie Author Alexandra Isobel.
Sometimes it’s just a moment . . . less than a heat beat . . . that fleeting instant when a man lays claim to his woman.CHIMERA TEAM romances follow the elite team within the Canadian Armed Forces - JTF2 Special Operations Unit. Their loyalty to each other and the mission is unbreakable.Their operations are relentless and blacked out with political silence.If the make it back alive, they still cannot risk falling in love. Highly qualified and intense alpha soldiers determined to resist the women who hold their hearts. Hipster mixed chicks with the grit to love a Chimera Team man.
THREE STORIES. THREE ROMANTIC HEART BEATS.
Take Flight
Welcome Home
Standing Guard
“These stories all whet the appetite leaving the reader wanting more.” CoCoFierceBookBlog.
Purchase links:
https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Heart...
Or FREE from the author's website: https://alexandraisobel.com/short-sto...
