Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 48

Ranger’s Reprieve, episode 7 and 8 #sexyscribblers

episode 7

By Caroline Lee

 

The last three weeks had been giddying. There’d been her usual classes at the gym, and finishing up this second-to-the-last semester of veterinary school, sure. That was nothing new. But in between, in those glorious few free hours each week, she got to see…him.

Jess’s relationship with Java had progressed so well that the chocolate lab was living with him full-time, now. Which meant that she did her training visits right next door, in his house. Every time she went over, she was nervous and excited, and made a complete fool of herself. There was the time that she tripped on his doorstep and would’ve busted her head open if he hadn’t caught her. Then the time that she tried to hand him a leash when he was already holding the food bowl, completely forgetting that he only had the one arm. And of course, all of the time she spent admiring the really cool stuff his prosthesis could do, no matter how many times his dark brows drew in disappointedly when he caught her staring.

She should be too embarrassed to show her face over there again. She should find it too awkward to peek through her living room curtains at him, when he walked Java in the evenings. She should definitely not be fantasizing about him, wondering what it’d feel like to have his chest pressed against hers and taste those hard lips and—

Lindsey bit her lip, stirring the spaghetti sauce. There is absolutely no need to be thinking those thoughts, young lady. Her mother’s voice, and her father’s teasing, sounded loud in her brain. She’d heard them both often enough, the good Lord knew, in between her sisters’ joking about her distraction at their weekly family dinner.

But she couldn’t help it; she was distracted, and totally obsessed with her hot neighbor. The problem was, that Jess and Java worked so well together, there wasn’t much left for her to do. So she’d decided to swallow down her embarrassment and take a step. Instead of working at his house this evening, she’d invited them both over here, to her house. She’d claimed that Java needed a chance to socialize with Shelby, but she was hoping that he’d stay for the spaghetti dinner she’d cooked up too. And the wine. And the brownies. And maybe some more wine and Netflix, after?

Whoops, the sauce was dripping on the counter. Laughing at herself, Lindsey set the spoon back down and wiped up the mess, hurrying through the last few steps of prep before the 6:30 pm start time.

By 6:33, he still wasn’t there, and Lindsey was halfway through her first consolation glass of wine, sure that he wasn’t arriving. By 6:35, she considered throwing out all of the spaghetti and eating the pan of brownies in front of Gilmore Girls episodes.

So when the doorbell rang at 6:37, she darn near tripped over her freshly painted red toenails to get to it. Setting down the wine, she called to Shelby, clipped the leash onto her collar, and took a few steadying breaths. This was it. He was here. Did she look okay? Suitably casual and oh-I-just-threw-this-on but also really sexy? Lindsey squeezed her eyes shut, said a silent prayer that she wasn’t going to do or say anything stupider than usual, and threw the door open.

In the fading light, he looked just as scrumptious as he had for the last weeks. Except this time, there was a little smile under his stubble, and his lovely eyes weren’t as hooded as they’d been during that first official meeting. “Hi.”

Java’s leash was clenched in his fake hand—is that what she was supposed to call it? A fake hand? She had no idea, but it was one of a million questions she wanted to ask—so he was able to give her a little wave with his right fingers. “Hi.”

A good start. Unfortunately at that moment, Java smelled Shelby, gave a little wuff of excitement, and barreled through the door, pulling Jess past Lindsey. Shelby, however, was just as clumsy as her momma, because the mutt darted for the door, and Java followed, and in less than a heartbeat both humans were wrapped around and pulled together by the dog leashes.

It was a stunning feeling, to have his chest pressed against hers like this, and Lindsey resisted the urge to take a really deep breath. His prosthetic arm was trapped between their stomachs, and hers was around her back where she was still holding Shelby’s leash, but at that moment, it didn’t matter.

He smelled like a man should. He looked like a man should, all cut angles and harsh lines and firm muscles. He felt like a man should, and despite the supreme awkwardness of being wrapped up by two dogs, Lindsey wouldn’t have missed this for the world.

But a full minute of silence demanded her attention. “Sorry.” She tried for a flippant smile, but was afraid she looked love-sick instead. “I can be kinda a dork sometimes.”

A dork? She managed not to groan. Well, if you weren’t before, you are now, dork. He wasn’t the kind to make jokes. He wasn’t the kind to grin at her silliness. He wasn’t the kind—

She sucked in a breath—she could actually taste him, they were so close—when his fingers brushed against her cheek. And then he smiled. Really smiled, like he had when he’d met Java. “Well, I think you’re pretty adorkable.”

He’d made a joke? Or was he teasing her? Or did he—wait. He thought she was adorable? And then she stopped thinking altogether, because Jess was leaning closer.

episode  8

By Kris Calvert

 

Adorkable? Jess had no idea what was wrong with him. He wasn’t the kind of guy who tried to impress women with cute pick up lines. Frankly, before he’d lost his hand and his confidence, there’d never been a need for them. He’d always beamed with confidence—the kind of light emitted by men who weren’t afraid of anything on the outside, including a beautiful woman. But since he’d been home, his confidence had been replaced with anger and a cockiness that only reared its ugly head when he felt pitied. But Lindsey had shown him she didn’t pity him. She treated him like the man he wanted to be again, and he found himself in new and dangerous territory—spending time with a woman who made him feel whole. A woman who could destroy him all over again if he allowed her into his new and closely guarded life and heart.

“Did you just call me adorkable?”

“What? No.” Jess fumbled the words, stepping out of the tangled web of dog leashes and away from the scene. He needed to catch his breath. A breath that wasn’t filled with the vanilla scent wafting from her red locks.

Lindsey dropped her chin, hiding the blush on her cheeks. “Oh. Sorry.”

“You’re the dog trainer. Can’t you do something about these two?” Jess did his best not to look Lindsey in the face. If he caught her glace just once, he didn’t know if he could stay away from her.

The weeks of pretending he didn’t care for the beautiful redhead, beyond Java’s training, were wearing thin on his stubborn constitution. More importantly, she was the first woman he’d even thought of in a sexual way since coming home. Countless nights he’d pulled a self-imposed sentry duty, watching through the blinds for a glimpse of Lindsey in her Princess Leia shirt before getting pissed at himself for lurking. He was better than that, and he knew it. Still, he couldn’t help himself. He was drawn to her like a fly to sweet honey.

“Java is in your charge, Jess. Why don’t you control her?”

All Jess could think was, I can barely control myself around you. How can I be expected to control the damn dog?

Lindsey went to the floor, solving the leash puzzle that quickly unraveled in her hands, as Java left Shelby yapping in Lindsey’s arms only to sit at Jess’ feet without command.

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” Jess said, the words giving his now obedient mutt’s ears a loving twist. “I’m not ready for…”

Lindsey walked the four steps it took to meet Jess head on and stared at him without pretense. “You’re not ready? Or the dog’s not ready?”

Jess pulled the vanilla-filled air into his lungs, exhaling in a slow, deliberate breath. He was trying to calm his nerves, but mostly he was weighing his options. “Look, I’ve done my best from the moment I met you not to…”

Lindsey moved a step closer. “Not to what?”

Jess hung his hand on his hip, shifting his weight in his well fitting jeans, and looked around the room like a man who’d accidentally stumbled into the feminine hygiene aisle at the grocery store. He was lost, filled with panic, and looking for a way out.

“Why can’t you just acknowledge what we’ve both known since the night I stepped foot on your front porch in nothing but a Star Wars t-shirt?”

Jess’ eyes uncontrollably darted back to Lindsey.

“What? You think just because I was embarrassed when I noticed your arm that I didn’t see you looking? It’s true. I was checking you out. But you were checking me out too and have been every day since that night. At least I have the balls to admit it. Listen Jess, you want to act like there’s something wrong with you, but the only thing wrong with you is that you think there’s something wrong with you.” Lindsey’s voice reached a high pitch as she rammed her point home. “And there isn’t. You might think you’re not a whole person—a whole man, but I’ve seen your arm. It doesn’t scare me, Jess. It doesn’t,” she repeated. “Because even though you left part of your body on the battlefield, your soul is intact. And that’s the most beautiful part about you.”

Jess took a deep breath. “So, you weren’t wearing panties that night?”

“Out of all of that,” she said, waving her arm in a complete circle, “the only thing you heard was no panties?”

“I’m a man who hasn’t been with a woman in a really long time. I couldn’t help but hearno panties. So…really? No panties?”

Lindsey dropped her shoulders and took another step forward. “I never wear panties,” she whispered.

“Fuck it,” Jess muttered. “I can’t do this.”

Taking the nape of her long neck into his strong hand, Jess pulled Lindsey into his body, pressing his forehead into hers. Swallowing hard, he stroked the back of her head, gripping her long red hair in his capable fist. Resisting his urge to back her into the couch and kiss her—among other things—into tomorrow, he held his ground and made his confession. “I’m not very good at this…anymore.”

Lindsey blinked deliberately and without another thought, dropped her arm to her side, grasping his new hand in hers.

“Don’t.” It was all Jess could think to say. No one outside of his physical therapist had ever touched his prosthetic hand.

Bringing it to rest on the waistband of her tight jeans, she left him there, placing both of her hands on his rugged face. “Don’t say don’t to me.” She whispered the words and shook her head.

“Fine,” Jess replied, feeling his newfound confidence and neglected manhood growing by leaps and bounds. “How do you feel about, yes?”

“Depends on the question.”

Running his tongue across his dry lips, Jess closed his eyes and made the first real decision with consequences since coming off the battlefield.

“May I kiss you? I need to ask because once I start, I’m not stopping.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes.”

 

The End!

Which Hero is Your Match? with Shana Galen’s I Kissed a Rogue Spotlight @Sourcebooks

About I Kissed a Rogue:

Once she spurned the man…

When the Duke of Lennox hires Sir Brook Derring, England’s best investigator, to find his daughter, Brook intends only to rescue the lady and return to his solitary life. He deals with London’s roughest criminals every day of the week; surely he should be able to endure seeing his first love again—the perfect girl who broke his heart…

 

Now her life depends on him

Lady Lillian-Anne Lennox has always done her best to live up to her father’s standards of perfection—at the cost of following her heart. When she’s kidnapped and her perfect life is shattered, Lila has another chance. Together, Lila and Brook navigate not only the dark and deadly side of London, but the chasm of pride and prejudice that divides them.

 

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Excerpt

She had to escape. She couldn’t die down here, in the rank dark, alone. She might deserve such a death, but she’d fight it with every last ounce of strength. She’d almost freed her hands by twisting and working the rope against her chafed wrists until it slackened. Her captors hadn’t tied it very tightly, but that was the only mistake they’d made.

Lila had no idea how long she’d been in the dank, cold cellar, but she knew the moment her life went completely astray. The carriage had raced along the dark streets of London, the familiar clip-clop of the horses’ hooves almost like music in her ears. She’d pulled her thick pelisse more tightly around her bare shoulders and rested her dancing slippers on the warm brick at her feet.

All she’d wanted was her cozy bed and a cup of tea. She hadn’t even cared that by leaving her cousin Rose’s betrothal ball early, she risked her father’s wrath in the morning. She’d attended the betrothal tea, the betrothal dinner, and now the betrothal ball. Would that Rose marry and be done with it. It was during that uncharitable line of thinking that she heard John Coachman call out and the carriage slowed.

Lila had parted the curtains in an effort to see what was the matter, but all she’d seen was the swirl of London fog and the amorphous shapes of the outriders moving to stand protectively in front of the carriage door. She’d sighed with impatient annoyance.

“Now wh—?” She’d clamped her mouth shut at the sound of a thump and an unfamiliar man’s voice. The carriage rocked as the horses danced with fear. She waited for John Coachman’s reassuring words and heard only a muffled shout and the pop of what sounded like her father’s rifle.

Her heart pounding in fear, she’d slid one lock into place and was reaching for the other when and a tall, lanky man yanked the door open.

He’d smiled, his thin lips and cheeks stretching over his facial bones. “Hello, Lady Lillian-Anne.”

From there, everything was a blur. She’d been dragged from the carriage, hooded, and pushed against the conveyance, her hands roughly bound. Lila had been so shocked at her mistreatment, she hadn’t even screamed, and then she’d been lifted and tossed over a man’s shoulders. She hadn’t been carried far before she’d heard the squeak and squeal of a door being pried open and the echo of boots on slatted wood floors. Another door and then another and her captor had carried her down a flight of stairs and dropped her on her bottom.

She’d screamed then and scurried backward, only to run up against a pair of hard boots. A voice, much like the one who’d greeted her, hissed in her ear. “Shut yer potato hole. Keep quiet or I stuff my drawers down yer throat. You hear me, Duchess?”

She’d nodded and closed her mouth. She’d pulled her legs in and hunched her shoulders, making herself small, waiting for what seemed an eternity for what was to happen next. Would they rob her? Rape her?

She was not a duchess, only the daughter of one. She had the wild thought that perhaps the men wanted her stepmother, the Duchess of Lennox. But, no. They’d called her Lady Lillian-Anne. They knew who she was. They’d planned the abduction and whatever was to come next.

Lila had shivered, her body shaking uncontrollably with fear and cold. Finally, the man moved away. At his word, the others followed, and she heard their boots on the stairs and then the thud as the door closed.

She’d sat on the hard floor, the small pebbles and rocks digging into her skin through her silk ballgown and the pelisse. She jumped at the creaks and pops of the building settling, fearing each minute sound was the men returning for her. Gradually, she grew accustomed to the sounds but not the smell, never the smell. Something had died down here—many somethings—and with the hood over her face, she could only imagine. Lila envisioned rat corpses responsible for the sharp, sickly fragrance that burned her nostrils. When she began to imagine human bodies, she bit her lip hard to stop the rising panic.

Strange that in the middle of London, all was silent but for her teeth chattering.

They’d stopped chattering now—after too many hours to count. Lila was too numb to feel the cold any longer. The rope around her wrists was all she cared about. She twisted and pulled until finally she managed to squeeze one hand free. She bit her raw lip against the pain of the rough rope sliding against her bare skin. The gloves she’d painstakingly inched off might have protected her bare skin, but they were one more layer between her and freedom.

With a wince, her wrists slid apart, and she exhaled softly, hugging her arms around her chest. Her shoulders throbbed, and the simple act of rotating them in the opposite direction was sheer bliss. She felt for the opening of the hood she wore and quickly tore it off. Charcoal gray replaced the blackness. If the cellar had openings of any kind, she couldn’t spot them in the dark of night. She prayed it was still night and that morning would show her some sort of escape.

And not a stack of rotting bodies.

She had to find a way out. By now her father must have realized she’d been abducted. He would be frantic with worry. Had her captors sent a ransom note? Was that what this was about? Colin would make the duke pay it. Colin and Lila had grown closer since their mother’s death. He wouldn’t allow their father to ignore a ransom note.

If there was a ransom note.

What if the Duchess of Lennox was behind this? Lila’s stepmother hated her, but even she would not stoop to hiring mercenaries to abduct her stepdaughter.

Lady Selina would. She and Lila had hated each other since their first Seasons, when Lord Hugh had asked Lila to dance before Selina. From then on, it had been war.

Selina was married now and certainly too busy to plan attacks on Lila. But Madeleine Stratham, her cousin Rose’s friend, was not too busy, and she had intentionally stepped on Lila’s gown at the ball tonight, hissing, “Watch out!”

Had that been a warning?

Lila’s head spun. If she tried to count all of her enemies, it would take hours. And who knew what her abductors would do to her when they returned. She pressed her hands against the cold, dirt floor beneath her, moving her fingers until she found her gloves. She pulled them on again, for warmth as much as protection, and moved cautiously forward, hands outstretched. Her knees trembled and wobbled.

“Please no bodies. Please no bodies,” she chanted under her breath.

The cellar was blissfully empty. She discovered a wall and followed it around to the base of the stairwell. Her hands traveled over that rough wood until she found the opening. The stairwell had no railing, so she carefully lifted her skirts and moved slowly and silently upward. Her fingertips touched the wood of the door at the top, and she stood listening.

She heard nothing but silence and the strains of music farther away. Perhaps a tavern or gin house was nearby. She couldn’t be certain a guard wasn’t on the other side of the door, but she tried the handle anyway. The handle moved, but the door did not budge when she pushed on it.

Some sort of lock to keep it closed and secure.

Lila waited, again listening for movement or an indication her efforts to escape had been noted. When she heard nothing, she rattled the door. The wood was flimsy and old. One serious push against it, and she could compromise the lock.

She took a jagged breath and said a quick prayer. She’d never prayed so much—no, she’d been her own god for too many years. Lila stepped back, careful not to go too far and tumble down the stairs, then rammed the door with her shoulder.

About Shana Galen:

Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Her books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She is a happily married wife and mother of a daughter and a spoiled cat and lives in Houston, Texas.

 

 

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Ranger’s Reprieve, Episode 4-6 #SexyScribblers

Ranger’s Reprieve, Episode 4

By Kishan Paul

Lindsey sat cross-legged on the concrete floor in one of the training rooms of Paws for Veterans. A beautiful chocolate lab lay next to her with her head in her lap. Her eyes were closed as she brushed her thick coat. In the hour she’d been there, the owner of the agency had given her a tour and described in detail the service they provided. Rescue dogs, many from the very shelter she volunteered at, were brought here, trained, and then connected to soldiers injured in combat.

Considering she once worked as a trainer in a similar facility back in her teenage years, she pretty much knew how the place worked and what it stood for. The pay had sucked but the experience had been invaluable. That summer job was what cemented her decision to become a veterinarian. It was also why she had just volunteered to help train Java and his new owner for the next couple of weeks.

The dog planted a paw on her lap. She grinned and brushed it. “Today you’re going to meet your daddy.”

Java pulled her ears back and stared up at her with her dark brown eyes, as if looking for reassurance.

“I bet he’ll be an amazing daddy.” She scratched the patch of fur between her ears. “He’s probably worried if you’ll like him, too.”

Before she could say more, the dog rose to all fours and stared at the door behind her. Lindsey turned in time to see it open. Scuffed dark brown boots stepped in. She took in the frayed edges of the person’s jeans as her gaze inched higher. Thick muscular thighs hugged in denim towered over here. Soon she found herself staring at another part of him hugged by the denim.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” The deep, familiar baritones of the man’s voice echoed in the room.

She sucked in a breath and forced herself to lean back and stare into the irritated hazel eyes of her jerk of a neighbor.

Her mouth dropped. Of all the veterans in the country to walk in that door, of course it had to be this one.

Mr. Monroe closed his eyes and mumbled something to himself as he took some deep breaths of his own. She watched in complete fascination at the way his grey cotton tee stretched against his muscled chest when he inhaled a slow, deep lungful of air.

For some reason, she couldn’t think straight when he was around. Her brain went from screaming for her to run the hell away to wondering what he would look and feel like…naked…on top of her. She forced herself to stare at the floor as she tried to collect her thoughts.

Java nudged her cold nose against her chin and licked her cheek. She smiled and gave the dog a hug. She was right. She was tougher than this.

She climbed to her feet, kept a firm grip on the lab with her right palm, and stretched out her left arm. “Mr. Monroe, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Lindsey Marshall.”

The look of irritation on his face changed to one of anger as he waved his artificial left hand at her.

She cringed and dropped her arm to her side as she cursed under her breath. “Yeah, sorry I forgot you don’t have a …”

He tipped his chin at Java and cut her off. “Is that my dog?”

She nodded and pet the chocolate lab, who was currently pressing her head against Lindsey’s leg. “Yes, this lovely young lady is Java.” She rolled her shoulders back and flashed her most professional smile. “And I will be your trainer for the next few weeks.”

The corners of Asshole Monroe’s lips curved up. “Trainer? How about you work on training your own dog first?”

Ranger’s Reprieve, episode 5

By Anne Lange

Just his fucking luck. Could his day get any worse? Not only did her freakin’ dog keep horning in on his sleepless nights. Not only did he have to see her rescue said pooch in a cute, short shirt and not much else. Not only did he have to torture himself with fantasies of gripping that mass of glorious red hair in his remaining fist while he drove into her tight heat from behind. Not only did he have to salivate, wondering what her pert nipples tasted like. Now he’d have to spend the next few weeks horny as fucking hell while Ms. Marshall taught him how to work with his dog?

How the hell did she expect him to concentrate?

He dropped his gaze to the dog. A dog who, oh look, no big surprise, sat huddled next to his pretty neighbor’s thigh. Yup, another female to reject him. Great. Just fucking great. Jess rubbed his forehead, feeling another headache coming on. And his damn arm ached like a bitch.

“Shelby isn’t being trained as a therapy dog, Mr. Monroe.”

“Damn good thing, because she clearly doesn’t come when she’s called.” The ball of fur didn’t skedaddle when ordered to either.

“Java, however, has been fully trained, Mr. Monroe. We—“

“Jess.”

“Excuse me?”

“My name is Jess. My father is Mr. Monroe and he’s ….” Why the hell did he tell her that? He didn’t want to be on a first name basis with her.

“I’m sorry.” Delicate eyebrows dipped in a frown, and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

He was such an ass. Jess took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He softened his tone. “Never mind.” He shuffled his feet and shoved his one hand into the front pocket of his jeans. His prosthetic hung at his other side like a flashing beacon to the two females sitting in front of him. The dog pitied him. He could see it in those soulful eyes of her. She blinked. Her ears were tucked close to her head. Her nose twitched as she studied him. “Look, maybe there’s somebody else who can help me with Java.”

Between the lack of sleep, panic attacks, and the headaches, he needed something to change. And he’d been hoping this dog would be the answer.

Lindsey rubbed the soft spot on the top of the Java’s head between her ears. The dog glanced up. Was that a plea in her expression? A plea for another wounded soldier to help instead of the broken one in front of her? Maybe one that at least had all his parts.

“Can we please start over?” Jess raised his head and captured Lindsey’s solemn gaze. “I am sorry,” she added. “About everything you’ve been through. I’m not…appalled by your injury, Jess. I’m curious about it, though.” She patted the dog absently.

Jess tore his eyes away from her. Those lips of hers were very distracting. But she wasn’t here to be his fantasy fuck buddy. She was here to work with him and his newly assigned dog.

Maybe if he kissed her and got it out of the way, they could move on. He could stop wondering, be able to focus more. Might take the edge off. God knows doing the one-handed dance to visions of her sugar plums wasn’t doing it for him.

Jess snapped his eyes closed. His mother would smack him upside the head. Since when did he objectify women like that? And when the hell did his pity party start rolling like a runaway train?

Oh yeah, when he lost his arm and got shipped home. What he needed was a big fucking rewind button. Chuck would still be alive. He’d have his arm. And he wouldn’t be thinking or saying the crap that he was thinking and saying. Though he wouldn’t be living next to the beautiful Ms. Lindsey Marshall either.

He tested out his smile. “Hey, you wouldn’t be interested in giving a guy a kiss, would you? You know, as a way to start over?”

Episode 6

By Aubrey Wynne

 

Java stood, tail wagging, and sniffed at the artificial hand. Her pink tongue licked a finger and then another. An unexpected smile curled his lips. At least one female is good with it.

“She understands verbal commands as well,” Lindsey said with more than a hint of laughter. This time, she held out her right hand.

Jess unclenched his fist from inside his pocket and felt her warm fingers slide over his. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to remain lost in those clear green eyes. When his jeans tightened, he gave a fake cough and ended the contact.

“So what’s on the agenda today? How to take her for a walk?”

“We’ll get to that. Today you both need to get acquainted and make sure you are compatible,” Lindsey said in a professional tone. “Have you owned a dog before?”

“Sure, as a kid. And our unit had a shepherd that sniffed out bombs.” Dammit.

“I only ask to make sure you have no fear of canines. Some people think they want a dog but are intimidated by the size, exuberance, or just the barking.” She studied him for a moment. “I don’t think that will be an issue.”

“Why?”

“I get the feeling there isn’t much that frightens you.”

No smile, no hint of teasing. She was serious. I’ll remember to keep the windows closed so she doesn’t hear me at night. “Nope. I’ve survived hell, and I’m here to tell it about it.” He absently rubbed his aching arm.

A flash of jade eyes took in the action, and a sadness shadowed her face. Not pity—he knew the difference by now. “I’d like to hear your story.”

She gently squeezed his forearm and the ache moved to his chest. He wondered again if he might find comfort in the warmth of her skin next to his, her body filling the cold emptiness that had settled in his heart since that day…

The next few hours flew by as he learned the skills of his new canine companion. He had even managed a few grins and a genuine laugh. An apology might be a good way to end the session.

“Thanks for all your help. I can be a real ass sometimes, and I appreciate you not holding it against me.” His mother would be proud of him but he could almost hear Chuck hooting with disbelief.

“Well, I know Shelby can be a bit obnoxious but she’s a work in progress. I’ve only had her a couple of months.” She bit her plump bottom lip then looked up at him under thick, dark lashes. “Since I’m your neighbor, we could probably arrange to bring Java home sooner and do more of the training at your house. Would you like that?”

Would he like that? No. Yes. Fuck! “Sure, if it isn’t too much trouble. I guess that would work.”

“We can introduce Shelby and set up some play dates.”

“Play dates?” Could you wipe the stupid grin off your face? She’ll think you’re a pervert.

“For the dogs,” Lindsey answered. “Or whatever.”

Those kissable lips turned up at the corners as she turned and bent over Java to attach her leash. He stuck his hand in his pocket to keep from giving her firm, round ass a light smack. Flirting had once been second nature to him but he hadn’t felt the urge in years. She’d also made him forget about his arm for a few hours. It might be an interesting summer after all.

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Ranger’s Reprieve, episodes 1-3

Episode 1

By C.A. Szarek

A bullet whizzed by his head and he ducked. “Son of a bitch!”

“Jesus, Jess, are you hit?” Chuck breathed.

“No, but it’d be nice if you covered my six, dammit.”

The guy had the nerve to laugh, but he patted the side of his rifle, an MK-16. “Bertha got it.”

Too bad the laugh was obliterated by utter shock, and the red starburst on his friend’s forehead demanded all Jess’ attention.

His fellow Ranger gaped and keeled over. Blood spatter hit Jess’ face, and he hadn’t realized it. Then the yelling from the rest of their team started, and returning fire and—

“Dammit!” He popped up, panting. His bare torso was covered in sweat. Jess’ brow was too, if the dripping in his eyes was any indication.

Eyes…dammit. The instant vacancy in Chuck’s brown ones would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Freaking dreams. Well, his stupid therapist called them night terrors—like he was five years old. Scratch that, no kid should have to see what Jess had.

Problem was—where he’d come from, three tours of duty later—it’d happened. Seeing dead kids. Dead women. Innocents in a country ravaged by war. Been there. Done that. Add fodder for the nightmares. That’d just f’d him up even more.

Discharge after his own injury had made it worse. He was home. Too bad the desert felt more like it than the bungalow his great aunt had left him in podunkville west Texas. Damn good thing he had it, though. He hadn’t wanted to go home to Tallahassee. Just couldn’t. Pity in his family and friends’ eyes would’ve bothered him more than the supposed PTSD.

Jess opened and closed his prosthetic hand. He’d fallen asleep with it on again. What was left of his upper left arm —a few inches past his biceps—ached.

He threw his legs over the side of the bed and groaned. Unhooking his new arm only took a few seconds. After being kicked loose from physical therapy for almost six months, he was an old pro. He rolled his shoulder and winced.

Damn, that hurts. Tingles shot upward, but it felt good, too. Jess sighed and glanced at his cell. He pushed the button to light the thing up, and the time glared—03:26 hours.

Shit. Again.

Would he ever get a good night’s sleep?

Might as well shower, he was covered in sweat anyway.

Noise at the front of the small house made him tense and want to reach for a gun. Then there was thumping and a tumble that could be someone rooting around. Jess had a feeling he knew what it was, and sighed instead of getting his Glock.

Not. Again.

Cursing under his breath with enough variety to make his whole team of Rangers proud—not to mention a trucker or two—he padded out to the front door and whipped it open. Ran his gaze along as much of the wrap-around porch he could see in the dim light the lamp over the door threw out.

A whine snatched his attention to the three front steps.

Jess’ eyes darted to the blondish ball of fur at his feet. “You!”

The dog wagged her tail.

He ignored the big brown eyes and the adorable few pieces of fur that overhung one, partially obscuring it.

“You don’t live here,” Jess growled at the dog.

“Shelby!” The female voice startled him, but he did his best not to show it.

Show was the right word because when he glanced at the owner of said blonde mutt, he saw that his neighbor. Lindy, or Lindsey or something with an L, was barely dressed.

Her oversized tee had Princess Leia printed on it, and stopped mid-thigh. What a nice pair they were, muscular, as if she exercised by running after her stupid canine. The other pair—her breasts—was fantastic, too. They had a good bounce going on as she ascended the stairs to his porch. No bra, because he could see the outline of her nipples.

His neighbor’s long red hair was loose and messy, and dancing with her movements.

Jess had never noticed how hot she was before.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Monroe,” she breathed and grabbed the small dog. “Bad, Shelby!”

The little furball wagged her tail.

She hiked Shelby to one hip, which made that shirt ride up.

He had to swallow and avert his gaze. Her underwear would be showing at any moment. Unless she wasn’t wearing any. Which would be better and worse.

“She cried and had to go out. Woke me up from a dead sleep. I let her out then she ran over—” His pretty neighbor’s eyes rose from her dog, but instead of landing on his face, they darted to where his left arm used to be. Stayed locked there, too.

“Just get your damn dog, and keep her away from my place,” Jess growled.

Episode 2

By Valerie Twombly

 

Jess slammed the front door much harder than he’d meant. He knew he came off as a complete jerk but seriously didn’t give a rat’s ass. He was tired, he was cranky, and now thanks to his neighbor he was horny.

He made his way to the kitchen and whipped open the fridge, reaching for the quart of organic milk. Not bothering with a glass, he twisted the little plastic cap off and brought the container to his lips. The cold liquid flowed down his throat and helped ease the burning dryness that always accompanied his nightmares. After several large gulps, he wiped his mouth and placed the milk back on the shelf.

Now that he was wide-awake, he sat at the table and stared at the clock on the stove. The power had gone out a few days ago, and the damn digital numbers blinked like a neon light in the darkness. He shoved his fingers through his hair and realized he was shaking, and his heart was in overdrive. A slow, deep breath in just like his therapist had told him.

I am at peace. I am at peace.

Exhale.

Slowly, his heartbeat came back to normal, and the vision of her nipples came into view. He wondered how they would taste. How her body would feel beneath his, but then he remembered how she’d looked at the empty space where his arm should have been. No sane woman would want a guy like him.

Half a man, that’s all he was, and what did he have to offer? Nights filled with thrashing and screaming in bed and not the fun kind either. He would do well to hire himself a hooker, get a little pussy, and ease the ache between his legs. His dreams of having a wife and kids had died on that battlefield along with part of his soul. There was no getting that back. Normal would never be part of his vocabulary again.

Pushing himself to his feet, he stretched. “Might as well get that shower now.” In a few more hours, he would head out for the thirty-minute drive to the Paws for Veterans facility. He’d received a call a couple of days ago, letting him know they had a dog they thought would be a perfect match for him. The coordinator emailed him a photo of a chocolate lab named Java. Part of him wondered if this female would shun him as well, but dogs weren’t known for judging people. He prayed this worked. He’d heard a lot of good things about the program, and lord knew he really needed to get his shit together. There were days he couldn’t leave the house due to his panic attacks. If this dog gave him even a small sense of normalcy, he’d take it.

Episode 3

By Luanna Stewart

Lindsey Marshall rolled over on her bed, again, and punched her pillow, again. What the hell was wrong with the guy? It wasn’t her fault Shelby had taken a liking to him. God knows why. Sure, he was gorgeous, but he wasn’t exactly putting out friendly signals. And she doubted dogs were swayed by chiseled features and killer bods.

Except for that arm.

Shit, she’d been staring again. Her curiosity would be her downfall. She just wanted to know the story. And what it felt like, or didn’t, as the case may be. Asking deeply personal questions in the middle of the night when they were both half-dressed, and not in bed together, was, as her daddy always said, ill advised.

She flopped onto her back and knew it was hopeless. She couldn’t get the image out of her head. Not the whole missing arm business. The other, toned muscle, smooth skin, damn near perfect, business.

She flicked on her bedside light and stared at her phone. Four o’clock. Her coffee maker was programmed to switch on in two and a half hours. There was no way in Hades she could wait that long for caffeine. She climbed out of bed, pulled on a pair of running shorts, and shuffled into the kitchen. Shelby thumped her tail from her bed in the corner.

“Yeah, good morning to you, troublemaker.” Luckily for the mutt, she was the cutest thing ever, and so it was easy to overlook her bad manners. Volunteering at the shelter came with the risk of wanting to bring home a pet. Shelby had caught her eye on a day when she was feeling particularly lonely. And just last week she’d been mightily tempted to adopt the cutest calico kitten.

She switched on the coffee maker and headed for the bathroom. Finished with her shower, a cup of java in hand, she stood in front of her closet and considered what to wear. She had to fill in for someone at Paws for Veterans, so her usual working attire might not be appropriate. She’d take her gym clothes and change before heading to her first class. She pulled on skinny jeans and a cotton tunic then examined the effect in the mirror. Put together but casual. Stylish but approachable. Heck, who was she kidding, they were clean.

After taking Shelby for a walk, on the leash so there’d be no more forced interactions with the grumpy guy next door, she sat at the table and reviewed the info she’d been given from Paws for Vets. Only one meeting scheduled for the morning, an amputee who’d recently moved to the area. She gazed in the direction of her cute neighbor. He might benefit from a companion dog. Maybe she should mention something the next time they ran into each other.

… to be contimued

5 Things to Love about the Regency with Emily Greenwood w/ #Giveaway

5 Things to Love about the Regency with Emily Greenwood

Why do I write about the Regency era? In short, because it was really different from today. When I want a break from worrying about gun violence, global warming, the high cost of a college education, or whether the world will soon run out of chocolate, the Regency era beckons with a quieter pace. There were no phones ringing back then, no instant news cycle, and very little information about how bad cream and butter are for you (or maybe they’re not bad for you after all, now that sugar is the new villain).

Yes, I know that the lack of many things I take for granted about modern life would have made life in the Regency far less pleasant (see: cheap soap, electricity, toilets, actually helpful medical care, equal rights for women). But still—it was different, and different is generally interesting and very often fun.

 

A few things I especially love about the Regency:

Fewer decisions to make. According to social scientists, having too many choices can cause stress. Should I buy a computer or a tablet? Do I want a career as a teacher, a nurse, or a social worker, and should I get an advanced degree? In the 1800s, people surely had far less stress about which path to choose, since they rarely had much choice at all. There, easier, right? OK, maybe people had a lot of unhappiness about being stuck in situations that were totally wrong for them, but at least we still have the fantasy of a simpler time. J
Old-fashioned dating. Doesn’t it seem a little hard that dating today may involve having people check out your picture on their smart phones before they swipe past it to get to the next person? How much more civilized it must have been at those Regency balls, when the ladies all dressed to the nines and the gentlemen could scope them out and decide which lady merited a dance invitation depending on her looks and fortune. Oh, wait, maybe the Regency Marriage Mart wasn’t so civilized either. But there was dancing! And the Regency era had all kinds of social rules about who could be together and under what circumstances—rules that are fun to break. And sometimes there were entertainingly tempestuous marriages of convenience between two people who might not realize at first that they’re perfect for each other. Marriages of convenience are a favorite trope, and it was such fun subjecting Eliza and Tommy to one in HOW TO HANDLE A SCANDAL.
Witty dialog. Clever conversation was prized during the Regency, and it shows in contemporary works like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and in Regency-set stories of today, like those by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and so many other terrific Regency romance authors.
Lovely old grand manors on massive estates. There’s something so appealing about gathering with friends and family on an estate where you have everything you need—it’s like a world unto itself. Plus, with all those servants to do the cooking and cleaning, there’s more time for conversation, dining, dancing, strolling, shopping, and of course, flirting. The estate I created for Tommy in HOW TO HANDLE A SCANDAL has an odd name and lots of extremely drafty corners, but it also has unique charms, and it plays a role in bringing Eliza and Tommy together.
Carriages. Picnics. Restorative cups of tea. Waltzing. Kisses stolen in the garden while a roomful of guests dance in the ballroom. Ladies in beautiful, feminine gowns. Men in boots on horseback.

 

But best of all, the Regency makes me think of people discovering, against the expectations of themselves, their families, and their society, that they do want to marry for love after all.

 

How to Handle a Scandal by Emily Greenwood

The Scandalous Sisters, Book 2

ISBN: 9781492613688

Release Date: March 1, 2016

Genre: Historical Romance

About the Book

THEY THOUGHT THE DEBUTANTE WAS SCANDALOUS

Miss Elizabeth Tarryton was the toast of the London Season the year she was seventeen and spurned young Tommy Halifax. A careless flirt who didn’t know what she wanted, she was startled into laughter by his public proposal of marriage. Furious and heartbroken, Tommy promptly left home for a life of adventure in India.

IF THEY ONLY KNEW ABOUT THE WIDOW

Seven years later, Elizabeth has much to make up for, but the methods she chooses for doing good are as shocking as her earlier wanton behavior–should the ton ever find out. Tommy returns to England a hero, with no intention of allowing himself to be hurt by a woman ever again, but he’s fascinated nonetheless by Elizabeth, now widowed and more alluring than ever.

Buy the Book

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JzA5JP

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1NwoTYZ

Apple: http://apple.co/1olRyLB

BAM: http://bit.ly/1ToEwKm

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1XvSwkI

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Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/20BZUeg

About the Author

Emily Greenwood worked for a number of years as a writer, crafting newsletters and fundraising brochures, but she far prefers writing playful love stories set in Regency England, and she thinks romance novels are the chocolate of literature. A Golden Heart finalist, she lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

 

Connect with Emily Greenwood

Website: http://emilygreenwood.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emily-Greenwood-365744720128570/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/emigreenwood

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6506600.Emily_Greenwood

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Air’s Vision by Jillian Jacobs Cover Reveal

Writers on the River Author Event Web Page

Air’s Vision by Jillian Jacobs

Releases 3-15-2016

A sightless woman

A man who has seen everything

A new vision of the future.

Duty

For over four centuries the Air Elemental, Nodin Osi, has protected the very air we breathe. Yet when he returns to his ancestral homelands to recruit a

beautiful ally, he’s literally set adrift when someone else takes control of his gifts.

Vision

Blind since birth, Kamali Kiwidinok’s can only see the vibrant auras surrounding each human. She blusters into Nodin’s world armed with her special vision

only to discover that Nodin is the one person she can actually see.

Obscurity

Quint, an insidious creature composed of dark matter, returns with strong adversaries and stolen magic, holding nothing back in his pursuit of the most

powerful witch in history. Unaware the Elementals have developed a spell to banish him from this plane, he relentlessly pursues his goals.

Sacrifice

Plunged back into darkness, Kamali must stand against her enemies before helping the Elementals in their fight against Quint. Will Nodin make the ultimate

sacrifice for Kamali? Or is the future between a human and a peri-mortal lost in the wind?

With vision there is hope. With hope there is love – Nodin Osi

Series Starter on Sale for 99 Pennies

Amazon

In the spring of 2013, Jillian Jacobs changed her career path and became a romance writer. After reading for years, she figured writing a romance would be quick and easy. Nope! With the guidance of the Indiana Romance Writers of America chapter, she has learned there are many “rules” to writing a proper romance. Being re-schooled has been an interesting journey, and she hopes the best trails are yet to be traveled.

You’ll find a bit of her husband in her paranormal series, The Elementals, as he’s a chemist and has to answer all her, “Could this really happen?” questions.

Water’s Threshold, the first in her Elementals series, was a finalist in Chicago-North’s 2014 Fire and Ice contest in the Women’s Fiction category.

Three things about her: She’s a Tea Guzzler, Polish Pottery Hoarder, and lover of all things Moose. Her current positions with Indiana Romance Writers of America are Program Chair and 2015 Conference Co-Chair. The genres she writes under are: Paranormal and Contemporary Romance with suspenseful elements.

Jillian is also part of an Indiana author group, which posts videos answering questions readers post for writers. Visit The Juicebox Dialogues on YouTube for some sassy video fun with romance writers.

 

Shades of Desire 2 Preorder #99cents w/ Sultry Nights Excerpt & giveaway #iartg

Shades of Desire 2: Sexier by the Dozen
Release Date: March 7, 2016

Sexier by the Dozen. Twelve titillating tales for naughtier nights and dreamier days. Get swept away by USA Today, bestselling, and award-winning authors in this set of sweet and spicy romances that will leave you breathless with desire…







*Denotes new, exclusive stories

Split Decision – Wendy Ely

Sports reporter Grace Avery is up for a promotion, but only if she gets an interview with the notoriously private, heavy weight champion, Rally Brewer. Grace discovers who Rally is beyond the boxing ring. Little does anyone know, as Grace gets Rally to open up, a two-year-old secret is in jeopardy. Is revealing his secret worth gaining Grace’s love?
 

A Crashing Love – Yvette Hines

Ace never planned that one crash could bring him the woman of his dreams. Just when love has found Jaide, her career could be in jeopardy. Can they handle the pressure and battle coming their way or will it end it all?
 

Light My Fire – Kristina Knight

Getting down and dirty in a limo with rocker Nate Lansford seems like the perfect solution to Lily MacIntyre’s too-sweet image problem, but Nate doesn’t do anything half-way and what he wants from Lily might be more than she bargained for…


Love Me Again – Cindy Stark

When Krystal left her first love to pursue a career, she never dreamed she’d find herself back in the same small town working with the one man she’d thought she could forget.


Sultry Nights – Valerie Twombly* 

When Crone is asked to protect Tessa from an evil warlock, the jinn is eager to accept, hoping to right a wrong from his past. But having the beautiful witch on his secluded island creates a supernatural brew perfect for sultry nights. 


Double Dog Dare – J.A. Coffey*

When gutsy Allison Dare inherits a destructive dog from a dearly-departed cousin, can the hunky amputee dog trainer she hires also tame her rebellious heart?


Something Old – Lena Hart*

Mya wants to win back her old sweetheart—the one she walked out on years before—but Guy isn’t the forgiving type. And he doesn’t believe in second chances. Will their bond be enough to save their love or is it already too late for them?


Enticed – Chanta Rand*

Action star, Lucas Stone isn’t afraid of anything—except commitment. When he butts heads with photographer, Nyla Maxwell, he thinks he may have finally found his real-life leading lady. Too bad she can’t stand his guts.


The Right Temptation – Diane Escalera

Last thing Nico needs is a broken arm. Worse, now his pal’s kid sister wants to soothe his pain. It’s just like Kayla to play the seductive nurse. She’s always had a thing for Nico. Problem is, Kayla’s not a girl anymore. She’s one hot-blooded woman. And Nico’s body is heating up.


A Time To Heal – Emma Leigh Reed

Mourning his wife’s death and her running from a bad marriage with many bad decisions, Dan and Kelli are thrown together. When their compassion for each others’ sorrows brings a new level of passion to the game, there is finally A Time to Heal.


To Catch A Star – Dorothy Callahan*

Hollywood’s hottest action hero finds himself rescued by the very woman whose livelihood he’s about to destroy.


The Tartan MP3 Player – C. A. Szarek

Claire gets sucked into 1672, naked and scared. Duncan rescues her only to realize she’s the key to finding his brother who was kidnapped by the Fae. Can they work together and both get what they want? Will sudden passion for each other change their goals?

Add to Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28174882-shades-of-desire-2



 
Excerpt from Sultry Nights

He cupped her cheek and seemed to understand her dilemma. “It pains me to say this more than you could ever know. Once Zadicus and his family are dead, I will break my bond with you if that’s what you desire. For once in your life, you will be free to make your own choice.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but words had become foreign to her.

“Yes, I have the knowledge on how to break our bond but understand this. There will never be another for me. Once you walk away, I will never see you again. Watching you with another man would be like shoving a dagger into my heart.”

She swallowed. “I thought Jinn could take another vetemba.”

“It happens sometimes, but for me it will forever only be you.”

She felt tears sting her eyes. He was willing to let her go. Give back her freedom. “I-I don’t know what to say.”

He stepped back, releasing her, and she found they were both clothed again. “Tell me that you’ll become a powerful witch and live a happy life. Once I’m certain of your safety, I know a way to give you back your grandmother’s power.”

The tears rolled and her chest tightened. She had to give him what he needed too. “Crone, I never blamed you for my grandmother’s death, but if it will release you from your burden… I forgive you,” she whispered. His body visibly relaxed.

“Thank you.” He held out his hand. “It’s time to meet the others.”

She nodded, wondering how one minute she could experience a mind-blowing orgasm and the next feel so empty. But this is what you wanted. Crone can give you everything. Freedom and power. But there was this nagging question.

“Wait!” She’d started to reach for him then hesitated.

“What is it?”

How could she ask this? “Why have you decided to do this? Break the bond?” To the point was always the best.

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Because your happiness will always come first.”

 Where to Pre-order
Releasing March 7, 2016
Amazon: http://amzn.to/20p71qs
B&N: http://bit.ly/1HjSlWj
iBooks: http://apple.co/1YnRfgt
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1N24ICy
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1SSN60a
ARe: http://bit.ly/21bNtce

 

Giveaway
Enter to win a signed copy of Spanish Nights (A Jinn’s Seduction #1)
(US only for shipping, International prize is a $5 Amazon Giftcard)

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Release Day for Valentine Pets & Kisses.

Valentine Pets & Kisses: Fourteen All-New, Sweet Valentine Romances





Make your Valentine’s Day tail-wagging and purr-fect with 14 brand-new romances from award-winning and bestselling authors.

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~ Goodreads

Title Links = Individual Amazon Link if available
Author Link = Amazon Author Profile




Valentine Hound Dog – Rachelle Ayala

A fashion designer and her basset hound puppy convince a burned ex-firefighter that beauty is never skin deep and neither is love.


The Crazy Girl’s Handbook – DelSheree Gladden 

Watching her nephews was supposed to be fun and a relaxing weekend for Greenly, not a never-ending disaster all witnessed by the best blind date she ever stood up.


The Vet’s Valentine Gift – J.L. Campbell

A veterinarian is caught between his job, an ex, a menagerie and love. Can a little Cupid fix things by Valentine’s Day?


Her Perfect Catch – K.L. Brady

Years of faithful dog-sitting pays sweet dividends when a struggling sports writer scores tickets to the Super Bowl and encounters her favorite football player.


Inflamed – Jade Kerrion 

A firefighter running from his past convinces a hard-luck single mother to believe in happy endings.






Remember When – Hope Welsh

A couple headed for divorce discovers common ground for joint custody of their Akita.


Your Biggest Fan? – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Snowed in with the man of her dreams, a football fan and her dog find love.


The Feline Fix – Caroline Bell Foster

A scientist questions her cat’s loyalty when it comes to love and a hunky policeman.


Trembling Hearts – Suzette Riddick 

A daring young woman crashes into the life of a disfigured recluse and his pooch. Can love be far behind?




Valentino, Be Mine – Tina D.C. Hayes

Sparks fly when two people who can’t stand each other wind up dog-sitting a rambunctious little Yorkie that needs a new home.



Lost and Found – Jeanne Bannon

Stuck with her ex’s puppy, a young teacher meets a new man after a series of unfortunate events.


Surviving San Francisco – Susan Oloier

A small town girl survives San Francisco after she hits a cat and falls for a handsome veterinarian.


19 Ivy Lane – Aubrey Wynne

A mysterious woman and her cat befriend a postman and set tongues wagging on Ivy Lane. But when he delivers a long-awaited letter, will his heart be “returned to sender?”




Three Plus Three – Cindy Flores Martinez

A grieving widow and her beloved doggie meet a handsome widower the day before Valentine’s Day.









Author Links = Author’s Website




Rachelle Ayala From romantic suspense to sweet contemporaries, I write from my heart and love to include children and pets in my stories.



DelSheree Gladden is a USA Today bestselling young adult and romance author, whose writing includes everything from dystopian and Native American mythology to sweet and funny romances.

J.L. Campbell is an award-winning author who writes sweet romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction, new and young adult novels.

K.L. Brady is a multi-award-winning author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies, young adult romance, and a spy thriller series based on her career in U.S. intelligence.



Jade Kerrion writes frequently award-winning, occasionally best-selling science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance novels.

Hope Welsh writes romance fiction. Her first love is paranormal. She’s been writing since she was in third grade and has never looked back.



Sydney Aaliyah MIchelle is a contemporary romance writer, a voracious reader and movie fanatic who hails from Texas.

Caroline Bell Foster writes contemporary women’s fiction with themes of substance that defy convention.

Suzette Riddick is a wife, mother and nurse practitioner who enjoys writing romance novels with a touch of reality.

Tina D.C. Hayes writes romantic suspense and cozy mysteries while her pampered pooches and parrots stand guard against writer’s block.

Jeanne Bannon is an international best-selling author of paranormal and romance fiction with twenty-five years of experience in the publishing industry.

Susan Oloier is a mother and educator who writes memoir, as well as adult and young adult contemporary fiction.

Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night.

Cindy Flores Martinez writes sweet romantic comedy and inspirational romance in both English and Spanish.

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ B&N ~ iTunes ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~ Goodreads

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Spotlight 6: Valentine Pets & Kisses with Aubrey Wynne

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1 More Day To Release:



19 Ivy Lane by Aubrey Wynne
Eloise Kolby steps off the bus and greets Hollywood with high expectations and a smile. Two months later, she’s broke, hungry and rethinking her dream. An offer to house sit provides her with too much time alone, an adopted family of kittens and a sexy postman waiting at her gate.Victor Burnham can’t stop thinking of the beautiful, mysterious woman who just moved into his hometown. She meets him each day at the mailbox, waiting for a letter.

When the envelope finally arrives, they both must face decisions that could make their dreams come true or jeopardize their relationship forever.


Excerpt from 19 Ivy Lane




Four hours later, she bent over her knees, panting like she just ran across the entire MGM studio. She hoped that man really did have her heart because the one in her chest felt like it would explode.

“A bit out of shape, eh?”

She looked up to see Rita Hayworth’s twin grinning down at her. The burnished, copper hair and teasing, blue eyes did not help her mood. How could someone look like that after an afternoon of such torture?

“It’s my first time out on a dance set. I’ll be fine.” With forced energy, she pushed off her knees and straightened to her full height. “But tell me we are done for today.”

With a husky laugh, she agreed. “Yes, ma’am. Officially off duty!”

“Who’s hungry?” called a voice from the group of girls. A jumbled chorus of “me” and “I am” echoed over the now quiet set. Eloise searched the lot for Ross.

“If you’re waiting for Wilson, don’t. He’s as popular as soda at a fountain and everyone wants a drink of him.” The redhead put an arm around her shoulder and gave a squeeze. “C’mon out with us, honey. My treat. You look like you need a good meal without owing some Romeo for it.”

“But Ross said he’d pick me up—”

“I bet he did. Do you believe everything people tell you?” She put a hand on her hip and took a pose like her mother used to when she’d done something foolish. “This is the movie business, sweetie. Don’t go flipping your wig over every sweet-talking man you meet. They’re like ants at a picnic.”

About the Author

Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.

Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and received Best Short Romance in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice of 2013. Wynne’s humorous shorts Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies ( Best Short in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice of 2014 and Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List on Goodreads) and To Cast A Cliché are published with Amazon.

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