MariaLisa deMora's Blog, page 8

Gunny, cover reveal!

Here it is, the cover for Gunny, Rebel Wayfarers MC book #5. Due out June 29, this was a bit of a surprise book, because for me, the characters tend to drive the bus. I’ve already gotten messages this morning asking about the timing of Jase and Gunny. First things first, cover – look at it, isn’t it just scrumptious?

I was busily writing away on Jase, when this rogue character came out of nowhere and took over. He tried so hard to smother the story that over Christmas, I spent nearly two weeks ripping almost all of him out of that book. I only accomplished this because I promised him his own book. So, in my mind, I plunked it firmly in 2016, because I had planned for Jase in May, and Mason in November.

Well, these characters often have their own agenda, and Lane Robinson, our Gunny, is no exception. It got to the point where I would write on Jase in the evenings after work, sometimes until midnight. Then Gunny would have me up and out of bed by 5:30 or so and I’d spend an hour or so each morning with him.

What does that mean for you, the reader? It means lots of Rebel Wayfarers MC books in the near future! Remember back up there when I said I’d planned on two books this year? Yeah, nope. We’ll have four by the end of 2015. Honest! Would I try and joke about these men?

So here’s the publishing schedule for the books this year:

Jase, book #4 – May 4
Gunny, book #5 – June 29
Mason, book #6 – October 19
Hoss, book #7 – November 23

That means, this fall, we’ll again have a cover reveal, then a cover reveal, followed by two releases! Crazy, yeah? So enjoy the cover above, it’s a combination of the phenomenal work of Sara Eirew (www.saraeirew.com), photographer of the main image, Mandy Hollis (MH Photography), photographer of the back cover image, and Melissa Gill (www.mgbookcoversanddesigns.com), graphic artist who put it all together.

Thanks for reading and loving these characters as much as I do. Every single day you make my life better.

Muuwah!

~ML

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Lift: Authors Raising Autism Awareness

I found out about a simply wonderful initiative, Lift: Authors Raising Autism Awareness, just a tad too late to participate, but when I reached out to Ginger Scott, one of the organizers, she immediately responded with information so I can be part of this in at least a small way! What is it? It’s a wonderful group of authors who answered Ginger and Kennedy Ryan’s call for a way to raise autism awareness. Click through on the authors, follow them, support them, enter the giveaway … make a difference.

This hits close to home for me, because my youngest son has autism. Now 21, he wasn’t diagnosed until he was 11, which made it too late for any early intervention techniques or modalities. This meant he has had to work harder at everything. Well, you know me, I’m not afraid of a little work, so between me and the boychild, we buckled down and muscled through all the challenges. Because of the profound impact autism has had on our lives, I look for ways to support others who are in the midst of the fight. The group of authors you’ll read about below is doing the same, and I’m proud of each of them.

My life with my son has been a rollercoaster at times, and I’m happy to report that right now … life is guud!

But, it wasn’t always that way. Along our path things were sometimes very challenging, and it isn’t always easy to find support, especially when people don’t understand the issues the person with autism faces, or the struggles that the family members deal with when someone you love has autism. I was an early adopter of social media and found a supportive community online, many of whom were going through similar issues and situations, and who used blogs to vent. When we couldn’t talk to family or friends, we could vent. Just opening the relief valve a smidge was enough to give relief some days. I blogged for about four years, it looks like. The months with the most posts are the ones that were the toughest to live through, and I brought myself to tears a couple weeks ago re-reading some of them because I remembered far too clearly how hopeless and helpless I felt in those moments. But we keep going, right? That’s what parents do, we just keep going and keep helping and pushing … trusting that things will come out right in the end, because our kids matter so much.

In Bear, I wrote about a character who had chosen special needs as a career. Eddie is an autism itinerant, a dedicated lady who worked with kids with varying impacts from autism and we got to meet Rafe, a rule-bound young man with autism. In Gunny, you’ll meet another special needs kid who is a little more profoundly affected. Why? Because parents like me exist, and we need to have validation in our lives that people “get it.”

My son still lives with me, and at this point it’s unsure if he’ll ever be able to live on his own, but I’m hopeful. I also do special needs foster respite care, giving a few moments of unencumbered relief for folks who knowingly and willingly take on the challenges that these kiddos bring to the table, in an effort to make lives better.

So if you are so inclined, and want to wallow in my long-past misery, here’s a link:

http://lillihanoj.com/autblog/

Now on to the main event, Lift: Authors Raising Autism Awareness

Week 3 of LIFT doesn’t let up! We have such incredible donations from amazing authors this week.

If you missed the LIFT t-shirts, there’s still a chance! Reserve yours in our “round two” LIFT order today! Don’t be left out when we have LIFT selfie day!

This week’s MegaGiveaway benefits The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation.

Thank you to the generous authors donating!

A.L. Jackson

Amalie Silver

Cindi Madsen

Faith Andrews

Gia Riley

Jen Frederick

K. Bromberg

Lia Riley

Mandi Beck

Molly McClain

Nicole Storey

S.R. Grey

Whitney Barbetti

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go forth, support, offer some love to these wonderful people!

Muuwah!

Every single day, you make my life better.

~ML

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Preparation

Jase, book #4, Rebel Wayfarers MC book series

Well, here we are. Thirty days from the release date for Jase, book #4 in the Rebel Wayfarers MC book series. I’m busily preparing and formatting the document for the print on demand service, so I can get a printed proof ordered and delivered in time for the launch, as well as getting the electronic file ready for upload so you all can do some pre-ordering. Yes, I’ve been listening, I promise!

The blog tour is shaping up nicely, and I’m excited about the five-day event! Hopefully you’ll like the things the various blogs, Mommy’s a Book Whore, and I have put together for you.

So that’s Jase, just about all tidied up, all preparations nearly complete. But, did you know I’ve been working on five books at once? They are all in different stages, but there are five active manuscripts on my computer right now! CraZy, I know!

So, in June, we’ll have Gunny hitting the eReaders and bookshelves, and I cannot wait. Even though he was quite the surprise character, he developed into a really complex guy, and one that lead me into interesting and intense places for research. I appreciate the guys who opened their hearts and lives to me, letting me see the pain and darkness residing within, and also the hope and love. PTSD is such a hard-riding beast, hungry and remorseless in the way it devours lives.

Gunny, June 29, 2015

Then, Mason in October, and this is the book I’ve heard so many folks say they cannot wait for. People, I’m right there with you, but for me it’s a true double-edged blade, equal parts both excitement and terror. On the one side…I can’t wait for you to read Mason, gaining an understanding of the full impact of how his life was guided and molded by so many different people, both good and bad. How his experiences were all in preparation for what comes next. Then, on the other side…I’m freaked right the fuck out because there are so many folks who say they can’t wait for his story! He’s the glue that holds the series together, and I can only tell his tale in the way he’s asked of me, and hope it stands up to scrutiny.

Finally, rounding out 2015, we’ll see the release of book #7, Hoss, in November. With each book, the characters drive me to find songs and quotes that speak in their voice, and Hoss has a unique one. Here are the two quotes for his story, you’ll have to let me know how they make you feel!

“She’s mad but she’s magic. There’s no lie in her fire.” ~ Charles Bukowski

“She’s mad but she’s magic. There’s no lie in her fire.” ~ Charles Bukowski

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.” ~ Bob Marley

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.” ~ Bob Marley

Love you, my Rebels. Every fucking day you make my life better!

Muuwah!

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2014 – Crazy Year for Concerts & Music

You all know how much I love music, and live music most especially.

But, I admit, I might have gone a little concert crazy in 2014. I attended a large number of shows and concerts over the year, varying from small one-man sets in a bar to one multi-day brewing festival. The genres were also mixed, going from the Americana-sound of Old Crow Medicine Show to the hard-rocking Black Label Society.

The venues were biker bars, college bars, converted theaters, concert halls, and lightning-bug-lit fields. I bounced to Sick Puppies, had an orgasm to Like A Storm (there’s a story I’ll tell you one day), moshed to Trapt, became enamored of Sinclair, laughed with Bushwalla, and was thrilled and humbled by William Tyler.

I found out that big names don’t always bring their best game, and sometimes the small guys present opportunities you might not expect.

I’ve made friends, hung out on buses and RVs, carried in food and groceries, given out Shittens and TicTacs galore, gotten chills from greenroom warm-ups, been the recipient of back-rubs, head noogies, growls, tickles, laughter, dances, and was on the receiving end of some of the BEST hugs.

Bands who give best live show – toss-up between three:

10 Years – Jesse Hasek can work a crowd and hold them in the palm of his hand.
Like A Storm – the Brooks brothers are hands-down the hardest working band I’ve met.
Otherwise – Adrian and Ryan Patrick are talented beyond explanation. I get chills just thinking about hearing Soldiers live!

Talent of note … well hell, y’all already know I’m a drummer gal, right? So the fact this list is weighted towards drummers shouldn’t be a shocker …

Paul Crosby, drummer for Saliva. The man can play, but is one of the sweetest guys, and free with his knowledge and expertise. I was able to see him mentoring some bands this year, which was awesome.
Alex Sassaris, drummer for Eve To Adam. Alex has a power and intensity that carries the crowd along with him, we all want to follow wherever he leads!
Zack Goggins, drummer for Righteous Vendetta. I’ve said it several times, watching that boy pound the skins is a religious experience. He. Is. Amazing.
Matt Brooks, guitarist of Like A Storm. He’s the real deal, folks. Sings, plays, cooks, laughs, and most of all…loves his fans. If you get a chance to hear him acoustically and pass that shit up, then shame on you!
Clayton Wages, bassist for Letters From The Fire. Clay personifies rockstar with talent, showmanship, confidence, and attitude. But then when you talk to him one-on-one…he turns into the sweetest and softest guy you ever would want to know. Super sweet, the man is awesome!
Steven Pulley, drummer for Saving Abel. Steven blew me away with his openness, kindness, and bone-deep interest in the world and people around him. Oh, did I mention he’s hella talented, too?
William Tyler, solo guitarist. Mr. Tyler enthralled on stage, transitioning easily from silly repartee with the crowd to concert hall quality playing. William, when I talked to him away from the stage, was shy and sweet, genuinely pleased that his music was appealing. Disarmingly sweet, devastatingly talented!

Grand total of performances and sets watched, as best as I can count, is a staggering 93.

2015 is already shaping up to be a good music year, I’ve gotten to hear Adam Strack already, and have tickets to see HellYeah, Devour the Day, and Like A Storm in a couple of weeks, and then 10 Years, Otherwise, and Luminoth in March!

Memorable non-music moments from 2014:

Stevie D of Buckcherry telling me, “Long time listener, first time caller?” Talk about an avalanche begun with the smallest of pebble tosses.
Talking to Matt diRito and Joshua Chachi Marunde from PopEvil about autism, and the universal language of music.
Having Bobby Amaru of Saliva light up like a candle and give me a hug because I told him he melted my fucking face off with his singing.
Seeing Elliot Weber from Letters From The Fire onstage for the first time and thinking he could be a book cover model for Jase.
Sitting on the docks at The Vogue in Indianapolis, soaked to the bone and watching the rain pour down, seeing the boys from The Veer Union slogging their equipment into the venue. I think Amal Wijayanayake broke his sandal!
Watching as Whitey Morgan continued to play an outdoor show as a riotous lightning storm rolled in, even while his steel guitarist dissembled his instrument because of the close strikes!
Having Saving Abel post a picture of me with Scotty Bartlett and having the first few comments on the pic be from MY fans, not theirs!

Most watched band – no surprise, my favorite Kiwi’s from Like A Storm with 5 shows, but there were several who were good enough to repeat!

Here’s the list of multiples:

Like A Storm – 5

Letters From The Fire – 3

Righteous Vendetta – 3

Saliva – 3

Sick Puppies – 3

Hubie Ashcraft – 3

Eve To Adam – 2

Saving Abel – 2

Trapt – 2

Otherwise – 2

The Veer Union – 2

Adam Strack – 2

Buckcherry – 2

And here’s the full list of talent and bands. Amazeballs, alla ‘em!

Saving Abel (1)
Catherine’s
When Minds Collide
Young Guns
Sick Puppies (1)
Girl on Fire
Angola Road
Silence the Echoes
Buckcherry (1)
Like A Storm (1)
Gangstagrass
Bushwalla
Old Crow Medicine Show
Saliva (1)
Eve To Adam (1)
Nico’s Gun
Blaming Alice
Saliva (2)
Eve To Adam (2)
Pragmatic
Adelitas Way
Sick Puppies (2)
Three Days Grace
Whitey Morgan and the 78’s
Pure Grain
Trapt (1)
10 Years
Crobot
The Veer Union (1)
Black Label Society
Kyng
Wovenwar
Stars in Stereo
Sick Puppies (3)
Like A Storm (2)
Small Batch
Great Peacock
Coralee and the Townies
Kelsey Waldon
Ben Nichols
Dawn Landes
Wooden Wand
Austin Lucas
Freakwater
John Moreland
Tyler Childers
William Tyler
Doc Feldman
Those Crosstown Rivals
Egon Danielson
Ancient Warfare
Josh Nolan
Warren Byrom
Trapt (2)
The Veer Union (2)
Letters From The Fire (1)
Righteous Vendetta (1)
Arcane Saints
Nonpoint
Eyes Set To Kill
Blood From A Stone
Letters From The Fire (2)
Righteous Vendetta (2)
Like A Storm (3)
Otherwise (1)
Jason Mraz
Saliva (3)
Longreef
Better Than Ezra
Sinclair
Hubie Ashcraft (1)
Adam Strack (1)
Shelly Dixon
Pop Evil
Red Sun Rising
Islander
Letters From The Fire (3)
Thousand Foot Crutch
We As Human
Righteous Vendetta (3)
Like A Storm (4)
Breach of Silence
Hubie Ashcraft (2)
Drowning Pool
Like A Storm (5)
Red Tide Rising
Adam Strack (2)
Saving Abel (2)
Another Lost Year
Hubie Ashcraft (3)
Rockchild
Buckcherry (2)
Otherwise (2)

Random pictures, in no certain order!

Eve To Adam

Saving Abel

Scotty, Shittens, and me

Scotty Bartlett of Saving Abel

Saving Abel

RockChild

Red Tide Rising

Matt Brooks of Like A Storm

Like A Storm

Drowning Pool

Stevie Benton of Drowning Pool

C.J. Pierce of Drowning Pool

Breach Of Silence

We As Human

Thousand Foot Crutch

Righteous Vendetta

Like A Storm

Like A Storm

Sinclair

Saliva

Longreef

Otherwise

Chris Brooks, Like A Storm

Righteous Vendetta

Eyes Set To Kill

Well Crafted, pano

Ben Nichols

Stars In Stereo

Sick Puppies

Like A Storm

Kent Brooks, Like A Storm

Alex Sassaris ,Eve To Adam

The Veer Union

The Veer Union, Crispin and Ryan

Amal Wijayanayake, The Veer Union

Letters From The Fire, Elliot Weber and Ben Anderson

Kyng

Black Label Society

Whitey Morgan and the 78’s

Three Days Grace

Saliva

Saliva

Xavier Muriel, Buckcherry

Buckcherry

10 Years

Saliva – Superstar

Paul Crosby & Pragmatic

Ryan Ramsdell, The Veer Union

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Group love

It came to my attention that Facebook groups have some advantages over the author page I started with. The post visibility in a group can be better controlled, which is great, but even better is that as an author, I can interact at a different level with fans.

So, as an experiment, I’ve opened a Rebel Wayfarers MC book series group, if you’re interested in sneak peeks, first reveals, storyline input, and silly laughter, you should check it out!

Facebook.com/groups/rebelwayfarersmc

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Whirlwind Year

It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m writing Mason’s story.

That statement alone should do nothing to inspire fear or joy, because there are no threatening words in those few characters, and there are no overt tones of pleasure. But, when you consider the journey of the past year, the paths taken to get to this place in time, to me that statement is both overwhelmingly terrifying and intensely thrilling.

One year ago, I had a story in my head. I’d dreamed about this ballsy chick who used to rodeo, she rode barrel horses. In her life, she’d had some bad experiences, but that was all behind her now and she’d moved in next to the most amazing man. That man only wanted good things for her, and saw her in a way that few others had. He saw past the walls she’d erected to keep herself safe, and recognized that they were only hindering her…stifling the love she had inside her, just waiting for the right person to come along. For a time, in my head, he was the right person. I constructed a future for the two of them that was daffodils and ducklings, daisies and dumplings. But, in my dreams, which is where these two people lived at the time, he recognized she needed more than he could provide. And, again, in my dreams, he selflessly pushed her towards a man he felt would be…could be right for her.

These dreams wouldn’t go away, so in an effort to purge them, I drafted an outline of their story. That still didn’t pull them out of my head, so I sat down and created a mind map of the characters as I would a programming project. Drawing their interactions and intersections out visually, thinking that once I was done they’d move on, and I could have my dream space back to myself. No joy.

So, the Saturday between Christmas 2013 and New Year’s 2014, I sat down with my laptop and began to write. You have to understand that this was unusual for me, I’ve read for pleasure all my life, but I’d never written creatively. I wrote business reports and board reports; I write technical documentation and instructional documents…the closest I’d ever gotten to creative was when I drew pictures and then cross-stitched them, but that’s not pulling together the needed elements for a story. Imagine my surprise when the words flowed out of me so fast my fingers couldn’t keep up, there were whole sections of sentences missing because my thoughts were in such a rush…moving so quickly that dialog flew between characters, and events transpired that left me breathless and trying desperately to capture them before they were gone.

Now, here we are one year later, “It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m writing Mason’s story.” In this time, I’ve self-published three titles, have a fourth out to alpha readers, have a surprise story half-finished, pushed out a free short story…and I’m writing Mason’s story, fifth in the series. In twelve short months, that seems an immense amount of productivity for someone who, before Christmas last year, had not ever written creatively.

From the communication I’ve had with readers, you all seem to like the stories I’ve pulled out of my head. When first Mica, then Slate hit multiple top 100 lists on Amazon, I was so in shock that I approached strangers to show them the listings, and took innumerable screenshots on my phone of their placement on the lists. “Unreal” was the word that came most often to my lips, because how…why would people want to read these stories. Didn’t they know, couldn’t they tell I wasn’t a writer? But, I love these characters so much – Mason, Slate, Tugboat, Jase…Mica, Willa, Jess – I love every one of them. Even the ones I don’t understand (yet), I love. When I hit publish on a book, I’m counting on y’all to love them, too, which is terrifying in and of itself.

So, I want to say thank you to everyone who has read these stories–my stories. When I receive an email from a reader, likes or comments on a Facebook post, questions or support via messages–it matters to me, because it tells me that I’m not alone in feeling this way about these characters, the things I’ve written. These things also matter to my readers, if your exchanges with me are any indication.

I’ve written about things that matter to me: devastation that rape leaves behind; sadness of losing a beloved parent; terror of being the reason others are hurt; loss of an entire family; difficulty for separated military personnel to integrate back into society; challenges that autism brings to both family and classroom; changing careers mid-life; struggles that brand traumatic brain injury survivors.

I’ve also written about the joys we experience: birth of a first child; pleasures of athletic competitions; satisfaction of a job well done; thrill of a first vehicle; the sense of community that music can provide; comfort provided by trusted friends; often-discounted good Samaritan factors in life. These things are pivotal in the stories and a recurring theme because they matter.

Again, thank you for taking this yearlong journey with me. Onward and upward we go, because we’ve Jase, Gunny, and Mason to learn about in 2015, and an entire series beyond this one where we’ll continue to learn about some of the characters we’ve come to love.

Every fucking day you make my life better. Muuuwah!

~ML

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Gunny’s dilemma

I cannot tell you how much it means to me that so many of you want more.

More of the stories, more about the characters, more information, more of…well, everything. Thank you for making these characters your friends, I have grown to love each and every one, even when they impose themselves on us unexpectedly, as Gunny has.

Here’s a lengthy excerpt from Jase, but it’s not about Jase and DeeDee. This is Gunny and Sharon, an odd-duck pairing if I’ve ever seen one. He’s the gruff ex-Marine, scarred and angry, and is fast falling for Shar. She’s been ill-used by life, but has an immediate and innate trust of Gunny. We’ll see where this goes for them, but I’m kinda likin’ Gunny and Shar. They fit quite well in oh-so odd ways.

Mostly unedited and raw, forgive typos, yeah?

Standing at his post just inside the front door, opposite the bar, Gunny surveyed the patrons of the strip club. His face impassive, he counted no person in the room a friend. Some were his brothers, men he would gladly die for, but they were not friends. He was fucking pissed off to be here and not in California where he was fucking needed. Where his damn friends were. Leaning his shoulders against the wall, he forced composure and crossed his legs at the ankle.

He knew why he’d been left behind, but knowing didn’t ease the rub much. The office door to his right clicked and opened, and he shifted his gaze that way, seeing DeeDee standing in the doorway. “Did you hear anything yet?” she asked, and he shook his head, watching as she scrunched her face in response. “Do we know anything more than we did two hours ago?” He shook his head at this too, and she nodded, closing the door behind her as she went back into the office.

Pulling out his phone, he sent a quick text to Slate and waited on a response, sighing when he received a two letter reply. Onstage, the acts were changing out, the two girls on the side stages sauntering backstage carrying their costumes in their hands. Slinky’s didn’t have a DJ or announcer during the day, but the next shift of dancers usually warranted the expense and sure enough, Gunny heard the buzz and hum as the PA system clicked on.

The speakers popped and then he heard a smooth voice slip through the room, “Good evening, gentlemen. We would like to welcome you to Slinky’s where your every desire is ours, too. We are very pleased to invite a beautiful lady back to our stages. Too long gone from view, she’s here tonight for your yearning pleasure. I give you the stunning Sharmane.” Loud pop music blared as Gunny jerked upright, eyes locking on the center state in disbelief. What the fuck…

He watched as Shar strutted into view, her wide smile sweeping the area around the raised platform. That’s my woman, what the hell is she playing at? The click of her stiletto fuck-me heels might be inaudible over the music but there was no missing the seduction implied in the sway and pop of her hips as she worked the edges of the stage, but…her carriage and the way she moved resonated with pure class. His gaze traced her form down, and then up, making that circuit twice in the time it took her to circle the stage once. Slipping her shoes off, she lined them up near the edge of the platform, placing them neatly side-by-side before turning her back on the audience.

Most of the bruising from the beating had faded, and in the areas where he knew she was still discolored it looked as if she’d used body makeup to even out the flaws. Lying in bed last night, he’d run his hands over her shoulders and back, gently tracing the outline of the bruises that remained. He’d had to work hard to make certain the tension of knowing that motherfucker was still breathing her air never made it through his fingers and onto her. He shuddered, thinking, She don’t need that. Not last night, not ever. He hated she still carried marks from Elkins on her skin. Tonight, her movements were fluid, the smoothness at odds with the jerking, flinching woman he’d held only a few weeks ago.

The sheer dress she wore floated around her as she twirled in the space between the end of the stage and the pole. Her face lifted to the ceiling as if it held the sun and its warmth were drawing her onto tiptoes with arms spread wide. Spinning slowly to a stop, she dipped sideways and rested one hand on the pole, eyes closed, touching it with the backs of her fingers and hand like she were reintroducing herself to the feel of a lover. God, I fucking love it when she touches me like that. Swaying in sync with the music, her face broke into a smile when she leaned close, nuzzling one cheek against the pole, saying hello to a favored friend. That is my smile.

Arms out as if she were playing airplanes with a child, she ran swooping and twirling around the pole, spiraling closer and closer with each circuit until she was standing tall, face-to-face with it. Whirling to place her back to the pole, her head tipped back, her cheek again stroking along the pole.

He sucked in a breath, watching as her eyes snapped open, looking at him. His breath caught in his chest as he took in her eyes, the look on her face. She’s dancing for me. A sultry smile crossed her face while her chin tilted down, eyes inviting all viewers in on a secret, making each person a participant in her performance. Dancing only for me. Elegantly stretching one hand over her head, she used the other to grasp the hem of her dress, pulling it over and off in one movement, abandoning it near her shoes and his shout of panic stopped in his throat. Undressed, but still covered in nearly-nude panties and a sports bra, she looked completely accessible but was fully shielded from the men’s eyes. That is my body, goddammit.

One hand on the pole, she danced in a curving arc around it, winding around and gaining momentum until she reached up, her hand clasping and lifting herself off the floor, her upper body strength allowing her to pull up the bar hand over hand. Still twirling around the pole, she flipped sideways, pushing her leg around the bar and locking it into place with her arm as she spun slowly down towards the floor, looking like she was drifting downward, nothing holding her up but the air beneath her.

Pausing the descent mid-pole, she continued her spin, moving slowly and gracefully from position to position, legs twisting around the pole, then spread wide as she whirled. Hands and feet vied for position, she angled her body to gain or lose speed on her spin, maintaining the impression of effortlessness. Fuck me, she’s become my obsession, I can’t wait to be buried deep inside her.

With a start, he shifted his gaze around the room, he’d been staring at Shar since she’d come on stage. Looking around at the other men in the room, he understood every man who was the same way, fucking mesmerized. He felt his cut shift and realized he’d tightened his shoulders, was clenching his fists. Every one of those motherfuckers was looking at his woman, wanting to fuck her and he was ready to take them all on. She was seducing the entire fucking audience and still had her goddamn panties on. That’s my goddamn pussy.

Gunny realized that damn smile had never left her face. My fucking smile.

She dismounted twice during the routine, the first time climbing back up the pole upright, hand over hand. Her body swayed alongside the bar as if it were a mast and she the sail in a strong wind, flipping and fluttering as she willed. He watched without breathing as she set her arms wide on the bar, effortlessly looking like she was flying free as she whirled in space. The second time she mounted the pole upside down, her bare soles looking somehow more intimate than any other part of her body as she flexed and pointed her feet, trapping the bar between them and then releasing it in easy, relaxed movements. He’d never felt possessive about a woman as he did with Shar, it had him feeling out of control, greedy and mean. If any one of these motherfuckers tried to put a hand on her he’d lose his mind. She’s mine.

From the way her head whipped around, turning back to him again and again he knew she kept her eyes where she knew he’d be, even if there was no way she could see him through the spotlights. His smile on her face. Dancing for him. My woman.

She spun faster, then shifted to an upright position and pulled herself back up the pole, where she froze in a pose that looked as natural as breathing, simple to hold. He watched her slide slowly down, dismounting a final time to collapse gracefully into a pale puddle on the floor of the stage.

When the men in the room stood and applauded, he realized that not one of them had thrown money on the stage during her performance, which was the highest compliment they could pay. So wrapped up were they in the illusion she wove on the pole, they forgot she was an erotic dancer for their pleasure, appreciating the beauty of her movement for what it was.

That didn’t stop them from plying her with money now, however, and he felt a heavy scowl fix on his face as he watched her waltz around the stage, cocking a hip out for those motherfuckers to tuck money into the edge of her panties. He heard a desperate groaning sound and realized it came from him as he watched their goddamn fingers plucking at the elastic sides of her underwear. So close to my pussy. He could only watch as their dirty fucking hands glanced across her skin, saw her execute a twisting dance move away from men who wanted more than a sidelong touch. Touching what is mine.

Why the fuck had she done this? Without saying a goddamn thing to him, why had she gotten back on the stage right in front of him? Was it a statement, a question? Does she think I can’t take care of her? Think I won’t want to take care of her? Is she getting off on letting men touch her for money when she is mine?

Distracted, he nearly missed the buzz of a text. Pulling out his phone, he breathed a sigh of relief, tension rolling off of him as he read the message from Mason: Got them. Bringing everyone home alive.

He reached out a hand to knock on the office door when it flew open, DeeDee coming around the doorframe to meet him halfway, her phone in her hand. “They’re alive,” she breathed and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

“Did you ever doubt Mason?” he joked, lifting his eyes to see Shar frowning at him from the stage.

And as a bonus, here’s a snippet that shows you why I wanted to know how to shave one’s head! I kinda like how this turned out!

He gave her a chin lift and making the final sweep of this first pass, he rinsed the blade again, setting the razor aside and filling his palm with gel. Coating his scalp with foam again, he repeated the process, working until he felt her fingers on his hip. Looking down at her with a questioning crook of his eyebrow, he waited for her to speak.

“Can I help?” she asked.

“Nearly done, baby,” he said, making another sweep of the razor.

She stepped around him, moving to stand on top of the toilet seat beside him. “I can get the places you can’t see.”

“Got fingers, babe. I can find where I miss,” he said, demonstrating by rubbing his fingertips along his scalp and finding a small strip he’d missed earlier. “Been shaving my head since I left active duty, ten years ago. Before that, I did my own high and tight in the field.”

She twisted sideways, looking at the back of his neck. Standing on the elevated surface as she was, she was still not quite eye-level with him and he grinned. “You even seen the back of my head yet, baby?”

She made a face at him. “Yes, you big oaf. I have. I do, every time we ride the bike. Which is all the time, since you turned my rental car in.” She stuck her tongue out at him and he laughed.

“Got your money back, didn’t I? You couldn’t drive it, baby. No reason to pay for what you can’t use.” She continued watching him as he finished shaving his head. He’d rinsed his head and was applying gel foam to his face when he looked at her in the mirror, his motions slowing.

“You ever shave someone?” He asked the question idly, fiddling with the handle of the razor.

She nodded, “Ace used to have me shave him before every home game. It was part of his ritual.” Tilting her head to one side, she said, “Not with a straight razor, though.”

“Spencer has a ritual? He don’t seem like much of a superstitious guy.” He stood still, thinking, this seemed to matter to her.

“Yeah, I’d shave him and Mom would make her lemon cookies. He wouldn’t eat any of them unless they won, but she had to make them so he could smell the plateful before we left for the rink. He’d slap the top of the doorframe on the way out to the car and when we got to the rink he’d tap that door with his stick. Most guys have some things they do like tapping the sides of the gate when they head out for a game, Ace had a bunch when he first started high school,” she laughed, reaching out to steady herself with a hand on his shoulder.

“You really want to shave me, baby?” he asked and one side of his lips curled up when she nodded enthusiastically.

Handing over the razor, he told her, “Putting my life in your hands. I don’t do this lightly.”

“I accept the responsibility, my liege,” she scoffed, bowing over his hand as she took the razor from him.

For the next ten minutes he was halfway between heaven and hell as she shaved him, her fingers touching and tugging his face, pulling and stretching his skin. Her face so close to his, the urge to devour her mouth nearly irresistible as he felt the heat from her breath ghosting across his skin and him unable to move unless at her silent request. Such an private act, her touch tender and strong at the same time as she guided his head into a desired position.

The mirror gradually misted over as steam from the running shower filled the room. Without the mirror to distract him, he focused on her face, fighting the urge to smile when he caught her with her tongue tucked into the corner of her mouth, held tight between her teeth as she concentrated. He closed his eyes, standing motionless as she wet her hands, running them over his face, feeling for any areas that might require additional attention. He felt her hands still, palms pressed to his cheeks and he opened his eyes, finding her poised in front of him, lips only inches from his.

“Baby,” he whispered and saw her inhale when his breath hit her lips.

“Yeah?”

“You done?” He spoke quietly, not wanting to break whatever this spell was.

“Yeah.” Her eyes were moving between his eyes and lips.

“You wanna give me back the razor?” Still speaking quietly, he watched a hectic color beginning to rise in her cheeks.

“Okay,” she said, and he took the razor from her hand, folding it closed and laying it on the edge of the sink.

“You wanna kiss me?” he asked, gaze locked with hers, broken only as her eyes slowly slipped closed.

“Yeah,” she whispered.

“I’m all yours,” he said, reaching up to wrap his hands around both her wrists, slowly sliding that contact up her arms, past her elbows and cupping her shoulders. Slipping his hands around her back, he splayed his fingers wide, feeling the bumps and impressions of her ribcage under his hands. He tugged gently, pulling her into him, closing the distance separating their mouths. “All yours, baby.”

“Yeah,” she said and leaned in, her lips pressing lightly against his. He let her lead, controlling the speed and passion of the kiss, slanting his head when she did and then backing off, lightly nibbling at her bottom lip as she tugged at his top one. She jerked when her questing tongue touched his lips, then he opened to her, letting her delve into his mouth, stroking his tongue with hers.

Hope you enjoyed this window into two of the characters who feature heavily in Jase, currently on track for a May 2015 release!

Love you, my Rebels. Muuuwah!

~ML

 

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Spoilers: Questions about Mica and her men

Not long ago I asked folks to send me questions about the books and characters. Nearly all of the questions would have resulted in terrible spoilers for anyone not having read the books, and I responded to most of those privately. I did, however, keep a small cache of questions which I felt needed answers, because they are the most frequently asked. I’ll clearly identify them as SPOILERS, and allow people to read at their own risk.

So, here is the first of those questions accompanied by an answer, and yeah –

SPOILER ALERT – MICA:

Why did Mason and Mica hookup on their way home from Texas? She was already with Daniel, why would she cheat on him like that?

Looking at the character dynamics in the book Mica, both Mason and Daniel had difficulty within their relationships with her.

Mason had wanted and been obsessed with her since first laying eyes on Mica. That developed into a deep love and affection as he learned her story and came to know her. He worked hard to break down the walls she hid behind, getting to know the private woman well. In many ways he supported her, both emotionally with his friendship and more tangibly behind the scenes as he organized security for her, or schemed to find her business additional customers to ensure she had every reason to stay. He needed her happy and satisfied, and her wellbeing mattered more to him than almost anything.

Daniel was immediately intrigued with Mica, but he’s much more wary than Mason. He grew to love her over time, transitioning from wanting to make sure she was safe to wanting her in his life always. He too supported Mica, and while his connection might have seemed more physical and overtly emotional than Mason’s, the attraction they both felt for her was strong.

On a night when she was emotionally vulnerable, she and Mason shared an intensely passionate sexual experience. He was there for her, building her back up, making her whole. Yes, it was after she’d met Daniel, but it happened before they became close. After they became a couple, we know her behavior was above reproach. As the story advances, in the face of her ex-boyfriend’s machinations she is then torn on how to hold onto any of her friendships and struggling to keep her friends safe.

Even after she ended things with him, Daniel traveled to Texas to see Mica because he couldn’t stay away. Due to that unquestionable pull, he was present when the ex-boyfriend made his final play. Daniel had a part in saving her, again, and there was potential for them to patch it up right then, but his fears won out. This time he was the one who walked away, rejecting her and leaving Mica standing alone. Later, back in Chicago, Mason approached him before traveling back down to Texas, intending to bring her home if he could. During that conversation, Daniel indicated to him that the relationship was over.

Now, as readers, we know differently, but to both Mica and Mason it appeared that Daniel had called it quits, hung up his skates. With the background information available to them (they can’t read his mind like we can), was this encounter really ‘cheating’ in even the most relaxed sense of the word? Maybe, because Mica did still love Daniel. Also, in Jase, we’ll find out that Mason specifically asked Slate to invite Daniel to Mica’s party. But at this point in time, the two characters in question don’t have any reason to believe his feelings have changed or that he is reconsidering their breakup. Maybe Mason invited him because he wanted to hold onto his friendship with Daniel. Hmmmm.

Would any of us try and deny Mason and Mica find comfort in each other on many levels throughout their relationship, even outside of their sexuality? On one hand, they are not a good romantic fit, what with her history of abuse and dislike of violence framed against his life as the national president of a motorcycle club encompassing all that the title implies. On the other hand, can we reject the chemistry they’ve had for so long? They are human, and fallible…on this trip both so vulnerable and wanting a connection. She’s not looking to pull Mason into a relationship that ultimately cannot work, she’d never do that to him, never risk their friendship. Mica’s words indicate to Mason that she recognizes his need to keep her separate from the club life and the dangers it raises when she says:

“If you accept my love, if you say it’s enough, you are lying—to yourself and me. You need someone who will be there for you always. You deserve so much more.”

She leaned down and kissed the phrase tattooed on his skin—We accept the love we believe we deserve. Folding her legs, she sank to her knees in front of him, still stroking and fondling him. “But we can have sometimes, when there is need. Let me be your sometimes…until you find your always.”

Their encounter is never phrased as a mistake, but in retrospect, I’m sure both of them have some regrets. After all, when they get home Daniel is eagerly waiting, even as he’s filled with an overwhelming fear he may have already thrown away the one chance he had to rebuild his and Mica’s lives together. Mason is clearly reluctant to release his newfound hold on her, perhaps feeling unable to step aside for the other man once again. After all, he’s had another taste of her, and he fucking loves this woman, “She’s a fucking treasure.” In Bear, Mica gives us some insight on the depth of her feelings for Mason, during an emotional confrontation:

“That man is something special to me. He’s special to a lot of people, but I claim first place in the line. I’ve known him for a lot of years; there is no better man. He and my husband are the two most important men in my life. I love him.” Mica was staring into the woman’s face, and the fierce look on her features took Mason’s breath away. “And I would kill anyone who hurt him. He deserves to find happiness.”

Fortunately for Daniel, fate conspires to remind Mason of why he had distanced himself from Mica in the first place, because club business comes a-calling. So, Mason not-so-graciously steps aside, perhaps exposing more than he intended to Mica during their kitchen conversation and giving her space to make a choice that will set the course for their three lives going forward.

So, was it cheating? I don’t think so, I certainly didn’t write it as an illicit affair, but as a coming together in need. No harm, no foul. Does Mason find his always? That’s another question frequently asked, but will not be answered here. We’ve a ways to go before we get to his story. Let a woman keep some of her mysteries, will ya?

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Bear – Cover Reveal!

I am so pleased with what Melissa of MGBookcovers and Design accomplished with the cover for Bear. I think she is the BOMB, and patient to boot!  Release date for the book is Dec. 1, which seems simultaneously so far away and yet right around the corner! There are still so many things to do to get ready for release day…and between you and me, I’m pushing hard to move that date up by a week so all my Rebels have something to be Thankful for!

You can Pre-Order the eBook, add it to your “To Read” list at Goodreads, or read the excerpt. Or you can do like I’ve been doing for days now, and stare drooling at the computer screen.

Love you Rebels, more than you know! Muuuwah!

Bear

 

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Editing Bear, first pass

As I work to get Bear’s story ready for the editor (waving at Kayla), doing my first-pass run through in preparation for the December 1 release date, I find I’ve fallen even more in love with the characters than when I first captured their words and emotions on the page.

Rob Crew (Bear) is so torn, but longs for the possibilities he sees in Eddie. And our girl Eddie, well, she’s conflicted because her past makes her wary of men, even men like Bear. Circling and weaving, their story turns in on itself, taking us on unexpected paths.

One of the characters I love best is Eddie’s best friend, Willa, who is funny and irreverent, unintimidated by the men she finds surrounding her friend. Even when she should be! Here’s a sample of her dialog, she cracks me up!

“He’s a nice guy, I can just tell from here. Nice guy. They’re both nice. Nice boys. Hmmm.” She laughed. “Pretty boys, nice boys. Legs around your neck boys,” she sang, slightly off-key, “Cocky boys, hard boys, eat them up yuummmm.”

Laughing, Eddie asked, “Seriously? Was that the earthworm song? But you made it about fucking? Seriously, woman? That’s a certain level of twisted I did not even know existed.”

Still singing, Willa repeated, “Existed, twisted, assisted, and persisted. Resisted, insisted, eat them up yuummmm.”

I also wanted to give you a teaser pic, so here you go. Gawd, I love Bear!

 

Thanks peoples, every single day you make my fucking life better!

~ML

Haven’t read Mica or Slate yet? Here are buy links to Amazon (US):

Mica – Amazon.com/dp/B00L7H0W9O/

Slate – Amazon.com/dp/B00M4TEDCQ/

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