Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 70
August 2, 2013
Fridays After Dark: Marcel Manor Part III
Welcome to Fridays After Dark—a joint project between Yasmine Galenorn and Mandy Roth.
Marcel Manor (Lunatic Moon Series) by Mandy M. Roth continues… (remember you can’t get this version anywhere but here. Also, this page is set up for those 18 years and older. If you are here and not at least 18, please leave.)
Marcel Manor (Lunatic Moon Series) continues….
Maker spit. “They were vagabonds and whores. Nothing more.”
“They were innocent,” Marcel stressed, his fingers beginning to itch as the blood dried.
Chuckling, Maker tossed the top hat aside. “If that is what you need to tell yourself.” He winked, so smug, so sure of himself. Marcel hated him more. “Did you believe you had the will to resist the craving?” His expression softened. “None of us can.”
Marcel had believed he could. Evidence to the contrary now dried beneath his fingertips. He closed his eyes, the stench of the city coupled with the smell of the corpses burning in his nostrils. He bent, expelling the contents of his stomach. Crimson liquid fell free of him. He touched it tentatively.
His mind reeled as he pushed to his feet.
Blood.
Death.
Food.
Hunger.
“No,” he whispered, already suspecting the worst. He lost his footing, tripping over a body. He landed with a thud on his backside. Confusion consumed him. How could he have lost control so quickly and so violently? He’d been the master of his demon for nearly a half a century. It should not have gotten the better of him. Yet it had.
“Marcel,” Maker said.
Marcel shook his head. “Why are you here? Why do you taunt me so? What hate could you harbor for me? I did not create you.”
A whimsical laugh emanated from Maker. “Hate is not what I feel for you. Far, far from it, Marcel. You are special, yet you do not see this.”
“Special?” echoed Marcel. He looked at the devastation around him. “I should be put down, my life taken to save others.”
“You have never seen what I do in you,” Maker said. “You were skilled beyond measure as a man. Immortality and my gift to you only added to this. If only you used your talents, you would be a force none would dare challenge. Let me teach you.”
“I hate you.”
“Of this I am aware.” Maker approached, the heels of his shoes clicking as he seemed to avoid every ounce of blood splatter on the stone street. He tapped the end of his black cane twice before leaning on it. He extended one hand. “Come with me now. Accept what is fated. Fighting your nature has gotten you this.” He wiggled his fingers in the direction of the bodies. “I can help you. Let me teach you to control the rage and hunger.”
“Help me?” Marcel repeated, laughter bubbling up from him. It was weak at first, gaining strength with each breath. “You mean you can turn me into an even greater monster than I already am?”
Maker sent a furtive look over Marcel. “Non, old friend. Even I cannot hold a candle to this. You have slaughtered them all, your demon denied too long. The sins will stain even deeper than the blood. Mark my words, without my assistance this will break your mind. You do not have the stomach for the harsh realities of our existence.”
“Yet you turned me all the same.”
Puffing a breath upwards, Maker shook his head. “You are a fool. I did not sire you to spend all these years watching you struggle from the shadows of society.”
“Then why did you make me?”
“One day…” he blinked, the action so human it was odd seeing it come from him, “…when you find that person who validates your very reason for being, you too will do all you can to assure they never leave you.”
“No!” Marcel inched back, sliding in the blood. “I would never do this to someone. I’d never damn them for all eternity.”
Coming close enough to touch him, Maker bent, his fingers hovering just above Marcel’s cheek. “My sweet one, I can help take away the pain.”
Where once Maker’s caress had brought with it pleasure, it carried only harsh reminders of the blood drinker’s deeds. Marcel turned his face away. “You mean wash my mind of this? Take my memories so I forget what it is I am truly capable of?”
“Oui.”
“I would rather die.”
“Death does not finish everything.” A bittersweet smile slid over Maker’s face. “You are already dead, and see where it has left you?” He stood tall, his cape flapping as he pivoted on his heels, his back now to Marcel. “Enjoy your guilt. It will haunt you far longer than I.” With that, he was gone in the form of white mist, leaving Marcel sitting in the center of the scene of his crime.
The faintest of whispers rode the air. You did this to us. You are a monster.
Whatever the source of the voice, he could not argue its point.
He was indeed what it labeled him.
July 31, 2013
Raven Author: Séance and Sin by Lexie Lashe
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Paranormal Necromancer Ghost Erotic
Short Story
Amanda Farland doesn’t fit in with, well, anyone. Her college professors pick on her and her classmates avoid her. She’s all alone until she discovers she has a very special gift. As a necromancer, she can control the dead. Not corpses, but spirits she can turn to corporeal form. Sure, her ancestors used the gift to feed their addiction to evil, but Amanda has a much more interesting vice. She uses her power for pleasure. Everything’s perfect until she encounters the one ghost she can’t control…
Warning: Graphic sexual content, adult language. This short story contains kink to the extreme and no romantic thread.
http://ravenhappyhour.com/Seance_and_...
July 21, 2013
Date With Destiny (Pleasure Cruise II) by Michelle M Pillow & Mandy M Roth
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Academically-minded, uptight Anna only agreed to go on Date with Destiny, a campy game show, because she wanted to win an SUV. She never dreamed that accidentally selecting the wrong prize would land her on a cruise ship full of supernaturals. At least she’s bringing someone along for the ride—her best friend Winter, a kooky free spirit with a penchant for mischief.
Andre and Christian, were-panthers and twin brothers, are polar opposites as far as personalities go. One views life as a party, the other is entirely too serious. But once they meet their intended mates, this night-and-day duo can finally agree on one thing—Anna and Winter will be theirs and theirs alone before they get back to shore.
The Powers That Be have ensured none of them will get off the ship until the two couples are mated. But as the brothers quickly realize, these human females mean to challenge them every erotically-charged step of the way.
Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence
This book was previously published. It has been revised and revisited for this second edition.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
An Excerpt From: Date with Destiny
Copyright © MICHELLE M. PILLOW AND MANDY M. ROTH
“Don’t you read the news, Winter? Do you know what kind of diseases are on cruise ships? They’re like floating viruses, breeding grounds for any sickness you could imagine. My goodness, if they don’t kill you with communicable diseases transmitted from person to person, the food will get you. I shudder to think how many forms of hepatitis could be contracted on this thing. Don’t even get me started on restaurants at each port. You never know…
Winter rolled her eyes behind Anna’s designer-suit-clad back and mimicked her talking. Her friend hadn’t shut up about the cruise since she’d won it on the game show. Looking at the giant ship at port, along the Texas coastline, she didn’t see Anna’s floating virus. She saw a portal to fun. The blue ocean and warm, salty air beckoned them out to sea. Though they would sail around the Caribbean, the ship schedule didn’t show them docking at any island ports—or so Anna said as Winter didn’t live her life by adhering to schedules. Instead they would be trapped, adrift in paradise with nothing but the waves and, if her tea-leaf reading held true, scores of single, hot men. Could anything be more romantic?
Hearing Anna’s loud, grumpy sigh, Winter said, “Everything happens for a reason. Why not have a little faith in the master plan? Maybe this cruise is your destiny.”
“No,” Anna said, matter-of-factly. “My date with destiny was a brand-new black SUV with brown leather interior and all the add-on features. Oh, and the complimentary Jet Ski to pull behind it. Not some floating deathtrap and a week of debauchery.”
“You’re planning on debau—on getting laid?” Winter arched a brow, hopeful her friend was finally ready to take a walk on the wild side of life. “By something that’s not mechanical or requires batteries? Maybe you’re right,” she reached for Anna’s forehead, “maybe you already contracted something.”
* * * * *
Christian sighed, leaning forward as he peered into the suite’s oval bathroom mirror. Combing his long brown hair back from his face, he pulled it into a neat ponytail at the nape of his neck. Not a hair was out of place when he finished. He had personal grooming down to a science.
He wore nothing but a towel wrapped neatly around his firm waist. His bare feet absently tapped on the floor as Andre started on his next ’80s tune. His twin really wasn’t a bad singer, if he’d just stop butchering the lyrics.
Suddenly the shower turned off and Andre hopped out, glistening wet as he strummed an air guitar and flicked his tongue in and out. Christian’s brow rose as he tried not to watch Andre’s one-man show. Though the event was oddly like a car crash—as much as one didn’t want to look at it, the compulsion to do so trumped all restraints.
Andre didn’t even seem to notice he had an audience, that or he just didn’t care. Still humming softly, he grabbed a towel off the wall and haphazardly dried his hair then his body, not caring that he missed a few spots.
“Hey, let me get in here,” Andre said, dropping his damp towel on the floor and reaching toward the neatly organized sink. He knocked down a bottle of cologne while grabbing the mousse. Squirting some hair product on his hand, he continued humming as he dropped the can in the sink. As Andre moussed his hair, combing the messy length only with his fingers, Christian picked up the fallen bottles. “Oh yeah, thanks, I need that.”
“You have a bathroom in your own cabin.”
“Oh, I know. But I sort of forgot to bring my toiletry bag. I don’t have anything but my toothbrush next door. Well, that and my clothes of course.”
“I gave you a list of what to pack.”
“Yeah, and when I was out the other night, I ran into this foxy gal and needed something to give her my number with.” Andre smiled. “It worked great, thanks.”
Christian didn’t dignify the comment with a response. He sighed as Andre grabbed his cologne and put it on, not bothering to recap it when he was done. Picking up after Andre as his brother strode from the bathroom naked he mumbled, “Just like home.”
Andre ignored his grumbling brother and headed to his cabin in order to dress. Christian spent too much time being perfect. Andre was just the opposite. He liked music, movies, making an artistic mess and a well-written novel, especially the ones that had loads of steamy sex poured on each page. Who wanted to have an intellectual conversation when you could lie on your back and just let your mind drift aimlessly? Or watch the latest hottie ride you as her tits bounced in your face.
Ah, this is the life…or at least it was, for soon I’ll be a married man.
http://ravenhappyhour.com/Date_With_D...
July 5, 2013
Fridays After Dark: Marcel Manor Part 2
Welcome to Fridays After Dark—a joint project between Yasmine Galenorn and Mandy Roth.
Marcel Manor (Lunatic Moon Series) by Mandy M. Roth continues… (remember you can’t get this version anywhere but here. Also, this page is set up for those 18 years and older. If you are here and not at least 18, please leave.)
……
“Tsk. Tsk,” Maker scolded with a wave of his hand. It was as if he had grown bored with the sight of so much death in his long existence. Maybe he had. “You know as well as I that I gave you life.”
“You gave me darkness and death. Nothing more.” Fangs exploded in his mouth, piercing his lower lip. Rage overtook him, and he wanted to kill like his body was capable of in its transformed state. “I am a killer. A monster! Look upon what you made me do.”
“No, old friend. This is not my doing.” Maker’s lips set in a grim line. “You did this to yourself. Did you think you could outrun the demon within you? That you could restrain its needs and desires?”
He had hoped. Each day since he had become one with a demon, Marcel had prayed to a God who did not listen—hoping to find salvation, forgiveness and an end to his torment.
Staring around, he knew better. God had turned his back on him, as he should. Marcel was now a demon. An abomination.
He’d stumbled upon the barricade with the intent of merely taking the edge off his hunger. He had done far worse than that. He’d fed the hunger so fully, so completely, that he’d lost himself in it somewhere during it all. The lines between himself and the demon had blurred to the point the man was no more.
Maker bent, retrieving Marcel’s discarded top hat. He held it up, gleam shining in his eyes as droplets of the deads’ life substance dripped from it. He arched a brow. “Wish to salvage it, or shall we consider it a loss? More is the pity. It is such a fine hat.”
The hat was the least of Marcel’s worries. Reaching out, he came into contact with the victim closest to him. A woman. Young. Pretty at one time. Her life now snuffed out because of his inability to control the demon he shared his body with.
“The city is not as it was, Marcel,” Maker acknowledged. “It is filth.” He kicked at a dead body, pushing it away from him. “It is a maze of alleys so profoundly dark even our eyes have to strain.” Tilting his head, he sent waves of long brown hair falling freely over one shoulder. “It is overcrowded. You know as well as I that death is imminent for them anyways.”
“Life is precious.”
“Life is short for them, but not for us. Embrace what you are, or something darker will embrace you.”
Slumping his shoulders, Marcel did his best to sound out the man. His words cut through him, slicing at his very being. The truth always did.
……
(Look for my next turn and I’ll continue where I left off…)
June 25, 2013
Raven Author: Decadence and Sin by Lexie Lashe
Paranormal Shifter Vampire Erotic
Short Story
Thank you past, may I have another?
The vampire Nicolas doesn’t bother learning the names of the women who service his sexual needs and cater to his every whim. They are nothing more than a means to an end for him. His deviant tastes run deeper than they can satisfy and when his old friend, the werewolf William, arrives with a female gift in tow—Nicolas finds his interests piqued. Jules is more than either immortal banked on and she isn’t about to take orders from any man, or vamp or wolf.
Warning: This short story contains kink to the extreme, multiple partners, brief mmf and no romantic thread.
http://ravenhappyhour.com/Decadence_a...
June 19, 2013
The Unabashed by Rory Michaels
Contemporary Western Threesome Romance
A Macon Valley Ménage 6
Logan Kanuho and Albert Hargrove have been friends since Logan moved to Macon Valley from the reservation. For years they’ve talked of little else than finding a woman to satisfy their manly needs and to be a bond between them. Albert found their one perfect woman but hasn’t felt the need to share her until now.
Misty Hargrove doesn’t know what to think when her husband of one year cashes in on her offer of anything he wants for their anniversary. She never expected him to select a threesome with his best friend. Can these three see to their baser needs while also seeing to their hearts?
Warning: This short story contains m/f/m ménage a trois, light bondage, voyeurism, explicit sex, strong/frank language and cowboys who will melt your socks off. The heroine is mild-mannered and eager for a guiding hand sexually. If you’re looking for long drawn out plots and sweeping romances, or women who are tough as nails, this isn’t your book. This story has a very strong willed alpha male in it. This is a short story that won’t apologize to anyone for any reason. If you want hot, dirty, sexy and to the point, you’ve found it. If not, it’s best to move right along, this isn’t the book for you.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
Chapter One
Logan Kanuho leaned back in his chair, watching his best friend make an ass of himself on the stage. It was karaoke night at their favorite hangout—Ackerman’s Bar. Albert was currently belting out an old country song. Since his twang was thick, he didn’t have to ham it up any. It was natural.
Logan snorted and sipped his water.
Albert’s wife, Misty, sat next to him, her knee to his thigh. She laughed as her husband hit a semi-high note. She reached out and lifted her soda, drinking from it. He liked that about her. She wasn’t a drinker. She didn’t get sloppy drunk like so many women who frequented the place did. Misty rarely drank. Logan never did. The stigmas attached to his people and the hard fact he’d seen too many of his people suffering from alcoholism kept him from ever entering that territory. Growing up on the Navajo reservation had opened his eyes to the harsh realities of life.
He glanced around the roadside bar. It was ironic he’d spent so much time in it since he was so anti-drinking, but it was his personal choice. He didn’t preach to others to sway theirs.
Albert swayed a little. He’d had too many. No surprise. Albert couldn’t hold his liquor. Never had been able to. They’d met when they were little. Albert’s father had done some work on the reservation and had brought his son with him. They’d become fast friends. Been that way ever since.
Misty laughed and the sound slinked over him, exciting his cock. He had to fight to keep from touching her. She was a vision of beauty. She was petite and much shorter than he normally liked his women, but she somehow ended up being perfect just as she was. “Look at him. He’s going to fall over,” she said.
Logan ignored Albert, focusing on Misty instead. “I’ll make sure he gets home safe and sound.”
“You always do,” said Misty, her hand moving over his.
Logan went perfectly still as her fingers absently caressed his hand. She’d been doing that more and more. Touching him. He closed his eyes, savoring her touch. When she squeezed his hand, he looked at her. Her green gaze wide and welcoming.
She cleared her throat. “Albert finally told me what he wanted for our anniversary.”
They’d been married almost one year. Logan knew. He’d been counting the damn days. He left his hand under hers. He noted the sharp contrast in their skin tones. She was so pale she burned at the suggestion of sun. He wasn’t. Far from it.
Misty swallowed so hard he heard it. “Logan.”
He leaned towards her. “Did he tell you about the crossbow he’s been eyein’ up?”
“No,” whispered Misty. She clutched his hand.
“Misty? What is it?”
She paled considerably. “Never mind.”
From her expression, Logan already guessed what Albert had asked for. He’d finally done it. He’d finally approached Misty about a threesome. Logan twisted his hand, cupping hers. He’d waited for ages for this. He didn’t want to blow it by scaring her off and he knew how intimidating he could come off. “Misty, we’re friends. Close friends, right?”
She nodded.
“You can tell me anything.”
She hedged and then eased even closer to him. “He asked me to… to be with you both.”
He’d have laughed at her inability to say sex in this situation, but he knew better than to. Misty was a sweet gal. One who didn’t run around flaunting her sexuality. He moved his free hand to one of her stray brown curls and eased it from her beautiful face. “He mentioned he might.”
“You knew?” asked Misty, her full lips forming an “O” of surprise.
He imagined those lips around his cock and nearly moaned. “I knew.”
“And you’re all right with that?” The top of her sundress pulled, revealing the mounds of her breasts.
Logan’s entire body tightened with anticipation. He wanted to fuck her. He had from the moment he’d laid eyes on her. She should have been his. That was the way of it. The plan he and Albert agreed upon years ago.
He put his head against hers and spoke low but firm. “Misty, I’m totally and completely one hundred percent all right with it.”
She gasped. “Logan?”
He grinned and lifted their joined hands. He kissed the back of hers. “I think you’ll be all right with it too, or am I wrong? Have I misread the signals from you?”
She tried to pull her hand free from him. “I’m a married woman.”
“I know. I was there when you married my best friend,” reminded Logan.
Albert kept singing, his voice riding over the bar as Logan stared into Misty’s gaze.
She stopped trying to pull away. “Logan, this isn’t right. What if this hurts Albert and me in the long run?”
“What if it makes you a stronger couple?” He refrained from pointing out the fact that once he had Misty he wouldn’t give her up. He’d be part of their unit. They’d be a threesome for good. Period. He didn’t want to scare her off from the idea. She was so damn skittish. It was part of what he loved about her.
And there was no mistaking the fact he was in love with her.
Albert ended his song and returned to the table. Logan made no move to release Misty’s hand. He kissed it again, his gaze finding his friend. “She told me.”
Sitting, Albert grinned from ear to ear. “Misty, baby, it’s the perfect gift. It’s all I want.”
She stilled. “When would we do this?”
The men shared a look. Albert answered, “This weekend.”
BUY LINK
http://ravenhappyhour.com/The_Unabash...
June 13, 2013
Fridays After Dark: Marcel Manor Part 1
Welcome to Fridays After Dark—a joint project between Yasmine Galenorn and Mandy Roth.
I thought I’d share a small portion from the expanded (nearly double in length from its original release) version of Marcel Manor (Lunatic Moon Series) by Mandy M Roth. You cannot buy this version anywhere. You can only get it here.
Darkness twisted his soul. Her light found way to his soul.
Chapter One
Paris, 1848
Marcel twisted, his body heaving as he stared at the carnage around him. What had he done? He remembered happening upon the barricade, something that had began to appear more and more in the city since the fighting began, but he remembered little beyond the thirst. There had been so many people at the barricade, in such a riled state of being. The anger. The burning hate. The emotions had fueled the monster within him.
Blood coated his hands, dripping as if he had bathed in it. His redingote was slick with the thick liquid. Portions of it were already beginning to dry. Denial wasn’t possible. The evidence was all over him, as were the dead. They spoke volumes without saying a single word. The horror of their final moments remained etched on their faces, forever locked in agony and anguish. He’d caused their pain, their suffering, their deaths.
“I warned you.”
Looking up, Marcel found the enemy was closer than he had been in five and a half decades. He hissed, spittle flying free. He knew no name beyond the Maker for the being before him. Long ago, he’d lured Marcel from a coffeehouse, promising adventures the likes of which one could not imagine. The country had been in chaos, the death of Louis XIV still fresh, and the makings of a new France were underway. Marcel had been a fool, believing himself worldly and that his family’s wealth would protect him from anything.
Money and power could not touch the darkness Maker had shrouded Marcel’s life with. The darkness had swallowed him whole, pulling him down to the depths of hell on Earth.
Eternal damnation.
Maker’s smile was wide and knowing. He swept an appraising glance over the bodies. “Nice technique. I could not have done better myself, son.”
Son. The word made Marcel cringe. He was not of Maker’s loins, but rather an abomination born from a bite—from shared tainted blood.
How could Marcel have lost control to the degree his demon had harmed so many? Maker had told him decades ago something of this magnitude would occur. That Marcel would not be able to fight the pull of darkness forever. He’d known, and Marcel had ignored the warnings, or rather taunts. He’d assumed himself more powerful, more secure with what he’d become. He was anything but. He hated himself and the demon he carried within. More to the point, he hated Maker—the man who had sired him.
Marcel’s fingernails lengthened once more as rage consumed him. His heartbeat thudded in his ears, almost deafening as the demon struggled for freedom. It wanted a pound of flesh from Maker. So did Marcel. “I am not your son.”
(Look for the next time I share… I’ll continue where I left off here.)
June 12, 2013
Irish Kisses, the complete collection, by JoAnne Kenrick is now available in PRINT!
A friend of mine, JoAnne Kenrick has a new release and a book trailer reveal!
Irish Kisses, the complete collection, is now available in PRINT.
~IRISH KISSES~
A collection of five romances set in Bell’s Irish Pub, each with its own special tasty treat served by the staff of Bell’s. The 1Night Stand dating service shakes and stirs things up for Bell’s. When Madame Eve puts two people together for just one night, anything is possible…. Throw in sexy cocktails and to-die-for Irish hotties, and it’s a recipe for sweet Irish kisses and perhaps even wedding Bell’s.
~SWEET IRISH KISS~
Can he win her over with his secret weapon, a Sweet Irish Kiss, or is Rachel still too scared to love?~SHAMROCKED~Will his Irish charm and toys be enough to hold onto his leading lady, or will his heart be Shamrocked into next week?
~THREESOME SWEETNESS~
Is a dash of Threesome Sweetness the remedy each is looking for, or will the date leave a bitter aftertaste each will regret for the rest of their lives?
~HOT WINTER KISS~
Can she hack it in the real world of romance, or are life’s complications and treacherous snowstorms best left to the pages of a book?
~MARRY ME, I’M IRISH~
Does she love him enough to leave the comforts of England? And is there something behind his sudden proposal?
More buylinks to follow – and you can order it direct from your book store
IBSN NUMBER: 1613335148
Or buy the ebooks separately
Book Trailer:
May 31, 2013
Pleasure Cruise (Pleasure Cruise I) by Michelle M Pillow & Mandy M Roth
Paranormal Erotic Romance
Clare needs to loosen up and have some fun—not to mention some hot sex with someone other than herself. Her best friend, Kira, knows exactly what she needs—a vacation full of hunky single men who’ll knock her panties off. When she booked the cruise for Clare’s birthday, the travel agent left out one tiny detail. It’s a supernatural cruise, and they aren’t getting off until they’re married.
The powers that be are tired of waiting for the supernatural to find their own mates and reproduce. In a desperate act to get the dwindling population back up, they’ve decided to take matters into their own hands. Dominik, a lycan, and Braden, a vampire, are just the two perfect candidates to start this experiment. They’re sexy, in the prime of their reproductive immortal lives and ready to mate—just as soon as they can seduce their unsuspecting brides, or at the very least, keep them from swimming back to shore.
WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex and violence explained with contemporary, graphic language.
EXCERPT
Must be 18 years and older to read. If not, please leave the site.
An Excerpt From: Pleasure Cruise
Copyright © MICHELLE M. PILLOW AND MANDY M. ROTH
Prologue
Interoffice Memo
From: The Powers That Be
Re: Pleasure Cruise, Cruise Line Corporation, Pilot Program
TOP SECRET
Due to the dwindling population of certain supernatural factions and the reluctance of the supernatural kind to take mates for all eternity, we will be establishing a comprehensive program to repopulate the various supernatural species. Many of the supernaturals we’ve observed are unwilling to take mates from within their own population. This reluctance has been exacerbated in large part by the old grudges still held from the Middle Ages. In addition, the ratio of supernatural females to males have widened considerably. There are significantly fewer females for men to choose from. We assume Global Climate Change is to blame—if not, it does seem a good scapegoat.
In an unprecedented move, we will now be allowing humans on the Pleasure Cruise to participate in the preordained mating process. Because of existing prejudices against supernaturals in human culture, some human participants will not be aware of the paranormal elements on the cruise. However, these humans will be blessed with a sixth sense so as to subconsciously recognize their mates upon first sight. We do not wish to have a boat full of frightened humans defying our will. Some resistance is expected, but in the end, we gods know what’s best for them.
We do expect some opposition amongst the supernatural factions to this plan. Not all species will be happy to have their food source considered as suitable mate material. If questioned, you are authorized to cite declaration thirteen: The gods have willed it so. If they continue to question our judgment, turn their names over for possible smiting. We expect banshees and leprechauns to give us the most problems. You all know how they are when dealing with change.
It is our hope that, by introducing humans into their bloodlines, the supernatural will be less reluctant to take a mate. All humans who mate themselves to a supernatural will be blessed with eternal life. They will also be given the gift of procreation. If this goes well, we will be slowly introducing humans into our other business ventures as well, including Pleasure Air and Pleasure Train.
Chapter One
Clare grimaced as she looked at the gangway of the cruise ship and took a deep breath, trying to steel herself to get on board. The walkway looked nothing like she’d imagined. It was a long, plastic-covered hallway leading from the second story of the check-in building.
A long strand of wavy, blonde hair worked itself out of her loose ponytail. Kira had talked her into the highlights, and every time she saw them it caused her to pause. Frowning, she pushed the lock of hair out of her face and reached down to grab her duffel bag. It was the only bag she’d managed to convince the rather pushy bag boys at the port loading zone to leave in her care. Of course, this was seconds before they demanded a tip for carrying her belongings two feet and handing them off to the next person. Already the cruise was starting off on a sour note.
Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she looked around. She felt like a product in an assembly line. First stop, luggage drop-off. Wait in line. Second stop, health declaration. Wait in line. Third stop, check in. Wait in line. Fourth stop, go upstairs to, yep, wait in line. Fifth stop, photographer. Clare sighed. Apparently waiting in multiple lines was a major memorable event on a cruise ship. And finally, wait in line to get on the boat.
Cruising on a luxury ship wasn’t something she’d ever imagined herself doing. No, she was a career-driven woman who never thought of anything beyond deadlines and new deals. Clare was still shocked Kira had gotten her to agree to this trip.
“Welcome to the boat of love. I wonder what will happen on this week’s exciting journey? Will the captain steer the boat off course and into a giant iceberg? Or will the tired executive toss herself overboard due to lack of intellectual stimulation and line waiting?” she muttered, a little too sarcastically.
“That was the Titanic that hit the iceberg. And for the record, I graduated with honors… summa cum laude, baby. And I’d gloat but you graduated with the same honorable distinction,” Kira, answered, batting her eyes in a dramatic fashion.
“I know. If you recall, I was there. Besides, I wasn’t implying you aren’t intelligent. Though I am happy to see you’ve decided to admit you’re smart. Why you always feel the need to hide it is beyond me,” Clare said. “You’re the top of your field. You should be proud of it, not ashamed. If men are intimidated by that, they don’t deserve you.”
“And then I’d never get laid.” Kira shrugged, as carefree as ever. The line inched forward, winding slowly through the clear plastic hallways. “I’m not ashamed. I just don’t want to be labeled as some boring pinstripe workaholic prude because I happen to be good at my job. I hate stereotypes.”
“We’ve already agreed to disagree on this topic. Because I love you like a sister, I’ll let it drop.” Clare did her best to appear chipper. This was a vacation, after all.
“Thank you,” Kira answered, grinning. “I don’t complain about your boring life and you don’t complain about my wild one.”
“Kira…”
“Okay, dropped.” Kira winked before whispering, “For now.”
“You know I’m not used to taking trips like this. I spend my life avoiding time-sucking getaways. You can’t get more useless than sailing on a boat that goes absolutely nowhere. Does this thing even make port anywhere interesting? Did you even check?”
Kira pursed her lips.
“You didn’t check the itinerary the booking company sent you?” Clare asked, surprised. Kira had refused to send it to her.
Kira shrugged again. “I looked to see what time to board. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, continue, you were on a pretty good rant of some sort.”
“Can’t a girl be left in her nice little pessimistic place?” Clare grumbled. “Even you have to agree that drowning might be preferable to learning how to play shuffleboard.”
Kira laughed. “Yes, I totally agree about the shuffleboard thing. Besides, with my lack of grace, I’d only end up slipping in front of the world’s sexiest man. Hopefully, he’d be a lawyer. Then he’d want to talk to me about a possible lawsuit. We could discuss it over a lovely night of screwing.”
“Kira!” Clare scolded.
Tossing her hands in the air, Kira snickered. “Just kidding. But thanks for taking on the stern mother role you do so well.”
“Someone has to try to keep you in line.”
“Ah, yes. Considering I’m a grown woman and have a mind of my own, the key word there is try.”
“Believe me, I know.” Clare took a deep breath. This was an old argument. She could no more control Kira than she could the shining of the sun. She loved her friend despite her quirks. The only thing she could do, as a friend, was to be supportive of her. “If one more person tells me to control you I’m going to scream. Short of locking you in the house, I’m screwed.”
“Tell them to kiss your ass. You aren’t my keeper, and if they want to try the job on, let them. I could use a good laugh.” Kira’s words were clipped. Clearly she was annoyed with the entire topic.
Deciding to make Kira smile, Clare changed the subject. The line moved, inching slowly forward. The people around them were busy pointing at the boat and paid no attention to their conversation. “Just think, if you do manage to fall while playing shuffleboard, you may end up with a hot doctor on board to care for you.”
“Oh my… I can’t believe you just said that. There may be hope for you yet, Clare. I’m proud of you.”
Thoughts of the endless times she and Kira had made fools of themselves around hot guys popped into Clare’s mind. Chuckling as the plastic hallway finally opened up to the fresh sea air, she took in the sights and sounds of the ship. It was breathtaking, much bigger than she had expected the boat to be, but Clare would wait to admit that to Kira. She waited to see what her friend would do next to try to cheer her. The woman had an endless supply of one-liners and the dirtiest mind in the world, but that was part of what made Kira unique. If Kira’s personality had been the same as Clare’s, they never would have become friends. Thankfully, it wasn’t, and neither one of them could deny how beautifully they gelled. Kira was the yin to Clare’s yang.
“Okay, getting a little touchy-feely,” Kira said, making a face. “Before we grab each other and hug for the entire week, can we at least find our stateroom? I love ya to death, babes, but this bag is heavy.”
Clare snickered, knowing that as open as Kira was, she didn’t like to get weepy. “It’s a deal. Besides, some of that body glitter you always wear might get on me. My luck, I’d spend the entire week with hives.”
“I’m willing to risk it. Heck, I’d even sit with you and hand you anti-itch cream as needed. Not as sexy as suntan lotion by the pool, but what are friends for?”
Picturing the scene in her head, Clare rolled her eyes. “Thanks for not saying you’d rub it on for me.”
“Ha, I almost said that. Damn, you know me well.” Kira sighed and rolled her shoulders. “Are we there yet, Mom? Seriously though, the boat of love joke sort of fits. It’s a floating paradise. That’s what the brochure claims anyways.”
It was early evening and a purple haze spread beautifully over the rolling waters of the ocean. A cool breeze whipped Clare’s gray T-shirt against her slender frame, and a strange feeling unfurled in her gut. Her knees weakened in apprehension, and her feet refused to move from their spot. Slowly, she began to back away from the large ship.
Great, I’ve reached whole new levels of neuroses.
Clare laughed softly and did her best to stay on top of their conversation.
“At least we look good in swimsuits. Unlike…” Kira pointed toward a short man with a gut that hung a good six inches over the top of his tight swimsuit. He glanced in their direction and cast them a smarmy smile. Kira leaned in and whispered, “I’ll bet he wears a budgie smuggler.”
“Budgie…? No, I don’t want to know. Kira, tell me again why I let you talk me into this?” Clare gave her a pointed look.
Grinning, Kira innocently tipped her head. Clare wasn’t buying it. “Because you never have any fun, you’re too serious and you’re too polite to say no to a birthday present from your very best friend. Who was very willing to kidnap you if need be to get you on board.”
Clare’s lip twitched as she fought back a laugh. That answer was so very like Kira. Everything she did in her life screamed carefree and confident. She oozed sex appeal from her long, straight black hair to her dark red lips. Her green eyes flashed with constant mischief. Regardless of what she was doing, she always looked like she was up to something sinful. From Clare’s experience, she usually was. Life without her, while quieter, would also be boring.
“Sometimes I really want to bop you over the head with a wet noodle,” Clare mumbled.
“Who says that? Bop me with a wet noodle? What are you? Pushing ninety? Man, Clare, we really need to get you out more. Oh, but if you’re willing to make the wet noodle a dildo, I’ll think about letting you.”
That did it. A steady stream of giggles escaped them both. They’d been friends for a long time and neither one of them took the comment seriously. Clare looked over the ship and shook her head. She’d really hoped that being friends with someone as carefree as Kira would’ve rubbed off on her. So far, unfortunately, none of Kira’s confidence and exuberant behavior had come her way. Next to her friend, Clare knew she looked like the ultimate prude. Just thinking of it caused a wave of sadness to overtake her. Perhaps she was.
Perhaps? I’ve spent the last three weekends alphabetizing my collection of dictionaries from around the world just because it annoyed me that they weren’t in order.
“You’re going to have to select another weapon for me to use. I’d freak out about hitting you with a dildo,” Clare whispered, not a fan of even saying the word out loud.
“A flogger?”
“No.”
“A horse whip?”
“NO!”
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May 21, 2013
Just Released! A King’s Ransom (Masters of Pleasure)
JUST RELEASED! This is the book that we’re standing up to the Advertising Powers That Be and saying erotic romance sells!
A King’s Ransom (Masters of Pleasure) by Reagan Hawk aka Mandy M. Roth
Sci-Fi Fantasy Paranormal Erotic Romance
Novel
On a quest to find his brother, King Kritan of Katarian on the planet of Panucia finds himself ambushed, beaten, tortured and then sold to fight in the arena games. The people of Tamonius–his rival kingdom–condone slavery, take public sex to new lows and try to turn a profit off anything they can. Nothing can change his hatred for everything Tamonius… that is until he meets the most breathtakingly beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes upon. Surina of the House of Argyros, daughter to a powerful senator stirs the beast within him, making it want to lay claim to her as badly as the man does.
Free or not, Kritan is a master of seduction and has selected Surina as his newest prey. But this virginal beauty has secrets of her own–ones that change everything. And destiny just might have the last laugh.
Warning: Novel contains graphic violence, explicit sex, MF and MFM scenes, forced seduction, raw and gritty scenes of a society without order, sex scenes that may be offense to some, an alpha male shifter king who sees what he wants and goes for it, all else be damned, a head guard who has many secrets but shares a passion for the heroine and a virginal heroine who has longed to be taken rough and claimed fully by a man. This novel is not for everyone or the faint of heart. This novel contains adult content and is intended for mature audiences only. Must be 18 years or older to read.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BL312GG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BL312GG&linkCode=as2&tag=mandmroth-20
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kings-Ransom-Masters-Pleasure-ebook/dp/B00BL312GG/ref=sr_1_7_bnp_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369130932&sr=1-7&keywords=reagan+hawk
Coming to all other major online ebook vendors May 28th.
