March Madness Week 4
The month is winding down on the March Madness Hop! I hope you’ve had the chance to check out all of the awesome authors participating. If not, there are some really amazing prizes so I hope you will check it out this week!
The contest runs until March 31, so we still have time to fill in one last 2013 bracket. Here’s the last game…I am pitting THREE of my 2013 coming soon books against each other, sharing blurbs, covers and excerpts. All you have to do is choose YOUR winner…select the book you think sounds the best based on what I’ve provided. None of these books is out yet, but you can preorder them if you’d like. I will choose a winner from each week’s commenters at random and that person will win their choice of book from my backlist (print or ebook).
Last week’s winner was Timitra!
So…without further ado…here are the week 4 contestants…
Contestant 1 – Misplaced Hands – available April 24
Foreign Affairs, Book Four
A “life swap” with her Australian friend finds Harper on Farpoint Creek cattle station, resident teacher for the next two weeks. Having rarely left Chicago, she’s unprepared for so many things Down Under—not the least of which is an instant, and instantly intense, attraction to not one, but two Aussie cowboys. She’d promised herself an adventure, so when the handsome pair come calling, Harper dives in. Literally.
Stockmen Keith and Marc are head-over-heels in lust with the American teacher, though the attraction brings about some surprising revelations. Like how right it feels to share a woman. This woman. No jealousy between the lifelong mates, just a burning need to see to Harper’s pleasure. Together. And they happily do so—until an unsettling event unearths Harper’s own tragic revelation.
Between Harper’s inability to confide in the men, and her stay at Farpoint racing to an end, it seems inevitable the three lovers will be driven apart. Doesn’t it?
Inside Scoop: This story has a very brief, non-descriptive recollection of child abuse. Good thing Harper has two strong stockmen to chase away the bad memories.
Misplaced Hands is available for preorder at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Excerpt:
A curious frown pulled at Annie’s eyebrows. “Have you met Blue and Thomo yet? Keith Munroe and Marc Thompson?”
A vice wrapped around Harper’s chest. She stared at Annie, her lips tingling. “I have,” she answered, modulating her voice. She didn’t want Annie to know that at just the mention of their names her head exploded with debauched fantasies. “On Saturday. They seem friendly.”
“We are friendly.”
Harper jumped at Marc Thompson’s deep voice, the pile of collage fodder on her lap sliding to her feet. She heard his chuckle. Heard Annie’s answering one. But for the life of her, she couldn’t look at him. Not yet. Not until she got the flame in her cheeks under control.
The sound of the floorboards creaking told her Marc had entered her small classroom. “G’day, Ms. Prince. How’s the book going?”
“The book is going well, thank you. Revised chapter four last night.” Annie’s answer was directed above Harper’s head. Which meant Marc was standing directly behind her.
Her heart beat harder and faster, hammering against the vice trying to compress her chest. Oh God.
“Still reckon you should dedicate it to me and Blue. We were the ones who told you to write it.”
Annie’s eyes twinkled. “If I recall correctly, Thomo, you told me to write ‘a book like that fifty shades of sex thing’, not a recount of growing up famous. And Blue told you to shut up and get back to work.”
The chuckle behind Harper was relaxed. Devilish. It made her pussy contract. “It was worth a shot. I’d read it.”
“Yes.” Annie’s smile turned into a smirk. “I bet you would. Now, do you mind telling us why you’re here? Can’t we American women take a break for a while from all the Aussie testosterone?”
Marc laughed again. “Nope. ’Fraid not.”
Annie cocked an eyebrow.
“Actually, you can have a break if you like, Ms. Prince.” Marc’s voice stroked over Harper’s fraying composure. “It’s Harper I’m here to collect.”
Annie looked at Harper, her expression naughty. “Really now? And what do you plan on doing to Harper once you collect her?”
“Ah, you know us testosterone-filled Aussie blokes when it comes to American women. Take her somewhere private and—”
“Enough, Thomo.” Annie held up a hand, shaking her head. “Just tell me, okay?”
“Swimming,” he answered. “In the eastern billabong.”
Harper’s heart leaped up into her throat. Swimming. She hadn’t packed a bathing suit. Oh God, why hadn’t she packed a bathing suit?
“That sounds like a fantastic idea,” Annie said. “And it’s my cue to get back to writing. Chapter four isn’t going to revise itself, you know.”
And before Harper could say a word, the other woman rose to her feet and walked past her, out the door. Leaving her alone with Marc.
“So?” His deep voice seemed to envelop her. “You keen for a dip?”
Stealing herself against the inevitable tummy clenching that came at the sight of him, she twisted in her seat.
The tummy clenching came. As she knew it would. How could it not, when he looked so goddamn sexy? His hat was still on his head, its brim throwing a shadow over his brilliant sapphire eyes. His hands were on his hips, accentuating the broad expanse of his chest and the lean tapering of his torso. He was, simply put, sex in denim.
And waiting for her to say something.
“Err…” Her brain went blank. What had he asked?
“Swim?” Marc prompted. “In the billabong? With Blue and I?”
“I don’t have a bathing suit,” she answered, her cheeks heating again. God, since when did she sound so pathetic and lame?
Marc’s white teeth flashed. “And you think Blue and I do?”
Harper’s belly didn’t just flip-flop. It flip-flopped, sank, knotted and fluttered.
VERSUS
Contestant 2 – Screaming Orgasm – coming May 29
Cocktales, Book Four
Jayne Kent has watched her best friends and business partners fall in love while romance continues to pass her by. When Books and Brew regular Elias Clark offers her a Screaming Orgasm, she wishes it was the sexual variety rather than a lousy drink. She’s been lusting after Elias forever and suspects he could bring all her naughty, kinky fantasies to life.
Elias has resisted his attraction to Jayne for years, assuming his dominance in the bedroom would send sweet, romantic Jayne running for the hills. Or would it? Alone in a snowstorm, Elias tests the waters and is blown away by Jayne’s innate submissiveness and eagerness to stretch her boundaries. Ice play? Bondage? Flogging? Bring it on.
Soon it’s no longer a question of whether or not Elias should pursue Jayne, even if she’s not sure she’s brave enough to submit to him forever. She’s made for him, and this determined alpha male will stop at nothing until he’s claimed her—completely.
Screaming Orgasm is available for preorder at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Excerpt:
“Come here, Jayne.”
She obeyed without thought. There was something about the tone in his voice that left her weak at the knees. She claimed the comfortable chair next to his.
“I want to ask you a question.”
“Okay,” she said.
“You placed a bid on me at the bachelor auction last summer.”
She flushed. She’d hoped he hadn’t noticed that temporary moment of insanity on her part. She had raised her hand early in the bidding, knowing full well she’d never be able to win. The bids had gone high and raised a great deal of money for the community center Sophie had been hell-bent on saving from closure. She’d told herself she was driving up the price for a good cause, but that wasn’t true. She laughed uneasily. “Just trying to do my part to raise money for charity.”
“You didn’t bid on anyone else.”
She bit her lip. Why did he have to be so observant? And why was he bringing it up now? The auction had taken place last June. It was December. Six months of silence. “I guess I got carried away, caught up in the spirit of the event.”
Elias frowned but didn’t reply right away. Most of the time she found his quiet nature soothing, as it matched her own. Neither of them was overly chatty, and they found true peace and contentment in the still moments. How many nights had she joined him in this chair to discuss a new book they’d both enjoyed or to simply read next to him?
Unfortunately, this silence was unnerving. Anxiety provoked her to fill it. “I meant to ask you about your date with the winner, but it never came up. How did it go?” She hadn’t asked because her previously unrecognized jealous streak didn’t want to know.
“We went to dinner and a movie. Given the less than stimulating conversation over our meal, I’d say it was a good choice. We weren’t forced to make small talk during the movie. Afterward, I took her to her house, said good night at her front door and went home alone.”
She forced her face to remain impassive, tried to hide the smile his words provoked. The date had been a bust. She released a foolish sigh of relief. “Oh. I’m sorry it didn’t go well.”
Her grin gave her away. Laugh lines appeared around Elias’ eyes. “I can see you’re really upset by it.”
She didn’t reply. Instead she looked toward the quiet street. The snow was becoming heavier, muting the sounds from the street. It felt as if she and Elias were the only two people left in the city.
“The date would have been different if you had won the bid.
Elias’ voice cut through the silence. Her gaze drifted back to his face. “It would have?”
He nodded.
“No dinner and movie for me?” She tried to make her question sound lighthearted, but her curiosity was too strong. She’d wondered for years what a date with Elias would entail. He had fascinated, enthralled and ensnared her since the first night he’d walked through the door of Books and Brew. For nearly three years, she’d waited for his arrival at the store with an impatience that grew stronger with each consecutive visit.
“Would you like to know how our night would have gone?”
Jayne nodded, swallowing heavily. The air around them suddenly seemed thicker, more humid. She found it difficult to capture a deep breath, her lungs seizing before oxygen could penetrate.
Elias leaned back in the chair, his legs crossed at the ankles. He was the picture of relaxation. As he began his description, Jayne felt the strange certainty that he’d considered this date as much as she had. The idea was heady, comforting.
“I would have cooked dinner for you at my home.”
She flipped her hair away from her face, the action a nervous habit she’d tried to break for years. “I’ve never seen your house.”
“I live on the outskirts of town, not far from here. It’s a two-story set in the middle of about an acre of land. It’s fairly private. I like that.”
She didn’t respond. Didn’t need to. Everything about Elias told her he enjoyed a solitary existence.
“You like Chinese food, so I would have made you my world famous stir-fry.
“World famous?” she teased.
His eyes twinkled. “How are you with chopsticks?”
She shrugged. “I hold my own, I suppose.”
“Doesn’t matter. I would have fed you.”
She didn’t anticipate the response his simple proclamation would have on her. She squeezed her legs together when a tingle grew in her pussy. She tried to ignore it. “I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself.”
His eyes narrowed. “It’s not a question of ability, Jayne. Rather, it’s a matter of desires. I want to feed you.”
The word desire coming from Elias’ lips fired far too many lustful images in her mind. Jayne hoped the darkness of the room hid her blushing. “What about after dinner?”
Elias didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he studied her face intently. “Are you sure you want to know? The answer may disturb you a bit.”
Jayne struggled to respond. Disturb her? She doubted there was anything Elias could do or say that would bother her. “Tell me,” she whispered.
Elias sat up slowly. “Come here.”
She was confused. They were already sitting next to each other, no more than a few feet separating them. “I’m here.”
He patted his lap, his meaning becoming clear.
He wanted her to sit on his lap? She blinked rapidly. Had she understood that correctly?
“Come here, Jayne. I don’t like to repeat myself.”
His words, his tone, sealed her fate. Her resistance melted away. Standing, she took the two steps required then paused again, trying to determine how to proceed.
“Open your legs and straddle my thighs. I want to have this conversation face-to-face. The seat of the chair is wide enough to accommodate the position. It’s one of the reasons I always sit here. It fires the imagination.”
He’d chosen his usual spot because of this? This position? This fantasy? She straddled his lap, easing her knees down to rest outside his upper thighs. Her chest was nearly touching his, their faces so close she could smell the scent of Scotch on his breath.
Elias grasped her ass and pulled her closer, until her pussy touched the obvious erection beneath his dress slacks. She gasped for air, finding none.
“Breathe slower.” He imitated the concept, sucking in a deep breath. She mimicked the inhalations, matching her pace to his until it came easier.
He touched her cheek with one finger. “That’s better.”
“What’s going on?” she muttered, more to herself than to Elias.
His finger drifted to her lower lip, his gaze seemingly mesmerized by the spot. “You know.”
It was a simple assertion. And true. She did know. They’d circled around each other, this moment, for years. “Why now?”
His eyes lifted to capture hers. “It’s time. The excuses have run dry.”
VERSUS
Contestant 3 – Full Moon – available June 11
Sometimes it’s not just the tide that rises…
Second Chances, Book 2
In the two years since her divorce was finalized, Josie Jacobson’s life has become one long, boring routine. Work, home, repeat. She has her hands full as a single parent, and while she’s not looking for a serious relationship, she sure wouldn’t mind getting laid.
When her friend, Zoey, challenges her to make a New Year’s resolution for a second chance at happiness, Josie goes one better and creates the “Howl List”. Every full moon, she will indulge in a different sexual fantasy. Right at the top? Sex without strings.
Fate leads her to the Blue Moon bar in January. After all, what better place to howl? And when she meets Jake Stewart, the sexy bartender, and engages in some red-hot sex with a stranger, her year seems to be off to a great start.
At least, until Jake declares he wants all her full moons…
Warning: This is NOT the shifter story you are looking for. While the heroine howls during the full moon, she does it in naked, human-form only. Sorry—no wolves, but there is a really sexy bartender and lots of red-hot fantasies.
Full Moon is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Excerpt:
“What are you doing here, Josie?”
She hadn’t expected Jake’s question, but after he’d saved her from near-disaster, she felt as if she owed him the truth. “I was hoping to hook up with one of the men here tonight. An honest-to-God one-night stand with a stranger.”
Jake’s smile didn’t dim, but he shook his head. “I don’t know where the hell you came from, but I’m sure glad you came into my bar.”
“Why is that?”
He shrugged good-naturedly. “Let’s just say you’re a lot more entertaining than the regulars. So you really want a one-night stand?”
She nodded.
“Why?”
She rolled her eyes. “Because I’m horny. What do you mean why?”
Jake leaned forward, resting his elbows on the high counter in front of her. “You’re pretty, funny and smart. Why would you settle for a one-night stand when any guy would probably give his left nut to go out with you?”
“I’ve always preferred the right nut.”
He grinned, but didn’t let her dodge the question. Instead, he waited patiently for her answer.
“I’m not looking for forever. Just one night. But—” she glanced over her shoulder and sighed, “—it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen tonight.”
“Why not?”
“I’m afraid I’ve lost my steam. And my head start. Most of the other promising candidates have been claimed.” The crowd was thinning out and she didn’t have the energy to try again. Plus she was terrified of picking up another married man like Greg. Apparently her bullshit meter only worked in regards to her ex-husband.
Jake didn’t bother looking around the bar to confirm her observation. “What about me?”
“You? Really?” Josie‘s heart began to race. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she’d questioned her success all evening. Now Jake was offering her exactly what she wanted.
He raised his eyebrow and she sensed she’d offended him. She raised her hand quickly. “I mean I just didn’t think you’d be interested.”
Meanwhile, lack of interest was certainly not her problem. She’d been attracted to him since the first moment she’d bellied up to the bar. Even so, could she really go through with this?
She licked her suddenly dry lips, studying his face. He had kind eyes. And full lips.
As her gaze descended, she added to her mental list of Oh my God, He’s Hot attributes. Jake had powerful hands and muscular arms. And he sure as hell knew how to fill out a pair of blue jeans.
Shit. She was seriously going to do this.
“A hot woman is sitting across from me looking for a hookup. There’s not a straight, single man on the planet who would turn that down.”
“Apparently it’s not just the single guys.”
“Good point.”
“And you qualify, do you? Single and straight?” She really needed to hear Jake say he wasn’t married. Though she was questioning her judgment after the Greg fiasco, something told her she could trust Jake’s word.
He nodded and once again she was taken in by his smile, his handsome face. Where Greg had been a pretty boy, Jake was all man. His jaw was covered with a five o’clock shadow that was pushing the borderline to full-blown beard. She spotted tattoos peeking out beneath his T-shirt on both arms. He was about a month overdue for a haircut, but the shaggy brown mess made her long to run her fingers through it.
“I qualify on all counts. I’d love to go home with you tonight. I’m not drunk, I don’t have any diseases, I’m relatively well-mannered and I don’t snore. Plus, none of my past girlfriends have blamed sex for our break-ups.”
“What do they blame?”
He laughed. “I’m trying to talk you into sleeping with me. Not out of it.”
Jake was the answer to a prayer. It would be no hardship having sex with him. None. At. All. “Fine. We’ll do it. Two conditions, though.”
“Lay ’em on me.”
“We go to your place. And I’m not going to stick around afterwards to find out if you’re lying about the snoring.”
“Deal. Should we leave now?”
She frowned. “Don’t you have to stay around until closing?”
He shook his head. “Nope. One of the perks of owning the place is you can come and go as you please.”
“You own the bar?”
“Yep.” He turned to talk to the other bartender. “Sam, this is Josie.”
Sam shook her hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Josie.”
Jake took her empty glass and put it in the rack along with the other dirty dishes. “I’m going to take Josie home. You mind holding down the fort tonight?”
Sam shook his head. “No problem. I’ll lock up and take care of the deposit.”
“Thank, Sam.” Jake walked to the cash register for a moment, then handed Josie’s credit card back to her. “Here.”
“Don’t I need to sign a slip or something?”
“Drink is on me. Least I can do, considering.”
She slipped the card back in her purse as he grabbed some keys from a cabinet. He lifted the hinged part of the bar and walked over, grasping her hand. “Ready?”
She nodded. “So ready.”
When they got to the parking lot, Jake paused. “My apartment is a couple blocks that way, so I don’t drive to work. Your car will be fine here if you want to leave it.”
She nodded. “Any dark alleys between your place and here?”
He frowned. “You really don’t plan to spend the night?”
“I told you that.”
He sighed. “Yeah. I know. Dark alleys don’t matter. I’ll walk you back here afterwards. Come on.”
He led her home, neither of them speaking along the way. Josie noticed it wasn’t an awkward silence. In fact, she felt more at ease than she’d anticipated. She wasn’t suffering from the slightest bit of nervousness. If anything, she wished he’d walk faster.
“I haven’t had sex in three years.” Where the hell had that confession come from? She winced. “I mean—”
Jake squeezed her hand. “I think I understand that horniness now. Maybe we better hurry up.”
She laughed as he picked up the pace. Jake was funny and easygoing. As far as howling went, she couldn’t have chosen a better partner to help her check off the first item on her sex list.
Taking his keys out of his pocket, he opened the door to his second-floor apartment, flicking on the light switch as she entered.
Mercifully, Jake’s place wasn’t bachelor-pad gross. There were no soiled dishes piled up on every surface, no dirty-gym-sock odor in the air, and the furniture wasn’t stained, with stuffing coming out at the seams. Apart from some clothes and shoes scattered about, the place was actually quite clean.
“Nice,” she murmured as she looked around.
He shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s okay. Rent’s cheap, the neighbors are quiet and I have my own washer and dryer. It’s not a bad place to lay my head at night.”
“Having your own washer and dryer is huge. I have to lug my laundry across the commons and drag it down into this humid basement laundry room my landlord set up for all the tenants. Costs a quarter a load, so I’m forever digging for change.”
She wasn’t sure where all that had come from. Now that she was in Jake’s apartment she couldn’t figure out how to move things to the next level. While she’d initiated the invitation, she was clueless when it came to seduction. She’d been with one man in her life—Tony—and he’d always been the instigator when it came to sex.
It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy the act. It was just that Tony’s libido seemed to run on high all the time. She never had a chance to be the pursuer.
“So,” she said at last, “where’s your bedroom?”
SO…place your bets in the comments section. Simply say contestant 1 or contestant 2. If you want to explain your vote, that’s fun too. I will announce this week’s winner on March 31.
