On the 8th day…
Yesterday’s winner is Sarah–with an H (comment #18). Don’t forget to comment today for your chance to win!
The Scoundrels stories at Ellora’s Cave have always been two of my favorite books. Maybe because they tie together my love of historical romance and modern-day erotica. As I’ve mentioned before, I hate to say goodbye to characters. Travis, in White Knight, was such a wounded hero. I knew I wanted to return to that world and I also wanted to try my hand at writing a serial. So…I thought…why not set my serial in Scoundrels, the L.A. sex club featured in Black Jack and White Knight. That way I got to bring back Jack and Emma, Shea and Travis, as well as introduce a new couple in Becca and Parker. The stories were fun to write, though I’ll admit…short stories are a definite challenge. I’m a wordy writer, so forcing myself to flesh out an interesting story in fewer words was quite a lesson in being succinct. The three stories are out now. Heck, the first one is even free, so you can give it a try without any risk. If you like it, the second two are only .99 cents each. If you haven’t had a chance to read them, here’s a sneak peek at the first story, Behind the Scenes.
Excerpt:
“Parker—”
He reached for the hem of her t-shirt. Becca jerked, gripping his wrists to stop him from tugging the cotton over her head.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Getting you accustomed to my touch. You can’t flinch like that on stage. You’re supposed to want me.”
Oh, she wanted him, but she couldn’t let him see that. She refused to be another name on his list of sexual conquests. Her heart simply couldn’t take it if he seduced her, then tossed her aside.
Rather than admit the truth, she latched onto the out he provided. “Which is exactly why this won’t work.”
He shook off her grip and slipped his hands beneath her shirt, stroking her bare skin.
She tried to force air to her lungs, but somewhere along the line, she’d lost the ability to breathe.
Fortunately, Parker didn’t try to kiss her. There was no way she’d find the strength to break away from him if he did. One taste and she’d be a goner.
“That’s better,” he murmured when she relaxed under his soft caresses. “Should I build the scene for you, Becca? Tell you what’s going to happen on the stage tonight?”
“Emma said she would do that.”
Parked placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, his breath hot against the sensitive skin there. “Emma’s not coming back here.”
His words confirmed her suspicions. After Becca revealed her fantasy, Emma had asked if she had anyone in mind to play her leading man. Becca had blurted out Parker’s name before she could think better of it.
Fucking margaritas. She’d tried to pass it off as a joke, but clearly the damage had been done. “The two of you set me up.”
Parker shook his head. “No. Emma helped me set us up.”
“There is no us.”
“Are you so sure of that?” His lips descended on her ear and, taking the lobe between his teeth, he bit down gently.
“I don’t want this.” Yeah right. Liar liar, pussy on fire.
It was Parker’s turn to scoff. “You’re not going to push me away anymore. This was inevitable.”
Becca closed her eyes, fighting for the ability to step away from him. It was a futile effort. “This is just a fantasy, Parker. Playacting. So give me the scene. And let’s get this over with.”
Behind the Scenes
Scoundrels Short Stories, book 1
Fantasy…Reality…Action!
Becca Preston, bartender at Scoundrels, learned very early in life that men—especially actors—were not to be trusted. Daughter of one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men, Becca spent most of her life dealing with her father’s other role—king of infidelity. As a result, Becca has one hard and fast rule. Don’t date actors.
When Parker Banks met Bec, he was a struggling actor who worked as a waiter at Scoundrels to make ends meet. Though he wanted to move them out of the “just friends” realm, Becca refused, claiming actors untrustworthy.
After a catching a break on the Scoundrels stage, Parker’s acting career skyrockets. However, while he’s achieving all his goals professionally, there’s still one dream he hasn’t realized. Claiming Becca’s heart.
This short story is part one of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series available now at Ellora’s Cave. Approximate word count is 6K words.
Behind the Scenes is available now at Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Under the Lights
Scoundrels Short Story, book 2
Just how hot does it get under the lights?
Becca Preston has been in love with Parker Banks for years. But she’s resigned herself to the fact her feelings can never be revealed. For one thing, he’s a huge Hollywood movie star and a lifetime spent living with her famous father has taught her actors aren’t exactly known for their fidelity.
But even more problematic is Parker’s dominance. Becca is used to calling the shots and Parker’s dark, commanding presence alarms her, leaves her frightened, confused…breathless.
Parker is most at ease onstage. So what better place than Scoundrels for him to capture his elusive beauty, Becca. Tonight, under the lights, he’s determined to set her body on fire, bring her darkest fantasies to life…and claim her heart once and for all.
This short story is part two of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series available now at Ellora’s Cave. For better enjoyment, it is suggested that you read Behind the Scenes before reading this book. Approximate word count is 6K words.
Under the Lights is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks.
Over the Threshold
Scoundrels Short Stories, book 3
Does she dare say those three little letters—I Do—that could change her whole life?
Becca Preston is shocked when Hollywood megastar Parker Banks proposes to her on the Scoundrels stage. Though they’ve been friends for years, she’s been very careful to never blur that line. After all, she only has one hard and fast rule—no actors. Her famous father’s infidelities have taught her to keep a firm grip on her heart and she’s never been tempted to break that vow. Until Parker walked back into Scoundrels.
Under the bright lights, he breaks down her resistance, opens her eyes to what could be and makes her question her decision to avoid love with movie stars.
And what happens when the performance becomes real? When sex becomes tied up with emotions? Should Becca cling to her safe, yet lonely life or take a chance and make that trip over the threshold?
This short story is the final installment of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series, available now at Ellora’s Cave. For better enjoyment, it is suggested that you read Behind the Scenes and Under the Lights before reading this book. Approximate word count is 6900 words.
Over the Threshold is available at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance ebooks.
Today’s question is a bit more risqué. The Scoundrels short stories are all about bringing fantasies to life. What’s your ultimate fantasy? Today’s winner will receive all three Scoundrels short stories.
