Rough Draft

It’s release day for the latest story in my Big Easy series, Rough Draft. Like the other books in the series, Rough Draft features yet another member of that crazy Lewis clan from New Orleans. This time, it’s younger brother, Jett, who finds love in the very last place he expects it – PARADISE. This story is a bit different from Blank Canvas, Crash Point and Full Position because while the story begins in the Big Easy, most of the action happens on the island of Eden, a paradise where anything and everything can happen. Rough Draft is one of the stories in the Invitation to Eden collection. Not sure if you’ve been following this collection, but it’s a fun one and I hope you’ll consider checking them all out. The basic premise presented to the 27 authors involved was “Fantasy Island.” We’ve each brought our characters to this magical place in search of answers, excitement, love, hot sex…you name it! Now…let me answer the FAQs!

1. Do I have to read all the Invitation to Eden stories? Do I have to read them in order? No. The stories aren’t connected by anything more than setting and theme. Each author has taken their own characters and put them on the island. Sometimes there are cameos from other characters, but they are just fun little “extra” appearances. However, it’s a very cool concept and there are some INCREDIBLE authors participating, so why not check them all out?

2. Are any other Invitation to Eden characters involved in your story? YES! I had a great time collaborating with several other authors to feature their characters. Lauren Hawkeye’s Master of the Island appears, as well as Eden Bradley’s Roan, RG Alexander’s Joely, Roni Loren’s Dr. Magdalene and there’s a fun conversation at the island bar between my heroine, Rissa and Steena Holmes’ leading lady, Lauren.

3. Do I have to read the Big Easy books in order or is Rough Draft a standalone story? Rough Draft, like all my books, is a standalone story. While characters from the previous Big Easy books do appear, it’s not necessary to read the books in any particular order to enjoy them and understand.

4. Will we ever see Dani, the foster sister who disappeared, in a future book? Hmmm…interesting question. And…YES!

5. How many other Big Easy books are you planning? When I created the series I knew I wanted to write another family…like the Collins clan in Wild Irish (I still miss them). The Lewis family came along and I just loved the idea of this very strong matriarch raising not only her own four children, but many other foster kids as well. Because Mama Lewis has a big heart and tends to take in lots of children in need, the potential for future stories could grow. Right now, I have seven mapped out (the four that are published – Blank Canvas, Crash Point, Full Position and Rough Draft) as well as three more involving Dani, Noah and Zac.

Now…how about a peek at the story?

Capture, bondage and fantasies fulfilled. It’s all fun and games until someone gets killed.

Bestselling crime novelist Jett Lewis is stumbling over a wicked case of writer’s block, his fast-flowing words having run dry. His publisher’s screaming “deadline”, the fans are ready to riot, and Jett just wants to disappear. His friend Carissa suggests he get away, clear his head…get laid. And she has just the ticket. Literally. Two passes to Eden, an exclusive island paradise.

Recently sans girlfriend, Jett convinces Carissa to go with him, and the resort is more than either of them bargained for—especially when the simple beach trip turns to murder. Thrust into a plot sinister enough to rival Jett’s books, the couple embarks on a search for the killer. The most shocking revelation of all might be their mutual attraction…and how much Jett and Carissa love working undercover.

Excerpt:

“Why are you here, Carissa?”

She stopped trying to break free of his grip. She tried to turn her head once more, but Jett merely tightened his grip in her hair. The tug on her tresses had another, more sensual effect, however. Her voice was breathless when she asked, “What do you mean?”

“Roan said you were new. What brought you to the dungeon? What are you looking for?”

She laughed softly. “Shouldn’t that be obvious? Sex.”

“You’re a beautiful woman. I hardly think it would be difficult for you to find a man to share your bed. You don’t need this dungeon for that.”

“You’re right. I don’t. I want more.”

Jett loved her honesty. Loosening his grip, he stroked her hair lightly before closing his fingers again tightly. He applied more pressure, enjoying her heated response to the pain.

Carissa moaned quietly, then asked, “Who are you?”

“My name doesn’t matter. You’ll call me Sir.”

She shivered at the title. Jett fought to restrain a grin.

“Answer my question, my love. Why are you here?”

She took her time, choosing her words carefully. Jett had always respected Carissa’s cautious nature, the way she thought before speaking or acting.

“I want to see if…I think I might be…”

She struggled with the word. Jett wasn’t surprised. Carissa was too independent to release her grip on the reins for long.

“Submissive?”

She released a breath. “Yes, but I think it will be hard for me to…I mean…I don’t think I’ll submit easily.”

He chuckled. “I like a challenge.”

Carissa stiffened at the sound of his laughter. “Do I know you?”

He’d nearly revealed himself. Until he convinced her he was the right man to indulge her fantasy, he couldn’t let her know it was him. Carissa would never risk their friendship on what she would think was just sex. He deepened his voice once more. “No.”

She didn’t seem convinced, but mercifully she let it slide. “I can’t let a man drag me around on a leash.”

Jett grimaced. The asshole had scared her, given her a bad impression of what it meant to submit. “I don’t drag women around.”

“He was cruel to her.”

Jett wanted to go find Gregory and beat the shit out of the man. “The only pain I give would bring you pleasure.”

“Even if I did something wrong? I’ve never done this before. I don’t know how—”

“I would like to teach you. How long are you staying at Eden?”

“A week.”

“Give me the week. Promise to be my submissive and I’ll show you exactly how incredible it can be to put yourself in the hands of a man whose only goal is to give you as many orgasms as you can stand.”

She laughed. “Orgasms sound nice.”

Carissa wasn’t shy about asking for what she wanted. It was a refreshing change, given his last few girlfriends, who preferred to play games and make him guess what they wanted.

“Should we start your lessons?”

“Now?”

Carissa’s courage was faltering in the face of making her fantasy a reality.

Jett lifted the hand wrapped around her waist to her breast. Cupping it, he pressed firmly, applying pressure until he heard her gasp.

“Now.”