Author Archives: Nicola Cameron
Book Boyfriends and a Storm-Tossed Hero
Book Boyfriends…
They can be strong and sexy, dark and dangerous, rebellious and reckless or cute and quirky. We love to fall in love with these irresistible heroes and Evernight Publishing has them all!
The authors of Evernight invite you to a Speed Date challenge. Their cowboys, Doms, detectives, millionaires, royalty, vampires, soldiers, shifters, even steam-powered heroes are waiting to meet you on each author website. 50 heroes in 7 days! Are you up for the challenge?
Pull up a chair and get to know every single one. I’d love to introduce you to my hero…
Ian West
Ian is the hero of my M/M/M fantasy erotic romance novel Storm Season, available from Evernight Publishing on April 26th, 2013. As well as being my hero, Ian is a lot of other things — a widower, a native Chicagoan, slightly shorter than average, more than a little sarcastic, a technical writer, a diehard White Sox fan, and an aspiring science fiction author.
He’s also the fated consort of two very sexy redheaded sea gods, Bythos and Aphros. And he just may well be the savior of the whole damn planet. But he doesn’t know that.
Yet.
Here’s a prequel I wrote for Storm Season and the next book in the Olympic Cove series, Breaker Zone, that gives you a bit of insight into Ian and his friend Dr. Nick Gardiner, and why I just want to squeeze these two cuties until they squeak.
Prelude to a Storm
October, 2010
“Oh, shit!”
Ian West slammed on his brakes, hoping to hell there was nobody behind him.
There wasn’t. Ahead of him, however, was a little dog just trotting along the middle of northbound Racine, happy as a clam.
He glared at the dog. Dogs weren’t allowed to run around Lincoln Park off the leash, which meant it was either an escapee or a stray. And he really didn’t want to deal with a stray dog, not tonight. He’d just finished the last of a week’s worth of 12 hour days, his head hurt like a bitch, and all he wanted to do was take a shower, eat the chicken breasts Diana promised she’d barbecue despite the chilly October weather, and crawl into bed.
He looked at the dog again. Small, maybe a terrier. It was pure luck he hadn’t hit it, and that kind of luck didn’t hold out on the streets of Chicago’s North Side at night. The dog would be road kill if he didn’t do something.
Cursing under his breath, he hit his emergency flashers and got out of the car, his breath fogging slightly in the cold air. Bending over, he started slapping his thighs and whistling. “C’mere, boy! Come on!”
The dog turned and studied him, head cocked to the side in a canine gesture that meant, Oh, hello, funny-looking ape. Are you talking to me?
“Damn dog,” he muttered. “Come on, boy! C’mere!”
Just as he thought he’d have to park the car and chase down the dog, it trotted back to him, tail wagging. Quickly, Ian scooped it up and slid back into the car, depositing his new friend on the passenger seat. His timing was perfect; as he turned off the flashers and threw the car into drive, a pair of headlights appeared in his rear view mirror.
“Sorry to interrupt your stroll, buddy, but you’re going home with me,” he said, fumbling with his seat belt. “Hope you like chicken.”
The dog barked once, tail wagging furiously.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
#
As it turned out, the dog wasn’t so much a Buddy as she was a Norma, according to the tag on her collar. The owner also put their phone number on the tag, which Ian called while his wife Diana fussed over their canine guest.
The call went directly to voice mail. “Yeah, hi, my name is Ian West, and I have your dog, Norma?” he said. Next to him, Diana sat on the kitchen’s linoleum tile, busily shredding a leftover chicken breast into a bowl while Norma wiggled and danced hungrily. “She’s white with brown patches, and her ears are brown–”
“She’s a Jack Russell terrier,” Diana said.
“Uh, and my wife says she’s a Jack Russell terrier. Anyway, I found her walking down Racine tonight and took her home. If you could give me a call when you get this message, we can arrange a pickup. Thanks.”
He clicked the Off button, watching Diana with the terrier. It wasn’t the first time either of them had brought home a stray. Luckily, they’d always managed to find the pet’s owner, or, if the animal didn’t have an owner, a good forever home. It seemed like their luck was still holding this time.
“I know she’s a cutie, babe,” he said gently, “but don’t get too attached. She belongs to someone.”
“Oh, I know. But she’s so gorgeous.” Diana grinned as Norma eagerly licked shreds of chicken from her fingers before diving into the bowl. “Do we still have any of that clothesline left? I really should walk her after this.”
“I’ll check.” He headed towards the tiny laundry closet at the end of the apartment. The shelf over the washer and dryer yielded a hank of clothesline, part of Diana’s campaign to use what she irreverently called “the awesome power of nuclear fusion” instead of the dryer during the warmer months.
He brought it into the kitchen, glancing at the clock. “Are you sure you want to take her for a walk now? I mean, it won’t kill her if she has to pee in the back yard.”
Diana ran her hands over the dog, which seemed to be in seventh heaven from the attention. “No, she needs to stretch her legs a bit. I’ll stay on the main streets — we’ll be fine.”
Ian knew he should volunteer to walk Norma, but he could already feel his eyes sagging shut. “Okay. Keep your phone on you, and your keys,” he said. “And if someone comes up to you, don’t be afraid to hit them with the Mace.”
She gave him her “I love you, but you’re babbling” look. “Honey, we live in Lincoln Park,” she pointed out. “The worst that’ll happen is some PETA member gives me shit for enslaving an animal.” She stood up and pulled him in for a kiss. “But thank you for going all macho and overprotective over me. It’s adorable.”
“Mmrph.” He kissed her back, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. “I’ll stay up until you get back. Don’t argue,” he said, resting his fingers on her already opening mouth. “Just take her for her walk and get back in one piece, okay?”
Diana smirked, kissing his fingers. “Okay, Mr. Worrywart. Now go eat your dinner before you fall over.”
He smirked back. “Yes, dear.”
#
Ian was having a wonderful dream about lazing around on a sandy beach and getting a massage from not one but two godlike masseurs when his phone went off. He reached out, slapping around on the nightstand until he found it. “H’lo?”
“Uh, hi,” a man with a gravely voice said. “Can I speak to Ian West?”
Ian rubbed his eyes. “Speaking.”
“My name is Nick Gardiner — I think you have my dog, Norma? She should be wearing a black collar with a blue bone-shaped tag.”
Ian peered down at the foot of the bed. He’d assumed Norma would sleep in the living room on the couch, and discovered his mistake when Diana held the bedroom door open for the dog last night. Courtesy of his wife and her soft heart, Norma was now curled in a ball on the covers, nose tucked under her tail. “Yep, that’s her.”
“Oh, man.” There was a heartfelt sigh on the other end of the line. “Thanks for not calling the pound on her. I think she got out the back door yesterday when I was getting ready for work.”
“It happens,” Ian said, glancing at the other side of the bed. It was empty, and he could smell bacon frying in the kitchen. “Do you want me to drop her off, or–”
“I just got home and I’m still dressed. I’d be happy to come pick her up, if that’s okay with you. ”
He glanced at the alarm clock. 8:48 AM. So much for sleeping in. “Yeah, sure. I’m on Barry.”
“What’s your address?”
He gave the street number, and the other man laughed. “I’m on Seminary — I think you’re right around the corner from me. I’ll be right over. Thanks again, man. You’re a lifesaver.”
Norma had woken up by now, sniffing the air and giving Ian a hopeful doggy grin. “I live to serve,” Ian said, winking at her.
#
Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang.
“I got it.” Ian gave Norma his last bite of bacon and headed to the front door. He was surprised to see a dark-haired man in wrinkled green surgical scrubs on the doorstep. From the gruff voice, Ian had expected someone like a city sanitation worker, or maybe a cop. South Sider preconceptions for the win.
In addition to surgical scrubs, the man had a heavy five o’clock shadow with matching smudges under his eyes. “Mr. West?” The voice was definitely the same tired, gravely one from the call. “I’m Nick Gardiner. I called about–”
A small canine missile barreled past Ian’s legs into the doctor’s. “Your dog. Oh, yeah, she’s definitely yours.”
“C’mere, baby girl.” Nick dropped to a crouch, accepting Norma’s enthusiastic kisses with a grin. “We should have named you Houdini, you little escape artist,” he added, picking her up and standing just as Diana came up behind Ian. “Thank you so much for taking her home. She’s gotten out before, but usually she stays in the back yard.”
“I think she was just bored and wanted some exercise,” Diana said.
Ian turned. “Nick, this is my wife Diana. Di, Nick Gardiner. He lives over on Seminary.”
She dimpled at him. “Nice to meet you, Nick. Would you like to come in?”
Ian could tell when the smell of bacon and eggs hit the other man. Norma wriggled out of his arms and dashed back in the house. “Well, Her Highness likes the sound of that,” Nick said with a tired laugh.
“Yeah, she loves bacon.” Ian glanced over the other man’s scrubs, the security tag with the familiar NM logo still clipped to the breast pocket. “ER?”
Nick nodded. “Yeah, at Memorial. Just got off a double shift.”
“Oh, I do medical transcription for Memorial,” Diana said. “I think I’ve done some of your notes — your name looks familiar. Look, would it help if I said I had the espresso machine up and running?”
“Oh, Lord.” Nick’s weary eyes lit up. “Ma’am, you had me at ‘espresso.'”
#
Over breakfast, Nick explained that he had inherited Norma from his ex-boyfriend, an architect named Marco. “We just realized we were better friends than lovers,” he explained, reaching down and giving Norma a small piece of bacon. “And then he got a job in New York and couldn’t take Norma with him, so I said I’d keep her. She’s been my baby girl ever since.” He scratched behind her ears. “I worry about her, though. I know she gets bored and lonely in the apartment. And my schedule’s kinda insane right now, so I can’t take her out as much as she needs.”
“Have you thought about doggy day care?” Diana said.
“Yeah, but they expect you to pick up the dog at closing time. If I’m in the middle of an emergency, I can’t just walk out and go get her.”
Ian could literally see the idea building behind his wife’s eyes. She glanced at him, and he grinned wryly. Go for it.
“You know, I work from home,” she said slowly. “If you wanted, you could drop Norma off here during the day. I could take her out for walks, that sort of thing. And we could keep her here overnight, if you’re busy with a patient.”
Nick froze, coffee cup halfway to his mouth. “Seriously? Oh, God, that would be great.” His face fell. “But I can’t ask you to do that–”
“Sure you can.” She made kissy noises and Norma circled the table, happily lying down next to her feet. “Ian and I both love dogs — we keep meaning to get one, but we just haven’t gotten around to it yet. We’d be happy to take care of her during the day, if that’s okay with you.”
Ian watched as the doctor turned the offer over in his head, obviously wanting to take them up on it. “Nick, I’d say yes if I were you,” he advised. “We’re happy to do it, and Di has a way of getting what she wants.”
She grinned at that. “I’m relentless. Ask anyone in Transcription.”
Nick studied them both, then Norma, who was now curled up around Diana’s foot and snoozing. “I can tell. Okay, you’ve got yourself a part-time dog. And thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Here’s to part-time dogs,” Ian lifted his coffee cup, and Diana clinked hers against it.
“To part-time dogs,” Nick echoed, adding his cup to the toast. “And new friends.”
#
May, 2013
Ian sat on the back porch’s glider, idly rocking back and forth. The ash tree in the back yard was bright green with spring foliage, and the rustle of the branches made a nice counterpart to the soft but ever-present noises of the city.
Norma sat next to him, her head on his thigh. Ever so often, she would sigh quietly. She knew he was leaving. He didn’t know how, but the sad look in those brown eyes said it all.
The back door opened. “Do you ever drink anything other than Sam Adams?” Nick said.
“You’re welcome to bring over your own beer,” Ian said, accepting a brown bottle.
Nick scoffed. “Are you nuts? I save people’s lives. The least I should get is free beer.”
Norma looked up at her owner, then sighed again and got off the glider, curling up on the porch deck. Nick took her seat, swigging from his bottle. “You packed?”
“Yeah. All I have to do is toss my laptop bag in the car and take off. It should be good. I haven’t been on a road trip since–” He stopped, derailed by the end of that sentence.
Since his honeymoon. The ache in his chest flared up at the thought of Diana. It never really went away, not since the day she died, killed in a car accident a year ago by a drunken motorist. “Anyway, I’m ready.”
Nick caught his hesitation and tactfully ignored it. “I still don’t get it. I mean, I could see if it you were going to Palm Beach or Tampa,” he said. “Even Orlando is kinda fun these days for grownups. But why Oceanic–”
“Olympic Cove,” Ian corrected, not for the first time. “Because that’s where the cottage is. And I’m not going down there to party. I’m going down there to write a book.”
“You could do that here.”
And there was the crux of the argument, one he’d already heard from a number of his friends and his sister Angie. Ian sighed. “I can’t. I keep … expecting her. It’s been over a year, now, and I keep expecting to hear her laugh, or see her in the kitchen, or wake up next to her.” He took a quick sip of his beer. “The grief counselor said I need to get away for awhile, go someplace where I’m not going to run into triggers. I have to reset my head, so to speak.”
Nick manfully suppressed an eye roll. “But a cottage out in the middle of nowhere? I mean, who are you, Jane Austen?”
“I don’t think Jane Austen ever lived in a cottage.”
“Her characters, whatever.”
Ian turned, staring at his friend. “Dude, seriously, how the hell did you manage to get a college degree?”
“My rugged good looks and blowjobs for my Organic Chem teacher,” Nick said. “Look, do I have to spell it out for you?”
He didn’t. Ian had already heard the same fears from Angie. “I’m not going to kill myself,” he said quietly. “I miss Di, but … no. You don’t have to worry about that. Anyway, Angie said the cottage is wired for cable and Wi-Fi. You’re welcome to Skype me anytime you want.”
Nick’s dark brows came down. “And Skype is…”
“That thing I set up on your computer so that you could talk to the Irishman?”
“Oh. Him.” Nick grimaced. “Don’t remind me.”
“Hey, I told you not to date a redhead. They have no souls.”
The doctor mock glared at him. “You know what? On second thought, go down to Florida,” he said. “It’ll be nice, not having to babysit your whiny ass anymore.”
“Fuck you.”
“I offered. You said it would be like doing your younger brother.”
Ian smirked into his bottle. Once again, he was grateful that he’d never told Nick he was bi. The last thing he needed was a cute but slightly hyper ER doctor trying to get him into bed for pity sex. “Well, it would. Besides, your hot European boyfriend would get jealous.”
He expected Nick to reply with a sarcastic comment. Instead, the doctor took another sip of beer. “Yeah, he would. Never mind.”
“You two having problems?”
Nick shrugged. “No. He’s just a little–” He made a grasping gesture with his hands. “Clingy, I guess. Always wants to know where I am, what I’m doing. He’s thrilled you’re leaving, by the way. Means more time for him.”
“Asshole.” Ian had never met Gerhardt Barron, but nothing Nick said about the man sounded particularly good. “If he’s creeping you out, dump his ass.”
Another shrug, plus a sigh. “He’s good in bed. I mean really good. ‘My legs are shaking and all the neighbors know his name’ good. I can put up with a little clinginess for that.”
Something in his eyes made Ian wonder if the ER doctor really believed that. “Look, if he gets on your nerves you’re welcome to come down and visit,” he said. “I’ve got two guest rooms, and I’m going to get the boat out of dry dock. You could go sailing every day.”
“In beautiful Bumblefuck, Florida. Yay.” But Nick nodded grudgingly. “I’ll see how things are in June. I need to take some vacation time anyway.”
“Sounds good.”
Silence. And then: “You be careful down there, okay? Anything happens to you, I’m gonna be seriously pissed off.”
Ian closed his eyes. It was good to have friends like Nick. “I will. You be careful up here, okay?”
“Okay.”
They clinked beer bottles in the bright May sunshine.
#
Next to the glider, Norma rested her head on her paws. She liked coming here with Daddy and visiting their friend Ian, even though he always smelled sad these days. But she missed going for walks with Momma.
It’s all right, honey, a familiar voice said in her head. Daddy and Ian need to talk. I’m afraid their lives are about to get … interesting.
Norma whined softly. She didn’t know what that meant.
Never mind. We’ll go for a walk soon, I promise.
Well, then. Her tail beat against the porch floor. If Momma said they’d go for a walk soon, that was all right.
Satisfied, she settled down to watch the back yard.
What’s up for grabs?
- One lucky hopper will win a KINDLE PAPERWHITE eREADER sponsored by Evernight Publishing.
- Every book blogger/reviewer site is giving away one free eBook from Evernight (winner’s choice of any eBook from Evernight Publishing’s website).
- Plus, each author offers their own unique prize! So visit each blog hop stop for a host of fabulous prizes to win.
What’s Nicola offering?
I’m offering a custom-made pair of sterling silver and copper drop earrings from Belaurient Arts, worth $30.
The winner can opt to exchange the earrings for a $30 Amazon gift certificate.
How to enter?
Leave a comment with an answer to the following question (yes, it’s a new one):
What is your favorite memory of a pet or loved animal?
Be sure you leave the answer and your email address in the comments below to be eligible to win a prize.
Keep hopping to the next author or blogger. After you’ve met each hero click here to vote for your favorite book boyfriend. You’ll earn an extra grand prize entry!
You’re one step closer to meeting your next Book Boyfriend…
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Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Elyzabeth M. VaLey
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Elyzabeth M. VaLey, whose tasty new paranormal erotic romance A Dragon’s Heart, A Demon’s Blood is now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. Elyzabeth was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and her writing:
1. What made you want to be a writer?
I don’t think it was a conscious decision. Writing and making up stories has always been part of who I am. However, I guess if I really had to dig for an answer it would be in my passion for reading. Even before I learned how to read, I already loved books and the possibilities they give you. There is nothing like losing yourself in a good book. Love, action, suspense, history, you can be anyone, anywhere. It’s magical.
2. How did you get started writing erotic romance?
It was Santa’s fault. LOL. Allow me to explain, when I started writing with the conscious decision to be published, I wrote sweet romance, but my stories were missing something. One cold December night, I decided to spice things up a bit. I was an erotic romance reader, so why not a writer too? With that idea and Christmas around the corner, I wrote The Sweetest Christmas Candy and walked my first steps into the erotic romance world as an author.
3. Do you write in any other genres?
Yes, as a matter a fact my first published full length novel, A Decade of Longing, was a historical and my Romance on the Go Welcome Aboard is a contemporary.
4. What inspired you to write the book we’re discussing today?
A Dragon’s Heart, A Demon’s Blood began thanks to a flash fiction writing group called “Wednesday Briefs”. The prompt that gave birth to Adrian was “I’d like to make you an offer…”, though already I had been toying with the idea of dragons and demons in an earlier flash in which the prompt we had to use was: “His/her eyes were as green as…” Adrian’s eyes are green, a rarity in the demon/dragon worlds.
5. Do you have any other works in progress?
Not yet. However, I recently signed a contract for an upcoming release with Evernight Publisher titled Spanish Diversion. It’s a male-male contemporary erotic romance with BDSM elements that takes place in Spain.
6. When you’re not slaving away at the keyboard, what else do you like to do?
When I’m not at the keyboard I can usually be found outside, walking or playing with my Labrador, having some tapas and beers with friends or simply spending some time with my mom and sister.
7. Lightning round: Benedict Cumberbatch or Jensen Ackles? (Yes, you can pick your own 🙂 )
Jensen Ackles. Though, if I can pick my own then I’d go for Chris Hemsworth or Christian Bale or Tyler Kitsch or James Marsden or Jared Leto… I could just go on and on. LOL.
He is a shadow in the dark, smelling your scent and sensing your fear…
Legendary bounty hunter Adrian Ormonde is no ordinary man. His life is filled with secrets and questions, blood and lust. His only concern for 150 years has been survival and discovering the truth behind his demon-dragon nature.
Until he meets his new assignment: Victoria Green.
Victoria Green has felt eyes watching her every move ever since she can remember. Then, Adrian appears. The eyes vanish but new dangers arise as she falls for the mysterious hunter. Cast into an ancient conflict between dragons and demons, Victoria must trust Adrian’s skill to be enough to protect her from both the outside world and that which grows within her.
Chance brought them together but will love and passion be enough to keep them joined? Or will the other forces at play in the dragon-demon worlds destroy them forever?
Story Excerpt
Glimpsing at the tent in his jeans, she gasped.
“Already?”
In an instant, he was upon her, his mouth devouring hers and making her legs weak.
“You make me lose control, sweetheart, and I’ll be damned if that hasn’t happened in years.”
His hands slid down her waist over her hip and onto her thigh. Her breath hitched as she searched Adrian’s dark eyes.
“Already, you ask?” He sneered, his calloused fingers rising higher and caressing the junction between her legs. His fingertips skimmed over her labia, finding her wet entrance. His grin became smug. Adrian’s nostrils flared and his eyes flashed red as he dipped two fingers inside her, wringing out a breath she’d not been aware of holding.
“You’re already wet for me, sweetheart.”
Bringing his lips down to her, he stole another short kiss that had her whimpering against him.
“Adrian.”
She hugged him, bringing him closer and searching for his warm touch again. His eyes scanned her face, his gaze softening.
“You don’t want this, sweetheart.”
“Yes, yes I do,” she replied pushing herself against his hand. His thumb brushed over her clit. Victoria tensed. Her orgasm hung from a cliff, ready to fall.
“I do want it.”
Tangling her fingers in his hair, she pulled him to her mouth, teasing the seams with her tongue. He groaned and she tasted him with longing. Sucking on his tongue, she made love to it as he pleasured her with his fingers. Her body became a mass of over-sensitized sparks as he coordinated his thumb with his seesawing digits. His hand on her waist, held her in place as she humped against him.
“Come on, sweetheart.”
His husky baritone triggered her release. Victoria cried out, her pussy convulsing in short waves, hot liquid dripping onto Adrian’s fingers. Her towel fell to a heap on the floor as she lost control, the cool breeze doing little to soothe her heated skin. She wanted more. She wanted all of him.
Victoria moved to embrace him but he stepped away from her. Drawing his fingers into his mouth, he briefly closed his eyes emitting a barely audible sound of pleasure. When he opened them again, she gasped. Red sparks danced in his green depths.
“No, Victoria. You don’t want this.”
Shaking his head, he turned around and strode out of the room. Victoria stood rooted to the spot, watching in shock as he left the apartment, the main door slamming shut. Tears dampened her vision. Picking up the t-shirt he’d given her, she put it on. More tears trailed down her cheeks as the smell of detergent mingled with his scent. Taking a deep breath, she hastily brushed them away.
“Get a grip, Vicky.”
Wrapping the discarded towel around her wet hair, she strode to the kitchen, her stomach growling. She didn’t think she’d find anything edible in the small kitchen, but luckily Adrian kept a box of cereal and a few cartons of unopened milk. Digging into the meal, she shivered slightly as an unsettling feeling grew in her chest. The watchful eyes were back.
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About Elyzabeth M. VaLey
Defined as weird since she was about eight, Elyzabeth honors the title by making up songs about her chores, doodling stars and flowers on any blank sheet of paper and talking to her dog whenever he feigns interest.
Losing the battle to the voices in her head is her favorite pastime after annoying her younger sister with her singing. Writing stories full of passion and emotion where love conquers all is her happy pill and she’ll forgo sleep to make her readers live the dream.
Where to find Elyzabeth M. VaLey
#SexySnippets: Storm Season
Sexy Snippets are seven sentences, taken from a work in progress, or published book, brought to you every Sunday. And now, allow me to present a tasty little scene from my MMM paranormal romance Storm Season, out on April 26th from Evernight Publishing.
A warm mouth kissed its way up Ian’s naked thigh, pausing every now and then to bite gently at his flesh. The sting was followed by a soothing tongue.
He moaned softly, and someone chuckled. “Oh, you like that, do you?” a familiar tenor said.
“I told you he would,” an equally familiar baritone said. “Now stop teasing the poor man.”
“Teasing’s half the fun.”
Be sure to check out http://thenuthousescribblers.blogspot.co.uk/p/sexy-snippets.html for more Sexy Snippets!
Fabulous Friday Reads: His Guardian Witch
We’re kicking off this weekend with the spookily sexy Romance on the Go story His Guardian Witch from Angelina Rain. When witch Morgan tries to help a cursed man fight off a hex condemning him to a lifetime of bad luck, she finds herself falling for the gorgeous Daniel. But can the two of them fight off the powerful spells of another angry witch? Read it and find out!
Is love stronger than magic?
Morgan has never encountered a spell she couldn’t cast or a curse she couldn’t break. With her natural knack for witchcraft, she runs a magic store that helps others. When a handsome but cursed man walks into her store, she is pit against magic stronger than her own.
Daniel lived an ordinary life before he ended up on a witch’s bad side and was jinxed with non-stop bad luck. Out of sheer desperation he visits Morgan’s Magic Shop. Morgan agrees to help him and they must work together to find the witch and pinpoint the hex she used in order to undo it. As they search, feelings ignite and a romance blossoms. Will this bad luck spell end their love, or will their love be strong enough to break the incantation?
Story Excerpt
Morgan opened her eyes and watched as the glittering aura lights danced before her. They reached the window and passed through the glass on the way to the girl. Once all the lights were gone, she glanced at Daniel. A big smile crossed his handsome face, but her attention went below it. A rock rose inside his pants, large and long. She gulped, and the need to see it minus his jeans suddenly grew too strong.
No, she shouldn’t look. Instead she closed her eyes and tried to conjure up more peaceful images of nature and sunlight. Those images didn’t come though. Instead, she saw her silky bedroom sheets.
Her body lay on those sheets, writhing in passion as her legs spread open and in the air. Daniel’s head bobbed between her thighs, and his tongue lapped at her warm, natural juices.
She gulped, gasped, and opened her eyes.
His lustful gaze met hers. Lust that matched her own and her heart pulsed fast inside her chest. Her center grew damp, and she longed for his touch.
“I think your thoughts were similar to mine.”
She didn’t reply to Daniel’s statement. Instead, Morgan tried to stand. Her knees grew weak as she rose to her feet.
Daniel stood, too. “You can’t deny you were thinking about it, too.”
“I wasn’t denying anything.”
He crossed to her and wrapped his arms around her back. Warmth filtered through her, and Morgan felt herself blush. When he spoke, his breath tickled her skin. “I was thinking about how good it would be to lay you down in my bed.”
“You don’t have a bed. It was stolen.”
His chuckling made her wetter. There was something so sexy about his voice. “The floor, then.” Daniel pulled her closer to himself until she rubbed against him. His hard cock pressed into her navel, and she tilted her head upward to meet his gaze. His lips brushed hers. The kiss started tender and slow. She opened her mouth to invite him inside.
She lay on the floor, his body pressing into hers. His hands touched her sides, slipping under her shirt. His lips left hers and instead kissed her neck. He found her breasts, rubbing his palms over her nipples. Only the thin lace of her bra separated her flesh from his.
Morgan moaned. The need inside her multiplied, and she wanted to touch him, feel him, taste him. She flipped him over until she was on top and he on the bottom. She raked her fingertips over his chest and abs, feeling the hard muscle beneath the black t-shirt. But feeling and seeing were two different things, and she wanted to see. Taking the hem of his shirt, she raised it until his smooth and taut skin lay open for her to feast on. She ran her tongue over the ridges of his six-pack.
Daniel inhaled sharply, and she smiled as she kissed him right below the belly button. Morgan glanced at the trail of hair leading to somewhere below his pants. She undid the button, her hands on the zipper.
“Is this supposed to happen?”
She tried to glance at his face, but who was she kidding? The hardness in his pants was more appealing. “You mean the hard-on. It means you’re excited. It’s totally natural.”
Morgan met his eye, and he shook his head. His gaze moved somewhere beside and beyond her. “No, I mean is the candle supposed to fly?”
“Shit!” Morgan pushed away from Daniel. She watched, bewildered, as black and dark blue winds danced around the room. The candle was high off the floor.
“I’m guessing something is wrong.”
“Very wrong.”
The flame didn’t go out despite the sudden winds in the room. It rose, high and strong and fierce. Then the wind died quickly. The candle dropped to the floor. Flames danced over the hardwood planks. The fire happened too quickly to be natural. Some sort of magical force was behind it.
“Come on, we have to go!” She urged him by pulling his arm until he stood and ran behind her. Once they were outside, her fingers fumbled with the buttons on her phone as she dialed 911. Daniel stood beside her. His face was white, whiter than the nice tan he had all day. “What…” He stuttered. “What just happened?”
“The spell didn’t work. Peace and forgiveness didn’t get to her. Something repelled them, and her anger came at us, manifesting itself as the wind. This spell is stronger than I first thought. Something or someone is controlling it.”
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
BookStrand
All Romance eBooks
Where to Find Angelina Rain
And it’s off!
Editorial revisions for Storm Season are done and back to Evernight — now I just have to get the cover art and a release date, and I’m well away. In the meantime, I’m back to work on Behind the Iron Cross and should be finished with that toot sweet. Have I mentioned recently that I have some extremely cool friends who are all on Twitter? Where else can you ask a general question about intoxicants in the 1920’s and get back not one, not two, but three responses with answers and useful links for more information? I love technology.
I also love that the weather is finally improving to the point where I have to get out in the yard this weekend and do some serious gardening. We have two badly overgrown flowerbeds, two crepe myrtle that need to be pruned, and a bunch of weeds that I want to nuke this weekend while the weather is nice and warm. Unfortunately, being outside also reminds me of all the little (and not so little) repairs that need to be done around the place, but hey, I have all spring to work on those, right?
And cleaning. I really, really need to clean this place. And restring my cello. And finish the two baby quilts in progress. And the assorted knitting and crocheting projects scatttered about the place. Um…I can sleep when I’m dead, right?
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Christle Gray
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Christle Grey, whose hot new SF erotic romance Burn With Me: Legend of the Sun Whisperers is now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. And now, here’s Christle!
Thanks for having me on your blog today! I’m super excited to have the chance to share my latest story and first foray into the sci-fi romance genre, Burn With Me. As many of my stories, the creation of the Sun Whisperers came about during a bout of insomnia, my muse keeping me awake with her ramblings. (She does that a lot). Draco Taralundar was born, a lonely, fiery angel as old as the universe, finding salvation on a somewhat primitive planet as he fights to make sense of his place in the grand scheme of things. Burn With Me is the first in what I hope to be a trilogy, so enjoy! (I have to get busy on the next one…)
Maddelyn Sowers and her niece, Serra, struggle daily to survive. Their once beautiful home has been devastated by a race of alien warriors called the Raknorg, who have stripped the planet of its resources, and unleashed a deadly sickness that is slowly killing the population. Inexplicably immune from the disease, Maddelyn has witnessed her family members and friends die, young Serra next on the disease’s list.
Their world is shaken even further when a mysterious stranger literally falls from the sky one night. Though his presence puts them in danger, Maddelyn can’t refuse the plea for help in his golden eyes. Draco Taralundar claims to be a Sun Whisperer, the last of an ancient race descended from the sun. Maddelyn has difficulty reconciling the handsome man with the fantastic tales of her youth, but his capacity for healing and wielding the powers of fire are hard to ignore, renewing her hope for the first time in years. But will the fire that burns deep within his soul save what’s left of her heart, or consume them both?
Story Excerpt
Draco’s voice vibrated his chest against her cheek. Again, she was sure she hadn’t spoken aloud. But that thought melted away as his warmth around her chased away the nightmare and some of her pain. He promised to be her protector. Her guardian. Her angel.
Awareness of his smooth skin against her cheek faintly crept into her thoughts. Maddelyn brought her hand up and rested it on his chest. The muscles flexed under her touch, his arms tightened around her protectively. He was so warm. So alive. It was almost enough for her to forget the despair that had engulfed her life. Maybe even more than almost.
Heat rolled off him in waves and seeped into her body. The warmth spread through her veins and sped up her heart as it banished the numbness, pulling her far away from the black beast that threatened to devour her in her grief. So much of her life had turned into protecting herself and her family, she’d almost forgotten what it was like to feel connected to someone. How letting someone into your heart might actually help it repair itself.
Maddelyn rubbed her cheek against his iron-solid chest like a cat, inhaling his scent. Sunshine. He smelled like sunshine on a summer day as it bathed her and the flowers that used to bloom in the park in its light. Sunshine mixed with the muskiness of man.
Draco’s breathing accelerated, his heart beating wildly under her cheek. Her lips lightly grazed his collar bone and he stilled, his arms going rigid around her.
“Maddelyn.” His voice had turned husky with need, but still contained an edge of wariness.
Maddelyn wasn’t entirely sure of what she was doing, but she let her brain take a back seat as her body responded to Draco. All she knew was that his touch and his warmth helped her forget everything else. There was no death. No Raknorg. No sadness. Only him. Only her. Only this.
“Please, Draco,” she whispered against his neck. I just want to forget. Please make me forget. She hoped her simple plea would convey the words that flashed inside her brain, but could not be said aloud. It might not last, but any reprieve from this hell would be a welcome one. Pulling someone close as a way to deal with loss. She’d seen it before. Watched as people clung to each other in the face of so much death, desperate to feel alive and chase away the loneliness that would consume their souls.
She tilted her head to gaze into his eyes. A faint glow pulsed in the tawny depths, yet his brow creased with uncertainty. He brought his hand up and cradled her cheek, lightly tracing her jaw line with his thumb. Just his touch did wonders to ease the ache in her heart.
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Bookstrand
All Romance Books
About Christle Gray
Christle Gray was born and raised in Ohio, but lives in Kentucky with her husband and one frisky black cat. She’s a Gemini, which means she’s of two minds about everything, and has more projects in progress than she can ever hope to complete in one lifetime. Her interests vary as widely as her opinions, and she’s in no short supply of either. Just go ahead and ask. One of the many voices yammering on in her head is bound to answer.
Where to find Christle Gray
Website
Blog
Facebook
Amazon
Evernight Publishing
All Romance E-books
Bookstrand
Wicked Wednesday Reads: Welcome Aboard
It’s time once again to help you over your Hump Day and spice up your week with a delightful Romance on the Go entry from Evernight Publishing. This week, Elyzabeth M. VaLey’s Welcome Aboard takes us on board for a hot holiday romance on the rails. Check out the excerpt below for a teaser!
Julie is on vacation! After months of breaking her back at the office she’s ready for a weekend of absolute relaxation: a little reading, good food and some lazing at the beach are her idea of a perfect plan. However, when a handsome man with a sexy smile and naughty accent takes the seat next to hers on the train she’ll enter a wicked ride of passion and delight that will blow her mind and body away
Story Excerpt
“We’re on a train,” she hissed, gesticulating wildly.
William laughed, the lines on his forehead vanishing.
“I noticed.” He lifted the armrest and placed his hand on her thigh again. Julie bit back an unwanted moan. “What you failed to have seen, my sweet, is that we’re the only ones in this particular wagon.” He smiled smugly, drumming her thighs in a rhythm that almost had her lifting her hips.
Julie huffed. Yes, her body was weak with desire but she wouldn’t back down so easily.
“It’s a public space.”
“And doesn’t that excite you?” William asked, grasping her flesh, his fingers digging into her skin pleasurably.
Julie’s thoughts scattered. This was crazy. Out right crazy. She wasn’t a one-night-stand kind of girl. Sex in public had been out of the question, and yet—
She observed William. He was impassive, waiting for her resolution while toying with her lust. She shook her head. They could get caught. There could be cameras on the train and it was illegal.
“It’s illegal!” she blurted as the tips of his exploring fingers brushed against her sex.
“So?”
Grasping a strand of her hair between thumb and forefinger, he caressed it before neatly placing it behind her ear, brushing his thumb over the shell.
“It’s only illegal if we get caught, my sweet. I have no intention of allowing that.”
“But–”
His brown eyes bore into hers, the desire swirling in them making her weak at the knees.
“You want to, Julie. I know you do.”
“How?” She cried out the question as he finally pried his way underneath her jeans, resting his fingers above her soaking panties.
“For one, you’ve been squirming in that chair, a lot.” He smiled at her obvious discomfort. “Then,” he murmured, rubbing his finger over her swollen nether lips. “You’re dripping wet. If I wanted to, if you wanted to, I could probably slide this finger inside you without any restraint whatsoever. Maybe even two.”
This was so wrong. His scorching eyes begged her to accept the challenge. Julie bit down on her lip. She couldn’t say yes, not here.
“Tell me you want to, Julie.”
William’s finger found its way under the elastic of her thong. A moan became lodged in her throat as he touched her, learning the wet contours of her cunt with a single digit.
“I—“
She hesitated. Did she want to? Did she really want to do this crazy thing? The tip of his finger hovered over her entrance, daring her to accept.
“Say yes, Julie.” His gaze was heated, his breath as shallow as hers.
She wanted this. Damned be it all, she wanted William’s fingers deep inside her pussy. She wanted the dazzling pleasure, the relief to the unrelenting throbbing between her legs. The realization of what she was about to do spiked her desire and cut off her ability to speak. Opening her legs wider, she smiled shakily. William’s lips parted slightly, his gaze fierce as he pushed a finger inside her. Julie reclined against her seat. Her eyes fluttered shut and she whimpered as another thick digit joined the first. She responded to him. He was her master puppeteer and she was his puppet, rolling her hips with every thrust.
“You want more?” he murmured, his lips hovering over hers.
Julie opened her eyes. William regarded her, his long lashes framing deep eyes that she couldn’t help thinking belonged to a poet at heart.
“Yes,” she whispered, closing the distance. Soft and compliant, she mewled her approval, as she tasted him. Her fear had vanished and left behind an ardor that required urgent appeasing. William grunted into her mouth as she teased his bottom lip, nipping at the full bow with relish. Tilting his head to the side, he swept his tongue over the seams of her mouth in a request for entrance. She granted it readily, taking in his tongue with a desperate hunger that rivaled his as they tangled.
He was relentless, his fingers toying with her sex even as he kissed her. In and out, the thick digits of his left hand pumped into her slowly. It was a delicious torture that only succeeded in making her hotter and more desperate for what was to come.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon.com
Amazon.uk
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
About Elyzabeth M. VaLey
Defined as weird since she was about eight, Elyzabeth honors the title by making up songs about her chores, doodling stars and flowers on any blank sheet of paper and talking to her dog whenever he feigns interest.
Losing the battle to the voices in her head is her favorite pastime after annoying her younger sister with her singing. Writing stories full of passion and emotion where love conquers all is her happy pill and she’ll forgo sleep to make her readers live the dream.
Where to Find Elyzabeth M. VaLey
Revising, and a request for help
Just got the editorial notes for Storm Season today, so I need to go through and start working on those. The editor made a very good point about needing to bump up my bad guy (feh — salting in background data so that it doesn’t turn into an infodump is always a challenge), and questioned Ian’s new god ranking. I called him a Titan, since he was given his new powers directly by Gaia, but it may cause confusion. And on second thought, I could see how calling him a Titan would well and truly piss off Zeus, which is never a good idea.
So I have to come up with a completely new god ranking, dammit. Titan, Olympian…what comes after that? Anyone who can suggest a good ranking gets a walk-on in Storm Season. Go.
Nicola Cameron Reviews: Slow Surrender by Cecilia Tan
The Cinderella story is a classic fairy tale that lends itself particularly well to retellings in a variety of genres; perhaps too much so, considering how many romance novels use the “poor girl meets rich man, loses him, then gains him again after a search” trope. With that in mind, Cecilia Tan takes the familiar fairy tale and turns it on its head, reimagining it as a grand, lush erotic romance set in New York that sets you on a slow, captivating burn.
Slow Surrender follows the developing relationship between Karina, an art history grad student who is more familiar with the pre-Raphaelites than what she wants from life, and James, a handsome, mysterious businessman with issues of his own and a taste for sensual BDSM. No, this is not 50 Shades Yet Again, thank Cthulhu for small favors. For one thing, Karina is intelligent, quirky, and has a backbone and no inner goddess. And James is a sexual sadist with a heart of glass and a secret past — emotionally fragile as he is intensely dominant, he’s as much the Cinderella character as Karina is. Their developing courtship is full of secrets and discoveries, and is deliciously kinky as well as emotionally satisfying. You’ll be rooting for both of them to find their happy ever after together, despite the odds.
The question is, will they? I warn you, this is a trilogy (don’t blame the author — that was a publishing decision, not hers) and ends on a cliffhanger. But with a story as captivating and well-written as Slow Surrender, you’ll love the agony of waiting for the next installment.
Available from:
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Shyla Colt
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Shyla Colt, whose smouldering new novel Vixen Healed is now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. Damaged, jaded, and toughened by life’s hard knocks, the last thing Detective Kelly Quinn and Claire Reading expect to find during their time in protective custody is love.
Eight years ago Claire’s life was shattered when her fiancé lost his life in a robbery protecting her. She’s picked up all the pieces and moved forward when the past returns. One of the robbers has been caught and she’s needed to testify. The feisty roller derby girl agrees with no qualms, but the murderer’s partner has plans to silence her for good. She turns to Detective Kelly Quinn to keep her out of harm’s way. The attraction between them gives protective custody a whole new meaning.
Kelly never forgot Claire. He promised her once he’d see the murderous savages brought to justice and he’s a man of his word. Feelings of protectiveness become passion, and the possibility of the one thing he’s sworn off, love. Can they come together to heal the hurts of the past and carve out a future filled with happiness?
Story Excerpt
“We all have our dark side, C. You and I, we’ve seen some of the worst life has to offer. It changes a person.” He shook his head. “There’s no shame in that. Wear your scars like a badge. You’re still here, standing even though life knocked you flat on your back. That takes a lot of strength. More than some people have.”
“You saw me at my lowest.”
“Truth is that night you saved me. I was coming off of a long stint undercover and questioning the meaning of life, asking myself why I was still in this career field. When you’re a part of that seedy underbelly for so long, you lose hope. Especially, when money greases the wheels of justice and men who should be buried beneath the jail cell and not simply placed in it walk scot-free.” His chest ached as he was taken back to that time. “Then I met a beautiful girl who’d had her life destroyed by senseless violence, and it lit a fire under me, reaffirmed my decision to help others. When I made you that promise I meant it. I never forgot for one second. I’d pull the case file occasionally. See if any new leads had come up. Then I got a match, called you in to the office and had my mind completely blown. The young girl had grown up. But she was still hurting. I wanted to take that away. I still do.” He reached out to trace the curve of her heart-shaped face.
“This is me, who I am. I want you to see me the way you’ve allowed me to see you. All bullshit aside. I’m fair if I’m anything.” She studied him with dark eyes that held mysterious still be discovered.
“I like what I see, Kelly Quinn.”
“Aaah, I was hoping you’d say that.” He moved forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, moaning when she took control and nipped at his bottom lip. The love bite unleashed the passion he’d been holding back. He rolled her onto her back, making quick work of the tiny pearl buttons that kept her soft yellow baby doll pajama top together. He peeled back the layer, likening it to wrapping paper keeping him from candy. The bra she wore was a sheer, pink number that made his mouth water and his cock threaten to pop out of his boxer briefs.
Her Hershey kiss nipples strained against the material.
“Beautiful.” He leaned down and sucked a swollen nub into his mouth, exploring her curves with his hand. He slipped inside her waistband and traced the underwear.
“Mmmh, your underwear is soaked. Will your pussy be even wetter?”
“Why don’t you find out?” She stared down at him from her position, leaned back on her elbows. Her hair tumbled around her face and down her back like a raven waterfall. Her eyes had darkened to an almost black that smoldered.
He slipped a finger inside her panties and watched her lush lips part as he stroked her sodden lips.
“Well?” Her cheeky bravado made him chuckle.
“I think we can do better.” He circled her with his thumb before he eased inside her tight sheath. “Look at how tight you grip me.” He stroked her inside, circled her walls and licked his lips when she arched and gasped.
“It’s been a while.”
“How long is a while?”
“Eight years.” The words were so low he barely made them out. He paused mid-stroke.
“No, don’t stop.” She covered his hands and moved his fingers inside her. “I want to feel, to remember what it is to live fully. I’ve been surrounded by too much death and fear. It’s your turn to bring me back from the brink.” I’d never seen a more erotic sight than Claire getting herself off with my hands. His balls grew heavy, and he ached to move inside her. I have to make sure she’s ready, and take care. Make the most of the special gift she’s giving me. He hooked his finger, found the g-spot inside her, and she exploded. A creamy rush of honey spurted out and ran down his fingers.
“I’m going to need to see that a few more times at least.” He brought his hands up to his lips and popped them into his mouth. Salty, sweet, and delicious.
“Lift your hips.” She complied, still dazed, and he pulled down her underwear and shorts in one go. “Spread those sexy stems of yours for me.” A bashful expression crossed her face as he spread her legs even wider. He kneeled down and admired her neatly trimmed cunt. He spread her lips, dipped his tongue inside her molten core, and hummed his appreciation. He thrust inside and sipped her, swirling his tongue around as he played, pausing to flick her clit as he enjoyed his feast. Her throaty cries and moans inflamed him until he was fucking her with his tongue. She clamped down around him. Her thighs shut around his ears as she came. He drank her down. Her body went slack, her legs flopped open, and he sat back on his knees, pulling his stiff member out of the cotton containment. He rubbed the tip, dipped into the wealth of moisture that escaped from his slit.
“Are you ready for me, Claire?”
“God, yes.”
He leaned over to the left side of the bed and pulled out a square foil. He never fooled around with the women he brought home in his bedroom. That was his space. I’ll have to change that now. She sat up.
Where To Buy
About Shyla Colt
Shyla Colt is a sassy stay at home mom who lives in Southern California with her Marine husband and two tiny tots. When she’s not crafting, teaching ABC’s, or playing make believe, she writes full time, and works a job in the publishing industry. As you can tell she thinks sleep is overrated.
A fan of romance from the moment she picked up her first paranormal romance at thirteen, she strives to provide you with stories that bring the heat, make you fall in love with the characters, and show the power of true love. She invites you to come and get lost in her world.
Nicola Cameron Writes 