Category Archives: Evernight Publishing
Okay, I need some honest feedback here
As you know (Bob), my newest ROTG release Grading the Curve was published on September 12. While I may not have promoted it quite as actively as I have my other works due to Jordan’s illness, I did do all of the usual promotion I did for all my other stories — created a book trailer, bought ads at The Romance Studio and The Romance Reviews, submitted it to Manic Readers for reviews, got lots of lovely people to host me on the blogs, tweeted and FBed about it.
Unfortunately, the sales have been more than a bit meh. They’re finally starting to pick up a little on Bookstrand and ARe, but my Amazon numbers are, quite frankly, horrible, and absolutely nobody seems to have noticed it at Goodreads. I don’t know what to do, or if I did something wrong, or if I missed a promotion trick or what. I don’t think it’s a bad story — Evernight bought it, after all, and I had various people beta read for me and they said it was a good, solid piece.
I’m wondering if maybe this is a perception issue. Up until now I’ve primarily written M/M romance, and this is my first M/F story. I didn’t want to come up with another pen name (and yet another website and social media presence to maintain) for M/F romance, but maybe I need to do that? Thing is, if it’s not going to sell I don’t know if I can spend time doing more M/F romance, as much as I would like to.
So I need your help. If you’ve read Grading the Curve, could you tell me what you thought of it? You can either email me at nicolacameronwrites@gmail.com, or leave a comment in the Comments section. And yes, I want honest opinions. I’m the one who opened this up, so if you think it’s meh, that’s a valid opinion and I need to know that so I can better budget my writing time.
Happy 3rd Birthday to Evernight Publishing!
Celebrate like a ROCK STAR because
Evernight Publishing is THREE!
In three short years, Evernight has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to readers like you! Evernight is pulling out all the stops and throwing an extreme BIRTHDAY BASH BLOG HOP in your honor!
That’s right! It’s Evernight’s birthday but YOU get the presents…
Prizes include:
A Samsung Galaxy Tab
A Kindle Paperwhite
A Kobo Touch
$100 Evernight and Amazon Gift Certificates
Mega Evernight Swag Pack
Plus, each author on the hop will offer his/her own special prize!
As an author, I’m thrilled to share my stories with you and Evernight helps make my books shine! Here’s one reason why I love Evernight Publishing — in a business filled with wannabes and nevergonnas who think all they need is a website and some publishing software to become a successful ebook publisher, Evernight Publishing shows everyone how the pros do it. Their business plan is solid, their bookkeeping is transparent and immaculate, their editors know their stuff, their PR person is constantly coming up with ways to help promote your books, their covers from Sour Cherry Designs are fabulous, and all of this hard work and dedication is very much apparent in the final product. When you buy an Evernight Publishing book, you are not just getting a great story; you also know that the writer is being treated fairly and professionally. And when writers are treated fairly and professionally, it means they write more of the stuff you love!
Now, how am I celebrating Evernight’s third birthday, you ask? Well, I’m offering two prizes of my own — a $25 Amazon gift certificate, and a collection of all my backlist in your choice of ebook format, PLUS the lucky winner of the backlist will also get a sneak preview of the first three chapters of Breaker Zone, Book Two in the Olympic Cove series. To enter my contest, simply leave a comment below and tell me what’s your favorite Evernight Publishing book and why (and no, it doesn’t have to be one of mine. :-)).
To enter to win the Grand Prizes using Rafflecopter, click here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e561a316/
Hop to the next stop here: http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=314265
It’s also the perfect time to buy the Evernight titles on your TBR list, as well as new gems you find during the event, because Evernight’s entire backlist is on sale at Evernight Publishing and All Romance eBooks through October 7th!
And now, here’s a teaser from my latest Evernight Romance on the Go book, Grading the Curve. Enjoy!
Ellen Ragsdale is a scholarship student on the verge of graduation. After four years of sacrificing a personal life in order to put herself through school, she just wants to get her degree and start her life. The only thing she’ll miss about college is Professor Cord.
Alexander Cord is a widowed English professor who is the bane of his students and the despair of his colleagues. None of them know that he hides his loneliness and guilt behind a sardonic facade. But after years of being alone, he finds himself drawn to the one woman he can’t have — the studious, reclusive Ellen.
School rules have kept them at arm’s length all year long. But on the last night of Ellen’s college career, the two of them will risk everything to find out if their mutual attraction is just a classroom crush, or something more.
Where to Buy:
Teaser
“Did you know that you always blush when you talk to me?” he said quietly. “It’s charming. You look like a medieval maiden receiving her first suitor.”
It felt like someone had painted fire across her skin. She ducked her head, staring dumbly at the hallway’s scarred paint. He couldn’t know. Nobody knew that about her. It wasn’t that obvious.
Was it?
“Interesting.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I meant it as a compliment, but perhaps I struck closer to the truth than I’d intended.” He moved closer, and she could feel the heat from his whole body now, warming her like an invisible caress. “Are you?”
She swallowed hard. He couldn’t be asking what she thought he was asking. “A-am I—”
“A maiden. A virgin. I believe a popular term is ‘unicorn bait.'” His voice dropped, turning into a soft rumble. “I have to admit, I’m puzzled as to how someone as lovely and intelligent as you could still be virginal.”
Her entire face now felt like it was on fire. She’d gone on the occasional date, usually doubling with Keisha or Dianne, but once the guys found out what her schedule was like they didn’t bother calling again. “Too busy, I guess. Working, studying.”
To her surprise, cool fingers slid under her chin, gently turning her face up. “What a shame,” Cord said, his voice low and soft. “But if it’s of any consolation, men your age do tend to be rather slapdash and impatient when it comes to women. I assure you, you haven’t missed out on much by skipping the undergraduate sexual circus.” The façade of the academic disappeared. Underneath was a man she didn’t know, warm and standing so close to her. “That being said, I wonder … would you be willing to consider me?”
“What—” Her throat clicked, it was so dry. She swallowed and tried again. “What are you saying?”
He tilted his head to the side. “I want to take you to bed, Miss Ragsdale. I want to kiss that pink mouth of yours, undress you ever so slowly, play with those gorgeous breasts and suck your nipples before I caress every inch of your body. I want to bury my tongue between your legs and lap at your clit, and when you’re dripping wet I want to bury my cock in you. I want to see that sweet mouth of yours open and scream my name as I make you come over and over again.” Now she could smell his cologne, something masculine, woody, and underneath that, the musk of clean male. “Come home with me tonight, Miss Ragsdale. Let me make love to you. I promise you, you won’t regret it.”
Marvelous Monday Reads: Pick Me Up
Welcome to Marvelous Monday Reads, angels! We’re kicking off the week with the sweetly hot Romance on the Go story Pick Me Up by Rebecca Brochu. Sometimes, horrible pick-up lines actually work!
Bryce Huttner wasn’t looking for a one-night stand or a backroom fling when he agreed to go out with Jamie and Maddy, two of his closest friends, to the local club. But when he encountered a charming stranger on the dance floor, the man was almost enough to make him change his mind. That was, until the encounter was cut depressingly short.
When they eventually met again, Bryce was surprised to see that Felix’s interest in him had not wavered at all. Felix seemed determined to win him over and had a never ending supply of horrible pick-up lines at his disposal.
Bryce quickly found himself torn between holding strong and giving into the desire to let Felix pick him up for real.
Story Excerpt
“If I kissed you, would you punch me?” Felix asked. He looked down at Bryce where they stood outside his front door.
The porch light Bryce had turned on before he left shined down on them.
Bryce laughed, low and breathy, and watched the way Felix’s eyes went dark. Felix’s hand on his shoulder tightened before loosening.
“Maybe,” Bryce said. He wasn’t serious, but was somehow unable to keep from teasing Felix. Low heat curled in his stomach, anticipation running high through his veins.
“Cold and cruel. Not sure if I want to risk it when I know how vicious you can be,” Felix said. He swooped down and did it anyway.
Felix’s mouth was soft against Bryce’s, his lips thin but soft. When Bryce opened his mouth for the welcomed thrust of Felix’s tongue, he tasted faint traces of chocolate and coffee. The kiss went hot, but stayed sweet with Felix in control, his mouth a hair shy of too gentle as he tangled his fingers in Bryce’s hair. Felix tilted his head and changed the angle of the kiss, made it deeper, hotter, a shade or two rougher, and Bryce groaned into it.
Bryce finally pulled back far enough to look up into Felix’s eyes. He stared at him, searched his gaze for a moment, and then had to admit he’d already made his decision. He’d made it as soon as Felix asked him out.
“Come inside with me?” he asked softly.
Felix’s eyes went wide then narrowed slightly. “You sure, Bryce? Because I don’t want this to be a one-time thing, I don’t want casual sex with you. If we do this, then I want us to do it right.” Felix’s face was serious, gaze sharp and attention focused.
That same warmth curl worked its way through Bryce’s chest, all because Felix wanted what he wanted. It was glorious.
“Oh yeah, I’m sure. We want the same thing, and we’ve known each other for months now. I’m tired of not admitting what I want, tired of not having you when it’s all I think about,” Bryce said, his voice low and steady, his gaze direct. He wasn’t ashamed of what he wanted, not now, not ever.
“So, I guess it’s safe to say those lines actually did work.” Felix grinned down at him, expression delighted, but filled with heat.
“Shut up,” Bryce said. The words came out as more of a huff before he reached up and pulled Felix back down into another heated kiss.
Felix ended the kiss then, pulled back and nudged Bryce forward to unlock his door. While Bryce was busy, Felix slid up behind him and dropped nipping kisses on the side of his neck. Bryce shivered and fumbled with his key as Felix chuckled, low and warm, behind him until he finally managed to get the door open.
He gestured for Felix to wait on the porch for a second as he slipped inside. He petted Snarl, reminded himself to introduce the two of them later, and then let the dog out into the fenced in yard. Felix waited for him underneath the light of the front porch. When Bryce got back, he noticed the way Felix looked, hair disheveled and mouth slightly swollen. Bryce couldn’t pull him forward into the house and another kiss fast enough.
They were noticeably wilder then. Their hands roamed over each other as Felix closed the door with his foot, and crowded Bryce against the nearest wall. Felix tugged at Bryce’s shirt until it slipped out of his waistband, and wasted no time in getting his hands on Bryce’s skin. He traced his way across Bryce’s stomach and up his chest. Felix raked Bryce’s nipples with his nails. Bryce gasped and bucked his hips up as he broke the kiss. His cock pressed against his zipper painfully as he panted up at Felix.
“Bedroom.” Bryce practically rasped the word out. He groaned low and deep in his throat when Felix’s mouthed at his neck, his tongue skating along his skin before he nipped him sharply.
Bryce pulled Felix’s shirt completely off then tugged at the fly of his pants as they stumbled towards his bedroom. Felix’s hands were just as busy, and by the time they managed to get to Bryce’s room, their shoes and socks were abandoned somewhere behind them. They stood at the end of his bed, panting, and stared at each other for a moment, and then Felix moved. He pushed Bryce, who fell back against the mattress, legs splayed and pants riding low on his hips.
Where to Buy
Evernight
Amazon
All Romance e-Books
BookStrand
About Rebecca Brochu
I am proud to say that I live in a small town in North Carolina, surrounded by fields and fresh air. Naturally I spend most of my days crouched in front of a keyboard or curled up with a book. As an avid video game and anime enthusiast, it is an understatement to say that I have a vivid imagination. With a collection of games, dvd’s, and books that number too many to count I am often neck deep in some fantasy world. I am also the proud owner of two haughty cats and one encouraging dog. I truly do owe it all to the readers. Thank you so very much.
Where to find Rebecca Brochu
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Annalynne Russo
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Annalynne Russo, whose smouldering new erotic romance Blood of the Nile is now available from Evernight Publishing and other retailers of fine erotic romance.
Maliyah Aziz has no time for men. Employed by the U.S. Government overseas, the self-described workaholic refuses to let a relationship derail her flourishing career. But when her estranged father passes away abruptly, she must re-examine her priorities and return to Cairo, a place plagued with bittersweet memories of her childhood.
For eight hundred years, vampire Ramses Shakir maintains a low profile, making a living along the trade routes of the Nile River. Although not until he forms a partnership with a human by the name of Anwar al Aziz, does he truly make his mark on society. Together the two men amass a fortune and forge an unbreakable bond. Suspicious of Anwar’s sudden death, the vampire turns to his best friend’s daughter in search of answers. As they scour all of Egypt for clues, the last thing Ramses and Maliyah expect to find is love.
Story Excerpt
Ramses dragged his fingers through his damp hair as perspiration gathered at the base of his skull. That day, the temperature in the Sahara surpassed one hundred degrees and Maliyah wasn’t doing him any favors by turning up the heat. The wanton tease made him want to yank off the flowing, floral print dress she wore and fuck her silly. Visions of her sweet ass plastered against the windows of the train car danced in his head. He wanted her naked and it didn’t matter if a whole caravan of desert nomads stopped to catch a glimpse. Their coupling was bound to happen. Why not sooner than later?
Nonetheless, Maliyah made a good point. Ramses had promised her cousin Husani that he’d keep his hands to himself. A man of honor, he intended to stay true to his word. He wouldn’t touch Maliyah. At least, not with his hands. His mouth and cock, on the other hand, were both fair game.
Before Maliyah returned from the powder room, he reached into the small rolling suitcase he’d brought along for the trip. He pulled out a red paisley necktie and placed it next to the other articles of clothing he’d dangled over the chair. There was a good chance he’d need to be tied up in order to keep his paws off Maliyah. The necktie would come in handy if that turned out to be the case.
The door swung open and Maliyah sauntered in. Her hair was now loose, its shiny, brown tentacles hung haphazardly in front of her face. She’d removed most of her make-up and traded in her three-inch heels for a pair of simple strappy sandals. She looked up at Ramses. Her green-gold gaze locked with his. At the same time, her lower lip jutted out to entice him with its sultry pout.
Maliyah stepped closer and spoke into his chest. He could feel the heat from her skin tickle his nerve endings. “So now what? We’ve got eleven hours to kill and I’m saving the fashion magazines Salma shoved in the side of my bag until I get desperate?”
“You? Desperate?” Ramses repeated. His raspy tone came out as sensual and breathy, with a hint of sarcasm mixed in to keep Maliyah on her toes. “It’d be a pity if we let that happen. I think we can find something to keep us occupied. Maybe there’s a deck of cards in my carry on.”
Maliyah put her hand to her lips as if to giggle, but instead a loud snort came out through her nose.
Is she mocking me? Ramses thought to himself. She hadn’t uttered a single word, yet he knew her snicker was meant in protest.
Only Maliyah, a siren who embodied the perfect combination of subtle innocence and feisty femme fatale, could dish out corrosive rancor just as well as she could take it. That time, she’d done so without even opening her mouth. Although Ramses had great reverence for the Egyptian culture in which he was reared, he found himself drawn to Maliyah’s freethinking, American tendencies. He respected her desire for independence and the rebellious streak she wielded at every turn.
Before he could think of a saucy comeback, Maliyah had already placed both hands on Ramses’ bare shoulders. She massaged his biceps and let the pads of her fingers caress their way up and down his arm. Soon, they became tangled in the shaggy, black hair that gathered at his neck.
“How could a game of cards possibly keep me amused? Not when I have all this tempting, well-toned flesh at my disposal.”
“Wait,” Ramses said, pulling back slightly. He hadn’t anticipated Maliyah’s aggressive pursuit. His need for her bordered on the absurd, but he knew he’d have to take things slow. Otherwise, his vampire persona might make an unexpected appearance. He shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from touching her. “What about the pledge we made to Husani?”
Maliyah leaned in, and her heated breath skated across his tanned skin, sending a direct signal to his cock. It was time to come out and play. Whatever sport Maliyah wanted to tackle, Ramses would step up to the plate.
“I made no such promise. Just keep your hands to yourself, lover boy. Let me do all the work,” she said, darting her tongue out to taste him. God damn, Maliyah was a woman after his own heart. Her succulent lips blazed a path from his neck, passed the sparse patch of hair that peeked out from the top of his shirt.
Maliyah hiked the shirt up past his navel. Her eyes followed the line of dark curls downward until she once again spotted the thick erection through his jeans. She sank to her knees, and then used her hands to remove his belt. One by one, she undid the buttons of his 501’s, as a flush of red spread across her face. She must have realized that he wore nothing underneath.
Ramses’ shaft was as hard as stone. It sprang eagerly from his jeans. Maliyah lowered them to the floor and without hesitation licked the head of his cock into her mouth.
“To hell with restraint!” Ramses groaned.
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Bookstrand
All Romance Books
About Annalynne Russo
A native of sunny San Diego, California, Annalynne Russo always had a vivid imagination. As a child, she loved to escape reality by immersing herself in books and poetry. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature, Annalynne worked as both a bilingual elementary school teacher and curriculum developer for more than 10 years. But soon her dream of becoming a writer became too difficult to ignore.
Nowadays, she passes the time fantasizing about hot and sexy heroes that nearly leap out of her imagination, begging for their stories to be told. A firm believer in the phrase, Love Conquers All, Annalynne is a sucker for a juicy romance and spends almost as much time reading as she does writing.
Fabulous Friday Reads: Arms of Serenity
Welcome to the weekend, and let’s kick it off with the new erotic romance Arms of Serenity from Donina Lynn, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. Here’s what Donina has to say about her new book:
Thank you so much for having me on your blog today! I’m very excited to be here and to be sharing my debut novel Arms of Serenity.
When I first sat down to think about what I wanted to write, the one thing I knew I wanted to incorporate was a message. That being that the events of the past shouldn’t dictate how we live our lives in the future. We should learn from our experiences and look to the future as an opportunity for a new beginning. Simple, right? But when we are unable to move beyond those events and they threaten to determine who we are today, is it ever that easy to forget and find the peace within ourselves to allow happiness into our lives? Life and especially love are never that simple.
In Arms of Serenity, you meet Nick and Becca. Both are emotionally damaged and in desperate need of someone to show them how to let go of their pasts and that love is possible as long as they are willing to let it in. Their story is full of inner struggles, laughs, romance and even a smidgen of danger. Doesn’t every good love story need at least one or two bad guys?
Plagued by guilt, Nicholas Hollsten ended his military career in the Special Forces and returned home only to be forced into a life he never wanted. Nick found himself running his father’s company and making good on a promise to his team. Angry and frustrated with the direction his life was taking, he calms his thoughts by filling his evenings and bed with soft distractions. Until one woman captures his interest.
Rebecca Klayton thought she was happy in her small town, running her bakery and avoiding love. That emotion only meant heartache and being left exactly where you started—alone. Lesson learned. But, when the sexy stranger from their hot New Year’s Eve party shows up at her counter, will she be able to ignore the temptation or will she find what she’s been missing in the Arms of Serenity?
Story Excerpt
Becca got as far as the curve outside before she heard Nick’s voice calling her name. She closed her eyes and groaned.
Almost made it.
Why was he following her? Couldn’t he just leave her alone? She held up her hand to signal a taxi and hoped ignoring him would work until one stopped.
Becca heard him say her name again. Only this time he was too close to pretend that she didn’t hear him. She turned to find him holding the picture frame.
“You forgot this.”
He just wanted to give her the frame. She sighed in relief and reached to take it from him.
“Thank you.”
He looked at her and put a smug smile on before saying, “You forgot these also.” He reached into his pant pocket and pulled out a glimpse of white lace material.
Becca gasped when she realized it was her forgotten panties. She got closer to put her hand out.
“Thank you for finding them.”
Nick pushed them back in his pocket. “How about that coffee?”
Becca took a step back and crossed her arms. “Are you seriously holding my underwear hostage until I go out on a date with you? Doesn’t that border on blackmail?”
Nick laughed. “Just using whatever means I have at my disposal to get you to say yes.”
Becca would laugh too if she wasn’t so angry. He was being an arrogant pushy ass. She glared at him. From his polished shoes, tailored pants, and what looked like a cashmere sweater, he was head to toe everything that Becca wasn’t. Why was he doing this? Damn him for coming after her. Damn him for wanting more when he could go back into the ballroom and have anyone of those models sitting at the table.
“You’re not my type.” She turned away from him and once again put her hand up in the air.
She stood there not wanting to look back. He hadn’t answered her, and Becca silently hoped that he had walked away. She was a mess. Her insides trembled at the conflicting emotions of anger and longing coursing through her. It would be so easy to give in and go with him.
Becca felt a hand brush against her neck and his voice against her ear.
“I’m going to have to argue that statement. I seem to remember being exactly your type last night as you shook and screamed in pleasure when I was buried deep inside of you.” He kissed the spot behind her ear, and she gasped in response. Shivers cascaded through her, and she leaned back melting into his body.
Becca cursed herself.
Dammit, Becca get some control! He’s just a rich guy who thinks he can get anything he wants.
Becca pulled away and turned around to face him as a taxi finally came to her rescue. Opening the door, she stood behind it to use as a barrier between them and took a breath to steady her trembling legs and gain some courage.
“Nick, last night was great, and thank you for not saying anything back in there.” She nodded her head in the direction of the hotel and continued. “But I’m just not interested.” She got in the cab, closed the door, and stared ahead as she gave the driver her destination. As the taxi pulled away, she could see him in the rearview mirror. For the second time in less than twenty-four hours, she left him just standing and staring after her.
Where to Buy
Evrnight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
About Donina Lynn
Hi! I live in a small rural Pennsylvania town on the outskirts of the Poconos. As in small, I mean we don’t even have a traffic light. We do, however, have a DG, a pizzeria and a Chinese restaurant. Thank goodness! Because, I would probably starve without takeout and a microwave. Cooking is something I enjoy during the holidays and for special occasions. But on a normal day, I take full advantage of a supermarket’s frozen section.
Even though I was born and raised a country girl, my idea of communing with nature is gazing out my window while guzzling mass quantities of coffee. Next to the microwave, my Keurig is my prized possession. Seriously, the inventors of that gadget deserve an award and are personal heroes of mine.
When I’m not at my day job, hanging with my family or friends, curled up with my Kindle, or typing away at the computer, you can find me in front of the TV watching anything paranormal, sci-fi or a good action flick. Kudos go to any movie or show that incorporates explosions, big guns, and gratuitous butt shots.
My addiction to romance novels started as soon as I could turn a page and has stayed with me until much later in life when I decided to sit down and give writing one a whirl. Who knew that decision would have brought me here? I am extremely grateful it has and hope you enjoy reading about the characters that have taken up residence in my head. There is a bit of a warning, however. I have a fondness — bordering on obsession — with the military, public service, bad boys, and men with bald heads, goatees or tattoos. Heroes with one or many of these traits might be a reoccurring theme until I can work through these issues. 🙂
Where to Find Donina Lynn
Website
Evernight Publishing
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Eve Meridian
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Eve Meridian, whose hot new Romance on the Go story Sam’s Learning Curve is now available from Evernight Publishing and other retailers of fine erotic romance. And now, a little bit about Eve’s main character Sam!
Sam is perfectly fine being single. She has a job that she loves and the company she works for is promoting her after she finishes her M.B.A. She has great friends and a newly found love of running. Then she meets Ben, the sexy bike builder who just moved back into town and is unlike anyone she’s ever dated. Can she overcome her fear of getting hurt again and the fear of riding motorcycles so she doesn’t miss out on a great guy? Is it finally time for Sam to learn how to love again?
Story Excerpt
After she showered, Samantha slid into a stylish pair of jeans. She put on a silky black sleeveless shirt that showed a tiny hint of cleavage in the front, especially when paired with her favorite bra. She wasn’t sure why she’d spent an obscene amount of money on that bra, other than the fact that it made her feel sexy. She did her make-up so that it subtly played up her green eyes and found her spiky black heels. They were fabulous shoes that added a few inches to her petite frame, but they weren’t very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Oh the price we pay for beauty, she thought to herself.
Sam eyed herself critically in the mirror. “Not bad, not bad at all,” she muttered. She decided to leave her shoulder length blonde hair down instead of pulling it up as she usually did. Samantha added a layer of light lip gloss and decided she was as ready as she would ever be for a night out.
Just as she was grabbing a light sweater, the doorbell rang and she heard Jules. “Yoohoo! Anybody home? I know you’re in there. Answer your door! It’s time to go out and pick up some hot guys! You might actually get laid tonight!”
Sam opened the door, shaking her head and laughing. “Will you stop? My neighbors don’t need to hear about my sex life!”
“You don’t even have a sex life, so what’s it matter?” Julie replied as Sam locked the door behind them.
“So, like I said earlier, Tamara’s brother is meeting us there tonight. It should be a fun night. He’s hot. Maybe you can work on your flirting skills. If you have any left, that is,” Jules said as she glanced at Sam from the driver’s seat.
“Maybe I don’t want to flirt. And if he’s so hot, why don’t you go for him?” Sam retorted.
“Because Dave is also meeting us here, and I actually kind of like him. He’s catching a ride with Tamara and her brother,” said Jules. “Dave doesn’t know it yet, but I plan on taking him home tonight and doing evil things to him. I’ve got to thank Tamara for setting us up. By the way, how was class today?”
“My Principles in Management professor is going to be a bear, and I don’t like the idea of spending all my Saturdays at school for the foreseeable future, but I need to finish my degree. That way I can get that promotion and the raise that goes along with it. I really want to buy a house soon.”
“How long will it take you to get it done?” Jules asked. “And more importantly, are there any hot guys there?”
“It’s an accelerated program, so it’ll only take about a year and a half. That’s another reason I don’t need any distractions,” Sam said as she pointed her finger at her friend. “But yes, there’s a guy in my management class who is absolutely gorgeous.” She described Ben’s muscular arms and broad shoulders and the way his jeans cupped his backside just right.
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Bookstrand
All Romance Books
About Eve Meridian
I live in a small Ohio town with my military husband, two daughters, a neurotic cat named Max and a Lab/Newfoundland mix named Freyja. I’m an avid runner. I love writing (and reading) contemporary romances. Coffee and red wine are my two favorite food groups.
Where To Find Eve Meridian
Soon, my precious, soon…
My new Romance on the Go story, Grading the Curve, will be released this Thursday from Evernight, and I just got the final cover art today. And as you can see, yes, that is a woman on the cover.
*pauses so that people can recover*
I know, I know, but I don’t always write M/M erotic romance. I don’t. Stop laughing. Look, sometimes an MF story will hit the “I must write this NOW” button, and Grading the Curve just happened to be one of those stories. And yeah, the fact that I have a rather pronounced teacher kink and my male lead is a gruff but sexy professor may have also had something to do with it, but we won’t get into that right now.
And no, Alex isn’t based on anyone in real life, so if (God forbid) any of my previous teachers somehow stumble across this website, don’t worry, I’m not writing about you. Anyway, here’s the blurb:
Ellen Ragsdale is a scholarship student who just wants to get her college degree and start her life. Alexander Cord is an English professor who hides his loneliness behind an arrogant facade. School rules have kept them at arm’s length all year long. But on the last night of Ellen’s college career, the two of them risk everything to find out if their mutual attraction is more than a classroom crush.
And because I love you all to bits, here’s a teaser:
“Did you know that you always blush when you talk to me?” he said quietly. “It’s charming. You look like a medieval maiden receiving her first suitor.”
It felt like someone had painted fire across her skin. She ducked her head, staring dumbly at the hallway’s scarred paint. He couldn’t know. Nobody knew that about her. It wasn’t that obvious.
Was it?
“Interesting.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I meant it as a compliment, but perhaps I struck closer to the truth than I’d intended.” He moved closer, and she could feel the heat from his whole body now, warming her like an invisible caress. “Are you?”
She swallowed hard. He couldn’t be asking what she thought he was asking. “A-am I—”
“A maiden. A virgin. I believe a popular term is ‘unicorn bait.'” His voice dropped, turning into a soft rumble. “I have to admit, I’m puzzled as to how someone as lovely and intelligent as you could still be virginal.”
Her entire face now felt like it was on fire. She’d gone on the occasional date, usually doubling with Keisha or Dianne, but once the guys found out what her schedule was like they didn’t bother calling again. “Too busy, I guess. Working, studying.”
To her surprise, cool fingers slid under her chin, gently turning her face up. “What a shame,” Cord said, his voice low and soft. “But if it’s of any consolation, men your age do tend to be rather slapdash and impatient when it comes to women. I assure you, you haven’t missed out on much by skipping the undergraduate sexual circus.” The façade of the academic disappeared. Underneath was a man she didn’t know, warm and standing so close to her. “That being said, I wonder … would you be willing to consider me?”
“What—” Her throat clicked, it was so dry. She swallowed and tried again. “What are you saying?”
He tilted his head to the side. “I want to take you to bed, Miss Ragsdale. I want to kiss that pink mouth of yours, undress you ever so slowly, play with those gorgeous breasts and suck your nipples before I caress every inch of your body. I want to bury my tongue between your legs and lap at your clit, and when you’re dripping wet I want to bury my cock in you. I want to see that sweet mouth of yours open and scream my name as I make you come over and over again.” Now she could smell his cologne, something masculine, woody, and underneath that, the musk of clean male. “Come home with me tonight, Miss Ragsdale. Let me make love to you. I promise you, you won’t regret it.”
Marvelous Monday Reads: Sin’s Flower
Welcome to Marvelous Monday Reads, angels! Is it hot where you are? Well, it’s about to get hotter, because today I’ll be featuring the sinfully saucy contemporary erotic romance Sin’s Flower by Carlene Love Flores. This is what Carlene has to say about her book:
Hi Nicola! Greetings readers and visitors! I hope you’re all finding a way not to melt on these hot, hot days and nights of summer. I know as romance writers, we don’t do a whole lot to help in the cooling off department. It’s our goal, or at least one of them, to deliver a steamy read. I do have some good news though! Sin’s Flower, while sizzling hot, is also set during Christmas time in the remote riverside town of Bugscuffle, Tennessee. So perhaps you’ll find yourself pleasantly experiencing both ends of the spectrum with Jaxon and Lily. Please enjoy this sneak peek of their story and have a great summer!
When Jaxon James, a sexy rock star and struggling single-father, is invited to ditch California and spend Christmas in Tennessee with his estranged family, he hesitantly accepts for his young daughter’s sake. But his attraction to his best friend’s baby sister, Lily Elstone, threatens to unravel the bonds he’s made for his daughter. The honorable thing to do would be to give up Lily. But his instincts are telling him she’s exactly the one who could bring light to his life and the missing fire to his bed. Unfortunately, Lily’s too sweet for his world. He fears his rock and roll life style will taint her. How far are Jaxon and Lily willing to go to find what’s missing at home?
Story Excerpt
Jaxon watched Lily’s hands sinking down into the sand from behind as hesitancy chopped up his steps. Years of ending up in dire situations had made him a decisive man when he needed to be. He was making one of those executive decisions right now. It didn’t matter why she’d come. And he was close to dismissing his reluctance over whose baby sister she was. Not when she wore that swishing angelic lavender top that covered her from neck to shoulder to fingertip, driving him insane with curiosity. God, and that flaming hair which had gone from neon just yesterday to a flattering shade of cinnamon temptation tonight. His grip tightened around the folding chairs he’d gone to fetch. Purposefully, he slowed down.
Then stopped.
Wanting her was one thing, but hurting this young woman was not okay.
Standing back, he took another couple minutes to contemplate what could happen tonight. What he could control and make happen.
He knew they should talk. He just hoped she didn’t mind how close he intended on being to her while that happened. His grip loosened and one of the folding lounge chairs fell to the sand. There would be plenty of room for the both of them on the one. He walked until he made it back to her side and unfolded the chair to its full length.
“Uh, hi,” she said shyly, her brow furrowing in concentration.
“Hey.” He sat down and held his arms out to assist her. “Sit with me?” He hadn’t given her much of a choice and caught her eye scanning the sandy trail where he’d come from. “Yeah, I figured we didn’t need that one.”
“Oh, okay. Wait, just so we’re clear here. You want me to sit, where exactly?”
God, she would kill him tonight. That amount of cute couldn’t be faked. “Here, with me.” Her eyes widened in disbelief so he scooted until he was flush with the back of the nylon chair and then opened his legs, letting one straddle each side. “There’s room.”
“You’re crazy,” she said shaking her head.
He let out a faked huff. His quick decision had been too fast for her and she wouldn’t believe this was his way of comforting her. “I’ll go fetch the other chair.”
She gouged her hand into her hip. “Wait. It’s just…I really don’t think I’m gonna fit.”
A hurricane couldn’t have swayed her decision to stay put. But she eventually bent her knees, bracing herself with strong hands, and lowered herself until her squeezable bottom met the chair. Because he wanted her closer, he took the liberty of placing his hands at each side of her waist and scooted her back until she was flush with his chest and his lap.
On second thought, that was way too close.
Someone would kill him for the throbbing going on so close to their little sister. He wiggled an inch of space between Lily and his now obvious and straining erection. The last thing he wanted to do was leave her thinking he was incapable of a conversation without sex ending up front and center. He had amazing amounts of control in that department. It came along with all the years he’d practiced on the road. Tonight, plainly put, he just wanted to be close to someone, to Lily. And this was the way he knew how to do that.
“So what did you want to talk about?” he asked.
“I, I don’t know.” It sounded like nerves had her.
They didn’t have to start with words. Fuck him for his appetite but he could say more by doing this anyway.
Hey you, horny fucker. This is the part where you pat her on the head, say you’re sorry, and send her back to her big sister. This is not the time for indulging. Pack it up, Jaxon.
Yeah, no questions about it. That’s what he should do.
Where to Buy
Evernight
Amazon
All Romance e-Books
BookStrand
About Carlene Love Flores
Carlene Love Flores is a big fan of the stars (especially Orion), honest music (especially Depeche Mode), and her travelling family (no favorites there-she loves them all). These things have always inspired her to think up edgy, intimate love stories and continue to do so. If she could touch someone’s heart with her writing the way others have done for her, she’d say truly there never lived a luckier girl.
Where to find Carlene Love Flores
Website
Evernight Publishing
Facebook
Twitter
Waterworld Mermaids
Marvelous Monday Reads: Board Stiff – Taking Advantage
Welcome to Marvelous Monday Reads, and today I’ll be featuring the hot new contemporary romance Board Stiff, Book One in the Taking Advantage series by Jessica Jayne. And if that wasn’t enough to send you off rarin’ to buy it, Book Two, Board Approved, is out today! And now, here’s something to whet your appetite!
John Dorsey’s life is good. He is the owner of Dorsey Construction. He’s the youngest person on the board of directors for Advantage Insurance Company. He lives on the beach. And he knows he can have any woman he wants. John’s got the world at his fingertips… except he’s yet to find a woman that stimulates both his body and mind.
Elizabeth Wright worked hard in a large Tampa law firm making a name for herself, but it came at the expense of her personal life. When Advantage Insurance Company offers her a job as corporate counsel, Elizabeth cannot turn it down. The thought that she can have a successful legal career and a life excites and intimidates her.
But when their worlds collide one day in the Advantage board room, neither Elizabeth nor John knows what’s hit them. All they know is they can’t stay away from each other.
Story Excerpt
“Are you seeing anyone? Sleeping with anyone?” he asked further.
“What?” she said, standing up from her chair. Her face was incapable of hiding her shock at his questions. Her green eyes were wide. Her lips parted. “What sort of questions are these?” John’s stride made short use of the distance between them. He stood directly in front of her, cornering her behind her desk. He looked down into her green eyes. They were gorgeous… she was gorgeous. And he had every intention of claiming her.
“Answer my questions, Elizabeth. Are you seeing anyone?” He watched as her eyes widened even further with shock at his determination to get answers to his questions. Nervousness flittered across her face, but her breath came out in short pants as if his close proximity affected her. He watched as her chest rose and fell with each breath. God, he wanted to feel her body against his. He just knew she would feel perfect against him… in his arms.
“Your questions are inappropriate,” she replied sharply. Despite her body giving her attraction away, she held firm. He liked that. He liked a woman that wasn’t too easy of a catch.
“I agree,” he said, impatiently. “They are inappropriate. I need the answers nonetheless.”
“Why?” she asked. Her gaze scanned his face as if looking for the answer to her question.
“Answer me,” he demanded. His hand reached out and caressed her cheek as if to soothe the harshness of his words.
“You are way out of line, Mr. Dorsey,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, I know,” he said a little softer this time. His fingers tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. His gaze dropped to her bared neck. He had to fight the urge to nuzzle the spot just below her ear. “But I need to know if there are any obstacles to making you mine. Are you seeing anyone?”
“No,” she whispered. “I’m not seeing anyone.” Her lips parted for a moment before she bit down on her lower lip. That was almost his undoing.
“Are you fucking anyone?” he asked. She released her bottom lip and sucked in a breath when he asked that question. Her gaze fell from his eyes to his lips and then to her hands. He placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her head up to meet his gaze again. He wanted to see her eyes when she answered him. There was heat in her gaze, and that thrilled him.
“No, Mr. Dorsey, I’m not fucking anyone at the moment,” she said. Her voice was hard, but he heard the desire in it and that snapped his restraint. His hand weaved into her hair until his palm gripped the back of her head, pulling her into him. His mouth slammed down on hers. Her full lips were soft and pliable, and his tongue flicked out over her lips to taste her. She tasted so sweet…like candy.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Amazon UK
All Romance Ebooks
Bookstrand
About Jessica Jayne
I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English because I could not imagine doing anything else but reading and writing. It is such a pleasure to be able to share all the stories in my head!
In the journey of life, I also became a wife and a mother of three children. So, life is always an adventure. But the love of writing has never died.
My favorites: I love to read and write… obviously! But I also enjoy all sports, especially college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes! Go Steelers! Go Rays! I LOVE to travel… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. And I love sharing my love to travel with my children. I love to drink Teavana teas! I love a good glass of wine, especially if it comes from a bottle made by the FOOLS wine club… yep, I’m a member of that! I love hanging out with my family and my friends! Big fan of music, but love nothing better than putting on my jean shorts, tank top, cowboy boots and hat and watching Tim McGraw belt it out! I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat!
Where to find Jessica Jayne
Marvelous Monday Reads: Bedroom Bully
Welcome to Marvelous Monday Reads, and today I’ll be featuring the newest Romance on the Go story from the prolific Avril Ashton, Bedroom Bully. Here’s what Avril has to say about this unique line of stories:
Romance on the Go is a multi-author series unique to Evernight Publishing. Our readers have busy lives. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to engage in a novel but an escape into romance is still desired. We offer our readers a collection of short stories that can be read during work breaks, on the bus, in the waiting room, or before bed.
Sometimes a woman needs more than a gentle touch…
El Lively needs to be punished and after more than a few auditions, she’s found the perfect man for the job. Her body is up for grabs. Not her heart, and definitely not her secrets, but Jud has other ideas.
Jud Kincaid agrees to El’s more-than-indecent proposal, but he’s after more than the physical. He wants an explanation for her sexual kinks, and a way into her heart. El’s being stubborn, but lucky for Jud, he’s just signed on to be her own personal Bedroom Bully.
Story Excerpt
“Why choking?”
Her throat worked. It took a while, but she finally answered in a voice so low, he had to lean forward to catch the words. “It’s the only way I can get aroused. The way I can reach climax.” Wringing her wrists, she looked away.
Jud stared at her, at the forlorn expression on her face. He recalled the shame and pain in her eyes when she’d made her proposal. “Remove the scarf.” He made his voice hard, harsh, issuing the command that brooked nothing other than immediate compliance.
She obeyed, but didn’t look at him. Despite her skin color, he had no problem seeing the thick dark bruise that wrapped all the way around her neck like a collar. He got to his feet and went to her, dropping on his knees when she made room for him.
“What made this?” He touched her skin with the pad of a hesitant finger.
She inhaled sharply. “Leather belt.” She shook violently. “He buckled it around me and pulled.” Her voice dropped to a thin thread of sound, shuddering. “He pulled on it as I sucked him, as he fucked me.”
He cursed viciously.
“No. I wanted it. It’s what I want, Jud. It’s what I need.”
“Fuck.” He palmed her throat lightly. She trembled for him, wide eyes holding him in place. He applied a little pressure. “This, Elliot? This is what you want?”
“Yes.” She hissed and shifted, legs falling open. He got a whiff of it, her arousal, wafting to him from her parted thighs. “Jud.”
He squeezed her again, harder this time. Her pupils dilated. “I’ve decided to take you up on your proposal, Elliot.”
The pulse under his palm galloped. Her scent grew deeper, sharper. He leaned forward and nuzzled her cheek, ignoring his own hard dick pressing against his zipper. There’d be some marks on his flesh later, no doubt.
“I’ll give you what you need,” he whispered to her, loving the way she shuddered. “Only me,” he growled, “no one else.”
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
All Romance Ebooks
Amazon.com
About Avril Ashton
A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with a tolerant spousal equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing the plot points of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Addicted to cake, the ID Channel and the UFC, Avril writes Erotic and GLBT Romance for Ellora’s Cave, Evernight Publishing, eXtasy Books, Secret Cravings Publishing and Total-e-Bound.
Nicola Cameron Writes 