Blog Archives
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Michelle Roth
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes out to Michelle Roth and her new book Trouble Walked In (The Forsaken Few Book 1), now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of erotic romance. Take it away, Michelle!
Hi there, everyone! I’m Michelle Roth and I’m here to introduce my latest release, Trouble Walked In [The Forsaken Few 1]. This story started as a submission for the Bad Alpha Anthology but quickly grew out of control with regards to word count. There was no way I was going to be able to tell the story I wanted to in a measly 10,000 words!
Once it was clear that I wasn’t going to be able to tell the story I really wanted to tell, I decided the book was more important than the anthology. It became MUCH easier from then on! I decided that rather than just a wolf shifter story that I would make this about something larger. Lorelei, Florida was born.
Each forsaken by their own kind, a small community of shifters from all walks of life have come together to form an unbreakable bond that defies the laws of nature. Both the hunters and the hunted stand side by side to protect themselves from all who would threaten their way of life.
This is Ronan and Moira’s story…
The moment Moira Devereaux walks into his bar, Shapeshifter Ronan Kelly knows she’s going to be trouble. No matter how tempting she is, he won’t risk the safety of his makeshift pack. He has every intention of sending her on her way until he hears her compelling story.
When Moira’s father, the mayor of Lorelei, tries to force her to wed a man she doesn’t know, she runs to one place he won’t follow. The local shifter bar. Nothing could have prepared her for the immediate attraction she feels for the owner, Ronan.
In a moment of weakness, Ronan offers her a job and a place to stay despite his misgivings. No one is more shocked than he is when he discovers that she’s his mate. Will he be able to convince her that he’s worth taking a risk on or will he be forced to let her go?
Story Excerpt
Twenty minutes later, his energy restored, he wandered into the kitchen. He grinned when he found Moira making a sandwich. “Hey, gorgeous,” he said, feeling lighter than he had in a very long time. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her neck.“Hungry?” she asked, tilting her head to the side. When he continued to press light kisses against her skin, she set the package of cold cuts down on the counter. Seconds later, she leaned back against him and gave a soft hum of pleasure.“Not for food,” he murmured, nipping at the soft bit of skin just below her earlobe.
Moira pressed her hips back against him and playfully asked, “What are you hungry for then?”
He grabbed her and held her back against him. Then he moved his mouth so that it hovered just above her ear. “You know exactly what I want, cupcake. And you’re gonna give it to me.”
“Oh, am I?” she teased, moaning softly when he began to rock his hips against hers. “What if I just wanted to eat this sandwich and go to bed?”
His hands slipped up to cup her breasts through the thin cotton tank top she wore. Stroking her nipples, he waited until she shivered against him. “I’ll make you a deal.”
The voice trembled with need when she asked, “What kind of deal?”
“If I reach down into your panties, and I don’t find you soaking wet,” he said, his hands trailing down her belly to work at the button of her jean shorts. “Then, by all means, have your sandwich and go to bed.”
“Okay,” she agreed, rocking her hips back against him, her feigned disinterest long gone.
“But if I do find your pussy as soaked as I think I’m gonna,” he continued, “then I own this body for the rest of the night. Sound fair?”
Moira gave a needy whimper in response. “Fair enough.”
“You sure about that, cupcake?” he asked, his own voice rough with need. “I’m not going to go easy on you.”
No longer able to manage the pretense of disinterest, Moira whispered, “I don’t want you to.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking for.” He groaned, his fingers slowly dragging the zipper of her shorts down. At her shuddering breath, he slipped his hand inside her panties and said, “As I suspected. Cupcake, you’re not going to sleep any time soon. You better have the sandwich, though. You might need your strength.”
“Fuck the sandwich,” Moira moaned. “Touch me.”
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
About Michelle Roth
Michelle Roth is a novelist from the Great White North (Toronto, ON). When she’s not disappearing into foreign lands, or making two perfect strangers that she invented fall in love, she’s probably curled up somewhere with a glass of wine and a good book.
In her spare time she is typically hanging out with her awesome boyfriend and their two equally awesome cats. She likes taking road trips to nowhere in particular, cooking elaborate meals then making other people do the dishes, and being nerdy on the internet. Her books are currently available on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and any other place that sells absolutely filthy romance novels.
Where to find Michelle Roth
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Newsletter
Google+
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Email
Fabulous Friday Reads: Complete With Her (A Risso Family Novella)
Welcome to the weekend! Let’s kick it off with Lynn Burke’s new Risso Family novella Complete With Her, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance.
Bastian Risso breaks away from his loud, intrusive family and moves to Charleston, West Virginia. His new neighbor is a seemingly lonely soul, a kindred introvert who might be his perfect match. Her beauty calls to him like a siren, and determined not to be a chicken-shit, he steps out of his comfort zone to make her acquaintance.
Eve Thompson is protective of her privacy. She relishes her solitude as it keeps people from staring at her deformed upper lip or making fun of her speech impediment. Her persistent neighbor, however, proves a temptation too great to resist. His sincere smiles and compliments threaten to crumble the brick wall she hides behind. And his affections evoke feelings she can’t control.
Bastian plans to show Eve the beauty of who she is inside and out. But will his efforts break down her barriers or shatter both their fragile hearts?
Story Excerpt
Sprawling out on my borrowed sleeping bag beside the fire, I feasted my eyes on Eve as she moved with ease around our site. No fidgeting. No sidelong glances. “I can see why you love it out here.”
She tucked an escaped lock of hair behind an ear and bent over her task of wiping the blackened pot clean. “While it’s quiet at home, nothing compares to the peaceful outdoors.”
Temptation to tell her I knew of a thing or two that would compare in enjoyment rolled over me, but I refrained. Shadows lengthened across the small campground, and although we had neighbors a stone throw away, their murmuring barely reached my ears. Shrubs and trees blocked us from view, and leaning back, hands behind my head, I decided tonight, come hell or high water, I would hear Eve’s gasps, smother her moans with my lips as my hands explored her body.
Twilight hindered sight through the trees before she finished cleaning up. After hiding herself in the tent for a few minutes, she emerged with pants and clogs replacing her hiking gear. She settled onto the ground beside my knees.
I leaned up on my elbow and propped my head on my hand. “Eve.” I patted the sleeping bag I laid on. “Come up here.”
Her bottom lip sucked between her teeth as she peered at me in the growing darkness. “Why?”
“I want to kiss you.”
A gasp reached my ears, and I wished we’d brought a lantern so I could see her face. She scooted to my side, and I tugged her down to lay beside me.
Baby steps.
Inches separated our bodies, but I didn’t pull her close like I longed to do. Instead, I ran a fingertip down her cheek and neck, her pulse thrumming beneath my feather-light touch. She gazed up at me with widened eyes. Her lips parted and breathing hitched, and I held in my groan. As if my aching cock needed her encouragement.
Enjoying the tension sizzling between us, I leaned down and kissed her, and the second I swept my tongue along the seam of her lips, she moaned and shimmied closer.
Arousal rolled over me, and I clamped my arm around her waist, pressing her breasts and hips tight against me. My groan escaped into her mouth. No way in hell would I get any sleep.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
About Lynn Burke
Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life.
Her current work, the Risso Familly Novellas, revolves around four siblings from Boston’s North End.
Find Lynn on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Where to find Lynn Burke
Wicked Wednesday Reads: Lord Suitor (Cursed Treasure Book 2)
It’s time once again to help you over your Hump Day and spice up your week. Today I’m featuring the delicious new Regency romance Lord Suitor by Raven McAllan. Take it away, Raven!
It’s no secret that I fell into writing Regency romance by accident. And definitely no secret how much I love both the writing and the research. It’s so much easier these days, with search engines as well as very helpful librarians on our library van. (Once a week into the village and they get almost everything I ask for.) Once I decide I need information everything else gets forgotten about as I flit from one thing to another. Sometimes I end up nowhere near what I was looking for, but oh boy I’ve enjoyed it.
The idea for this series came about, strangely when I saw a stately home and it’s contents were threatened to be parted due to mismanagement over years and of course death duties.
I didn’t dwell on the death duty bit, but I’ve got an idea plotted around it…, but I did have a light bulb moment about someone with a fortune and someone without…
Of course, I didn’t know then that the fortune was said to be cursed.
Or that I’d have a prequel of the story of how… and why… before the grown up children decided to rid the family of the curse and make a fortune again…
That’s a free read from Evernight and me…Compromised.
A smuggler and an aristocrat. Who should Tessa chose?
Both professed their love for her, both intrigued her. How could she pick one over the other?
When Tessa was accosted by a smuggler her life took a turn for the better. Or so she thought. Until Nathaniel, Lord Fenniston indicated his interest in her. She had to marry to help her family, but her loyalties are torn.
Either man could be the one, but how can she decide? Torn between them, Tessa must think hard and fast.
Luckily, fate has it’s own way of deciding, and Tessa had no option but to do as it dictates.
Story Excerpt
“You’ve gone and done it now, youngster. She be dead. How you goi’n t’splain that to his Lor’ship, eh?” The rough voice echoed and fluctuated like the sound of waves rushing in and out of one of the numerous caves in the cliffs below Birch House. Tessa took a sharp inward breath and winced as one of the drums of the local regiment played a brisk march on her skull. How dare they? She needed to sleep, not be entertained in such a manner.
“She’s not dead,” the smooth-as-her-morning-chocolate voice said. “I didn’t hit her that hard, a mere tap. Just to let the ponies get on. See, she’s still breathing, you fool. Look, her bosom is heaving like a ship under full sail.”
A ship under full sail indeed. She may be nicely endowed in that area, but not to those extremes. That picture in her mind conjured up Lady Frame, whose bosom was akin to his description.
Tessa moaned and struggled to sit up. Strong hands held her firmly.
“Don’t wriggle, woman. You may well do me a mischief if you do, and I swear you might not welcome the results.”
She stilled immediately as a distinct bulge made its presence known in the cleft of her arse.
“There now, see? She’s wakening.” The velvety, cultured voice spoke once more.
Was it familiar? Tessa couldn’t get her thoughts straight enough to work that out.
“Come on, sweetheart, show us you’re back with us again.” Those strong arms—she had no reason to believe it was any other—gathered her up, and she felt safe and cossetted as a calloused hand stroked her cheek and then gave it a gentle tap. “Stop pretending.”
If she considered she was cosseted before, now she felt scolded like a recalcitrant child.
“Get you off, young sir.” The rough voice had become urgent. “Leave her with me. I’ll knock her out again and get away afore she comes around again.”
“Rubbish, enough of the violent thoughts. You go and do your bit, and I’ll speak to you tomorrow. She won’t see my face. The men need to know all is well, and you can reach them better than I can. I’ll do what is needed here. Off you go before my lady opens her eyes and clocks your ugly phizog. It might send her off again.”
There was a cackle of laughter, then a rustle and the fading sound of someone walking over what sounded like shingle.
“Come on now, I know you’re awake. Your breathing changed. Stop playing the dead man, and let’s get on.”
She bit her lip as she tried to open her eyes. They didn’t want to cooperate, and she suddenly realized why.
“Why am I blindfolded?” Was that weak and whinging voice really hers? “Take it off at once.” There, surely that sounded more in command?
It seemed not. Someone laughed.
“Sorry, sweetheart, nothing doing. It’s in your own best interest not to see anything. Look to the wall while the gentlemen do their work.”
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Amazon UK
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
About Raven McAllan
Raven lives in Scotland, along with her husband and their two cats—their children having flown the nest—surrounded by beautiful scenery, which inspires a lot of the settings in her books.
She is used to sharing her life with the occasional deer, red squirrel, and lost tourist, to say nothing of the scourge of Scotland—the midge.
A lover of reading, she appreciates the history inside a book, and the chance to peek into the lives of those from years ago. Raven admits that she enjoys the research for her books almost as much as the writing; so much so, that sometimes she realizes she’s strayed way past the information she needs to know, and not a paragraph has been added to her WIP.
Her lovely long-suffering husband is learning to love the dust bunnies, work the Aga, and be on stand-by with a glass of wine.
Where to find Raven McAllan
Website
Blog
Facebook Personal Page
Facebook Author Page
Twitter
Marvelous Monday Reads: Eluding Illusions
Happy Monday, folks! Let’s get stuck into the week with Wren Michaels’ gorgeous new book Eluding Illusions, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of erotic romance. Take it away, Wren!
Emma Banciu dreams about her novels taking on a life of their own. Thanks to a centuries old Gypsy curse, they tend to do just that. Writing with pen and paper she brings things to life, and hell hath no fury like an antagonist scorned. Now she’s on the run from Kyrin, an evil demon warlord who surfaced from one of her first manuscripts. And the only way to get rid of him is to destroy the manuscript.
Enter JG1988, her long-time online friend. He knows nothing of the curse nor the magick Emma possesses. His only wish is to finally meet her in person and take their relationship to the next level. He reveals a surprise of his own when he shows up at Emma’s door as international recording artist Jake Griffin.
Destroying the manuscript will not only get rid of Kyrin, but also end her relationship with Jake. But keeping secrets from him may end up doing just that. In order to survive they’ll resort to love, lies, and a little Gypsy magick.
Story Excerpt
Jake led her into the adjoining room where a baby grand piano sat in the corner.
Turning the piano bench sideways, he sat back and motioned for her to sit in front of him. His arms slid alongside her shoulders as he reached out for the ivory bars, and he tightened his legs against her outer thighs. The heat radiating off him surrounded Emma like a blanket of safety. She snuggled up against his chest as his fingers tickled the keys.
Succumbing to the enchanting melody, her eyes fell closed. His chest pressed against her back, rising and falling as he sang out the verses he wrote just for her, simply titled, Emma’s Song. The words took her breath away how he spoke so lovingly of her through song. Each refrain more passion filled than the one before, pouring his heart out with each note. The emotions welling up inside confused her, as she let herself become entranced by his baritone voice. Fear and happiness pooled in her eyes, releasing in tears that slid over her cheeks.
They met for the first time tonight in person yet it felt like they had known each other all their lives. Their electronic relationship manifesting into something real and tangible excited her, but also scared her to death.
The keys stopped dancing, and the room held a silence marred only by the heaving of Jake’s breath. Reopening her eyes, Emma turned her head toward him. His fingertips pressed against her jaw line, guiding her head as he leaned in. Their lips met with a cautious tenderness. She swung her body around on the seat, raising her hands to encompass his neck. He pulled her closer, parting her lips as he swept his tongue over hers. An innate ache pulsed through her, taking over her self-control. His very touch tingled every nerve along the way.
She slipped her fingers through the back of his wavy hair, massaging his head in rhythm with their exploratory kisses. His breathing grew heavier, as he cradled her in his arms. A startling mixture of sharp chords rang out through the air as her back landed against the keys.
Soft laughter danced through their kiss as Jake picked her up by the hips off the bench and placed her on top of the baby grand. Her chest heaved in succession with the thumping of her heart. He stared at her with such intent she’d never seen. His intense eyes hypnotized her, holding her gaze.
“I’ve pictured this a thousand times, but nothing compares to the actual taste of your lips,” he whispered as he laid her back, brushing the chestnut locks of hair from her face. Lush lips caressed her neck, kissing the delicate skin down the plunging neckline of her dress.
Words made no sense. They circulated in her head, jumbled by the emotions coursing through her. Her body ached for him to take her completely as his hands caressed the length of her body, exploring every inch of her, memorizing every curve.
She dreamed about this moment. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. Her head screamed no, she’d only hurt him. But her heart shouted louder as she let her fingers ride up the length of his forearms, pressing against the hard muscle.
“As breathtaking as you look sprawled across my piano, I have a better idea,” he whispered.
Pulling her to him, he slid her off the piano. She wrapped her arms and legs around him as he carried her to the sofa, laying her beneath him. Carefully, he slid the silken dress above her hips, exposing her stomach where he decorated her skin with the warmth of his tongue and lips. A shiver climbed her spine releasing itself in a vocal aching of want and need.
In celebration of the ELUDING ILLUSIONS release, I’m giving away a copy of my other recently released novel, VEXED. Click below to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
iBooks
Smashwords
Goodreads
About Wren Michaels
Wren Michaels hails from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where beer and cheese are their own food groups. But a cowboy swept her off her feet, and carried her away below the Mason-Dixon line where she promptly lost all tolerance for snow and cold. They decided they’d make beautiful babies together and they got it right on the first try. Now Wren lives happily ever after in the real world and in the worlds of her making, where she creates book boyfriends for the masses to crave.
Where to find Wren Michaels
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Jennifer Simpkins and Peri Elizabeth Scott
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes out to the double-barreled team of Jennifer Simpkins and Peri Elizabeth Scott and their new book Full Circle, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of erotic romance. Take it away, ladies!
Heath abandoned Ellie Scott thirteen years ago, disgusted and betrayed. He’s now reluctantly back for his father’s—count ’em—fourth wedding because he promised his little sister. Mia wants him to make up with their dad—and she’s never stopped talking about Ellie.
Ellie never got over Heath Granger. She had no idea why he left, only that it cut to the bone. She’s doing the flowers for his father’s wedding so they are bound to meet.
Thrown together again, Ellie learns why Heath abandoned her. Like father, like son, except she quite likes Mr. Granger. Heath, not so much, considering how quick he was to believe a lie—and think the worst of her.
Faced with the truth, Heath is ashamed of his actions. He can walk away again, or man up and make amends. But will Ellie forgive and forget? Will they come full circle?
Story Excerpt
Ellie buried her head in her hands and silently screamed, frustrated by the situation Mia had put her in. When she looked back up she saw him. His dark hair was a tad too long for convention, but it suited him. For half a second she let herself imagine what it would feel like to run her fingers through the thick mane. The simple touch used to bring her so much pleasure, but then that thought forced her to remember their last time together and that was enough to bring her back to present time. She couldn’t ignore his same strong, handsome features. Heath gave off an air of command even at this distance, and he wasn’t soft at all from his desk job. So probably not staid either. Of course, he looked more mature, but still like Heath.
A white buttoned up shirt tucked into a pair of dark slacks was anchored with a thin belt. The first two buttons on his shirt were left unattended to, giving him a more casual, cool look. His slick, black dress shoes were the only part of his attire that stood out to her though. And if Heath being beyond sexy wasn’t enough to knock her off balance, him not being alone was. As she had somehow already suspected, a blonde bombshell in a sleek, blue dress hung on Heath’s side, as if claiming him and warding off all other women. High heels showcased her long, tan legs. Ellie became insecure in her simple, flowered sundress paired with white sandals. If this was what he was into… No, Ellie, don’t you dare do that to yourself.
Mia saw them about the same time. Leaping to her feet, she about tumbled over her chair, trying to reach Heath. In that moment, seeing how happy her friend was, Ellie figured all the discomfort that was bound to happen tonight would be worth it.
Mia pulled her brother into a tight hug. “Heath, you’re here!”
A smile spread across his perfectly shaped lips as he took his sister into his arms. He looked genuinely happy. “It’s good to see you, little sis.”
Mr. Roy beamed. “It’s wonderful seeing my kids together again. I’ve missed this.”
Renee acknowledged Ellie first. “I didn’t know you would be here.”
“Yeah, Mia’s full of surprises. It seems she didn’t tell anyone I was coming tonight,” she said, looking in Heath’s general direction.
Mr. Roy left his children’s side, and Ellie stood, accepting his bear hug. “It’s good to see you, Ellie.”
“You too, Mr. Roy.”
The only other person left to greet—well, two people—was Heath and his date.
Heath was first to break the awkward silence. Extending a hand, he leaned into her. At that very moment she made the mistake of inhaling, taking in his fresh smelling cologne. “Ellie.” His voice came out low. And that did funny things to her stomach. The flip flops only got worse as he swept his eyes down her body, from her face to her painted toes and back up to her flaming red cheeks. Damn him.
“Hi” she said, clearing her throat, clearly not as unfazed by their meeting as he appeared.
His stare set her body on fire. He made no attempt to move and she became aware she’d failed to shake his hand. She’d taken it into hers, and lord help her. His hand was rough and strong, making her want to shiver. She also couldn’t ignore his eyes as they bore into her, dangerously dark, sending a jolt of excitement to her core. This couldn’t be happening. After all these years, he still had the same effect on her. And then it seemed the connection broke his calm and collected exterior because he didn’t let go immediately. Instead, he raised one beautifully arched eyebrow at her.
His touch, his smell sent her back to a time when things were just as complicated. Except then she welcomed the complication he brought into her life. His lips, warm and moving over hers. His tongue swirling with hers, sending little jolts of electricity to her sex. His body rubbing against her. The feel of his—
“Heath, darling, who is this?” Blondie was now back on his side, running her manicured fingers up and down his forearm.
A cold dose of reality put out the fire that had sparked between her thighs. It was going to be a really long night.
Heath cleared his throat and collected himself. She wondered if he’d allowed himself to go back to that place too. “This is Mia’s best friend, Ellie Scott. Ellie, this is Melissa Adams.”
Voice just above a whisper—audible to only Heath and Ellie—Melissa said, “I’m Heath’s lover.”
Ellie stared back in horror. Was she supposed to have a response to that? No wonder they’d never worked out, if this was the type of woman he’d been waiting for.
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
About Jennifer Simpkins
Jennifer Simpkins has always been an avid reader, but it wasn’t until she became a stay-at-home mom did she start to read romance. Her passion of reading romance turned into another passion she had as a child—writing. One late night of writing about sexy heroes and strong-willed heroines turned into two nights, until seven months later she had written her first novel.
She lives in a small, North Carolina town with her supportive husband (whose dream is to be on the cover of one of her books), a beautiful daughter, and two dogs who can’t seem to get along. If she’s not writing you can find her reading, hanging out with her family, or cheering on the New York Yankees.
Website: http://www.jennifersimpkins.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.simpkins.526
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jsimpkins91
About Peri Elizabeth Scott
Peri Elizabeth Scott lives in Manitoba, Canada. She and her husband have a wonderful son, and a houseful of animals. She closed her part time private practice as a social worker and child play therapist to spend more time with her husband. Peri has written for years, mostly short stories and poetry, and reads everything she can lay her hands on. She more recently turned to penning contemporary romance, although has published dark erotica under another pen name.
Website: http://www.perielizabethscott.com/
Fabulous Friday Reads: Sadie’s Mate
Woohoo, it’s the weekend! Let’s kick it off properly with April Zyon’s exciting new novel Sadie’s Mate (Space Wars), now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance.
Family kept them apart, fate brought them together.
Bracken Kauller has been unlucky in love. Not that his family doesn’t stop trying to push proper women his way. He’s found it easiest to stay on his ship, and out of their path. When trouble starts to brew on his vessel he needs an expert he can trust.
Sadie Monterey is smart, driven, and successful. But she doesn’t have it all. The only person she’s ever loved has seemingly made it his life mission to avoid her with the help of his family. Then circumstances throw them together in a life or death situation.
The threats are mounting against them, and time is running out. With only one move left to make, Bracken throws his heart on the line. He’ll do anything necessary to be Sadie’s mate.
Story Excerpt
Sadie sat in Bracken’s office with the packet that was for her eyes only in her lap and waited, not so patiently. She looked once more at the timepiece and saw that it was now forty-five minutes since she spoke to him last. She needed him to hurry. The power supply for the facial film wasn’t one that was everlasting and it was also bloody damn well hot as well. She shifted once more. Five more minutes, that was all she was giving him until she left and let him come to find her.
The door from the command deck slid open to reveal utter chaos, then slid shut to silence the noise. “Apologies for the delay,” he said. He moved to the desk and practically fell into the chair behind it. Rubbing his hands over his face, he leaned forward to prop his arms on the desktop. “What’s going on, Sadie?”
“You and your friend, Fintan, have been playing loose with the rules. Since he wed the Imarian woman, the marshal’s office have placed spies on his ship.” She passed the package over to him. “They want to bring you all down. They’re trying to find who all is with you. I never once thought to ensure that his destroyer was protected as well. Sure I’ve hidden the telemetry on his ship when I could, but I didn’t think about scouring it clean the way that I did yours.”
Bracken waved off her concern as he looked over the pieces of the package she’d been left. Reaching out, he pressed a button. “Draven, get Fintan for me, please,” he said, then released the button. “They really are starting to get desperate,” he muttered, shaking his head slowly.
She shrugged and leaned back once more. If he wasn’t concerned, why should she be? It was likely time she stopped protecting him as much as she did. “If you have nothing else to say, I should go back to my quarters. It’s been a very long and trying day.” Especially since she had been shoved onto the one ship in the universe she didn’t want to be. Not because she hated Bracken, but because she cared far too much for him.
“Don’t move,” he said sharply. A beep sounded, and the screen to her left lit up.
“Bracken, what’s going…oh, hello.”
“Fintan, meet Doctor Sadie Monterey, friend of the family. Mainly the sisters but we’re forgiving her for her horrid taste in friends. Sadie, meet General Fintan Daykin. The marshal’s office is stepping things up, Fintan. They’re into planting evidence now, and moles.”
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
iTunes
Smashwords
Where to find April Zyon
Deep Water is now available
Hear ye, hear ye, Olympic Cove fans! Deep Water (Olympic Cove Book 3) is now available from Evernight Publishing and Amazon. It should be available at All Romance eBooks and Bookstrand by Wednesday and I’ll post links here as soon as I get them.
Poseidon, God of the Sea, has spent millennia alone due to a single terrible act. His consort Amphitrite has sworn never to forgive him, and he’s forced to live with the knowledge that he drove an innocent girl to her doom.
But when one of the Olympic Cove cottages gets an occupant with an all-too-familiar soul, Poseidon discovers that the Fates have given him a second chance. Now he must try to right the wrongs of the past and win back both his beloved consort and the mate he betrayed.
Assuming, of course, that the Mad Nereid Thetis doesn’t interfere…
But that’s not all! This Friday evening L.D. Blakeley and I are throwing a Sweet Sizzling Reads Release Party at Facebook from 6 to 9 PM Eastern Summer Time to celebrate our respective new releases. There will be much fun and frivolity, plus we’ll be giving way Amazon and Evernight Publishing gift cards, nifty author swag, and custom jewelry throughout the party, so make sure you stop by.
Marvelous Monday Reads: Alpha Gladiator (Warriors of the Arena)
Happy Monday, folks! Getting back to the work week doesn’t have to suck, especially when it means you have Beth D. Carter’s pyroclastic new erotic romance Alpha Gladiator (Warriors of the Arena Book One) waiting for you. Alpha Gladiator is now available from Evernight Publishing and other online retailers of erotic romance. Enjoy!
Okay, I admit it. I fell in love with Spartacus as played by Andy Whitfield in the Starz adaptation. How horrible that he succumbed to non-Hodgkin lymphoma shortly after wrapping up the first season. During the second season, the producers decided to introduce a new gladiator which, in my opinion, was one hot hunk to watch! So when the third season came back, with a new lead to play Spartacus, it didn’t seem such a sad departure from Andy.
I became fascinated by the dynamics of the politics behind the gladiator games. The origin of gladiatorial combat is open to debate. There is evidence of it in funeral rites during the Punic Wars of the 3rd century BC, and thereafter it rapidly became an essential feature of politics and social life in the Roman world. Its popularity led to its use in ever more lavish and costly games. The gladiator games lasted for nearly a thousand years. (Thanks, Wikipedia!)
The Alpha Gladiator was actually written to be part of an anthology, but it came out as too sci-fi, so I switched it to the novella story line, Romance on the Go, for Evernight Publishing. The Spartacus story might have provided the idea, but I moved everything into a futuristic slash paranormal setting. The next story I have planned in this line features more of the slave and gladiator dynamics, not quite so paranormal but still within the realms of mystical. Hopefully that will be written soon, after I wrap up a few other series.
How long have you been writing erotica and what was the passion behind writing this genre?
I was first published in 2009 and have been trying to perfect my craft ever since. I love romance and erotica is just a way of writing romance with no blinders on. It feeds on fantasy and imagination, and I love transporting myself from my own hum-drum life into one of pure sensation. I love being turned on, and so when I write I want my readers to get turned on.
Was there as specific part of the story that you absolutely loved writing as well as not enjoyed writing?
I loved dreaming up a future where the barbaric gladiator games had been resurrected. I used much of the same terminology, same names of places. Bringing a new world to life is one of the more thrilling parts of being a writer because the possibilities are endless.
There wasn’t much in this book I didn’t enjoy writing. I’m a very liner type of writer, meaning I don’t really jump around scenes too much. I start at point A and finish at point Z. So, sometimes just writing the in between stuff, the ordinary day to day, can be tedious because your job is to still make that monotony interesting.
You’ve written in a variety of subgenres. Which is your favorite?
My books are all different, with different genres and different pairings, which is great for my creativity but bad for readers to identify with my work. Personally, I like to think there is something for everyone. But when you hear the name Beth D. Carter what type of book do you think about? Like Lisa Kleypas or Tymber Dalton, when you see their books you know know what they writes. With the publication of my first book I was unsure where I was headed as an author. I knew I wanted to push myself and not fall into one stereotype, at least, not until I discovered where my voice was heading. Sometimes I still feel like I’m test driving every type of genre that I can, but perhaps soon I’ll settle into a pattern.
Ravage is the fierce Alpha of his people, the Lycans. During the mating celebration, while their guards are down, his people are attacked and twelve are captured for the gladiator games of Kappuah, including Aleirah, the woman Ravage wants above all others.
He tries to resist, but he’s unwilling to see his men and his female harmed by the ruthless tyrants of the games. He must make the ultimate sacrifice of taking lives if he’s to protect his people.
But there is one secret no one knows, and Ravage is more than willing to show how some myths are based in truth, by letting his inner wolf come out to destroy all those who enslaved them.
Story Excerpt
“I remember.” He looked around. “You are a compassionate woman. Caring and kind. You would make me a great mate.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”
“A mate. I have been waiting for you to enter the mating ceremony for ten years, Aleirah. Surly you knew that?”
She shook her head. “No. I … ah … no. I don’t think I would make a very good mate for an Alpha.”
“Why would you think that?” he asked, a bit vexed. Ravage was fast learning she could be a little stubborn.
“I’m…” She paused and cleared her throat. “I just don’t think I would.”
“I beg to differ, and I hope you allow me to change your mind.” He stepped closer to her and her breath hitched in her throat. He tilted her face up and her mouth dropped open on a breathless little sigh. The he offered her his elbow. “Would you take a walk with me through the night?”
She bit her bottom lip with her top teeth, and the action had an interesting effect on his dick, which jumped to attention. Ravage could just imagine her sinking her teeth into his shoulder as he thrust into her beautiful body. Hesitantly, she took his arm and as soon as she touched him, he placed his hand on top of hers, trapping her by his side. Now that he had her, he wasn’t about to let her get away.
He pulled her away from both bonfires, into the woods, letting the darkness shroud them. Sometimes it was easier to let go of secrets and fears when the other person was cloaked in shadow. The night had always been a friend of the Lycanis people, so Ravage used the moon to his advantage.
“I remember you from when we were children,” he murmured.
“I remember you too,” she said softly.
He grinned, pleased with her answer. She may deny that she wanted to be his mate, but the pheromones coming off her body indicated otherwise. Aleirah found him desirable. Whether or not she wanted to be his mate, her body had already begun changing to accept his claiming bite. Now, he just had to get her to admit it, and he wasn’t above using seduction on his part.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
Abut Beth D. Carter
I like writing about the very ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances, so my heroines will probably never be lawyers, doctors or corporate highrollers. I try to write characters who aren’t cookie cutters and push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box. I love writing characters who are real, complex and full of flaws, heroes and heroines who find redemption through love. I love to hear from readers so I’ve made it really easy to find me on the web:
Where to find Beth D. Carter
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Margaret Madigan
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Margaret Madigan, whose delightful new erotic romance Faerie Fate is now available from Evernight Publishing and other online purveyors of fine erotic romance. Take it away, Margaret!
Holly Spencer is a 22-year-old IT major who’s ready to graduate and find her place in the world. What she really wants is a good job and a condo with a view.
But when she’s rescued twice in one day by a mysterious man who claims to be a fae warrior, she’s plunged into a world she grew up believing existed only in fairy tales, and forced to run for her life from warring factions who all want her dead.
Shadow’s on a routine mission when he runs headlong into Holly–the soul mate he’d given up on ever finding. Even though she refuses to believe they’re meant for each other, he fights to protect her from the very thing that brought them together, even when it means making a dangerous deal with Fate to save her life.
Holly struggles with being told who she’s supposed to love. Shouldn’t it be her choice? But as little by little Shadow kindles her passions and wins her trust, Holly realizes that a life with Shadow may very well be just where she belongs.
Story Excerpt
She still had to face the things that caused her fear, and as much as Shadow made her feel safe, she couldn’t quite let go of the responsibility of taking care of herself. She couldn’t in good conscience give him any hope when she had no idea what she faced in the next few days. That kind of trust required more than she was ready to give just yet. Still, resisting the temptation to give in to their attraction was becoming more and more difficult.
“I know you’ll do everything you can to protect my life, and if I survive this mission, we can talk about my heart,” she said, resting her head on his chest.
“You’ll survive,” he said. “I’ve already saved you twice. I’ll do it as many times as I need to.”
“As I recall, the last time it was a team effort,” Holly teased. “If I hadn’t shifted form, you wouldn’t have been able to carry me away.”
She heard his laugh rumble in his chest. “Very true. That just proves what a good team we are.” He pushed her back just a little to look her in the eyes, “And as I recall,” he said, a wicked grin spreading slowly across his lips, “the last time I saved you, you wore nothing but a smile. Is that going to be a habit?”
“You wish. What does that have to do with anything anyway?”
Still holding her close, he traced the line of her dress, down one shoulder, across the valley between her breasts, and back up again, making her shiver.
“Nothing. I was just thinking how impressive it was.”
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance Ebooks
BookStrand
About Margaret Madigan
Author of romance and science fiction with Entangled Publishing and Evernight Publishing.
Oregon Ducks fan.
Donut and pastry addict.
I like cats.
When I’m not writing you’ll find me in a college classroom teaching English, or working as a literary agent for an amazing agency…and of course, wrangling my family.
Where to find Margaret Madigan
Fabulous Friday Reads: Opportunity Knocks
Let’s kick off this bloody hot weekend (well, it is where I am) with my sister from another mister L.D. Blakeley and her debut novel Opportunity Knocks, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. Take it away, lady!
A million thanks for having me on your blog to talk about Opportunity Knocks! This release means so much to me since, not only is it the first novel in my Laissez Faire series, it’s actually my FIRST novel (why start small with a standalone, when you can jump right in with a series, right?).
The Laissez Faire, itself, was inspired by an actual music and art festival that takes place in Northern Ontario each summer; and my main characters, Gill and Tommy, are based on two lads I encountered at said festival. When the fictional versions of these two sprang to life in my head, they brought friends, family, and roommates along with them and I knew from the very beginning that Tommy & Gill’s story wasn’t the only one that needed to be told.
I hope people enjoy reading their tale as much as I had writing it.
Small-town security guard Gill Martin has lived in Mystique Pointe his entire life. His dating prospects are non-existent and he doesn’t particularly like his job, but at least it’s better than unemployment. Besides, he hasn’t got any better ideas.
Big-city artist Tommy Hearne knows exactly what he wants out of life: a successful art career and a successful relationship. He also knows that living in Liberty City is his best chance for pursuing both. Unfortunately, for him, neither of these pursuits seem to be panning out quite to his liking.
When Tommy and his misfit band of friends roll into town for the Laissez Faire, Mystique Pointe’s annual music & art festival, worlds definitely collide. A fiery tryst sparks more than just a lust connection, but what happens when the weekend is over?
Story Excerpt
Tommy followed closely behind Gill as they made their way out to the parking lot. He did a quick head count and realized that there were only five of them and that lap-sitting wasn’t going to be on the menu after all. But when Kat took out her keys to trigger the unlock remote and Tommy saw the responding lights on a tiny Fiat 500, he almost cheered. There was barely room for two grown men in the back seat. Good thing he was willing to make the sacrifice and let the others ride in comfort.
“Amy, why don’t you sit up front?” Kat had opened the driver-side door and was about to climb in when she added, “You can pull the seat forward and let the two leggy boys have a bit more room. Sorry, Tommy—looks like you’re gonna have to squeeze in on top.”
Tommy had never been so happy to be the short man out. He waited to see which side of the car Alec chose, and made sure he was at the opposite door. And when Gill climbed in, his T-shirt rucked up slightly, giving Tommy the most delicious glimpse of skin above the most perfect denim-clad bubble butt he’d ever seen. Oh, thank goodness for well-lit parking lots.
“You getting in?” Gill had an expression on his face Tommy was unable to read. Although, if it they’d been working with a bit more than car lot lights, he was sure he’d be able to see another blush staining that handsome face.
Poking his head inside the car, he carefully leaned across Gill’s lap and braced himself on Alec’s leg before climbing in entirely and sitting carefully on top of Gill. There really wasn’t a lot of room in Kat’s car. Despite only being five-foot-eight, Tommy still had to keep his head ducked down to avoid bashing his skull against the roof. He also used it as more excuse to snuggle down closer to Gill. But, hey—not my fault the girl drives a Fiat!
“Sorry it’s such close quarters guys. The car was a graduation gift from my grandparents. I wouldn’t have picked it, but who says no to a free car, right?” Kat caught Tommy’s eye in the rearview mirror and winked. Yeah. Definitely not his girlfriend. Tommy didn’t get the feeling she was upset about his crawling all over Gill. Potential matchmaker, maybe? “Luckily the campground isn’t that far, so you won’t have to suffer long.”
“I don’t mind. Really.” Tommy wriggled slightly and rested his fingers at the back of Gill’s neck. It couldn’t be classed as a grope. He still wasn’t a hundred percent sure if that would even be welcomed. But it was a touch, and a delicate one at that. And it was enough for Tommy to feel the shiver that it elicited from Gill.
“Sorry, Gill. Hope I’m not crushing you.”
“Oh. No. You’re fine.” Gill’s voice was low and slightly hitched. His glasses had started to creep down his nose and Tommy reached up, without thinking, to adjust them.
“Don’t want to lose those.” They were so close that, had it been a colder night, Tommy’s breath would have fogged Gill’s lenses. And, fuck, didn’t that send indecent thoughts straight to his groin. Images of fogging up the car windows with Gill or, to be precise, images of what they might be doing in order to cause said situation, sent a message straight to Tommy’s dick. He fidgeted slightly, not wanting to reach down and adjust the hard-on he’d hoped he could keep at bay.
He was about to fidget again when the sound of Gill clearing his throat distracted him slightly from the problem at hand. And alerted him to another. Of course, describing the feeling of Gill’s answering erection under his ass as a problem couldn’t have been further from wrong. Gloriously, heroically magnificent, perhaps. But not a problem.
Tommy turned slightly to make eye contact with Gill but found the other man uncomfortably looking in the other direction. He twisted slightly, making sure his ass did a slow grind into Gill’s crotch as he did so. Yep. That got his attention.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
About L.D. Blakeley
A pragmatist with a romantic soul & a dirty mind, L.D. is a fan of horror movies, hot sex, and Happily Ever Afters. Easily distracted by shiny things, she’s a slightly neurotic, highly ambitious dreamer who enjoys dabbling in photography & pretending she can carry a tune.
In another life, L.D. was a newspaper reporter, an entertainment & music writer, travel writer, website content editor, and a marketing shill. Now she prefers to spend her time writing hot, steamy fiction (with a healthy dose of romance) about intriguing, sexy men. Of course, whether these pretty boys end up between the sheets with other gorgeous lads or up against a wall with a spicy and spirited heroine, all depends on which direction her imagination takes her on any given day.
Although she dreams of living some place isolated with an endless supply of wine and an infinite number of titles on her eReader, she currently lives in down-town Toronto with her husband and their rock star cat.
Where to find L.D. Blakeley
Website
Blog
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Nicola Cameron Writes 