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Mid Week Tease: Breaker Zone
Happy Hump Day! Let’s celebrate it with the first Mid Week Tease of 2014, courtesy of the lovely and talented Sandra Bunino. This week, I’ll be sharing a teaser from the second book in the Olympic Cove series, Breaker Zone.
Enjoy, and make sure to hit the list after the teaser to see other great Mid Week Teases!
When Dr. Nick Gardiner goes on the run from a psychotic ex and ends up at Olympic Cove, the last thing he expects to find is his friend Ian living with two redheaded demigods and learning how to be a storm god. Adding to the confusion is a wounded merman named Aidan who washes up in the cove, requiring Nick’s professional help. As it turns out, the handsome mer and his partner Liam have other plans for the ER doctor — to claim him as their agapetos, their destined mate, and fulfill his need to submit.
A chance encounter at a local junk shop reveals that Nick has his own role to play in the battle against the insane Nereid Thetis. Under the reluctant mentorship of Chiron, Nick must master the use of the Rod of Asclepius if he wants to rescue his mates from a ghastly fate and help Ian save the planet.
###
Nick woke up to slanting sunlight coming through the window blinds. Rubbing gummy eyes, he rolled over and checked the alarm clock. 8:12 AM.
After a moment, he realized the sunlight wasn’t what had woken him up. A rhythmic creaking noise came from overhead, combined with muffled words and the occasional moan.
Ian, you sex god, you. The creaking picked up a notch, and he distinctly heard the blond beg someone to go deeper. Fuck, he bottoms? Oh, God, that’s so hot.
Smiling sleepily, Nick slid his hand under his boxers and loosely stroked his cock, already half-hard. He felt a flicker of guilt about masturbating to the sound of his friend and two gorgeous redheads fucking their brains out overhead, but the twinge quickly disappeared as the creaking sped up.
He tried to imagine how they were positioned. He could hear Ian’s voice, so the blond wasn’t sucking off the other twin. Maybe he’s fucking one of them while the other one fucks him?
The image popped into his mind; the three of them on their sides, pumping in unison as Aphros fucked Ian from behind, and Ian drove into the other twin. Nick imagined all three bodies lightly sheened in sweat as they flexed and thrust, hard shafts driving deeply into muscled flesh. He stroked his own cock more roughly now, picturing Ian’s hand reaching around and jacking off the twin he was fucking while he rocked on Aphros’s cock, taking the blue-eyed twin deep and loving it.
The fantasy morphed; and now he was in the other twin’s place, Ian’s hand massaging his cock while he plowed Nick’s ass. The other twin moved lower on the bed, warm mouth closing around Nick’s shaft as Ian’s hand dropped away. Nick moaned, imagining a head of auburn curls bobbing greedily at his groin as Ian thrust into him with a jackhammer pace.
Pleasure sizzled down his spine and into his groin, and his climax came to a quick head. For a moment he regretted not pulling his boxers down, then gave in as his balls tightened and warm semen spurted over his hand. Overhead, it sounded as if things were also coming to a head, judging from the hoarse cries and one low, loud roar.
Panting softly, Nick pulled his hand out of his boxers and wiped the translucent stickiness covering his fingers on his t-shirt. The creaking noises stopped, and all he could hear now was muffled voices talking and soft laughter. His afterglow disappeared like a blown-out candle flame. His last few boyfriends hadn’t been big on apre-sex talking or cuddling. Bannon usually sent him straight to the bathroom after they finished scening or fucking, and his idea of aftercare was a pat on the ass and a casually tossed lap blanket. That should have been a big neon stop sign right there.
He remembered what it was like to be with someone who laughed and pulled him back to bed after sex. Someone who would hold him and keep him warm after an intense scene, letting him come down gently from the high of subspace. Someone who just wanted to be with him, full stop.
To get that in duplicate…
Considering your taste in boyfriends, you might as well wish for a couple of hot mermen. That’s about as likely to happen as you finding a pair of perfect Doms. Just be happy for Ian, and leave it at that.
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Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Nikka Michaels
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Nikka Michaels, whose hot new shifter story “Waking Up Wolf” is now available in Evernight Publishing’s M/M Shifter anthology Alpha’s Claim: Manlove Edition.
Thanks so much to Nicola for the chance to share my newest release. “Waking Up Wolf” is a short paranormal erotic romance where two men find each other in a post- apocalyptic world. When a radioactive leak in the local water source turns the inhabitants of Adam Baker’s small town into shape shifting wolves, he manages to hold and survive alone–except for the wolves he hears in the distance. When he doesn’t immediately undergo “the change” into a wolf himself, he begins to believe he’s immune. After his dreams begin to include another wolf, he finds himself drawn to the howls outside his window and the pack’s alpha, handsome Grady Conway.
Strength. Power. Domination.
The shifters in our Alpha’s Claim: Manlove Edition anthology have one thing in common—they won’t take “no” for an answer. Whether they lead packs of their own, or whether they walk a solitary path, these alphas won’t let anyone stop them from claiming their men.
Lose yourself in these ten sinfully delicious love stories. After all, who could deny an Alpha’s claim?
Story Excerpt
Adam watched him carefully. “You don’t even know me. Why would you invite me back with your family, your pack?”
Grady looked down. “What if I told you we needed you? That I needed you?”
Adam stared at him like he’d gone crazy.
“Me? Why would you need me?”
“A true alpha needs a mate.” Grady raised his head, meeting Adam’s eyes, and for a moment he couldn’t look away.
“And you think I’m your mate?”
“I don’t think. I know. You’re my mate, always have been.”
Adam backed away, and he felt himself shake and pain shoot through his body as he fell to his knees. Naked and sprawled in the dirt he stared up at Grady, who closed his eyes and shifted, leaving himself bare as well.
Adam swallowed hard as he stared up at Grady in shock. This close he could see every single inch of the tanned and toned body of the man who commanded a pack. Muscled and imposing, he stared down at Adam, his blue eyed gaze heated.
Without another word, Grady took a step closer, sliding his hand over the top of Adam’s head possessively. He slowly wrapped his hand around Adam’s long dark dreads and pulled his head back, exposing his neck. Adam’s eyes slammed shut as he waited for Grady to change and wolf teeth to tear out his throat. Instead, when Grady’s human teeth sank into his shoulder he shuddered and cried out.
Pleasure/pain surged through Adam’s body as he jerked awake, his cock throbbing as he felt hot cum stripe his belly. His legs shook as he panted for breath, his bed sheets and body soaked with sweat.
His dreams had never been that vivid before, and when he shifted his body his muscles screamed in protest and he flopped back with a moan.
When he yanked back the blankets he stared.
His feet were dirty, caked in mud along with his hands. On his neck, he could feel Grady’s teeth marks.
He’d been marked by the alpha.
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Amazon UK
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
About Nikka Michaels
Nikka Michaels lives in the often rainy Pacific Northwest where she spends her time cooking, laughing and crafting romantic tales to satisfy her craving for HEAs with heat. A voracious reader, novice knitter and music lover she’s been known to multitask without breaking a sweat. She loves to read and write M/M romance but believes everyone deserves a love story. She currently has three releases out, Chasing Matt, a M/M novella co-authored with Eileen Griffin, Christmas with Caden, a M/F romance novella from Cobblestone Press, and “Waking up Wolf”, a M/M shifter romance in Evernight Publishing’s Alpha’s Claim: Manlove Edition anthology. Her short erotic M/M BDSM story, Room Service is forthcoming from Cobblestone Press in February 2014. Nikka is currently at work with her co-author on two M/M foodie romance novels, set to be released summer and fall 2014 from Carina Press.
Where to find Nikka Michaels
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Facebook Author Page
Goodreads
Evernight Publishing
Amazon US
Marvelous Monday Reads: Untangle Me
Hello, and welcome to this holiday edition of Marvelous Monday Reads, angels! Let’s warm up the last Monday before Christmas with the smouldering paranormal erotic romance Untangle Me by S.J. Maylee. This is what S.J. has to say about her book, its hero and the pleasure of little luxuries:
The hero of Untangle Me is a successful businessman. With all his wealth, extravagances are easy to come by. I believe luxuries don’t have to be costly or out of reach. Here are my top five inexpensive favorite things:
- Spritz of lavender water on my pillow. Certain smells can take my stress away. There’s nothing like my mom’s cooking or a fresh cup of coffee, but when I need to quiet my mind and breath deep, a simple spray of lavender can help my mind let go and relax.
- Chocolate. Any kind of sweet yummy chocolate is an indulgence. It doesn’t take long to enjoy a little morsel either, but they take me to a happier place.
- A snazzy drink. For me it will probably be a cup of coffee from my favorite local coffee joint. I make an excellent cup of coffee at home, but there’s something about going out and having it done for me that makes it better.
- Watch something funny. It doesn’t matter if it’s an old favorite or something new. Every week, I take the time to sit down, put my feet up, and laugh.
- Call a friend. I have several friends that live several states away. Although I might not have seen them this year, a few minutes on the phone will bring us right back together and will do wonders at stripping away my stress.
These are just a few of my favorites. One of them is Ivy’s favorite too. She’s the heroine in Untangle Me. You’ll have to read the story to find out which one and the heart breaking reason why she needs it. I wish I could talk about it more. I love this story and I hope you will too.
Ivy’s revenge on the people behind her family’s downward spiral is simple and it’s working. There’s no need to long for help from the wealthy business owners who turned their backs on her father. Ivy may be worn out, but she’s finding herself again after joining the local BDSM club.
Seth has it all. He has homes around the world and the little red speedster he dreamed of as a little boy, but none of the things he can buy satisfy him, not the socialites hanging on his arm or the submissives falling at his feet. Then, he hires Ivy to plan his next event.
Seth and Ivy enjoy each other’s company in and out of the planning stages for Seth’s charity event. Their playful bets lead them to a first date. When their secret kinks are revealed, the pair fall deep, but it’s not meant to last. Past hurts come back to haunt Ivy. Now, it’s time for Seth to use all he’s learned, regardless if he can win back the girl.
Story Excerpt
Where was Seth?
Once in the center of the dance floor she turned in a circle, looking every direction.
There.
From the center seat at the bar, Seth’s direct stare held her captive. A new song excited the crowd and cheers surrounded them, but neither of them paid it any attention.
His jacket and tie were gone, giving her a closer look at his all-male body. The top button on his white shirt was undone. She wanted to undo the rest and get a glimpse at what lay underneath. Round shoulders tapered to his waist. She bit her lip as she imagined his length.
He made no move to come to her, his elbow still rested on the bar. He was a man waiting for the world to come to him.
Not the world. Her.
The comfortable confidence and the heat shining in his eyes turned her on. She swayed her hips to the hypnotic beat. Her hands felt their way up her thighs, around her hips, and an inch past her waist, he got up and walked towards her.
In no time, his feet stepped in between hers and together they rocked to the music. The drums and base from the band pushed a rhythm into her body, driving her desire. Their fingers interlaced. She snuggled closer and breathed in his clean musky scent.
She wanted to touch him, but he kept a hold on her hands. He pushed them both behind her, causing her back to arch and her breasts to press deliciously into his hard body. Heat rolled through her. She let her head fall back, exposing her neck.
His lips brushed across her collarbone. They continued to rock back and forth, their hips swaying and rubbing together. He took her wrists in one hand and his other stroked down her neck, over her shoulder, caressed the side of her breast, and around her waist to land on her butt. He squeezed her ass and pressed her into the hard ridge of his cock. She lowered her chin and moaned as she took in his expression filled with raw desire. A slow devilish smile lit his features and sent a tremble through her.
The song ended and another began while they continued their dance. He let go of her hands and she wrapped them around his neck. Both of his hands molded her ass. She nuzzled his neck, taking a nibble and a few kisses as she breathed him in. She wanted more.
Lots more.
She made her way closer to his mouth. Before she stole a kiss, she looked into his eyes. His brown eyes had darkened to the color of night, matching his hair. She sucked on her lower lip.
“You know what you’re doing, right?” he asked.
“I know I want you.”
“The Masters work the back rooms on club nights. But we can stay on the dance floor all night, if you want.”
“You’re talking about the one on one rooms?” She sucked in a breath.
“I don’t think this crowd is prepared to see what I want to do to you.”
“Can we go back there? I want to go back there.” She looked directly into his eyes.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
About S.J. Maylee
S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.
When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.
As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.
Where to find S.J. Maylee
Marvelous Monday Reads: Night of the Horse
Welcome to Marvelous Monday Reads, angels! Enjoy an entirely pumpkin spice-free Marvelous Monday Read with the delightful new paranormal erotic romance Night of the Horse by Elodie Parkes. This is what Elodie has to say about her book:
Hi Nicola,
Thank you for inviting me here to talk about my hot new Evernight release, ‘Night of the Horse.’
The inspiration for the book came from seeing a paddock with more than thirty horses grazing in it. I have to travel sometimes with my job, and there’s a particular route I need to take to get to one part of the county. It takes me through beautiful countryside and past what I believe is the back of a horse stud. The first time I saw the paddock full of horses they were dotted about grazing. It’s a massive grassy area that slopes upwards to a hedgerow. I slowed my Jeep right down to look at the horses, but another vehicle suddenly came along on the country road and I had to drive on. On my way back, I hoped to see the horse again, but they were gone.
When I was asked to go that way again for work, I took my camera, hoping to photograph the horses, because they are all different colors and sizes, and very lovely.
The paddock was full of them again and they were running, galloping around and around as if they were in some mysterious race only they knew about. I found a place to take my Jeep off the road and walked back to photograph them. I’d only taken a few minutes to do it, but when I reached the paddock where the fence allowed access, only two horses were left, a white one with a long flowing mane and a tall glossy black one. Who knows where the others had gone, maybe over the hill through a gap in hedgerow I couldn’t see.
I stood by the fence and both horses walked down to me. I had climbed onto the bottom wooden bar of the fence and balanced there. The black one came right away up to me and nudged my shoulder. Then the white one pushed his head away turned back to me and nodded. I think they were used to someone coming along with apples or carrots, but it was funny and so nice to have those two gorgeous animals communicate with me like that.
On my way back home after work the paddock was empty. That night I started writing, ‘Night of the Horse.’
A lonely young woman signs up for dance lessons. Two gorgeous guys find her as fascinating as she finds them. On the country road where she lives, she hears horses in the night, and opens her bedroom window to watch them gallop. They’re beautiful, a silver white horse and tall black horse…they turn to stare at her. Had they heard and understood when she sighed over them?
Story Excerpt
She gazed at Jude. When he opened his arms to her, she went into them. He held her close, a hand in her hair and an arm around her waist, cradling her against his chest. She raised her head, and Jude bent his, until his lips were so close to hers it was agony as she craved his kiss.
“Kiss me,” she whispered, unable to stand the wait.
Jude kissed her. A wave of desire started in her stomach and reached to between her legs, where she pulsed with need. He kissed her and she clung to him, kissing him back eagerly. Jude held her head and moved his face against hers as they caught their breath. His eyelashes brushed her cheek.
“Do you want more?” His voice was velvet, dark and enticing.
Where to Buy
Evernight
Amazon
Amazon UK
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
About Elodie Parkes
Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery, paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.
Elodie lives in Canterbury with her two dogs. She works in an antique shop by day and writes at night, loving the cloak of silent, darkness that descends on the rural countryside around her home.
Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, and Evernight.
She has also released titles as an individual indie author.
Where to find Elodie Parkes
Blog
Tumblr
Facebook
Twitter
Google +
Pinterest
YouTube
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Smashwords
KOBO
SONY
Barnes and Noble
All Romance eBooks
Elodie is giving away five copies of the book Night of the Horse. Enter the draw via the Rafflecopter with just a comment on the blog.
Nicola’s Sunday Shoutout: Jewel Quinlan
Today’s Sunday Shoutout goes to Jewel Quinlan, whose hot new erotic romance Rock Star Ex is now available from Evernight Publishing and other retailers of fine erotic romance.
Hi Nicola! Thanks for having me on your blog J and hello to your readers!
Wow, Nicola, you’ve been a busy girl. So impressed by all the work you have completed and all that you have in progress. I LOL’d at the title at the top of your Works in Progress page “Sleep? What means this word, sleep?” I can totally identify.
Where Jewel Gets Her Writing Inspiration
I think all kinds of artists are asked this question and I’ll have to listen more carefully next time I hear someone answer it. For me, inspiration seems to be coming from everywhere. I’m lucky, I suppose, because I never seem to lack for ideas. It’s just the finishing-the-story aspect that I used to struggle with until this year. Anyway, I continue to be surprised by the sources of inspiration. One time I went to see a movie and, during the previews, they showed clips of fireworks in trailer. From that I had an awesome flash of an idea for a post-apocalyptic story I’ve been dying to write. Just from that, I had a fabulous notion on how to upheave the normal story world. I immediately pulled my cell phone out and furiously typed notes in the dark theatre while people nearby glared at me. Jeez! Don’t they know inspiration striking when they see it? LOL.
Another time I was on a long drive through the desert and a whole bunch of super plot points for a story struck me. Luckily I had a note pad and pen handy so I could scribble notes in my lap as I drove. (Don’t ever do this, it’s very dangerous) Thankfully there were only the tumbleweeds around that day who could have been victims of my distracted driving. From then on I have been practicing using the dictation feature of my iPhone. However, the sound of my own voice is so distracting, it’s taking some time to get used to it. But then, I had a hard time getting use to my laptop as well. The sound of typing and a blank white screen is enough to wipe any writer’s mind clean, in my opinion.
I also had a flash of inspiration while re-watching Bedazzled for the hundredth time. I was never inspired while watching it any of the other 99 times, why now? But you learn not to question it. Whenever I have an idea I immediately write it down somewhere; leftover tissue, napkin, bubblegum wrapper, whatever. The important thing is that I don’t leave it to my shoddy memory. Inspiration is as flighty as a feather in a hurricane. It’s cut from the same cloth as dreams. So, when it comes into view, you have to latch tightly onto it.
For me inspiration comes from continuing to living a fabulous life and having great new experiences while exploring this awesome world. Yeah, except for the sleep deprivation aspect, writers have it pretty good.
Now, on to details of Rock Star Ex which is currently available…
Social media consultant Eve Everett is less than thrilled when her business partner hooks them up with a job covering celebrity rock band Arsenal. Their new lead singer, Devon Quinn, is the man who broke her heart five years ago. But there’s no way Eve can turn down the assignment. It’s the big break their fledgling company needs.
To boost Arsenal’s social media presence the band’s manager wants intimate coverage, especially of Devon, which means traveling with the band in their tour bus while they promote their new album. It’s not long before Devon tries to rehash the past but Eve would rather leave it buried where it is.
When Eve is asked to be part of a music video, she decides it’s a great opportunity to reap some revenge by showing Devon what he’s missing. But soon she’s the one losing control. Will Devon once again claim her heart as well as her body?
Story Excerpt
Excerpt:
“It’s good to see you again, Eve,” he said softly so the others wouldn’t pick up on it. He knew she wouldn’t want to hear it. It couldn’t be helped, but it just had to be said.
Her head snapped up, eyes wide.
“That’s what I wanted to say the other night, but you didn’t give me a chance.”
Big mistake.
Her eyes narrowed. “I didn’t give you a chance? Then I’d say we’re even.”
“Look, Eve, things didn’t happen the way you’re thinking. It wasn’t like that.” He set the bottom of Tommy’s guitar on the floor, his hand on the neck, and leaned closer in to talk to her.
“The way I’m thinking?” she repeated. Standing up straight, she stuck one foot out to the side and said in a low hiss, “Look, Devon, the facts are the facts. You left and I never heard from you again. Not once. It has nothing to do with the way I’m thinking.”
He tensed. It was happening again. She was misunderstanding him. “No, look, that’s not what I mean, okay?”
“Oh, then what do you mean?” She cocked her head at him and waited.
“It’s…it was hard on the road, to keep in touch with anyone, for a lot of reasons. You don’t know what it was like. I mean we were bouncing around from place to place, driving for long periods of time and then having to work until really late at night. It was pretty much impossible to communicate. Besides, you had no answering machine back then, remember?”
She visibly puffed up. “I see, so it’s my fault you couldn’t communicate with me?”
“I’m not saying it was anyone’s fault, Eve. Just that there was no way to call.” He felt relieved. He had finally been able to tell her, to explain. Maybe now she would understand. Well, when she calmed down at least.
“And you couldn’t write a letter?” She spoke quietly but the words dripped acid.
She had him there. Even though she was several inches shorter he suddenly felt very small. He looked down and stuck a hand in his pocket, not knowing what to say. That was an even more complicated topic.
Her cold eyes were on him. The silence stretched on for another moment. Before he could gather any other words to try to explain she turned and headed back up front, her ponytail slapping him in the face as she went.
Where To Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Bookstrand
All Romance eBooks
Goodreads
About Jewel Quinlan
From a young age, Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels. She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her two dogs; Shimmer and Penny.
For more information visit www.jewelquinlan.com, or you can follow her on Facebook, and Twitter.
Would you like to win a $10 Amazon gift card?
It’s easy. All you have to do is go to Jewel Quinlan’s Facebook Page, Like it, and then leave a comment on this blog telling us you did. A winner will be randomly chosen from those who do. Good luck!
Fabulous Friday Reads: Goddess of Legend
Welcome to the weekend, and let’s kick it off with the fabulous new fantasy erotic romance Goddess of Legend from Erin Ashley Tanner, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. As you know (Bob), I’m a big fan of Greek gods, so when I saw this I knew it was going to be a good one. Here’s a little background from Erin:
I have always been a fan of Greek mythology, particularly the myth of Hades and Persephone, but what really spurred me to write Goddess of Legend was reading Aimee’ Carter’s Goddess Legacy series. She did such an amazing job bringing the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone up to date while not being afraid to push boundaries and do something different. After reading the series I wanted to take a stab at modernizing the Greek myths as well. Since I’ve always believed Hades got a bad rap so to speak, I decided to do my best to finally give him a happily ever after. From that desire, Goddess of Legend was born.
Cameryn Kane is a Private Investigator with a spirit problem. She can talk to spirits, solve any homicide and has no love life. When an unexpected death sends her world into a tailspin, Cameryn finds comfort in the arms of a talk, dark and handsome stranger, Hades, God of the Underworld.
When Hades promises to bring her loved one back from the dead if she allows him the chance to woo her for six months in the dark Underworld, Cameryn readily agrees. While fighting her growing feelings for Hades, Cameryn must deal with the return of his ex-wife, Persephone, who is determined to get her husband back.
Cameryn will soon experience love and betrayal while discovering powers she never knew she had. Along the way she will also learn that she is at the center of a prophecy that could cost her, her life, while contending with the emergence of a mother who will stop at nothing to see her destroyed.
Story Excerpt
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said lazily.
“I think we should talk,” she said cutting right to the chase.
“Okay. I’m all ears.”
“What happened between us was extraordinary. You made me feel like I was special, and I will always treasure that.”
“But?” H asked, prodding.
“I’m a mess right now. My sister was killed in an accident yesterday. That’s why I was at the bar last night. It’s also why I brought you home with me. I wanted to forget about my pain.”
“I can sense your heartache. I would never want to do anything to add to it.”
“You’re not. You’ve been so sweet. Any other guy would’ve probably run away as fast as he could if he woke up next to a hysterical female.”
“I’m not like most guys. What is it, Cameryn? Tell me.”
“I think it’s best if we don’t see each other again.”
“I see.”
“I’m not trying to hurt you. It’s just I have a lot to deal with right now, and I can’t devote myself to a relationship. I’m sorry.”
“What if I want a relationship with you?” he asked quietly.
“I can’t, H.”
“If you weren’t grieving for your sister would you consider giving us a chance?”
“I’m not sure,” she said honestly.
“You’d give anything to have your sister back, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course I would. Anything. But death is final,” Cameryn said climbing out bed and grabbing her robe.
“No, it isn’t. You can have your sister back.”
“Are you out of your mind? Deena’s dead, and nothing can bring her back,” Cameryn said as tears started rolling down her face.
“I can.”
“You can’t. Nobody can. Just go … please.”
“Not until you listen to me,” he said getting out of bed and walking over to her.
Cameryn tried to ignore his nakedness as he stood in front of her.
“I know this is going to be hard for you to believe, but I’m not really human. I’m Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, and I can give you back your sister,” he said softly touching her face.
Cameryn laughed. A deep bellyaching laugh. He was out of his mind. Trust her to pick up a crazy one night stand. What a waste.
“Listen, H, or whoever the hell you are, I’m not sure if you bumped your head or something, but clearly you have some mental issues. I really think you should go now.”
“Cameryn, I can assure you that I’m in complete control of my mental faculties, and I’m more than willing to prove it you,” he said smiling.
“Go ahead. Knock yourself out,” Cameryn said now fully convinced her dream lover was certifiable.
She crossed her arms and watched as he closed his eyes. He seemed to be concentrating hard. Cameryn couldn’t stop the gasp that came from her throat as she watched his naked body become magically swathed in black robes. She blinked rapidly, just to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. Nope. He was still standing in front of her wearing dark black robes. She started to shake when she saw a bright blue light surround him. When he opened his eyes and stared at her, she could see flames dancing in his eyes.
“Okay. You’re a magician, but you’re going to have to do better than that,” Cameryn said brazenly refusing to believe what she was seeing.
“Very well,” he said in a voice that now boomed.
Since when had his voice boomed? Cameryn screamed as he disappeared right before her eyes. When he reappeared in front of her a moment later, black clouds swirled around him. What had she gotten herself into?
“What are you?”
“I’m Hades, God of the Underworld.”
“You mean as in Greek god Hades? No. That stuff is only a bunch of myths.”
“And yet I stand before you now. You of all people should know that everything is not as it always appears, Cameryn.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You can talk to the dead. You find their spirits that cry out for rest.”
“How do you know about that?”
“I know a lot about you,” he said staring at her intently.
“What do you want?”
“A chance.”
“A chance for what?”
“To woo you. Come to the Underworld with me.”
“Huh?” Cameryn asked too dumbfounded to believe what she was hearing.
“Come to the Underworld with me. Give me six months to show you that I can love you the way that you deserve. I want to make you immortal and have you rule at my side as my wife and queen for all eternity.”
He wanted her to be his wife! She had to be hallucinating. Maybe he’d drugged her last night when she wasn’t paying attention.
“If I agree to this, what happens at the end of six months?”
“Your sister will be returned to life, regardless of whether or not you decide to remain with me in the Underworld. It is my sincerest wish that during our time together you will come to love me as I already love you.”
“And if I stay with you, I’ll become immortal?”
“Yes. You will never grow old. You will never die. You will be eternally beautiful.”
“This is a lot to process. I don’t know what to say,” Cameryn said plopping down on her bed.
“I don’t expect you to make a decision right now. I’m a patient man. Take as much time as you need,” he said starting to fade away.
“Wait. How do I reach you?”
“Just call for me, and I will come. Farewell, beloved,” he said caressing her face.
And then he was gone.
Where to Buy
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
About Erin Ashley Tanner
Erin Ashley Tanner is currently a graduate student in her last semester at Florida State University. When she is not being forced to read boring materials for class, she enjoys leisure reading in all genres, as well as writing until her fingers hurt. She dreams of building a career as a best-selling author.
Where to Find Erin Ashley Tanner
Folks, I need a favor from you
I just got my 3Q royalties statement from Evernight, and after I stopped flailing like a happy Muppet I sat down to study the numbers. Storm Season, unsurprisingly, has been my best seller to date, and I love each and every one of you who bought a copy.
Thing is, I need to sell a minimum of 25 copies through Evernight’s website in order for it to be considered for a print run, and I’ve only sold 20 copies so far. It’s a stupid egoboo thing, I know, but I would so very much love it if this was available in print. If you haven’t purchased Storm Season yet and want to find out how the whole Olympic Cove saga began, I would ask that you head over to the Evernight website and get it directly from the publisher. Plus, today is the last day of their 40% off everything sale, so if you buy it today you’ll get it on sale as well!
I thank you for your support!
Marvelous Monday Reads: Under The Alpha’s Protection
Welcome to Marvelous Monday Reads, angels! Let’s warm up the first Monday in October with the smouldering paranormal erotic romance Under The Alpha’s Protection by Doris O’Connor. This is what Doris has to say about her book:
Thanks so much for having me here today!
Let me take you back to your University days. Imagine the most popular guy on campus, the one all the girls lust after, and all the boys emulate to be like. Got that picture in your head? Now look at yourself, or in this case Nikita. Can you see her, geeky, studious, and carrying far too many pounds to attract much male attention?
Then imagine the crowded commons room. It’s fresher’s week and Nikita is feeling rather overwhelmed, and who comes to her rescue? None other than that most popular guy on campus, of course, Raoul. What follows is a five year strong friendship, which sees these two support each other through thick and thin. Raoul never crosses that line of friendship, no matter how much Nikita might secretly wish that he did. Of course he wouldn’t be interested in her in that way. He favours the cheer leader types, that he can boss around, and that will not give him lip back … or so she thinks.
What Nikita doesn’t know is that Raoul is a wolf shifter, and that his beast has chosen her for his mate.
This Alpha will do anything to protect his mate, especially from his baser urges. His little human would never willingly submit to him or any man … or so he thinks.
When a threat to his leadership results in an attack on Nikita, everything changes.
Nikita Ashton and Raoul Saint Germain have been friends for five years, so when Nikita is attacked, there is only one place she can run to—straight into Raoul’s arms.
Raoul is the Alpha of his pack and he is furious that the woman he loves has been harmed on his territory. Were it not for the fact that Nikita does not believe in anything even remotely paranormal, his wolf would have claimed her aeons ago.
Nikita is in need of tender, loving care, not his baser needs that are threatening to overtake him.
However, when Nikita admits that she knows about his being in the lifestyle, the Dom in him cannot resist the challenge to make her his submissive.
Blissfully happy in their new Dom/sub relationship, everything changes when Nikita is kidnapped. Can Raoul get to her in time to save her life?
Story Excerpt
“Drink, squirt.”
Nikita didn’t even think to argue, so enthralling was his deep voice, and she drank the cool liquid eagerly, until he took the water bottle away and his hot, firm lips touched hers. Her barely banked down arousal flared into an inferno again, and she moaned when he broke the kiss and licked along her jaw. His curiously rough tongue reminded her of her cat at home, and created exquisite friction along her sweat slicked skin.
“Get on the bed for me and lie down on your front.” The whispered words into her ear galvanized her into action, and he murmured his approval.
“Good girl. I’m going to restrain you now, my sweet girl. Just your arms to start with, and then I’m going to fuck you.”
She couldn’t stop her moan at those words, and he laughed, the sound so low and sexy, Nikita was sure she could come from listening to his voice alone. He ran a hand down her spine until he reached her butt, and then he scraped his nails along the tender flesh. The burn was pain and bliss all wrapped into one, and she jumped when he parted her ass cheeks.
He dropped a kiss on her anus and slipped a finger into her pussy causing her to pant, and her internal muscles pulled tight, and tried to draw the digit inside. Raoul laughed softly and slipped another finger into her desperately clenching cunt at the same time as his tongue pushed through the tight ring of her muscle that had never been breached before. Warmth spread through her as that tongue probed in tune with his fingers in her pussy. He took her right to the edge and then withdrew.
“Nooooo.” The high-pitched wail leaving her mouth didn’t sound like her voice at all. Raoul paid no heed to her whimpering. Instead he grasped one of her arms and pulled it upwards, and then there was the sound of Velcro and something soft and thick wrapped around her wrist.
He ran his finger underneath the restraint, and then his face appeared in her blurry vision. Unlike earlier when her mind had played tricks on her, this time round all she saw was Raoul in all his ruggedly handsome glory. Her mouth went dry at the sight of his bare chest. He must have somehow got undressed when she wasn’t paying attention, too caught up in the myriad of sensations he’d already coaxed from her body.
If this was what kinky sex did, then Nikita couldn’t understand why more people didn’t embrace this lifestyle. Never in her life had she been this turned on. Raoul repeated the process to her other arm until she was tied and couldn’t move.
“What’s your safe word, squirt?”
“Red, but I don’t need it. Please don’t stop.”
“Good girl.”
The approval in his voice washed over her senses, and Nikita was close to tears, so overwhelmed was she by the intensity of the moment.
With her breasts squashed into the bed, her nipples chafed against the cover, and she bucked when he slid his hands under her and pinched each nipple in turn. With his naked chest pressed against her back, exerting pressure on the left-over soreness there, Nikita felt owned, and used, and she reveled in that feeling, as he rolled each hard nub between his fingertips and pulled. Darts of arousal shot through her body to her clit, and she couldn’t help her breathless moan.
“Oh, that feels so good.”
He kissed her shoulder and withdrew again. Tiny stings to her back made her gasp. Each sting was soothed by soft lips.
“Turn your head and look at us in the mirror. I want you to see me fuck you. I want you to see my cock plundering your sweet cunt, so that you’ll know who owns you.”
Instead of appalling her, those words excited her further, and she dutifully turned to look. Even though her vision was hazy she could see him towering over her, his body so big and dark compared to her, and every fiber of her being tensed when she caught the first glimpse of his cock. Thick and long, it rose from its thatch of dark hair, his heavy balls swinging underneath as he moved. Raoul took himself in hand and stroked his dick from head to root with slow measured moves that had her mewling anew.
“Beg me for my cock, girl. Tell me you want it. Tell me you’re mine.”
“Yes, anything, please. I need you …. I need your cock … Sir.”
The tagged on address made him growl, and Nikita closed her eyes when he placed several cushions under her hips until her ass was elevated.
“So wet, so beautiful. Who owns this pussy, squirt?”
“You do, Sir.”
“Damn fucking right, I do.”
He slid the thick head of his erection through her pussy lips, and Nikita held her breath as his heat branded her. He repeated that process over and over until Nikita wanted to scream and her nerve endings were strung so tight, she could barely breathe. She yanked on her restraints, but it was useless. When he finally breached her hole it was with agonizing slowness that awakened every one of her vaginal nerves, and she grit her teeth at the sensation of being filled and stretched to capacity.
Where to Buy
Evernight
Amazon
All Romance e-Books
BookStrand
About Doris O’Connor
Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris… at least that’s what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.
There is always something better to do after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.
She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.
Where to find Doris O’Connor
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance E-books
Bookstrand
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.”
Nicola Cameron Writes 