Let’s kick off this decidedly soggy weekend with the immensely talented S.J. Maylee and her hot new erotic romance Desire Unexpected, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. Here’s what S.J. has to say about the inspiration for this story:

When I initially started this story, it wasn’t with the intent to write about assassins. It wasn’t with the intent to create a new series either. My muse led the way. In only a few days, I had one scene from each of the stories and then I knew. I could see it all play out. Not only were they each strong male leads, but they were lethal. They exceled at their profession, but each of their lives was missing one important thing. The mission was laid out before me and I accepted the challenge.

In each story in the Assassins and Sweethearts Series, I’ll take on the task of finding each assassin his one and only sweetheart.

When I began building the story for Desire Unexpected, I knew immediately Ethan and Nadia were perfect for each other but it would test my match making skills. I didn’t see how they’d attract each other. So, I had them meet at one of my favorite places, Chagall’s America Windows at the Chicago Art Institute. My husband and I saw the windows on our first wedding anniversary. They’re breath taking and so is the way Ethan and Nadia fall in love.

These men may kill for a living, but they’ll capture your heart. I hope you fall in love with this new series just as I have.

Life is passing Nadia Duskin by from her position in the mailroom. It only fulfills two necessities, keeping the repo man away and keeping her up to date on her sexy CEO. Ethan Wright is prepared to frighten and fire the nosey girl who sorts his company’s mail. After engaging with her at one of his favorite places in the world, he digs deeper.

Together, they find the kind of pleasure that could keep them satisfied for a lifetime. Her love may be the key to putting both of their lives back on track, but to what end? When a man he’s been contracted to kill threatens Nadia’s life, he forces her to face reality. Either they’ll delve deeper into the desires neither expected or they may die trying.

Story Excerpt

“It reminded me of you.” He shook his head. “It’s just from the museum gift shop. I wanted to give you something for putting up with me. I hope you like it.”

“Thank you.” She took the little box and sat on her battered sofa. “Please, take a seat.”

He sat next to her, but kept to the edge, confirming there was nothing relaxed about this visit.

After slipping the green ribbon from the box, she pulled off the lid and pushed back the tissue paper, revealing the item she’d so long desired. Her heart raced and she scooted closer to him. He had no idea what he’d done. Her secret crush giving her the piece of jewelry she’d long desired was incredibly perfect. Neither were really her style and she wanted them all the same. She looked at him with heavy tears stinging her eyes. Brushing the box from her lap, she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve enjoyed our time together.” He brushed away the tear that had rolled down her cheek and cupped her chin.

“Don’t say that like it’s over.” She took a hold of his wrist and pulled it into her lap. “It’s not, right?” Panic raced over her. If he wanted to leave, she wouldn’t stop him, but her whole body hurt with wanting him to stay.

“I’m no good for you, Nadia.” He took hold of her hands. “You deserve a nice man with an uncomplicated life. I can’t give you what you need.”

“That’s not true.” She put her fingers to his lips. “Don’t.”

He took a hold of her shirt, not pulling her closer, just squeezing the fabric in his fist.

“I don’t know what’s going on with you.” She brought her touch back to his hands, trying to ease the pressure. “I just know the only time I feel alive is when I’m with you. You’re on my mind constantly.” She lowered her gaze, losing her courage by the second. “There’s something between us and I want to explore it. I want to know what drives you insane with need. Don’t you want me too?”

“Shit, Nadia, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first day at the windows.” He let her go and pulled out of her reach to slip around to the other side of the couch with his back to her. “I want things from you that I’m certain would frighten you.”

“I doubt that.” Knowing she had to make her move now or risk losing him forever, she pulled her shirt over her head and tugged off her sweatpants, tossing them both on the chair. “Do you remember the questions I asked about you before we met?”

“You’re playing with fire.”

“No, I’m not into fire play, but I have a feeling you know what I need.”

“What …” He turned, his gaze swept over her body and he brushed his hand over his mouth. “You take my breath away.” He stepped toward her, adjusting the bulge in his pants. “You think you want to play?”

“I do.” She sucked on her lip, wishing she’d worn her one set of matching bra and panties.

“Fuck, I want this” He brushed her skin ever so slightly up her arms, across her chest, and down between her breasts. “I’ve had dreams about this moment.” He raised her chin, forcing her to look at him. He dragged his fingers through her hair and tugged the length of it back. “I want you at my mercy. Do you have any idea what it’s like to give someone like me control?”

“Yes, sir.” She arched her back, revealing her neck. He kept pulling and tingles of pain danced along her scalp. “Please.”

“Are you already asking for mercy?” He tugged her hair again “I don’t think you know what you’re starting.”

“I don’t want you to stop. I want more, sir.” Her breasts pushed against his chest and her grip on his arms tightened. “I want to know.”

Where to Buy

Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
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

Blog
Twitter
Facebook Page
Google+
Goodreads
Pinterest
New Release Newsletter

Let’s kick off this lovely weekend with my release day sister S.J. Maylee and her hot new erotic romance Taking Courage, now available from Evernight Publishing and other purveyors of fine erotic romance. Take it away, S.J.!

Janna’s ready to make over her life and get out from under the controlling thumb of her father. She doesn’t want another failed arranged marriage. She’s ready to do whatever it takes for the career she wants, enter the lifestyle she craves, and to earn the trust and love of the man that has captured her heart, but heartbreak and career hiccups seem to be her destiny.

Simon’s still recovering after his last submissive lied her way into his life. He’s not ready for Janna and how she pushes against his prejudices. He needs to decide if he’s willing to lose her or if he’ll fight for her love and submission.

Story Excerpt

“Head up now.” Something was agitating the tender bundle in his arms. Simon wanted to help her through it. He may have taken a step back on his training responsibilities since his last experience, but Janna felt perfect under his hand. He’d have to find out if she’d be back.

“Yes, Sir.”

“What’s troubling you, pet?”

“I forgot to mention something earlier.” She tucked the blanket under her chin.

“Oh?” He rubbed in big circles around her back. “Why don’t you tell me now?”

“This was my first time, Sir.”

“Your first?” His confusion was thick. She tried to hide her eyes from him, but he saw shame. Sometimes newer submissives struggled with firsts. “Is this your first time being a guest?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Is your home club much different?” The safe rules of BDSM clubs were pretty universal, a real gift to traveling kinksters, but sometimes a scene in a different setting could be unsettling.

“I don’t have a home club, Sir. Well, not one that I physically visit.” She rubbed the edge of her blanket. “I’m an active member of their chat rooms.”

He hadn’t heard her right. No. She felt like an experienced submissive. Was she just playing the part? Anger ticked a quick pace up his spine.

“Are you telling me I just gave you your first scene?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Why did you withhold this information?” When she didn’t answer he added, “Why weren’t you honest with me?” He pushed her slightly, in part to get some distance and to keep her safe from him. “Answer me, now.”

“I forgot. It all happened so fast, and I forgot one of my lines.”

“Lines.” He finished shoving her from his lap and stood. “I hope you had fun tonight.”

“I did, Sir,” she said as she stood to join him. She tugged at the edge of the blanket that had stuck in the couch. “Please, let me thank you for tonight.”

“There is no need. You lied to me, and you had your fun.” He scratched his brow. “Go home now.” He took two storming steps away and stopped. He forced himself to return to her, disgusted by how good it felt to see her face once more. He stopped within an inch, forcing her to look up. “Do yourself a favor. Enter that club at home, get yourself in a training program, and do not ever lie to a Dom again.”

He wanted to hit something. What was it with submissives and their lies? The lie might have been smaller this time, but it was still a lie.

He thundered past the scene areas and kept walking, increasing his speed. Folks saved themselves and moved out of his way. Fury radiated down his arms curling his fingers into fists, almost there.

Some members thought Keller was crazy when he’d installed the small gym next to the club. When the roster quickly filled, it was Keller that was laughing all the way to the bank. Simon had a regular date with the bag hanging in the corner. He may no longer enter the ring, but the regimented workouts kept him strong and centered.

A couple more steps and he’d entered the gym and saw the innocent bag hanging right where he needed it to be. He slammed his fist into the bag. Pressure reverberated from his hand straight to his heart, but it didn’t release the revulsion.

“Damn her.”

He needed to get this out and get back on the floor. One of his best friends was about to collar his sub. The bag swung around. He walked around it and rolled his shoulders back. He wanted to witness the happiness a pair could have when things worked out and no one lied.

It was just a scene, something he could shake off, and she was just a guest sub. There was no possible way she could have felt as right as he thought. The anger was tricking him. She was just another lying sub. A sub to forget. A sub he would never see again.

“Damn her.”

An image of her regret filled face tugged at his resolve. His fingers flexed as he remembered her velvet channel. His cock twitched, and he hit the bag again.

GIVEAWAY!

SJ’s giving away one $10 Amazon gift card and THREE swag packs. To enter: read the excerpt, answer this question in the comments, and click away on the rafflecopter.

Simon definitely sees Janna again. Do you think she’ll get a second chance with him?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where to Buy

Evernight Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
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

Blog
Twitter
Facebook Page
Google+
Goodreads
Pinterest
Amazon Author Page