Tuesday, November 30, 2010

New 'Christmas' Excerpt from 'Flavia's Secret'.

Here's a new excerpt from my historical romance, FLAVIA'S SECRET, set in Roman Britain in AD206. In it, the hero Marcus finally admits the truth about himself, and other things....

This scene takes place during the ancient Roman fesitval of the Saturnalia - the Roman 'Christmas'.
EXCERPT

He released her hands, standing looking down at her, nervously scratching the blue-black stubble on his chin. ‘My mother is like you,’ he said finally. ‘A Celt. She was my father’s slave-housekeeper. He bought her to care for his sons, my half-brothers, when his first wife died. When she became pregnant with me, he married her.

‘So you see,’ he said harshly, ‘I am not a pure Roman. Nor a pure Celt. I am neither.’

‘You are both.’ Flavia took hold of his clenched fingers and rubbed and kissed them. She could feel the pain and tension in him, see the dark sense of shame staining his tanned, hawkish face. Marcus, whom she had once thought so Roman! She had already guessed as much about his heritage but now that Marcus had admitted it, this was another bond between them. Please let him see it, Flavia prayed.

‘No one who truly knows you will ever be anything less than proud and impressed,’ she said softly. ‘And we may be kin, your mother and I.’

Marcus straightened, staring over her head at some distant point, his blue eyes unseeing. ‘My father freed my mother by the terms of his marriage to her. But he was possessive. I always thought him so. He never gave her the choice. He didn't free her first, before he married her.’

He sighed, his tense strong body stiffening further. ‘I know my mother would have liked the choice. She told me so. I think she deserved to be given the choice, except my father was too afraid that he would lose her if he freed her first. I know my mother has always regretted that.’

He closed his eyes briefly, reopening them as Flavia said, ‘Go on, Marcus. Tell me the rest.’

‘That is all there it is.’ Marcus shook his head. ‘I am the half-breed son of a slave. A half-Roman who has never fitted in and who does not want to climb the Imperial ladder any more. I would like to stay here, in Aquae Sulis. Be a father to Hadrian, who reminds me so much of myself at the same age. Learn to farm Lady Valeria’s country estate and trade and continue to help the people here who look to me as their patron and protector.’

‘Then why not stay?’ Flavia whispered.

Her heart seemed to turn right over in her breast at the look of longing he gave her then.

‘Because I want more.’ He stared at her hands, holding one of his. ‘I want my free-woman scribe as my love and true companion. I love you, Flavia. I love you as I loved Drusilla and little Aurelia, with all my heart.’

He touched her face with his free hand. ‘I grew to love my wife and child, but you, little water-goddess, you enchanted me at once. Did you not see this? Each time we made love, I thought you would know.’

‘You never said,’ Flavia stammered, caught somewhere between wonder and jubilation.

‘I wanted you to be free first, to be used to being free. I didn't want my love to be a burden, an obligation. I was not sure if you felt the same way as I do—people say “I love you,” in the heat of passion. I hoped and trusted that it was more than the newness of love-making on your part, but I was not sure. Only a man like Lucius Maximus would be sure! And I wanted you to know who I was, and I wanted you to have the choice. I still do.’

Marcus knelt in the snow so that their faces were almost level and he had to look up to her. He moved his hand in hers so that her fingers rested on his palm, so that they touched but he was not grasping.

‘Will you do me the honor, the great honor of becoming my wife? Will you make me the happiest man of this Saturnalia and for all festivals to come? Will you marry me, Flavia? A half-Roman youngest son with a tiny estate in provincial Britannia and a young adopted son to care for and raise?’

‘Yes.’ Flavia cast her arms about him, hugging his head on her breast. ‘Yes to everything! Yes!’

Snow had begun falling again but Flavia and Marcus, locked in each other’s embrace, were aware of nothing outside of themselves.

‘I love you, Flavia, my little scribe who taught me that not all desk-people are to be mistrusted.’

‘Certainly not!’

‘I am so happy.’

‘So am I, Marcus. I love you.’

‘I love you,’ Marcus said again, kissing her and drawing her up with him as he rose to his feet, lifting her high in his arms. ‘I love you so much. When can we marry?’

‘My choice?’ Flavia asked, light-headed with delight.

‘Your choice.’

‘What about your family?’

‘My parents and half-brothers can visit us here. As for their approval of you—’ Marcus looked grim for a moment. ‘They had better.’ His face cleared. ‘But they will adore you, as I do. I know they will.’

‘Then soon, please.’ Flavia felt herself blushing as she wondered if she sounded too eager. ‘I would like Julia Sura to be at our wedding, and Pompey. Hadrian, of course, and the others. It can be a double celebration!’

‘Your freedom and your marriage?’ Marcus asked quizzically, but Flavia was too happy to care about his teasing.

‘Our marriage and Hadrian’s adoption as our son,’ she answered promptly. She loved the boy and knew Marcus felt the same.

‘The first of our many children, eh?’

Flavia nodded, thinking of dark-haired sons and daughters with blue eyes exactly like their father. ‘I hope that is soon, too,’ she said.

Marcus chuckled and set her back lightly on the horse, grasping the reins to lead the stallion through the streets. He glanced up at her, sitting eagerly forward, her blonde hair threatening to escape its plaits as ever and her lips and cheeks glowing against the whiteness of the snow. He thought of a daughter with her coloring, as fair as little Aurelia had been, and felt no pain, only a flood of happy memories that he would share, and a rising excitement.

‘I think our lad Hadrian will have more sisters and brothers to play with,’ he said, giving Flavia’s left foot a playful tug. ‘And as you say, soon.’

‘You are sure?’

‘Very sure, little Briton! Trust me.’

I do, Flavia thought. Free, proud and happy, she and her husband-to-be turned into another street and joined a throng of merry-makers celebrating the Saturnalia in the snowy, lively city of Aquae Sulis. Their home.



You can read more about Flavia's Secret here:

http://lindsaysbookchat.blogspot.com/2008/04/flavias-secret.html

Best wishes, Lindsay
Lindsay Townsend, historical romance, http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Angelic Forecast ~ #117


“Remember, my beloved ones, I, the Earth, am in need of you and your loving hearts.”

I stand, utterly mesmerized. I am aware I finally blink.

With a smile that seems to encompass everyone and everything on Earth, Gaia approaches me. I think I smile in return. So huge is my overwhelm, I simply exist, feeling lighter than light, yet unable to move.

“The magic of nature,” Gaia murmurs in a loving manner. “My magic belongs to you. And, my magic belongs to all of good heart who wish to learn of it, and utilize it for the benefit of themselves and others, especially those they love. More and more, humanity is returning to me, and to the magic of nature. They understand the Divine is composed of unlimited facets.”

“Yes.”

I whip around. The Heavenly One stands behind me, his cloud beside him.

TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~

ANGELIC FORECAST ~

For the following week, hang onto your hat. It is likely to be torn from your grasp. For the winds of change are gusting with tornadic force, and are unrelenting. The wisest course of action is to observe from as safe a position and situation, as you can find.

If you are out and about enjoying the holiday season, and shopping, take a moment to spread your own brand of cheer to everyone you come in contact with. At the same time, watch your backside. The bad guys are on the loose. This would seem like the usual advice. However, this week it is more important than ever.

There are strange, strange doings this week that are being hidden from the public at large. This will become obvious toward the end of the week, and the beginning of next week. Out of this will emerge a greater divide between those who have, and those who do not. As well, this will affect many groups already at odds with each other.

On a personal level, let yourself get into the holiday mood, then share it. If you’re searching for practical gifts, this is a good time to find them. Take a few quiet moments to look around your home while you ask yourself how to make the atmosphere warmer, and more inviting, for you and your loved ones.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?

Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down?

~~~ IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL, HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA and CHASING RACHEL ~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from Siren-BookStrand ~
~~~

~ HAVE MAGICKAL HOLIDAY SEASON ~

~ MAY YOUR BRIGHTEST, MOST ROMANTIC READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~

Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ In Print

Branded by the Texans ~ IN PRINT ~ A Siren-BookStrand Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]

Friday, November 26, 2010

Review: 5 out of 5 Teacups + A Recommended Read! Luminous Nights, a Sci-Fi Romantic Adventure


Good day, Siren-BookStrand readers!

Just when I was patting my sated belly on Thanksgiving Day turkey, I found a fantastic review awaiting me from Happily Ever After Reviews for my latest BookStrand title, Luminous Nights, a Sci-Fi Romantic Adventure!

Here is a little bite:
Michele Hart has crafted a world rich in detail similar to the movie Blade Runner… Ms. Hart’s attention to detail, character development and dialogue is exceptional. You are immediately transported to another time and place, living and breathing each moment with the main characters. The bad guys are there in force, the twists and turns of the plot making it fast paced and again, the world-building is fantastic. The romantic element is just enough without taking over the whole story….Read it. It’s that good.

Don’t miss the full review here:

Want to read steamy, peril-packed excerpts, check out more great reviews, watch a kick-ass book trailer? Want to read the 1st Chapter?

Happy holidays, everyone!

Michele Hart
Sci-Fi Romance Author
~ Walk Another World ~ http://www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/

Siren-BookStrand * LOOKS ARE DECEIVING * MIND-BLOWN * LUMINOUS NIGHTS
The Wild Rose Press * NO FUNNY STUFF! - 2008 LASR's Best Novella Nominee
All Romance e-Books * ZERO-G * 28 Days of Heart



Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wednesday's Words for November 24, 2010


I think I am jealous, just a little, of the American Thanksgiving.

Yes, we celebrate the holiday here in Canada—in October, not November—but it’s not nearly the occasion here that it is in the United States. Your Thanksgiving could rightfully be renamed Family Reunion Day. From all that I hear from the many friends I have next door (country-wise), Thanksgiving is bigger than Christmas, in some ways.

And I think the main reason for that could be that Thanksgiving is the American holiday. It’s a holiday that belongs to you, that you created and that’s a part of your own national heritage, from the very earliest beginnings of your nation.

I hear such wonderful stories about your holiday traditions, but the one that strikes the best chord with me, of course, is the tradition of family gathering from all over, coming home for this special time of year. Most of you feast on turkey, and pumpkin pie, amid the fellowship of family and friends.

Many of you begin your Christmas shopping on “Black Friday”. Mothers and daughters head off to the mall or favorite specialty together, and for some it’s the only time they do this together all year.

I’ve heard that some people take this occasion to begin their Christmas decorating, while others hunker down to enjoy traditional football games. Lions or Cowboys? Oh, we could spend hours discussing that one, couldn’t we?

Some of you will enjoy two days off work, giving you an extra long week-end. That alone is worth celebrating.

It was the day before your Thanksgiving in 2006 that I dared to post my very first small weekly essay on these loops. The topic, aside from the holiday, was on the similarities between us, Americans and Canadians.

You may have noticed, that while many of you and your friends have been struggling over these last couple of years since the economic implosion of 2008, Canadians have been struggling, too. Everyone has had to tighten their belts. Holiday feasts may not be quite as plush as in recent memory.

But we all keep on keeping on. We all juggle and stretch, and use our imaginations to try and fill some of the gaps left by the times in which we live.

Despite our challenges, we, in our two countries, are bountifully blessed and highly favoured. We don’t have to worry, really, about bombs falling on our heads; we don’t have to worry about armies of armed thugs coming and taking for their own all we hold dear.

We may have trouble making ends meet from time to time; yet we know it’s only a matter of time before that next good opportunity comes along. We know if we work hard, and do our best, that we have the power to improve our lives, and the lives of our families.

Sometimes the difference between success and failure is simply belief. I do completely believe in the power of positive thinking. I believe in speaking things into existence. It’s a power that anyone, who believes, can claim as their own.

And I believe, with unwavering faith, that our best times lie before us. Things change; times change; but the human heart and the human spirit endure.
May your holiday be filled with lots of laughter and love.

Love,
Morgan
www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

AWAY FROM ME by SOPHIE OAK out Tomorrow!

Away From Me

By: Sophie Oak | Other books by Sophie Oak | Notify me of Sophie Oak's new releases
Categories: Erotic Romance, BDSM, Contemporary
Word Count: 33,679
Heat Level: SEXTREME
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

AVAILABLE: Wednesday, November 24th

This new release is offered at a 10% discount for four weeks.

[Siren Classic: Erotic BDSM Romance]

Shattered by the loss of his wife, Callum Reed is a man surrounded by rules designed to protect him. He has found the perfect submissive in Gaby Sullivan, until she breaks his cardinal rule.

After three years of perfect obedience, Gaby declares she wants love. Love isn’t in their contract, so Cal lets her go. But Gaby has a secret reason for leaving. When Cal discovers the truth, nothing will stop him from following her. On a secluded island paradise, Callum will do anything to prove he’s the perfect Master for his defiant, loving sub.

A Siren Erotic Romance
















Away From Me
Away From Me

Available in: Mobipocket, HTML, Microsoft Reader, Adobe Acrobat, EPUB

Price: $5.99 $5.39

You have already purchased this item.

View Larger Cover Image

Cover Art by Jinger Heaston

Release Day for - Bound by the Montana Mountain Man

It's release day for my latest erotic cowboy romance.

Meet Cassie Philips and her gorgeous cowboy Brad Dawson in..........

BOUND BY THE MONTANA MOUNTAIN MAN
Cowboy Bad Boys # 3

Will he win her love with his devilish charm?

The Blurb:


Still suffering from a bitter divorce, twenty-seven year old Cassie Philips moves to rural Montana, vowing never to trust a man again. Brad Dawson, a thirty-five year old mountain guide, is intrigued by his new neighbor. Why has the city girl settled so far from home?
Known as the Mountain Man by the locals, Cassie is soon wary of the predatory cowboy rancher, who never wants to settle down. Unable to deny the attraction between them, they soon embark on a torrid sexual affair.
Cassie is haunted by her past, and this "neighbors with benefits" relationship is just what she’s looking for. Will there ever be more than just sex between them, or can they find real love, too?

Available from Bookstrand HERE

Monday, November 22, 2010

Angelic Forecast ~ #116


“Message?” I ask, caught between raging curiosity and trepidation.

Gaia smiles, or beams herself upon me. “The time has come for my beloved ones, the people of Earth, to know how much I favor them. I love each and every one of them with the unconditional love of a mother, who desires only good for her children.

“I ask those who love me... those who love my animals... those who love my plants and my terrain... I ask you to love the Earth enough to stop the slaughter that is taking place.

“Those of evil design... those who are soulless use every weapon and poison against me. They would separate me from my beloved children, from the humans I love, with the untruths they force upon your ears and eyes.

“They tell humanity I do not want them upon my lands, that there are too many of them. No, these are all lies meant to serve their foul purpose and diabolical schemes. For, it is the soulless I do not wish upon me. It is them and their rule I do not want.

“Remember, my beloved ones, I, the Earth, am in need of you and your loving hearts.”

TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~

ANGELIC FORECAST ~

For this week volcanic eruptions is the name of the game. That is, both truth and lies, will spew forth, blast forth like fiery mega eruptions. Also, deceit by the dark side will fall like ash in an attempt to obscure what is being revealed as true, as reality.

At the same time, the angelic forces will cast forth a sapphire blue light. It is the light of revelation, and the light that renews the human spirit. For, the battle is upon us. The lines have been drawn. Revolt is here. And now.

During this time of Thanksgiving beneath the bright light of the Full Moon, every human heart will know itself as never before. Every heart will open to giving and receiving love as never before.

A momentous time is upon us. And, every individual will choose, consciously or unconsciously, their path for the coming year, as if it is set in stone. The stone is destiny.

On a personal level, there is no better time to give and receive love. There is no better time to enjoy the company of those you truly treasure. There is no better time to smile at others and offer hugs. For, the Universe is smiling upon Earth.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?

Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down?

~~~ IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL, HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA and CHASING RACHEL ~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from Siren-BookStrand ~
~~~

~ HAVE MAGICKAL THANKSGIVING ~

~ MAY YOUR BRIGHTEST, MOST ROMANTIC READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~

Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ In Print

Branded by the Texans ~ IN PRINT ~ A Siren-BookStrand Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Nano and Our Characters

So who's doing Nano this year? Are you on goal? We should be about 3/4 through and getting ready to get into the stretch to finish our 50,000 words for Nano Wrimo 2010. To get myself in gear today I thought about what my characters would have to say about it or what kind of book they'd write for the month.

Ryan Michaels would write the premier thesis on explosions - the kind the bad guys make and the kind he feels emotionally when the love of his life, Kelly, is in his sights.

Melanie Hughes would use that magic portal in her house to go back in time to finish early by writing her daily words and then going back each day to add to them.

What would your characters say or do for nano?

New G-Spot!


I’ve just sent out the latest issue of my newsletter, The G-Spot.

Highlights this issue:

• What I’m Reading/Recommended Reads
• This Issue’s Novel Excerpt: DRAGON LORDS I:THE BARBARIAN PRINCE by Michelle Pillow
• This Issue’s Spotlight Author: MICHELLE PILLOW!
• This Issue's Newsletter Contest—SUBSCRIBERS ONLY!

And more!

To check out past issues or to subscribe, visit:

Friday, November 19, 2010

SOLO HONEYMOON


Tuesday, November 23, Solo Honeymoon will be released by BookStrand Mainstream. I’m very excited to have this story come to BookStrand. I was first captivated by this hero as I watched a ballroom dance at a local yacht club. The male lead was an Italian and I was enthralled by the way he could move on the dance floor. His moves were quite sensuous and my writer’s brain kicked in.
As I thought about the dancer that intrigued me with his moves, I created the hero in this story. His name is Dario DeLuca. He's a member of a prominent family, titled and lonely. I gave him a passion for dance. He travels incognito as a dance instructor to a friend’s estate in order to find a woman that wouldn’t know about his fortune and title. A woman that could love him for himself and not what he could offer her in financial terms. But he didn’t think about the main thing he should offer this woman- the truth.

The woman he found himself attracted to, Emma Chauncey, had been burned by her fiancé and she needed what the hero denied her, truth. She had no need to marry a man for money. She had her own. All she wanted was a man to love her and be truthful. A man she could trust.

This book is available for pre-order now at a discount. It comes at just the right time. If you have family coming to visit for Thanksgiving and know you’ll need just a little time away from the chaos the holidays can sometimes be, to recharge your batteries, this steamy mainstream story is just the right length for a quick getaway. Heck, your family could just think you’re taking an extra long bubble bath.

I hope you enjoy Emma and Dario. He’s very alpha and who wouldn’t love that Italian accent? Jillian

Excerpt:
Dario came around to the side of the table where she stood. "I’ve taken the liberty of having dinner served to us here in the conservatory. Please be seated, and the chicken sorrentino will be served." He pulled out her chair, and she sat.
"What’s in chicken sorrentino? I’ve never had it."
"Its chicken, eggplant, two kinds of wine, and mushrooms."
"It sounds divine," she said. "Why the limes?"
"I had the chef pour some marsala in a pitcher, and I like to add lime juice to it as a aperitivo. Would you like to try it?"
"Sure."
He took a knife from the table and cut the limes open. As he squeezed the limes and smiled at her, she felt her insides melt at the intensity of his stare. His dark brown eyes were bottomless, and she knew she could lose herself in them and never want to come up for air. His hands were strong and capable as they pulverized the limes, and she blushed to think what those hands could do to her body.
"How do you say it…‘a penny for your thoughts,’ Emma?" he asked.
"I have no thoughts."
He laughed. "So, you’re just sitting there watching me and your mind is blank?"
"Of course not. It’s just that I’m really just relaxing and have no specific thoughts."
"Sure, cara, sure." He smiled again at her.
Thankfully, the young man that had brought Emma the note earlier brought in the plates of food at that very moment, and she was spared having to come up with a plausible story of what she had been thinking.
Wonder what he would say if I told him I was thinking of those big strong hands squeezing my…
"Emma, are you all right?" Dario asked, interrupting her thoughts.
"Fine. Fine," she replied as she picked up her fork and took a bite of the chicken.
The food was delicious, and Dario seemed to be on a charm offensive with her as he told her stories of his childhood days with Vincente and their adventures at the estate when they were on holiday from school.
Once the plates had been cleared, Dario stood. "I’ve brought in an old Victrola and would love for you to dance with me. We didn’t get a chance at the town party, and as dancing is my passion, I’d like to share it with you. Will you?" He stood and took off his dinner jacket. The white dress shirt he had on clung to his body. He held his hand out to her, and she rose from her chair and took his hand in her own.
They walked over to the Victrola, and Dario picked out a Viennese waltz by Strauss and put it on the turntable to play. As the scratchy sounds came from the machine, he held out his arms to Emma, and she moved into his dance space, and they began the first steps of the waltz. As soon as Dario touched her back, he stopped short. He spun her around to face away from him.
"Nice dress, Emma. I’m glad your seamstress ran out of fabric and couldn’t finish the back."
"Very funny, Signore Conti." She shuddered at his touch.
"Come here, woman," he said in a low voice as he pulled her to him again.
They danced until the song ended. After the song ended, they stared into each others eyes and kept dancing as Dario hummed until the candles sputtered and went out. At some point, Dario’s hand on her back changed from the waltz position to a caress. She pulled herself closer to him as his hand ran up and down her back and eventually inside the fabric of the dress around to the side of her breast. As soon as his fingers touched her breast, she stopped moving. He stopped as well and, as his thumb inside her dress thrummed her nipple, he bent and kissed her. She groaned, and he said, "Will you go alone again to your bed tonight, bella mia?"
"No. I don’t think so, but I don’t think I can move right now to go anywhere."
"No matter, bella, I’m not sure I can either. My passione is inflamed for you."
"I know."
He smiled. "You noticed?"
"Of course."

You can pre-order this book at: http://www.bookstrand.com/solo-honeymoon

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Scorching Hot MFMMMM Western Romantic Suspense Just Released at Siren Publishing

Jekyll Island is on Red Alert: These Tough and Sexy Operatives Will Leave the Island Forever Changed


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On rare occasions, a writer will pen something they can’t seem to leave behind after they type out the ending. Breakfast by the Sea is one of those books. Jeff Jacobsen, the lead Alpha-male hero in the novel is forever embedded in my mind. The story, the characters, and the setting will remain in my head for years to come.

When writing a ménage romance with more than two heroes, I tend to lean toward one of these fellows right from the start, but after reviewing my notes for the novel, I never thought this would be an obstacle in this particular novel and for various reasons.

When the characters were developed, I fell in love with each of these men, feeling like they were the boys next door. These operatives were cowboys with plenty of heart. They were willing to take up arms and fight for what they believe in and more than willing to die for the person they were standing beside, especially when one of their own, a brother more than a friend, counted on them for their protection.

As much as I tried to keep Jeff Jacobsen on common ground with the others, he kept pressing his way to the forefront and mainly because there was so much story to tell about his past; too much to reveal and a lot of layers to uncover. The man behind the operative chased the demons he desperately needed to overcome and once Paige revealed her place in his life, I was toast. Jeff was mine.

Even though Jeff Jacobsen emerged as the leading hero, Callan O’Bree won over several beta readers from the start. He was noted as the perfect Irishman—handsome, charming, and full of mischief. Miles is said to be intelligent with a dry sense of humor certain to win over his own crowd. As for Adam, our fearless Super-Ops leader, he has a definite fan club for various reasons. I can’t reveal those without giving away a few spoilers.

In the end, I think readers will be very surprised at the turn of events between Paige Lambert, our heroine, and Connor, one of the heroes who could’ve easily emerged as our leading man. The way the tables turn between Connor and Paige is one of my favorite parts in the story. I think you’ll see the underlying significance of their relationship and agree, the final scene between Paige and Connor lays the groundwork for an incredibly sweet happy ending.

I’m proud of Breakfast by the Sea and hope you’ll consider purchasing this book while it’s on sale at a tremendous 15% savings. I’m anxious to introduce ‘my boys’ to you and hope you’ll love them as much as I do. Breakfast by the Sea is available today at Siren-Bookstrand.

Destiny Blaine/Natalie Acres

http://www.bookstrand.com/destiny-blaine


http://www.bookstrand.com/natalie-acres

©2010 Destiny Blaine

Blurb for Breakfast by the Sea:

A beautiful woman with a checkered past runs a legitimate bed and breakfast on Jekyll Island. Several young men posing as cowboys move in Breakfast by the Sea and things become chaotic right from the start when the oceanfront B&B turns into a command center for a very determined group of special Super-Op Forces.

Pursuing a man known as the King of Hearts, five tough operatives fall for a woman they’re supposed to eliminate. When the team discovers Paige Lambert is in fact the Queen of Hearts, they can’t ignore their handler’s orders. Is the bed and breakfast owner destined to die for her past crimes or will she end up under the protective custody of the men hired to kill her?

Excerpt One for Breakfast by the Sea:

He felt like he’d just laid eyes on her for the first time. He started at her chin, noticing the way the dark brown hair curved under her jaw, a lock of hair so delicate but there nonetheless, like it was clinging for dear life. Was that what Paige was doing? Was she frightened? Was she running scared?

His gaze traveled down her long, slender neck. He admired how she held her head high, the structure of her slender collarbone leading to a bare chest with plenty for a man to enjoy. Before he indulged too much, Paige knelt down and retrieved her clothes, shrugging into a sports bra, one she had to yank over those full mounds in order to secure them.

Damn. She was right. Snapping that neck of hers would be a terrible waste.

That’s when his mouth watered. Why hadn’t he gawked when she’d been topless? And why did he find her sexy as all fucking hell right then?

Her flat stomach made him itch. He’d love to kiss around her sunken belly button and insinuate a slow sex act, make her arch for him, beg him for more.

Finally, he studied the band of her shorts. What he’d give to lick and tease his way a little lower, strip away those shorts and show her what she’d been missing. Maybe in her body, he’d find what he’d been looking for all along. Perhaps he needed to fuck a woman he wasn’t later expected to kill. Then again, he couldn’t be so sure that order wouldn’t come.

Stop thinking!

“Is something wrong?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.

“No,” he replied, storming ahead of her. Suddenly, he wondered why she followed him then when she hadn’t trailed behind him before. He stopped, turned around, and shook his finger again. “Don’t you dare run. I’d like to have breakfast before we do that again.”

“Okay,” she said, catching up and walking beside him. “Want to answer my question now?”

“Which one?”

“How can you keep up with me?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he growled.

“I’m asking.”

“I’m in great shape.”


“I can tell.”

Jeff stopped at the bottom of the steps. “Is that you coming on to me?”

She sashayed by him. “No, Jeff. That was me trying to figure out how I can outrun you next time.”

“There won’t be a next time,” he told her, grabbing her from behind and slamming her against the steps, bracing her back with his large hands.

His breath matched hers. The move knocked the wind out of both of them.

“Now what?”

“I’m not going to kiss you,” he said, thinking he wouldn’t put up much of a fight if she laid one on him.

She moistened her lips. “I didn’t think so,” she whispered, arching her neck. “What if I kiss you?”

“Is that what you’re planning to do? You have the rest of these guys by the balls, and since I’m not turning tricks to taste the pudding, what ’cha gonna do, darlin’, offer me a spoon?”

“I don’t understand your riddles,” she stated flatly, licking those full, enticing lips once more.

“Let me give you a warning. I’m the real thing, sweetheart. I’m in Jekyll Island to work. It’s something all of us do very well when we don’t have a distraction. Now, since I’ve been assigned to you for the time being, I’m setting you straight. You’ll do what I tell you, and you’ll do it with a wide smile to boot. Understand?”

“Or you’ll what?”

“I told you what I’d do. If you want to see how much I enjoy skinny-dipping, pull one of your stunts again. I’ll drag you into that ocean and make sure every tourist within ten miles hears you when you scream.”

“I already heard the guys talking. You wouldn’t rape me,” she said, narrowing her gaze and proving then that she wasn’t so sure.

“Rape? Hell, no. You’ll respond to me like a bitch in heat. I have a way about me.”

“Really? Who would’ve thought?” she asked diabolically, moving her lips to his ear. “Who can I ask to verify this? Hmm? Have you left any of your past lovers alive? Because if you have, I’d love to give them a call and invite them to join me for tea.”

Excerpt Two is for Adult-Only Sites:

Retrieving a large piece of leather luggage from the top of her closet, she started packing. Jeff stood near the French doors, eyeing the beach. “Tell me about the resort.”

“The Jekyll Island Club is swanky, a throw-back from yesteryear with many of the same upper-class families vacationing there. The old families have been coming to the island for generations. As a business owner, it’s hard to compete. The resort appealed to the upper echelon of society for a great number of years.”

“What about security?”

She looked right through him. “I’m sure you’re aware of Ramone Carpasia’s reputation. I hope you won’t put untrained guards in harm’s way. The rent-a-cops at the club are no match for Ramone. If Ramone goes public for a battle, hotel security won’t stop him. We may not.”

Jeff snickered. “I’m not afraid of your ex, baby. Besides, we’re not facing off with him tonight. We have time to put a plan together. We’ll go out to eat, enjoy a little wine, a little dancing, maybe even a little—”

“Take me off the menu,” she advised him, walking to her closet and throwing a few dresses into her suitcase. At the same time, he strolled over to her dresser, and as luck would have it, he didn’t have to search for the lingerie. He removed the narrow top drawer from the bureau and dumped all the contents into her luggage.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m making sure you’re prepared.”

She glared at him. “Have I missed something? You’ve been here for about a month. You stare at me like you hate me, threaten me whenever the opportunity presents itself, and now you seem hell-bent on fucking me.”

“Sounds about right,” he said, fingering one of her favorite lingerie items, a thin, royal blue silk negligee with lace cups, thin threads barely holding them in place, a satin tie at the waist, and a transparent skirt.

“I’d rather be married to Connor.”

His head jerked. Winking, he said, “If we were talking a true honeymoon and wedding here, I might choose Connor for you, too. But since we’re trying to keep you alive and secure our target, I’m the man for this job. At the end of the day, you’ll be glad I’m me and you’re you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, tossing a blouse toward him and watching him fold the soft cotton like the feel of material she’d worn against her skin excited him.

“We are what we are, Paige. Men aren’t that different from women. There are men you fuck, enjoy the hell out of in bed, but you wouldn’t take them home to Mama.”

“I’m not sleeping with you.”

“You didn’t let me finish,” he said. “Those are the men you want standing beside you when you meet an enemy. They have testosterone on their side. It’s what gets them going in the sack, and it’s the same thing you see coming out when a man fights for what he believes in.”

“But you won’t fight for me. You might fight beside me, but you won’t draw your gun for me.”

Moistening his lips, he caught her wrist when she tossed another article of clothing toward the luggage. “If I’m standing beside you, or anyone else, I’m fighting for you. I don’t step into the line of fire without knowing why I’m there and who I’m responsible for protecting. Got it?”

She tried to break his grip. When she failed, her gaze met his.

“We’re working together. For the time being, trust me to guard you.”

She swallowed. “I wonder how many women you’ve led to your bed with similar promises.”

“All of them.”

“And they ended up dead,” she stated flatly.

“So I’ve been known to tell a lie or two.”

“I’ll sleep with both eyes open.”

“Perfect. I knew you were a woman after my heart.”

“Bah! That’s the last thing I’m after.”

He patted her behind. “After you rubbed this all over my hard-on, I know what you’re after. My heart won’t get you off, but I have something that will.”

She grated back the urge to curse him. “God! You are so full of yourself!”

“I’d like to show you why sometime. Maybe I’ll get a chance on our honeymoon.”

“I hope I never get that desperate.”

“You will,” he promised. “I’ll make you wet, Paige, fucking wet. And then I’ll do something about it. That’s not a promise. That’s a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.”

She picked up her luggage, and he immediately took over, placing his hand over hers until she released the handle. “I won’t be used by you or anyone else.”

“Maybe not, but I’m still going to fuck you. That’s what it’s going to take to make us both happy.”

Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/breakfast-by-the-sea

Wednesday's Words for November 17, 2010



I may have given you all the impression, through various essays over the last year or so, that my beloved tends to be…shall we say, parsimonious? He is on the frugal side, there’s no doubt about that. Mr. Asbury works too hard to let his money go without a good fight.

There was a running joke in the family, years ago when our kids were mostly grown but still at home. When I still worked at a job, we each got paid biweekly on alternating Fridays. Mr. Ashbury thought it would be a good idea, in those days, if we “ate out”, just the two of us, on Fridays, with the person whose pay day it was footing the bill. The joke, of course, was that when it was his turn to pay, we looked up at the menu. When it was my turn to pay, we looked down.

When our eldest son got married my beloved and I entered into negotiations to determine “how much” of a monetary gift we would be giving as a wedding present. During this period, our daughter dropped by one evening. She asked the inevitable – how much was our gift to her brother going to be – not knowing that the mysterious unknown number had become quite the bone of contention between us. I told her that her father and I hadn’t decided yet, because one of us was generous by nature and the other was not—at which point she raised her hand and said, “oh, I know, I know, let me guess!”

This quality of Mr. Ashbury’s is even known by his co-workers, although, strangely, they have another, five-letter word to describe it.

Granted, there has been the odd occasion where my beloved has acted out of character—such as when I needed a new dresser and ended up with an entire bedroom suite, including bedside tables (special note, my bedside table is still across the room, under the window as there is no room in our room for it beside my bed).

My beloved is fond of saying that he is guilty of “investing” money on big ticket items while I am guilty of frittering it away on the little things (you know, like milk, bread, gas for the car).

The reason I bring all this up is a couple of weeks ago, we bought a new sofa for the living room, and poor Mr. Ashbury wasn’t even aware that it was happening until it was a done deal.

The sofa sitting in our living room at the time was the last piece of the garage-sale, fifteen dollar living room suite in plush, dark umber that we’ve had for a few years. If you recall, we had dispensed with the loveseat from that set a couple of months back, in favor of new bookcases.

The fact is, that sofa simply no longer fit in with the new bookcases, recliners, carpet and flooring.

In addition, the thing sat so low to the floor that both of us had a great deal of difficulty getting off of it.

Clearly, something had to be done. Fortunately the furniture store where we got those recliners was having their first anniversary sale. I’d scanned the flyer, and while I wasn’t certain which one I would choose, I had a pretty good idea of what it was I wanted.

Mr. Ashbury agreed to come with me and have a “look around” just to see “what was out there”.

We entered the store—the former location, by the way, of the town’s last remaining bingo hall—and began to peruse their stock. As we have a dog and two (and sometimes three) cats, having a sofa in leather or faux leather was out of the question. Mr. Ashbury, as he has always done, was immediately drawn to and admired the sectionals. Alas, we have no room for a sectional.

I saw a sofa that looked like just what I needed. I sat on it, and was able to rise from it without even using my cane. It turned out to be a sofa bed—an additional bargain, in my opinion—and was on sale for more than two hundred dollars off its regular price.

Yes, I bought it.

I did concede the color to my beloved’s preferences, although the forest green would have gone well with the brown, gold, and russet already in place. Instead, we chose another earth tone, “cocoa”.

As we left the shop, I tried to ease my beloved’s frown by pointing out that we really were past due for a new sofa. He admitted that indeed we were. I told him the price had been exceptional and again, he agreed. Finally, when pressed, he explained what had him worried.

The new sofa is a bit shorter than the one it’s replacing. And he’s not certain he “tiled” far enough beneath the old sofa so that no bare floor will show when the new one arrives next week.

I do understand his dilemma. It’s a problem that only spending more money—to purchase more tiles—will solve.

Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury

Come chat with me - Live!

Come chat with me, Stormy Glenn, and author, Kris Cook.

We'll have a mix of readers, reviewers, and authors (aspiring and published).

One lucky winner will win a free eBook copy of Heart Song, my latest release.

November 17, 2010 - Wednesday at 8pm CT – US

http://www.kriscook.net/chat.html

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

LILLIAN's ROGUES is out today!

I am so thrilled to have my fourth release with Siren-Bookstrand. The publisher is so supportive of authors and readers. Today, they are offering book 1 of my Eternally Three series at $1 along with the new novella - LILLIAN'S ROGUES.


Thanks - Diana and team.

Kris



Lillian's Rogues by Kris Cook

Perfection by Kris Cook
LILLIAN'S ROGUES [An Eternally Three Novella]
by
Kris Cook

[Ménage Amour: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, public exhibition, bondage, sex toys] Hidden from the modern world, high priestess Lillian Devereaux performs the seduction ceremony with her cult’s two immortal prisoners, Titus and Reno, and immediately the three are swept up in cravings for more. When the immortals turn the table on her, will she obey her vow or her heart? READ MORE
SPECIAL RELEASE-DAY OFFER: For one week only, get PERFECTION [Eternally Three, Book 1] (at 70,711 words) for only $1.00! This offers ends Tuesday, 11/22.


Monday, November 15, 2010

If you enjoyed Sex Party and Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts by Natalie Acres....

If you enjoyed Sex Party, Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts, and Sex Games, I think you'll like Breakfast by the Sea too. Writing as Natalie Acres, I enjoyed the action-packed drama and suspense found in Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business and Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts. However, I can't remember ever creating a character quite like Jeff Jacobsen from Breakfast by the Sea. He grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go and I sincerely hope this tortured hero will stay with you long after you read the last page of Breakfast by the Sea. Available now at Siren Publishing as a pre-order selection, this novel releases on November 17th.

Much love,

Destiny Blaine/Natalie Acres

www.destinyblaine.com

Other excerpts found here: www.destinyblaine.blogspot.com

Breakfast by the Sea

By: Destiny Blaine | Other books by Destiny Blaine | Notify me of Destiny Blaine's new releases
Categories: Erotic Romance, Menage a Trois/Quatre, Romantic Suspense, Western/Cowboys
Word Count: 77,410
Heat Level: SCORCHING
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic

AVAILABLE: Wednesday, November 17th

This new release is offered at a 15% discount for four weeks.

[Menage Amour: Erotic Cowboy Menage Romanctic Suspense, M/F/M/M/M/M, M/F/M]

A beautiful woman with a checkered past runs a legitimate bed and breakfast on Jekyll Island. Several young men posing as cowboys move in Breakfast by the Sea and things become chaotic right from the start when the oceanfront B&B turns into a command center for a very determined group of special Super-Op Forces.

Pursuing a man known as the King of Hearts, five tough operatives fall for a woman they’re supposed to eliminate. When the team discovers Paige Lambert is in fact the Queen of Hearts, they can’t ignore their handler’s orders. Is the bed and breakfast owner destined to die for her past crimes or will she end up under the protective custody of the men hired to kill her?


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Excerpt
STORY EXCERPT



God, he was mad. He couldn’t believe they were protecting a target. He was good and damn furious. What was Adam thinking?

Jeff was fucking pissed off. He wanted an explanation. He deserved one. “Wasn’t it bad enough that you spent the last five years with a woman who seemed bound and determined to make you look like a fool?”

Adam flinched. “I deserved that. Everyone tried to tell me. I wouldn’t listen. When I took my vows, I took them to mean I’d be with the same woman until death do us part, like the minister marrying us suggested.”

“Yeah, well, congratulations. You stuck by those vows, and look where commitment and loyalty got you.”

“This isn’t about me.”

The tide rolled in and out, in and out. Jeff had been sitting there for a long time, listening to the waves break around him, staring up at the black sky, and wondering what kind of woman grabbed a man at first sight. He’d gasped for air when he’d first met her, meeting as it was, and yet he could’ve killed her in the same breath, angry when he realized her face existed in their fucking deck.

“What has gotten into you?” Adam asked, concern in his voice.

“I thought about asking you the very same thing.”

Silence. Adam mastered the gift of negotiation. He used every tactic he could to make his marks talk without giving into the need for violence.

Jeff, on the other hand, didn’t have the patience. He liked to beat the truth out of his targets, find out what they knew, and then laugh when he destroyed the kind of monster most deserving of the fate he was hired to deliver.

An eye for an eye, and based on his history, it would eventually be how he died. Men like him didn’t die old or retire to a porch swing.

Jeff knew the score. He kept a tally. The time would come when he paid the ultimate price. It was the way the universe kept a balance. The eye for an eye thing eventually got them all—good guys, bad guys, men with badges, thugs dealing drugs—every last one of them. In the end, they all met the same challenging fate.

“Do you think we’re held accountable for the things we do?”

Adam cleared his throat. “You mean for the hits?”

“Yeah,” Jeff replied thoughtfully. “Do we face the same outcome? Are we any better than those killing innocent people?”

“I think so. We put a stop to illegal activity. We hunt animals, not decent men and women.”

“Is that what you tell yourself when you drag a man away from his dinner table while he’s sitting across from his wife and small children?”

“I do,” Adam said. “If I take out one of these guys on their front lawn, I don’t think about who’s watching from inside, but that’s me.

“I think about the guys and gals who didn’t go home from work because of one of these creeps. I wonder what their victims miss in life, the Christmas holidays, the summer vacations, who they’ll never see grow up or graduate from college. That’s what I think about.

“To hell with what the thugs leave behind. I consider the blameless. I ponder what these criminals took away from those who didn’t deserve a life cut short. Then, I think of the lives I saved because I did my job and stopped a man or woman with criminal intent.”

“Do you have any idea how many shots I’ve been required to fire while the target sat with his or her family?”

“I’m sure a lot. We all have.”

“Twenty-seven,” Jeff informed him.

“And out of that many, how many do you regret?”

“Not a damn one,” Jeff admitted. “The targets all had numerous kills, and the women? Oh, God, they were the worst. Still, the older I get, I wonder if there’s a better way.”

“You’re questioning yourself?”

“Not exactly, but sometimes I ask why me? Why did I pull the trigger?”

“You chose this line of work. This isn’t the kind of job that reaches out and grabs you. Our operatives understand what they’re getting themselves into, and they realize when they enter our training program that if they ever leave, we’re unable to protect them.”

“I ain’t leavin’, so don’t worry about me,” Jeff drawled.

“Sounds like you’ve considered going somewhere.”

“No, but lately I’ve spent a lot of hours thinking about life and death. You know, about my time, and how much I have left.”

“Your time will come, whether you’re with our team or not.”

“Don’t you worry that if you live by the gun, you’ll die by its bullet?”

“If you’re behind a misguided missile fighting for the wrong cause, then yes, I believe you’ll die as you’ve lived. But we’re the good guys. We stand for what’s right, what’s worth defending. We save others by destroying evil, savage individuals who take the lives of those who had a life worth living. If you don’t find peace in anything else, hold fast to that, Jeff.”

“I still say that woman may ruin you,” Jeff changed the subject.

“Maybe, but probably not.” Adam chuckled. “I’m the rock, remember?”

“You’re the backbone of this operation, that’s for sure.”

“Rocks don’t roll uphill.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jeff asked.

“Don’t worry about Paige. She’s out of my league.” Adam slapped Jeff on the back and walked away.

Maybe Adam thought Paige Lambert—Carpasia—was out of his league, but as far as Jeff was concerned, they were in the same class.

They were all killers. She’d killed before. He’d bet on that any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The lady wasn’t clean-handed.

Females rarely purchased guns for show. Since his fellow operatives had fallen victim to Paige’s womanly ways, Jeff would do his homework. He would find out Paige Lambert Carpasia’s secrets. Then, he’d expose her. His team had a right to know with whom they were dealing.

In the meantime, he’d stay away from her, keep as much space between them as possible. Otherwise, he couldn’t be responsible for his actions.