by Sarah | Feb 21, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
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Viking Fire Blurb: In 856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.
Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?
Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe—Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?
With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.
*~*~*
Viking Fire Excerpt
Chapter One Ireland 856 CE
“I renounce Father for this.” Kaireen threw the elderberry gown. Dressed only in her
leine, she glared at the new gown on the stone floor.
“Shame on you and your children for speaking such.” Her handmaid, Elva, gathered the damask and then dusted off the rushes. “It’s a wonder one of the clim has not scolded you from your hearth for such talk.” She wore her white hair twisted in a chignon, underneath a linen head cloth. Strands of white hair poked out the sides of her covering.
“No, curse Father for a fool.” She plopped on her bed and a goose feather floated away. With a huff, she leaned against the oak headboard. Red curtains puffed like a robin’s chest around oak poles supporting her wooden canopy.
Her bare feet brushed against the stone floor. Why was she not born plain like her two older sisters? Already they had married and expected their second bairns by spring. Well, at least so far she had enjoyed twenty years of freedom. Neither of her sisters had had matrimonial dreams of love matches. Both were arranged marriages.
“You know your da arranged a marriage within a season.” Elva smirked.
Kaireen shook her head. “To another land holder,” and waved a hand in disgust, “not t-this heathen. Twice they raided our land in the last month alone. Many a raid has come from them. Now father wants me as wife to one of them?” She clenched her fists. “No, I will not marry this Viking.”
Elva smiled, reminding Kaireen of the rumors of her handmaid’s uncanny foresight.
Whispers of Elva making strange things happen and often blamed as the cause of Kaireen’s stubborn refusal to behave as a laird’s daughter should.
“You’ve not seen him yet.” Elva wiggled her brows.
“So?” Kaireen shrugged. “I would like to never see him.”
“Well then, would you not like to know if you have a handsome husband or not?” She waited for her response, but Kaireen scowled at her. Elva chuckled. “I would rather get a good look at him now than the morning after.”
Kaireen’s ears heated. “I am not marrying.” She shook her head for emphasis. “So there will be no morning, nor night, nor wedding.”
“If he is handsome, I may fight you for him.” Elva smiled, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.
“Welcome to him either way.” Kaireen laughed.
*~*
Andrea’s Bio: Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.
What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).
Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.
She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.
Viking Fire Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/m1bPZ3nUyzs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author
Twitter: @AndreaRCooper
Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper
Blog: http://andrearcooperauthorblog.wordpress.com/
by Sarah | Feb 21, 2014 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
My name is Lynda Kaye Frazier and I write Suspense Romances.I am interviewing Mercedes Kingsley. She is an FBI intern waiting on a response from her application to the Academy. She is struggling with her need to be an agent and her attraction to Jason Michaels, while hiding a secret that will destroy everything she has worked so hard to build.
*~*
Lynda: “Welcome Ms. Kingsley. I have asked you here to go over a few items in your application for the Academy. I’ve reviewed your paperwork and would like you to tell me about the incidents that led to your father’s retirement 10 years ago.”
Mercy; Mercy swallowed hard and rubbed her sweaty palms together. “ It was a botched kidnapping which had a devastating ending to my father’s career. “ They just don’t need to know what else ended that night.
Lynda; “Could I have details please, I need it for the application. You failed to give information that we will need for the review board.”
Mercy: “My father was an Agent but also owned a software firm. There were threats made to the company and I was kidnapped because of them. My Father, and his partner Ron Daily, found out where I was being held. My Dad did not follow protocol and came in without back-up. His actions saved me that night but his career died, and so did my dream to be an agent. I could not apply for the Academy as long as my dad struggled to get his life back. But, as you have read, it’s been 10 years and I realized that being an agent was the only thing I wanted to do. So I pursued the internship and applied to the Academy.” Mercy’s heart pounded in her ears as she fought to stay in control.
Lynda: “Are your parents fine with your decision? You know your father will be interviewed, and he is highly respected. His opinion will be taken into account.”
Mercy: “I know how this will affect my parents but they’ll back my decision. I didn’t want to tell them until I had my acceptance letter.” I didn’t want to tell them until I was in the Academy. Ron said they weren’t going to talk to my dad. What changed?
Lynda: “ I see that you had counseling after the kidnapping and treatment for anxiety, and you suffer from claustrophobia. Those are issues that need to be resolved before the board review. It will affect your ability to be an agent.”
Mercy: How did they find out? Ron said no one would know and I would have time to figure out a way around it. What else can go wrong? “My counseling was complete and I was released. I attached my past medical records in my application. My issue with claustrophobia is in the past. That should also be stated in my medical papers.”
Lynda: “It is. I just wanted to hear you say it, and make me believe it. During the Academy you will be working closely with Ron Daily and his team. Will that be a problem for you? I see you have a close relationship with them and a personal one with Jason Michaels. Have you read the rules Mercy? We have guidelines and if this is an issue I want to know now.”
Mercy; Mercy’s chest squeezed and her hands shook. She had to stop the panic attack before it starts. It will kill her application quicker than his kiss. The memory of that kiss still warmed her lips but she knew the rules and the pain she saw in his eyes as she walked away will always haunt her. “It will not be an issue. Agent Daily and his team have helped me during my internship, and that’s all. We have a close business relationship only. Mr. Michaels and I do not have any kind of relationship, nor do we plan on having one. We both are aware of the rules and what is at stake if any are broken.”
Lynda: “Ok as long as you are aware that they will also be interviewed”
Mercy: Mercy took a deep breath as the phone rang.
Lynda: “I need to take this. I believe I have everything I need. I will contact you when the board reviews your application. Make sure you discuss this with your family. We will be contacting them soon”
Mercy quickly left the room as her heart pounded in her ears. She had to find her parents and talk to them, but she had to see Jason first, if he’ll see her. Mercy swallowed past the fear in her throat. She had told so many lies to hide the truth, and hid a few secrets she’s not ready for anyone to know, and it’s all closing in on her, fast.
*~*
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BLURB:
She has no memory of their love…
Kidnapped by terrorists and sent into a drug-induced coma, FBI intern Mercedes Kingsley awakes with no memory of her ordeal—or the intimate interlude that left her pregnant. Convinced her child was fathered by her ex-fiancé, she walks away from the only man she has ever loved, determined to make things work with her ex, a man the FBI suspects is implicated in her abduction.
He knows the truth, but no one will listen…
FBI undercover agent Jason Michaels remembers what Mercy can’t and those memories are breaking his heart. Forced to keep his distance from his lover and their unborn child, Jason risks his life to protect Mercy from a cell of international terrorists who have vowed to get the secrets locked in her memory, no matter the cost. Can Jason convince Mercy to trust him until she remembers their past, or will he lose her to a man who will trap her in a nightmare world of darkness from which there is no escape?
*~*
Excerpt:
An explosion ricocheted behind Jason Michael’s eyes as the pressure mounted in his head. The rush of panic consumed him. He struggled to move, tried to swallow, but nothing. His throat burned as the flames engulfed his lungs. He needed to breathe but couldn’t. Shit. He strained to make out the muffled voice, but the pounding in his ears erased all hope. His head started to spin and he succumbed to the realization, this was it, the end. He won. The flames dampened and his heartbeat slowed as the drums subsided, then the voice became clear.
“Give it to him now you son of a bitch. What were you thinking? We still need him.”
In a split second, Jason sucked in a breath, causing stabbing pains to shoot through his chest. Every muscle fiber burned as the cold blast of air shot through his lungs releasing the oxygen his body craved. He arched his back, raising his chest up to pull in more air when his head snapped to the side and the crack from his neck echoed in his ears. The pain ripped through his jaw, racing across his cheekbone. Before he could gather his senses, intense burning set his face on fire. What the hell?
The slap against his cheek stung, and his eyes snapped open. He wrenched upright, hitting his head on the roof of the SUV. His gaze darted back and forth looking for something familiar until he locked onto the ice-cold stare of the devil himself, Shaun Flanagan.
Damn, that was close. Jason could not blow his cover, even if it meant he would die as David Logan and not Jason Michaels.
“You’re finally awake, my boy. We almost lost you,” Shaun cold, emotionless laugh caused Jason’s blood to boil. “You stopped breathing, I think. It’s hard to tell with this new stuff. I hope you’re not too injured. We’ve got work to do.”
Jason’s vision blurred, but his other senses were sharp. Shaun had known exactly what the drug would do and the burn in Jason’s throat was a harsh reminder. Shaun’s sarcastic tone spoke volumes to him. He was evil and did not play by anyone’s rules but his own. Jason had spent the last two months undercover, playing their games and doing their dirty work to buddy up tight to this family. He’d earned his spot with Thomas Flanagan, but his son Shaun had issues trusting anyone, even his own father.
Jason’s anger burned inside of him, but he couldn’t afford to make mistakes, not now. He was too close. It’s time to step it up, but first the drugs had to stop. He rubbed his aching jaw with one hand, clenching his other into a fist to hide his visible shaking. He had to get control of this game before he lost everything.
*~*
BIO:
I’m an avid reader of romantic suspense and started writing after a vivid dream. I know, sounds cliché, but that’s how it started. I work full time at a Cardiology clinic, then at night you will find me in front of my computer. I grew up in Pennsylvania, but now live in Arkansas, surrounded by the Ozark mountains where I get to enjoy the four seasons without a long, cold winter. Other than spending time with my wonderful family, my favorite things to do are writing, reading and listening to music, but my most favorite is going to the beach. Surf, sand and a good book, my stress relief. ted his spot with Thomas Flanagan, but his
Lynda Kaye Frazier
http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com
www.lyndakayefrazier.com
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-Kaye-Frazier/189048967838229
Twitter- lynda_kaye
Amazon Author page:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009L7TK04
Writing is my passion, Reading is my Love.
He searches for information to tie the two together when he finds out they have kidnapped a fellow agent
by Sarah | Feb 17, 2014 | Guest Authors, Top Ten Tuesday, Writing
![MP900401195[1]](http://redefiningperfect.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/MP9004011951-300x240.jpg)
Recently, I went to a meeting and one girl talked about when she worked on a project, she preferred using Crayons over map pencils because there were more colors to choose from and are easier to use. To find out more about Crayons, copy and paste this link: http://www.crayola.com/products/crayons/all/
In my scientific on-line research, I found this color range list in alpha order: http://www.colourlovers.com/web/blog/2008/04/22/all-120-crayon-names-color-codes-and-fun-facts
And in case you were wondering, here’s a list of retired colors from 1990: http://www.crayola.com/faq/another-topic/what-are-the-names-of-the-retired-crayon-colors/
So I got to thinking of what were my preferred Crayon colors. Mine favs are:
1. Red
2. Pink Sherbert
3. Indigo
4. Royal Purple
5. Aquamarine
6. Sunglow
7. Gold
8. Gold
9. Silver
10. White
My newest romantic comedy collection is Bug Stuff…and Other Stories. Because a similar anthology of mine was done with red and gray colors, the artist and I picked blue and yellow for this one:
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Bug Stuff & Other Stories includes:
“Just Desserts”: a political dinner gone disastrous brings together a reluctant attendee and her seat-mate.
“Bug Stuff”: An accountant unites with his co-worker to fight a pesky adversary.
“With This Ring”: When a wife forgets her little black dress, all turns into something utterly romantic and unforgettable in the end.
Are you a Crayola Crayon lover? What are your favorite?
by Sarah | Feb 17, 2014 | Cover Reveal, Guest Authors, Writing
Special Agent Lee Dawson has secrets. Secrets that forced her from Dallas to New York City in disgrace two years ago.
Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, Nate Crane, visits New York and witnesses the brutal murder of a friend. When Lee is assigned to the investigation, her personal and professional life collides. She can’t avoid the man she ditched six months ago.
She’s the one Nate can’t stop thinking about. The one he let get away. He’s determined to get her back, no matter what she thinks she wants. Being a witness in her case puts them close—and Nate intends to keep it that way.
After Nate’s attacked at a safe house, Lee knows there’s a leak – a dirty FBI agent working with the human trafficker her unit has been hunting for years.
Can Lee protect her witness and resist the heat between them or will she succumb to her desires and throw them both into danger?
TBR Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20529397-calculated-collision?from_search=true
About The Author:
C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She works with kids when she’s not writing. She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.
Social Links:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/caszarek
Twitter: @caszarek
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815085.C_A_Szarek
Website: http://www.caszarek.com
Blog:http://www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.ca/
Other Books in Crossing Forces series:
Collision Force – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DOTPX6A?tag=casz-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00DOTPX6A&adid=16R0F2RW6X8X31BK9PDW&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caszarek.com%2Fmybooks%2Fcrossing-forces%2Fcollision-force%2F
Chance Collision – http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Collision-Crossing-Forces-Szarek-ebook/dp/B00I5PSUFY/ref=la_B00BJY74BY_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392140227&sr=1-4
by Sarah | Feb 13, 2014 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
1. Do you have a day job?
For the last 20+ years, writing has been my full-time job. I work at home so that means I have the worst of both worlds – full-time working in my home office while constantly overwhelmed by the housework, laundry, meal preparation, and other assorted tasks associated with being at home during the day. I’ve always thought I would get a great deal more writing done if I went to an office each day the way my darling hubby does.
2. What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
That popularity doesn’t necessarily prepare you for success.
3. Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Oh, my goodness, yes. I’m awful at telling jokes, but I do love humor. Laughter can certainly smooth the rough edges of life.
4. Why do you think what you do matters?
People are driven by the need to be loved – to connect. I truly believe that there is someone for everyone, and that’s what I write about – a man and woman who are made for each, but they just don’t know it yet. Love may not make the world go round, but it sure makes the ride more interesting.
5. Have you ever found true love?
Yes, I found it with my wonderful husband. We’ve been married 36 years. It sounds corny, but we complete each other.
6. Do you have a saying or motto for your life and/or as a writer?
Oh, you really ask all the right questions. Yes, I proudly proclaim my motto: It’s never too late to live happily ever after. I truly believe that. As long as you have breath in your body, you have a shot at being happy regardless of all the bad stuff that may have happened.
7. Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
Look for me on my blog, http://SlingWords.blogspot.com, website www.JoanReeves.com, or Twitter @JoanReeves and Facebook/JoanReevesWrites.
8. What inspired you to write this particular story?
I guess this story is for all the women who never got that big heart-shaped box of candy on Valentine’s Day or roses or gifts of any kind. I’ve known a lot of wonderful, lovely women who never had a man in their lives who romanced them on Cupid’s special day. Sometimes men decide a woman is so pretty that she’s “dated up” so they never make the attempt. For whatever reason, this is for the women who go un-romanced.
9. How did you choose your title?
In Scents and Sensuality, the heroine Amanda is a perfumer so she knows all about the Science of Smell and the Science of Sex Appeal, but when it comes to men and desire, she knows zip. But she’s willing to learn. *g* She works with scents and wants the chance to explore her sensuality, so the title just seemed perfect. Plus, it’s a subtle homage to Austen’s Sense and Sensibility title which is one of my favorite books.
10. You got the call – your novel is being made into a TV series or movie – who’s in your dream cast?
That is my fondest fantasy – movies from my romantic comedies. For Scents and Sensuality, I think Kristen Bell would be perfect as Amanda and Tom Welling as Harrison.
*~*
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BLURB
Perfumer Amanda Whitfield is desperate for a date to her snooty cousin’s wedding – on Valentine’s Day of all days. But she’s a total flop with men.
Eavesdropping on the lovely blonde’s conversation, Harrison Kincaid’s mother interrupts and suggests her son, a computer genius, would be perfect for the job. Completely desperate, Amanda agrees to a blind date.
With some coaching from her best friend on how to be a hottie, Amanda is determined to convert the blind date into a wedding date. She’s prepared to do anything to hook a man because there is NO way she will go to THAT wedding without a man on her arm. Well, almost anything.
Computer genius Harrison Kincaid has had it with his mother’s matchmaking. He’s determined to teach her a lesson and put an end to her crazy schemes. But, first, he’s got to make his mother’s latest prospect, Amanda Whitfield, run in the other direction the minute she lays eyes on him.
Amanda and Harrison are determined. Desperate. Desperation makes for funny—and sexy—bedfellows.
*~*
EXCERPT, SCENTS AND SENSUALITY
Was it really all right to be herself with him Amanda wondered? To show her true personality? “Nicole said men prefer women who aren’t so serious. She said men like women who are sexy and flirty. I’m not like that. I’m serious and thoughtful and introverted. And shy.”
She was shy? Oddly, Harrison liked that. Most of the women he’d had in his bed didn’t know the meaning of the word shy. He’d never had a woman hesitate to tell him in detail what to do, where to touch, how to touch, and when to touch as she pursued her own pleasure. As if he were so unskilled that he didn’t know anything about women.
“Your friend doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Harrison said. He stopped moving. Now they weren’t dancing. They were just swaying in time to the music. “There’s nothing wrong with the real you, sweetheart.”
In a voice so intense that it made gooseflesh break out on her arms, he whispered against her cheek, “You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. I like you just the way you are. You’re beautiful, and you’re incredibly sexy without playing silly games. I want you.”
His words wove a spell around her lonely heart. “You don’t have to say that…that I’m sexy. I…I won’t change my mind about…about…you know.”
Harrison chuckled. “Are you trying to say you won’t change your mind about having a raging affair with me?”
Amanda met his eyes directly. “Despite what you say, I know I’m not sexy. I want to be honest with you so here’s the bald truth. I’m a flop with men. I was desperate for a date for my cousin’s wedding. Nicole helped me hook you. She tutored me on how to be a hot babe because that’s what men want.”
“That’s a hell of a lot of honesty.”
His comment was like the release gate on a dam. A flood of words poured out of Amanda. “I don’t want you to be confused by Nicole’s tricks and think I’m something I’m not. Even though I’m more than willing to…you know…have that raging affair with you.”
Amanda spoke faster to get all the words out before she lost her courage. “I was just pretending. So you may not really want me now that you know the truth. I’m not a sexy hot babe, and you don’t have to tell me I am just to–”
Harrison’s mouth swooped down and captured hers, shutting off the frantic torrent of words. Amanda was frozen for a split second, then the feel of his mouth on hers broke through the paralysis. Ah, this was a kiss. The kind of kiss she’d been waiting for her entire life.
*~*
BIO
Joan Reeves, a bestselling ebook author, writes sassy, sexy Contemporary Romance. Joan says she writes because she’s too young for Social Security and too old to learn how to ask: “Do you want fries with that?” Look for her newest romantic comedy CINDERELLA BLUE this month at all ebook sellers on the planet — okay, maybe not all, but most of them.
by Sarah | Feb 12, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
Chaste is currently the #1 Bestseller
on the publisher’s site,
www.secretcravingspublishing.com
| Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | ARe | SCP |
Blurb:
Kelly McCullough has always gotten every woman he’s wanted. Of all the McCullough men, his charm and magnetism is unmatched. However, there is one woman he cannot have.
Ashlynn Fisher is everything Kelly McCullough is not. She is quiet, shy, and—above all—virginal. After losing her heart to Kelly in grade school, no other man compares. Paths cross and temperance is put to the test when Ashlynn decides it’s time for her to find love. Kelly offers Center County’s sweetest brown-eyed girl all the guidance he can, but finds himself in a situation he never expected to face. Through chaste kisses and stolen secrets, his virility is tested and he must learn what love truly means as his selfish ways are transformed in the face of a selfless need to give her everything she wants.
*~*
Excerpt:
His body nudged closer. She sucked in a breath and tried to focus on speaking, but the press of him was incredibly distracting.
“That’s the…um…” She caught her breath. “Um…” Her eyes shut. What was the question? “I can’t concentrate when you touch me,” she blurted.
He didn’t move. His breath tickled the back of her neck, as the soft press of his tongue traced over the curve leading to her shoulder. Her spine stretched as her skin drew tight. His lips made a smooching sound. “Mmm, you taste like hard work and sunshine.”
“Kelly…” she rasped, silently panting. Her insides vibrated so rapidly she worried she’d shatter into a thousand pieces of flesh and bones. Never had anyone aroused her the way he did.
He nuzzled her ear with his nose. “Have I ever told you how sexy you are? The glasses make me crazy. And I love the way your hair looks different every day. You remind me of a little garden nymph.” The weight of his palms closed over her baggy overalls, low on her hips, and she grew aware of every part of her body.
His lips sealed over her ear and she quivered, her body tightening and trembling. Her hands gripped the edge of the worktable with her leather-clad fingers, her knees turning unstable, as he proceeded to do wonderful things to her earlobe.
It amazed her that he found her hair nice. She’d cut it off after she graduated, finding the long locks dreadfully annoying. When her hair had been long it was always in her face. And she wore glasses because contacts were too much trouble with the dust from the gardens.
Oh my goodness! Is that his tongue in my ear?
Her knees buckled as he kissed over her racing pulse. Strong fingers dug into her hips, massaging beneath her overalls deep into her flesh. His hands had slipped into the gaping sides of her clothes where her tank top met the waist of her panties. No one had ever touched her so intimately.
“Let’s go inside,” he whispered.
Somehow she managed to shake her head. “I…I need to finish this.”
“Ashlynn…”
His mouth. He had a wicked mouth. She formed some sort of response in her throat as the tip of his finger toyed with the hem of her tank top next to her navel.
“Please…let me in,” he whispered as his tongue traveled over the slope of her shoulder, each word an erotic tattoo on her flesh.
Her feet shifted and his grip tightened. She whimpered. “Kelly, please…”
His whisper had faded to a breath of words. “I want you.”
Her hands closed over his, tightening, stilling his progress. Those last uttered words returned some of her common sense. “If we go inside my work will never get done.”
His fingers squeezed. “Do you know how many fantasies I’ve had about you? The things I could do to you without breaking your vow…” His touch never traveled, but the teasing chills escaping his whirling fingers seemed to go right to her breasts.
Baiting temptation, she breathed out a question she had no business asking. “Like what?”
“Mmm. I could spend days stripping you, unveiling every bit of flesh, anointing each square inch of skin with soft kisses. Only kissing, Ashlynn, but I’d kiss you everywhere.”
Holy Hannah, she needed to put some space between them. They hadn’t discussed boundaries and the line of her virtue was becoming more blurred by the second. Her breath stuttered out of her lungs as his mouth teased over her pulse. She wanted to know what such kisses would feel like, but feared her control would break.
“No naked.” Incapable of forming complete sentences, it was the best she could do.
“Touching?” he whispered.
Oh, God. She wanted to feel his touch, know what it was to be caressed by those strong fingers holding her now. She whimpered. Her promise had never been this difficult. There had never been such a temptation as Kelly and, now, with his hands playing over untried parts of her body, came a nagging desire for relief. “I should say no.”
“But?”
“Maybe.”
His front pressed into her bottom and her neck gave out, drooping her head to his broad shoulder. He growled and his mouth sealed to her throat, his hand sifting under the front of her overalls and holding her stomach, fingers splayed wide, pressing her into his hard form. “So fucking sexy, Ashlynn.”
“Kelly…”
“I want to go inside.”
He was already inside, inside of her head, in her blood, thrumming through her veins, inside every breath filling her lungs. She worried she could die from such over stimulation. She’d never survive sex, at least not with this man. But that was off the table.
Her muscles contracted and strange urges had her body fluttering in unfamiliar ways. It was too much. “No more,” she pleaded and he froze.
It took him a second to answer. “Okay.”
His hand slithered out from under her overalls and he stepped away. She caught her breath and wiped the back of her glove over her heated cheek. She was probably as red as a bell pepper.
She desperately searched for her bearings, but Kelly seemed fine. From the corner of her eye, she watched him slip his gloves back on and pick up the sanding block as she quietly panted. The longing inside of her had transformed into a painful ache. Her throat was thirsty, parched. Yet water did nothing to quench her yearning.
Kelly worked with precision and efficiency. Her concentration was crap. Every move she made was deliberate and clumsy, but Kelly proved to be a master carpenter. She suspected he wanted to be done with the chore and that scared her, because the moment they finished she’d have to come up with another distraction.
The echo of the nail hammering into the wood rattled through the air. “How far can we go, Ashlynn?”
Her hand stilled. Her gaze focused on the head of the nail she’d been about to hammer into the wood. Swallowing repetitively, she struggled to find the honest answer, but the truth seemed to abandon her in that moment. “I don’t know.”
*~*
Author Bio:
Award winning author, Lydia Michaels, writes all forms of hot romance. She presses the bounds of love and surprises readers just when they assume they have her stories figured out. From Amish vampyres, to wild Irishmen, to broken heroes, and heroines no man can match, Lydia takes readers on an emotional journey of the heart, mind, and soul with every story she pens. Her books are intellectual, erotic, haunting, always centered on love.
Lydia Michaels loves to hear from readers! She can be contacted by email at Lydia@LydiaMichaels.org
Webpage: www.LydiaMichaels.org
Other Titles by Lydia Michaels:
Falling In
Breaking Out
Coming Home
Sacred Waters
Skin
Chaste
Faking It
Forsaking Truth
As Tears Go By
Simple Man
Breaking Perfect
White Chocolate
All 4 You
To Catch a Wolfe
Chasing Feathers
Called to Order
Calling for a Miracle
Destiny Calls
Call Her Mine
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