by Sarah | Sep 13, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
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Blurb
Kylie Hafford craves adventure when she heads to the remote Puebloan ruins of Lost Valley, Colorado, to excavate. Romance isn’t in her plans, but she soon meets two sexy men: Danesh looks like a warrior from the Pueblo’s ancient past, and Sean is a charming, playful tourist. The summer heats up as Kylie uncovers mysteries, secrets, and terrors in the dark. She’ll need all her strength and wits to survive—and to save the man she’s come to love.
Whispers in the Dark is thrilling romantic suspense set in the Four Corners region of the Southwest. “This book kept me turning pages until the end. The plot was full of twists and turns, always keeping the reader rooting for the heroine. Excellent read!” Reader Suzanne Borchers
*~*
Excerpt
…. I hurried along the trail until I reached the canyon rim, where I stopped and grinned. The canyon cut across the land in front of me—maybe more of a ravine, really, several miles long but only a quarter-mile across and a few hundred feet deep. The bottom looked shady and cool, while the sun lit up the small ruin to my right.
The now-roofless mud-brick structure wouldn’t impress anyone but an archaeologist—except for the way it perched recklessly atop a thirty-foot boulder. The boulder sloped at a sharp angle, so it looked like the whole structure should slide into the canyon. And it had been there for over 700 years!
I spotted carved hand and toeholds in the rock, leading up to the low doorway. I tried to imagine the Anasazi living there centuries before, scrambling up the steep side of the boulder as easily as I walked up the stairs to my second-floor apartment. I half-closed my eyes to blur my vision and tried to picture the way it must have been before the walls crumbled and the roof collapsed. I imagined small, tanned people in loincloths, women on the roof, crouched over their work, children playing nearby, men returning from hunting or working their cultivated fields. I could almost hear their cheerful shouts.
I opened my eyes and turned down the path along the canyon rim, humming with pleasure. I couldn’t wait to explore further. Of course, regular tourists weren’t allowed to leave the trail, but one of the perks of being an archaeologist was special access. For the next few weeks, this would be my playground.
The next site on the map was just a vandalized rock shelter, and the trail guide complained that people had torn down the walls before it could be excavated. Only part of one wall and a jumble of stones remained. But the guide also mentioned that the site might have yielded storage jars or food remains, had it been left for archaeologists. Since my interest was ancient food, I decided to creep down for a closer look.
I moved carefully, so as not to disturb the loose rocks, and squatted near the biggest pile of rubble. I gently lifted a few pieces of broken brick, putting them back in the same place after I’d examined them. I couldn’t do much with the fragments, but as always, I marveled over touching something from the past.
Tomorrow would be soon enough for scientific method, for testing and hypothesizing. Tonight I only wanted to touch the magic of this ancient world. I closed my eyes and tried to feel some ancient presence, to hear whispers from the past. The air seemed to tremble with possibilities. If only I believed in magic—
A shout slashed the air. I twisted so fast I tumbled onto my backside.
I gaped up at the man towering over me. Bare chest, muscular and bronzed. Black hair pulled back from a face full of sharp planes and angles. Dark eyes fierce under scowling brows.
My heart jolted painfully. I’d come face to face with an ancient warrior. He was gorgeous.
And furious.
At me.
“Don’t you read signs?”
I blinked at the apparition. “Uh….”
He gestured back at the main path. “The signs at every turn saying ‘Stay on the path’? The notice at the entrance telling you to leave artifacts alone? I could have you arrested and fined.”
Oh. I felt color flooding my cheeks. My pounding heart refused to slow yet, and the rush of adrenaline turned my arms and legs to jelly, but I rose steadily enough. I tried to ignore the heat in my face and the queasy feeling of panic in my stomach, which hadn’t yet accepted the message that I wasn’t in danger. “I’m Kylie Hafford,” I said coolly. “The archaeologist. Are you Danesh?”
I saw a satisfying flash of surprise and then guilt. Or maybe I had just imagined it, as his face settled immediately into a neutral mask. “Yes, I’m Danesh.” He hesitated before adding stiffly, “It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure’s all mine.”
He must have caught my irony, because he almost smiled—I think. He said, “I’m sorry I startled you. I wasn’t expecting you yet, and….” He shrugged. “I’ve been noticing scuff marks in the ground, off the trail where tourists aren’t supposed to go. I figured someone was poking around, maybe looking for treasure.”
“And you assumed I was your treasure hunter?”
Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance involving outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. Whispers in the Dark involves archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. Rattled follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page.
by Sarah | Sep 12, 2013 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a stay at home Mom from the Midwest. I enjoy all things vampire and paranormal and love to read (when I get the chance in between writing books)!
Do you have a day job?
As a stay at home mom that also home schools my daughter, I consider that my full-time job!
Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Occasionally. Sometimes when I’m writing and I come up with a good line…I can’t help but chuckle.
Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
You can find me at www.alexandra-anthony.com and all of my books are listed there.
Your Novel
What is your book about?
This book is a Companion to The Vampire Destiny Series. The book is written from my heroes POV…his take on Fated (Book 1) and Illusion (Book 2). It also features his backstory…his human death, his struggles with immortality up until he meets my heroine, Josephine.
What about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Many of my fans love Stefan and wanted to hear his story…especially since my books are written in 1st Person POV. It was a fun journey to write as my dashing vampire hero.
You got the call – your novel is being made into a TV series or movie – who’s in your dream cast?
Stefan-Alexander Skarsgard
Josephine- Olivia Wilde
Lukas- Rupert Everett
Anna-Evangeline Lilly
Nikolaus-Adam Levine
Georgia-Catherine Bell
These are my core characters…I could go on and on!
Writing
How many people (i.e. characters) have you done away with in the course of your career?
Five.
Have you ever regretted killing one of them off?
No. Each character’s death was important to the story line…and had to be done!
What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?
My writing schedule is crazy. With school back in session, I now get up early to write or brainstorm…and then it’s school time. I also try to sit down in the evening and write for an hour or two. It’s hectic, but it works!
What is the most difficult part of the writing process? The easiest?
Editing is the worst. The easiest part is coming up with the story!
Have you written any other books?
Yes, I’ve written 4 books in The Vampire Destiny Series and 1 in The Dark Hart Chronicles. I’m working on Book 2 right now.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
Are you a neat freak? Or clutter-bound?
I’m a total neat freak…which does not work well with a writing schedule!
You were just given a yacht. What would you name it?
Mitt hjärtas önskan (My Heart’s Desire in Swedish)
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Invisibility
Quick Questions
Sing in the rain or dance in the streets?
Dance in the street. My voice might scare innocent people!
Pen or pencil?
Pen
Summer or Winter?
Winter
Movies or TV?
TV
*~*~*~*
Odyssey (The Vampire Destiny Series Companion Book 1)
| [amazon_link id=”B00EZ8A4FE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Book Blurb
In this first Companion Piece to The Vampire Destiny Series, we follow our hero, Stefan Lifsten, from the time of his human death, through his early years as a vampire until he meets Josephine Anderson, his fated mate.
We’ll travel along with him during his initial struggles to accept his immortality, his betrayals by friends and foes, and experience his joy of meeting the woman from his vision…experiencing Fated and Illusion through his eyes.
This book is a Companion to The Vampire Destiny Series and will feature missing scenes and character information. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it is highly recommended that you read Fated and Illusion to fully experience this book.
*This book contains sexy vampires, graphic language and highly erotic scenes that are not for those 18 and under or are of the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned.*
Excerpt
“Lukas? What happened?” I demanded harshly. I needed to know who had done this to her.
“I don’t know. She hasn’t had the chance to tell me anything.”
“Kian,” she sputtered. “Stefan, let me show you.”
Giving me access to her memories, she replayed her confrontation with her father at the art gallery for me. I stiffened against her and was ready to find Kian and rip him apart piece by piece.
“What?!? Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Lukas asked, tapping his foot impatiently.
“Josephine had an argument with her father. He apparently has been following her and confronted her today,” I said, placing a kiss against the top of her head.
Lukas was on the floor beside of us before I even realized he had moved. His fangs had dropped and he looked terrifying, so unlike the sweet Lukas we knew. “If that bastard even thinks he’s going to mess with her, I’ll end him, Stefan.”
Letting out a resigned sigh, I reached to place a hand on my child’s shoulder. “No one is ending anyone, Lukas. Only the game has changed. We knew it would happen eventually.” I focused my attention back on Josephine, smoothing her hair back from her tear-stained face. “Vackra, did he harm you at all?”
As I comforted her, I knew in that moment that I would kill Kian Ahearne and rejoice at his blood on my hands. His demise meant freedom for not only Josephine, but also for me. Her fear, her agony gave me the justification I had been waiting for.
“No. But he’s a monster.”
“You are safe now.” I nodded towards Lukas, who stroked Josephine’s arm gently before rising gracefully to his feet and leaving the apartment.
I scooped her up in my arms and carried her into the bedroom, sitting her down carefully on the edge of the bed. I motioned for her to lie down and I sat next to her. I removed her ankle boots, placing them on the floor beside the bed. The bed shifted under my weight and I collected her in the strong embrace of my arms, whispering against my temple. “Han kommer aldrig att röra dig. Om det är det sista jag gör på denna jord, kommer jag att dö skydda dig. Du är mitt liv, min kärlek.”
She let out a shaky sigh as she breathed in the smell of my skin. “When you speak in your native tongue, it sounds so beautiful. What did you just say?”
I snorted and closed my eyes. “You will not be happy with what I said.”
She pushed against my chest. “I’m already unhappy. Unless you just told me we’re over, I think I can deal with whatever you said.”
I let out a weary sigh. “I used to be a much stronger vampire. I give in to every whim, every request you have.” Smiling sheepishly, I rested my face against her hair. “I told you that he would never touch you. If it is the last thing I do on this earth, I will die protecting you. You are my life, my love.”
*~*
About Alexandra Anthony
Alexandra Anthony is the independent author of two romantic, erotic book series: The Vampire Destiny Series and The Dark Hart Chronicles. Both feature sexy vampires to die for, steamy love scenes and follow the twists and turns of her character’s many adventures. Her books are not for the faint of heart.
She was most recently featured in USA Today in an article by Joyce Lamb titled, “It’s time to put some Paranormal Activity into your Reading” and was featured under Self-Published/Indie Authors for the release of Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4). Her paranormal, erotic romance Tempted (The Dark Hart Chronicles Book 1) was nominated for Best Erotica in the 2013 Orangeberry Hall of Fame Contest.
by Sarah | Sep 11, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
What is your story?
I am a 975-year-old vampire from Scandinavia. Turned into an immortal after being mortally wounded, my psychic ability survived the change…only now I can only see the futures of other vampires. On a quest to find my fated mate after a vision I had of her, I scoured the earth for nearly 200 years to find her.
Who are you?
My given name was Steafedn Hlífsteinn. Over the years, I chose to make my name more modern. I now go under the name Stefan Lifsten.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
I think Alexandra did an exceptional job in portraying my inner thoughts…and desires.
What makes you happy?
Finding Josephine after 200 years of searching for her. It is a long time to look for your other half.
What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of little; however, I worry about the safety of Josephine above all else.
What in your past had the most profound effect on you?
Turning my maker over to the Council for her misdeeds. My part brought upon her final death. There is still a part of my that mourns her and second guesses my choice that day.
Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.
Cell phone, wallet, receipts, keys…and a krona.
What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why?
Before I met Josephine, I would have said sex. Prior to finding her, females served two purposes. Since I set my mate, sex and intimacy are one in the same.
What trait do you find most admirable, and how often do you find it?
Honesty. And I find it very little in immortals or humans.
How do your friends see you?
A protector. It is my job to keep my friends and family safe.
How do your enemies see you?
*Grins* A threat.
*~*~*~*
Odyssey (The Vampire Destiny Series Companion Book 1)
| [amazon_link id=”B00EZ8A4FE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Book Blurb
In this first Companion Piece to The Vampire Destiny Series, we follow our hero, Stefan Lifsten, from the time of his human death, through his early years as a vampire until he meets Josephine Anderson, his fated mate.
We’ll travel along with him during his initial struggles to accept his immortality, his betrayals by friends and foes, and experience his joy of meeting the woman from his vision…experiencing Fated and Illusion through his eyes.
This book is a Companion to The Vampire Destiny Series and will feature missing scenes and character information. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it is highly recommended that you read Fated and Illusion to fully experience this book.
*This book contains sexy vampires, graphic language and highly erotic scenes that are not for those 18 and under or are of the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned.*
Excerpt from Odyssey
Bitter tears of defeat fell from my eyes and streaked down my temples, dampening my filthy, bloody hair. I was losing more than my life tonight; I was leaving behind the love of my existence. She was more than human, that much I knew. She had been a part of my life as long as I could recall, my first memory of her as a young man of 16. As of late, I had grown restless. I no longer wanted to walk this earth without her at my side. She had invaded my every waking thought, bewitching me with her presence. Was this my penance for my impatience? For my insolence?
My warm exhale blew out into plumes, spreading into the dark night. The haze from my breath was testament to the bitter chill of the night. Slipping in and out of consciousness, I did not have much time left.
It was time for me to let go of this life and everything I cherished.
“Steafedn.”
Her voice pulled me from the abyss and surrounded me like a lover’s embrace. It
took a moment for her face to come into focus, my vision clouded and blurry. Brilliant eyes like emeralds stared back at me. Even in my weakened state I could see the sadness and desolation that had taken residence there. She reached for my hand, her skin warm against my cold, dying flesh.
“I cannot lose you.” My words sounded empty and weak. I refused to beg for my life; even it was possible for her to grant me a second chance at living. Attempting to reach for her, I found that I no longer had the strength to move. She stared down at my failing, mortal body and tears rimmed her vibrant irises.
“Steafedn,” she sobbed desperately. Her free hand rose to stroke my dirty, blood soaked hair with trembling fingers. “There is nothing I can do, my love. Not now. It is too late. I failed you.”
My breath rattled in my chest as I stared into her eyes. She was flawlessly beautiful, ethereal with her pale skin and long hair that framed her face in wild, copper waves. Her hand clutched mine tightly, her skin like the finest silk.
I inhaled in a deep breath, the frigid air filling my lungs. It was a struggle to keep my eyes open and focus on her. “There was nothing you could have done to prevent this end for me. Shoulder no blame for my recklessness. If this is to be our farewell…our final goodbye, I offer thanks to Freya that she granted me this final reward. Know that I will love you for an eternity, min gudinna.”
She lowered her lips against mine, offering me a gentle kiss of farewell. She did not move and spoke to me softy. “There will always be a part of me with you, though you may not remember. I will be the wind in your hair, the whisper in your ear, the love you will bury deep in your soul. And one day when our fates align, we will be together again. You will lose your way; however when the moment is right you will see me. You will find me, Steafedn.”
Her cryptic words confused me. Did she not comprehend what was happening? I was dying a mortal death, yet she was speaking as if I would live. She was speaking in circles, her words perplexing. “Isophina?”
“You will not understand now. There is no time to explain.” She sighed and glanced up at the moon that hung high in the night sky. Her fingers drifted over my grime-covered face, her eyes tracing the contours of my skin as if committing it to memory. “I wanted this to happen another way, yet I was given no choice. This was the only way to save you, my love. Please forgive me.”
She paused for a moment. Her mouth pressed to mine with surprising force and her hands gripped both sides of my face. Our eyes met and she lowered her chin to her chest. Her voice was a whisper as she spoke again, “Remember me, Steafedn. I ask for nothing more than that.”
She disappeared into the darkness, leaving me alone in my final moments. My eyes closed and I cried out a final request, surprised at the hoarseness and desperation in my voice. “Let me die. Release me from this suffering.”
***
About Alexandra Anthony
Alexandra Anthony is the independent author of two romantic, erotic book series:
The Vampire Destiny Series and The Dark Hart Chronicles. Both feature sexy vampires to die for, steamy love scenes and follow the twists and turns of her character’s many adventures. Her books are not for the faint of heart.
She was most recently featured in USA Today in an article by Joyce Lamb titled, “It’s time to put some Paranormal Activity into your Reading” and was featured under Self-Published/Indie Authors for the release of Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4). Her paranormal, erotic romance Tempted (The Dark Hart Chronicles Book 1) was nominated for Best Erotica in the 2013 Orangeberry Hall of Fame Contest.
Ms. Anthony is from the Midwest (Ohio to be precise) and was bitten by the lure of the vampire at an early age. She chose to take up writing and put her own twist on these mysterious immortal creatures…making them day-walkers that could easily blend in with their human counterparts. She also enjoys weaving Old Norse and Greek Mythology into her stories, adding a bit of realism into escapism.
Coming up on the horizon for Alexandra will be the second book in The Dark Hart Chronicles, Rapture. It is slated for a late fall/early winter release.
by Sarah | Sep 9, 2013 | Guest Authors, Top Ten Tuesday, Writing
Elizabeth George once said that she writes to stay sane. I do that, too. I also do it to keep everyone around me sane.
1. Writing keeps me from obsessing. Here’s me when I’m not writing: Carol drops by with a pan of brownies. She looks like a teenager in that halter top. She says, “I brought these for your husband to thank him for helping me fix that broken window.” I say thank you, but inside I’m thinking I really wish she’d wear more clothes. I wonder what she was wearing when Larry was at her house, for how long was that? I can’t compare myself to her—I had six kids and she has a dog. Maybe my abs would look like that if I had countless hours to spend at the gym. Does she work out at the same gym as Larry? Why does she call him all the time? He doesn’t even like brownies. But, I love them. I bet she knows that. She knows that I’m going to eat this entire pan of brownies because now I’m so depressed and one or two or five brownies isn’t going to matter because I’m going to be divorced and single and fat. I better call Larry, although I just talked to him and he’ll be home for lunch in twenty minutes, I need to hear his voice.
Here’s me when I’m writing: the doorbell rings but I don’t hear it because I’m deep into my story. Somehow Mercy has to stop Eloise from going on a drive with horrid Mr. Steele. What can she do—should she confide in Eloise? In the real world, my dog is pawing at me. No. Eloise is a blabber mouth. She can’t be trusted. My dog knows someone has come to the door and she pulls at my sock with her teeth. I shake her off, but she’s so annoying that I have to investigate. Someone has left brownies on my front porch with a thank you note. It’s from Carol, that darling girl from across the street. I consider the brownies and inspiration hits—Mercy will bake Eloise a pie laced with a draught that will make her sleep through her rendezvous with Steele. I put the brownies on the counter and save them for when Larry comes home for lunch. I hurry back to Mercy, Eloise and Mr. Steele, wondering how to make a sleeping draught.
(FYI- Neighbor Carol is fictional, used to make a point about my own lunacy and not a commentary on my highly respectable, modestly clothed and admirable neighbors or my good husband who always lets me eat more than my fair share of brownies.)
2. Writing gives me someplace to put my head. As a mom, I do a lot of mindless things—driving, stirring, ironing, cleaning toilets—and while I’m doing these mindless tasks, it’s nice to have something to think about (other than my neighbor’s halter top.) I also love research. It’s like a treasure hunt that just keeps going. The internet is an endless source of information and if I can’t find what I need there, I try to think of people who might know and I call and ask them. No one has ever been annoyed. People love to believe that they’re experts and when I call with a question, they’re always happy to chat.
3. Writing gives me hope. Remember how I said that as a mom I do a lot of mindless things? I don’t really enjoy most of them. I do them because they have to be done, but I’d really rather not iron, clean toilets and mop floors. I’d like to pay someone else to do those things, but since my husband makes several dollars an hour and I make pennies, I can’t pay someone to do those mindless chores that must be done. It wouldn’t be fair. I’ve promised myself that when I’m making several dollars an hour that I’ll hire a chore person. I hope to someday make enough with my writing to justify that expense.
4. Writing gives me places to go. Remember how I said I love research? This summer I spent a day in Seattle visiting all the places that Laine and Ian would go. I walked through the neighborhood on Queen Anne Hill and took pictures of the turn of the century mansions. I stopped at Kerry Park and watched the boats in the harbor. And then I went to the University of Washington’s library, because that’s what Laine does in chapter four. I imagined her running down the steps and bumping into the girl with the smoothie. It’s like spending the day with very good friends.
5. Writing gives me insight. I like to think I’m sensitive and intuitive to those around me, but when it comes to my own psyche, I’m clueless. Being a baby born late in my parent’s life, I grew up in a house full of teenagers and adults. If I ever lost my temper, I was subjected to ridicule. (Angry or not, I was almost always subjected to ridicule, but that’s a different post.) I learned to shut down my emotions and I’m pretty good at masking and avoiding them. Writing brings them to the forefront. I’ll unconsciously do things like name annoying characters after annoying people. I’ll usually catch the real life and fictional connections on the rewrite and make the necessary changes, because I’m sensitive enough to know it’s unkind and unwise to hurt even annoying people’s feelings.
6. Writing introduces me to people. Through my writing, I’ve made friends with all sorts of people in all sorts of places. Because of the wonder of the internet, the world is a lot smaller. I have blog readers from just about everywhere. As an example, here is a breakdown of today’s international visitors to my blog:
| Russia |
17 |
| Germany |
14 |
| Latvia |
13 |
| France |
9 |
| China |
8 |
| United Kingdom |
5 |
| India |
5 |
| Canada |
4 |
| Italy |
4 |
7. Writing helps me to connect with like-minded souls. This may sound like a repetition of #6, but it’s not. Avid readers are a rare breed and when I meet a like-minded literary soul, it helps me feel like a part of rare and unique breed. Here are the latest stats, from the Pew Research Center:
- 75% of Americans 16 and older read a book last year.
- The median number of books read by readers last year was 6; the average, pushed up by those always-reading outliers, was 15.
- The percentage of readers declined steadily with age, from 90% of 16 year-olds to just 67% of those 65 and older. Likewise, the percentage of readers increased steadily as household income and education levels rose.
- 81% of women read a book last year, but only 70% of men.
As you can see, if these numbers are to be believed, us bibliophiles are unique.
Here are three reasons for writing (according to George Orwell.) I like to think that none of them apply to me…but maybe they do.
8. Sheer egoism.
9. Aesthetic enthusiasm
10. Political purpose.
And that’s probably much more than anyone wanted to know about my psyche and why I like to write.
| [amazon_link id=”B005FCFHZ6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Kristy is the author of many novels, but only six are published. Her debut novel, Stealing Mercy, was on Amazon’s historical romance top 100 list for more than fifteen weeks and spent two weeks as number one. The Rhyme’s Library was a semi-finalist in the 2013 Kindle Books Award contest and Hailey’s Comments was a quarter-finalist in Amazon’s Novel Breakthrough Contest. Kristy studied English literature at Brigham Young University and at BYU’s International Center in London. Although a long time resident of Orange County California where she lives with her family, Kristy’s heart belongs in her hometown of Arlington, Washington, AKA Rose Arbor–the fictional setting of her popular Rose Arbor series.
by Sarah | Sep 6, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
| [amazon_link id=”B00CLXMDWC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |
Blurb:
Teacher Angela Munso has lost control—of her spiraling life. She can control the fallout of recent news from whose loins she sprang as easily as she can her heart’s pitter-patter. To have feelings for a man who is everything she now wants to hate? That’s the last straw!
Lt. Brock “Chance” Alexander’s arrogance baits Angela. And—he knows it. It’s never so obvious to him as when she lobs that insulting phrase at the side of his head. She pushes all of his hot buttons. But, there’s one he dares her to touch—the one that pushes him out of her life.
*~*
Scene: Angela and Chance recover from a publicly displayed difference of opinion.
Excerpt:
“Are you coming in for a few minutes?” Angela asked Chance once they arrived at her door.
“I shouldn’t,” he declined.
“I guess you’re right. What’s the point? This so-called relationship failed its first test.”
“That’s not the way I see it, Angela.” Chance cut the motor but stayed on the bike. “We’re both afraid of circumstances beyond our control. I’m more than certain I want you, exclusively, in my life. I’m just not certain you feel the same about me…and my profession.”
“I’ve confessed to having a humongous crush on you, Chance. An infatuation that supersedes all the anguish I’ve experienced in my lifetime. What would I do if you’re mortally wounded?” Her eyes closed at the thought and opened to him closing in for a kiss.
Chance relished the closeness as she melted in his arms accepting his affection. The kiss would have to last him several days for his next mission, assigned to him months before meeting her, would take him away from her and out of the state. He held on imprinting the feeling into his heart, rebelling at the thought of releasing her. “I’m going to walk away, now. I won’t be responsible for what might happen next in this relationship if I enter behind those doors.”
“I can tell,” she quietly admitted, her own passion rising. “Can I say something and you won’t think I’m easy?”
“I would never think that about you, Angela.”
“I’m glad you refused my offer to come inside. Lately, my will isn’t my own when I’m so close to you.”
He hoped she felt that way if she learned of his omission to inform her of his call to duty. If everything went according to schedule, she’d be none the wiser.
“Then, there is hope for us.” He drew from her well of sweetness once more, mounted his bike and left the words, “I’ll call you,” in the wind as he drove away.
My novels are available at:
Amazon | B&N | Bookstrand | RedRosePublishing
[amazon_link id=”B009OMHG6G” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]
[/amazon_link][amazon_link id=”B0085TK30K” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]
[/amazon_link]
Bio:
I’m a cruise-loving, people-watching, picture-snapping baby boomer with time on her hands. So, I write sweet and spicy relationship-based mainstream contemporary romantic love stories.
Find me at:
Mickie’s Mutterings | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Squidoo
by Sarah | Sep 5, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
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Book blurb:
After two traumatic years spent with her abusive ex husband, Carly swore that she would never remarry. With a low self-esteem and haunting demons from her past refusing to relinquish their grip, she could hardly confide in men until she met Robert, her handsome boss who managed to sweep her off her feet and show her the time of her life.
With his help, her fears and frustrations became a swell of lust, a wave of desire that aroused her numb senses, restoring her lost confidence and reviving her need for a man’s touch and affection, needs that she had suppressed for such a long time.
Naughty, erotic fantasies are fulfilled while on a well deserved vacation to the Andros Island in Bahamas, adding more spice to their steamy sex life.
Will Robert manage to convince her to give marriage another chance and start a new chapter in their lives?
Excerpt:
“Why are you so afraid that I’m going to leave, anyway?” she asked, running her hand up and down his firm abs. She could feel his muscles contract under her fingertips.
“Because it’s happened before,” he answered in a low, feeble tone.
Carly tilted her head up to look at him, taken aback by his answer. “What?”
“Yes, I’ve been dumped before. After that I could no longer trust women. I refused to get emotionally involved with anyone. It was nothing but no-strings-attached sex for me.”
She took a moment to process his words. “Who would want to leave you? You’re the sweetest, craziest, naughtiest man I’ve ever met and if someone locked me up in here with you for the rest of my life, I’d be more than happy to accept such punishment.” She pressed her lips to the pulse that was pounding in his throat, amazed that a sexy, clever guy like him would have troubles in love. Unable to help herself and feeling the need to erase the unwelcome memories she had stirred, she gave in to the impulse and licked along a damp line up his neck, nipping at his chin on the way. She hoped that the sensual treatment she was giving him was enough to make him put everything behind.
His voice was husky when he spoke, “I guess she had better plans…”
“Nothing could be better than this,” she stated and offered him a scorching kiss, devouring his mouth possessively. It was her turn to make him feel at ease. Determination oozed from every pore of her body, and she did everything she could to make him understand that she had no intention of leaving him.
“When you…showed up…for the job interview…” He tried to speak, but she kept interrupting him with kisses, his own tongue playing with hers with an eroticism that made her head swim and her need for him grow.
“Yes?” she asked, curious to hear what he had to say. She angled her head down and moved her mouth back to his neck, then swept it over the curve of his cheekbones, his stubble tickling her soft lips. Her palms were splayed against his chest and her fingers toyed with his nipples in a way that she knew inflamed him.
Robert let out a low roar and moaned her name unintelligibly, but he seemed to struggle to concentrate. “Carly…the moment I saw you…I was struck by your beauty. You innocent smile was the sweetest thing I had seen. I went home from work that day and nearly crashed the car twice. I couldn’t stop thinking of you. It was not something that I had experienced before and I wasn’t sure how to act. Then…once I found out what had happened to you I got so angry. I wanted you even more. I wanted you so much that I ended up knocking on your door in the middle of the night and asking you to sleep with me. Straightforwardness is my thing, but it was the first time I was doing that with somebody that I really liked. I acted on an impulse because I couldn’t stand one more day without holding you in my arms and loving you like you deserved it. I needed you…badly…”
Carly had stopped her playful assault and was hanging onto every word he was saying to her, their gazes locked in a heated clash. She felt an unusual sensation of weightlessness and the illusion held for a long moment as she stood enthralled by the promise in his eyes. “Any other man who would have showed up at that hour requesting such a thing would have most likely made me call the police. But you…I wanted you too even though I was scared as hell. I still can’t believe I did it. I could not recognize myself. But I do know one thing…that was the most beautiful, hot, sensual, enticing night in my entire life and I’d be more than happy to have nights like that with you for as long as I live.”
Their tender embrace turned to raging passion in the blink of an eye. Desire for one another spiraled higher, pushing away thoughts of the past and the future, lost in their happy place, their bodies yearning to move to the rhythm of a melody only they could hear.
*~*
Author bio:
Emily A. Lawrence lives in Transylvania with her family, hence her love for vampires and paranormal books. She is extremely passionate about fiction and has been writing stories, mostly fan fiction, for years now, but only began thinking seriously about publishing approximately a year ago. Having her family’s support, and encouraged by friends and fellow authors, she pursued her dream of becoming a published author.
Emily loves creating new characters with whom readers can identify themselves, and losing herself in their worlds. Usually, she writes contemporary romance in three heat levels: sweet, sensual and erotic. However, she would like to try her hand at other genres one day, such as paranormal or mystery.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, new sceneries, food and meeting new people, or simply reading a good book.
Author contact links:
Blog: http://emilyalawrence88.blogspot.ro/
Website: http://emilyalawrence.wix.com/emily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmyALawrence?ref=tn_tnmn
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/author.emily.a.lawrence?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmyALawrence
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20344150-emily-a-lawrence
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Kris Bock writes novels of suspense and romance involving outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. Whispers in the Dark involves archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. Rattled follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page.
