Saturday Spotlight | Redefining Perfect

Saturday Spotlight – Kenrickey by SC Dane

by Sarah | Feb 7, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing

In the northern Maine woods, a wolf pack unlike any other reigns the landscape. With the ability to shift into human shape, they are the supreme rulers of their territory. Until the real humans threaten their secret realm…

Ken Rickey is one of those humans. Until he’s entrusted with the secret of the wolf-people, an honor he’ll do anything to uphold. For among the wolf-people, Ken has found loyal friends in Armand and Eaen, two of the younger wolves in Luna’s pack who share his sense of adventure.

Welcoming them to his human world and keeping them safe isn’t going to be easy, especially when there are those who suspect the truth.

An intuitive woman, Naomi Foss is quick to unearth the mystery of Ken’s two friends. Human they may seem, but there is a wildness about them which is fast consuming Ken, altering him in extraordinary ways.

But the acceptance of Naomi plunges Ken and his wolf friends into dangerous territory, where the exposure of Luna’s pack becomes a lethal reality. Can these young lovers and friends stand against the threat while keeping their secret from those who hunt them?

*~*

EXCERPT:

We cavorted for quite some time—chasing, snatching, biting. Armand, once he’d gotten over his initial fear, darted around just as uninhibited as the rest of us; although he and Eaen were careful about shifting in front of Naomi.

I, on the other hand, shed all of my inhibitions, and the mock hunt for Nae escalated seriously. I wanted her bouncing ass all to myself, and her playful screams were jabs of electricity to my groin.

She didn’t run very fast once she caught me ogling her like she was an entrée. Good ol’ Nae. She even feigned a limp so that I could corner her in the living room. She darted her eyes around like a trapped deer, and wedged herself into the corner by the book shelf, protecting her back. Then she lifted her upper lip in a warning snarl, even as her hazel eyes glistened and her pupils stretched to turn her eyes almost black. Her blonde hair was tousled and sweaty, and I’d never seen a creature more inviting.

My mouth found hers before I could say no guts, no glory, and sweet living jackrabbits, she opened herself to me. It was all I could do not to slide Mr. Plucky into home once the ump signaled for me to steal. Her tongue teased, tasted me, then retreated maddeningly, and I withdrew just far enough to clamp my teeth across her windpipe and cup her ass in my hands.          She gasped, and my groin ached as it grew more swollen.

The ringing of her cell phone was like the screech of a car crash, and we both flinched at the intrusion of it. Naomi groaned as she slid away toward her pile of clothes on the living room floor. Eaen and Armand stood with their legs splayed, sides heaving, and wore tendrils of frothy spit on their fur. I stood with my need so obvious my balls hurt.

            Christ, guys.

Eaen winked, the teasing turd. He saw. He’d noticed we’d all gone a bit nuts, and he loved it. Armand’s waving tail gave him away, too, but the three of us paid more attention to Nae’s cell phone call.

It was The Bear, and he wanted her and his car. She’d been gone too long already, judging by her end of the conversation. She’d promised to be back before lunch and it was past that. My, how time really does fly when you’re having fun.

She told him she’d be right there, then snapped the lid shut on her phone. And I got an unexpected explosion of jealousy in my guts.

“Don’t go, Nae. Stay with us,” I offered, and fought like hell to keep my anger from boiling over into my voice. A feat beyond me, I wasn’t exactly successful. “Tell him to fuck himself.” Oh, yeah, I was really trying.

“I can’t, Ken. Not yet, anyway, but soon,” she promised.

            Was she crying? “Aw, Christ, Nae, don’t cry.” She effing leveled me. I was a mud puddle waiting to catch her tears, and before I knew it, my feet crossed the room and my arms were wrapped around her. I’d have sacrificed daylight for her.

“Come back later, then, huh?” I pulled her away to lose myself in her shimmering eyes, which had turned green because she cried. “I’ll come get you. Just call me, and I’ll come, okay? Whenever you want.” My fingers combed her tousled bangs, tucking their length behind her seashell ear.

She nodded and sniffed, and my heart cracked. Jee-zus, how was I letting her leave?

I wiped her tears with the pad of my thumb, pulled her warm body close, then ripped myself away and edged a fair distance back to stand between Eaen and Armand while we watched her dress. Weren’t we the gentlemen? When she finished donning her clothes, the four of us huddled to say good-bye.

“We really have to talk, Nae. Soon,” I said, before she slipped out the door and into the Yeti’s car. Within moments, she was gone, but even I could still smell the snowy day in our house.

Spotlight Saturday – Loves Intensity by Cassandra Ulrich

by Sarah | Jan 31, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing

I’m excited to introduce my latest and 2^nd novel, Love’s Intensity, a teen paranormal romance novel, released on July 11, 2013. I first plunged into writing novels with the release of my teen inspirational novel, A Beautiful Girl, on April 7, 2011. Billiard Buddies, a New Adult romance novella, will mark my third release coming soon. I enjoy writing characters with real life complexities.

I started out as a poet, entering competitions. I figured I’d write short stories, but I never thought I’d write full length novels. Never letting go of a dream a 5^th grade teacher had for me and giving in to the encouragement of friends, I began writing Love’s Intensity, which had progressed in my mind for two months. It was challenging to create a beginning for a story where I met the characters already living out their lives, but after reading the first chapter, my friends asked for more. Having gone through three rewrites, I’m happy to present this story to everyone else. This novel is only the beginning. A series of novels is sure to follow. Because my characters are multifaceted, readers respond to them like they are real people. See below for a blurb, excerpt, and sites where a copy may be purchased.

Love’s Intensity Blurb: Brad loves fast horses, cars, and bikes. Life would be perfect if his stepmother could only mind her own business. Instead, his father hired a longtime friend and her family to work in their home, turning his world into a feudal mess.

He wants to hate the new arrivals and it doesn’t help that Kressa, daughter of the newcomers, is the most gorgeous girl he’d ever laid eyes on. With a scent that draws him to her, Kressa causes him more internal conflict than he ever dreamed possible. He falls for her so deeply, he tells her a secret he’d never even told his best friends – that he’s training to be a ninja warrior.

Kressa adores her country and loves hanging out with her many cousins. News of the move to Massachusetts comes as a shock to her. She refuses to be happy in this new place working as a servant for a rich man and his mean son, who had the nerve to be cute. And why does her skin tingle every time her hand brushes against his?

Despite her efforts, she finds herself desperately longing for a friendship with the one boy who scowls at her. Matters are only made more complicated when his family and hers clash. When he goes on a dangerous mission, she wonders, will he return so she can tell him he’s won her heart or will their families manage to keep them apart?

*~*

Love’s Intensity Excerpt:

“Good job with the saddle,” Brad encouraged Kressa, “but next time you may want to use the stepping stool I got you yesterday. Keep Gentle Rider tied up to this post until you get settled, then you can untie her.” Moving the rake and pitchforks to the far end of the stable, Brad continued, “I have no idea what I would have done if you landed on these. I should have made sure these were properly put way, so the horses wouldn’t knock them over.” He picked up and brought the stepping stool over, placing it near Gentle Rider’s area.

“I suppose Papa would have had your head too.”

“Yeah, I’m glad you’re okay.”

Kressa rode her horse out the stable while Brad got his horse saddled, fed, and watered. After leading Silver Bullet into the yard, he asked Kressa, “Did you give her feed and water?”

****

Oh, no. Now he’ll be upset. He adores his horses.

“Sorry, I forgot. I was so eager to ride. I can do it now,” Kressa said, embarrassed that she forgot.

“No. It’ll take too much effort to get you on your horse again. I’ll go get it.” Kressa noticed Brad did not sound annoyed. He spoke to her in a matter-of-fact tone.

After feeding and watering her horse, Brad and Kressa galloped around the large grassy area. After riding for a half-hour, Brad pointed to the forest area. “Would you like to go through there and see what’s on the other side?”

“Yes,” Kressa eagerly responded, “I’ve wanted to know where you go when riding your horse.” Kressa realized too late she had exposed her secret.

“Have you been watching me? One day, I felt like I was being watched. I thought it might be you, but when I saw you in the dining room, I figured I must have been wrong.”

Kressa knew she ought to fess up. “It was me. I hid because I didn’t want you to know I was watching.”

“How did you run upstairs so fast? You didn’t look out of breath.”

“I held my breath until you moved away. I was exhausted.” Kressa tried to smile while casting her eyes to the ground. Brad laughed heartily.

“Let’s go,” he said, leading the way through a path in the forest, which had been created by much riding, to the grassy field on the other side.

When Brad and Kressa came out of the tree cover, the sun seemed to shine brighter due to the open space. No shrubs or little trees existed here, only light green short cut grass which reflected the sunlight. They raced the horses around the perimeter a couple times before coming to a stop.

****

Nina studied Julio while he watched Kressa during her riding lesson. When Brad led Kressa into the forest, Julio turned to Nina and barked, “Where is he taking her? I don’t like that boy. He’s not trustworthy. If he touches my girl…”

Nina interrupted, “He won’t touch her. He has strict orders from his father.”

“Nina, he’s a young man with an active libido. I don’t care what his orders are; he can’t be trusted to control what comes naturally. Now, he’s alone with her and under the cover of those trees,” Julio fumed.

“Julio, Kressa is a smart girl. She knows what we’ve taught her, what we expect. Even if he tried something, she would push him away.”

“But only if she doesn’t want him, Nina. He’s strong, good looking, and the only boy around to talk to. I’m going over there.”

“Please wait a few minutes. If they’re not back, then go, but please don’t hurt him.”

“You would elevate him over our daughter’s innocence?”

“No, Julio, of course not. I just don’t want you to do something you can’t return from. I love you.”

Julio shook his head and moved away from her. He must hate me for bringing him here. What can I do to change his mind?

****

Brad rode Silver Bullet alongside Kressa and Gentle Rider so the horses faced each other upon his approach. He gazed into Kressa’s eyes, longing to learn something new about the girl who lived in his house. Brad removed his riding glove and reached over to brush Kressa’s hair away from her face so he could touch her cheek. She did not shrink away. His fingertips tingled where her skin met his.

So beautiful. Brad’s heart pumped a little faster and his mind swirled. Does she feel drawn to me too? He shook his head slightly. “We should go back now,” Brad said tenderly, realizing once again that the warmth he felt when he touched Kressa also did something to his heart. It was better not to remain alone. He wondered if Kressa would ever admit whether she experienced any affection toward him. He found her hard to read sometimes.

Brad pulled on his glove, led the way back through the forest, and headed for the stable. After brushing, feeding, and watering all four horses, Brad and Kressa strolled back to the house. “Great lesson today. I think before long you’ll be able to go out on your own.”

“Really? That would be great. How many more lessons do I need?” She said eagerly.

“I would imagine one or two more.”

They both laughed at the good news. At that moment, Kressa’s dad appeared around some shrubs at the base of the hill. His face held a fiery red glow.

“Kressa, get to the house right now,” Mr. Morales said grabbing her arm and pushing her toward their apartment. “I don’t know what you were thinking today taking her through those woods, but I don’t like it.”

“Sir, there’s wide open space to run the horses on the other side of the trees. I wasn’t trying to seduce her,” Brad said, feeling some guilt for touching her cheek earlier.

Mr. Morales shot Brad a fierce look and took Kressa away.

*~*

Cassandra’s Bio: Cassandra Ulrich was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, located east of Puerto Rico. Living in the tropics fueled her imagination and day dreams. For years, she wrote poetry and entered competitions. However, only many years later did she discover joy in writing stories longer than a few pages.

She published her first young adult novel, A Beautiful Girl, in April 2011. The inspirational novel has already touched many hearts ranging from teens to adults.

Her second novel, Love’s Intensity, is a teen paranormal romance and was released on July 11, 2013.

Website: http://cassandraulrich.com/

Blog Site: http://cassandraulrich.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraUlrichAuthor

Twitter: @CassandraUlric1

Amazon: Author Page

Saturday Spotlight – Wolves’ Pawn by P.J. MacLayne

by Sarah | Jan 26, 2014 | Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing

| [amazon_link id=”B00HVDD1G4″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |

Blurb:

Dot McKenzie is a lone wolf-shifter on the run, using everything available to her to stay one step ahead of her pursuers. When she is offered a chance for friendship and safety with the Fairwood pack, she accepts.

Gavin Fairwood, reluctant heir for Fairwood pack leadership, is content to let life happen while he waits. Old longings surface when he appoints himself as Dot’s protector and becomes more than a friend.

Dot goes into hiding again when her presence puts the pack and her new friends at risk. When old enemies threaten the destruction of the Fairwood pack, it will take the combined efforts of Dot and Gavin to save it. But can anything save their love and Dot’s life when she becomes a pawn in a pack leader’s deadly game

*~*

Excerpt:

They were being followed. The four right turns they’d made proved it. One SUV, one pair of motorcyclists. She and Tasha needed to split up. Dot spotted a break in traffic, geared down, made a hard left and headed down an alley. Tasha followed her, but oncoming cars blocked their pursuers for the time being. At the end of the alley, a left-hand turn put them going the opposite way she wanted to go, but also gave them a chance to pull into the parking lot of a biker bar. She nosed her bike among the others and checked to see that Tasha did the same.

A couple of bikers stood outside smoking, and she pulled off her helmet as she walked up to them, fluffing up her hair with one hand, waiting until Tasha caught up with her. “Follow my lead,” Dot said quietly. Then, fluttering her eyes and leisurely unzipping her jacket, she went up to them. “How’s it going, boys?”

“Better now,” grinned one. “Care for a smoke?”

Dot accepted a cigarette and let the biker light it for her, while she watched the parking lot and the street beyond. “You ever have any trouble with anyone messing with your bikes here?”

“Used to, but since the bar owner added a new security system,” he poked another of the men in the ribs, “We haven’t had any problems.”

It must have been a long-standing joke, because both men roared with laughter. Dot grinned. “We were a little worried,” she said. “We stopped at a convenience store down the road and a couple of suspicious guys were eying our bikes. We hope to have time for a beer, but are afraid to leave them for very long.”

The SUV that had been following them slowly rolled down the street, and Dot felt Tasha jab her in the ribs. She barely nodded in acknowledgment. “If you ladies want a beer, we’ll keep an eye on things out here for you. We’re waiting for a friend anyway.”

“Thanks.” Dot dropped the cigarette on the ground and ground it into the dirt with the toe of her boot. “Maybe I can buy you one later.”

“Well, I would like that but the old lady wouldn’t and she’s inside, so I’m going to have to decline the offer.” He grinned. “Maybe another time.”

She pouted and sighed. “Just my luck.”

“What are you doing?” Tasha asked as they headed inside.

“Just playing the game,” Dot explained in a low voice. “And I’m not done yet.”

The bar wasn’t crowded and Dot picked a bar stool in the middle of an unoccupied stretch, and Tasha took a seat beside her, clearly uncomfortable. “Beer,” Dot told the bartender. When he moved out of earshot she explained, “My mental voice isn’t focused enough yet to use in a place like this. I can’t guarantee it won’t be overheard.”

The drinks arrived, and Dot paid for them, smiling broadly at the server. “You ladies from around here?” he asked.

“No, just in town for a few days, hoping to have some fun while we’re here.”

“You’ve come to the right place.”

Tasha scanned the bar nervously. They were too close to Choate territory. When the barman moved away Dot asked “Anyone in here kin?”

“Not that I can sense.”

“Good. Drink your beer now.”

It didn’t take long until a man slid into the barstool beside Dot. “You ladies want some company?”

“Depends on who’s asking,” she said, turning towards him with what she hoped was a dazzling smile.

“Care to join me and my friends?” With a jerk of his head, he indicated two men at one of the tables. They were typical bikers, big, burly men dressed in black leather jackets, jeans, with scarfs on their heads. Just what Dot was hoping for.

“Sure.” She picked up her beer and slid off her seat. “I’m Maria, this is my friend Trish.”

Tasha wanted to object, but Dot seemed to know what she was doing. They pulled up chairs and Tasha kept one eye on the front door while she watched Dot flirt with each man in turn. Her diligence was rewarded when two men walked in and she caught the distinct scent of wolf. She kicked Dot under the table. Dot half-turned to her and nodded.

“You want another beer?” one man asked as Dot drained her glass.

“I’d better not,” she said, sounding reluctant. “I don’t like to drink and drive.” She glanced around the bar and faked a look of dismay. “Oh, no.”

“What?” asked her new friend.

“See those two men at the bar?” Dot chewed on her lower lip. “I think those are guys who gave us a bad time earlier today.”

“You sure?”

“No.” She leaned forward. “Tell you what. We’ll make a trip to the restroom, and you keep an eye on them. When we come back you can tell us what happens.” She stood and grabbed Tasha’s hand. “Come on.”

When they got to the restroom, Dot checked to make sure all the stalls were empty. “Here’s the plan, Tasha. We’ll have the guys run interference so we can get out of here. My guess is that the others are waiting outside. Hopefully our buddies are making sure no one messes with the bikes. You still have that revolver strapped to your leg?”

“How’d you know about that?” Tasha thought she’d kept it hidden.

“Never mind. Put it in your pocket. You may need to use it.”

Saturday Spotlight – The Garnet Dagger by Andrea Cooper

by Sarah | Jan 17, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing

The Garnet Dagger Blurb: Everyone knows what happens when a vampire bites a human…but what if the victim is Elvin?

Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and his world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

*~*

The Garnet Dagger Excerpt: Chapter One

I’ve known death. For over half a millennia, I escorted many to death at the end of my sword. In the eyes of the dying, I watched it shroud them. Foolishly, I thought many more eras would pass before death came for me. It came so swiftly that I could not run; I could not escape. At a village, dressed in human clothes, I took in everything. By observing for eons, I understood and spoke their language. The world of mankind fascinated me. Their hobbled homes burrowed into the ground.

Rocks crunched on top one another with thatched roofs woven from straw. Never had I seen a home or inn that was higher than three levels, as if they were afraid of the sky. I delayed my return to my people as I watched human jugglers bounce torches and knifes. It was autumn equinox and the festivities would continue well into the night. Children laughed as they chased each other. A trail of leaves from their costumes twirled after them. It was dark when I reached the forest. Since I was already late, I hiked uphill to a shortcut rather than take the long path back home. I didn’t need to alert any of my kind near the barrier at this hour. Liana would wonder why I was late.

Tonight was the two month anniversary of our hand twining ceremony. One more month as was custom, and then we’d be wed. A gasp rustled through the trees. The roots shot a warning through to me with stifled caution. Adjusting my pack, I continued on instead of changing back into my Elvin clothes. After I passed the border which kept humans from entering our land, then I’d change. In the distance, I heard a groan. Curious, I spun in the direction of the sound. The autumn wind breezed through my worn human clothes, chilling me. But someone needed help. I turned in the direction of the sounds. Whatever made the noise should be a few yards ahead.

I hiked slower than my normal speed, so as not to startle whatever human called out. My leather boots crunched upon dried, diseased leaves and bark. Horrified, I glanced up. Branches twisted around each other to suffocating. Lifeless limbs cracked in the wind. Flesh of the trees sloughed off in layers, exposing its bones. Gashes hollowed out chunks of warmth. Fragments of leaves clung to finger tips, marking sepulchers of the dying trees. Trees mourned with wails like splitting wood, and I brought my hands over my ears. I must flee before I became infected, they told me. Flee before the stain of this defilement creeps into you, they warned. Trees spoke to my kind, always had. Yet these trees were in such agony of death that I could not breathe. Felt as though my lungs had folded in on themselves, like a moth unable to break loose from its cocoon.

Nothing I could do for them, and if I lingered too long, whatever disease gnawed upon them may choke me. Where would I go if I carried something so foul as to devour trees from the inside out? I’d never return to Tamlon if I brought this infection with me. I drew away, but a movement at the base of a decaying tree to my right caught me. My night vision picked up the sight of a human. His sallow face seemed to glow in the moonlight. Poking out from rags lay his arms and legs, which resembled skin stretched over sticks. So cadaverous was his face, I’d have thought him dead if he hadn’t moved.

“Please,” he said and his voice sounded like cicada’s vibrations, “help me.”

“What ails you in this troubled place?” I wondered if my voice, foreign to my ears in speaking the human’s language, revealed my nature.

“I am lost.” His dark eyes crinkled around the corners. “Without strength to rise. If you would but assist me up, I’ll be on my way.”

I’d never touched a human on purpose before. Was it that that gave me pause, or dread that stilled my heart? My feet itched to flee. As soon as I helped him, then I’d leave. I gritted my teeth and reached a hand down.

His gnarled fingers snapped on my arm, making me wince. Jerking me forward, his face contorted. Surprised by his strength, I fell beside him. Blackness curled around me. Teeth, fangs, broke through the skin on my neck. Then I knew him for what he was, a vampyre.

*~*

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.

The Garnet Dagger Book Trailer http://youtu.be/ISi0u9LoseM

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/

The Reprobate by Dorothy A. Bell

by Sarah | Jan 10, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing

| [amazon_link id=”B00C6Q8AC6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |

The Reprobate

Fiddle-playing Royce O’Bannon, and Cleantha Arnaud, the lonesome,

Broken music teacher break conventions rules.

Excerpt:

He pulled her onto his lap and held her tight. Feeling

the warmth and weight of her firm little bottom on his thighs

instantly did things to his manhood—his blood pooling in his

groin.

God, he wanted to lay her back and kiss the hell out her.

Using all of his restraint, calling upon his inner reserve of

control, he held himself in check.

“Now, tell me what this is about? All week you wouldn’t

even look me in the eye. Are you mad at me because I picked

you up and carried you down the steps in front of your

father? I had to—don’t you understand? I had to hold you. I

thought I would die out there in the wind and snow. I kept

warm by thinking of you in my arms. When you came out

that door, I had to, Cleantha—I had to touch you, feel your

body against mine.”

She sniffed and confessed, “I wanted you to hold

me…never let me go.”

For a moment he couldn’t speak, his mouth had gone dry,

his mind drew a blank. She wanted him too, but still, what

they felt for each other couldn’t be right or even possible.

Doomed. Right this minute he wanted to peel off her clothes,

lay her out on the rug before the fire and plunge himself into

her quiver. He wanted to taste every inch of her, make love to

her, take her breath away, leave her limp and begging for

more. Knowing that, he also knew he would hurt her in more

ways than one, and she would rip his heart out, leave him

bleeding and hating himself. He also believed Cleantha

Arnaud to be the most amazing person he’d ever

encountered. If she was angry, or in pain, he wanted to be

there for her. Suddenly it occurred to him that maybe this

great sense of discovery, of wonder and aching passion,

finally explained why he’d been born. At last, maybe he had a

reason to exist.

With that revelation planted in his mind, Royce set his

desire aside and took it upon himself to ask, “Why are you

drinking, Cleantha? What’s happened?”

Looking up at him, her eyes wide, she looked like a little

girl. His heart melted. Her eyes were full of turmoil and

misery. Her lips quivered when she spoke. “I feel so

worthless. My father’s thinking of getting married. I’m too

stubborn to die and get out of the way.”

He nodded and asked, “So, we’re talking about Mrs.

Tatom?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t like her?”

She shook her head and surprised him, saying, “Margret

Tatom is a lovely woman.”

He liked it that she sat content on his lap, with her head

resting on his shoulder. She sighed, her breath smelled sweet

with the fragrance of the elderberry wine and felt warm

against his neck. The temptation to kiss her lovely lips

distracted him from what she was saying. With a tilt of her

head to look up into his eyes, she foiled his opportunity to

make his move.

“I like Margret, but—she treats me like I’m…I’m a cripple,

not only in body but of mind. Worse, I think my father would

like to get me out of his way. He wants to build on a parlor

and a bedroom for me on the other side of the house.” Her

words had tumbled out in a rush. She trembled within his

embrace. “A room with its own entrance,” she said, lifting

her head from his shoulder to look up to his eyes. “A room

where I could have my own fireplace, a room where I could

be put out of the way when he marries,” she blubbered, then

laid her head back on his shoulder, ”A room away from his

new family, his new wife, his new daughter.”

Nodding with understanding, he murmured with real

sympathy, “Ah, a pity drunk, the worst kind.”

She slugged him in the chest and wiggled to get off his

lap. “Go away, you…you thug. I realize you’re the expert on

what kind of drunk I might be. What’s your excuse?”

He chuckled and tightened his hold while she made a

half-hearted attempt to get free. Once she settled back down,

her body stiff, arms folded across her chest, he answered her,

“It’s been a few weeks now since I’ve had a drink, but I’d

guess I drank to punish myself.”

She pulled back, giving him a saucy smile to ask, “For

being a prize pig?”

In fun he jerked his chin up, taking the hit, then

answered her in all honesty, “Yes, as a matter of fact. For

being a Goddamned prized pig. A pig is selfish and rude, and

that would be me,” he said without shame.

“Did getting drunk help you feel better about being a

pig?” she asked, her eyes soft, full of pity. He’d never had

anyone look at him with such tenderness, such empathy, and

it took his breath away.

“No.” Her eyes demanded the truth. “Drinking made me

feel like hell. That’s the punishment, you see.”

Relaxing, Cleantha put her head back on his shoulder. “I

think you’re a beautiful pig.”

“I think you’re beautiful, too.” Without thinking, he

kissed the top of her head. Her hair beneath his lips felt silky

and smelled of oranges and roses.

“Drinking makes me feel like shit,” she admitted on a

whimper. Royce laughed and gave in to his need to feel his

lips on her mouth, to taste her, feel her.

My blog: http://dabellm3.wordpress.com

To purchase: http://freyasbower.com

The Reprobate:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17731707-the-reprobate?from_search=true

Amazon: [amazon_link id=”B00C6Q8AC6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]

The Cost of Revenge

Amazon: [amazon_link id=”B00FEMQ9DQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18499893-the-cost-of-revenge?ac=1

Saturday Spotlight – Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith (5 Flames – NSFW)

by Sarah | Nov 29, 2013 | Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing

PLAYING DOCTOR/Entangled Flaunt

Blurb:

When a fellow RN jokingly predicts that Beth Roberts will meet a tall, ripped and totally lick-o-licious stranger who will fulfill her deepest desires, it’s supposed to be from across a crowded room, not giving CPR to a wedding guest. Given her tragic love life, Beth has no desire to become involved again, but who could have predicted the ponytailed doctor with the mischievous smile would break through her defenses?

Dr. Gabriel North blamed himself for his wife’s death. Now, after two years of battling guilt and meaningless hookups, he’s ready to move on. When he sees the sexy brunette at his friend’s wedding, his attraction is swift and strong, and he wastes no time in pressing his advantage. One night with the woman who makes him feel alive again isn’t enough, but gaining her trust is going to take more than medical school has prepared him for.

Excerpt:

He worked the button at her waistband free, pulled the zipper down and drove his hand inside. His fingers slid over her sex once, twice, and then plunged deep. Her body quaked, her inner walls grasped and squeezed at his fingers, but it wasn’t enough.

“More,” she moaned. “I need…I’ve got to have my hands on you.” Beth tugged his shirt free of his slacks, keenly aware of the thick column of his cock pressing against his fly. She plunged her hands under the soft fabric, smoothed her palms up the firm ridges of his abdomen. She pressed her hand to his chest, just over his heart, felt the gallop and pitch of it beneath muscle and bone.

For her.

She was in so much trouble and she didn’t give a flying fig. Right now, at this moment, all she cared about was this man, and that he was here, standing before her. Wanting her.

His forehead fell to hers, his breathing ragged and uneven. He pulled her hand from his cock, grasped her hips and dragged her in, grinding his erection against her upper abdomen. “I’ve dreamed about you, woke up with the taste of you in my mouth.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “I’ve dreamed about you, too. Of your mouth, your tongue on me.” She shuddered against him.

“God, Beth.”

“I came, but it wasn’t enough. It’s not enough now. I need you…inside me. Right here, right now.”

“Fucking hell!”

Had she not known it was lust that caused his fingers to bite into her hips, Beth would have been frightened, but she knew she was safe. By the way his eyes burned with it, the way his shoulders heaved as he fought for control, by the way his touch gentled, she knew. The hollow feeling in her chest filled to overflowing, sealed over, and healed. A new sensation crept in and tapped at her heart. Open up, it beckoned, and see what awaits.

Fabric shifted, just enough to accommodate. Beth toed off her shoes, slid her slacks and panties down to kick one leg free. Gabe fought his belt open, yanked down his zipper and shoved his slacks over his hips. His cock sprang free, heavy and full.

He bent his knees, cupped her ass in his hands and hoisted her up. “Hang on to me. I’m sorry. This is going to be fast,” he apologized and reached between them to align the rigid length of his cock between her thighs. “Ah, damn, you’re so wet,” he gritted, and then slid into her.

Beth buried her face against his neck, ran her tongue along the line of his jaw. His body shuddered. She wrapped around him, wound her arms around his neck, squeezed her legs around his hips and held him there. He was thick and hard and she thought she’d come from the sheer bliss of having him inside her again. He pulled back, all the way to the tip, and, when he thrust back in, the door rattled on its hinges.

They both froze.

Beth sucked in a breath. “Oh, God, as much as I’d love for you to do that again—”

Gabe’s forehead banged against the door. “You’d hate to get fired for getting fucked against my office door.” He turned, moved to the side and braced his back against the wall.

Beth glanced around the small room, her gaze landing on the desk. Gabe laughed, causing his cock to flex and pulling a moan from her throat.

“Baby,” he rasped, “there’s nothing I’d like more than to bend you over that piece of furniture and take us both to heaven, but unless it’s nailed to the floor…”

“Oh, God.” The image he painted, pushing over the desk, driving into her…her pussy clenched.

“Ah, fuck! Squeeze me like that again,” he panted. “Just…hold on to me.” Widening his stance, Gabe grasped Beth’s hips and lifted her, angling his pelvis up as he brought her back down hard on his shaft. Then he did it again.

“Gabe, that’s…oh, I…just don’t stop!” Each pause was punctuated with another lift and thrust.

“No way in hell. Just don’t scream when you come.” And then he moved, lifting, lowering, rotating his hips to find that sweet spot that drove her wild.

It started in the soles of her feet—that sizzle of electricity signaling her orgasm. It snaked up her legs, curled around her inner thighs, and with a low keening sound, Beth buried her face in Gabe’s neck and welcomed it as it speared her clit with an orgasm that clung to every inch of Gabe as he drove into her. He was right with her, his breath a harsh hiss against her ear as he thrust deep and held her tightly against him.

The soft brush of Gabe’s lips over her sweat-dampened temple was in stark contradiction to the choppy breaths lifting his chest against hers. “I’ve missed you, missed this,” he whispered hoarsely.

“Me, too.” After a moment, when she’d caught her breath, Beth lifted her head and said, “We really…”

“Need to talk,” he sighed. “I know.”

Bio:

Jan Meredith has been a romance junkie since her teens. When she isn’t penning steamy stories about strong-willed, independent women and the sexy men who love them, she works as an Infusion Therapy nurse. She lives near Mammoth Cave, KY with her husband (and former high school sweet heart) Tommy.

You can learn more about her at her web site: http://www.janmeredithauthor.com/
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.meredith.121
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanMeredith21

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