Unless he can come up with $500,000, Jason Swan will lose his hot air balloon ride company to his ex-wife, a woman he should have never married, especially since he has a penchant for men. Big, virile men like Michael O'Shaunnesy.
Michael O’Shaunnesy is on the run from his ex-lover when his car breaks down in Napa Valley. To escape, he steals Jason’s balloon. Miles above the ground, the two men are beset by danger ... and desire. When disaster strikes, the only way out is down.
Excerpt:
This was it.
Josh Swan smoothed the silk envelope of the hot air balloon with his hand. As of Monday, his company, Take Flight, would belong to the bitch, otherwise known as his ex-wife, Abigail.
It had been a hell of a run while it lasted—the business that is. The marriage had been a mistake from the get-go.
Two bright halogen lights mounted on the side of the red barn illuminated the field. The building served as the waiting room for the four to six passengers he normally flew over the Napa Valley. His four-member support crew, teenagers from the local high school, moved sluggishly around the balloon. Usually on a Saturday, the field was abuzz with the shouted commands of the crew chief and the excited chatter of the passengers. The to-be passengers would be sipping hot chocolate, munching on bagels, and shivering in the predawn chill.
This morning, the barn was empty. His crew was somber, their voices quiet and their movements slow and deliberate. It only took fifteen minutes to fill the large black envelope. Josh checked his watch; half an hour had already passed. It seemed as if everyone wanted to drag out this last flight for as long as they could.
However, they didn’t have all day to get the balloon in the air. A glance at the glowing horizon confirmed that the sun would be up any minute now, bringing the breeze with it. He turned to check the windsock hung from the peak of the barn roof. No sign of movement yet.
To his relief, when he looked back at the balloon, the envelope was almost full of cold air. It was time to flip on the burner and finish filling the balloon with hot air for its final flight. While he sipped hot coffee from an insulated mug, the balloon lifted from the ground. As the black swan danced proudly over the wicker gondola, the crew gave a muted cheer.
“Excuse me,” a voice with a faint Irish burr called.
Josh frowned. Odd, he hadn’t heard a vehicle drive up. Shit. It was probably some damn lawyer sent by his ex-wife. Well, the company was hers on Monday and not a minute sooner. Josh turned toward the source of the voice and pasted a smile on his face, while he prepared to send the man away with a few choice words.
Those words died on his lips when he viewed the man in front of him. He knew that face, that body. Oh, my God. It was Michael O’Shaunnesy, the spokes model for Hedonism, a Las Vegas pleasure resort. What in the world was the gorgeous Adonis doing standing in his field?
As he gazed into the face of the cover model, a flare of desire shot through him. Oh, what a face it was… Tousled black hair set off Michael’s pale complexion and piercing blue eyes. He had a crooked nose rumored to have been broken in a bar fight in Ireland, lush kissable lips, and a strong chin.
Josh’s cock hardened with interest as he continued his perusal of the six-foot tall body builder turned spokes model. Michael wore a black T-shirt that fitted him like a second skin. The soft cotton accentuated rather than hid his well-developed pectoral and abdominal muscles. Speaking of bulges, Michael’s tight black jeans did nothing to hide his manly package. What Josh wouldn’t give to get a good look at Michael’s cock. In fact, as long as he was fantasizing, Josh figured he might as well take it out and play with it. Run his tongue up from the thick, engorged base, swipe it slowly across the swollen glans, and then suck it deep into his mouth.
Dragging his attention back to reality, Josh startled when he saw the lethal-looking bulge Michael held in his left hand.
A big, black revolver.
What the hell?
“Hey, Mr. Swan, we’re ready whenever you are,” Henry, his ground crew chief, called.
Michael waved the gun slightly.
Josh lifted his hands in the air. “What do you want? I don’t have any money on the premises.”
“I have all the money I need. What I need is that.” Michael jerked his head toward the balloon.
“Oh, no, I’m sorry—”
“Shut up.” Michael glanced over his shoulder then used the gun to induce Josh to walk toward the craft.
By now, the ground crew had obviously seen the gun. They stood in a tight huddle by the basket.
“Hey, guys,” Josh tried to sound calm as he bluffed his way through this. “Looks like I’m not going to be flying today after all. I’d like all of you to go ahead on home.” Then he prayed the gunman would agree. Five hostages would be much harder to handle than one, and Josh didn’t want the death of these kids on his hands. As for his own life, it wasn’t as if his future looked all that bright anyway.
“You heard him, go on!” Michael shouted.
Josh was glad to see he didn’t have to tell them twice. They scattered for their cars, revved up the engines, and shot out of the yard with squealing tires. He’d bet each one of them was on their cell phone dialing 911. Not that it would do him any good. The police dispatcher was his ex-wife’s mother, and the town sheriff was her dad. Hell, he’d be lucky if they even sent a car out here later to scrape up his dead body.
Josh turned his focus back onto Michael. The dark haired man scowled, his attention on the balloon. This might be his only chance to disarm the man. He measured the distance between them. If Michael would only move a bit closer, Josh might be able to kick the gun away. And if he lunged…
As if reading his thoughts, Michael’s blue eyes focused on him.
Shit.
There had to be a way out of this. Perhaps Mr. Gorgeous would take the van instead. “How about I give you the keys to the van over there?” Josh jerked his head toward the parking lot.
“No, they’d find me in that.” Michael looked back at the balloon, and a small smile teased the corners of his luscious lips. “I flew one of these things at a photo shoot last year. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
Josh snorted. Like hell, he had. Flying a balloon required a pilot’s license. Having flown both a plane and a hot air balloon, in Josh’s estimation, the plane was easier to manage. He opened his mouth to tell the gunman to take a hike, when he saw a cloud of dust rise up along the glowing horizon. Hey, what did he know? The cavalry might actually arrive in time to save his skin.
Michael must have also seen it, for his face paled, and a small rivulet of sweat ran down his temple.
Just for a second, Josh felt sorry for Michael. He had far too much going for him to throw it all away for a life of crime. So, why was he? Did it have something to do with the theft at the Hedonism casino on Friday night? That would certainly explain the money Michael said he didn’t need.
A sharp prod in his ribs brought Josh’s mind into focus. Michael motioned with the gun to indicate he wanted Josh to walk ahead of him.
As they approached the balloon, Josh contemplated the options of how to stall Michael without getting shot. He just needed a few minutes. Unfortunately, he hadn’t thought of a plan by the time they reached the gondola. Michael tossed the green bag he carried into the gondola then vaulted into the basket.
Josh admired the way the muscles of Michael’s thighs and butt bunched as he leapt. For such a big guy, he moved like poetry. Josh shifted to hide his erection. There was something innately wrong with getting turned on by the guy who was robbing you. But he couldn’t help it. Michael looked stunning on television, but in real life, he was twice as hot. Hell, if they’d met under other circumstances, Josh would have loved to take Michael for a ride in his balloon, complete with a picnic basket brimming with champagne, oysters, and condoms.
Oh well.
As Josh watched helplessly, Michael unfastened the tethers, and the balloon shot into the air.
Breathless by Ericka Scott
September BLOG Event!
Dear Readers & Authors,
September has been a fantastic month here on our REO BLOG! Thanks to all the authors who participated and posted such wonderful blog posts. Your participation really meant a lot to readers and to all those who read and keep up with our blog. We really appreciate the time you took to entertain us!
Readers, WOW!! We had almost 120 blog post comments. Your comments were delightful and absolutely appreciated by the authors. We can't thank you enough for participating in our September Blog Event and taking the time to enjoy the posts.
We will be picking the winners of free books donated by the generous authors this weekend and will be posting the results here on the blog, as well as on Romance Excerpts Only's Yahoo Group. Be on the lookout for the announcement.
Again, I am really pleased by the event and the participation on both the author and reader's part. We will continue to come up with events like this and hope you join us.
Authors, you are welcome to keep posting as often as you wish here. And readers, we hope you continue to comment on the author's posts. It makes them feel good : ) to know that readers are looking.
Kara Griffin
REO Owner/Moderator
Love on the Run Available in Print Today
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ISBN: 978-1-59998-963-1
Length 76,000 words
Price: $14.00
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: Sept. 30, 2008
Caught in the sights of a killer, David and Miranda fight for life—and the chance to love again.
Miranda Raines thinks she has found a safe haven in Oxford, England, until Scotland Yard DCI David French knocks on her door with terrifying news. Her ex-husband, a convicted murderer, has escaped from prison and he's coming for her.
Miranda, who for years has harbored a secret love for the driven Chief Inspector, has no choice but to trust him. She just hopes she can guard her own heart at least as well as he guards her.
After thwarting her ex's first attack, David spirits Miranda and her young son out of England and the three of them end up on the run across Europe. David has no intention of falling in love again, but with each passing day Miranda awakens passions he thought long dead.
Could this be their forever love? With a killer on their trail, they may not live long enough to find out.
Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language.
Reviews:
“Love on the Run has everything you could want and more in a romantic suspense.”
“Ryan grabs you from the first sentence and never lets go!”
--Manic Readers
“...characters are strong and the treachery realistic.”
--Literary Nymphs
Marie-Nicole
Believe in the dream... Beware the danger.
Love, fun and fantasy in LOVING WHO
LOVING WHO
by Cynthianna
ISBN: 1-60180-075-4
http://www.mojocastle.com/celine/lovingwho.html
The man...the magic...the movie? Screwball romantic-comedy meets the world of Doctor Who fandom. Cici Connor's life will never be the same when she takes John Smith, a mysterious Brit, into her bed and her life begins to change... possibly for the better. After all, how many alien assassins tracking her does one girl need?
(Feel free to pass this book release announcement on to other Doctor Who fans. Thanks!)
Cynthianna
http://www.cynthianna.com
Boldly going where no one genre has gone before!
Five Stars For New Regency "Sojourn Through Time"
Award-winning author Susanne Marie Knight is pleased to announce the release of SOJOURN THROUGH TIME, a new time-travel Regency romance novel published by Awe-Struck eBooks.
What happens when a nearly betrothed duke discovered a mysterious "package" delivered to his estate? As recently divorced Alexandra waits for her flight to London, she has no idea her actual destination will be in the past. Will she be able to overcome her culture shock and learn to entrust her future to a most persistent duke?
When Malcolm, the Duke of Milcaster, finds Alex on his estate, he immediately intends for her to be his new mistress. Alex, however, has other ideas on the subject. Can he overlook her peculiar ways and convince her that they are meant to be as one?
Reviews:
5 STARS! Clever, fascinating and highly entertaining! Susanne Knight breathes life into endearing characters in unusual situations that give emphasis to the word UNUSUAL. A must read.--Euro-Reviews.
Recommended Read! Alex was a joy to read. The Regency era of London is so stuffy. Alex was not, and made no bones about it. She wasn’t a brainless wonder dropped into a situation. She’s a smart, resourceful woman who defines her situation, and moves on. No hysterics. No “who is going to save me?” Sit back and enjoy this “clean” romance. You won’t be sorry.--Simply Romance Reviews.
Specializing in “Romance Writing With A Twist!”, Susanne is multi-published with 22 books and numerous short stories. She’s originally from New York City, and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest, by way of Okinawa, Montana, Alabama, and Florida. Along with her husband, daughter, and feisty Siamese cat, she enjoys the area’s beautiful ponderosa pine trees and wide, open spaces--a perfect environment for writing.
SOJOURN THROUGH TIME is available for purchase electronically through Awe-Struck www.awe-struck.net and soon at Fictionwise.com www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/SusanneMarieKnighteBooks.htm, among other Internet locations.
Available in print at www.susanneknight.com/orders.htm.
Other Regency novels by Susanne include REGENCY SOCIETY REVISITED; THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD; LORD DARVER’S MATCH; THE MAGIC TOKEN; TIMELESS DECEPTION; THE CONTRARY CONTESSA; HAVE CHRISTMAS CARD... WILL TRAVEL; A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE; and PAGING MISS GALLOWAY (2009). To learn more about Susanne’s books, check out her website at www.susanneknight.com.
Hot! Hot! Hot!
Hi everyone! I just received my brand new book cover (seriously I just received it last night) to my second erotic romance with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. "Wicked Desire" will be released in print and ebook on October 15th. This is book #7 for me.
Animal Attraction - New from Paige Tyler!
I played around with a lot of different storylines, but I kept coming back to the idea of werewolves. Wolves just seemed to fit so well into the Alaskan theme, so I decided to go for it. Once I did a little bit of research on Fairbanks, the story just started to write itself.
I thought it would be more fun for my heroine to be a skeptic, so I made her a reluctant reporter for a paranormal magazine. I figured that would lead to lots of amusing interaction with the hunky hero, who just happens to be a werewolf, of course! Take a look at the blurb and excerpt below, and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about!
She forgets about the story, however, when she meets Hunter McCall, a local college professor and an expert on wolves. The man is an absolute hunk, and she finds herself spending more time in his bed than worrying about werewolves. That is, until Eliza finds out that Hunter isn’t just an animal in the sack, he’s an animal out of it, too - of the werewolf variety! Talk about a complicated relationship!
But Eliza can’t dwell on Hunter’s little shapeshifting issues. There’s another werewolf out there with a taste for human blood, and she and Hunter are the only ones who can stop him.
“Anything else I can get for you folks?” the waitress asked.
Taking her napkin off her lap and placing it on the table, Eliza pushed back her chair and got to her feet. When the waitress had told her that there was a bottle of ketchup on the table behind theirs, she had naturally assumed it was unoccupied, so she was surprised to see a man sitting there. And not just the average, run-of-the-mill guy she’d expect to find in a diner either, but a mouth-watering specimen of a man. Her breath caught as she found herself stopping right there in the middle of the diner to stare at him. She had read in Cosmo once that there was something different about Alaskan men, that living in the great white north made them more masculine and sexy. Staring at the man seated at the table, she could well believe it.
Abruptly realizing how idiotic she must look just standing there, Eliza finally forced her feet to move. As she neared his table, the man looked up from his laptop and she felt her breath hitch as his gaze met hers. She’d never seen eyes like his before. Not quite brown, but not really hazel, either, the only way she could think to describe them was gold. And the sexiest pair of eyes she’d ever seen. The heat from them mesmerized her, pulling her into their depths, and suddenly she found it very hard to breathe.
One eyebrow rose. “Really.”
Across from her, Andy lifted a brow as if to ask, what the hell is wrong with you? When she didn’t say anything he prompted, “You just going to sit there and hold that all night or can I use the ketchup?”
Eliza watched as the photographer dumped ketchup on his onion rings, and then began to dig into his meal. She knew she should be doing the same, but she couldn’t stop thinking about what had just happened. Her heart was still racing as if she’d just come back from a run. Or had just gotten done having some really great sex. Good heavens, and all of that was from a mere brush of the fingers. She couldn’t keep herself from wondering what it would have been like if he really had kissed her.It was a long time before Eliza could focus on her food, and by then, she realized she wasn’t really hungry anymore, at least not for food anyway.
And to get the scoop on all my new releases, as well as what I'm currently working on, just email me at paigetyler@paigetylertheauthor.com with "add me to your mailing list" in the subject line!
*hugs*
Paige
"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"
Coming soon-Devon Falls: Haunting Magic-Shifter Romance
Devon Falls: Haunting Magic
*Book 4 in Series*Raine Delight
Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 2008 Tentative
Buy Links: Coming soon to Aspen Mountain Press
Blurb:
Rodrick Dracon is the twin heir to the Dragon Inn. When he finds himself longing for a mate after being footloose and fancy free, he finds himself drawn to the most obnoxious, brassy woman he has ever met: Jaxon Sinclair. She is the one woman who doesn't melt when he goes by or hangs on his every word. She is just aggravating and down right sexy as sin! Soon the sparks fly, passion goes into boiling and Halloween approaches. Can this wolf shifter get this woman to heel before the full moon? Will Jax turn the tables on this ladies man and tame the wolf?
Excerpt:
Rod watched Jax, the bane of his existence or so it was until a few months ago when he noticed the way her eyes flared with laughter, or the way her legs seemed to go on for miles in those short skirts she wore when she was at the Dirty Diamond. He didn’t know what changed between them but he was definitely feeling something for this pain in the ass female that seemed to call to him and the wolf within him howled as he watched those luscious legs walk over to him. “Yeah, seems everyone is getting ready for the Halloween costume dance tomorrow. What are you up to tonight? Dinner date?” Rod fairly growled the last part though he was surprised that the thought of Jax with another man had the wolf in him wanting to beat the man into submission.
“Was going to have dinner with Grady but he got short staffed and had to cover tonight. Just seeing if I can grab a take out from your mom.” Jax said as she marveled at how normal it was between them. Though she thought the hair on his arms bristled at the thought of her on a date though it probably was her imagination. Rod wasn’t interested in her, just the ones who wanted a good time and an easy lay.
Rod felt relieved that she wasn’t meeting anyone but was surprised all the same at the thought of her being alone tonight made him want to cuddle with her. Her eyes held faint purple shadows underneath and she looked like she hadn’t had a good nights rest in ages. “I am sure my mom would love to give you something since everyone knows you can burn water without trying.” The smile that tugged at his lips surprised him as he watched her eyes go a little wide then narrow in annoyance.
“What the hell would you know about cooking, you jackass? I bet you couldn’t make something if your life depended on it.” Jax said as her lips practically snarled at him. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought there was a smile lingering on his smug face.
“Oh are you challenging me Jax? Can’t take the fact that I may actually know something you don’t? Want to take that to a test?” Rod felt a quickening in his blood that had him wondering if he was absolutely flaming insane. Why the thought of making dinner for her had him wanting something more and though if he had to say, he was enjoying the play of emotions on her face; it was fun to watch and damn it, he wanted to prove to her that he could actually do something besides what she thought he was: a playboy that flitted from woman to woman, though he was unsure why it mattered what Jax really thought of him. Needling her a little more just for the sake of being annoyed, Rod leaned forward and stroked a finger down her nose and smirked a little as he said softly, “Afraid Jax that maybe I can do something that will make you readjust your opinion of me?”
Come party with me on 9/25
Come on over to Sinful Seductions loop all day Thursday and get into the party spirit. It's my birthday on 9/25/2008 and I am opening my loop up for fun, games and hot, kinky excerpts.
I am inviting any author who wants to party to come on over and share their book excerpts, contests and just enjoy themselves. :)Join me at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainedelight
Raine Delight
Scorching hot romance amid the pages......
Check out Devon Falls at Aspen Mountain Press
Check out my new website: http://authorrainedelight.com
HALLOWEEN CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT
PHOENIX RISING PROMOTIONS HALLOWEEN BLOWOUT
Phoenix Rising Promotions is having a Halloween Party in honor of our many halloween releases this month. October 10th, 11th, and 12th the authors and managers of Phoenix Rising Promotions are going to be at Catitude (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catitude) partying all weekend. Bring your costume and have a ball.
There will be prizes! Join us, and tell us what costume you are ‘wearing’ and you are automatically entered into the Phoenix Rising Promotions Halloween Raffle! You heard that correctly. The authors have donated a whole lot of wonderful things to create Halloween goodie bags with. There will be 12 goodie bag winners, and then the Grand Prize winner will received a box of goodies as well as a Halloween figurine, a halloween jar of goodies, plus free downloads of books donated by our authors.
Come party with Phoenix Rising Promotions on Oct. 10th, 11th, and 12th to party hard at Catitude.
Raine Delight
Scorching hot romance amid the pages......
Check out Devon Falls at Aspen Mountain PressCheck out my new website: http://authorrainedelight.com
Coming in November 2008: Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams
Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams
Raine Delight
Fantasy Romance
Release Date: November 2008 Tentative
Coming to Aspen Mountain Press www.aspenmountainpress.com
Blurb:
Can destiny lead a Fae Prince to the one woman who can complete him mind, body and soul?
Prince Aryan has searched his world for the one woman that is his destined mate but has just about given up when he is lead to the human world. Even though it is forbidden to fall in love with one, he finds Skye Andrews completely delectable and wonders if she is his chosen love.
Skye Andrews has just about had it with men. After another disastrous date, she turns to her Aunt who gives her a love potion to try. With a magic spell and a mysterious face haunting her waking days, Will Skye is able to find the love she is looking for? Can these two make it work or will their differences tear them apart?
Excerpt:
Skye tried not to sound dejected but after her disastrous Valentine date where her date just talked and talked about his life and career. She felt lost on the planes of life. With each day going by, it was almost too much to bear as she watched friends and family fall in love with their true loves. This was the extreme to her thinking but her aunt was determined to get the sparkle back in her eyes, or so she said the first night she was here. It was enough to make Skye cringe in horror but she couldn't say anything mean to the one person who loved her more than anything. Flipping her hair off her face, she breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her aunt finish whatever she was doing to the brew until Mary turned around with a bottle of the foul smelling stuff.
"Here you go dear. All finished and ready to be imbibed by you! All you need to do is say three times: "I wish for my true love to find me" and then within 7 days, according to the spell book I got from a used book store, your true love will find you and steal your heart away." Aunt Mary said as she gazed fondly at Skye, who was trying to look happy but failing to hide the sadness in her eyes.
Skye took the bottle and peered at it grimacing. It was blackish-blue in color, with something that looked like lightening bugs shining in it, winking here and there. For a moment it was like watching a kaleidoscope of colors, it was enough to make her eyes become cross eyed. Uncorking the bottle, Skye tried to shield her expression from Mary but a shudder ran thru her as she again thought of the men who got away or chose someone else and firmed her resolve to find a love of her own. A pleasant licorice scent wafted from the brew and though Skye was skeptical, she had to admit it smelled better than it looked. Muttering, "Lets hope it tastes as pleasant as it smells or I am going to throw up chunks," Skye leaned back and gulped the liquid. As she finished the last drop, she put down the bottle and recited the words her aunt told her to say:
"I wish for my true love."
"I wish for my true love."
"I wish for my true love."
Skye turned to the window and prayed this drink didn't make her sick when she caught a glimpse of a face looking at her. It was enough to cause her to gasp quietly and take a step back. Those moss green eyes seemed to call to her, longing for something and it was enough for Skye to wonder if she was loosing her mind. She looked away thinking it was a figment of her imagination but the face still stared at her; those chiseled cheeks, full, round lips that made her long to feel them over her own and those cheekbones would give a model envy. Skye felt her body sit up and take notice and her panties got moist with her racing desire. Soon the face faded, though it felt like time stopped and only Skye could see what was there. Shaking her head, she said, "It was nothing. Just a figment of your imagination or a trick with the light; he isn't real at all." But, why does my heart and mind tell me otherwise? Is he "The One" I been searching for? Skye wondered as she got ready to leave for home.
Devon Falls: Fiery Magic-Available NOW!
*Book 3 in series*
Raine Delight
Paranormal Romance
Release date: July 4, 2008
Buy Links:
Aspen Mountain Press: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/more-hot-reads/devon-falls-fiery-magic/prod_145.html
Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook70145.htm
Blurb:
Damien Dracon is back in Devon Falls, and he is about to woo the one lady he left three years ago. Family secrets and youthful pride forced him to give up the one good thing in his life: the love of Alicia Stevens. What he doesn't expect is that Alicia has a secret of her own, and it may just tear them apart. Can two former lovers find it in themselves to forgive one another and let love grow between them? Or will past secrets haunt them and tear them apart? This 4th of July is about to get explosive in Devon Falls.
Excerpt:
He strode down the sidewalk. The window of the Dew Drop glowed softly, and a shadow walked past the window. He jogged lightly across the street and almost fell through the glass pane at the sight of Alicia, weaving her way around the cases. He watched the way she moved, all fluid-like and with a grace that he could never find, no matter how hard he tried, in other women. Her reddish blonde hair was in a loose ponytail that he suddenly itched to take down. His eyes widened when her lush, voluptuous body had him aching to see her in all its natural glory. Hers was the most desirable body he had ever seen. The blood rushed to his cock straining the front of his jeans.
Whistling softly, he never thought she would grow up to be so voluptuous and sexy! It was quite an eye opener, especially when she bent over to clean the case of pastries and her jeans tightened around her rounded ass. Groaning at the vision in front of him, his blood burning with a need to possess; Damien tried to still his racing lust. My god, she is gorgeous and sexy. She's like a 50's screen bombshell, all rounded curves and long legs. What man wouldn't be lucky to have her as a mate and mother of his children?
Watching her dance to a tune only she could hear brought Damien's attention to the way she moved. She moved like a ballerina, yet was more graceful to his thinking, and as he watched her dance around the cases and tables, he found himself longing to dance with her. Thinking how her body would curve around his made him shudder with a hot need that had him rock hard and aching for something that he hoped he could experience again — if she didn't kick him in the balls first and then toss him out the door.
Devon Falls: Red Hot Magic-Hot paranormal Book
Bitten by Books gave Red Hot Magic a 5 Tombstone review!! Virginia said this "Jean Claude is definitely an intriguing character. The sex scene is steamy and explicit and definitely well written, with a small unexpected fetish making an appearance in the story."
*Book 2 in series*Raine Delight
Paranormal Romance
Release date: February 7, 2008
Buy Links:
Aspen Mountain Press: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=117
Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook64684.htm
Blurb:
Raven Demarco has sworn off men after one too many disastrous dates and soon begins dreaming of a mystery man who makes her feel things that she never expects to feel again. When the auction comes closer, her sensual dreams become more than she can handle and she finds herself wishing her dream man would show up and sweep her off her feet. What will she do when the man himself comes to claim her: Heart, body and soul?
Jean-Claude LeFever is a dream walker and has searched for years for his mate and finally found her in Raven. With his seduction of her in her dreams driving them wild, he makes sure to come to Devon Falls and make her his for all time as time is running out for him and their love. If she doesn't fall in love with him by midnight, Jean-Claude is destined to walk the planes of dreams for the next hundred years before finding his love again. Can he be able to steal her heart and make her his for all time? Or will it be too late for them?
Excerpt:
Raven felt the soft breeze swirl, and the silk sheets slither around her body like a lovers hands. She opened her eyes. Looking around, she knew she wasn't in her apartment at the same time she comprehended that this was a dream; she also knew something was going to happen tonight and it would change her life forever.
"You're awake I see. I was hoping you would soon, since we have so many other delicious things to do yet, my love." The deep voice whispered across the room. Raven shivered as she felt the desire race thru her body faster than she ever could imagine.
"Who are you? What do you want of me?" She asked. Turning left then right, she tried to figure out where the voice came from.
As the breeze swirled around the room, it caressed her naked body, making her nipples tighten and wetness pool in her core. Trying not to let her mystery man know how he much he affected her, Raven tried to still her aching body with deep breaths. That is until she spied the tall man walking towards her from the shadows. With hair dark as midnight, a body that had her almost weeping in pleasure at the strength that seemed to storm her defenses with just a look, stormy blue eyes locked onto her green ones. He was easily over 6 foot 5" and he was utterly, deliciously naked…with a cock that begged to be suckled and licked. It was absolutely the largest one Raven had ever seen and it was growing larger with ever step he took towards her. She knew instinctively this man would give her the ultimate pleasure she has been searching for with and she would crave more from him.
Gulping quickly, she felt rather than saw him sit on the edge of the bed. As her eyes traveled up his body to his face, she caught laughter in those marvelous eyes as he watched her take stock in his body.
"Love, you don't have to be afraid. You know who I am even if you don't want to admit it. I am your soul mate and I have been searching for you for a long time. You need me as much as I need you, Cheri. Don't deny our love, because I am coming for you."
Raven shivered as those words slammed into her with a desire that almost had her coming on the spot. Shifting a little, Raven asked again, "Who are you?"
Before she could do or say anything else, this towering man took her hand, palm side up and with a kiss in the center said, "I am your destiny!"
Raven tried to speak, her lips opened but before she could say one word she felt him tip her face towards his and as he settled those sexy lips on hers, one last thought pierced her already lust filled brain…Damn he is like a decadent dessert…all ready to gobble up unless you slow yourself down to enjoy every last bite.
Devon Fals: Sticky Magic (paranormal romance-Adult)
Devon Falls: Sticky Magic
*Part of Babes in Toyland II anthology*
Book 1 in series
Raine Delight
Paranormal Romance
Release Date: November 2007
Buy links:
Aspen Mountain Press: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/anthologies/winter-anthologies/babes-in-toyland-ii/prod_103.html
Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook53422.htm
Blurb:
Jenna never expected to see the one man to make her heart spin and her body clench in repressed desire walk into her Candy Shoppe. With just one look, Marc du Bree captures her elusive heart and takes her on a journey that will either make her his for all time or have her run as fast as she can away from him! Will Jenna be able to accept Marc's secret or will Marc lose the one woman he has been searching for?
Excerpt:
Jenna just shook her head in amusement as she wished for just one man to look at her with a passion so consuming it would take her breath away. Sighing at her fanciful thoughts, Jenna stood up to stretch when she heard the bell ring. Looking up, she could not believe what just walked in…tall, dark and sexy as sin! He was absolutely the most striking man she had ever laid eyes on and she felt her mouth go dry as he looked around the gaily-decorated store. Tall, muscular build with jet-black hair that fell to his shoulders in soft waves that made her want to run her fingers through it. He eluded strength and a sheer arrogance that made her pussy sit up and take notice. Jenna could not believe how damp her panties got just watching him walk into the store.
"Welcome to Candy Kisses. Can I help you find anything in particular?" Jenna was glad her voice did not crack under the nervousness of being this close to him. Though she really wanted to say was I got something warm and sweet for you right here but you will have to unwrap it first…yeah right, like she would be able to say that to any man, especially this one who if he keeps eyeing her like a mouth watering desert she may have to jump him right there.
"Hello there," he peered at her nametag, "Jenna. I am looking for a unique gift for my mother. Do you think you can help me pick something out?"
"Sure I can help you. What does your mother like? Maybe we can make up a small gift box with her favorite treats?"
Marc looked down at this small sprite of a woman and felt his body tighten as he recognized the one woman who he has been looking for all these centuries. Disbelief warred inside him as Jenna kept chattering on different displays and gestured to another one filled with candy canes stripped in an array of red, greens, purples and the traditional flavor of peppermint. He never expected to find his mate in this sort of small town and he just gave up looking for her after several centuries of not finding her. If it wasn't his family pressuring him to finally find her and his mother's prophecy, he would never have stepped foot in Devon Falls. Looks as if mum was right again in her prophecy Marc thought as he contemplating trying to make his for all time!
"Jenna, she loves candy canes and anything Christmas related." Smiling a little at the memory of his mother baking tons of cookies for the holiday festivities and enjoying the sweets that came with the holiday season as well as telling him and his siblings to keep out of the cookie dough.
"Well that narrows it down a little." Jenna thought to herself that if he kept talking to her like that, all slow and velvet like, she would cream her panties with a mini orgasm! She could not understand why she felt like she knew this man when she has never seen him before in her life; she would have definitely remembered him in any way, shape or form.
Humming to the softly piped Christmas Music, Jenna forgot her problem with the store window contest and happily got her mind on tall, dark and sinful next to her. Taking a gift box out, she gestured to the case next to her. "Does she have any allergies to anything, like nuts or peanut butter? I want to make sure I do not kill a potential customer here. It is bad for business." Amusement lit her eyes up as she decorated the box with gaily-covered tissue paper and looked up to sees his mesmerizing gray slate eyes on her, contemplating something. Jenna shook her head softly and waited for Marc to make his selections.
"Actually no, she doesn't have allergies to anything so please, why don't you pick some things out and make it look really nice." Marc said as he smiled into her eyes. She looked so damn beautiful, looking up at him with those big brown eyes. He couldn't remember a time when he got this hard this fast before all from watching her work. Marc closed his eyes and imagined running some of the chocolate kisses on her tight aching nipples. Feeling his cock go inexplicably harder, he shifted his legs a little to ease the pressure though it wasn't enough.
Jenna looked up when she caught him shifting a little and noticed a nice size bulge in his dark pants. WOW was all she could think off when she saw that outline of man meat. Just imagining what this man's cock would be like had her pussy weeping its juices down her leg. Swallowing hard, she looked up and prayed her voice came out without cracking. "Is there anything else you think she may like? I added our specialty treats like our flavored rum balls, Christmas cookie shaped candies and chocolate covered caramels. Would there be anything else she might enjoy as well, sir?"
All the Way Home
All The Way Home
by Jenyfer Matthews
Cerridwen Press
ISBN #9781419914898
Ms. Jenyfer Matthews’ novel ALL THE WAY HOME is a touching and poignant tale of healing and rediscovery. {…} Well written and riddled with emotions, sisterly bonds and a deeply moving romance, ALL THE WAY HOME has secured a permanent place in my heart and on my keeper shelf. Bravo Ms. Matthews, you have delivered a novel well worth the time invested and I can’t recommend it enough.
Jenn L, Romance Junkies
“If Ms. Jenyfer Matthews intended to put a smile on her readers’ faces and a flutter in their chests, she succeeded. What a pleasure it was to read ALL THE WAY HOME. Light and breezy, yet hot and steamy, the romance hits the spot. [...] This is a book that I was hurrying home to read. This is much recommended!”
Ashley Turlington, ReviewYourBook.com
I’ve lived abroad for nearly a decade now and in our first year away, my husband and I made friends with a couple from a small, small town in the mountains of Virginia. The husband from that couple spent a lot of time talking about how much he missed spending time with his friends, watching familiar TV shows, eating his favorite junk foods and just generally being home. He couldn’t wait for summer vacation to roll around.
Funny thing happened though. When we all returned to work in the fall, he told us how unsatisfying it had been to go home. His friends were all still the same – doing the same things, having the same conversations, eating the same food while watching the same TV shows - but he had a hard time slipping into his old role among them. Nothing had changed – except him. He hadn’t realized how much until he went back to his home town.
Even if you’ve never lived abroad, we’ve all had experiences like this. Does your grandmother or your mother treat you as a fully mature, competent adult when you go home to visit? Do they show an interest in your job, seek your opinion on current events? Ask your advice with a problem? Or do they still remind you not to stick a knife in the toaster or to wear a hat because it’s cold out or not to snack before dinner because it will ruin your appetite?
I’m no exception. Forget that I’ve traveled to nearly a dozen foreign countries and have flown across the world countless times with two children and a mountain of luggage in tow. When I go home, my mother will still try to tell me how to cook, drive, feed my children, or when go to bed. It’s that sort of behavior that drives otherwise mature adults to acting like snarling teenagers again.
It can be hard for the people who have known you all your life to let go of old perceptions of you and accept the changes that come with time and maturity and life experience. But while the people who know you best can sometimes drive you crazy, they can also be a blessing and a comfort. I can tell people about my childhood, but no one fully understands like my sister does. My mother stocks up on all my favorite treats when I come to visit without having to be given a list. And I can slip into conversations with my best friends and feel like I never left.
It was experiencing this firsthand that gave me the idea for writing my newest release ALL THE WAY HOME. My character Maggie leaves her home town for college and stays away, motivated in part by her parents’ unhappy marriage. A decade later, Maggie reluctantly returns to help her sister deal with a domestic crisis. In this case, it’s Maggie’s own perceptions of what her home town means to her that are the problem. And it isn’t until she meets the hero Sam, town bad-boy made good, that she begins to accept that maybe her old perceptions are outdated. Maggie’s had a restless spirit, can Sam convince her to settle down?
(Come on - It’s a romance novel! How else would it end?)
Going home again isn’t a problem - driving back to her home town was the easy part. Letting go of old ideas and accepting that just maybe there really are such things as happy relationships and happy endings is Maggie’s real journey in ALL THE WAY HOME.
Ghost of a Chance, available NOW
Ghost of a ChanceBuy Now
When a ghost appears in his dreams and gives Robert Haskins the blow job of his life, it also drops him into a forty-year-old mystery that he's determined to solve.
When Robert Haskins moves into an old farm house, he doesn't expect an erotic visit on his first night there, or his second. A handsome ghost, long dead and troubled, gives him amazing oral sex—and a mystery to solve.
He winds up at the local police station where lone cop and heart throb Joe Sanders is more than eager to help him solve the forty-year-old case. Together, they follow the leads. Can the two of them solve a crime that's been dimmed by time? Will the feelings they have for each other last or die? Do they stand a Ghost of a Chance?
Buy Now
Naughty, but so Nice
The Naughty Ladies of Nice
Book Two
French Delights
Eternal Press
BLURB:
Lisette Hugo arrives in Nice, France to rescue her irresponsible friend then pamper herself with an overdue vacation. As an added delight, her run down rental cottage comes complete with a sexy French gardener well equipped to satisfy all of her fantasies.
Paul D’Laquois, an impoverished research scientist scraping by on the remnants of his family’s estate, has poured his meager resources into his work. He couldn’t be happier when a wealthy tourist rents his dilapidated cottage. That she’s beautiful, seductive and more than interested in him convinces Paul he’s not as dried up as his orchard.
EXCERPT:
The harsh light beat down on him, casting a long lean shadow as it hid his strong features beneath a wide straw hat. He dipped the brim lower, almost as if he took pleasure in teasing her. His body moved in time to the steady beat of the sensual music playing in her mind. She mouthed the lyrics to a song she’d often heard from her parents’ bedroom, You can leave your hat on. A knowing smile tugged at her lips. She leaned back in the overstuffed chair, her hands resting on the threadbare arms, ready to appreciate yet another of his magnificent shows.
Each afternoon he performed, and each afternoon she’d cut short any appointments to have a front row seat and watch his striptease. A delicious habit she had become addicted to.
Lisette stared straight ahead, fascinated as the stud began his routine.
He flexed his arms and she pressed her thighs together, enjoying the pressure that built between her legs. His muscles rippled as he undid the first two buttons on his blue chambray shirt. He turned sideways, just enough to build the anticipation of baring his muscular chest.
The Chippendales had nothing on him, she thought scooting to the edge of her chair, grateful for the darkness in the room that shrouded her.
The stiff red lace on her bra pressed into her swollen breasts. She rolled her shoulders to make the fit more comfortable, but it did nothing to relive the tingle in her nipples.
She undid the first three buttons on her blouse, mimicking his actions. Her imagination raced at the thought of his long fingers on her. Pretending it was his, she dipped a finger down her cleavage. Her breath came in short pants and echoed in the now silent room.
He tugged his shirttails from his slacks in a smooth move that exposed his sharply defined abs. Droplets of sweat glistened on his bronze flesh as he lowered the shirt from his body. Lisette watched, her eyes glued to the beads as they crawled down his back, delving below his waistband. She swiped her tongue over her parched lips, wishing she could lap up every single drop.
Neatly, he folded the worn cloth then bent and laid it at his feet. His languid movements a beautiful torture to this single woman. He allowed his hat to roll off his head and down his arm then placed it on the shirt. His black ponytail brushed against the thick column of his neck. The loose ends of the thin leather strip holding his lion’s mane in place grazed the small white scar on his shoulder.
He stretched his arms high in the air then arced them downward and rested his hands at the small of his back. Slowly, he swiveled his upper body from side to side. She licked her lips again as she stared at his dark brown nipples, tight and pointy.
BUY LINK
Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
Francine On Fire www.aspenmountainpress.com
French Delights www.eternalpress.ca
www.sloanetaylor.com www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor
One Crazy Summer
One Crazy Summer
by Jenyfer Matthews
Cerridwen Press
ISBN #9781419910371
Ms. Matthews has delivered a laugh out loud novel full of twists and turns and enough sexual heat to balance the tale perfectly. ONE CRAZY SUMMER is a sweet sexy read that will have you wanting to read it again and again.”
I read an article recently that struck a chord with me. It was about how to stop letting feelings of self consciousness stop you from trying new things. How when you look back at events in your life it’s not the things that you did badly and perhaps feel embarrassed about that you regret most, it’s the things that you were too scared to try at all that stick in your mind.
That resonated with me because I’ve come to that conclusion on my own over the years. I took three semesters of Spanish when I was in college, just because I wanted to. After three semesters, a student was eligible to go to Spain for a semester and live with a Spanish family and attend school at a Spanish university. By the time I qualified for that program I was just about to graduate myself. I decided to go ahead and graduate – not because I was so motivated to get started on life, but because I was too scared to go to Spain. What if I couldn’t handle it? What if I did badly in school and messed up my GPA? It’s been more than a few years since I made that decision but I’ve always regretted that missed opportunity.
When my husband told me that he had a job offer in another country I wasn’t exactly thrilled, but in the end I decided that I didn’t want to let fear of the unknown hold me back. While I could always come home if it turned out that I didn’t like our new location, I probably wouldn’t be able to recapture that missed opportunity. There have been times that living abroad has been challenging and even trying but I can say that I’ve never regretted the decision to go.
Of course trying new things can be easier to do when you are on vacation – in a new place amongst people you might never see again and confronted with opportunities that might not come along again every day. These sorts of circumstances and thinking processes have gotten me to try a variety of things: boogie boarding in a very cold Atlantic Ocean, jumping off a platform into (a very cold) natural spring, riding a camel, partaking in a “happy herb” pizza in Cambodia, and taking a train into Amsterdam with two small children and no map on a long airport layover. Some things have turned out better than others (I’ll tell you about that pizza another time), but the older I get the more I’m all about seizing the day.
That’s sort of the motto of Summer Donahue in my book ONE CRAZY SUMMER. She’s not happy when she finds out that her accountant has embezzled money from her jewelry store and run off to Mexico, but she doesn’t let it distract her from enjoying herself while she’s on his trail in Cozumel. Or from Ben Martinez, her new hunky accountant , who has come along to help her sort her business troubles out.
I wrote ONE CRAZY SUMMER before I had consciously embraced my new credo and before I had ever traveled anywhere to speak of. When I created Summer, I was living through her, doing some of the things that I wished I had the courage to do myself. I’d like to think that in exploring her character and her story I learned a thing or two about joire de vivre and how to enjoy myself in my own life. I’m still not as carefree as Summer, but these days I’m less likely to let worrying about what others think of me hold me back.
So go on – live a little. If you need a role model, take a peek at ONE CRAZY SUMMER and let Summer give you an example or two.
New Contest at Author Island
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I've set up my hammock and kicked off my shoes so I can wiggle my toes in the white sandy beaches on Author Island. To celebrate, they're giving me the opportunity to have a contest.
The prize is an autographed copy of my 2008 EPPIE winner, Too Good to be True. For full details and requirements, just click on the above "contest" link.
Marie-Nicole
Believe in the dream... Beware the danger.
In Blood We Trust
http://thenewcoveytrailerawards.blogspot.com/
If any of you get a chance would you check out the videos. There's three days left on the voting. In Blood We Trust is in there, but only vote for it if you like it the best. For real. Thanks
Dyanne
A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/
Award-winning Sci-Fi & Romance with a Kick
PRINCE OF GLACIER GLAS by K. Z. Snow
Young Rennick left the city-state of Glas one fine day as the orphaned, sole nephew of a childless king. Mere hours later, he returned as the sole heir to the throne. The throne was, however, encased in ice. Renn's only clues to the reclamation of his kingdom lie in a riddle, tacked to the face of the engulfing glacier by the angry sorcerer who cast this spell:
What does it take to turn glacier to glass,
And glass into shards, and shards into ash?
What does it take to turn glacier to Glas?
Salvation there is beyond stream and sword—
Salvation through lady, salvation through whore,
Salvation through wings and through tongue and through tail,
Salvation that’s borne on two sets of scales.
And lie down with each on silk or on grass.
Give of your passion and give of your soul,
Then take one to your heart to banish the cold.
Princess Seramar is a headstrong and randy little royal. Unlike her sister, though, she doesn't have a stable of studs. Sera doesn't believe it's right to "keep" people. Her attitude abruptly changes when she meets a stunning man in a nearby valley known as the Cauldron of Keridwen -- a vagabond who turns out to be the Prince of Glacier Glas.
Renn's quest soon becomes Sera's quest as their intimacy grows. But powerful enchantment cannot easily be broken. Their efforts to unravel the riddle and return to Glas ultimately involve Sera's male-prostitute lover, her vindictive sister, her sister's studs, a sympathetic misfit, a magical change of identities . . . and, of course, dragons.
Sera chided herself for being so affected by that stranger, that man who called himself Renn. Had she sacrificed all judgment at the altar of lust? He could be stupid or shallow or simmering with criminal intent. He could be a faithless rogue who’d abandoned a loving wife and children. He could even be fleeing the hangman’s noose. She knew nothing whatsoever about him.
As she climbed into the wagon, Sera continued to flay herself until she was sure her foolishness had fallen away into the dirt.
"What are you talking about? You don’t want a stable! You’ve said so a hundred times!"
Reluctantly, they backed away.
Sera stopped him, then fired a warning look at the three of them. "Stay out of this. All of you." She turned to Renn. "If you will, sir, please come with me for a moment and I’ll try to explain."
He eyed her suspiciously. "Come with you where?"
Flustered, she made a sweeping arc with one arm. "Just over here or there or anywhere we can speak in private."
After casting a sullen glance at the cadre of guards, he said, "Fine. Let’s go."Ignoring her request that he remain silent, Renn again interrupted. "Take? Literally?"
Renn chuffed in disbelief. "I am definitely not one of those people."
"Because she would have utterly deprived you of your freedom. You would’ve been kept well, but you would’ve been kept nonetheless. Like a pampered prisoner. What’s more, Trelkiny doesn’t even visit her men. She has no interest in their prowess, because she has no interest in, in . . . matters of the flesh."
"That was truly a diplomat’s baggage of words," he said. "I believe you meant she doesn’t like to fuck."
* * * * *
Copyright (c) 2008 K. Z. Snow
Now available from Ellora's Cave
Bobby's Diner
Chapter One
For the reading of Bobby’s will, the attorneys sat Vanessa – the ex, Roberta (Bobby and Vanessa’s daughter), and me in a conference room together. I was instructed to bring a lawyer, as were the other two ladies. I didn’t. That sort of thing isn’t in me. Vanessa did. The lawyer read Bobby’s will. It was pretty much as I expected. I got the house we shared, most of the money accounts, Roberta received two hundred thousand dollars in a fund her father had set aside for her upon his death. Then, the lawyer read further. Bobby did something none of us expected. He gave me half the interest in the diner and Vanessa, the other half!
Just like Bobby to be equitable. Finally, the lawyer read a statement Bobby had hand-written before he died. The note said something about his guilt for leaving Vanessa, but his great love for me, about Vanessa’s interest of nearly half her life spent building the diner, and my creativity to keep it going.
Have you ever heard the term ‘livid’ before? Well, Vanessa’s face turned every shade of livid I’ve ever seen. I remember sitting there and imagining her head filling up like one of those water balloons at the fair and exploding right off her shoulders. Her lawyer patted her hand and told her “not to worry”. I giggled to myself at the mess of it all, said my “thank yous” and “goodbyes” to his former family and the lawyers, and I left feeling pretty good too considering what had just happened. Financially, I was solid and didn’t need to worry about money for a while, anyway.
I closed the diner for three weeks. When I went back to re-open, Vanessa was there waiting outside the door. She offered to buy my interest. I told her I had no intention of selling and offered to buy hers. She fumed at my boldness and told me she’d never sell. Bobby knew I was stubborn as a mule in a blizzard and he knew his former wife had some of my same shortcomings.
“Well, isn’t this a fine mess.” Vanessa threw her hands up and when they came down, they landed on her lap as she sat hard against the window’s ledge.
“Guess Bobby had the last laugh, huh?” I looked out onto the day with one hand protecting my face from the bright sun. It was early spring then and the cacti were putting on a show that would embarrass the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, gorgeous.
“Since this place is now legally half mine, I want a key.” Vanessa was indignant.
“Fine. After José gets here, I’ll have him run up to Charlie’s to get his copied.”
Vanessa let out a small huff and stood back up. “What are we supposed to do now?”
“Well, the diner needs managing. I guess we manage it.”
“Together?” She put her hands on her hips.
“What else can we do?”
“It just won’t work.”
“Why is that, Vanessa? After all these years, do you still hate me so much?”
“Oh, hell, I could care less about you.” She turned away and looked out over the burgeoning desert. “How’s this gonna look to the folks around here? Did you ever think about that?”
“I just put my husband in the ground. I guess I haven’t had too much time to worry about what people are thinking.”
“He was my husband too.” She scowled when she looked at me. I couldn’t very well argue her point and decided by the look of her, saying nothing was best. Vanessa turned her head away. “Fuck.” She spoke it like a tire going flat.
We looked at each other for a few seconds. I’d been sitting on the planter outside the door across from Vanessa the whole time and my ass felt numb, so I stood. Face-to-face with her, it was uncanny how much Vanessa and I looked like each other. She was older, of course, and had severely short, dark copper-colored hair. Her eyes were almond-shaped and emerald green, like mine. She was tall and had some meat to her, like me. Her skin was radiant pink with freckles. Here, standing in front of me, was the only other woman Bobby had ever loved. We stared into each other’s eyes. I can only guess what she was thinking. The scowl on her face was worth a thousand words. Time seemed to stall out and we began to feel ill at ease.
Through it all, a strange feeling welled-up deep inside me. For the life of me, I don’t know why I did what I did at that moment. I stuck my hand out like I was making a deal.
“So, what d’ya say, partner? Shall we give her a go?” I said it emphasizing my Georgian drawl like an actor in an old western. And, Vanessa did quite the unexpected thing. She grabbed my hand and gave it one hard shake downwards. As we walked together toward the restaurant’s door, she shook her head in disbelief and grumbled, “Dear God, help us.”
It Gets Hot in the Kitchen
The Naughty Ladies of Nice
Book One
FRENCH TART
Eternal Press
BLURB:
Determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image, Donatienne Dubois pins her hopes on the exclusive cooking school in Nice, France. One by one her expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef, and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Her lifesaver is a bad boy hunk too hot not to handle.
Sebastien Reinard is incognito, hating every minute. To pose as a student while protecting a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he partners with the slice of Crème Brule good enough to eat.
Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Sebastien heat up the kitchen when they discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.
EXCERPT:
“Ooh la la, Mademoiselle, voulez-vous à la baise?”
Donatienne’s running shoes squeaked to a halt on the cracked, gray linoleum. Fuck him? She didn’t fuck just anyone, especially if she didn’t know his name.
“Not unless you have more money than I could ever dream of, you pig.” She refused to turn back toward the crackly voice.
“What? Is your pussy made from gold?”
She gritted her teeth. Insolent bastard.
“Yes, it is. And equipped with a set of rusty fangs to rip off anything that tries to get inside.” Smartass answers weren’t her best first impression at the haute cuisine cooking school she’d waited so long to attend. She had to shake the lowlife who thought he could get away with insults before Chef tossed her out.
Ignore him. Just keep moving. Doni straightened her shoulders and walked past the double door refrigerator.
“Perhaps you prefer to give Pierre a blow job. He would make it worth your time.” A cackle filled the air. “Come on, baby. You know you want me, you slut.”
The fine hairs at the nape of her neck jumped to attention. Doni whirled around, swinging out her arm. She launched her heavy tote at the dumpy man in the splattered apron planted in front of the stainless steel stove.
Ooof.
A satisfying sound to Doni’s ears as her bag connected with his diaphragm and he buckled.
She sprinted a dozen steps toward him, punching air until her fists mashed into his doughy flesh. He shot out his hands. She dodged to the right, away from his reach. Her feet slipped on the waxed floor. Flailing her arms, she grabbed for anything handy. Crash. A white cloud billowed up, blinding her. They fell to the floor with Doni on top, tangled in a mass of apron and legs.
"Protect your balls. Protect your balls. The slut is crazy.”
What the Reviewers Say:
5 RED ROSES from Red Roses for Authors Review
This is wickedly funny, sexy and enchanting. A short story you have to own. Five red roses, Anne.
4 ANGELS from Fallen Angel Reviews
This is a delicious book. French Tart is a fun filled romp through the kitchen. An enticingly, sensual short story that packs a big punch. Doni's character is fun, witty and believable. Sebastien is just plain old hot. I enjoyed Pierre the Parrot, he kept me giggling. The characters are well written and the humor adds just the right touch to keep this book very entertaining. Ms. Taylor has done a very good job. Dawnie
FOUR CUPS from Coffee Time Romance
Talk about being hot in the kitchen! French TART has the heat to get your blood boiling and keep it that way. Ms. Taylor’s story has conflict and desire. The story flows smoothly from beginning to end. Her characters face unique situations that leave you laughing. The ending brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. Liadan
BUY LINK:
Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
Francine On Fire www.aspenmountainpress.com
French Delights www.eternalpress.ca
www.sloanetaylor.com www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor