I'm so excited to host Denyse' Bridger today. I already have a copy of Champagne and Chocolate and can't wait to read it. I'll be sure to let you all know what I think. As you can tell I'm on a cowboy kick and this book has that! Why don't you check it out for yourself. Oh and be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom!

Austin Standish is a man of refined tastes. Intelligent and educated, Austin enjoys all of the best life has to offer. A gambler, a gunslinger, and a man who has plans to taste the sweetest prize at The Palace Casino and Saloon – the lovely owner, Chantille L’Amour, the most sought after jewel on the Barbary Coast.

Running a high-class brothel and casino isn’t exactly the life she was born to but Chantille is determined to overcome the ruin her family was left in once the Civil War ended. But, she has chosen a difficult path… one that demands much and leaves her lonely. She’s noticed the handsome man who comes into her world from time to time, and when she chooses to give in to desire, the passion evoked by Austin’s touch may change her life forever…

As she led him to the private wing of the large building that housed her home and business, Chantille had time to question the wisdom of her actions—again. She’d been berating herself for most of the past thirty minutes. Austin Standish was a danger to her; she knew this on an instinctive level. Not that he would hurt her, of course. But, he was dangerous, just the same.

She was acutely aware of every panther-like, lissome step he took behind her. He was elegant in manner and dress, quietly contained but always alert. The sense of being in perilous company assailed her with new severity. She opened the twin doors to her living suite and went inside, hearing him close the doors behind him before joining him.

She continued into the room, uncomfortable as she chafed against the restraints of her heavy dress and the many layers beneath it. She’d permitted a few select men into this suite over the past five years, but none had ever made her so acutely aware of herself and the desire to shed her clothes and feel solid muscles and male hardness pressed to her warm curves. Her breasts felt heavy, and her nipples strained against the fabric of her chemise, rubbing against the soft material until the pebbled points ached. Between her thighs, a slow, steady throb began to increase in rhythm, finding a matching tempo in her heartbeat.

The soft illumination from the fireplace touched the wood that dominated the room’s furnishings, warming the smooth, lustrous finish as shadows danced on the walls and glimmered in the reflections of the mirror that adorned one wall of the room. She saw nothing, only the darkness that had grown around her so steadily throughout the past half-hour, a darkness that touched her with fears she couldn’t clearly define, much less explain.

Watching the play of light catch in the soft gold of his hair, Chantille was struck again by the intuitive knowledge that dominated the man’s handsome features. Barely suppressed sensuality and anticipation were so strong in the shadowed intimacy of the suite that she felt she could reach out and touch the things that presently put them on opposite sides of a chasm she didn’t know with certainty she wanted to close. The only thing she did know was that she wanted to be with him more than she had any man she’d ever met.

“Tell me what you’re feeling right now, Chantille.”

“Angry.”

“At me?”

“No,” she whispered, then shook her head to deny her dishonesty. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“I don’t like being vulnerable.”

* * * * *

For the first time, Chantille looked right at him, and Austin could read all the uncertainty he hadn’t taken the time to notice before. He answered her honestly, unwilling to do anything less.

“Being vulnerable isn’t always a bad thing, Chantille. Sometimes it makes you stronger.”

“I don’t believe that, and you certainly don’t.” The edge crept back into her tone. “I feel like I did when I was a child, needing to be wanted. When I came to San Francisco, I swore I’d never feel that way again.”

Austin drew in a deep draught of air and ran a hand through his hair.

“You don’t have to be afraid of anything, Chantille.” He knew the words were weak, and he could have kicked himself for them once they were spoken.

She actually managed to smile at the statement, though there was no warmth in the expression.

“Weak women hold no appeal for men like you, Mr. Standish,” she remarked.

“Is that what you want? To appeal to me?”

She laughed, a low murmur of sound that stirred the air between them.

“I want to share my bed with you, Austin,” she conceded. “What I don’t want is for it to cost me everything I’ve worked for.”

“What are you afraid of losing?”

“My independence.”

“Your heart.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Don’t lie to me, or to yourself.”

Chantille met his eyes as if she were trying to pierce the shadows that surrounded them, to see what lay hidden behind that confident stare. When nothing shone forth, she closed her eyes.

Austin let the silence engulf them again for a long minute, then he closed the distance, touched her chin, and made her face him. His thumb brushed at the tear welled in the corner of her eye.

“I do want you,” she murmured, voice raw with the force of her feelings.

The loneliness and the need for reassurance was almost a physical presence in the room with them, and Austin was forced to wonder just how long it had been since Chantille L’Amour had uttered those words to any man. If she ever had.

“I want you, too, Chantille.”

Buy Links: Naughty Night Press 

Canadian born and bred, and a lifelong dreamer, I began writing at an early age and can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating in some artistic form. My life has had several on-going love affairs that shape much of what I write, the American West, Victorian England, cowboys, a passion for pirates, Greek Gods, and Ancient Egypt. The other endless love affairs in my life are Italia and all its magic, beauty, and dazzling culture, and a passion for Romania. Those loves spill into all aspects of my life.

In the past half dozen years, I’ve signed with over a dozen publishers, and have released books in all lengths and genres, and it’s something I hope to continue to do for many more years. A visit to my website will show the diversity of what is currently available, and the mixing of genres and styles that will be employed in many up-coming projects as well.

Voted Preditors and Editors Best Author of 2012 and 2013

Author Links:  Website      Twitter      Facebook

Denyse' is giving away a signed print of the book cover, a copy of the ebook and a pair of handcrafted earrings. Enter using the rafflecopter below!

Do you love a humorous mystery? Larissa Reinhart's latest release is a wonderful tale of crazy misadventures. Larissa is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky entrant. Use the rafflecopter below to enter! Don't forget to check out her cover and excerpt below!

Humor, Hijackings and a Handful of Hunks . . . 

With a classical series sold and a portrait commissioned, Cherry Tucker’s art career is in Georgia overdrive. But when the sheriff asks Cherry to draw a composite sketch of a hijacker, her life takes a hairpin as the composite leads to a related murder, her local card-sharking buddy Max Avtaikin becomes bear bait and her nemesis labels the classical series “pervert art.”

Cherry’s jamming gears between trailer parks, Atlanta mansions, and trucker bars searching for the hijacker who left a widow and orphan destitute. While she seeks to help the misfortunate and save her local reputation, Cherry’s hammer down attitude has her facing the headlights of an oncoming killer.

Praise for HIJACK IN ABSTRACT:

“The fast-paced plot careens through small-town politics and deadly rivalries, with zany side trips through art-world shenanigans and romantic hijinx. Like front-porch lemonade, Reinhart’s cast of characters offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet.” – Sophie Littlefield, Bestselling Author of A Bad Day for Sorry

“Reinhart manages to braid a complicated plot into a tight and funny tale…Cozy fans will love this latest Cherry Tucker mystery.” – Mary Marks, New York Journal of Books

“I love this series! Cheeky, clever, and compelling—keeps me reading way too late. This book has one of the most original—and fun—love triangles you’ll ever come across.” – Kaye George, Agatha Award-Nominated Author of the Imogene Duckworthy Mysteries

“Cherry Tucker is back – tart-tongued and full of sass. With her paint-stained fingers in every pie, she’s in for a truckload of trouble.” – J.J. Murphy, Author of the Algonquin Round Table Mysteries

“Witty, fast paced dialogue sandwiched between vivid descriptions and interesting characters made Hijack in Abstract come to life before my eyes. Larissa Reinhart and Cherry Tucker have a lifelong fan. My recommendation—don’t miss this one!” – Christine Warner, Author of Bachelor’s Special

“Artist Cherry Tucker just can’t help chasing after justice, even when it lands her up to her eyeballs in Russian gangsters, sexy exes, and treacherous truckers. A rambunctious mystery as Southern as chess pie and every bit as delectable.” – Jane Sevier, Author of the Psychic Socialite 1930s Memphis Mysteries

“A true work of art…I didn’t want this book to end! I was so caught up in Cherry’s crazy life, I wanted to just keep reading. You will, too.” – Gayle Trent, Author of Battered to Death

“Cherry Tucker’s got an artist’s palette of problems, but she handles them better than da Vinci on a deadline. Bust out your gesso and get primed for humor, hijackings, and a handful of hunks!” – Diane Vallere, Author of the Style & Error and Mad for Mod Mystery Series

“Reinhart took me on a fun rollercoaster ride…I haven’t had this much fun trying to solve a mystery in a while and it sure beats playing a game of Clue any day!Four out of five stars.” – Literary, etc.


Excerpt:
There are many places you don’t want to be at zero dark thirty, but I’ve got a personal top three. One is the ER. Second is a police station. The third is your ex-boyfriend’s bedroom.

Thank God Almighty I was not in number three. Stupid does catch me occasionally, but not this night. I was nowhere near an ex-boyfriend’s bedroom.

At two forty-five in the morning, I found myself in number two. The Forks County Sheriff’s Office to be accurate. My cornflower blues were a bit bloodshot and blurry, but my grin matched Shep Peterson’s, who also found himself in a similar location. However, Shep had a drunk tank grin. Mine was more of a self-congratulatory grin, born from knowing that finally someone in Forks County had recognized my accomplishments in the art world. Never mind the phone call that woke me from a dead sleep and near gave me a heart attack.

Or that I had to drive my sister’s Firebird because her vehicle was blocking my driveway. Or that I now sat in the junior officers’ room with a cold cup of coffee and had just realized I had forgotten to comb my bed-head designed blonde cowlicks in my bleary-eyed haste.

And to put on a bra.

The Forks County Sheriff, Uncle Will, needed my expertise. That’s all that mattered. And I was going to get paid.

Needed me for what was still a bit vague. I hoped nothing needing brushed hair and a bra.

* * * * *

With my messenger bag bumping my back, I hugged my chest, figuring it best not to give an extra show to Shep and the boys. I followed Uncle Will down the hallway, waiting while he unlocked a door. The door opened and two faces turned to look at us. One I didn’t recognize, but judging by his despondent expression, I figured he was probably in a mess of trouble. The other person, another deputy, I identified immediately. Hard not to recognize those brown ochre curls with the highlights I had decided were transparent oxide-red lake. Or the lean, muscled body, much like Michelangelo’s David. Or by the strong jaw buttressing two adorable dimples that made a rare showing.

Unfortunately, I knew Deputy Luke Harper a little too well.

He gave me a scant nod and turned back to the perp.

My hand snuck back to my hair and yanked on a particularly tall cowlick in back. I gritted my teeth and gave myself a quick lecture not to make a scene. We had aired our irreconcilable differences behind the local roadhouse, Red’s County Line Tap, a few months ago and I had not quite recovered.

“That’s Tyrone Coderre,” said Uncle Will. “He’s going to give you a description to draw. We need a composite sketch.”

Uncle Will stopped me before I entered the room and pulled me to the side. “Can I leave Deputy Harper in there with you or do I need to call in another officer? Harper’s the one who picked up Coderre, so this is his investigation.”

“I’m quite capable of separating my personal and professional life,” I said, tilting my chin so I could eyeball Uncle Will. “You might want to ask the same of him.”

“I trust Luke not to screw up his job. You are another story.”

I gave him a “why, I never” gasp.

“I’m going to be watching through the two-way.” He tapped my messenger bag. “Lucky for you, I don’t know other artists to call during the middle of the night. Wouldn’t want to be accused of nepotism. But I want a sketch while the memory is still fresh in Coderre’s mind. Don’t disappoint me, Cherry.”

“So, this is an important investigation?” Excitement zipped through my veins and made my fingers tingle. “I won’t let you down. You can even deputize me if you want.”

Uncle Will chuckled. “Just draw us a good picture. That’s plenty helpful.”

“Yes, sir,” I said and snuck by him to enter the room. I nodded to the man in the black sweat suit behind the table and held out my hand. “Hello, Mr. Coderre. I’m Cherry Tucker, a local artist.”

“Don’t shake his hand,” barked Luke. “Are you crazy?”

Tyrone Coderre’s cuffed hands retreated below the table, and I blew out a hard breath.

Looked like it was going to be a long night. At least the criminal had manners.

Couldn’t say the same for the cop.



BUY LINKS:

• Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Growing up in a small town, Larissa Reinhart couldn’t wait to move to an exotic city far from corn fields. After moving around the US and Japan, now she loves to write about rough hewn characters that live near corn fields, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble.

HIJACK IN ABSTRACT is the third in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series from Henery Press, following STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (May 2013) and PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist. QUICK SKETCH, a Cherry Tucker prequel to PORTRAIT, is in the mystery anthology THE HEARTACHE MOTEL (December 2013).

Larissa lives near Atlanta with her minions and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit. Visit her website or find her chatting with the Little Read Hens on Facebook.

• Larissa’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Doesn't this cover scream sexy? I have shared with you other books by Tara Mills and she's got some amazing stories. I hope you'll drop her a note and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!

Can she ever forgive herself? Will she ever forget him?When newly engaged couple, Mac and Kate take a celebratory fishing trip off the island of Pelican Cay, they never dream their romantic bliss is in jeopardy.

What happens will test Kate in ways she never saw coming, make her question what she understands about her own heart, and lead her into the arms of another man.

There was a spring in Kate and Mac’s steps when they hustled down the dock, clasped hands swinging between them on this bright and early morning. In truth, it could have been simply the give of the walkway under their feet, but she chose to attribute it to their blissful mood. Her skin still tingled from making love with him back at the hotel. Both wore smiles that wouldn’t quit.

Kate turned her wrist, and his, to admire her beautiful new ring. The breathtaking diamond caught the light and shimmered back at her, utterly captivating her all over again.

Mac shot her a quick glance and chuckled as he gently tugged her along. “Come on. You’ll have all kinds of time to stare at that rock once we’re on the boat.”

“I can’t help it.” She laughed, still thrown by his unexpected proposal. “I love it!”

He turned her hand so he could admire the ring himself then winked at her. “It looks good on you.” Mac craned his neck and spotted their chartered boat. “I see ‘em.” He shared a nod with a man watching them from a fly bridge just ahead.

The man chuckled as he made his way down a chrome ladder to the deck to meet them. “You beat my other crewman.” Turning, he reached for Kate’s hand, hauling her into the boat as Mac boosted her by the hips from behind. Her fiancé leaped gracefully onto the boat after her, and they both faced the captain.

“Welcome aboard the Sea Sprite. I’m Brady Finn.” Still holding her hand, he gave it a hearty pump.

He didn’t look any older than they were, but his sharp features were weathered from the wind and sun. The lines framing his smile gave his tan even more warmth. Her eyes strayed to his sandy hair. Generally, she preferred men who were more clean-cut, like Mac. But the way Brady’s shaggy hair fluttered and feathered in the breeze, with the sun glinting off his natural bleached highlights, was undeniably appealing. As if saving the best for last, only now did she meet his unusual blue-green eyes. Set off by fine lines radiating out from the corner of each, they were beautiful, so striking she was thrown for moment.

No question—most women would find Brady Finn attractive. Trying very hard not to think about it, she blushed at her delayed response to his introduction. “Kate.”

As always, Mac saved the day. Offering his hand to their skipper next, he grinned. “And I’m Mac Schafer.” He glanced around, taking it all in. “Wow, this is some boat.”

“Thank you.” The captain was noticeably pleased at the compliment. “Ah … here’s Rome. He’s going to help you haul in your monster fish today.”

“Rome?” Kate raised her eyebrows as she shook the Latino’s hand.

His lips tightened. “I prefer it to Romeo.”

Brady gave him a good-natured cuff on the arm and told the passengers, “He’s not as big a fan of Shakespeare as his mom.”

Chuckling, Mac clasped hands with him and brought back the man’s easy smile. “Good to meet you, Rome.”

A sigh of contentment escaped Kate as she gazed at her fiancé. Mac had a way with people, a gift for diffusing tense situations. It’s what attracted her to him in the first place.

Stepping back, she was startled to catch the captain watching her, studying her. She had an uneasy suspicion he was very aware of how carefully she’d examined him moments ago. Looking evasively away, she reached for Mac. Pressed against his side while he chatted, Kate rubbed her hand up and down his spine, in dire need of a little of his calming mojo herself all of a sudden.

Oblivious to her tension, Mac smiled at Brady. “You said there’s a bathroom on board?”

The captain pointed to his left. “Through the salon and down the stairs.”

Mac gave Kate’s waist an affectionate squeeze. “See. Told you. You’ll be fine.”

“You can’t miss it.” Brady’s gaze landed on her again. To her relief, he didn’t linger this time. “We’ll head out as soon as Manuel gets here. Excuse me. I’ll see what’s keeping him.”

Rome waved the couple into the cockpit. “How about a quick tour?”

There was a spring in Kate and Mac’s steps when they hustled down the dock, clasped hands swinging between them on this bright and early morning. In truth, it could have been simply the give of the walkway under their feet, but she chose to attribute it to their blissful mood. Her skin still tingled from making love with him back at the hotel. Both wore smiles that wouldn’t quit.

Kate turned her wrist, and his, to admire her beautiful new ring. The breathtaking diamond caught the light and shimmered back at her, utterly captivating her all over again.

Mac shot her a quick glance and chuckled as he gently tugged her along. “Come on. You’ll have all kinds of time to stare at that rock once we’re on the boat.”

“I can’t help it.” She laughed, still thrown by his unexpected proposal. “I love it!”

He turned her hand so he could admire the ring himself then winked at her. “It looks good on you.” Mac craned his neck and spotted their chartered boat. “I see ‘em.” He shared a nod with a man watching them from a fly bridge just ahead.

The man chuckled as he made his way down a chrome ladder to the deck to meet them. “You beat my other crewman.” Turning, he reached for Kate’s hand, hauling her into the boat as Mac boosted her by the hips from behind. Her fiancé leaped gracefully onto the boat after her, and they both faced the captain.

“Welcome aboard the Sea Sprite. I’m Brady Finn.” Still holding her hand, he gave it a hearty pump.

He didn’t look any older than they were, but his sharp features were weathered from the wind and sun. The lines framing his smile gave his tan even more warmth. Her eyes strayed to his sandy hair. Generally, she preferred men who were more clean-cut, like Mac. But the way Brady’s shaggy hair fluttered and feathered in the breeze, with the sun glinting off his natural bleached highlights, was undeniably appealing. As if saving the best for last, only now did she meet his unusual blue-green eyes. Set off by fine lines radiating out from the corner of each, they were beautiful, so striking she was thrown for moment.

No question—most women would find Brady Finn attractive. Trying very hard not to think about it, she blushed at her delayed response to his introduction. “Kate.”

As always, Mac saved the day. Offering his hand to their skipper next, he grinned. “And I’m Mac Schafer.” He glanced around, taking it all in. “Wow, this is some boat.”

“Thank you.” The captain was noticeably pleased at the compliment. “Ah … here’s Rome. He’s going to help you haul in your monster fish today.”

“Rome?” Kate raised her eyebrows as she shook the Latino’s hand.

His lips tightened. “I prefer it to Romeo.”

Brady gave him a good-natured cuff on the arm and told the passengers, “He’s not as big a fan of Shakespeare as his mom.”

Chuckling, Mac clasped hands with him and brought back the man’s easy smile. “Good to meet you, Rome.”

A sigh of contentment escaped Kate as she gazed at her fiancé. Mac had a way with people, a gift for diffusing tense situations. It’s what attracted her to him in the first place.

Stepping back, she was startled to catch the captain watching her, studying her. She had an uneasy suspicion he was very aware of how carefully she’d examined him moments ago. Looking evasively away, she reached for Mac. Pressed against his side while he chatted, Kate rubbed her hand up and down his spine, in dire need of a little of his calming mojo herself all of a sudden.

Oblivious to her tension, Mac smiled at Brady. “You said there’s a bathroom on board?”

The captain pointed to his left. “Through the salon and down the stairs.”

Mac gave Kate’s waist an affectionate squeeze. “See. Told you. You’ll be fine.”

“You can’t miss it.” Brady’s gaze landed on her again. To her relief, he didn’t linger this time. “We’ll head out as soon as Manuel gets here. Excuse me. I’ll see what’s keeping him.”

Rome waved the couple into the cockpit. “How about a quick tour?”

Buy Links:  Amazon       Crimson Frost Books

I write stories I like to read–contemporary romances with identifiable characters and themes.  Life is hard.  Love makes it bearable. If you enjoy stories with heat and humor, I have a title for you.

I’m a pampered wife, lucky mom to three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law, and I recently became a very young grandma. I should probably underline the word very.  Oh heck, why not the word young too?  Nah, you get the picture.  I’m also the daily monitor of one naughty dog with attitude.

 

Author Links:  Site    Facebook      Twitter

Tara is giving away to a lucky winner any eBook off her backlist!

For a chance to win just fill out the rafflecopter below.

Van Locken’s Witch

by Debbie Peterson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Kapitein Rand Van Locken has no idea what awaits him as he boards the Spanish galleon on behalf of the Dutch West India Company, or that the beautiful woman imprisoned within will change his life in ways he never imagined or even desired. Until now...

Lissa Capoen, didn't plan for the Spaniards to capture her while attempting to rescue her sister. She didn't foresee the handsome sea captain coming swiftly to her aid and offering his assistance. Nor did she expect him to steal her heart and claim it as his own.

Yet, as destiny brings them ever closer together, Armando Manera is determined to recapture the witch and present her to the Spanish King. No matter what it takes...

EXCERPT:
Lissa's horrified gasp silenced her sister. At once, Rand shifted his attention from Margaretha to Lissa in order to discover the cause and found her gaze fastened upon the ocean. He looked seaward himself and saw what he could only describe as a fleet of misty ghost ships, sailing straight for the shore at high speed. He'd never seen the like in all his days at sea. At once he shifted his gaze to Lissa, needing answers. She gulped and shook her head in despair.

"Oh, Margaretha, what have you done? What have you done..." she whispered.

Rand turned his woman around to face him. "What is it, Lissa? What's wrong?"

She let go of a sigh as she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, a single tear meandered down her cheek. She glanced at the ghostly vessels advancing ever nearer as she removed her talisman from around her neck, and then placed it around his own. "I don't have time to...I will always love you Rand Van Locken. Always...don't forget."

The ships had all but reached the shore and he found it obvious they frightened her beyond measure.

A severe foreboding drove him to cuddle her into his arms. He held her protectively against his chest while a host of ghostly white mists drifted toward them. Her fear had become his. "Lissa, what's going on? Please, you've got to tell me!"

Her eyes filled with sorrow as she touched her lips to his. Before he could say another word, she and Margaretha disappeared.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Debbie has always had a soft spot for fairy tales, the joy of falling in love, and happily ever after endings. Stories of love and make believe filled her head for as long as she can remember. However, it was her beloved husband who encouraged, cajoled and inspired her to take up a pen and write some of them down. Her journey to published author could fill quite a few pages. However, in June of 2010, she submitted her debut novel “Spirit of the Rebellion” to her wonderful, patient, editor at The Wild Rose Press and the rest is history. She now has four published novels to her credit, with a fifth due out in 2014.

When she is not busy conjuring her latest novel, Debbie spends time with the members of her very large family, within the lovely, arid deserts of southern Nevada. She also pursues her interests in family history, mythology, and all things ancient and historic.

Connect with Debbie:

Website: http://dk-peterson.com/

Blog: http://debbie-peterson.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebbiePeterson1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Peterson-Author/214882805206529?ref=tn_tnmn

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/debpeterson1/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lockens-Witch-Wieven-Debbie-Peterson-ebook/dp/B00FWWXBES/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_4

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-lockens-witch-debbie-peterson/1117524840?ean=9780991068210

Darlin Storm


Storm, Sophia Davis is working on Tequila 10 special operative team for the government. The team has special abilities. 


The half century old, notorious prophesy hasn’t been fulfilled. Storm is waiting for the Chosen to show up to bond her soul and heart. 


Phantom is unaware of his true nature or his destiny. He lives life staying in the dark, silently observing the world turn. He feels that he’s never truly fit or felt at home anywhere. He feels his life is a phantom of what life is. 


Storm and Phantom are on a mission to gather intel. They’re destined to cross paths and immediately thrown into a tornado of love, truths, and passions. Are they destined to merge as one?

 

Excerpt:

Storm walks into the building looking for the apartment number. Ok I’m taking the stairs because I’m too anxious to wait for the elevator. I need to get inside the apartment, she thinks.

Storm races up the stairs in no time. She strides down the hallway to the end and stops at number 310. She inserts the key and walks in.

Storm turns to close the door and locks it. She inhales deeply; she instantly smells the steaks as she walks inside the apartment. I wonder if Phantom is here. Ok, it smells delicious in here. My entire body is on fire, omg. This heat is getting worse.

She pulls up her hair, fanning herself with her hand. I wonder if I’m going to be able to work. Hmm, it smells like steak and something very, very delicious, she thinks.

Storm looks around the living room and walks further in. She turns to look at the furniture. She throws her bag on the sofa, nodding.

Hell yes, it’s nice for being small. I think that Phantom is here and cooking. Damn, what a wonderful boyfriend I have, she thinks, grinning.

She pulls up her hair, fanning herself. Oh gawd, I’m dying. She opens up her shirt a little more.

“Babe, I’m home,” yells Storm. She walks to the kitchen, smiling.

Huh, Babe? Yeah, she’s insane, he thinks. He shakes his head and turns off the water. He turns to greet her. Hell! She’s beautiful and insanely sexy. Oh wow, she totally turns me on, he thinks.

He blinks with surprise. Damn, I don’t usually react instantly and with this intensity to women.

He shifts to relieve his aching cock. He leans against the counter. His button up shirt, last two buttons are unbuttoned, the shirt flaps open as he crosses his arms.

Storm stops dead in her tracks. Her smile turns to surprise and pleasure. Omg, omg the scent is him. My Chosen! Oh yeah, it’s him! I love his scent and I’m so ready for him, she thinks. She closes her eyes and inhales deeply, with pleasure.

Yep, he’s my mate and he’s simply scrumptious. I’ve never smelled anything like his scent. Yep, he’s made for me, only me. He’s totally mine. I’m thrilled that finally I found him. I thought he wasn’t here on earth, she thinks.

Storm is mystified and she reads him. Omg, he doesn’t have a clue about being a were-wolf, being the Chosen, and about me. Damn, Fierce did this. He’s known all along. No wonder he winked this morning. He’s never winked at me before, she thinks, irritated.

Phantom runs his eyes down her beautiful tone body and then back up to her exquisite face. Oh wow, she’s pissed? She was happy a few minutes ago. What’s up, he thinks. Phantom blinks, he observes her facial expressions.

Damn it, what am I going to do? Oh yeah, I see that Phantom’s body will revive. His scrumptious body has started to revive to its true form. Oh damn, but he doesn’t know he’s a were-wolf. Damn it, she thinks.

She looks at Phantom’s gorgeous face and runs her eyes down his huge body. Damn, I love his beautiful blue eyes. He’s wearing a nice trimmed goatee.

She reads him. Oh, he’s trying to hide his dimple. I can’t wait to see it. Oh yeah, he’s gorgeous everywhere. Hmmm, he looks like he’s ready for me and I’m not going to be able to keep off him for long, she thinks.

Storm bites her lower lip, moaning with need. She rests her hands on her hips. She squeezes her hips, trying to keep her hands under control.

“Hello Storm, I’ve made us an early lunch,” says Phantom. He narrows his eyes to look at her.

Her thin silk shirt clings to every curve. She has full firm breasts and a small waist with nice hips. Damn I can see her breasts swell. Hell, her nipples are nice and tight. Damn, her smell is exquisite. Uh, she’s driving me insane, he thinks.

Storm takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, nodding with pleasure. “It smells delicious and I’m starving. I could really devour you right now,” says Storm.

Hmmm, she can anytime she wants, thinks Phantom, grinning. I wonder if she’s aware of what she said.

“Darlin Storm, I don’t have any issues with that. I’m ready when you are,” replies Phantom.

His body is wakening up to his true nature. Phantom closes his eyes. He takes a swift deep breath and breaths in her scent.

About the Author:

My name is Patricia T. Macias. I was born in San Jose, California. I graduated from the University of Phoenix with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management Administration.

I currently live in Sacramento, California with my family. My family is my pride and joy. I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends.

I always dreamed of writing and I’m extremely happy to be achieving my dream. All of my characters are my best friends. They are always talking and living in my mind and dreams.


Author Links:  Site      Blog      Facebook       Twitter       Goodreads

 

Angels are among us. When Avery encounters her own angel, he brings her tidings of great joy!

Avery Royce has recently landed her dream job—the prestigious position of head pastry chef at a quaint historic inn in Maine. But she's on her own for the first time in her life and things aren't going well. Homesick and surrounded by resentful co-workers, she needs to get away, but she can't get time off work. Then she purchases a beautifully crafted Christmas ornament, and her life is forever changed.

Entombed within the fine glass of the ornament by a powerful wizard, Aiden has spent an eternity waiting to be freed. When a beautiful mortal woman's tears finally frees Aiden from his prison, he's eternally grateful. Still, freed does not mean the danger has ended. When an old nemesis begins to stalk Avery, Aiden will have to fight to save her and the love they are destined to have.

Content Warning: contains explicit sex and some violence

Excerpt:

Confused, Avery didn't know whether to rush out of the cabin or sit down. This is so odd. "Dear God, I'm going bonkers." For several minutes, she sat there trying to rationalize what was going on.

When she looked up, she saw her crystal angel laying on the table only inches from her elbow. The ornament sparkled at her.

She picked it up. "How did you get here?" She caressed its wings. Again they looked as if they were in a different position.

Tears started rolling down her face. What's wrong with me? Her tears rained down on the ornament, washing it. She wiped them away with her fingers, and the ornament gleamed even brighter. She set it down and sighed. Obviously, I need a mental health evaluation.

"Be at peace, child. I bring you no harm," a deep male voice said.

Startled, Avery looked up. She gasped in fear at the sight of a man sitting next to her at the kitchen table. When she looked closer…it was the angel from the crystal ornament, now flesh and blood. He was vibrant and colorful, with black hair, dark eyes, and a nice tanned complexion. To be sure, she glanced down to where she'd placed the ornament on the table. It was gone. He truly was there, materialized into a full-sized man sitting next to her.

"You can and will accept my presence. All is well, Avery." Warmth emanated from him, making her feel flushed, but his words strangely relaxed her.

His features were strong, as perfect as they had been in crystal form. Surprisingly, he touched her arm as if to soothe her. A scream started to form her throat. Then she froze, unable to make a sound.

"Be at peace, young one." Huge white wings unfurled behind him. "I am a heavenly angel, I mean you no harm." Tilting his head to the side, he studied her. Once more, a calming sensation passed over her, chasing all fear away.

Avery coughed, nearly choking.

"Do not scream. All is well."

She sighed. As if hypnotized, all she could do was stare into his sparkling eyes. They were captivating. Intelligence and wisdom stared back at her. In the lamp light, his skin glowed with an unearthly radiance. When he smiled, his teeth were perfectly white.

"I am Aiden. I was trapped within the crystal prison until you freed me with your tears the night you brought me home."

"Are you my guardian angel?" Avery asked in a soft voice.

"No. I am a guardian angel, however, I have not been assigned to protect you. It is happenstance I am here and that you rescued me with the shedding of your sweet tears."

"My tears?"

"Yes, when your tears fell on my crystal prison, it reversed the wicked one's curse, freeing me from captivity."

"How come I'm not freaking out more about all of this?" she asked. "I'm oddly accepting."

"Yes, you are. It is perceptive of you to notice. I have calmed you with my words. For centuries, angels have appeared to men and reassured them with mere words. It is one of our special gifts."

"Oh."

"I have been imprisoned for more than a century. Much has changed."

"How do you know my name?" She pulled back from him.

"I heard Norm call your name."

"Did Norm see you?"

"Yes, and I allowed my presence, my angelic persuasion, to make him change his attitude and show you more respect."

"How?"

"I have a supernatural influence over people, especially weak ones. Norm is a simple man with a coward's heart. It was easy to sway his thoughts with only a glance from me." He chuckled. "Also, I know your name because the magazines are addressed to Ms. Avery Royce."

Avery studied her unusual guest. Even seated he was imposing, taking up most of the space in the room. His sword rested against his knee, shimmering in the light.

"Do you use your sword?" Avery nodded toward it.

"If and when necessary, but if my sword bothers you, I will put it away." He waved his hand, and in a flash, the sword disappeared. "I had grown used to needing it regularly when I was fighting off the wicked one. It seems my sword did me little good. Despite my efforts, the wicked one caught me and imprisoned me. Then he took my ward's life." He shook his head sadly. "I deeply regret my failure." Aiden stood up, towering over the table.

"Dear me, you're big." She looked him over.

"I am a warrior," he reminded her. "I protect those assigned to me with brute force as well as angelic abilities."


 Buy Links: Beachwalk Press   Amazon    Barnes & Noble 


About the Author:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters. My imagination can come alive.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.

  Author Links:     Site      Facebook

I love sharing Ella Jade's books with my followers. She writes such entertaining stories that I love to read. Today she's dropped by to share a new release and talk about her book. Ella's also hosting a giveaway so be sure to enter!! Take it away Ella!


A Love Stolen Guest Blog Post

Ella Jade

The Steeple Town Series

Three independent women who are always there for one another. Best friends who help each other, laugh with one another and support each other especially when one of them finds love.

These were some of my thoughts when I started outlining an idea to write a three book series about a fictional beach town. The Steeple Town Series is a collection of three novellas that focus on the lives of a trio of best friends. The books tell the story of each woman as she finds romance and her happily ever after.

The first book is A Love Stolen. This novella centers in on Lila Crofton and the town sheriff Trevor Matheson. It’s a second chance romance.

Here’s the blurb...

Can time forgive the mistakes of the past?

After a six year absence, Lila Crofton has returned to her hometown of Steeple to bury her father. Hopefully she can avoid Trevor Matheson, her ex-boyfriend, long enough to take care of her business and get back to the city. With everything she's dealing with the last thing she needs is to run into the man who betrayed her and broke her heart.

Recently divorced Sheriff Trevor Matheson is picking up the pieces of his life. When his high school sweetheart, Lila, returns to Steeple, Trevor sees it as a sign. He's getting over a failed marriage and she's grieving the loss of her dad. They need one another. The timing couldn't be more perfect. But can they move past the events that tore them apart six years ago?

Is there a second chance in their future, or is their stolen love gone forever?

Content Warning: contains graphic sex and strong language

Note: This book has been previously published.

A Love Stolen is available now... http://beachwalkpress.com/a-love-stolen/

Coming soon, A Love Discovered, the second book in the series.

Follow me on Facebook for all the upcoming details on the fun, steamy and romantic series.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hl

A Love Stolen
by Ella Jade


Can time forgive the mistakes of the past?

After a six year absence, Lila Crofton has returned to her hometown of Steeple to bury her father. Hopefully she can avoid Trevor Matheson, her ex-boyfriend, long enough to take care of her business and get back to the city. With everything she's dealing with the last thing she needs is to run into the man who betrayed her and broke her heart.

Recently divorced Sheriff Trevor Matheson is picking up the pieces of his life. When his high school sweetheart, Lila, returns to Steeple, Trevor sees it as a sign. He's getting over a failed marriage and she's grieving the loss of her dad. They need one another. The timing couldn't be more perfect. But can they move past the events that tore them apart six years ago?

Is there a second chance in their future, or is their stolen love gone forever?

Content Warning: contains graphic sex and strong language

Note: This book has been previously published.

Excerpt:

As Trevor helped Lila up the porch steps, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed her lips against his jaw. She hadn't taken her hands off him since they'd left Tate's.

"I love to feel your stubble." She ran her fingers along his cheek. "It's sexy."

"Keys?" He held out his hand and waited as she dug through her bag. She had him rock hard and ready to go. The fact that she'd rested her hand on his thigh the whole ride home hadn't helped matters. It was the alcohol lowering her inhibitions, but that didn't make it any easier not to respond.

"Here they are." She dropped them into his hand. "Come inside with me."

He opened the door and led her into the foyer. As soon as he let her go, she stumbled forward. He caught her by the waist and pulled her against him. He couldn't take his eyes away from her lips.

"Do you want to kiss me?" Her warm breath caressed his mouth.

More than you know.

"Let me help you upstairs. I don't want you to fall down the steps." He scooped her up and carried her to the staircase. She was so light and dainty. She was still his perfect fit.

"You didn't answer my question." She placed soft, open-mouth kisses along his neck as he made his way to her old bedroom. He remembered sneaking up those steps many times, while her father slept down the hall. They still creaked, but this time he didn't have to worry about getting caught.

"Of course I want to kiss you." He pushed the door open with his shoulder and set her down by the bed.

She closed her eyes and leaned into him. He swiped the hair from her face, took her chin between his fingers, and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

She opened one eye and peered at him, waiting for more. "That's it?" Disappointment flooded her beautiful features.

"For tonight." He tapped the tip of her nose with his finger. "I want you to remember when I kiss you."

"I'll remember." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're not easy to forget."

He pried her arms from his body. "Believe me, I want to, but not tonight."

"Why?"

"Because four hours ago you ran away from me," he said. "Something made you run. Tell me why." He may not have wanted to take advantage of her physically while she was intoxicated, but he didn't see why he couldn't let her drunken lips tell him what she was afraid of.

"I can't."

"You can't what?" He needed to know what she thought about the two of them.

"I'm tired now." She lifted her dress over her head and tossed it in the corner of the room. She stood before him in nothing but her white push-up bra and matching lace thong.

"Hell." He couldn't take his eyes off her toned, tanned body. He mindlessly licked his lips when he discovered her rose-colored nipples poking through the thin, silky material of her bra. Struggling with himself, he tried not to lower his gaze. He lost the battle as he greedily took in her scantily covered sex.

"Want to kiss me now?" She ran her fingers down her neck and over her breasts. "Want to touch me like this?" She moved her hand down her stomach and to the waistband of her panties.

He stepped closer to her and grabbed her wrist. He had to get her to stop or he'd lose all control.

"You want to do it?"

Buy Links:   Beachwalk Press    Amazon    Barnes & Noble 

About the Author:

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.


Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.

Author Links:     Site     Facebook Author Page      Twitter



Giveaway:
Ella is giving away to a lucky winner and eBook off her backlist.

And to five runners up Swag packs!

For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

SEVEN SENSUOUS DAYS

BOOK FOUR – APPOINTMENT WITH PLEASURE SERIES

 EROTIC CONTEMPORARY


Blurb:

At an erotic auction, she’s his to bid on…to take…to command.

 

The night’s sultry, filled with carnal promise as Tessa participates in an agency event to raise money for charity. She’s chained and bared—as women were once displayed for a sultan’s harem—her sweet looks and full figure offered to the wealthy and powerful men.

Among them is Logan. To him, Tessa is so different from his late wife, the seemingly perfect female who cruelly stole his hope and future. Wanting only to forget and have a good time, he wins Tessa, demanding she be his in every way possible, engaging in all wanton acts, though not only for an evening…for seven sensuous days at his secluded Virginia estate.

A provocative proposal with such a dangerously virile man.

A week that changes everything, with Tessa’s exquisite vulnerability and Logan’s suddenly unquenchable desire more than either bargained for.

 
Excerpt:


Music swelled, drums drowning out what had sounded like flutes and a female voice trilling something. Blood pounded in Tessa’s ears, muting it all. With her face lowered, all she could see was the purplish sheen of her cape. She sensed the panels in front of her parting, the stage displayed. Beyond it were a series of steps descending to a stone walkway flanked with splashing fountains, which eventually led to the crowd…the one man who was supposed to win her for an evening.

A full day was reserved for goddesses like Felicity. With her participation in this event, Ronnie would probably have enough funds to build a community college for young women.

The microphone screeched with brief feedback. Tessa made a face. Ronnie said something Tessa didn’t quite catch.

She bit her bottom lip, and decided to hell with it. She was going to take Felicity’s advice and fantasize.

“He’s dark and dangerous,” Felicity had said.

His features would be masculine, strong, slightly rough, his face shadowed with his coming beard. No, wait. He’d have a mustache and a closely cropped goatee, that hair as dark as his eyebrows. His eyes would be black, piercing, his skin a deep bronze, his lips satiny, his mouth full and rich.

He’d move into her with a right given him by birth, as a ruler. As a male. Looking down at her, he’d smile, shameless lust transforming his features, making him seem even more dangerous. Sex would be on his terms. He’d take her in any manner he chose. Orally, vaginally, anally, his strength precluding escape, his stiffened cock demanding its due, all that she could--

Tessa’s cunt stopped aching with need as her hood fell away. Or rather, Brian had pulled it back. Instinctively, she lifted her head, her attention darting everywhere, much as she suspected a real captive would have behaved, not knowing what to expect. A part of her mind recorded water spraying from the fountains, the again-subdued music, rich and seductive. Ronnie’s voice. The muted conversations of the ladies with their so-called masters.

Those men who hadn’t yet made their selections were quiet. Tessa regarded each. Some were listening to Ronnie. Others glanced at Tessa’s cloak, no doubt wanting it off.

With a flourish, Brian complied and pulled the thing from her, then lifted her arms above her head, securing her shackled wrists to the column.

Tessa stiffened at being exposed in every way possible. There was no hiding her nudity or expression up here, not with the lights trained on her. They weren’t fully intrusive, just enough illumination to exhibit, making her the brightest spot among all the shadows and the torches’ flickering flames. The toasty breeze skimmed the faint moisture on her cunt and licked her nipples, puckering them even more so that the tips appeared that much longer. Areas Felicity’s makeup had accentuated.

Perspiration prickled Tessa’s neck. Her heart beat out of time, the pose she struck both daunting and oddly arousing. There was absolutely nothing to compare to this…being chained and displayed. A sensation of delicious helplessness. Intense vulnerability.

Especially as no one spoke up.

Oh no.

Embarrassment drove heat to Tessa’s throat and cheeks. The music played on and on. Each second crawled by while her mind raced. Would her part in the auction stop when the piece ended even though no one had offered a price? Would Ronnie call for an intermission then, or would she want to continue with the rest of the event as quickly as--

Someone called out a bid.

Tessa’s heart paused. She hadn’t hear the amount. It didn’t matter. One man, at least, craved her.

Who? She studied the audience. A guy, forty or so, smiled with kindness, rather than lust, no doubt sensing and seeing her uncertainty. She offered her own smile in return, liking his sympathetic manner, wondering if he was the one who’d bid on her.

No. He’d already turned to the server and was now pointing at his drink as though he wanted a new one more than anything else.

So who had made the offer?

Another client kept looking from her to Ronnie. Others took a moment to study the program, see who was coming up next.

That would be Felicity. For her, the men would shout over each other, demanding to be heard, letting the money flow freely.

Another bid rang out.

Completely surprised, Tessa continued to regard the crowd, her attention drawn finally, almost irresistibly, to Logan Kincaid.

She forgot to breathe.

Someone had relit the torch nearest his table. Its bobbing light bathed him in a warm golden glow.

Tessa’s body softened.

Young—thirties or so, just as she’d thought—he wore his dark brown hair longish on the top and sides, combed away from his face. His features were rugged, deliciously masculine, especially his shadow of beard. Tessa had no doubt those short bristles would be rough to the touch, a wonderful contradiction to the silkiness of his lips, his generous mouth. A man’s mouth.

Warmth sluiced through her again, the heat soothing this time. Arousing.

He wore a beige blazer that went well with his tan complexion, his white shirt opened at the collar. Decidedly relaxed. The same as his demeanor. He lowered his drink…whiskey or bourbon…from here it was impossible for her to tell. He glanced at his watch, then surveyed the crowd, not her.

Ronnie took another bid.

With a neutral expression, Logan regarded the man who’d made it.

Tessa didn’t bother to look. She focused on Logan.

Another bid followed the last. As if to determine why, Logan finally glanced at the stage.

Tessa’s pulse pounded. Her legs felt watery.

His attention swept upward from the ridiculous shoes she wore to her naked calves and thighs. He studied her exposed cunt and glittering body jewelry for a moment, then continued to her bared breasts, viewing them briefly before he at last reached her eyes.

There, he stopped, as though he hadn’t meant to. There, he lingered.

Available at: Ellora’s Cave  

Release: March 5

 

Other books in the Appointment with Pleasure series:

Claiming Magique – Book One

Losing Control – Book Two

Illicit Intent – Book Three