HOUSEMATE
BY J.E. WISEMAN


When Peter decides to advertise for a housemate to share his cabin in the woods, he doesn't expect a woman to answer and is surprised when Kate, a beautiful, sexy woman, young enough to be his daughter, shows up. He is determined not to let anything happen, but is tantalized by her seductive ways. Still, determined not to allow his passions control his behavior, he finds himself unable to resist when they have dinner and she gets drunk from too much wine. Still, reluctant to accept what is happening, Kate tells him she loves older men and he should see her as a gift sent to him. Though much older, Peter realizes this younger woman has much to teach him and learns what happens when you give up expectations and give in to what comes your way.

EXCERPT:
I live in a cabin in the woods that my wife and I built several years ago. She moved out last year and we got a divorce after twenty-five years of marriage. We’re still friends. We married young and gradually just drifted apart and life goes on. I’m a writer and have a couple of books published and a collection of poetry. I have a little following, but nothing major by any means. I teach writing at a local college and a few online courses. I’m fifty-two and in pretty good shape considering I love to eat and hate to exercise—except for working in my garden. I work hard out there and grow most of my own food. I live a pretty simple life, but one day I decided to get a housemate, someone to help with the mortgage payments. I put up a sign at the local food co-op with little slips at the bottom with my phone number that said ask for Peter. I didn’t get any calls, but when I checked my sign at the co-op a few times I saw that a few slips had been taken.

One Sunday afternoon, the phone rang and someone asked for Peter. I heard a woman’s voice, which sounded young. Answering her question, I said, “Yes, I am looking for a housemate, but didn’t think a woman would call.” I asked if she’d mind sharing the place with a man.

She said, “It all depends. I just arrived in town and need a place to live.”

I told her I was five miles out of town and gave her directions. While I was waiting, I picked up things, wiped the kitchen counter, put some dishes away and ran a brush around the toilet bowl. The place looked pretty good. About fifteen minutes later, a red Saab pulled up next to my old Subaru. I saw a young woman walking up the path, looking down at the ground, then up at the cabin. She wore a short denim skirt, a jean jacket and boots that came to her knees. She had long brownish hair, almost blonde. I opened the screen door as she approached and she looked up and smiled, “Hi. I’m Kate,” she said and shook my hand.

“Oh, wow, I love all the wood and the skylights,” she said as she entered and looked around.

She had a pretty face, high cheekbones, intense green eyes and freckles. Her long dusty-blonde hair came down well past her shoulders.

“So where would I stay, if I took it?” she asked.

“You’d have the whole other side of the cabin. Follow me and I’ll show you.”

When we entered the bedroom, she unzipped her jean jacket. She was wearing a tight black turtleneck and I could see she wasn’t wearing a bra because her nipples showed through her shirt. She’s really built, I thought, noticing how her grapefruit-sized tits strained the material of her shirt.

Adult excerpt

She finished her wine and asked if I minded if she poured another glass. Luckily, it was a large bottle. I shook my head, and she poured herself another glass and filled mine. I liked that she was feeling comfortable. When we finished eating, she picked up our bowls and took them to the sink. I noticed that she staggered slightly. Again, I couldn't help looking at her luscious ass while she washed our dishes.

She glanced at me looking at her. I think she knew I liked what I was seeing. She smiled then went back to washing the bowls, humming to herself.

I moved to my recliner in front of the wood stove, turned on the lamp behind me, picked up my magazine, leaned back and tried to read it, trying to get my mind off of her body. I’ve got to control myself. I can’t let anything happen. She’s younger than my daughter.

While I was reading, Kate came to where I was sitting and stood in front of me, pressing her knees against my legs. She looked down at me with a little smile. Her crotch was at eye level. I looked up at her and tried not to look at her tits and the nipples poking her tight shirt. She didn’t say anything but just pressed her knees harder against my leg. “I think I’m drunk.”

“Oh,” I said.

“And horny,” she added. “When I get drunk like this all I want to do is fuck.”

I was stunned by her bluntness. She got down on her knees, took the magazine off of my lap, spread my legs apart and put her hand on my cock. She bit her lower lip and looked into my eyes. I was already aroused from looking at her, but when she started rubbing my cock, I could feel myself getting bigger and harder. I didn’t move. I can’t believe this is happening. I can't let this happen.

“I saw how you were looking at me, Peter.” She gazed into my eyes while she moved her hand up and down my bulging cock. “Hmm, I love how your cock feels. It feels so big and hard.”

I didn't know what to do, but loved how her hand felt and couldn't believe how hard my cock was. I knew I should stop this, but couldn't. My cock was throbbing.

She stood up and straddled my legs, sat down and pressed her crotch against my cock and started grinding.

I should push her away and stop this from happening. I was trying desperately to control myself, but instead of pushing her away, I grabbed her round ass and pulled her into me and started grinding my cock into her as she rubbed herself against me.

“Oh, fuck. This feels sooooo good,” she moaned before leaning forward and kissing me. Her insistent tongue penetrated my mouth. “Come on, Peter, kiss me,” she said, looking hungrily into my eyes.

BUY LINKS:
SECRET CRAVINGS STORE: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=864

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BARNES AND NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/housemate-je-wiseman/1119343422?ean=2940149433520

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-housemate-1489734-149.html

BOOKSTRAND: http://www.bookstrand.com/housemate

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J.E. Wiseman is a prolific author of erotica and romance who has lived an adventurous life as a merchant seaman, teacher, farmer and baker. He started writing poetry and stories when he was nine and is now widely published. His many books are filled with keen observations and provocative ideas that explore the hidden needs and desires of intriguing characters.  After living in the woods in an off-the grid cabin for twelve years where he grew most of his own food, he is now living in a small pentagon shaped cabin overlooking a trout pond where he writes every morning beginning at four o' clock.

FACE TO FACE
BY ARIANA GAYNOR


After four years of constant instant messaging and video chats, Jess Thomas is ready to meet Ash James in person.

Too bad he isn’t on board with the idea.

But when she’s offered the job opportunity of a lifetime, and it just happens to be located in his town, she’s ready to tempt fate. Fate is fickle though. If you don’t move at her speed she’ll give you a good push.

A woman in distress doesn’t sit well with Ash, and the one being accosted is the last person he expects to see. At least not on this side of a computer screen.

Jess’s first in-person meeting with Ash doesn’t go exactly as she hoped.  Will he let her explain herself when their paths cross again and forgive her?

Does their future stand a chance?

Excerpt:

“Dan, you need to move your hand.”

He pawed at her as soon as they got around the corner of the building, into the shadows. “Stop it, Dan. Go home. This isn’t happening, not tonight, not ever. Am I being clear enough for you?”

She heard people leaving the bar next-door and hoped the interruption would make Dan give up. Apparently, he wasn’t bothered by the possibility of being caught assaulting someone. He continued to push her, trying to get under her jacket.

“You don’t mean that, doll. We clicked, didn’t we? We just need some privacy to get to know each other better.”

She pushed at him, trying to shove him away. “Knock it off, you asshole. I said no, and that’s what I meant.”

“Hey, buddy, the lady said no. Back off!”

The deep voice booming from behind Dan was all too familiar. Oh shit! Just the person I didn’t want to run into. Jess had to think fast, she had to find a way to get out of the situation unseen.

“Mind your own business!”

“The lady said no, you need to move on, or I’ll make you move on.”

“Buddy, you need to leave us alone. We don’t need you butting in where you aren’t wanted.”

“I think we need to let the lady decide what she wants. Ma’am, now’s the time to leave if you’re going to.”

Ash walked toward them, and Dan dropped his hold. Jess took advantage of Ash’s interference and backed a few steps deeper into the shadows—hoping Ash couldn’t see her.

Keeping her voice a little gruff, she hoped he wouldn’t realize who she was. “Thanks, mister.” She took off for her car as fast as she could without running. She had to get away in case Ash walked to the back of the lot to make sure she got to her car, which is something she knew he would do.

Ash’s voice carried across the parking lot. “You better get out of here, before someone calls the cops. Don’t try to follow her either. I’ll be waiting for you to leave.”

“I’m going, asshole. The bitch isn’t worth my time anyway.” Dan stormed off to his car, gunned the motor as he started the engine then quickly tore out of the lot.

Jess tried to get her hands to still so she could get the key in the ignition of her vehicle. They weren’t cooperating. “Shit, come on, get yourself together. If he sees you, tonight is only going to get worse.” Talking to herself seemed to work. She slid the key into the slot, turned it smoothly, and the motor started immediately. With a quick look in her mirrors, she put the car in reverse.

Bam! The sudden stop confused her at first. Looking into her rearview mirror again, she saw the rear end of a truck illuminated in the red glare of her taillights. “Where did he come from?” There hadn’t been anyone behind her when she put her car in gear.

“Perfect!” She dropped her head to the steering wheel. “This is just wonderful. What else can go wrong?”

Tap, tap, tap. “Ma’am, are you okay?”

Oh my God, there is what else can go wrong.


BUY  LINKS

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AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Face-Ariana-Gaynor-ebook/dp/B00KKY161S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1401197830&sr=1-1&keywords=face+to+face+ariana+gaynor

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BOOKSTRAND: http://www.bookstrand.com/face-to-face

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author Bio:

Ariana Gaynor has worked in the literary industry for fourteen years.

She spends her time in Central Ohio, loving her kids, along with her dog Shadow, lizard Izzy, and helping other authors.

Once the house is quiet and work is over she spends her time writing.

She started reading her mother’s Harlequin and Silhouette romances in junior high, and then moved on to horror and suspense stories from Edgar Allan Poe, Steven King, Clive Barker, Ann Rice, and James Patterson.

Sewing, crocheting, and knitting are a few hobbies she enjoys.

Connect with Ariana

https://www.facebook.com/ariana.gaynor

Sizzling romance. Killer instinct. Which wins out in the end?
Four top-selling authors create a perfect escape as they take love to the edge of suspense and back, risking life, death, and emotional warfare. Sexy, edgy, and gritty, these four romantic suspense novels will keep you turning the pages, as plots rarely go according to plan, and dangerous situations delay the stories’ coming to climax.
 
This boxed set includes the full-length romantic suspense novels: According To Plan by Madison J. Edwards,Coming to Climax by Bobbye Terry, Emotional Warfare by Christina Wolfer, and A Perfect Escape by Maddie James.


ACCORDING TO PLAN by Madison J. Edwards
 

Shelby Stewart’s been hired to find socialite Harrison Grant. That’s good. Her ex-partner, Tank, is on the hunt for him as well. That’s bad. Shelby will do anything to stay one step ahead of her über sexy ex-lover, even play a tantalizing game of strip pool to knock him off his game. Everything should work out, According to Plan.


COMING TO CLIMAX by Bobbye Terry
 
Margaret Palmer returns to Climax, Virginia, where Southern charm hides long-buried secrets and evil lurks just beneath the surface of the daily routine. Margaret’s long-guarded secret now threatens to be exposed; but, will that no longer matter when a psychotic killer’s target is Blue Moon, the one true love of her life?


EMOTIONAL WARFARE by Christina Wolfer
 
When highly classified military parts go missing from Libby Aerospace Technologies, Dana Porter is sent to Wyoming to resolve the issues. The further Dana digs, the more dangerous things become, and when an ex-employee ends up murdered, she suspects someone is illegally exporting the goods.


A PERFECT ESCAPE by Maddie James
 
Megan Thomas is running for her life. Smyth Parker is running from his. Their perfect escape to the solitude of uninhabited Portsmouth Island might temporarily solve their problems, but Smyth soon learns he doesn’t need a complication named Megan Thomas—especially when she brings more danger to his life than he could have imagined.

According to Plan

by

Madison J. Edwards

What do you do when things don’t go According to Plan? For starters, you trick, deceive, and lie to the very person who ruined your best laid plans.

Welcome to the world of Shelby Stewart, P.I., who’s been hired to find socialite, Harrison Grant. To complicate matters further her ex-partner, Tank shows up looking for Harrison as well, albeit for a very different reason. Harry is the prime suspect in the grisly murder of a call girl in L.A.

That wouldn’t be so bad, but Tank plans on staying at Shelby’s house and makes it obvious he’s quite willing to help her heat the sheets, again. Shelby knows that sex with Tank is dangerous, fast and sometimes a little dirty. Now is not the time to become side-tracked.

Frustration becomes Shelby’s newest partner as she makes plans to out maneuver Tank in their parallel quest. Tank, on the other hand, is always one step ahead of the game—and is not what, or who Shelby thought.

He broke her heart once before. This time she’ll harden her heart. This time his sweet, slow kisses won’t take her knees out from under her. This time she won’t tumble into bed with him. This time it will all work out ~ According to Plan.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE |

 SMASHWORDS | PUBLISHER

Excerpt:

Most authors provide a blurb from the book, but I decided I wanted the readers to have a little backstory that never made it into the storyline. This is the scene where Shelby and Tank meet for the first time.

Enjoy.

 “Oooh. My hunk-o-meter just went into the red. Look at what Ben Grady brought to the party.”

I followed Polly’s gaze across the bonfire. Ben, back from a stint with the army, had arrived with two men and all the single girls were sizing them up.

The taller of the two, with lighter hair, stood apart nursing a beer. Suddenly, he looked across the fire and met my gaze with bold eyes. Embarrassed at being caught, I pretended I hadn’t noticed and took a long sip of my cooler. Instead I watched Polly as she picked her way through the crowd to Ben.

Having been her friend since kindergarten, I knew her M.O. by heart. She’d giggle and flutter big green eyes and they’d be toast. All the other girls may as well go home now. Polly Walker was on the prowl. I grinned into my drink and took another sip, stopping cold when a nasal voice screeched down my back.

“Good evening. I had hoped you would be here.”

I turned around to the unwanted sight of my neighbor, Regis Colton III.

“Go away.” I tried to get Polly’s attention, but she was still too busy flirting.

Regis slicked back his hair with the heel of his hand. “Would you care to go for a walk along the beach?”

I screamed. Okay, I didn’t really scream, but I wanted to. Going for a walk with Regis was comparable to eating sour lemons all day, or being crawled on by fire ants. Not happening. Polly or no Polly, I was out of here.

Spinning on my heel, I ran into a brick wall. At least it felt like a brick wall. I looked up, and although his face was mostly concealed by shadows, I knew he was the guy from across the bonfire. I started to step around him.

 “I was hoping to meet you.” His voice stopped me. Deep and velvety, it resonated to the very core of my being.

Regis cleared his throat and I gripped the stranger’s forearm.

“You don’t know me, but would you please pretend you’re my boyfriend?”

“Only if you give me your phone number.”

Desperate, I nodded yes. He didn’t move. I stared at him for a few seconds more, then asked, “What are you waiting for?”

“Phone number?”

Damn, he was too smart. I quickly rattled off the phone number to a local charity. Before I could even blink, he leaned in and whispered against my lips. “Hold this for me. I’ll be right back for it.”

Holy Moley.

He tasted like peppermint and smelled of soap, aftershave and bonfire smoke. I touched my fingers to my lips and they still tingled. The kiss lasted only two seconds, yet branded me for life. I knew in my heart of hearts this man would change my life forever.

Madison began her writing career in 2009 when she came home and announced she was going to write a book. Within a few months she’d penned the Great Novel That Will Never See Light Of Day. (Yes, it’s that bad)  Since then, she’s learned a little bit of the art of writing by attending a few workshops and taking several courses for Creative Writing through the University of Western Ontario.



Her novella, THE PERFECT SECRETARY, was an All Romance Bestseller and reached #63 on Amazon Top 100 ~ Erotic.

At present, she’s writing a small town contemporary romance series. The first book, Man of Her Dreams, is a finalist in the NEORWA’s 2014 Cleveland Rocks Writing Contest.

The one thing that remains constant in ALL her stories, good or bad, is there must be a Happily Ever After, or even a Happy For Now. Of course the characters don’t know this, but that’s half the fun of writing them.

She’s a PRO member of Romance Writers of America and RWA Contemporary Romance Writers.

Visit Madison’s website: www.madisonjedwards.com

Connect on:

Twitter: @MadisonJEdwards

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MadisonJ

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/madisonjedwards

Blogger: http://madisonedwards.blogspot.com

I can certainly understand why staying married might appeal to people. But once love is gone...and a new love is found... Wow... How can you deny your own desires? I am dying to find out how Justine handles the situation, especially since I'd love to run her cheating husband over! Make sure you enter the giveaway below!

Turning the Cliché Upside Down.

We all know the clichés about infidelity and politics. It’s practically a given that we can expect to see a few high profile politicians caught in sexually compromising situations each year. The stories are so commonplace they’ve ceased to be stories.

Then I heard an interesting Behind the Music story on CBC Radio 2 one day and my eyes popped. I suddenly saw how the typical scenario could be flipped and freshened. This revelation was spawned by Margaret Trudeau, the wife and first lady to the former Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau. She caused a scandal when she disappeared for seven days and seven nights, without word, to hang out with the Rolling Stones in New York City. When Margaret was eventually located, at their hotel with them, eyebrows shot even higher. Under pressure to return to her waiting husband, she promptly flew home and announced she wanted to get her own apartment in NYC and commute back and forth to Ottawa. She’d found the role of first lady dull. It didn’t suit her.

I immediately began to consider what it would be like for a neglected political wife, particularly one married to a man with power and influence. What if she’d already become merely a prop at his side, meant to personalize him with voters? As in the original version, I intended to make Justine’s forbidden love interest a musician. Sean chose photographer instead. He was right, of course. I love how he asserted himself. As a sensitive and perceptive photographer, her loneliness, dejection, and isolation, even in a crowded ballroom, reached out to him. They were both on the edge of that world, yet apart from it. You could almost say they were destined to meet.

But innocent or not, the scandal breaks and that’s when things get really exciting. So join Justine and Sean and let your heart decide where she truly belongs.

Genre: Contemporary Romance


Is the scandal worth it? Only she can answer that.

For two years Justine Hubbard has played the supportive wife role for her husband in public…and nowhere else. Senator Gary Hubbard's philandering ended her love for him. But sometimes there are reasons people decide to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage when the relationship is over.

Living a lie until after the election wasn't an issue—until she met Sean O'Donnell. She can't fool the perceptive photographer. He understands her. He wants her. After feeling invisible to her husband, that's an intoxicating discovery. But having condemned her husband for his hushed affairs, it would be hypocritical to give in to her desire for Sean.

All it would take is a whisper of scandal for her husband's political enemies to bring him down. She wouldn't dream of sacrificing Gary's career, their causes, and her own good name. But how can she stay away from Sean now that she's fallen for him?

Content Warning: contains sensual sex and mild language

The senator put his arm around his wife while she stood, frozen, her smile brittle on the edges. "Justine is a big patron of the arts. I'm glad she found someone interesting to talk to tonight. She hates these functions."

Sean smiled tightly, noting her discomfort. "She's not the only one."

"Yes, well…" The senator rubbed his hands together. "The sooner I get out of here, the sooner I can get home."

Sean felt the next perfunctory kiss was for his benefit. His heart went out to her.

"Don't wait up," the senator said to his wife.

One more insincere handshake with Sean and the man was gone.

She seemed to shrink, as if letting go of the tension took an inch off her height. "I think he forgot to call for my car."

"I'm just about to leave. Would you like to share a cab?"

The corner of her mouth twitched and she nodded, her lovely hazel eyes shining, though not a tear fell.

They ditched their glasses and headed to the atrium. Twice his hand strayed automatically toward the small of her back as they walked. He had to remind himself not to touch her.

Collecting their coats, he helped her into hers then slipped on his own, winding his slate gray scarf around his neck.

He didn't hesitate to offer his arm on the way out. Her high heels demanded it. Even though the sidewalk had clearly been shoveled once already, snow continued to fall, the scattered salt leaving circular patterns of melt amidst the slick. The doorman waved a cab forward and opened the door for them. Sean helped her into the back then slid in after her.

The doorman shut them in as Sean adjusted his long coat on the seat around him. "Let's drop you off first."

"All right." She leaned forward and gave the cabbie her address.

* * * *

Justine was hyper aware of O'Donnell's hand resting on the seat not eight inches from hers as they rode across the city. If they both stretched out a pinky, they might even touch. Beyond handshakes, she hadn't touched a man in so long. Gary no longer counted. He only touched her in public. After his second affair, she'd insisted.

Her life, her marriage, her husband—all of it was a sham.

Glancing surreptitiously at Sean O'Donnell as he watched the scenery pass, she was struck by how handsome he was, in a completely natural way. There was no hint of product in his hair to tame and control the wayward curls flaring out behind his ears. If anyone gave Gary's hair a little pat it would shift on his head like one solid, perfect helmet.

Even though it was faint, she could smell Old Spice coming off her quiet seatmate. It made her smile. Ah, memories. Back in the day, she used to love that aftershave. Gary only wore expensive cologne.

Sean cleaned up nicely, but she could tell he was as uncomfortable with the public side of his life as she was with hers. There was something genuine about him. After living with a facsimile of a human being for seven years, that was an attractive quality to have.

The cab turned onto her street and she began to worry the purse in her lap. Their ride had taken no time at all. They pulled to the curb in front of her townhouse and she started to open the clasp on her purse for her share of the fare. That's when Sean O'Donnell finally touched her bare hand, stopping her.

"It was on the way," he said.

"Thank you."

He exited the car then held the door, assisting her out. "I'll walk you up."

Afraid it would feel too much like the end of an awkward date, she declined his offer, though she appreciated his consideration. "That isn't necessary."

"Don't forget, the Russell Gallery. I hope to see you there, Mrs. Hubbard."

Flattered, she laughed softly. "I'll be there. But please, call me Justine."

She liked how his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. "Sean."

"Thank you for the ride."

"My pleasure. Goodnight, Justine." He stood there, silent and seemingly unaffected by the large, fluffy snowflakes settling on his hair and shoulders.

"Goodnight, Sean." Feeling a blush coming on, she hurried up her front steps and slipped her key in the lock. He was still watching over her from the open car door when she turned on the light and stepped into the foyer. Lifting her hand, she gave him a final parting wave.

Nodding once in return, he dipped his head and got back into the taxi.

As the car pulled away, she fell against the door and turned the deadbolt, her heart racing in a thrilling and inappropriate way.

 Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press    Amazon    Barnes & Noble

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 a choice of eBook from her backlist.

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

I love science fiction romances. Anything is possible in a future world where things are supposed to be a better place... but we find that humans have been pretty much the same. Imogene Nix has a wonderful world here where kick butt heroines are in charge! But there's also a hot hero who is here to help save the day!

Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance

Kumi Ito has her mission, as does Carmichael Snow, but are their objectives compatible?

Kumi Ito is a woman with a problem. Since assuming the role of head of the Commerce Department, she's found discrepancies…the kind that could cause anarchy if the truth got out.

When Carmichael Snow, the commander of the Emancipation, comes across intelligence that someone has placed a hit on Kumi, he has to save her. His plan? Hide her and find the assassin.

As they dodge the killer, a passion ignites between them that runs from simmering all the way to steamy. But will the actions of one snatch away their happiness before they can accept what is growing between them?

Content Warning: This book features a buff, hot guy and a kick-butt heroine. Naturally, hot scenes will follow.

The small craft Carmichael and Tomi traveled in approached an imposing tower, slowing and dropping to the plascrete surface with a slight bump before rolling to a stop in an empty bay. The doors opened and both men climbed out. The glass slider whooshed open and they moved at a pace somewhere between a stride and jog. The silence was welcome. After years onboard the Emancipation, Carmichael was used to the general hubbub of people. This was still and hushed. The peace before the storm.

A man approached, and Carmichael guessed he was maybe fifty. He's carefully preserved, he thought, noting the impeccable gray suit and discreet adornments. He wasn't tall, but his black hair sprinkled with silver was as immaculate as his clothing. In his uniform, Carmichael felt crumpled before the picture of sartorial elegance. No doubt this was the kind of man Kumi appreciated. He pulled himself up short. He wasn't there to further his relationship prospects. He had a job to do.

"Madam Kumi is expecting you, Senator. Your friend, however…" The man frowned slightly as he indicated with his perfectly manicured hands toward the seating area.

"He is with me."

The man nodded, but his eyes narrowed. "She has requested privacy for your meeting."

Tomi moved through the doorway and Carmichael shadowed him. "Thank you, Dobry."

Carmichael filed the name away. Never know what will be the piece of information that will solve the puzzle.

Once inside, the door closed with an audible snick. Behind a large wooden desk overflowing with files was Kumi. As elegant as ever in a silver-gray suit. Kumi wasn't a tall or large woman, but with her golden toned skin and tip-tilted brown eyes she drew the eye. Her short, dark hair was worn in a bob that framed her pixie-shaped face.

She looked soft. Womanly. He also knew she had a spine of pure steel. He'd already seen it in action the night he'd squired her at the commitment ceremony.

She smiled as she rose. "Well, Tomi. Whatever this is, it had better be good."

Carmichael noted her bare feet with a grin.

Kumi obviously noticed him and his quick glance. She came to a standstill, frowning before stepping in his direction, then stopped in front of him. Her gaze dipped to her feet and she blushed the most charming pink tinge along her high cheekbones. "Oh, dear. Do forgive me, Captain." She wiggled the toes which peeked out from under her long, flowing pants.

"There is nothing to forgive, Madam Kumi." He watched her fluid movements and admired her curves. She was sleek and lithe, and his body tightened at the thought of what lay under the light silk jacket.

With a jerky nod, Kumi made for her seat and slowly lowered herself. In a classic move, she folded her hands across the desk, her features now a serene veil of watchfulness. "So then, brother, what's so important that I had to see you immediately and not tonight?"

"It would seem you and your work have been noted by someone with a modicum of power among the Indy rebels. Captain Snow's men intercepted a communication. Kumi, you're making enemies."

Buy Links:     Beachwalk Press     Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).

Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.

In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.

She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.

Author Links:  Site    Facebook    Blog    Twitter

Imogene is giving away an eCopy of her books to TWO lucky winners.

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

Hello Christina, and thank you for visiting today.  Tell us a little about yourself. 
Hi Melissa. Thank you for having me on your blog. It’s a great page.

I’m Christina Hoffman. I’m originally from London England, but moved around a lot as a kid. I live in San Francisco right now. A great, if chilly, city. I thought California would be warmer!

I’m writing Contemporary Romances that pretty much go against all the current trends. My stories definitely have sex in them (!), but I tried to make the characters more “real” than we might usually see. I don’t think Romance has to be completely separated from reality. Real people can have fantastic sex lives, so why not write about it?

I’m probably completely wrong, and will likely starve to death.

I hope you don't starve to death. That doesn't sound like a good time. Thanks for sharing about your life! It sounds like you have an interesting life. Now on to some personal questions.
If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself?

Jump. It gets worse.

Kidding, kidding. I would tell myself that I was going to meet some amazing people and do some amazing things, so hang in there!

For what are you grateful?

There are just too many things to list. I was very very sick two years ago and barely made it out of the hospital. I still have terrible days when I need to crawl under the sheets, but I bounce back much faster these days. I guess I’m thankful for that perspective.

I’m also very happy that I get to try to make a living writing stories that are a lot of fun.

If a zombie virus took over the world, how many days do you think you could last before you were infected? And what would you do to postpone the inevitable?

I am very out of touch with zombie lore (the audience gasps!). Do they bite you? If they sneeze on you, is that a problem? If you tell me how to kill them, I’ll do it NO problem! I think I have an angry streak that could really be tapped into in case of a zombie revolution.

It seems like everyone has their own take on the zombie invasion. So at least I can count on you to fight. :) What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?

My family is mainly my sister, who lost her husband in a car accident, and her two young munchkins. I don’t think they’ve made the sitcom yet where a slightly crazy aunt (who secretly writes dirty stories) hangs out at the PTA in order to try to give two little children a slightly more normal childhood.

My personal life would likely be more like The Mindy Project.

Maybe you need to write that television show! What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

It sounds decadent, but I had a massage (a real one – get your minds out of the gutter!!!) about three months ago, and it was incredible.  I really believe it releases some kind of healthy chemical.

I also like just being outside. And online shopping…

Let’s find out a little bit about you as an author. Did you always want to be an author?

The desire to write romance novels is new for me. In fact, it was more a case of a story appearing in my head and me deciding to figure out how to get it on paper (and eventually, published).

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?

Diet Pepsi and candy. It’s terrible. I let myself have whatever I wanted while I was writing this book, because I was so anxious I needed it to help me calm down a bit.

But if I get to write more books, I’ll need a better game plan.

I also need to be warm and sort of cozy. And I can’t have a pretty window to look out of.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?

This makes me laugh, because what I’ve learned is that writing the book is the easy part. Three months ago, I would never have believed it. Since then I have had to learn the publishing business, advertising, and everything about social media and how to use it for promotion.

Tell us about your latest release:

INVITATION Blurb:

Who says Heat can't be Sweet?

Can the love of a good man bring you back to life? Dr. Liam Mason wants to try...

Madison Spencer is a focused medical student, concerned only with work and paying the bills. She hides her beauty and once passionate spirit behind a quiet plain Jane facade. Since she was drugged, stripped, and photographed by a vengeful ex, she has stayed away from men and kept her heart and body safe. But the loneliness is becoming more than she can bear.

When heart-stoppingly gorgeous Dr. Liam Mason walks into her world, she knows she's in trouble. The attraction is instant, but Madison expects her past to be a deal-breaker.

Instead, Liam offers to bring her back to life with passion and pleasure. No love, no commitment, just straight-up fun. Madison's sensible mind resists, but her body is willing. Together the young doctors explore days and nights of pleasure, slowly becoming much more than bedmates.

Deep inside, each wonders if they've found their perfect match. But their fears threaten to destroy the world they're building together. 

Will they each be strong enough and brave enough to risk their hearts to have it all?

Please note: this title contains adult sexual content and is not intended for readers under 18 years old.

How did you decide on your story plot?

The story really just came to me over the course of a couple of days. I knew I wanted to tell the story of a person who had once been very passionate and open to life’s experiences, but who had been shut down. I wanted to show the value of sexual intimacy as something good and even healing. Once I had that part of the story, I had to create characters that could make this happen.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why?

I do have a favorite scene, but talking about it would be a total spoiler. Maybe I can come back after the book’s been out for a while and we’ll chat.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?

I don’t know about me identifying with the character, but I think I knew a Liam once. He had a lot of bravado, but I missed that he was really sweet and generous underneath. I was young and stupid, and might have missed out on something really great. You’ll have to see if Madison is wiser than I was.

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you…

·        http://goodreads.com/goodreadscomsmart_sexy

·        http://www.twitter.com/choffmanbooks

·        http://www.christinahoffman.com

·        http://www.facebook.com/christinahoffman.smartand sexy

·        http://www.amazon.com/author/christinahoffman

Is there anything else that you want to share… feel free!!

I just want to say thank you, Melissa. Blogs like yours are launching great books and writers into the world who might not otherwise get that chance. And most of you do it for free. Writers should never forget how much we owe you.


Purchase your copy: AMAZON 
Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

Title: Invitation
Author: Christina Hoffman
Publisher: Christina Hoffman
Pages: 187
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Purchase at AMAZON

Madison Spencer is a serious medical student, focused only on work and hiding her beauty and her once-passionate spirit behind a quiet plain-Jane facade. Since she was drugged, stripped, assaulted and photographed by a vengeful ex, she has stayed away from men and kept her heart and body safe.

But when heart-stoppingly gorgeous Dr. Liam Mason walks into her world, she knows she's in trouble. After finding out about her devastating past, Liam offers to bring her back to life with physical passion. Madison thinks she should be repelled, but she's intrigued and can't turn him away. Together they explore days and nights of pleasure, and slowly develop into something more than bedmates.

Deep inside they each wonder if they've found their perfect match. But with Liam's fear of being dragged down by commitment, and Madison's fear of being hurt by another man threatening to destroy the world they’ve built together, will they each be strong enough and brave enough to risk their hearts to have it all?

First Chapter:

I can't even blame it on the booze. There wasn't any, or at least there wasn't any for me. I was with Chloe, my bodyguard. Okay, actually she was my friend, but a really overprotective friend who knew all about what I’d been through and wanted to make sure it never happened again. So, no alcohol.

But, what she and I hadn't counted on was him being there. There I was, minding my own business, putting in my time at the Med School Social, more than ready to head home for some studying, then Chinese food and a movie. And suddenly, him.

I was inhaling when I caught sight of him, but my breath just stopped. It felt like being punched in the chest. I kept telling myself, look away, look away! But it was impossible. I was paralyzed. His beautiful face and magnificent body were magnets, and my eyes were locked on them.

I hadn't felt this kind of physical attraction since, well, ever. I had never felt like that. I had stayed away from men for two years. I was pretty much terrified of them, to tell the truth. But there he was. Unavoidable and irresistible.

I saw him in profile. Oh, that hair. Thick, almost curly, falling into his eyes. The kind of hair you need to gently push off of his face right before you kiss him. Or, the kind of hair you grab really hard right before you're about to...

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. The point I'm trying to make is that my mind very clearly recognized all the dangers ahead and was saying, “Turn around, go, get out of here! Before it's too late.” But then he turned around to look right at me. It was already too late.

We held each other's gaze a second longer than politeness required. Something inside me went click, and for the first time in almost two years, I felt young and alive, and really, really turned on. Every part of me suddenly woke up, and all the best parts started to tingle. I was breathing harder. My lips parted slightly, already begging to be kissed.

It was a little overwhelming. I was out of practice. No, actually, I had never had the kind of practice you would need to stay controlled in a situation like that. I think maybe you can have a soul mate for your mind, and also one for your body. And my body was saying “Get me over there right now!”

But I was still too afraid. I smiled a little and turned away.

I had to stay for a while, to look sociable, so I went over to the food table and stared at the snacks, which were already stale. Nothing looked very good, and my throat was too tight to eat anyway.

I was starting to formulate a plan for escaping without the other students or the teachers noticing when I felt the air move behind me, the softest caress against my bare shoulders. Then, a hand on my back, an electric shock to my body, wildly pleasurable. I gasped and spun around. Right into the arms of...

“I'm Liam.”

Liam. Right into the arms of Liam. Oh, he was even more beautiful up close. My hand rose all on its own to push that wonderful floppy hair from his face. I stopped suddenly, embarrassed, but he caught my wrist, and held my palm gently to his face. We looked at each other and knew.

“Wanna get out of here?” he asked, and of course, foolish, foolish woman that I am, I said, “Yes.”

I saw him my first day at the new hospital. I'm a medical student and had just finished the lecture part of things where we sit around learning about chemical reactions and body parts. That was over, at last, and we were moving on to seeing real live patients in the hospital.

The orientation was step one in getting us ready for our new roles. We each got a short lab coat and a tour of the locker rooms. We received our ID tag photos.

I'm not sure why I first noticed Liam.

Since the bad thing happened, I keep my head down and make eye contact with pretty much nobody. I wear my hair in a tight bun at the nape of my neck and my clothes are dull and loose. On that particular day, I was trying very hard to concentrate. I was excited to be starting work in the hospital, but I was mostly terrified. There was so much to take in and remember. My head was reeling after only two hours. The last thing on my mind was men. So, who knows why I took that second look as he walked by our group.

Well, actually I do know why. He was gorgeous. Ridiculously gorgeous. Dark wavy hair, just slightly overgrown so he looked like a happy surfer who'd tumbled out of bed. Smiling eyes. Sparkling, mischievous, movie star eyes. A little bit of stubble, likely because he had been on call all night. The rest of him looked pretty much immaculate. He wore light wool pants and a sky blue shirt. No tie, but the white lab coat made him look professional enough. 

I was dedicated to maintaining my nun-like lifestyle, but, seriously, it was impossible not to look at him. Even Chloe noticed him. She looked at him, then at me. She shook her head lightly and whispered, “No”. I laughed a little because she sounded like a mom telling a toddler that she couldn't have any candy. Well, that was pretty much what was happening, so I guess Chloe nailed that.

She was absolutely right. I didn't want any trouble. Certainly not that awful, frightening feeling of falling in love. No time-consuming romance. And certainly not all the time I had lost trying to recover from the trauma of what had happened before. Even a plain old tiny heartbreak could set me back, and put me way off course in my career.

No, I didn't have the time or energy for any distractions. Nothing. Just work and school.

So I ignored the stunning resident with the black hair, and tried to focus on the tall blond giving us the orientation spiel. This was much easier because I felt no attraction to him at all. He was really handsome, too. But something about him seemed mean. Or maybe arrogant. It's hard to remember what I thought of him that first time, because the memory is so clouded with all that came after. I'll just say he was a tall, slim blond who should have caught my eye, but didn’t.

Christina Hoffman was born in London, England. She moved with her family throughout Canada and the US, and has finally put down her suitcase, for now, in San Francisco.

She believes that everyone has the right to feel both smart and sexy. We don't have to be one or the other! She writes stories about characters who live in the real world and who, somehow, still believe in love.

She's starting a mini-revolution. She writes sexy stories, but hasn't lost the romance from her Romances. Enough with whips -- back to lips!

She hopes you enjoy her stories and see yourself in her characters. After all, they are based on smart and sexy people, just like you.

Christina’s latest book is the contemporary romance, Invitation.

Visit her website at www.christinahoffman.com.

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I love people named Melissa and cats! What great luck that I see this fabulous book! Seriously, I know you will love the tale of an Alpha Werewolf and the love of his life. I'm glad Melissa is sharing her thoughts and giving away a sweet pendant!

Plotter versus Panster by Melissa Snark

Lately, I've seen a lot of two particular terms brandied about on various author and writing blogs. Plotters and Pansters. The debate rages across forums and conferences. It's an issue that transcends genre, common to all authors. What are they? Who are they? Why does it even matter?

Plotters. Doesn't sound very romantic, does it? In fact, it brings to mind the image of an author kneeling in a patch of garden soil. Through tedious and attentive toil, the plotter carefully attends to their story seedlings, waiting for the moment when the plant blooms and produces full blown characters, chapters and complete story outlines. Plotters strive to have their story grow organically from their labor, minimizing wasted effort.

Plotters are writers who work within a structural framework. There are a number of tools employed to create the scaffolding that can include: outlines, charts, diagrams, index cards, and software programs such as Scrivener. A plotter often knows the beginning, middle and conclusion of the story before the writing process even begins and uncertainty imparts a sense of anxiety. Research is fundamental to a plotter's understanding of a topic before she feels comfortable writing about it.

Pansters. This term, on the other hand, seems inherently romantic. Envision the enterprising author hopping into a bi-plane and literally "flying by the seat of her pants", defying the probably of crash and burn to soar amongst the clouds. The ride is exciting and the panster's enthusiasm carries the story forward. Unexpected plot twists and unplanned developments are common.

Pansters crave freedom and may dislike or actively shun the constraints imposed by structural framework. A single idea or character grabs the pantser, sending her on a frenzied writing spree to get the words down onto paper. The author writers without any idea of what will happen or how the story ends. Taking the time to outline or create writing aids may dampen the panster's creativity and ability to finish the story.

Many new writers begin as pansters and gradually acquire the tools of world-building as their writing skills evolve. Other authors may over plan and actually need to acquire a degree of freedom in order to reach true creative productivity. It's been my experience that the plotter versus panster issue is not truly black and white. Rather, it is a matter of spectrum with different authors falling at different points along the continuum.  

Personally, I began writing as a panster and gradually evolved into a plotter. In 2000, I made my first attempt at an original contemporary romance. The first incarnation of A CAT'S TALE (originally published by The Wild Rose Press in Jan. 2012) came into the world as a rollercoaster ride for both me and my heroine, Josephine. From chapter to chapter, I had no idea what would happen next. It was mysterious and exciting but also frustrating. I got off onto wild tangents and eventually entire parts of the story were removed or revised. In contrast, when I started Hunger Moon, my paranormal novel, in 2009, I applied a far more structured process to the story creation. I employed outlines throughout and I wrote the last chapter long before I finished the novel.

I learned to write without ever having heard the terms "plotter" or "panster". To me, the important thing is to find where you are at on the spectrum and to honor that as part of your process. Good writers never reach the point where they say: "There's nothing else I can learn." Continue to acquire new knowledge and strive to better your skills as a storyteller. Remain true to yourself and truth will manifest within the pages of your story.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
 Alpha werewolf, Jared Kohl, wakes up in a vampire’s dungeon, swearing revenge upon the wily Siamese werecat who lured him there with her sultry lips and the sweetest tail. To escape his undead captor, all he has to do is seduce the skittish puss and show her that trust is often a hot and hard lesson to learn.

Enslaved feline shifter, Josephine Young, has learned the hard way not to believe in anything or anyone—not men, not love, and certainly not the blood-sucking mistress who tossed her into the cage with the hungry beast she’d betrayed. But Josephine does what she must to survive, including tempting the dominant werewolf to give her more than promises.

Imprisoned for their blood, Jared and Josephine fight for survival and discover a passion that neither can walk away from. Can these two predators survive long enough to prove that cats and dogs can be more than enemies?

It happened in a nowhere town at a shithole bar off the main highway somewhere between Virginia and Los Angeles. Jared Kohl pulled off to get a drink and a burger. Okay, more than one drink, and a pile of burgers. But a werewolf had to eat and it took more than just one shot to get him buzzed. Whatever the case, he never did get to order.

The bar was dim and cheap with its 60s themed movie and rock posters, and a jukebox pumping out Jimi Hendrix and The Stones. Jared took a seat at a corner table where he could stretch out his long legs and appreciate the classic image of Marilyn Monroe and her billowing white dress.

As a stranger to this community, he was bound to attract attention. Jared measured a neat six-four and two hundred twenty pounds of pure sinewy muscle. His dark brown hair had gotten too long, so stubborn curls tumbled across his forehead. His neat mustache and beard covered only his chin, framing his mouth. He was handsome and knew it. He had his father’s good looks—broad forehead, strong nose, generous mouth, and square jaw. From his mother, he’d inherited startling topaz eyes. A cleft divided his chin.

As distracting as all the eyes upon him were, Jared got hard the second he scented her—rich and musky and designed for fucking. His posture remained relaxed as she walked up behind him. He did not glance up until she ran a hand over his shoulder. Her fingernails were painted fire-engine red and sharpened to points. The light scratches she left on his skin healed thanks to his regenerative ability.

“So a werewolf and a werecat walk into a bar…” Her voice was low and husky, pitched to create a seductive resonance within a man’s crotch. Beneath the pheromones, he smelled sadness and anxiety, which intrigued him more than the blatant come on. She seemed more complex than she wanted to let on.

Jared looked up from his drink to get hung up on a pair of pretty knees clad in white stockings and red lace garters encircling slender thighs. Her plaid skirt was the right length of short, stopping just shy of crotch level, low enough to tease him. She wore a prim white button-up shirt with a collar and rolled sleeves. Her skin was Asian mocha, and her hair was black and worn in pigtails secured with red ribbons. Her almond-shaped eyes were bright blue with slit pupils. The ornate gold collar around her neck seemed incongruous with the outfit. She was working the Japanese schoolgirl angle hard, but he judged her to be in her early twenties. Sometimes with shapechangers, it was hard to tell.

“Let’s cut to the chase,” Jared said. “Does the wolf eat the pussycat?” He smiled, showing a hint of fang. It had been a while since he’d eaten, and he was hungry enough to consider her the entrée. Jared met those cobalt eyes but did not worry about dominance. He was smart enough not to get into a staring contest with a cat.

“Does the wolf want to eat the pussycat?” She trailed a suggestive hand down his chest and then sat on his lap. Unless he was mistaken, she wasn’t against the idea of being splayed and licked. Hell, she might go for biting if her kink was pain.

“It’s been a while since I last ate,” he said. She wasn’t what he expected of a werecat. But then he’d never met one until she walked up and sat in his lap, so he was free of preconceived notions.

“You’re new to town,” she said. “Are you here with your pack?” Oh man, she was leading him without any subtlety. He smelled the trap big time.

“I’m on my way to LA,” he said. “Sorry, but I’m afraid it’s just me.” He watched her reaction, trying to figure her angle. She had fire and spirit, and the air of a creature abused.

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Fast Facts About Melissa Snark:

 Melissa Snark is published with The Wild Rose Press & as an Indie author with four different titles.

 Her Loki's Wolves series includes THE CHILD THIEF, HUNGER MOON AND BATTLE CRY (to be released June 2014).

Her novel THE MATING GAME, an erotic paranormal title will be released in Spring 2014.

She lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children and a glaring of cats.

She blogs about books and writing on The Snarkology.

Author Links:  Website   Facebook   Twitter  Goodreads   Amazon 

  Jewels of the Moon Pendant for Clairvoyance and Psychic Ability by Nordic Lights Collection by Maelstrom Odssonn 

I'm in love with the cover! What a hot couple! Make sure you enter the giveaway at the end and share some love for Beverly!

A Saint's Salvation
By Beverly Ovalle


Genre: Contemporary Romance

Corporal Nicholas 'Saint' Santiago needs to go home to reclaim the man he used to be. To be the man he was before Operation Enduring Freedom slowly hardened his heart. He needs to reconnect to the values and the reasons he is doing what he does. Saint also needs to try to forget the courageous woman he knows was meant to be his.

Petty Officer Angelina Jones' life changed the moment Saint saved her life. She survived the blast but now has to deal with the fact that she will never be whole. Knowing Saint received a 'Dear John' letter, Angelina has no intention of being his rebound romance. She needs to be loved for herself. She needs to forget about the one man she knows was meant to be hers.

They each try to find someone to help them forget.

But what does fate have planned for them?

A shout from Hamilton brought him back to the here and now. “Hey, Saint, do you see any trouble coming?” On guard at the west wall, Nick shook his head. Not that it was much of a wall, a couple of sandbags holding up a makeshift bullet riddled wooden fence, an illusion of safety and security.

“No, it all looks clear.” Well, as clear as normal, Nick thought. The Seabees and the Army Corp of Engineers had done their best to give them a clear line of site, but the rubble of buildings and piles of rock where there used to be a town never seemed to go away. Rebels constantly hid there, randomly firing at their FOB, a forward operating base in Helmand Provence, making it almost impossible to build a more secure perimeter.

Nick could see kids playing in the dirt. In the distance the locals were harvesting the poppy fields. Some of the largest poppy fields in the world were right outside the walls of the FOB. Beautiful when in bloom, they were more pervasive and did more damage than the terrorists.

“Anymore threats?”

“When aren’t there threats?” Every damn day there were threats. “Why, is there a problem?”

“The brass is making noise. When they do something stupid, we end up paying for it.” Hamilton sounded disgusted. As Hamilton spoke, shots were fired over and through the fence, adding more holes to the dilapidated barrier. Nick and Hamilton hit the ground, rolling toward the sandbags to return fire through the cracks. “See what I mean?”

“Yeah it’s been a while since they shot at us, at least a couple of days.” Nick’s sarcasm caused Hamilton to laugh.

“Probably someone is coming to pick up something from the poppy fields and they want to keep us from seeing who.” Hamilton glanced at him. “You doing okay?”

“Gettin’ there. It was just a shock, ya know?”

“Yeah, damn women. The least they could do is be faithful while we’re out here fighting.”

“Yeah, it sucks. I just can’t help thinking it’s my fault.”

“Fuck. How the hell could it be? You weren’t even there. The bitch knew you were gone, were going to be gone.” They fired shots, aiming at the muzzle flash in the distance. More Marines headed their way, sprinting from cover to cover. Perez came running, bringing out ammo and providing more fire power.

Another crack and Perez went down with a cry.

“Fuck! Medic! Man down!” The cry went out, passed through until the call went to the corpsman, while Nick tried to stem the blood flow. Hands pushed his away. Nick looked up. Petty Officer Jones, better known as Doc, had bandages ready.

“Help me roll this on until we can get him out of here.” Her voice sent a ripple through him. Nick had always ignored the attraction he had felt for her. He’d had his girl back home, and fraternization out here could get him thrown in the brig. Not to mention the brig out here was a hell hole.

Nick was leery about approaching Doc now. The Dear John letter had been a shock. He had known Leila for years. Hell, they had been friends since they were little. Her betrayal was unexpected. Nick didn’t even really know Doc. He could trust her with his life, but he wasn’t ready for another go around with his heart, no matter the attraction he felt.

Nick looked toward the fence line, rifle at the ready. Shots were firing sporadically around him. That’s when he saw it, the trail from a grenade launcher, unmistakable. Shit!

Buy Links: Amazon     Barnes and Noble     All Romance eBooks     Bookstrand    Secret Cravings

Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 24 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas visits when he is on leave from the Marines. Her daughter Susannah visits to the ‘old’ people.

Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.

Beverly has been reading romances since her Aunt introduced her to the gothic romance in the fourth grade and is still reading every chance she gets.

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