Meet Ninette Swann and Enter to Win!

 Hey Everyone! 


I'd like to introduce you to debut author Ninette Swann whose first book, Hit and Stay, comes out today! Ninette has kindly agreed to give away an ebook to one lucky commenter. All you need to do is comment and leave a valid email address before Tuesday, May 29th at 7pm.

 How did your writing path evolve?
-- My writing evolved as my life evolved. As a young woman, I wrote a bunch of schlocky, meaningless crap that I thought was "really deep and lyrical." I've since learned that just because it doesn't make sense doesn't make it poetic. I got off that path by running out of time to write, by giving up any dream of becoming a writer, and living life instead.

 
What type of research do you do for your books?
-- It depends on the type of book I'm writing. I do only as much research as I have to, to get the facts correct. I don't want to read too many police cases covering my plot line, in case I then can't get my fiction rolling after that, with all the real life happenings swirling in my head.


From what or where do you derive the most inspiration for your stories?
-- I'm a mother, a journalist, an editor and then a writer. My inspiration comes from those facets of my life, in that order.


Tell us about your upcoming releases?
-- Hit and Stay will be my first romantic suspense. A police officer, mired in an internal investigation for one of his previous cases, finds himself on the scene of a hit and run. The victim is a high-powered politician's fiancee. She discovers her fiance is involved with some incredibly shady business and makes a break for it while recovering from her crash in his home. She calls on the ex-cop for his detective skills, and they go on the run. Together they piece together the events of the crash, finding out a good deal more about the past, and each other, than they expected.


What are you working on at the moment?
-- I'm working on a collection of re-told fairytales from the point of view of the step-mothers / parental figures. I swear when I started it, no one was doing it. Curse my slowness, and the two shows and the billion movies and books that have come out since I had the idea. You'll just have to take my word for it, I guess. Hah.


What do you like best about being a writer?  What do you like least?
-- It's fun. It's incredibly freeing. To think something, then write it down, then have it read is an amazing validation in its own right; one that's often forgotten. As far as what I like least? For creative writing, I hate the lack of deadlines. Having been a journalist for so long, it's very hard for me to write something that's not due on-air in OMG 90 SECONDS. That's just bad habit, though.


What would you do if you weren’t a writer?
-- I have no idea. Everything I've ever done has involved writing on some level. If I hadn't had my kids, and moved away from my job, I'd probably be doing public relations or producing television news, still.


What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
-- My kids are still quite small, so I spend the majority of my time playing with, going to parks and libraries and museums. It's a very tough life, but somebody's got to do it.


Of all of the characters you’ve created, who is your favorite and why?
-- Burt is my favorite character. I cut him out of Hit and Stay by more than half from the original because he was stealing all my scenes. I love a good, chintzy, crass reporter.


Do you find it difficult to keep love/sex scenes fresh and interesting?-- Yes. There are only so many words for penis.


What genre of books least appeals to you and why?
-- Well, having young kids, I read a lot of children's books, so my standards for those have gotten pretty high. You'd never think that children's books could really be bad, but so many are. Just because children are small doesn't mean they should be talked down to, or told inane things. I want my kids introduced to good writing right off the bat.


Do you listen to music when you write or do you need quiet?  If you listen to music – what kind?-- I listen to children's television programming. Not the most conducive for writing, but we get by.


What makes a man sexy?
-- Intelligence, broad shoulders, squared jaw, glasses, humor, confidence.


Do you family and friends know you write erotic romance – if so, how have they reacted?
-- Yes. I'm using a pseudonym for two reasons. One, for the categorization, so as not to confuse the audience. So that if I write something of a different genre, it doesn't jar them. And two, in case romance still carries the stigma it has today, I would like to spare my children any possible teasing should their friends find a romance book with my name on it and decide that's laugh-worthy for some reason.


What’s your favorite food?
-- Cereal.


Do you have any bad habits?
-- I bite my nails.


If you were stranded on a desert isle, what five things would you want to have with you?
-- a fresh water source, a machete, rope or twine, flint, lighter fluid


Do you have any pet peeves?
-- Being asked something more than a million times in five minutes. Thanks, kids.


What do you like about where you live?
-- That family is here. I'm not so much a fan of my current location but they make any place worth it.


If you could travel back in time, would you? If so, what time period would you visit and why?
-- I wouldn't want to go back in time. Every time period that is romanticized in my mind--like the 1950s or the 1920s--in reality must have been a very difficult time to grow up as a woman. I would never give up my rights, not even for all the heels and martinis in the world. Plus, we can still do that today, right?

Misread of the Day

So...yesterday, I drove past the junkyard on the way to get the boys from school.

The sign said: Let us help you find your parts.

Only I read: Let us help you find your pants.

It made me giggle - particularly because erotic romance characters are always wandering around without their pants or straight up losing them as some of my characters have done.


In other news, my 20th book released yesterday! Autumn Sacrifice, the 10th book in RP's Phases series came out. I'm so glad it's out. And yep, if you're wondering, it's another Yooper Menage. ;) Only two more books and the entire series will be wrapped up. It's hard to believe that we came up with that idea over a year ago!

But here's my blurb:

When Brenna Alten returns home to attend her cousin’s wedding, she expects to reconnect with friends and family. She doesn’t anticipate hooking up with her adolescent crush Caleb Mahingan or his brothers. Despite a night of sizzling hot sex, Brenna believes this can’t turn into more, but Caleb has other plans for her. As Alpha of his small pack, he knows she's his mate and he doesn't intend to give her up without a fight.

Marvelous Mia

Today, I've got Mia Watts on the blog with me! Her brand new MM Historical Shifter book, Feral Lust is out today from Resplendence Publishing and as an added bonus, if you leave a comment (and a valid email address) you'll be entered to win the e-book of your choice from Mia's impressive collection - even the brand new shiny one! A winner will be drawn Sunday at 9pm EST.

So, let's get started - first the interview, then the blurb and excerpt!


How did your writing path evolve?

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. As a young child I made up stories in my head to put myself to sleep. I’d drift off and pick up the story the following night, just to see where it ended. As I got older, I kept journals and wrote stories in with my diary entries. And later, I’d be driving a long commute to work and keeping pace with a story in my mind.

Even now, as a mom with kids of my own, I tell stories and invent explanations. The kookier the better.

What type of research do you do for your books?

Whatever is necessary. I have researched everything from the history and style of scissors, to architecture, pre-historical American Indian culture and archeology, to the fancy wear of Regency era clothing. I’ve studied the provenance of floggers and the exact way to tie a cravat, to invisible poisons, and exactly how early medicine would have handled a closed complete leg fracture

If it’s going to be in a book, I’ll look for the facts.
From what or where do you derive the most inspiration for your stories?

From things that make my heart go pitter-pat. I like taboo subjects like forbidden loves and relationships that might not be welcome, like best friends to lovers. I enjoy things that get my pulse racing, and will push my own inhibitions through writing until I find that line I just can’t cross. I did find it, by the way. Very recently. I wrote the story, but there’s not likely to be a sequel.

Tell us about your upcoming releases?

Well, as you know, Feral Lust comes out today. It a historical male/male (Mia Watts) shifter book where I play heavier with BDSM than I ever have. It was fun and scary because of it. I have an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night coming out. It’s a male/female (Katie Blu) book titled Twelve Nights. That releases on the 16th of November with your book, among several other authors. Then on the 25th of November, I have a super short male/male (Mia Watts) book coming out at MLR to celebrate Black Friday.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on two books at the moment. I’m trying to get ahead of publisher expectations, so that I can plan ahead on a few series. I’m working on a Navy SEALs book for Katie Blu, and another Regency shapeshifter book that’s also male/female for Katie Blu.

Then I’m working on a semi-secret series of books that will either piss a few people off, or make people laugh. *Crossing fingers* Bet you know how I hope it’s received, huh?

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like least?

Best: I work at home. That means I’m accessible to my children 100% of the time.
Worst: I work at home. That means I’m accessible to my children 100% of the time.
What would you do if you weren’t a writer?

I’m sorry. That question doesn’t compute.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

Ha! Ha ha ha ha haaaaa!!! Good one!

Of all of the characters you’ve created, who is your favorite and why?

Seth. I haven’t written him yet. He’s still in the ol’ noggin’. I’m selfish about him. I want it to be really good and I think I finally have something coming next year.
Do you find it difficult to keep love/sex scenes fresh and interesting?

Sometimes. Usually the characters rule the story and they do things they way they’d, well, do things. When I think too much, then the sex gets challenging. In books. *ahem*
What genre of books most appeals to you and why?

Regency. It’s all about the romanticized version of the era. I’m in love with it.

Do you listen to music when you write or do you need quiet? If you listen to music – what kind?

I rarely listen to music. I work best in total silence. There were three titles, though, that required it. I listened to an assorted collection of my own that included Adam Lambert, Katy Perry, and Alanis Morrisette, along with Fall Out Boys. The other one, I listened to a compilation of non-depressing love songs that Brynn Paulin got for me.

What makes a man sexy?

Humor and intelligence. There’s no substitute for that.
Do you family and friends know you write erotic romance – if so, how have they reacted?

My real friends know and they’re supportive. My family hasn’t a clue.

What’s your favorite food?

Everything. Ta da! Wasn’t that easy?

Do you have any bad habits?

I waffle. In my head, out loud, on the phone, in my notes. I can debate ANYTHING with myself and end more confused that when I started. I blame my high school debate team for ruining me.

If you were stranded on a desert isle, what five things would you want to have with you?

I’d rather be on a dessert isle, but okay. I can work with this… Um. A magic genie lamp, a hurricane resistant mansion, a serving staff of handsome virginal men (hey, I’m clean, but I need them to be in case the condoms run out), an endless supply of food in a magical pantry, a boat with gas in it, and the entire library of congress.

I like to do things in style, baby.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Yep, but they evolve/change depending on my mood. Something that totally pisses me off one day, may not even faze me the next. Like people yelling at me. If I’m having a rough day, don’t even TRY to go there with me, because I’ll f*cking win. Otherwise, yell all you want. I have the blank stare on standby and I really won’t care unless you get personal. Then all bets are off. That’s, you know, a for instance.
What do you like about where you live?

It’s mine. Only mine. I’ve had a lot taken away from me in the past, but this one? Yeah, you can’t touch it.
If you could travel back in time, would you? If so, what time period would you visit and why?

Ironically, as much as I love the Regency period, I wouldn’t go. I know for a fact I’d never fit in. I’m too… what would you say, Bronwyn? Too irreverent? Unpredictable? Verbal? Not willing to submit quietly to social order? Unhappy with feminine hygiene products of the era?

I think I’d go back to dinosaur landia and the cave dudes. But only if I could come back when things got dicey.

Bronwyn, thanks for the opportunity to come and chat with your readers. This has been a blast.

Feral Lust: Blurb

As a third son of an Earl, Mr. Michael Hastings hasn’t a title or lands. Since a title comes with responsibilities, Michael needs only money to leave the prying eyes behind and live a quiet life—with another man.

Country recluse Viscount Lord Atherton is the bearer of a family curse. He must wed and conceive an heir before his birthday, or live with the painful physical changes that turn him from man to wolf, several times a month. But Atherton has another, dangerous secret. His attraction to men could place him at the end of the hangman’s noose, for sodomy.

Atherton pays Hastings to groom him in order to find a wife by Christmas. Yet the more time Atherton spends with Hastings, the more he wants to know. And when Hastings displays a lust for sex play that rivals his own, can Atherton trust Hastings enough to share the truth behind his quest? As Atherton loses his heart where he least expects it, he wonders if he can fulfill his destiny, or face a lifetime of pain from the curse?

Feral Lust: Excerpt

Mr. Leedy tried to direct him to the left corridor, but Michael froze in shock. A man stumbled against the wall, his shaggy blond head bowed as he drunkenly wobbled on his feet. But what shocked him most was the man’s state of undress. Namely, the man’s stark nudity.

He was tall and muscled as though he were a laborer, however his skin appeared far too pristine to have ever been scalded by the sun. Michael stared in fascination at the delineation of his chest and abdomen. While he himself had a well-formed body, Michael had never encountered a man of breeding with such obvious physical power. His musculature marked each rib; it hugged a central line of hair that flared just below the umbilicus to collect at the base of a magnificent cock and low, full testicles.

“Mr. Hastings, please come this way.” Mr. Leedy tugged on Michael’s arm.

Michael jerked out of his grasp. “Is this Lord Atherton?”

The nude man lifted his head. Piercing silver eyes met Michael’s for the first time. Michael inhaled sharply. Whoever he was, the naked god before him had drunk more than his share of spirits.

Michael frowned. It appeared he had his work cut out for him. Two months, a period he’d thought was more than adequate to prepare a lord for a Christmas Ball, suddenly seemed far too limiting.

“His lordship is not well. Please come away with me, immediately,” Mr. Leedy insisted.

“His lordship hired me to prepare him for social interaction. Where better to start than the appropriateness of adequate attire in public?” Michael argued.

“You are a day early, sir. You have no idea what you’ve come across. Mind yourself that you don’t judge before being privy to the workings of this house.” Mr. Leedy snatched at Michael’s arm again.

Michael turned and walked to Lord Atherton, who was slowly regaining some balance. The handsome lord took hold of the door handle as though he meant to flee inside, but Michael reached him before he could escape. Michael put his hand over Lord Atherton’s. Without waiting for permission, he slipped his arm around the lord’s bare waist, and opened the door.

“Lean on me, my lord. I’ll help you settle,” Michael directed firmly.

“Really, Mr. Hastings, you overstep yourself,” Mr. Leedy barked.

Michael glared at him. “Perhaps I have, Mr. Hastings, or perhaps his lordship requires more care than I was led to believe. Either way, I’m here now, and he requires assistance. There will be time later for you to chastise me. At present I’ll do precisely what I was hired to do and it begins here, now, with his lordship at the very bottom of his preparedness.”

Mr. Leedy sputtered.

Michael was surprised to hear the low chuckle of his naked employer. “It’s alright, Leedy. I’ve been caught, and you’ve been corrected.”

Michael didn’t wait to see if Leedy permitted him to continue, he helped his lordship into the room. A huge suite opened with an enormous bed and rich appointments. Decadent burgundy details on rich cream adorned the bed and canopy, reflected in the colors throughout the room’s decoration. Though the combination could have been feminine, the large heavy wooden furniture stopped it short and spoke only of masculine elegance.

This room belonged to a man of breeding and culture. It didn’t fit the drunken lord who wandered undressed through the halls of his castle. Perhaps it promised more lucid moments, or it had been decorated by another’s eye and was tolerated by a man who didn’t care one way or the other about the things which surrounded him. Michael assumed he’d discover the truth soon enough.

He carefully led his lordship to a dressing chair. “Sit here, my lord. I’ll collect your attire.”

A pile of clothes had been left on the floor. Michael gathered them and carefully laid them at the foot of the bed for the housekeeper to review. Then, moving between the armoire and the chest of drawers, he pulled together a fine outfit in gray tones to match the man’s unusual eye color. He gave a passing thought to the awareness that he’d considered the color perhaps too closely, but brushed it aside. He brought the garments to the dressing chair and lifted the gown first.

Lord Atherton stared steadily at him.

“My lord, might you lift your arms for me?”

He tried to hold his lordship’s gaze as though it were no difficulty. Silver eyes regarded him above the slight tilt of a curious smile. Atherton sat back in his chair, pushing his legs out before him in a reclining pose. Slowly Atherton cocked a tawny brow.

If Michael weren’t convinced of Atherton’s drunkenness, he’d have sworn the man was taunting him. It was foolish to think so. Atherton had no way of knowing Michael’s inclinations toward other men, and yet the new pose spiked Michael’s already accelerated heart rate.

“Are you so ready to cover me up, Mr. Hastings?”

He was, but not in the manner Atherton intended. “You’ll catch cold, and it’s unseemly to parade about undressed.”

A golden glint entered the man’s eyes. Michael thought he imagined the color shift. Atherton’s eyes narrowed. He gripped the armrests, and rose to his full height, towering over Michael by several inches. He stood close, and Michael debated whether he should retreat to give his lordship room, or if this was a test of his mettle.

Deciding that his lordship had better get used to being directed over the next two months, Michael stood his ground. He lifted his gaze from broad shoulders to lips that had twisted into a knowing smile, and up to the bi-tonal silver and gold-streaked irises. He caught his breath. The man was truly magnificent.

Atherton’s expression had changed when they’d entered the room. His lordship had appeared calm if chagrined. All semblance of discomfort had fled. In its place rooted dominance and something darkly aware. Michael suddenly remembered his place and glanced away. He might be a drunken man’s tutor, but he wasn’t a Viscount’s better.

Atherton chuckled low as he had earlier. “Why dissemble now, Hastings? You’ve stood your ground admirably, despite your odd welcome here.”

“My lord, forgive my impertinence. I’m here to help you, not offer up judgment.”

“And yet you have judgment, don’t you?”

Fingers sifted into the back of Hastings’s cued hair, scraping lightly against his scalp and roughly pulling until Michael had no choice but to look at the man who commanded his attention.

A low rumble escaped Atherton, and he descended, claiming Hastings’s mouth in the kiss of a starving man. Michael lost his bearings as his head swam and his stomach plummeted sharply. Held in place by the hand in his hair, Michael’s knees weakened. He scrabbled at Atherton’s shoulders, trying desperately to hold on and keep his feet. Lust swamped him.

He gasped, and Atherton easily invaded him. His tongue passed Michael’s lips to fill his mouth. Michael’s body rioted. His cock filled, pressing insistently at his breeches. The forbidden press of a man’s lips to his tipped his senses.

New Contest - Anna Mayle's Lullaby for a Stolen Child

You might remember, almost a year ago, when I raved over Anna Mayle's book, Bedtime Story for a Stolen Child. Well, Lullaby for a Stolen Child, the second book in the series, is out!

Get ready for another heart wrenching story involving the cruel fae, the human that falls into their clutches and the changling who changes everything. And this is your change to win your very own copy!

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment between now and and Friday, September 9th at 7pm. So, so easy!

Check out the blurb and cover art!

Blurb:

Stolen Child Series, Book Two

They steal them away as children, drawn to their short but vibrant lives. They use them as dolls, slaves, entertainment of every kind, tasting the fierce brevity of human life through their captives. But there are times when a taste is not enough.

Where is the boundary between hate and love, love and lust, love and hate? Where do you draw the line between jealousy and longing? Is the passion of a killer the same as that of a lover?

And how can a human man hope to understand the ways of the two Fae who have turned his captivity upside down?

I suck. Let me tell you why.

First and foremost, I suck because I keep forgetting to mention important things like release dates. Mostly, because life is crazy and I'm just trying to keep my head above water. But this is what I've been up to lately.


But anyhow, I've have a couple of new releases lately. The first is a short story called Maiden's Grail. It's part of the awesome anthology, called Seducing the Myth, edited by the amazing Lucy Felthouse. Seriously - I adore this woman. And bonus! The book is filled with scads of other fabulous stories!

Here's a bit about the antho:

Seducing the Myth: Myths and Legends with an Erotic Twist is a collection of 24 tantalising tales that lead you on a decadent journey through mythologies the world over. As well as stories from the popular Greek and Roman periods, this anthology will also delight you with Arabian, Arthurian, Hindu, Jewish, Norse, Slavic, Sumerian and Welsh myths and legends. Add in a delicious sprinkling of fairies, mermaids and ancient fertility rituals and you have a recipe for a wickedly erotic read!


And today, I have another short story out. It's a retelling of the Persephone/Hades myth - one of my faves! It's called Does Your Mother Know? and it's available at Resplendence Publishing.

Here's the blurb:

Lured from the overprotective, controlling grasp of her mother, Persephone journeys to the Underworld to meet Hades—the sinister man who’s invaded her dreams. Dark and dangerous, he brings to life desires she didn’t know existed. But in satisfying the cravings of her flesh will she lose her soul?

Nifty News

Today is an awesome day...well, you know, other than the ice storm, the screaming headache and the kid who won't stop playing the drum and bass remix of Tie Me Kangaroo Down.

If you don't recall the original, be very, very grateful. If you do, and haven't heard the remix, be equally grateful. If you've heard both, I have nothing for you. Except maybe earplugs. And also pity.

Currently, there's a lot of self pity here. I just made the kid put on headphones, but the damn song is stuck in my head already.

But enough bitching and on to the awesome. Today, my first ever published book is being re-released by Resplendence Publishing with a gorgeous new cover and far better title - Overlord's Chosen. There are also some added scenes. Even better, the next one in this series is coming out next month! So, for those of you who have been waiting for Asher's story, only a little bit longer...

Two new books out today by two of my favorite people!

Two of my favorite people Brynn Paulin and Abigail Barnette a.k.a. Jennifer Armintrout both have books out today from Resplendence Publishing!

Brynn's book, Blood of the Wolf, is the third story in her Creuntus Dragons series, and I've gotta say, it's the best one yet!


Abigail's book, Glass Slipper, is the first of her Naughtily Ever After Series and it's a hot retelling of Cinderella. I can't wait for the next one!


Both books are awesome and I highly recommend them both!!! So what are you waiting for? Go get your copies!!!

Maggie's Mates is out today!!!

I've had a lot of people ask me if Lucas and Quinn, two secondary characters, from Just Right, would ever get a story of their own. The answer to that has been, "Yes, as soon as I can get around to it."

Well, I got around to it, and their story releases today! Maggie's Mates is available now at Resplendence Publishing! I'm so excited! (as evidenced by the abuse of exclamation marks!)

Here's the blurb:

Having recently ended a bad relationship, Maggie Ryan returns to her hometown in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to discover things aren’t quite the way she remembers. Her childhood friends, Quinn and Lucas Makwa, are all grown up and keeping secrets. The shape-shifters want Maggie for their mate, but she’s not sure she wants to trust another man—let alone two that can shift into black bears at will.

And an excerpt:

Trapped in Quinn’s heated gaze, Maggie couldn’t look away. Hell, she could barely remember to breathe.

“I don’t think that scene at the diner was an act for Jason’s benefit,” Lucas commented, trailing a path down her forearm with his fingertip. “Maybe it was when you started it,” he amended. “But I think you forgot about him pretty quick.”

Maggie’s stomach dropped to her feet as she teetered atop the highest hill she’d ever climbed. But she couldn’t bring herself to push them away or to move. She couldn’t deny it. Her panties were still damp from the experience.

“I’m guessing,” Quinn began, his voice like dark velvet, “that now you can’t help but wonder what it would be like.” His lips quirked. “You always were a curious one.” He toyed with the seam of her jeans, tracing the fraying line of fabric near her knee and sending tendrils of need coursing through her.

Lucas’ lips brushed the outer shell of her ear. “Are you curious now, Maggie?”

Her lips parted. She wanted to speak, but no sound came out. Somehow, she found the strength to nod her head.

Quinn’s lips curved in a near-feral grin that sent nervous energy coiling through her middle. “Me, too.”

She couldn’t have looked away if she’d wanted to.

“So am I,” Lucas murmured as he pressed a kiss to the sensitive skin behind her ear.

Her breath caught in her chest as the arousal she’d pushed aside earlier came rushing back. Her nipples beaded, and her breasts ached to be touched. Her folds dampened as she remembered the sensations of their erections pushing against her. She wanted their hands on her. She wanted their mouths on her. She wanted to know what it felt like to take both men at the same time. At least once in her life, she wanted to know what it was like to be truly desired.

But was that a mistake? Reality and guilt niggled their way into her thoughts.
“I-I don’t know if this is such a great idea. I don’t want to ruin our friendship, and you need to know, I’m not looking for anything permanent. Not after Jason.”

“Jason’s an asshole,” Lucas bit out. “Forget about him.”

Quinn shot his brother a look. “Let us help you forget him.”

New Cover Art! I Have Some!

So, this is a short post, because honestly? I feel like I'm coming down with a cold and I'm trying to finish a galley. And get ready for Authors After Dark. And get ready for the start of school. And do my day job. And after looking at this list, I'm considering adding running away from home. I hear MN is nice... But anyway, here's the new cover!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Three Bears' House

In January of this year, my book, Just Right, came out from Resplendence Publishing. It's an erotic retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Fast forward to a few weeks later. A friend sent me an email and said, "You've got to see this!" along with a link. So I clicked the link and ended up on Paige Tyler's blog only to discover that she was about to release an erotic retelling of Goldilocks of and the Three Bears. And if that wasn't enough of a surprise, her book was also called...(drum roll, please)...Just Right.

Fwuh? My mouth dropped open, and I blinked at the screen for a second. There was a moment of NFW! Then I just cracked up, because seriously, what are the odds? I mean, there have been other Goldilocks stories - in fact, my friend Tia Fanning wrote one. But the fact that Paige and I managed to do it at nearly the same time and name it the same freaking thing was pretty amazing!

Now we could have been cranky that we had releases so close together for books of the same name and similar story, or we could celebrate the fact that we both came up with a good idea at the same time. We decided to celebrate!

Paige and I are going to be giving one lucky winner a copy of each version of Just Right!

But first, let's find out a little bit about Paige.

1. What gave you the idea to do a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears?
When I first came up with the idea for the story, it was just that, a very vague
idea. I knew I wanted to write a story about girl who gets spanked by multiple guys,
but I wasn't sure what the plot was going to be. Then, I saw a call for submissions
by a publisher looking for a hot, sexy take on traditional fairy tales and an idea
immediately began to take shape. I could take the girl who gets spanked by multiple
guys and turn them into Goldie and the Three Werebears!

As it turned out, I didn't give JUST RIGHT to the publisher who had put out the call
for submissions because I was lucky enough to sign with Ellora's Cave in the
meantime, so I gave the book to my editor there instead!


2. How did you get into writing? Did you always want to be a writer?

I have! I had an amazing creative writing teacher in high school who encouraged
me, but I kind of took the long way around and didn't actually pursue it seriously
until five years ago. I always enjoyed reading hot, sexy stories and while I was
checking out some eBooks, I said to myself, hey, I could do that. So, I sat down at
the computer and wrote my first sexy romance, SAMANTHA AND THE DETECTIVE.
It's about a spunky reporter who is determined to poke her nose into a police
investigation and a hunky detective who can't stand reporters. As you can imagine,
that makes for some sparks between the two - and some blushing cheeks!


3. Can you tell us what you're currently working on?

In addition to a sexy new paranormal romance which I'm really psyched about, I'm
working on a hot Naughty Nooner for Ellora's Cave, which are their free reads.
I'm also working on the second book for my Modern Day Vampires Series, which is
available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. The outline is completely finished on
that one and I just have to go back and flesh out the details. It features the hero
and heroine from the first book, Vampire 101, picking up where that one left off!

4. Any other fairy tales you'd like to retell?

There are so many great fairy tales out there! I think Beauty and the Beast and
Sleeping Beauty would definitely be fun. Cinderella and The Little Mermaid, too!
There are all sorts of possibilities there!

Here's Paige's blurb and sexy cover art:

The sexy tale of Goldie and the three werebears When Goldie Lockwood gets lost hiking and comes upon an isolated cabin, little does she know it belongs to three hot and hunky werebear brothers. The guys aren’t thrilled to discover Goldie ate their food and slept in their beds. Not wanting to go to jail, she suggests the men punish her for her naughty misdeeds—with an arousing round of spanking.

Goldie loves getting spanked and decides that after having her bottom warmed, she needs a little sex to make the night complete. The only question is whether she’s going to sleep with one of the brothers—or all of them.

Paige has a great trailer for her version of Just Right. And if you don't want to wait for the contest to end on Monday the 29th, you can pick up your own copy of Paige's book here. You can also visit her website for more great info about all of her books and her blog.

Now...on to the contest. I bet you're wondering how you can win both versions of Just Right. Well, it's super easy.

First, you need to read Paige's excerpt and answer a question here on this blog. Then, you have to visit Paige's blog where she has a brief interview with me and answer a question there about my excerpt. Only people who answer both questions are eligible. See? Super easy.

Okay...here's my question. Who's the second brother mentioned in Paige's excerpt?

Immortal Curse is out today!

I'm happy to announce that my fifth release with Resplendence Publishing is out today! Immortal Curse is the first book in the Witch Way series with more to follow later this year. And it's my fourteenth release overall, which all things considered, is pretty damn good!

And I'm being interviewed over at the Salt Lake City Examiner - please stop by and leave a comment so I'm not all lonely and stuff. :)

Here's the Blurb:

Cursed by a witch, Ian O’Meara has been trapped between the world of the living and the spirit realm for the last hundred and fifty years. Annoyed by having his eternity interrupted by amateur ghost hunters, he reaches through the veil to Emma Boulton knowing she can see and hear him even if the others can’t. When he discovers she can also feel him, he decides Emma is the most exciting thing to happen to him in the last century. Suddenly, escaping his miserable curse isn't quite so appealing.

Much to her dismay, Emma has been able to see ghosts ever since she was a child. Most of the time she ignores them, but Ian makes that all but impossible. With his dark, good looks and his brooding personality, he’s a gothic novel hero come to life...so to speak. She knows she should help him toward the light, but the only place he seems to be interested in is her bed. Falling in love with the charming spirit is all too easy, but is a future together possible between the living and the dead?

And an excerpt:

Emma Boulton let herself sink beneath the surface of the steaming water, hoping the heat of the bath would ease the tension from her neck and shoulders. On a good day, teaching high school level English was difficult. On a day like today, it was hell on earth.

Amber, one of her students, was back in school after having missed several days to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Unfortunately, the spirit of said grandmother decided to come to class with Amber. Once the old woman had figured out Emma could see her, she’d spent the entire day in her room, throwing markers, fiddling with the window blinds and dropping books.

Only one student had caught sight of the spirit, but she’d wisely put her head down and closed her eyes. Normally, not paying attention in class was an instant detention, but Emma wasn’t about to send her to the principal’s office. Hell, if she could have gotten away with putting her head down on the desk and ignoring it, she would have done the same thing. It wasn’t that she was afraid of ghosts, per se. But they were dead and the dead belonged on the other side—instead of staying here and throwing spit wads at the living.
Emma had stayed until even the cleaning crew had left the building and tried to convince Amber’s grandmother to move on. It had taken several long hours, but eventually the old woman crossed over.

Gripping the rim of the claw-foot tub, Emma pulled herself up to the surface and wiped the water from her eyes. She opened them, and a scream caught in her chest. A tall and decidedly transparent man leaned against her sink.

Dressed as he was in a black suit, complete with a long frock coat, he looked like an antique photograph come to life. Shaggy, dark brown hair drooped across his forehead, and he pushed it aside. Deep blue eyes watched her intently.

“For fuck’s sake,” she was finally able to mutter.

“Language, Miss Boulton.”

She grabbed a towel and quickly stood to wrap it around herself. Pointing at the door, she said, “Out. Out of my bathroom. Out of my house. Out of this plane of existence, already.”

A dark eyebrow rose. “I’d love to. Really, I would.” An Irish accent colored his words, and his deep voice wrapped her in tingling warmth. “However, I’m not leaving until you convince your harridan of a sister and her equally obnoxious companion to leave.”

“What?”

“Your sister.” He spoke slowly as though he thought she were an idiot. “Is in my schoolhouse. With her friend—the girl with red hair. They’re not listening.”

Realization sank like a stone in her stomach. “The abandoned schoolhouse on eighty-fourth street.”

“The same. They have an Ouija board.” Disdain dripped from his voice. “A pink Ouija board.”

She was going to kill Meaghan. And her friend, Rowan. She’d told them time and time again to stay away from there, but they didn’t listen. Now, she had to deal with a pissed off ghost.

“Look, I’m sorry they disturbed you, but they really don’t mean any harm.”

“I don’t care. I want them out.”

She sighed. Meaghan wanted nothing more than to see the same spirits Emma did, but it wasn’t where her gift lay. She was a seer—not a medium. Of course, Emma heartily wished she wasn’t a medium at the moment.

Tightening the towel around herself, she walked past the apparition. Just as she was about to pass through the bathroom door, he moved in front of her, simply appearing there in that annoying way ghosts had. Her next step carried her directly through his body, but instead of the icy cold that normally accompanied spirit contact, her body flushed with heat. She whirled to look at him, her surprise mirrored perfectly on his face.

“I can feel you,” he whispered, sounding as shaken as she felt.

Who Wants a Spanking?

Today, I'd like to tell you about my dear friend, Brynn's new book. It's deliciously naughty, and this opening scene makes me think of good ol' Father What-A-Waste... But I digress. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of this book and I'm here to tell you it's freaking HOT! You can get your very own brand spanking (snort) new copy today at Resplendence Publishing.

Blurb:

Prim Natalia Cooper lives life on the straight and narrow, never veering into naughty territory. But she wants to. One night, years ago, her boyfriend gave her a few swats on the rear as part of their sex play and she loved it. She wants more. But he’s long gone and she hasn’t been spanked since. When she learns of a club where she can get exactly what she needs—anonymously—she’s so turned on and ready she can hardly bear it.

For Ethan Tavish, The Dungeon has served as a place to exert his dominance without making lasting commitments. He can hardly believe his eyes when he enters the play area to find his secretary, Natalia, bent over the spanking bench in a school girl uniform. They’re both masked, but he’d recognize her anywhere. In an instant, he has a plan to give them what they both want…and perhaps a whole lot more.

Excerpt:

Play acting had never been high on Natalia Cooper’s list of activities, but today she found herself dressed up and filling a role that made her positively wet. Why? Who knew? She didn’t. Who really understood the wanton directions of a person’s most titillating fantasies? Hers was already curling tendrils of need in her middle.

She sat in a hard, molded plastic chair in a brightly lit room made to look like a school office waiting area. It appeared genuine, but this place, The Dungeon, was far from that. The Dungeon specialized in fantasy fulfillment. Hers had always been the naughty girl scenario.

“Miss Smith, the principal will see you now.” Natalia stood at the use of her fake last name. No real identities were allowed here. She straightened her miniscule green plaid skirt and followed the secretary into the “principal’s office”.

Nerves began to ball up in her belly. She’d always followed the straight and narrow and had rarely been punished as a kid. She’d never even been spanked. That was until a boyfriend had smacked her ass a few times during sex. He’d just been messing around, but she’d liked it. A lot. She’d longed for it ever since, but never found anyone…

And now what was she doing?

“He’ll be right in,” the “secretary” said.

Natalia nodded, unable to speak. She bit her lip and wondered if she was insane to be here waiting for a man to paddle her. According to the play-acting sheet, she was a habitually naughty student at Her Lady of Perpetual Need Catholic School and she’d been caught sneaking two boys into the locker room of the all-girls school.

As the woman left her alone, Natalia reached up to touch the mask that covered the upper portion of her face. Not only were names protected here, but faces as well—

“Miss Smith.”

Her throat went dry. Her back straightened as the door behind her scraped open and the man’s deep voice preceded him. She didn’t dare look, and she folded her hands together in her lap.

“So we meet again. It seems you like my office.”

“Um…no sir,” Natalia answered as he came into her line of sight. Sweet Jesus! He was huge.
Dressed in a black suit and a black shirt with a priest’s collar, he looked like someone who might oversee an all-girls parochial school.

He leaned against his desk and crossed his arms over his wide chest. His coat strained over the muscles in his arms. His large hands looked like they would engulf hers if he took her fingers. Oh, her ass was going to sting.

Her breathing grew shallow as she envisioned it.

He looked down at her, his deep blue eyes studying her through the mask he too wore. It should have distracted her, the mask, but instead, it heightened her want. No matter the scenario, he was a stranger and he was going to give her exactly what she’d longed to receive for years.

One long finger tapped against his biceps. “Skipping school. Drinking in the parking lot. Cheating on your math test. Putting glue in Sister Martha’s coffee. And now bringing these two boys into school. What are we going to do with you?”

She shrugged a shoulder and bit the corner of her lip. “Detention?”

He slowly shook his head. Rounding his desk, he slid off his suit coat and hung it on the back of his chair. Methodically, he folded his sleeves up his forearms. “No, I think we’ve moved beyond that. You’d sleep through detention, just like always, then leave your gum under the desk. I’d call your parents, but we both know that wouldn’t do any good. It seems I’ll need to take you in hand.”

“What are you going to do?” She really didn’t know, and her stomach was flipping at the options. Her panties had been drenched ever since she’d gotten here and put on this teeny-tiny uniform skirt and top. The second she bent, it would creep up her torso, exposing part of her back.

She slouched in the chair, thinking to take the part of naughty girl even further. She parted her knees slightly and ran her finger along the slightly veed collar of her shirt. “You could take up where those boys left off.”

His lips compressed. “I think not, Miss Smith.” His palms flattened on his desk as he leaned toward her. “Stand up. Now!”

Shaken, she leapt to her feet.

“You will remove your panties and leave them on my desk.”

Take…off…her panties? She blinked at him. She’d thought she’d leave them on while he did this. If she took them off, he’d see how wet she was. He’d smell how aroused she was. He’d… Oh God, he’d punish her naked ass.

“Problem, Miss Smith?”

“No, sir.”

Just Right is out today!

Sheesh! I've been so busy, I almost forgot to post! But, my new story, Just Right, is out from Resplendence Publishing today! It's a naughty retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and it's part of the Not Quite Wicked Series with Brynn Paulin, Mia Watts and Dakota Rebel.

There's still time to win all four copies - just go to the Stumbling Over Chaos blog and leave a comment!

Anyway, here's the blurb and an excerpt. :)

Blurb: When Department of Natural Resources officer, Gwendolyn Locke, hits a black bear on the way home from work one night, her entire view of reality changes. She discovers that shape shifters exist and she’s just become Goldilocks to three, gorgeous, very aroused men who also happen to be werebears. Being snowbound has never been so hot.

Excerpt: Gwendolyn followed the path as rapidly as she dared, blowing snow stinging her exposed skin. The whipping wind carried the bear’s anguished cry to her, and she tried to move faster. She hated to have to take its life, but what choice did she have? Judging from the blood loss she’d seen, there was no way it would survive the night—especially not in a storm like this. For a brief, crazy moment, she considered calling Noah, but she dismissed the thought just as quickly. He’d already made it clear she was on her own.

She stumbled across a log only to fall face first in the snow. For a moment, her world went dim as the lightheadedness returned, but she forced away the woozy feeling and pushed to her feet. A few yards ahead lay a dark shape. She’d found the bear. Training her flashlight on it, she watched for signs of life. It moved, and she saw the spreading pool of blood that melted the snow around it.

Feeling sick at what she had to do, she raised her gun to her shoulder and took aim. She tried to still her shaking hands as the bear began to twist and writhe on the ground. Suddenly, its body thinned and lengthened and she thought she heard the muffled sounds of flesh tearing and bones breaking. Before her eyes, its fur receded leaving bare skin, the body of a predator becoming that of a human man.

She must have hit her head harder than she’d thought. How could she have possibly mistaken him for a bear? What the hell was he doing naked in a snowstorm? She needed to get help. She lowered her gun and dug in her pocket for her cell phone. No signal. God damn it!

Quickly, she darted to his side and checked for a pulse. Faint but steady. Her blood ran cold when she saw his face. For a moment, she thought it was Noah. Relief flooded her when she realized it wasn’t, followed quickly by guilt. She’d hit this man with her car and now she had no idea how she was going to get him help.

Stripping off her coat, she covered him with it, careful not to jostle him. She couldn’t tell the extent of his injuries, and she didn’t want to make it worse. Standing, she turned in a circle, looking for any sign of life. The only light she saw was the faint glow of one headlight and the taillights of her vehicle.

Not knowing what else to do, she fired several shots into the air and yelled for help. Her scream was cut short as a rustle sounded behind her. Whirling, she faced the biggest black bear she’d ever seen. She lifted the gun to her shoulder, but before her frozen finger could find the trigger, it growled and knocked it from her hands. Standing on its hind legs, it advanced on her.

It must have smelled the blood of the injured man and been drawn out of its nest. Bears rarely attacked people, but in this case, she could see where it might make an exception. And considering she was standing between it and a potential meal…she was fucked.

Everything within her screamed at her to run, but she couldn’t leave the man unprotected. Her gun was behind the bear, well out of reach. Glancing around, she searched for anything that might serve as a weapon. Maybe if she could scare it away, she still might have a chance at getting help for the injured guy.

Crouching down, she grabbed a stick and quickly stood up again, holding it like a baseball bat. A wave of nausea washed over her as the dizziness intensified. The cold sank into her bones as her sweater absorbed the heavy wet snow that continued to fall. For the first time, she began to wonder if she’d make it out of these woods alive. It would certainly solve Noah’s problem if she didn’t, she thought with a near-hysterical giggle.

The bear cocked its head to the side and looked at her, then behind her at the injured man.

Keeping herself between the man and the bear, she took a swing at the bear and cracked it in the head, hoping to scare it off. It didn’t work. Growling, it grabbed the end of the stick and splintered it before wrenching it from her hands. With a shriek, she dove for the gun, brushing against the bear as she rolled through the wet snow. She gripped it with aching fingers and pointed it at the animal. At this range, she should be able to kill it, but if she aimed wrong, she’d just piss it off, and that was the last thing she needed.

“I don’t want to shoot you, but I can’t let you hurt him.”

She squeezed the trigger and fired a warning alongside its head.

The bear reached out and grabbed the barrel of the gun and pushed it toward the ground. She tried to wrench it from its grasp, but the animal held fast as it sank to all fours. All at once, the animal began to writhe and the nauseating sounds of joints popping and bones snapping filled the air. As she watched, the furry pelt receded, revealing smooth, burnished copper skin stretched over tight, lean muscles. Her breath stalled in her chest as a naked man rose, long dark hair partially covering his face, but she’d know those eyes anywhere.

“Hello, Gwen.”

Psssst...wanna win four new books?

Chris over at Stumbling Over Chaos is helping me, Brynn Paulin, Mia Watts and Dakota Rebel celebrate the release of our new fairy tale collection, Not Quite Wicked, from Resplendence Publishing. All four books come out Tuesday the 19th. So if you'd like a chance to win all four books, get thyself to Chris' blog immediately and leave a comment. Easy-peazy! The contest is open until the 19th!

Catching Up

Well, I've survived the holidays...so far anyway. We still have holiday party number six to attend on Saturday. Yep...that's one work party and five family Christmases. My family is indeed insane, but I adore their crazyasses anyway.

Other than writing like a madwoman and listening to the gleeful sounds of the boys playing Modern Warfare 2 and Halo ODST (all hail the x-box) I haven't been doing much.

But, I do have new cover art to share! Just Right will be releasing from Resplendence Publishing on January 19th as part of the Not Quite Wicked series with three of my fantabulous friends - Brynn Paulin, Mia Watts and Dakota Rebel.

As you might have guessed from the title (thank you Jennifer Armintrout) Just Right is a naughty version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. All the naked on the cover probably gives it away, too. :)

This is pretty much how I've spent my break so far. Trying to write while Herne sleeps on me. It's a pretty comfortable arrangement, unless of course I need a drink or have to pee. Then, there's kitty angst.

Well, back to it - I've got deadlines to meet and cats to appease.

Cuffed and Dangerous is Out Today!

Well, my first menage releases today from Resplendence Publishing and I'm pretty excited - and of course, a little nervous!

After the blurb and excerpt, I've posted what Gideon and Jude look like in my head. :)

When a bounty claim becomes a fight of five against one, Jude Caulfield and Gideon Wells step in to help hunter, Wrenn Saunders, before she’s mortally injured. Wrenn soon learns that three is a good number whether in a fight or in the bedroom. Especially in the bedroom—and that’s just where Jude and Gideon want to keep her.

She might be fooling some of the regulars at the Jack Pine tavern, but she sure as shit wasn’t fooling him. Gideon Wells eyed the blonde as she nursed her drink like a broken heart. Her depressed demeanor was Oscar-worthy, but this girl was hunting. He’d bet his right ball her prey would walk through the door any minute.

He leaned back in his chair and observed her reflection in the mirror behind the bar. Short, honey-blonde hair framed her face, stopping just past her chin. She had pale, almost translucent skin that reminded him of an angel’s or a vampire’s—but he knew she was neither. His gaze rose to her full lips. God damn if she didn’t have a mouth made for sin. His cock stirred behind the fly of his jeans, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

He watched her scan the room in the mirror, stopping when she met his gaze. Huge eyes the color of melted dark-chocolate glared at him, and he couldn’t help but smile. She was a bounty hunter. He’d never seen her, but he’d heard plenty about her over the last three years. While most members of the shifter community might not be best buddies, they kept each other apprised of shared dangers—like bounty hunters with hard-ons for feline shape shifters.

Her short, snug skirt rode up her legs, giving him a tantalizing glimpse of her thighs. It was impossible not to imagine how the creamy flesh would taste as he lapped at her. As if she knew his thoughts, her frown deepened and she looked away. He took that opportunity to continue his perusal of her gentle curves, following the delicately muscled line of her leg downward. Her feet were encased in impossibly high heels and thin bands of leather wrapped around her ankles. The sharp contrast of the black leather against her porcelain skin hardened his cock further as he imagined her bound to his bed, wide leather cuffs securing her hands and ankles, her body open and weeping for him.

Her foot tapped in an agitated rhythm against the metal rung of the bar stool and he dragged his attention upward. Her full lips were pursed in annoyance as she stared at him. Raising his bottle, he saluted her, barely stifling a laugh when she flipped him off.

The door of the bar swung open and her eyes darted almost imperceptibly toward the doorway. He followed her gaze and nearly groaned aloud as he saw his best friend zero in on the woman at the bar. This wouldn’t end well.

With an easy grin, Jude Caulfield approached the blonde and leaned on the bar while he ordered a beer. His smile faded as he crossed the room and sank into an empty chair next to Gideon. After a nearly draining the bottle, he set it on the table and sighed.

“The Montgomery build is on hold and I’m laid off indefinitely, the bar’s out of Killian’s Red, and I just got shot down by the hottest woman I’ve seen in months.”

Gideon grinned. “So you’re writing country songs now?”

“Fuck you.” Jude nodded toward the bar. “Who is she?”

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s Wrenn Saunders.”

“The bounty hunter?”

Before Gideon could respond, a triangle of dull light slid across the floor as the door opened, and Spencer Dane entered. Besides being a werelion and an all around dick, he was also the head of the local lion pride. While Spencer might masquerade as a reputable businessman, he was nothing more than a drug dealer using his import company as a front and the members of his pride to distribute his product. The tiny hairs stood up on the back of Gideon’s neck and the need to shift burned through his veins. It was more than cats not playing nicely with those outside their own genus. He hated this guy.

“Easy there,” Jude murmured. “The last thing I need today is for you to go panther on him. I can’t afford to bail your ass out of jail.”

Nodding, Gideon took another swig of beer, attempting to swallow his dislike with the cool liquid and watched as the creep made his way toward the blonde at the bar. His beast rose in his chest at the sight of Spencer’s hand stroking her forearm, his meaty paws caressing her bare skin.

Gideon’s fingers clenched around his bottle as she leaned toward Spencer, giving him a clear view of her ample cleavage. Forcing his grip to relax, he drained the last of his beer. What did it matter that she was flirting with a lowlife like Spencer? Gideon would love to think that she was in the Jack Pine to haul the bastard in, but so far, the other man had managed to keep his illegal dealings unproven, letting his pride members take the fall for him.

The bounty hunter swiveled on her stool. Buttons near to popping, her tight blouse left very little to the imagination, including the hint of black lace that cupped the full mounds of her breasts.

“Holy Mother of God,” Jude breathed.

“Yeah.” It was the only word he could choke out.

Equally enamored, Spencer laid his hand on her bare thigh as she giggled, peering at him through her lashes. In a move so fast, it must have taken years of practice, she pulled a pair of handcuffs from her waistband and snapped one of the bracelets around his wrist.

Spencer stared at his hand, dumfounded. “What the fuck?”

Hopping off the bar stool, she dragged his hand behind his back as she shoved his torso toward the bar top and wrestled the cuff around his other wrist.

“You’re under arrest, asshole,” she said.

“I think I’m in love,” Jude breathed.

Spencer pushed himself back to an upright position. Straining his muscles, he fought against the restraints. “You’ve got nothing on me, bitch.”

She grabbed the cuffs and pulled them upward, twisting his arms in his sockets. “Don’t bother—they’re silver. And actually, I do. There’s a bench warrant from a judge in Detroit for your arrest. You’re more than two years behind on child support.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“That’s life.”

“Look, I can triple whatever your bounty is. Just unlock the cuffs and the money’s yours.”
With her free hand, she removed a colt from her purse and pressed the muzzle into his back. “I’ve got a full cylinder. The rounds aren’t silver, so you’ll heal, but I can make sure it hurts like hell before you do.”

“Yep,” Jude nodded. “Definitely in love.”

“Whore,” Spencer growled.

“Helplessness is a bitch, huh?” Keeping a tight grip on the chain connecting the cuffs and the gun pressed against his spine, she shoved him toward the door.

Meet Jude and Gideon.

(Okay...in real life, they're really Jensen Ackles and Keith Hamilton Cobb...but in my head, this is who I see when I think of these two.)

An Excerpt from Handcuffs and Lies

I'm supposed to be doing laundry and packing so we can leave to go on a short vacation tomorrow, but I'm procrastinating. Big time. I'm sure no one is surprised by this. ;) To further my procrastination, I thought I'd post an excerpt of Handcuffs and Lies which comes out Tuesday, August 4th from Resplendence Publishing!


Michael could barely tear his eyes from Tori’s lips. They were glossy and parted and it was all he could do to keep from pushing her against the door and tasting her again.

She opened her mouth, but he shook his head. He needed to get the hell out of her house and away from the press of memories. He might not remember much of the night he'd spent with her, but he remembered enough.

“Don’t. Say. Anything.” He pushed off the door, picked up the backpack and slung it over his shoulder. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her out of the house. “Let’s go.”

What should have been a fifteen minute drive took over an hour. He was exhausted, but he wanted to make sure they hadn’t been followed. The last thing he needed was for Lucky’s guys to find out where he really lived. He’d promised Alex he’d keep Tori safe, and he couldn’t do that if they knew where to find her.

He sighed. He could have paid for a hotel for her. He could have slapped her into protective custody whether she wanted it or not. He could have done a lot of things, but instead, he’d chosen the stupidest one of them all. He’d chosen to bring her home where she could be a constant threat to his common sense and sanity. Good thinking, Mike. Real good thinking.

Pulling into his garage, he shut off the engine and closed the door behind them. He didn’t miss how quickly she scrambled off the bike—away from him. Unbuckling her helmet, she handed it to him and retrieved her knapsack from the saddlebag he’d stowed it in.

“All right, you’re in charge. What’s next?”

He unlocked the door to the kitchen and went inside. What was next was that he was going to lie awake all night with a hard-on that refused to go away while the source of that hard-on pouted in his guest room. He was pretty sure that’s what was happening next.

Lookee What I Got

It's my cover for Handcuffs and Lies - it comes out August 4th from Resplendence Publishing!!!

Here's the blurb:

Sometimes promises to friends are the hardest to keep. Undercover police officer, Michael Tanner promised his dying partner that he’d take care of the man’s little sister. Trouble is, after her brother’s death, Doctor Tori Spinelli wants nothing to do with Michael—or any other cop for that matter.

Tori has always fought against overprotective men and deception. Forced into protective custody with Michael, she’s now faced with both in the same package. Despite their differences, Tori falls in love with him, but how can she trust a man who lies for a living?

And here's the cover!