Category: Guest blogs

SANGUINE SHADOWS by Erzabet Bishop @erzabetbishop

.Reading time 7 minutes.

Like snarky vampires?

Give this girl a
try…

Now available from award-winning and
international best-selling author Erzabet Bishop!

Something stalks the streets
of Salem and there’s wild magic in the air…
#vampireromance #paranormalhotties #PNR
#Curseworkerseries #NNP #ErzabetBishop #eroticromance #vampire #fae #series
 
Sanguine Shadows by Erzabet Bishop. Start your journey into the Curse Worker universe!
99 cents for a limited time and #FREE in KU!

Ball gowns and bite marks…

 
Mari Di Bartolo was a witch coming back to her roots in
Salem. Juggling work and school, she is a woman on a mission until she is
attacked one night after work and left for dead. When Mari is about to step
through the veil, she is given a choice-become a vampire or fade away. She
chooses life. Nevertheless, it’s not her new Sire that holds Mari’s attention,
but the strange and enigmatic Fae with the golden green eyes. Full of mischief
and mayhem, the night of the Vampire Ball is upon her and all that glitters may
just be her teeth in the moonlight.
 
 

Darkness lurks in the shadows…

 
Fenris is the Captain of the Guard for the Queen of the Dark
Court. For centuries he’s secured the barrier between the human world and
Faery, part of a Protectorate that keeps humans blissfully ignorant of the
beings hidden in their midst. But when another rogue wolf attack brings him to
a crime scene, he remembers another girl with long dark hair and eyes that
spoke to his soul. On a night filled with wild magic, there will be blood and
some of it might just be given willingly.
 
*Includes Bonus: Map Of Bones, a prequel short story to
Malediction.
Available for #FREE on KU!
99 cents for a limited time!
Tags: shifters, fae, vampires, ghosts, party, Salem
 

Buy links:

Amazon: http://rxe.me/6EB6TR
Curse Worker Series:
1. Sanguine Shadows
2. Map of Bones
3. Malediction (pre-order now!) http://rxe.me/7FPHRI

 4. Arcane (coming soon)

Excerpt from Sanguine
Shadows by Erzabet Bishop
 
Her eyes widened and her lips parted and he caught a glimpse
of fang. “I…didn’t know you cared.”
“If I didn’t, why would I have convinced Roark to turn you?”
He tugged her closer, the push of her breasts against his chest making it hard
to concentrate on mere words. He’d known she was meant for him from the first
second he’d seen her but he had to let Roark take her or risk her dying.
“You don’t know me. I was just a girl on the street. A human
not worth your consideration.”
Fenris didn’t miss the hurt in her eyes. Perhaps he had been
wrong leaving her alone. He’d been convinced he was right letting her
assimilate unhindered into her new life. He also couldn’t fault her reasoning.
She was right. They had no claim on one another, only an attraction that blazed
to life in the most untenable of situations.
But she was wrong on one account. He had noticed her
before-just not in a way he might have acted upon. Human and supernatural
interaction was forbidden but he was unable to let her die. Not like that.
 He wasn’t able to
stop thinking about her and hadn’t since that night.
“I did notice you, witchling. How could I not?” He lifted a
finger and traced the side of her face, his cock hardening at the moan that
slipped unbidden from her lips. “You burn inside of me. Only I couldn’t act.
Not until then. But I had to save you. To do anything else…” He let his voice
trail off and watched her reaction.
Mari blinked and reached forward, pressing her lips to his.
“It’s like a fire, isn’t it? A fire in the blood.”
“Oh Gods, yes.”
About the author:
Erzabet Bishop is an award-winning and international
bestselling author who loves to write naughty stories. She is the author of
Lipstick, Crave, Snow (Three Times More Lucky Box Set), Malediction, Map of
Bones, Sanguine Shadows, Arcane (coming soon in the Prowlers and Growlers box set) The Science of Lust, Wicked for You, Heart’s
Protector, Burning for You, Taming the Beast, Mistletoe Kisses, Surrender,
Torment (upcoming), Hedging Her Bets, Cat’s Got Her Tongue (Alpha Heat Box
Set), Arcane Imaginarium: Spirit Board, Holidays in Hell, Mallory’s Mark
(upcoming),The Devil’s Due (upcoming), Charity Benshaw’s Enchanted Paddle
Emporium (upcoming), Club Beam, Pomegranate, A Red Dress for Christmas, The
Black Magic Café, Sweet Seductions, The Erotic Pagans Series: Beltane Fires,
Samhain Shadows and Yuletide Temptation along with being a contributor to many
anthologies. She lives in Texas with her husband, furry children and can often
be found lurking in local bookstores. She loves to bake, make naughty crochet
projects and watch monster movies.
Follow her on Twitter @erzabetbishop.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erzabetbishop/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erzabet-bishop
Google +: https://goo.gl/YJnNmd
Website: http://erzabetwrites.wix.com/erzabetbishop
Facebook “like” page:
https://www.facebook.com/erzabetbishopauthor
Amazon author
page:http://www.amazon.com/Erzabet-Bishop/e/B00AVSDUBC/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_7
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590718.Erzabet_Bishop
Street team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1018269998190112/
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erzabet.bishop

NO ONE UNTIL HER by Lynn Burke @AuthorLynnBurke @evernightpub

.Reading time 4 minutes.
 
 
 The final Risso Family novella is now available!

No One Until Her

Risso Family #6
Erotic Romance / BDSM / Menage
by Lynn Burke

Kaden Quinn has life by the balls and enjoys his side job as a Dom in a downtown Boston BDSM club. What he doesn’t want—or need—is a pseudo-sub trying to shred the veil that protects his painful past.

When untamed Livi Risso’s insatiable need to get to the bottom of a story leads her to an exclusive kink club, her curiosity ignites upon meeting a restrained Dom who refuses to touch her.

Kaden feigns disinterest while scening, but that doesn’t stop Livi from experiencing intimacy like she’s never imagined. When one misstep leaves Kaden shaken, will Livi be the one to break down his wall against love?
no-one-untill-her-evernightpublishing-2017
 

~~~oOo~~~

 

EXCERPT

“What’s your name, sub?” I asked.
“Li … Lisa.”
I narrowed my gaze and stared down at her. “If you say so, Bella.”
“Bella?” Her head tilted to the side, her eyes slightly widened. “Is that a compliment?”
“You’re Italian, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then that’s what I’ll call you.” A light flush spread across her high cheekbones and she bit her lower lip. Goddamn cock sprung to full attention. “First thing you ought to know—and should have learned long before entering this club as a sub—your gaze belongs on your Dom’s boots, your knees on the floor.”
The bulge in my leathers snagged her attention as her head lowered and she hesitated. A shudder rippled down through her, but she sank to her knees with practiced ease, a waft of subtle sweetness, what had to be expensive perfume, floating around me. My mouth watered. Long, glossy dark hair cascaded around her downturned face. Her shoulders remained back and straight.
Trying to ignore the press of my goddamn zipper into my cock—and prickle of unease tingling the back of my neck—I glanced across the room at Devon, one of the few Doms who didn’t mind switching.
He lounged in a chair, drink in hand, but otherwise unoccupied. Bella’s appearance had already drawn his attention. He gawked like a starstruck lover at the goddess kneeling at my feet.
The idea of sharing the tasty morsel of a pseudo-sub twisted my gut, but the thought that touching her skin would definitely cause trouble overrode my Neanderthal side. 
As though feeling my stare, Devon lifted his gaze to mine.
I quirked a brow in invitation.
He shot out of his seat with a shit-eating grin and strode across the room. He stood a good half-foot shorter than me, but we both had blue eyes, the same light hair, and square jaw… We’d enjoyed our fair share of women fantasizing about brothers.
“Master Devon, care to join us this evening?”

About Lynn Burke:

Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life. Her current work, the Risso Family Novellas, revolves around four siblings from Boston’s North End.

Find Lynn on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.

 

no-one-untill-her-evernightpublishing-2017-banner2

Fall In Love With Romance Giveaway! Jan 13th to Feb 14th #FallInLovewithRomance #win #Kindle #giveaway   

.Reading time less than 1 minute.

filwr-banner

Fall In Love with Romance Prizes:

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Kindle Fire

Barnes& Noble Nook

$50 Amazon Gift Card

$50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

$25 Amazon Gift Card

$25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

Signed Paperback – Dominant Persuasions (12 author anthology)

$10 Amazon Gift Card

$10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

 

Authors from the Romance community invite you to

Fall In Love with Romance

To enter for our prizes, please sign up for our author newsletters below.

 

***ENTER HERE TO WIN!***

FIELD OF TRUST by Jacqueline Anne @AuthorJacAnne @sirenbookstrand

.Reading time 19 minutes.

Field of Trust

Book Two of The Field Series

© Jacqueline Anne 2017

Release Date – January 11, 2017

 

Buccaneers pitcher Tyson Best is captivated by vibrant artist Cece Schmidt, and he is determined to uncover the mystery lurking in her eyes.

Cece knows her one-night rule will never be enough with Tyson. Frustrated with the hold her corrupted family still has over her, Cece can no longer ignore her feelings for Tyson, despite his high-profile career and the life she ran away from. After confessing partial truths about her past, Cece and Tyson begin their secret romance.

Tyson knows they have a strong connection and refuses to let someone special run out on him like his parents did years ago. In order to protect Cece, he seeks the whole truth about her past and in the process unveils crime and terror.

When Cece receives a threat from her uncle, she is desperate to end the fear once and for all—but first, she will have to play a dangerous game.

Will trust and love pull them through?

http://www.bookstrand.com/book/Field-of-Trust

*coming soon to other sites

 

 

Story Excerpt

“Damn, that hurt,” she grumbled.

“Cece?” He knew something had happened. The least he could do was help, so Tyson walked back…and immediately halted. Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw.

In the midst of what looked like a junkyard, sat Cece slumped over with her legs sprawled out in front of her. Her long, dark hair was pulled up into some crazy concoction on the top of her head, which oddly enough, closely resembled a pineapple. Although her face showed feelings of loss and frustration, her blue eyes still drew him in. Her body was covered in paint, and her clothes were a complete mess.

His heartbeat picked up a few paces as he swallowed hard. He was seeing her in her element for the very first time. To him, Cece looked flawless.

“Oh God. What are you doing back here?” she grumbled, visibly annoyed and embarrassed.

He stepped over the mess and noticed an old wooden ladder on its side, broken in two places. “Lending a hand.” He outstretched his and she reluctantly took it. He pulled her up, accidently covering his hand with paint.

“Thanks. Sorry about the paint. I’ll get you some towels.”

Tyson shrugged it off. He didn’t care about the paint. “I actually stopped by to shop. The helping part was needed.” He gave her a sympathetic smile. She had no reason to be embarrassed. Accidents happened. “Are you okay?”

Cece looked down at her body. “I think so. I won’t know the extent of the damage until I get all the paint off.”

“The color looks good on you.” Tyson was really hoping he could lighten her mood.

“Ugh. This is so humiliating.” Cece took a few steps and hissed. “Okay, damage to the leg for sure.”

“Here, let me help you.” Tyson swooped her up into his arms.

“Tyson! No! Now you have paint all over you,” she scolded.

“I don’t care. They’re just clothes, Cece. Where’s the bathroom?” He couldn’t care less about his clothes. Now, having Cece in his arms? That was another story.

Cece pointed to a small corridor. Tyson walked sideways with her cradled in his arms, so they could both fit down the narrow hall.

Once he reached the tiny bathroom, he set her on her feet. She hobbled a step and sat on the closed toilet. He grabbed some paper towels and handed them to her. He watched her closely as she cleaned the paint off her skin.

She looked up at him and caught him staring. He cleared his throat and glanced up at the ceiling, slightly embarrassed she noticed. He couldn’t help it, though. Now that she had been in his arms, he wanted to know more of how her skin felt and how she tasted, preferably without the paint.

“You don’t have to stay back here with me. Go ahead and shop. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

“I don’t mind, Cece. I want to check out your leg once you get the paint off.”

She rubbed over an area of her leg and flinched.

Tyson grabbed some more paper towels and wet them. “Here, let me,” he insisted, kneeling in front of her. He cautiously began wiping away the paint.

* * * *

Cece was thoroughly humiliated and thankful the red paint was covering her flushed skin. She was watching how gentle Tyson was being with her. The star pitcher was tall, strong, and confident. And here he was taking care of her, a feeling she never experienced before. She suddenly felt claustrophobic in the small space and took a few calming breaths.

“Ah, there we go. You have one nasty bruise which is already appearing. No bleeding, or at least I don’t think so. Hard to tell with the red paint.”

“Crimson,” she corrected. Thinking about art and colors usually relaxed her—up until she fell off that rickety ancient ladder. She was pissed at herself for daydreaming too long about the piece she was working on.

He grazed over her leg, causing goosebumps to break out over her body which seemed to have a mind of its own.

“Crimson,” he repeated, looking at her with a soft smile. “I think you are going to live.”

“Too bad I can’t say the same for the artwork I fell on.” She stood and winced, pain radiating through her leg. Not a good sign.

“Still hurts?”

She nodded, bracing herself on the bathroom sink.

“I’ll take you home.”

After bickering with him over the fact she could take care of herself, in pain or not, she let out a frustrating groan and realized he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She was certain Tyson knew she would be okay, but why push it when he was offering to help. He was too kind. He was quite charming as well, even though she didn’t want to admit it.

It was a lethal combination.

 

Adult Excerpt

Her admission shattered him in the most amazing way. He nodded at first, trying to get the blood to flow through his body properly, rather than straight south. He wanted to carefully choose his next words to reassure her and to prove she was so goddamn special to him.

“If there is anything I ever do that you don’t like, all you have to do is tell me to stop. I will stop immediately with no questions asked. We can always discuss anything before we try it. If you are uncomfortable, we can wait or not do it at all. Understand?”

“Yes,” she stated, looking at him straight on. “But, I am ready and willing.”

“Cece, baby.” He smoothed his dark hand over her cheek. “You deserve to be cherished like the finest treasures.” He watched as her pupils dilated, loving the way her body gave him feedback as to what she enjoyed. She may have been used to one-night stands prior to him, but Tyson was going to treat her to a whole other world—a world she deserved. A world he wanted to give her. “Right here on this dryer…I’m going to feast on that beautiful pussy of yours until you come on my face. Then I am going to bend you over and sink my cock so deep inside you that your screams of erotic pleasure will be echoing off these walls.”

Cece bit her lip. Tyson knew by looking at her it wasn’t because she was nervous. No. She was downright turned on and anxious to get started.

Without breaking eye contact with her, he slid his hands up her legs, under her skirt. He felt the lace of her panties and looped his thumbs onto the sides.

“Lift up, gorgeous.”

She leaned back and lifted her hips. He pulled at her thong and slowly dragged them down her legs. His body following them. He unbuckled her left sandal and pressed soft kisses on her foot. He repeated the same amorous deed with her other foot. He explored her legs with his tongue and lips, ending on the tops of her upper thighs.

“Spread for me.”

She did. He placed her feet up on the dryer. Her skirt scrunched around her waist, completely exposing her beautiful, glistening pussy to him. Tyson licked his lips while Cece closely watched him.

“So beautiful, Cece. I love how you are always wet for me.” He ran a finger along her wet folds.

“Only for you,” she whimpered.

He brought his wet finger up to her mouth. “Taste yourself, baby.” She opened her mouth for him, and he stuck his finger in just a little. Her tongue darted out to lick him. He couldn’t resist sharing her sweet taste. Tyson licked her along with his finger, enjoying the experience with her.

“So good.”

He lifted her shirt over her head and removed her bra. Her nipples already in hard peaks. He twirled his tongue around one, and then the other. A stimulating moan vibrated off her lips. He shifted his mouth  lower and lower. He breathed in her scent, enjoying how much more intoxicating it was now.

“I want you to let it all go, Cece. Give me everything.”

“Yes,” she said breathily.

He dipped his head and licked the entire length of her pussy. He fucking loved the way she tasted. He pushed his tongue inside her, drinking her up. Her lips swelling for him, already eager for a release. He wanted to hold her off just a bit longer. He wanted to watch her completely unravel for him.

“Tyson,” she moaned, her fingers clutching at his shoulders.

He carefully removed her hands from his body and placed them on her breasts, massaging them together before he released his hands.

“Keep them there,” he gently demanded.

Watching Cece play with her tits and having her legs wide open for him was fucking incredible. He gave her clit a suck and heard her sharp intake of breath. Not yet, he thought and went back to fucking her with his tongue. Every once in a while he glanced up at her. Her breaths quickened as she got lost in his touch. The more he licked her, the more eager she was with her tits. Stunning. He pushed three of his fingers deep inside her and moved his tongue around her clit.

“Oh God. Oh God,” she chanted.

He could feel her clamping down on him and lightly bit her clit.

“Holy fuck,” she cried out. Her legs shuddered. She squeezed her nipples tightly. Tyson continued devouring her until every quake and clench had subsided.

He quickly picked her up off the dryer and spun her around. His shorts and boxers were around his ankles in record time. He bent her over and drove into her. She was dripping wet. The sounds of him thrusting in and out of her echoed throughout the small space.

“You feel so fucking magnificent,” he groaned.

He moved harder, faster. She met his demands, pushing back, bringing him in even deeper.

“Fuck me harder, Tyson. So hard,” she panted.

His fingers dug into her hips. He gave the woman what she asked for. As much as she thought he was in control, he wasn’t. His body gave her what hers unknowingly demanded. He wanted to please her as much as she wanted to please him. It was a fascinating thing to watch unfold.

He felt her clenching around his cock.

“Come with me,” he gritted, trying to hang on with her.

Erotic screams released from her throat as she gripped him like a vice, milking him of his orgasm.

“Fuck yeah,” he shouted, filling her.

He draped his body over hers, their breathing erratic. Their bodies covered in sweat. His lips danced over her back.

“I don’t think laundry day will ever be the same,” he declared.

Cece giggled. He grinned at the splendor of the melodic sound.

 

 

the-field-series

 

Have you read Book One of The Field Series?

Field of Passion and Dreams

Graham Grayson is a hard worker and all around gentlemen. His dream to play in the majors like his dad just came true. He was called up to be the catcher for the Pittsburgh Buccaneers. On the day of team photos, he meets photojournalist Jordan Michaela Roy.

Still grieving the loss of her dad, Jordan sets aside emotions and memories of her sports reporter father to find her passion again on the field as a sports photojournalist. While working spring training for Major League Baseball, she never anticipates passion igniting off the field, too.

Neither Graham nor Jordan can deny their explosive attraction or the happiness they feel being with each other. Their fathers’ past friendship has them wondering about destiny.

While they worry about the demands of their careers, traveling, and being in the public eye, nothing can prepare Graham for the devastating news that makes him question life, his dream, and love.

Will Graham realize his mistakes before it is too late?

Bookstrand:  http://www.bookstrand.com/book/Field-of-Passion-and-Dreams

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iF0HQL

iBooks: http://apple.co/2i71qXe

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2iF2Iwh

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2i720Eo

 

Connect:

Website: www.authorjacquelineanne.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/authorjacquelineanne

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8537336.Jacqueline_Anne

Amazon Author: www.amazon.com/author/jacquelineanne

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorJacAnne

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/AuthorJacAnne

Other books by Jacqueline Anne

book-cover-pic

EVERYTHING I’VE DREAMED OF by Norah Bennett @TheRealNorahB @evernightpub

.Reading time 9 minutes.

 

 

Everything I’ve Dreamed Of

By Norah Bennett

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR3847R/

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/everything-ive-dreamed-of-by-norah-bennett/

***Giveaway: http://gvwy.io/0fg2991***



Kate Willowbrook dreams of a life filled with beauty –– a man who loves her, friends, and a home. At eighteen, Kate’s dreams are replaced by nightmares when she witnesses a crime. Kate runs, never settling down or trusting anyone. Ten years later Kate discovers the small town of Lakes Crossing and Noah Reed.

When Noah’s wife is killed in an accident, he buries himself in work and family obligations, believing he will never find love again until he meets Kate. The more he learns about her, the more he is drawn to her and his protective instincts kick into overdrive.

Noah is everything Kate has ever dreamed of, but his take-charge attitude is scaring up old demons she fought hard to bury. If they can’t find a way to strike a balance that satisfies both their deepest needs, they could lose their second chance at love.

Excerpt


Kate pierced him with her green eyes. “I’m certain there’s no shortage of women who would be happy to go out with you. Why me?”

Noah’s cocky grin faded into a soft smile that stole her breath. His eyes darkened as he focused on her. She could feel the heat creeping up her cheeks again, and she couldn’t believe she asked him that question. She didn’t even know why she did, except that she wanted to hear his answer. If she let herself fall for this beautiful man, with a killer smile and the softest brown eyes in the world, she’d fall hard and fast. If she were just a toy to him, one that he got bored of and discarded after a while, she’d be devastated. She had lost so much already and survived, but Kate wasn’t sure she could survive his games. If she allowed herself to hope and dream of a life with Noah but then lost it all, she’d crumble, and no amount of superglue would put her back together.

Kate waited for his answer, her eyes locked with his and he didn’t let her down.

“Yes, I won’t deny that I’ve dated other women and there are those who wouldn’t turn me down for a date, but they’re not you.”

Noah reached for her hand, and she let him feel the tremble that ran through her as he engulfed her small hand in his. He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers, never taking his gaze off her.

“You say you’re not special to anyone, but that’s not true. I see something special, someone special. I know we don’t know each other very well, but if you give us a chance to change that, together, we may be something special. We won’t know unless we try.”

Kate’s breath hitched, and her heart squeezed. Jesus, the man had a way with words. How did he know what she needed to hear? Now she understood what Roberta Flack meant when she sang, Killing me Softly. He was clawing at the door to her heart, and she didn’t think she was strong enough to resist him, even knowing that she may get shredded if she let him in.

Kate dropped her gaze again as they began to fill. Her breathing was ragged, and her heart broke its confines and was on the run. Whether it wanted to be caught by Noah or not, Kate wasn’t certain.

Special.

Kate had waited thirty-one years to hear someone call her special. She struggled to rein in her emotions and push back the tears that threatened to roll down her cheeks. She wanted to go out with Noah so badly it hurt. She wanted to get to know him and to be a part of his world, but she was terrified. Good visited her very few times in her life. The instant it arrived, she began preparing for its departure. Good was a temporary visitor and a fickle one at that.

“Come on, Kate. I can sense you’re afraid. I swear I’m a nice guy. I’ll do my damnedest not to disappoint or hurt you. Take a chance. Take a chance on me.”

Kate heard the vulnerability in Noah’s voice. She explored his handsome face, a face she was sure she would never tire of admiring. All traces of his earlier cockiness vanished. Instead, it was replaced by a rawness, an earnestness, a tenderness she’d never seen before. That was the look Kate would remember for a lifetime. Years from now, she would say that was the exact moment she knew, if Noah Reed asked her, she would be his for a lifetime.

Kate let out a slow breath and with a soft smile, she whispered, “Okay, Noah Reed. I’ll take a chance … a chance on you. I’ll go out with you.”

About the Author

Norah lives a double life. By day she is a suit-wearing, prim and proper, professor, administrator, researcher, and lecturer. By night she is a PJ wearing dreamer and writer of books that make people sigh, smile, cry, laugh, fall in love and believe in second chances.

Norah lives in Andover, New Jersey with her husband of thirty years, a cranky geriatric maltipoo, and an obnoxious cockatoo who runs the house and terrifies all its inhabitants.

Norah discovered the joy and escapism that comes from reading at the age of twelve and swears books saved her life and her sanity. Through reading, she has travelled the globe and learned all kinds of equally useful and useless skills such as the proper way to eat a pomegranate, carve a watermelon, or bathe an elephant. These are skills she has passed down to her two daughters who are incredibly supportive, but often wish she had a wider scope of hobbies.

Norah has a long publishing history in academia, but she started writing fiction recently. In July 2016 she published her first work of fiction, R.I.L.Y. Forever with Evernight Publishing and in January 2017 her second book, Everything I’ve Dreamed Of, was also published by Evernight Publishing. Currently, she is working on her third novel, Six Months.

Digital and print copies of her books can be purchased at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Norah-Bennett/e/B01IFN2V46

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.norahbennett.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRealNorahB?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norahbennettbooks/
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15291745.Norah_Bennett?
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Norah-Bennett/e/B01IFN2V46/

 

eido-touch

HIS PLAYTHING, Slade Inc. Book 2 by Mackenzie Williams @evernightpub

.Reading time 6 minutes.

his-plaything-evernightpublishing-dec2016-finalimage

His Plaything [Slade, Inc. Book 2]

by Mackenzie Williams

Purchase Links:

Blurb:

It has been a couple of weeks since Connor Slade offered Morgan White a more permanent job with Slade, Inc. Morgan and her boss are getting closer and closer, except for one aspect of their lives. Morgan rarely gets to see Connor outside of the office setting. She is concerned that maybe their relationship will never strengthen beyond her merely being his office plaything.

Her insecurities only get worse when Mr. Slade hires a temporary secretary for an upcoming business venture. Did Mr. Slade hire her just for the extra help or is there more to it? Has he grown tired of only having Morgan to “play” with? Can Morgan ever be enough for Mr. Slade?

15622729_1872212023009597_6854024588050569638_n

Adult Excerpt:

Morgan hesitated for a few seconds, just watching her boss. He looked fucking sexy as hell. His chest was a rosy-pink color from exercising. His hair was slightly messy, which was inviting. Mr. Slade then looked up at her, putting his hands on his hips.

“Why are you making me wait longer? Ms. White, are you trying to rile me up?” This time, his eyes softened just bit.

“No, sorry.” His schedule floated through her mind, and she knew that he had a fifteen minute window here. That was one benefit to being his secretary. 

Morgan stepped forward, and Mr. Slade just barely turned to give her more room to walk. Again, it seemed he was purposely making this hard for her.Connor. Her breasts brushed past his chest as she reached the shower door. When she turned toward it, her ass then brushed against his thigh. His skin felt as if it was on fire.

She stepped into the shower. The water was warm but not too hot as it ran down her body. A small sigh came off her lips as he stepped in. Fortunately, this shower was a little bigger than one would expect in a private office. He’s had other girls in here. That sordid thought wormed its way through her head.

Mr. Slade brought her attention back on him as he faced her, grabbing her hips. “So, Morgan. Let’s see how I want to play this. Should I punish you first for making me wait and hiding from me—”

“I wasn’t hiding.” As soon as she interrupted him, she regretted it.

Mr. Slade’s eyes flashed with something close to irritated amusement. “Thank you for making my decision easy.”

Before Morgan could try to dig herself out of the hole she had created, Mr. Slade spun her around. She gasped in surprise as he quickly pressed her back down. Her face was almost touching the shower wall as he pulled her hips back closer to him.

He turned to the side so the water was spraying straight onto her ass. His hands were soon rubbing over her body. Morgan lifted her hands to the shower wall to steady herself as her eyes fluttered shut. She didn’t entirely know why she craved his punishments but she did. Was it just to please him or was it for herself?

Sometimes the world seemed plastic. These moments were anything but.

Mr. Slade rubbed his hands down her back, over her ass, and lightly grazed her pussy lips. Morgan held her breath until he changed tactics. He smacked her wet ass harshly, and a moan flew from her. He smacked her again, and the sound of wet skin on skin echoed around her.

He growled as he smacked her ass again. This time was much harder, and Morgan’s eyes flew open as she said his name.

“Not good enough. I want to hear my name much louder than that.”

Morgan turned her head toward him and was trapped by his stare. He was looking at her like she was his prized possession. In that moment, she felt like it. He looked away from her, grabbing something. Morgan didn’t know what until her ass felt it.

Mr. Slade grunted as a hard wooden stick spanked her wet skin. Morgan yelped loudly and twisted her body, trying to get a look at the object. Mr. Slade raised it up, and she saw that it was a back scrubber. He was holding onto the brush part. She was very thankful that the shower wall didn’t give him too much swinging room. She closed her eyes as the handle came down on her ass.

“Mr. Slade!”

            “There you go.” He rubbed his hand over her stinging ass cheeks. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” 

Connect with the author:

http://mackenziewilliams.weebly.com/

his-plaything-evernightpublishing-dec2016-banner2

CURSED, Warriors of Light by April Zyon @aprilzyon @evernightpub

.Reading time 13 minutes.

cursed-evernightpublishing-sept2016-banner2

Book 6 in the Warriors of Light Series

Cursed

The Darkness has a weapon it will not hesitate to use against the Guardians, and they are making use of all the information that came with it.

Krista Reins has the unfortunate luck of being able to hear the dead. While it is helpful for her job, it can be downright annoying in her everyday life. She does her best to assist the locals, but stays as far as she can from the Feds. She couldn’t give them any answers that wouldn’t get her locked up in a padded cell, and she has no wish to be in one. But when he comes looking for her she wonders if her life is finally changing for the good, or if this is yet another sick twist of fate to knock her to her knees.

Eric Thorvaldsson knows that you get out of life what you put in. A warrior at heart he also understands the beauty of a painting, the joy of music, and the pleasure of a woman. What he never expected was to find his woman right before the world went to hell. When the Darkness unleashes its forces to ensure he doesn’t walk away with the woman, Eric knows it might well come down to an all-out fight to the death to keep her safe. And he must keep her safe, she is his everything.

BUY LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Bookstrand

ARe

Evernight

wol-cover

EXCERPT

Mercury was pacing around his office with a datapad in hand when Demaratus stopped by. Waving the other man inside, he kicked the door shut before moving to pace again. “This is not good,” he said.

Demaratus eased himself into a chair with a tilt of his head. “At least Holly has figured it out, what Helen was doing, and is working to undo it even now.”

He could see the worry in Demaratus’s eyes. Mercury knew that the men he guided wondered about him, about his history, and his story more so than not. But he was an intensely private person, always had been, and always would be. While he’d shared a bit with those that had been with him the longest of his past, and of his time before the first he’d brought back from the grave, he definitely hadn’t shared it all. Barely a scratch on the surface of the sun in comparison.

It was hard at times holding it all in, but he’d been betrayed too many times over the years by those he’d considered brethren to ever let out more than was required to assist them in their jobs. For centuries Mercury had yearned for someone all his own like Holly was for Demaratus now. Someone he could open up to fully, speak freely with, and someone who could help shoulder the terrible burdens he carried on a daily basis.

While he never spoke of his desire to have someone like six of the guardians now did, it didn’t mean the craving went away. He dreamed of the possibility nearly every night. Only recently had she begun to take shape. Mercury should have known something in the universe had changed. But to go so many millennia without made one blind to such small changes. The news Holly had just dropped on him, though, brought everything into crystal clarity.

Thinking back on his dreams, he realized it was only in the last four years that the woman of his dreams had truly shown a shape. Before it had always been a vague sense of something, or rather someone, meant to be his. Twenty or so years ago the dreams had begun to solidify, but truly the past few years were the important ones. She was of age, and adult as it were, in the world out there. What made him nearly sick was the thought of her alone, unaware of the dangers, and unaware that help was coming.

“Stop pacing,” Demaratus said, bringing him back to the present.

The hand he’d been rubbing his brow with fell to his side, and he stopped moving.

“I really hate it when you go all still like that,” D muttered. “Will you sit down and focus for a moment. You have to send someone out for this woman. I’m guessing you’ve already figured out who it’s to be.”

“Of course I have.” Mercury had known the moment Holly had given a name to the potential vestal virgin. Just as he knew exactly who to send for every single one of the others. It was part and parcel of the bonus package the goddess had given to him. It didn’t always make a hell of a lot of sense, but he went with it every time. Not once in all his years had he ever been wrong, even in the very early days long before technology had been a consideration.

“Are you planning on keeping it a secret, or sharing with the rest of the class?”

Not many realized that Demaratus was actually a sarcastic, snarky little shit on the best of days. But Mercury had known it from the first time the man had opened his mouth upon awakening from his death. Like it was only yesterday he could recall the man’s words. “If this is Heaven, I damn well want a refund,” was the loose translation in modern lingo, but it had been pretty fitting to the situation.

Mercury leaned back in his chair and let out a breath. He was too wound up. He knew better than to let his emotions run rampant. The consequences were not ones he ever wanted to have to live with again.

A knock on the door had him giving Demaratus a look. “It’s open,” he called.

“Mercury, you rang?” Eric Thorvaldsson asked as he sauntered into the office. He shot a grin toward Demaratus as he settled down in the other guest chair. “D, didn’t realize you were going to be here.”

“Impromptu stop by to see what thoughts the big guy had on the latest information Holly managed to dig up.”

“Oh? And what information has your little mate dug up?” Eric asked curiously.

“Holly’s gotten Helen’s program up and running with a few tweaks to start looking for the VV’s again,” Mercury said. “She’s found a potential in New Orleans. I need you to head there tonight. Robert is in the area, so I’ll have him meet you at the hotel.” Digging out a file from his desk, he passed it over. “That’s all that Holly sent me on Krista Reins. Your ticket and the hotel information are in there as well.”

Taking the folder, Eric settled back in the chair to read through the information, tucking the airline ticket under his chin as he did so.

“She’s a consultant for the locals,” Mercury said. “You’ll need to tread carefully with her. She’s not like any of the others to date.”

“She likely knows how to actually shoot a gun,” D muttered.

Mercury threw him a glance. He knew the other man had been working to try to train Holly in at least a few methods of self-defense. Demaratus had occasionally bemoaned about the woman being such a girly-girl. No one could argue that Holly was definitely a woman. Mercury had a feeling she’d yet to find the one thing that worked with what she already knew. She’d find it in time, and the upside was watching Demaratus grind his teeth.

“More than likely,” he said to both men. “I’ll pass along whatever other information Holly comes up with as she gets it. I told her to focus on Ms. Reins for the moment, that she was our immediate priority. You have a couple hours before your flight to get your gear together. I’ll have the chopper readied to take you to the airport.”

Tucking the ticket back into the folder, Eric got to his feet. “Roger that, boss man. Later, D,” he said to Demaratus. “And thank Holly for the impressive amount of information on the woman.”

Demaratus gave him a mock salute and waited until the door shut behind the man before turning his eyes back on Mercury. “So, do you want to talk to me about what Holly revealed to you?”

He knew that Demaratus was only trying to help. But when it came to the subject of Mercury’s potential mate, that was a closed, sealed, and permanently buried item. “No,” he said quietly. He did want to talk about it. He wanted to rage. He wanted to scream, and he wanted to hurt someone. But he knew he couldn’t do any of that.

“All right.” Demaratus got to his feet with a nod. “You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

Giving a vague wave of his hand, Mercury stared at the closed door long after Demaratus had left his office. Pressing his fingers to his eyes, he let out a shuddering breath. So close, so very close.

The sound of an object vibrating on his desk had him snapping a hand out to still it. Shit, he needed to get down to the gym and beat the shit out of something inanimate, and quickly. He was starting to lose control of the emotions he’d kept under wraps for so long. If he did that… No, he couldn’t think that way. Not now, not ever. Pushing to his feet, he headed for the door. A few hours of mindless activity would calm the worst of them down. It had worked before, and it had to now.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Newsletter

Website

Facebook Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon Page

Evernight Author Page

BlogSpot

cursed-evernightpublishing-sept2016-vistaprint-mugs_panoramic-wraparound

The Power of Peppermint by L.D. Blakeley #MMRomance #HolidayRead

.Reading time 9 minutes.

 

The Power of Peppermint by L.D. Blakeley

Thank you for having me on today to tell you about The Power of Peppermint! This happy little holiday novella is a true labour of love for me. It’s my first self-published title as well as my first Christmas release. So I hope you enjoy!

 

The Power of Peppermint by L.D. Blakeley

Available: December 14, 2016
Published: LDB Books
ASIN: B01MRX7F8F

 

The most wonderful time of the year?

When Jamison Pritchett is roped into replacing the mall photographer at Santa’s Village a week before Christmas, he’s certain he’ll be spending the holidays recovering from a nervous breakdown. A throng of sugar-frenzied kids might be enough to send this uptight photographer back into the darkroom permanently. Inappropriate thoughts about his far-too-attractive—and far-too-young—assistant aren’t helping fight that urge to hide, either.

For Noah Hawkins, adulting is a snap. Too bad relationships aren’t. With his business temporarily closed for repairs, he’s happy to help his sister out of a jam, even if the costume he’s given to wear borders on obscene. Constantly being mistaken for a teenager is no treat either, especially when he discovers his temporary new co-worker is sexy as hell and 15 years his senior.

Can Noah convince Jamison that age is just a number? Or will Jamison resist the gift Santa seems to be handing him on a platter?

Add The Power of Peppermint by L.D. Blakeley to your Goodreads!

Where to Buy:

✽ Amazon
✽ ARe
✽ Smashwords

Excerpt:

The wiggle he gave as his cell phone rang, elicited a flurry of giggles from the children who were patiently awaiting their turn. He’d tucked it into the waistband of his tunic because, well, honestly there was nowhere else to stash it.

“Speak of the devil,” he answered, seeing his sister’s face on the phone’s display. “Woah, woah, cool your jets.” Noah held the phone an inch or so from his ear. His sister’s voice was anything but dulcet, especially when she was blasting him with an earful of — wait, what did she say?

“Where are you?” Abi demanded.

“At the mall in all my elfin glory.”

“Well, how come Jamison just told me you bailed?”

Her voice had zero chill and Noah knew better than to mess with her too much. “What are you talking about? I’m looking at him right now. Have been for hours.” As though to punctuate Noah’s sentence, Jamison looked up at that exact moment. Noah couldn’t help himself and flashed what he hoped was a dazzling smile.

Dropping his voice just in case it carried, he continued. “P.S., how come you never mentioned how hot he was? I mean, he’s wound tighter than a two-dollar watch, but he’s damn pretty. You did say he’s gay, right?”

“He is. And leave him alone.”

“Hang on a second, you’re talking to me like I’m a delinquent teenager instead of someone helping you out of a jam. Remind me again how you roped me into this gig?”

“You’re good with kids, know your way around a camera, and could use the distraction. And you love me.”

Noah laughed at her bullet-pointed accuracy. “I don’t love you that much. Try again.”

“Because I’m letting you live under my roof, smartass. And as long as you’re under my roof—”

“I know, I know,” he cut her off with a chuckle. “But I might have to amuse myself by flirting with the J in A & J Photography.” He could almost hear the impending warning, so he didn’t give her a chance. “Sorry, gotta go. Santa’s almost done for the day and requires my assistance. Bye-bye.”

She hated it when he did that. Which made it all that more fun when he did. Just to be on the safe side, however, he turned the ringer off before tucking his phone back into his patent leather belt.

There were only a few kids left in line when Mac gave him the wrap-it-up signal, so he latched the velvet rope behind the last of them to keep out stragglers. As much fun as the munchkins were, Noah was looking forward to getting home, getting showered and putting on real pants.

When the last print of the day had been handed over to a beaming young couple and their chirpy toddler, he locked up the till and started packing things away for the night. Within the first few days on the job, he’d gotten the routine down to a science and was finished in no time.

Jamison was still crouched by a tripod busily loading lenses into his camera bags so he wandered over to help. He didn’t seem the type to let anyone touch his gear but Noah figured he’d at least ask. It was as good an excuse as any to talk to the guy.

“Need a hand?”

“I’m just about finished. Thanks.” Jamison zipped up the bag and stood to his full height.

With absolutely no shame, Noah gave him a head-to-toe once-over. Damn.

“I’m Noah by the way.” He grinned, knowing full well by the slight blush on Jamison’s face that he’d been caught. He hadn’t been going for subtle. “Abi’s brother.”

“Oh. Oh.” Jamison’s eyes widened, no doubt in recognition of the name. “Jamison. Hi.” He cleared his throat and held his out his hand.

“Nice working with you today.” He held onto Jamison’s hand a beat or two longer than necessary and gave him a puckish smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he added with a wink.

For good measure, he added a bit of sway to his hips as he walked away. He’d be willing to bet good money Jamison was watching his ass.

❆❆❆❆

About the Author:

L.D. Blakeley is a pragmatist with a romantic soul & a dirty mind. She loves horror movies, hot sex, and happily ever afters. She’s easily distracted by shiny things, and is a slightly neurotic, highly ambitious dreamer who enjoys dabbling in photography & pretending she can carry a tune.

In another life, L.D. was a newspaper reporter, an entertainment & music writer, travel writer, website content editor, and a marketing shill. Now she prefers to spend her time writing hot, steamy fiction (with a healthy dose of romance) about intriguing, sexy men. Although she dreams of living some place isolated with an endless supply of wine and an infinite number of titles on her eReader, she currently lives in downtown Toronto with her husband and their rock star cat.

Find L.D. online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

CHRISTMAS WITH HIS BEST FRIEND by Doris O’Connor @mamaD8 @evernightpub

.Reading time 11 minutes.

christmas-with-his-best-friend-evernightpublishing-nov2016-smallpreview

 

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today with my new release. Christmas with his Best Friend.

This was one of those stories that practically wrote itself, once I started writing. I love the friends to lovers trope, myself, and I knew I would have to expand on the flash I wrote on my blog. This one to be precise.

Just imagine walking in on your best friend pleasuring himself to a picture of you? What would you do?

Emma has a whole set of conflicting emotions to deal with when this happens to her. Not least because she has been secretively fantasising about her best friend too.

Dare they take that leap into the unknown?

You’ll have to read the book to find out.

*smiles*

Blurb:

They’ve been friends for twenty years until … this Christmas.

How do you tell a sweet, naïve, and clearly vanilla girl that you like to tie women up and torture them for mutual enjoyment in your spare time? Josh Mackenzie has no idea, but when his best friend Emma walks in on him pleasuring himself, everything changes.

For Emma, coming face to face with her secret longings is mind-blowing. It’s one thing to fantasize about your best friend, but dare she take that leap into the unknown? Will it not ruin their friendship, and is—what would undoubtedly be awesome—sex worth risking that?

While Josh shares her fears, she is all he’s ever wanted in a woman, and he’s determined to show her that they can have it all. This woman is his to mark, cherish, and love forever, and he’ll prove it to her, one spank at a time.

**Be Warned: BDSM, spanking**

 

Christmas with his Best Friend released

December 7th and is available from :

 

Evernight Publishing Amazon  Amazon UK  ARe   Bookstrand

best-friend-christmas

 

 

Ready for a hawt excerpt?

Now that the moment was here Josh was lost for words. With his sweet little Em in his arms, her hazel eyes looking up him with so much trust … fuck it. What was he doing here? Instead of answering her, he pulled away, slid his hands in her hair and tucked at the pins holding it up. The dark blonde mass of silky curls fell in soft waves around her face, and he twirled one strand around his index finger.

“Josh? What are we doing here?” Her whispered question shot straight to his cock, and not trusting his voice to fucking work, he decided to show her instead. A soft gasp escaped her when he picked her up, set her on the kitchen counter, and pulling her legs apart stepped right between them. The action made her pencil skirt ride up, exposing the top of her stockings, and Josh groaned under his breath. He let his digits linger, half expecting her to slap them away, but when she opened her legs wider, he tore his gaze away from her pale flesh to check out her expression. Head down, she seemed mesmerized by the sight of his tanned hands against her skin, and the sweet scent of aroused woman filled his nostrils when he ran his hands slowly up her inner thighs. He could almost feel the heat of her cunt before her whisper stopped him.

“Josh?”

Leaving one of his hands where it was, he tipped her chin up with his index finger, satisfied beyond relief to see the same need he felt reflected back at him in her eyes. The hazel orbs had darkened to almost black, and when she licked her lips in a nervous gesture, his gaze followed the movements of her little pink tongue. Visions of her on her knees, with that sweet mouth wrapped around his dick, as he shot his jizz down her slender throat, made his cock jerk against the zipper of his jeans. He growled low in his throat at the thought of marking her thus, and her expressive eyes widened. Her breathing sped up even more, making her tits strain against the sensible blouse she wore for work. With the two top buttons undone, the third was threatening to give way under the rapid movement, giving him tantalizing glimpses of the soft swell of her breasts. Josh couldn’t help it. His self-control and good intentions went out of the window at her untutored responses to him, and he trailed his finger lower down the soft skin of her neck, over her collarbone and lower still, until he reached that tiny ivory button. 

“I want you, little one.”

His voice dropped to the one he used in a scene without any conscious effort on his part, and when he flicked that button open, Emma’s sweet moan of surrender was music to his ears. Watching her closely for her reaction, he flicked the next button and so forth, until the sides of her blouse fell open, exposing her amazing rack. The lacy, mauve bra left little to the imagination. Josh continued his one fingered exploration, and they both groaned when he circled her nipples. Clearly visible through the lace, the little pink nubs hardened under his gentle ministrations, and Em’s breathing kicked up another notch.

“Please, I…”

Josh trailed his finger lower, over the soft swell of her abdomen, which caused her to suck in her belly, and he smiled at her action.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your curves, little one?”

Her surprised jerk and strangled half laugh told him he hadn’t, and Josh inwardly kicked himself.

“Since when? You have seen your girlfriends, right?”

There was a wealth of bitterness in those few words compounded by her hasty grab for her blouse. She pulled the ends closed and wrapped her arms around herself in a defensive move that tore at his heartstrings. The Dom in him wanted to order her to strip, to take her over his knee and paddle that luscious ass of hers for disrespecting her body shape like that, and making assumptions about him to boot, but he hadn’t earned that right yet.

So, instead of acting on that impulse, which pushed adrenaline through his veins, he did the next best thing. Stepped away, crossed his own arms over his chest and gave her his best don’t-talk-such-crap-subbie stare.

It didn’t take long before she caved in. Uncertainty crossed her features, followed by confusion, and when she dropped her gaze to his chest, he finally spoke.

“Let’s get one thing straight here, my sweet little Em, I do, indeed love your curves. In fact seeing you waltz out of here in those damn tight pencil skirts you wear for work has me so fucking hard I have to jerk off the minute you leave.”

Clearly startled by that revelation, Emma jerked her head up, opened her mouth to say something, but one look at his expression seemed to change her mind. The Dom in him almost roared when she dropped her gaze—to his chin this time—and kept it there. His girl was a natural, responding to him without even realizing what she was doing, and wasn’t that the biggest turn-on yet.

“Next, I don’t do girlfriends.” That brought her head up again, albeit briefly, and he smiled at her sharp intake of breath, and the confusion written all over her face. “I haven’t done for a long time, ever since I realized I was in love with my best friend.”

 

49c2b-author2bpic

About Doris

Doris is a writer of sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get.  From contemporary to paranormal, Time Travel, Sci-fi, BDSM, F/F, M/M, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

Happily married for the last twenty-five years, she lives with her husband and their brood of nine in a far too small house filled with love, laughter, and chaos. 

 

Stalk her in these places:

         Website Reader Group Tumblr Twitter Facebook Pinterest Evernight Publishing

Amazon All Romance E-Books BookStrand Barnes&Noble

best-friend-christmas

 

BEAUTY AND HER BEAST by Jessica Coulter Smith

.Reading time 8 minutes.

beautycover

Purchase Links:

AMAZON B&N iTUNES KOBO ALLROMANCE BOOKSTRAND

Maggie Miller has lived a hard life. She’s been on the streets since the age of sixteen and has learned the hard way how cruel men can be. Despite the fact that she knows nothing is ever free, when alpha wolf Zach Drake offers her a hot meal and a place to clean up, she cautiously accepts. After not having eaten for days, the thought of food that doesn’t come from a dumpster is too good to pass up, no matter the consequences. It wouldn’t be the first time a man suggested she pay with her body.

Broken wolf Zach Drake is appalled to find the small, stuttering woman living in a box behind the town bar. With dirt smudging her face, she could be anywhere from barely legal to thirty, but none of that matters to the insistent wolf in his head that is begging him to take her home. The thought of anyone harming sweet Maggie is enough to send him into a rage, but he holds himself in check as he coaxes her into his truck and back to his house. It’s the first time his wolf has seemed happy since they lost their mate twenty years ago, and Zach isn’t ready to let go of the sensation just yet.

EXCERPT

Zach snarled at the woman who approached him. It was a dark night for him, the one day of the year he dreaded most. Several buxom beauties had approached, but he’d sent them all running. Monster. Beast. He’d heard the whispers and didn’t much care. No one could understand the pain he felt every day. His brother and sister-in-law tried, but even they gave him a wide berth when he was in one of his moods.

Between the two brothers, Weston was the one everyone fawned over, the one ladies dreamed of when they lay down at night. Zach was the nightmare parents told their children, the story of how not to live your life. As alpha of his pack, he held his position more from fear than respect.

A braver woman than the others settled on the stool next to him and ran her finger down his bicep, a sultry smile on her lips and a world of promise in her eyes. She was attractive in a fake, made-up sort of way. Her hair was teased and styled to fall in chaotic curls past her shoulders, but the honey blonde of her hair was as fake as the rest of her, the dark roots a testament to the time she spent at the salon.

“What do you say you buy me a drink and we can get to know each other better?” she said, licking her lips.

“I have a better idea. You can take your hand off my arm and scurry your fake ass back over to your table of friends.” His eyes narrowed on her, and he showed a bit of fang. It was enough to make her blanch, and she nearly toppled from the stool as she ran away.

The bartender sat another beer in front of Zach.

“You’re going to scare off my best customers tonight. Any other night you’d have taken that woman up on her offer, hauled her into the alley, and had her suck your cock. And don’t tell me you wouldn’t.”

Zach shrugged. He wasn’t about to tarnish Delfinia’s memory tonight of all nights. Sexual pleasure was the last thing on his mind. He sipped at the cold brew in his mug. He really wasn’t the heartless bastard everyone thought. Zach loved his brother, and he loved his sister-in-law. In some way, he loved every member of his pack, even if he didn’t always show it. What he couldn’t do was fall in love, not ever again. Losing Del had killed part of him, and it was a piece that would never heal and never be replaced.

He tipped up his mug and drained every drop before slamming it down on the bar. Even though this was his favorite place in town to hang out at night, it just wasn’t the place to be right now. After a few days had passed, he’d come back, and he’d be in a better mood. Maybe then he’d be ready to take up the blonde’s offer and haul her into the alley like the bartender had suggested. For now, it was better for him to take his ass home and be miserable alone.

He could snarl at everyone in a few days just as well as he could today, but maybe his wounds wouldn’t be quite so painful then. Fake it ‘til you make it. Zach had lived every day of his life that way since Del had been ripped from his arms, and he’d continue down that path until he either became so nasty that the pack rallied to take him down, or until a miracle happened and some light finally shone in his dark world.

Anything had to be better than merely existing.

 

teaser-graphic1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Jessica Coulter Smith has been in love with the written word since she was a child. Her first stories may have been written in crayon, but now she’s a multi-published author of over seventy-five novellas and novels. Romance is an integral part of her world and spills over from her professional life into her personal one. When she went on that first date with her husband, she never expected to hear the words “marry me” pop out of his mouth–and judging by the shocked look on his face, he hadn’t meant to say them either. But, being the hopeless romantic that she is, Jessica said yes and they’ve been married since 2000.

Follow Jessica on Amazon

Check out Jessica’s Website

Sign up for Jessica’s Newsletter