When the heroes have reputations like these…who needs a villain?
Barrett has lived almost his entire life cast as the monstrous villain, so imagine his surprise when the strangest Fairy God Mother out there calls on him to protect one of her charges. Not being able to control his other half used to be his biggest problem, but with Lynni in the picture, everything has turned upside down.
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Craig took the role as Alpha in Hillard to make a home for himself and when he bumps into a stranger at the bar, his wolf decides that a mate is exactly what the Ranger needs. Unfortunately, things are more complicated with Caroline than he anticipated, but for a mate like her? He’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her over.
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FEATURING STORIES BY: Aja Foxx, Ciena Foxx, Dani Gray, Jess Buffett, Meg Bawden, and Misha Paige.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH AVA CAMPBELL
•The theme of the anthology is based on your inspirational love story. Can you tell us how you meet your husband? What was your meet-cute?
My husband was stationed at Quantico Virginia at the time (He was in the Marine Corp), and my dad was stationed at DC (Coast Guard), I was working at the bank during the day but volunteered at the fire department at night and weekends as an EMT while working on getting my paramedic certification. And he was only a Lance Corporal.
Anyway, I was beyond tired and didn’t feel like going home to cook, so I decided to just stop into Burger King and grab something. I hated eating in my car, so I went in with my book to eat and just enjoy my quiet time. It was only about ten minutes after I sat down, and he walked in. Sure, I noticed him… but didn’t say anything. It wasn’t until he got his food that he walked over and asked if he could sit down and eat with me. From there we talked, and something just clicked.
It was as if I had known him my whole life, that I didn’t feel awkward or weird around him. Plus, he made me laugh. We exchanged phone numbers and the rest is history. Oh, and we met and married in 11 days! Crazy as it sounds, we’ve been together almost 19 years now.
•Writing romance, how much is inspired by your own love story?
What’s funny is that I didn’t get into writing love stories from my story, but from a friend who dared me to write a better story than the one she and I had read. So, I did. And shockingly it was accepted by a publishing house and I grew to love it. I had found my passion and calling.
•Last Christmas, can you take us through those first days?
No one ever expects to get a phone call- but I did. I was home with the boys as I planned on just relaxing while the boys watched a movie. However, I got a call from an odd number who asked me if I was Jordan’s mom. He then informed me there was a car accident and my husband was being airlifted and they were trying to get my daughter out of the car. My heart stopped and I remember not being able to breathe. What does one do when that happens? They both went out to finish Christmas shopping… for me. My husband took our daughter so they could spend time together, but to make sure he didn’t, in his words, mess up.
The bystander stated that they were really bad, and I needed to get to the hospital immediately. However, it is an hour away. Doing my best, I told the older boys to watch the little ones and a small amount of what is going on. I wasn’t able to give any information because I just didn’t have any.
When I got to the hospital, my daughter was getting ready to be moved to another hospital as she was a pediatric trauma, and the hospital they were taken to only did adults. Meanwhile, the doctors came in to tell me, from what they could see, that she had several breaks and would need surgery; however, my husband had internal bleeding and broken bones as well.
When I finally got to see him, he wasn’t completely with it and kept asking about Jordan. I remember trying to explain quickly what was going on and asked what I should do. At this point he was bad, but so was she, and I felt pulled in two. Needing to be with him, but also needing to go to another hospital for her. When the time came, I recall kissing him and telling him to stay strong and make it through, though parts of me knew there was a big chance it would be the last time I would see him alive. It was always a packed we had… follow the kids, no matter what, they come first. So, I left him, my heartbreaking in a way I never knew it could, but staying strong for Jordan as she was already fading in and out.
We arrived at the hospital and things happen so fast, and an hour later I found myself running with the team of doctors and nurses to the OR so they could try and save her leg.
FIVE hours later they were done and we got the full extent of what she was dealing with. Broken Femur, compound fracture of the ankle (right leg). Dislocated toes (left leg). Broken ulna (left arm) broken pelvic ring with broken tail bone and a brain bleed in her frontal lobe. Not to mention the facial burns and cuts and bruises. There really wasn’t a place on her tiny body that want affected.
I received a call midway from my husband’s doctors stating he had made it through surgery. He had a lacerated spleen, broken tail bone, shattered hip joint socket, broken right knee, broken left side clavicle, cracked ribs, and his whole right arm was shattered and that they had to put more hardware in him to get it to look like an arm again. He had a small brain bleed, but more swelling due to impact.
With all those things, I am beyond blessed they are alive. The car was a mess, and I was fielding phone calls, prayers, and doctors telling me what was happening. To be honest, most of it is blurry. John had two massive surgeries before he went to rehab to learn to be able to stand and move to his wheelchair. Jordan had six surgeries herself before her time to rehab, before luck took a turn and they realized the compound fractured bone was dying. The foot had to be removed, so she became a below-the-knee amputee at the age of 15.
•And I understand you have other children? How did you all support each other?
It’s funny how many people say tragedy can either make or break a family. In my case, my kids have always been close, but I could never have expected them to stick together and become men.
I have four other boys- 17, 14, 9, and 5 years old. When the accident happened my eldest was kind of a mess, and the younger ones didn’t know what had happened. They didn’t understand why I was gone. Since it was only 3 days before Christmas Day, my parents took them to their house but found it just wasn’t something everyone could be comfortable with. So, my oldest called me and told me he was taking the boys home. So, for over two months, he cooked, cleaned, and made sure they got to school and had homework done- all the while doing his high school classes and boy scouts once a week.
The four of them stuck together and bonded, though they knew they were missing me, their dad, and their sister- they found the strength to stay together and make me proud of them. I cannot say how much I am blown away by how they grew up.
•It seems the romance author community has really banded together to support you. How did the anthology happen?
Two of my best friends- sisters really, knew what happened when I messaged them the night it all happened. I knew they felt as helpless as I felt. It wasn’t until a few days later when we finally had an outline of the damages of what happened to my family. It was not just a few weeks, but long-term recovery and possibly a lifetime (and at that time she still had her foot). They reached out with an idea on how the author world could help us. Just a post by two people and it blew up and soon over fifty authors, editors, cover artists, and PR’s were wanting to help in some way. It all happened so fast. Jess Buffett and April Zyon started with just an idea, and with the help of our dear friend Tracie Runge, it bloomed to be something so beyond that. Each author who took the time to write and work on this is truly inspiring, and it is the most amazing gift. One that I will be forever grateful for!
•There are a lot of anthologies out there. What makes this one special?
This is a hard one. All stories are special and should be admired by the work that went into them. From editing to formatting, and the exquisite covers, and the time authors take to write the story. However, to answer the question this is special to me as it was started by two women who are my heart sisters, my very best friends. We have known each other for years and love and cry together. When this accident happened, they were there with me, keeping me calm when I felt like I was falling apart. This is a work of heart and love, and I hope others feel that when they read it!
•What difference would raising $10,000 or even $100 do for you, your family and medical expenses?
Honestly, I can’t even begin to properly explain. Prosthetics are not always covered completely with insurance. Plus, my daughter can use this to make her life a little easier. My husband is also a 7th grade math teacher, and currently, he is unable to walk more than a few steps. His right arm has severe nerve damage and will need surgery again to repair it so he may be able to use it once more. Along with that, the expense of driving to physical theory an hour one way, twice a week for one person, and once a week in the opposite direction, then doctors’ checkups which are an hour and a half away. Gas money is always needed. It’s not just the huge initial medical costs that hit, it’s the little things.
Even something as simple as being able to spoil Jordan once in a while with her favorite Starbucks drink (Green tea peach lemonade with sweetener) would make an impact on her mental health. Something just as tenuous as the physical injuries.
From the bottom of my heart, I’d just like to thank everyone involved. Through my darkest time, I have been reminded of the goodness in the world. So thank you!
Dingo Harley Wylde (Devil’s Fury MC) Published by: Changeling Press Publication date: February 14th 2020 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Meiling – All I’ve ever known was pain. My life has been far from a fairytale. No parents. No friends. Just an endless nightmare that I can’t wake from. Until the day a man offered me his hand and promised to keep me safe. I’ve never trusted anyone before, but there’s something about him. Maybe it’s insane, but I know he won’t hurt me, and when he puts his arms around me, for the first time in my life I feel loved.
Dingo – I’ve always had a soft spot for women and kids in trouble. One look at Meiling, and I knew I had to protect her at any cost. The beautiful girl with the wounded soul. After all she’s suffered, all I want is to make her smile, make her feel secure, and give her a chance to find happiness. But first, I need to take out the men and women responsible for hurting her. It might get ugly, and messy, but they don’t call me Dingo for nothing. I’m a crazy bastard and I won’t stop until she’s safe. I just didn’t count on falling for her along the way.
Warning: Meiling’s past isn’t pretty. Dingo and Meiling’s story deals with issues of human trafficking, bureaucratic corruption, and vigilante justice. This book contains darker themes that may trigger some readers.
“Sit right here, sugar. I’ll get Beau to make you something to eat.”
Once I made sure she would stay put, and the others would remain at their table, I went to the bar and spoke to Beau. He kept watching Mei, concern for her evident by the haunted look in his eyes and his jerky motions. It was like he wanted to go to her, but wasn’t sure how she’d take it. I’d never seen him like this before, and I wondered if there was something more between them. My stomach churned at the thought, which was ridiculous. I’d only laid eyes on her today. It wasn’t like she was mine.
“Is she… will she be all right?” Beau asked. “I didn’t know she was in that place.”
“She’s important to you,” I said, hoping he’d offer up more information. All I knew was that he’d known Mei when he was younger. He hadn’t given us much more when he’d asked the club for help getting her away from the Ruby Slipper.
“Mei’s a part of my past, but I never should have left her. Maybe if I’d found a way to go back for her, then she wouldn’t have ended up…” He clamped his mouth shut, but I heard the unspoken words just the same. She wouldn’t have become a prostitute.
“Beau, you can’t blame yourself. When you came here, you were just a kid. Hell, you’re still a kid. If you’d gone after her, who’s to say you wouldn’t be the one whoring yourself out?” I said what I thought he needed to hear, but it made me wonder if he was right. Had Mei ended up where she did because he’d left her behind? What exactly had he been running from?
He winced and looked away, but it made me wonder about his life before he found the club. Or rather, before Grizzly found him. The old man did have a habit of bringing home strays. It’s how he’d ended up with his daughters, and I had no doubt that when he ran across another kid who needed help, he’d bring them home too. It was just his way. It was part of what pissed me off so much about how they’d handled Mei when she’d arrived today, and why I’d intervened when I did. I still didn’t know what the fuck was going on. I’d have never thought Demon or Grizzly would be like that with a woman in need.
“She needs food and clothes,” I said. “You handle the food, and I’ll send someone after some clothing for her.”
“I don’t think she has money for that kind of thing.”
I narrowed my gaze at him. As if I’d expected her to pay? It was obvious she’d been struggling, and had taken a trip through hell along the way. I wasn’t a big enough asshole to make her pay for stuff she hadn’t even asked for, and the fact Beau thought that made me want to put my fist through his face, but I refrained — for Mei’s sake. I still didn’t know how close the two of them had been, and I didn’t want to upset her.
“Just make the fucking food, Prospect.”
He dropped his gaze and gave a nod before heading into the kitchen. I motioned over another Prospect and reached for a piece of paper and pen from behind the bar. I scribbled Mei’s sizes and made a few notes of specifically what I wanted him to purchase, then pulled out a wad of cash from my wallet.
“Henry, I want you to take this and buy what’s on the list. Not a damn thing that isn’t on there, understood?” I asked, handing him the money and paper.
“Got it, Dingo.” He shifted from foot to foot. “Where do I take it once I get back?”
I looked over at Mei and then the officers at the table. The way Demon watched her had me clenching my teeth. No fucking way I was letting her out of my sight. Well, not unless they ordered me to hand her over, and even then, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to. She was young and defenseless. Some caveman piece of me demanded that I beat my chest and warn the others off, let them know she was mine. Except she wasn’t.
“Bring it to my place,” I said.
“You got it.”
Author Bio:
Harley is the international bestselling author of the Dixie Reapers and Devil’s Boneyard series.
When Harley is writing, her motto is the hotter the better. Off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can’t deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you’ve come to the right place.
Harley Wylde is the “wilder” side of award-winning science fiction/paranormal romance author Jessica Coulter Smith. For fans of Gay Erotic Fantasy Romance, Harley/Jessica also writes as Dulce Dennison.
Check out Harley’s other books, and read some random facts about the author, at harleywylde.com.
Follow Harley on Amazon to be notified of new releases, or sign up for her newsletter.
What would you like to tell readers about yourself?
An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic romance markets, giving readers a choice of sweet, savory or spicy reads, usually within a sub-genre or two — paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, time travel, or western flare. She also has a passion for penning dark fiction. Writing as Casey Moss, she delves into the darker aspects of life in her work, sometimes basing the stories on reality, sometimes on myth. No matter the path, her stories will take you on a journey from the lighthearted paranormal to dark things unspeakable. What waits around the corner? Come explore…
Nestled within the hills of central Texas is a special ranch. A place that defies the laws of physics—that of time, space, and dimensions. It’s a place where normal morphs with the paranormal and supernatural. A place that seems to know what a person’s true desires and needs are, and then allows the right circumstances to occur to fulfill those wishes. Welcome to the Gateway Ranch. Your gateway to all things possible…
~ About the Book ~
Katrina Foster has survived a life no one dreams about and most don’t want to know about. Escaping to a ranch in Texas she used to visit during the summers of her childhood and rekindling an old relationship with Dakota Remington, she hopes to leave the nightmare of her past behind her. At first, all seems well, but when strange things begin to happen, she wonders if history’s about to repeat itself. Dakota Remington has devoted his life to working at Gateway Ranch. He’s excited when Kat, his former sweetheart, returns and looks forward to reuniting with her. He finds she’s changed, though, and he’s not sure if it’s for the better. But he’s up for the challenge of the puzzle that is Kat.
~ Excerpt ~
The hard composite of her firearm shifted against her lower back. Well, if push comes to shove, I can protect myself. I’ll shoot the bastard if he shows up and tries anything. Eventually, her nerves calmed enough so she could move without feeling ill. She rose and stripped out of her clothes, put her weapon on the counter, then stepped into the shower. The hard and hot spray beat on her, helping her to feel something other than worry about potential rumors or her ex finding her. Kat bowed her head, placed her hands above the faucets. The water sluiced down her hair, cascaded in wide streams over her back. More time passed. Relaxed and clear headed, she finished her shower and was about to open the door when a thud and click sounded on the other side. Gripping the towel wrapped around her body, she snatched her weapon, opened the door, and cautiously looked out into the room. Dakota lounged on the bed, one leg bent, his hat propped on that leg’s knee. His hair stuck up in clumpy spikes. He ran a dirty hand through his dark brown locks. Kat released a pent-up breath, lowered her weapon, and placed the Glock on a counter next to the bathroom door. “How’d you get in here?” Tired eyes gazed at her. “I’m manager on duty while the Taggerts are away, ’member? Got a bunch of master keys.” Dak held up the ring of them. “You okay? When you didn’t come back, I got worried.” “I’m fine. I think the humidity got to me. Along with the dirt.” “Sure. The humidity. You tell me that you’re afraid a man is going to come after you, or rather us. We hear about the vehicle. You turn white as one of our ghosts and run off. Who was in the car, Kat?” “Hell if I know. I’ve been with you all day. I didn’t see the fancy black car or who was in it.” “You don’t have a clue as to who was in the car? I’m not buying it.” “Buy it or don’t.” She crossed her arms over her stomach. “I really don’t know. It could have been Nero. It could have been his goons. It could have been a neighbor of yours or one of the party guests Kent mentioned. I. Wasn’t. There. I. Didn’t. See.” Dakota flung himself off the bed and slammed the hat on his head. “Get dressed. You’ll come with me while I get cleaned up then we’ll go hang out in the rec hall.” “You know what, Dak? I appreciate the Boy Scout approach, and how you’re trying to get a merit badge for babysitting, but all I want is to lie down and take a nap.” “Kat, please. I’m hot, dirty, and tired. I don’t want to argue.” He strode to the door. “Get dressed so we can get going.” His gaze flashed darkly, roamed over her with an appraising glance. A slow grin tipped up the corner of his lips.
James isn’t ready to lose his heart again. Will Ethan fight for his love?
BLURB
As if life isn’t tough enough for James Coker, rejected and nearly killed by family, he is also a closeted gay man in a country where being gay is outlawed. So when the first man he’s ever loved gets engaged to a woman, James’s solution to heartbreak is to indulge in a holiday fling.
In contrast, Ethan Eze has had life relatively easy. Born in the ‘Land of the Free’ and nurtured within a family where he can be whoever he wants to be, he’s a military veteran who is not afraid of going for what he wants. When he meets James, Ethan wants him.
Desire burns between them and soon blurs into devotion. But James is not ready to lose his heart again. Will Ethan fight for his love?
Bound to Liberty is a story about breaking free from mental chains and living a life of boundless love.
*Content Warning: homophobia, threat of forced outing, depictions of anxiety
Ethan let the men out and locked the door. When he turned around, James wasn’t in the living room.
“James?” he called out as he strode across the space. Getting no response, he knocked on the closed door to the younger man’s room. “Can I come in?”
“It’s not locked,” James’s muffled voice came through.
Ethan pushed the door and stopped at the threshold.
His ward paced the room manically, muttering to himself. Although the AC was on, sweat beaded his hairline and his hands were clenched.
The sight of James’s distress undid Ethan. His job was to keep James physically safe and find his stalker. His professional remit didn’t extend to dealing with emotional baggage.
Nonetheless, he’d be damned if he just had to stand guard while the young man hurt. He stepped into the room withouta second thought. Nothing else mattered but taking away the suffering. Neither his misgivings about getting personally involved with his ward nor the risk of losing an influential client if he cocked this up stopped him.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” He halted in front of James, blocking his pacing path.
James shook his head and tried to swerve past him.
He reached out and settled his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Talk to me.”
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
“Highly recommended … Love this series.” ~ Ngozi
“Fantastic … it didn’t disappoint.” ~ Kemi
“Took the bar meters higher with this one.” ~ Paschal
“Keep breaking the barriers.” ~ Ngozi
AUTHOR BIO
As a lover of romance novels, Kiru wanted to read stories about Africans falling in love. When she couldn’t find those books, she decided to write the stories she wanted to read. She writes sensual African stories as Kiru Taye and writes queer romance as Kai Tyler.
Genre: MMF Erotic Romance Release Date: June 17, 2019
Blurb
After his stepfather nearly ruins both his family name and business, Damien Fiorenza becomes suspicious of everyone—except for his long-time partner, Ethan Lord. He doesn’t trust people in authority, much less the woman who weasels her way into his walled-up heart, alongside his lover of fifteen years.
Ethan dislikes his empathic abilities, especially since they allow him to feel his mother’s indifference toward him, her only son. Damien, however, has always made Ethan feel needed, appreciated, and protected—but he can’t voice what Ethan is desperate to hear. Falling for their new secretary is unexpected, but she encourages and supports him in ways Damien won’t.
Shaylia Bright’s father chose his secret family over her and her mother. Ever since, she’s striven to be the best she can be, unable to stomach being second best. Although an office romance is taboo, she can’t deny the passionate chemistry among the three of them and finds herself drawn to both her bosses.
A dark and deep secret from the past forces Damien to raise his defenses. Haunting revelations tear everyone apart, dooming Shaylia to second best and Ethan to an incomplete life. Wrought with insecurity and stubbornness, can they find the courage to accept parts of their painful past in order to forge a path together, toward a happily ever after?
I stared up at Ethan as he asked me if I was okay, and knowing I stood on the brink of a
cliff, the bottom far from sight, I hesitated before nodding.
His hold on my waist tightened as he squeezed, his smile flooding my heart. He glanced over
my head—at Damien behind me—and I wondered at the silent communication between
them.
Ethan returned his focus to me, to my mouth and released one hand on my hip to slide
up to cradle the back of my head as Damien’s hand settled where his had vacated.
“Can I kiss you?”
Damien’s touch singed through my capris, and I swallowed a rush of saliva as my heart
pounded in my ears. “Yes.”
I wondered at my need to hurry, to rise to my tiptoes to close the distance between us,
but couldn’t help myself. I’d missed him, his touch more than I’d thought. The
softness, the gentle caress of his lips lightened my head and nearly caved my
chest in with the depletion of anxiety.
Zero doubt I belonged to Ethan raged through my body, heightening my already racing pulse.
I grabbed hold of his head and sank into him as he slid his tongue into my
mouth, weakening my knees.
The brush of Damien against my back raced fire over my skin, pebbling every inch, exposed
and beneath clothing. A shift of my hips pressed my ass against his thighs, and
he groaned as his hard length rubbed against my lower back.
Forget fire—lava rushed through my veins, and I shuddered, pulling away from Ethan’s
mouth, gasping for breath. “I-I’ve never done this before,” I somehow managed
to say before trembling took over my body.
“We’ll take things slow,” Ethan whispered, brushing my hair back from my face.
“If that’s what you want,” Damien added, the heat of his breath lifting the hairs on my
nape.
I bit back a moan as he sandwiched me fully between the two men, tempting all thought to
flutter from my mind. My head tipped back onto Damien’s shoulder as I fought to
slow my pulse, to catch my breath. He leaned in and kissed Ethan right beside
my face.
Kissed Ethan … inches from my face.
Both groaned, and my core liquefied as I stared at their hungry mouths, tongues, and teeth,
appearing in flashes as they devoured one another, grinding against me as
though I was a conduit between their bodies.
All strength left me, and I sagged between their hardness, my pussy pulsing, thighs
squeezing to ease the ache in my clit. I bit my lip at Ethan’s moan, his
surrender to Damien’s hold on his hair and control of the kiss.
I’d said I hadn’t come to their condo for sex, but hell if I could think of anything else
at that moment.
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.
There’s something very satisfying about writing Regency romance. First off for me is the research. I love it. Mind you I might start off researching carriage horses and end up reading about poaching, with several hours gone by, no words written and what I was actually looking for totally forgotten, but that’s half the fun. Except when I’ve got a deadline.
And of course there are some things we have no idea about. Some thing people think are gospel but were ‘invented’ by earlier writers. Evidently Georgette Heyer was a good example of putting things in her books which she had no idea whether were true or not. It was to see who used her books for their research instead of doing their own. Or so I’ve been told.
I do my very best to make sure everything I say is correct. Oh I might make up a village (I do make up villages) but the area I set them in is as it really is. The clothes are as were worn, the food as they ate and their names true to the era. Because for me a Regency heroine called Wendy just wouldn’t work. J M Barrie made that up for Peter Pan.
Something we’ll never really know about properly. Then my imagination has to come into play. As in what ‘would be used for wax play or spanking? How far would an unmarried virgin go? Was a vinegar-soaked sponge a good contraceptive device? Things like that.
I hope I’ve got it all correct.
Happy reading, Love Raven
Blurb:
Widow Eleanor Charter knows one thing. She does not want to marry again.
Especially not to someone forceful and dominant.
So why is Theo Moncur, the Earl of Glensmoor interested in her?
As far as she is concerned any man who considers himself dominant, whether he is or not, will play no part in her life. She will be in charge of her life.
Dominant Theo doesn’t have marriage on his mind.
Having given his mistress her congé, his growing attraction toward Eleanor makes him wonder if she would fill that place.
He sees something in her, that appeals.
The lady would be a perfect submissive—not that she agrees.
However the more he gets to know her, the more he understands she is the only lady for him.
Now all he has to do is persuade Eleanor to agree.
And a wee tease…
“For you to trust me is indeed all the thanks I need from you. To be the first one to make love to you is something I never thought possible. To be the one who shows you those joys as well as the ones of dominance and submission makes me both proud and apprehensive I will not make it as pleasurable as it should be. You know it will hurt at first?” he asked her.
“But then that pain will go and you will experience something so beautiful it will take your breath away. Our bodies will dance and mesh and become as one, until that special sensation, the climax will overtake both of us and we cry out in our completion.”
And he hoped to hell he remembered to withdraw before his seed filled her. Somehow, Theo didn’t think she’d appreciate being with child. Not yet.
The thought of Eleanor, her belly swollen with his child, sent a tingle of anticipation through him.
One day, perhaps? His mind went into overdrive as he imagined that scenario. First, though, he had to let her become comfortable with him in all ways. Their future was much too important to rush things. Slow, steady and with them both happy would be his mantra from now on.
Theo stood up with Eleanor still in his arms and swung her around in a circle. Her legs waved and she giggled. He went faster and she squawked. “Give over. You’ll make us both giddy.”
He laughed. “I am giddy. Drunk with desire. Ready willing and hopefully able to do all we want.” He strode to the bed. “Are you too sore for me to drop you on your arse? Watch you bounce on the mattress and see your tits bobble and jiggle. Then desire you watch me strip. Come on top of you. Suckle you. Worship you. Take you.” His words aroused even him. “Be together as close as any man and woman ever can be.”
She stared at him, her eyes bright, her skin flushed, and her breath coming out in tiny erotic pants.
“Hell, woman, answer me, please,” Theo said, his voice rough with desire. “Or I’ll be so swollen I won’t get my trousers off over my cock without doing myself an injury. That would benefit neither of us.”
Her eyes widened. “That would never do. Let me fall now, do the bounce and things you desire, and then you undress, as fast as you can.”
“My pleasure.” He did as she requested, and in less than one minute, dropped naked down onto the bed next to her and looked at her as he considered his options.
Eleanor returned his gaze. She bent her head and examined him with a thoroughness he admired. No coy or shyness there, thank goodness.
“Do you like what you see?”
She stared up at him. “What?”
“My body. Does it interest you? Please you? Make you want to touch?’
She blushed. “Oh, yes.”
“Then, please, my love, feel free to do what you desire.” He could wait to make her his. For a short while, anyway. Theo rolled onto his back, stroked his wet cock, and inclined his head before he put his hands behind his neck.” All ready and waiting.”
As he expected, his actions stretched his body and his staff rose out of its bed of wiry hair and swayed as if in welcome. One drop of pre-cum coated its head, another slid down its length.
Eleanor swallowed. “Oh, my.” She moved and tentatively put one finger then her hand on him.
Theo bit back the exclamation he had been going to make, tamped own on his desire to show her how to move her hand over his, and stayed as he was. His prick was primed and ready to go. He didn’t want any accidents.
“It is velvet-covered steel.” She sounded awed. “And.” One finger touched the tip where that pearled droplet quivered. “And this?”
“Is the prelude to when I spill my seed. It shows how you excite me, how I want to be inside you. How ready I am. Makes me wet for ease of entry.”
“Then maybe you best show me how it works?” Her voice quavered and strengthened. “The wetness?” She blushed and cleared her throat. “I experience something similar. It is … argh…”
Theo stroked the downy curls that hid her channel and slid one finger easily into her moist depths. She clutched his shoulder. “Th … e … o. What?”
“This is the rest of the prelude. You can still use your safe words if need be.” He added another finger. This time, she sighed and gave a soft mewl of satisfaction.
“Go, go and go, and please, I want more.” She tugged at his wrist. “I need you in me. Now,” she added forcefully. “Right now.”
He grinned. “Domming now, are you?’
“Am I?” She giggled. “If knowing I need you in me so much that my skin is on fire and I’m shaking with anticipation, then yes.”
Epic Historical Romance Release Date: April 5th Word Count: 140,717 words
Thank you so much for hosting, today. I’m excited to once again share this story with readers. The Devil Take You, is a bit different for a historical romance. Though it’s still heaped with historical significance of the time—set in 1307 during the Scottish Wars of Independence and the story also focuses on, of course, a romance, but the ‘hero’ is the villain.
I wanted to create an anti-hero, a severely flawed, cruel, and malevolent character with no hope of redemption.
Meet Gard Marschand—known in the Highlands as the legendary devil—an evildoer of epic proportions. Marauder, murderer, thief, a man hell bent on revenge. He is prepared to do anything, no matter how heinous to accomplish his goals. This man is nobody’s hero. But even in his wickedness, he still holds to his own moral code, skewed as it may seem to decent folk.
So, how then, do we create a romance when the protagonist is such a deplorable character?
Place a feisty Scottish lass—with a few secrets of her own—in the devil’s path, of course!
This story was challenging right from the beginning, and I knew that I had to create the right woman with a combination of strength, resilience and an overabundance of, if not understanding, at the very least acceptance, for a man who has no remorse for any of his wrongdoings and with no inclination or desire to change. Braelynn Galbraith began as the woman in the wrong place at the wrong time, but she eventually evolved into a character that could stand toe-to-toe with the devil and hold her own.
I hope you’ll enjoy, The Devil Take You—
Blurb:
Braelynn Galbraith wants peace for her beloved Scotland, marriage to her childhood sweetheart, and a house full of children. In that order. But evil incarnate, in the form of Gard Marschand, turns her life inside out and destroys all hope of a decent marriage.
Known in the Highlands as the legendary devil, Gard Marschand raids his way across Scotland and England amassing power and property in his malevolent wake. He will stop at nothing in his pursuit to regain what is lost— even conceal his true identity and associate with his enemies. His determination is all-consuming until he and his men lay siege to Ross-shire holding and one feisty Scottish lass obliterates his single-minded purpose.
Can Gard abandon his deep-seated need for revenge for a love that just might save his rotten soul? Or will he succumb to the demons that hound him and surrender to the devil within?
I believe your stay in purgatory has only just begun…
What a fabulous, well crafted story! I could hardly put it down. I love Brae as much as I loved Holly in the Always Cambridge series. They’re not the same character at all, but Brae is just as spunky, brave, creative, smart and grounded.
This book was wonderful in so many ways. Feisty heroine, brooding hero, historical facts woven into the plot, descriptions of sweeping landscapes, drama and intrigue…well-deserved praise!
I love a good historical romance, especially those set in Scotland. With a spirited young miss in Brae and a rogue in Gard, HK Carlton has created two of my favorite characters in The Devil Take You. With a story that ranks with those of Jude Deveraux and Nora Roberts, HK’s tale will sweep you up in a tide of passion and intrigue that will keep you turning pages.
Excerpt:
Brae slept until the noise of the camp rising woke her.
She dressed, then packed her gear and waited for Marschand’s tent to come down, and the day’s travel to begin.
She was unsure with whom she would ride this day, Llach or Marschand. Or if she would have to walk. She could not march too far without eating. She was starving.
Half and hour later, Brae waited outside, where Marschand’s quarters had stood only moments before.
“Did you eat?” Without a sound, Marschand appeared at her side.
She jumped. “Nay.”
“Why not? Do you think if you do not consume, that in death, you will escape me?”
“Nay, it had no’ occurred ta me, but it is somethin’ ta keep in mind. Thank ya for the suggestion.”
His lips tightened.
“As usual I am no’ allowed ta leave your quarters, but no one brings me food,” she explained. “And you are off doin’ wha’e’er it is tha’ ya do. I’d think ya might be nicer ta the one ye need ta rely on.”
His dark eyebrows knitted. “You grant yourself too much importance.”
Unable to help herself, even after Hudson’s warning, she said, “Ye ne’er ken when I could reword your correspondence, or jus’ plain no’ read the whole o’ it. Puttin’ ya in a bad position.” She challenged, returning his scowl. “Ya migh’ want ta think aboot tha’ the next time ye be dolin’ oot your punishments. I can be vindictive, too. ’Twould seem ya have a whole lot more ta lose than I do.” She tried to walk away, but he snaked his hand out and grabbed her braid, hauling her backward.
His black eyes glittered as he yanked on her hair so hard, she had no choice but to face him. “Why do you not learn?” he sneered.
“And why dinna ye learn? I think I jus’ made meself perfectly clear.” Slowly and deliberately, she reached downward in hope that neither Marschand nor his men would detect the measured movement.
“And if you are of no use to me,” Marschand countered, “then I have no use for you. Do not bite the hand that feeds you, Mistress Galbraith, is that not what you once said?”
“No one feeds me, Marschand, be tha’ no’ wha’ precipitated this particular argument?”
“And perhaps the withholding of food may continue, Miss…” He stopped speaking when she pressed the blade from his own dirk against his skin. A trickle of blood ran down his neck. His mouth quirked, and his eyes lit from within.
He is the most confounding man! If she did not know better, she’d think he was proud of her. “Ya see, Marschand, I am learnin’. Soon ya willna be able ta push me aroond.”
“You need to be willing to use it, Braelynn.” With lightening speed, he took hold of her wrist and applied enough pressure that she was forced to drop the blade. “Or I will continue to push you around all I wish.” He ground his hips against her, leaving her no doubt as to what kind of pushing he meant. “But it was a splendid attempt.” He winked. The carefree action surprised her—so at odds with his severe nature. “However, I did enjoy the bloodletting.”
H K Carlton is a multi-genre Canadian author of romance, with over thirty titles in publication. From naughty to nice, historical to contemporary, time travel to space travel, and everything in between.
Variety is creativity’s playground—It’s where you’ll find me
Blurb: Claire and Liam had a good thing going until he walks out of her life. Being dumped without warning is devastating enough, discovering she isn’t pregnant leaves her without even a part of him. Withdrawing from everyone, she moves to another city and immerses herself in work, the better to forget Liam. Not that it’s working. Claire is a one-woman man, to her despair. Back stateside after an unexpectedly long deployment, security contractor Liam Cafferty has accepted the truth: walking out on Claire makes him a coward. Thinking it for the best, given his dangerous profession, doesn’t cut it. She should have been given the choice. With the biggest heart of any woman he’s known, he’s hopeful she might take him back and makes it his new mission to convince her. Claire must decide what matters: her pride or taking another chance on Liam—and love.
Excerpt: The streets were full of people as she used her phone to arrange an Uber. Small groups with youthful faces, couples, and the occasional single individual moved along, their destinations unknown but likely the restaurants that crowded downtown, or maybe a club later on after dusk fell. The camaraderie left her cold, and with some desperation to escape, she scanned the curb for her lift. Maybe she was indeed crazy, choosing to cut herself off from everyone, cutting ties with her old life, all to forget Liam. Because, newsflash, it wasn’t working. She was like one of those historical romance novel heroines who languished and withered into old age after losing a beau. Whatever empty spaces that opened up in her head, past all her attempts to fill them, Liam snuck in. While she waited, she opened her messages, trying to shut out the people and noise around her that were reminders of a different life. There weren’t many on the phone. She had no one local to give the number to, outside of work, sad commentary. She was more like one half of those werewolf or vampire couples who wasted away without their mate. Joanne’s number came up several times, and there was also a text. Hoping nothing was wrong, she opened it. Haven’t been able to reach u b/phone and u haven’t responded to vms. Assuming u r busy but u should know Liam is looking for u. Call me! Suddenly lax fingers nearly let the device slip to the pavement, and she tightened her grip. Rereading the text, she remembered to breathe and swayed on her feet. “Claire?” His familiar voice, hard on the heels of Jo’s text, was surreal. Had she conjured him? She resisted the urge to spin wildly and shriek at the top of her lungs. It couldn’t be. She wasn’t prepared. How was this happening? His SUV was nose-in to the curb, the back end blocking traffic and already, impatient drivers were honking. But her attention was on the tall, broad-shouldered man rounding the hood. “Claire.” He hadn’t changed at all. Unless one considered the burnished skin and a leaner look. Her stare took in his appearance in minute detail, and something in her chest lurched his way, even as her feet tried to carry her in the other direction. Hand shaking, she held it up as if to ward off an advancing horde and shook her head. “Go away!”
About the Author:
Peri Elizabeth Scott aka Allyson Young lives in cottage country, Manitoba, Canada where she and her husband pretend to work well together in their seasonal business. She has always enjoyed the written word, and after reading an erotic romance, quite by mistake, decided to try her hand at penning one. That was followed by a mix of spicy (Ally) and sweet (Peribeth) romances in various genres as well as a post-apocalyptic adventure without a lick of romance by Peribeth. A bestselling Amazon author, a hybrid, and a coauthor, as of April 2019 she has published eight series and several standalones, with others in the works.
Braelynn Galbraith wants peace for her beloved Scotland, marriage to her childhood sweetheart, and a house full of children. In that order. But evil incarnate, in the form of Gard Marschand, turns her life inside out and destroys all hope of a decent marriage.
Sarah Marsh 