Happy New Year!

Yesterday was a day of grief, today is a day of celebration. It’s not only New Year’s Eve, but it’s my wedding anniversary. We’ll have a nice dinner, maybe take in a movie and then come home to ring in the New Year. We’re both ready to kiss 2010 goodbye. It hasn’t been a good year, but luckily it went by super fast.
What do I want for 2011?
I’m looking forward to continuing my friendships with my online friends and one who I was able to meet in person.
I’m looking forward to spending more time reading. In December I read three books, I’m not sure I read three in the other 11 months. I realize how much I missed it.
This year I’ve decided not to make any resolutions or goals. They stress me out too much. I’m going to go with the flow and see where it takes me. I have two editor/agent appointments in April so I’m looking forward to those.
The only book I know will be released in 2011? – All or Nothing from Loose Id. It was contracted a few months ago. I just finished writing it and once I do some research and self-edits it will be on my editor’s desk.
May the New Year be prosperous and filled with lots of happiness for you all!

Happy Anniversary S!

Happy Birthday Connor

It’s hard to imagine an entire year has passed since I gave birth to our son. In retrospect I can’t really recall most of that day. One minute I was eating a Big Mac the next I was in the hospital with all sorts of wires attached to me and people telling me I had to deliver or risk losing my son. In all reality they didn’t expect him to survive birth. But he did. He lived for 6 precious days.

I couldn’t have gotten through those days without my family and friends and that includes my online friends. One in particular was my lifeline. She spread the word of what happened and continually kept others posted for me. She sent me words of encouragement when I didn’t think I could go on. I’m not sure if I ever thanked her and when I met her at RomantiCon it wasn’t the time or place, but I want her to know I’ll never forget the kindness she showed me during one of the most difficult times in my life. So thanks Regina Carlysle. You’re truly one of a kind.

Also a big thank you to Mia Watts who wanted to call me at 2am just to be a shoulder to cry on. I couldn’t talk to her at that time because the DH had finally fallen asleep on the couch next to me and I feared waking him. I’ll always remember your kindness too.

Today will be a somber day in our household as we all grieve the loss of a child, brother, grandchild, but knowing I have the support of family and friends will get me through this day.

Happy Birthday, Connor. I wish you were here to celebrate with us.

Abuse - Domestic and Animal

I’ve mentioned in the past that I escaped an abusive marriage. The reality of abuse and how it can lead to death was brought back home recently. Here in RI there have been 3 domestic abuse deaths in 8 days. It is the holidays and stress is a leading factor in abuse escalating. One of the men who killed his significant other had a long history with the police. No matter how much you report the abuse if you don’t leave the abuser you risk death. I feel blessed to have escaped with my life. Believe me if I stayed there is a GREAT chance that I’d be dead by now. My ex was a secret abuser. He left marks where people couldn’t see them – most of the time. But I got good at making up stories when he left a visible mark. This wasn’t a smart idea.
Now I tell everyone. I’m not ashamed to have been abused. I did nothing wrong. I’m brutally honest with my girls. One of them witnessed what their father did and the other I left before she saw too much. Yet there are scary things she still remembers. I don’t ever want them to be hit by a man or woman.
Another thing that brought this subject to light for me was the Michael Vick story. I don’t usually post about controversially things, but this really bugs the crap out of me. I believe in second chances. Please don’t get me wrong. I believe people can change. He got a second chance with the NFL and appears to be doing well. When it comes to owning a dog again I draw the line. Yes, he spent time in prison. That doesn’t mean he’s reformed from training animals to fight. Did he get special counseling? Was he put in charge of animals and shown how to treat them with respect?
When I heard the President believed he deserved a second chance my first thought was WONDERFUL. Well, Mr. President, why don’t you give Mr. Vick YOUR dog. Let him take care of Bo. In my mind and this is only MY opinion, giving someone like Michael Vick another dog is like giving a recently released pedophile a child. You just don’t do it.
When it comes to people or animals getting abused I don’t believe in second chances. Sorry!
What's your opinion?

Lily Harlem - Hired

I'm honored to have Lily Harlem drop in today. She's sharing an excerpt from her newest EC release Hired - which I recommend you buying!

Blurb:

One hundred grand to babysit bad boy Logan “Phoenix” Taylor on a paradise island—seriously, how bad could he be?
Frankly, it didn’t matter. Not when it would make my dreams of going to nursing school possible. I wasn’t even expected to talk to him, just hang out in a luxurious villa on a private beach and study. Simple, right?
But I hadn’t counted on Logan being so deliciously bad that he was oh so good. And when the temperature cranked to boiling point, he knew just how to satisfy the deepest, darkest part of my soul and give my body exactly what it needed. Amongst the sand and waves, we transported each other to an exquisite world of pleasure where only we existed, only we mattered.
But the heady mix of emotions and lust couldn’t keep things from spiraling out of control back in reality, where I had to keep the truth that I’d been hired to entertain him a secret at all costs…even if it shattered my delicate heart. Even if it cost my destiny.

Excerpt:

A palm tree overhead creaked ominously and I scurried closer into his side, wrapping my other hand around his thick biceps as I glanced upward.
“It’s okay,” he said, releasing my hand and circling my waist with his arm. “It won’t fall on you.” He dragged me against his body, urging me more quickly through the sand.
I found myself taking two paces to his one and within minutes we were climbing onto the deck. Shifting sand danced around the table and chair legs. The pillows and cushions from the bed had rolled to the floor and were tumbling about in the golden dust and lodging in leaves and branches. The parasol clattered against the table, the pole lifting up from the floor and threatening to take off into the sky.
“You grab the cushions,” Logan called over the noise of the flapping shrubbery. “I’ll anchor down the parasol.”
Unlocking the door to the living area, I grabbed three pillows and chucked them inside. I went back for the other three then tumbled in, half shutting the door behind myself. My hair was wild, my cheeks stung and my heart pounded as I caught my breath.
I watched Logan close the umbrella and secure the pole into place. He glanced around, shading his eyes with his hand, checking for anything else that might blow away, then headed my way with a train of dry, flat leaves skittering past his feet. I opened the door wide to let him through. He stepped in, still squinting against the dust, as I pushed the door shut with a loud click. The world went silent. After the howling wind and the roaring sea, the quiet of the house was acute and heavy and fell around us like a dense cloak.
Leaning back against the door, I pulled in a deep breath. “Made it,” I gasped.
“Yeah,” he said, stepping up close—real close.
When I looked up, his cheeks were stained red, several grains of sand hung in his long lashes and his hair was tousled and dusted with gold. “Is that everything tied down?” I asked, trying to ignore my breasts heaving against my halter-top.
“Well, almost everything,” he said with a decidedly carnal grin.
I swallowed and flattened my palms against the cool glass door behind me. “What else do you need to tie down?”
The right side of his mouth creased upward and his brows gave the tiniest of twitches. “I’d quite like to tie you down,” he said, his gaze coming to rest on my mouth. “To the bed.”
Licking my lips, I tasted salt. My stomach knotted as excitement, anticipation and sin collided in a delicious tangle.
“But I guess that’s moving a bit fast,” he murmured, bending his head lower. “We only just met.”
“A bit fast for me,” I agreed, absorbing the burning heat from his body as it radiated against mine.
“Brooke.” He raised one hand and rested it against the wooden doorframe by my left ear. His body moved in closer still. The gorgeous spiced aftershave he wore invaded my nostrils and settled not just on my tongue but somewhere else deep inside me. “Do you remember when you walked out of the water yesterday?” he asked in a low, rumbling voice.
“Yes.” How could I forget the toe-curling embarrassment? He’d stared silently toward me as I’d ambled up the beach, trying desperately to look cool and unflustered. I felt my cheeks warming further at the memory as my stomach twisted.
“It was a million times better than any Bond movie.”
“It was?”
“Hell, yeah. If they had you as a Bond girl it would be my favorite film by miles. Not just 007, but in general, any film ever.” His mouth slid upward in a grin. “You just about blew my mind.”
“I did?” My eyes widened in surprise. He’d liked what he’d seen, and I thought he’d been unimpressed with my curvy attributes.
“Oh, yeah, and other parts of my anatomy.”
He ducked his head, his lips a whisper from mine. I could almost taste the salt on his mouth.
“Well, we wouldn’t want that would we, Logan?” I murmured.
“Wouldn’t we?” His brows raised.
“Sounds painful.” I swallowed, my throat felt tight.
“It’s already getting painful.” He shifted his weight to the other foot. We were so close now my breast brushed against his chest and my nipples, which had tightened to hard pinched peaks, scraped against him.
I reached up to touch his jaw, his bristles catching on my fingertips. Our gazes connected and I rose onto the balls of my feet and pressed my mouth to his.
He opened up and took immediate control of the kiss. He tasted so good­—man and ocean, wind and sun—he tasted of everything I was missing in my life and had been for so long. My hands moved to his shoulders and squeezed hard muscles through his soft cotton shirt. The tip of his tongue probed farther into my mouth, shooting desire into every fiber I possessed. My tongue searched for his and began to explore his mouth.
Logan groaned and let go of the doorframe, cradling the base of my skull in his palm and winding his other arm around my waist. He pulled me close and as the length of our bodies touched, right in the very center of my abdomen, he pressed his steely erection forward. He was right, he was painfully hard.
“Damn, you taste good,” he murmured, trailing a gentle kiss across my cheek.
I tipped my head back and let him explore the base of my ear, the angle of my jaw and the hollow of my throat. “I taste like salt,” I said.
“You taste of the beach and flowers and coconut,” he whispered between kisses. “The most delicious combination of flavors I’ve ever experienced.” He pulled back slightly, slipping his fingertips under the shoulders of my cardigan and easing it down my arms. It fell to the floor and he slid his palms back up over my elbows to the base of my neck. Each tiny section of flesh he touched came alive with sensation and pricked with greedy little goose bumps searching out his caress. I found his mouth again and ran my fingers into the collar-length hair at the nape of his neck. I pulled his head to mine harder. I wanted more. Much more.
His big fingers were busy, fiddling with the knot at the back of my halter-top. It was cleverly designed with a fitted bra, it had cost a fortune but was well worth it. I felt it slipping free and pulled back from the kiss, crossing my arm over my chest and gripping my opposite shoulder to hold it in place.
“What’s the matter?” Logan asked, his eyes heavy with desire and his voice thick with lust.
“I’m…I’m big,” I said in a rush then felt silly for saying something so insecure and obvious.
“Me too,” he said, a provocative grin playing on his mouth. “Relax, Brooke, it’s all good, trust me.”

Buy link http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8939-50-hired.aspx
Lily Harlem http://www.lilyharlem.weebly.com/

Lily Harlem is an award winning author of erotic fiction and lives in the UK with a workaholic hunk and a crazy ginger cat. She writes for Ellora’s Cave, Total-e-Bound and Xcite as well as featuring in numerous UK and US anthologies. Her stories are made up of colorful characters traveling on everyone's favorite journey — falling in love. If the story isn't deliciously romantic and down and dirty sexy, it won't be written, at least not by Lily!

Lily loves to hear from readers so feel free to stop by her website http://www.lilyharlem.weebly.com/yharlem.weebly.com/ and drop her a line. while you’re there check out her free reads and other published works. Also, in honor of the newly released Hired, the first in Lily’s Hot Ice series, there is a yummy selection of hot hockey players to feast your eyes on!

Snowy Monday

If you’ve seen the weather, we’re getting hammered here in the Northeast with Blizzard like conditions. The snow kept us housebound yesterday. On one couch my oldest daughter and I chilled all snug under blankets while my youngest daughter and mother shared the other couch. This left the DH upstairs in the sunroom with the three dogs watching football. He really didn’t mind.
The dogs had so much fun playing in the snow while the DH shoveled. I watched from the window. The DH left I should stay inside and not shovel this year. God, I love this man.
I have to ask – what would possess a person to go out in blizzard like conditions when the governor has asked that you stay off the road? Watching the news I saw a few cars flipped on their sides because of accidents from the extreme weather. What in God’s name is so freakin’ important that you must go out?? Unless you need to get to a hospital, I can’t find a reason.
Today as the storm winds down I’m hoping to get a bit of writing in. That was the plan yesterday but I spent most of the time dozing. The last month finally caught up with me. We did watch the movie Dear John last night. I managed to make it through the entire movie. I believe we started watching The Knowing, but I fell asleep.
Hope you’re warm and dry wherever you are today!
Happy Monday!

Versatile Blogger and Winners

I was given this award by my friend Cynthia and fellow EC author and friend Kathy Kulig. Coming up with 7 interesting things about oneself is not as easy as you'd think. Here is my list. Hope you enjoy them!






1. I’m an only child, but didn’t grow up spoiled. :o)
2. I can remember phone numbers and birthdays of friends from when I was six years old.
3. I come from a family of Florists and Bakers and can’t do either. I was an accountant for years. (see #2)
4. I hated all writing assignments in school.
5. I’d never been on an airplane until I was 35
6. All of my nearest, dearest, best friends throughout my life have been named Lisa.
7. I was born a man – NO just kidding. I just couldn’t think of a #7. :0)

Now on to the winners of days 11 and 12.

Day 11 - Avril, Anny, Sarah - Sarah and Avril send me an email to amberskyze AT aol DOT com to collect your prize! :o)

Day 12 - Cathy M and Joder - emailed to you.

Thanks everyone for taking part in my 12 Days of Christmas contest. I had a lot of fun and I hope you did too. Hope your holiday was full of love and happiness.

Amber

12 Days of Christmas - Day 12

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!

Day 12 question: What does Nathan have to choose between? Today it’s in the blurb!

Blurb:

Reece Collins is growing tired of her Wednesday ritual of masturbating to the sight of the so-called “pool boy” and her battery-operated friend is leaving her unsatisfied. She craves a no-strings-attached torrid sexual encounter. Problem? The only one offering is ten years her junior.

Nathan Donovan has lusted over his client forever. When he happens upon her in a very compromising position, his desires swell as he plunges headfirst into the deep end to save her. One brief encounter leaves him yearning for more, but when she splashes cold water on his plans, he has to choose between walking away or spanking some sense into her.

Excerpt:

“You look hot!” she told her reflection. “Irresistibly hot?” Only time would tell. Strolling over to the window she dared a peak outside. He wasn’t here yet. Would he come? Certainly Steve sounded convincing enough. The fifty dollar bill she planted in his palm was enough encouragement to make an actor out of him. She stood by his side while he made the call. If she hadn’t known better, she would have believed him. She sent him on his way after the call. No need for him to stick around for the fireworks—hopefully of a sexual nature.
The undeniable sound of tires crunching on gravel, alerted her Nathan was here. And from the hurried sound of the truck coming to a stop, he wasn’t pleased. Silently she prayed her idea wouldn’t backfire. Hurrying from the room she descended the stairs, hoping to greet him at the pool.
“What the fuck!” she heard him scream.
Too late. She wasn’t quick enough. Nathan knew and he wasn’t happy. Reese slowly opened the door and walked casually over to the pool where Nathan stood looking at the water, obviously trying to figure out where the emergency was.
Whipping around he demanded. “What’s going on here?”
Lost for words Reese stood frozen in her spot. She hadn’t expected such anger. Yes, she tricked him into coming over. Maybe having Steve tell him the pool had turned an ugly color green that he couldn’t get rid of was a bad idea but she believed he’d be happy to see her. Boy was she mistaken.
“I-I-I put Steve up to it,” she confessed. “I didn’t think you would see me any other way.”
“Maybe if you picked up the phone you would have found out.” The disgust in his voice evident.
He was pissed at her. Her plan was slowly crumbling before her eyes. She couldn’t risk losing him a second time. He couldn’t walk away out of her life. She loved him. God help her she loved him more than any man she’d ever loved in her life.
“Would you have come if I had?” she challenged.
Looking away he shrugged.
“Then I was right to do what I did. I needed to see you, Nathan. You’ve been avoiding me. I’ve missed you.”
She watched him looking at the water. Was he searching for answers? Maybe there was hope for them after all.
Closing the gap between them, she touched his hand. “Please Nathan, look at me.”
He did as she asked and immediately her heart sank. Pain, deep pain, filled his eyes. Gone was the sparkle she loved so much, replaced with pain that cut to the core. Pain caused by her foolishness.
Touching his face she whispered. “I’m sorry.”
“What’s done is done.” He tried pulling free but she refused to let him walk away.
“I never meant to hurt you.”
“I’m fine.”
“I wasn’t trying to compare you to Vince. It may have sounded that way at the time and I’m sorry. I love you for who you are, not because you’ve proven him wrong. It doesn’t matter to me what Vince thinks, or anyone else for that matter. The only thing that matters is what’s in here,” she said pointing to her heart. “And here.” She placed her hand over his heart.
She felt his heart beating rapidly through his tight black t-shirt. He covered her hand with his.
“Do you honestly believe you’ll be okay with what others think about us? Because as you’ve pointed out before I’m much younger than you.”

12 Days of Christmas - Day 11

It's Christmas Eve. The excitement is winding down. I have LOTS of wrapping to do today. Tomorrow's post is pre-posted, so I'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday!

Day 10 Winners: smiles, joder and reader. Yes, I've chosen 3 today. I have joder's email, so I'll send you a copy. Smiles and Reader please send an email to: amberskyze AT aol DOT com for your copy.



Side note: If M/M is not your thing, you will be able to chose from one of the books I've offered over the last ten days.

Side note: Winners from Day 11 and 12 will be announced on Sunday December 26th.

Day 11 question: What did Alex fear Rick would do? You know it, in the excerpt.

Blurb:

Alex loves baseball, so when the majors come calling he is thrilled. The only thing that would make his happiness complete is a partner to share it with. Although his best friend, Rick, knows Alex is gay, he doesn't know that Alex has been in love with him for years. And with his departure for the major leagues imminent, he's not sure now is the best time to tell him.

But after an evening of celebration turns into a night of pleasure, Alex is confused. Does Rick want a relationship with him? Or, will he walk out of Rick's life forever, wondering what might have been?

Alex's career has hit a home run but his love for Rick is the ultimate victory. If he can figure out a way to slide into home plate, he'll do more than score.


Excerpt:

He thought he’d seen something earlier. A spark in Rick’s gray eyes. He couldn’t have imagined it, could he? Again, when he’d rubbed up against him while they were playing pool, he saw the look.
It was desire.
Then Rick had stormed off to the bar for another drink. Was he afraid of hanging around and letting Alex see his raging hard-on?
Too late.
Alex had noticed it and got hard instantaneously. He was so hard he’d thought about going into the bathroom and rubbing himself until he felt relieved. Somehow, he knew relief wouldn’t come from masturbation so he decided against it.
Besides how would he explain his long absence?
No. Alex had suffered through.
When he asked if he could crash at his friend’s house he’d had an ulterior motive. He wanted to see if things would be different when they were alone. He wanted to know if Rick would mention how his body reacted to Alex’s.
He didn’t. In fact, he’d never mentioned it once. Even when they entered Rick’s apartment, he never said a word. He retrieved the blanket and pillow for him, before heading to his room.
One thing was certain; Rick couldn’t get out of the living room quick enough.
It was like he was afraid of what would happen if he stayed too long. Could he be wrestling with the same feelings Alex was? He wasn’t sure, but he didn’t want to act on it just yet. If his friend did have feelings for him, he wanted to address it before he had to leave.
Knowing Rick was waiting for him would make his transition much easier.
Alex wondered if he should go into Rick’s room and see if he was still awake. If he was, they could talk about what had happened. Worry settled into the pit of his stomach. What if Rick did feel something, but refused to act on it? What if he rejected Alex?
Alex couldn’t handle being rejected by his best friend. He cared for him too much. He didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had by stepping over any lines. No, it was best for him to stay put on the couch. If Rick wanted him, he would have to be the one to make the first move. That way, Alex wouldn’t be treading into uncertain waters.
Disappointed, but satisfied with his decision, Alex closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on anything other than his aching balls.
An hour later he was still struggling with the tightness in his crotch. He thought about relieving himself numerous times but was afraid of Rick walking in on him or worse—overhearing his moans.
Unable to fight the urge, Alex jumped off the couch and headed toward Rick’s bedroom.
“Fuck it.” He had nothing to lose at this point— except his friendship with Rick.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

It’s hard to believe there’s only 2 days left until Christmas. Our contest is almost complete. I wish my shopping list was!
I’m finally on vacation. YAY. My mom is traveling in tomorrow for a few days. It should be fun.
I have a few stories to sub before the end of the year and one I’m just starting. Still learning about the hero and heroine. Once I get a better grip on who they are the words should start flowing!
On to today’s contest.

Day 10 question: Who is Bailey expecting at the door? Yup, it’s in the blurb.

Blurb:

Ethan’s on the run from the mob. He’s in for a surprise when he knocks on the door of his sister’s neighbor. The last thing he needs is a distraction like Bailey. She’s sexy and sassy and dressed in skimpy shorts—and he wants to take her where she stands.

Sex with a stranger? Bailey would never think of it. Ethan’s no stranger though, he’s her friend Jenna’s brother, so that makes him a friend too, right? Sex in the kitchen, sex in the bedroom, sex on the couch, it doesn’t matter. Bailey can’t get enough of this hot-blooded stranger.

Will Ethan’s past catch up to him and ruin any hopes for their future?

Excerpt:

“Shit!” Bailey screamed to her empty living room. “I’m never going to get this article in on time.” She stared down at the opened email about her interviewee. His publicist explained that an emergency had come up and he wasn’t going to be able to answer her questions after all. He was very sorry.
“Yeah, I bet he is,” she grumbled.
Bailey removed the pencil from her unruly blonde hair, causing it to tumble around her shoulders. She tucked a strand behind her ear to keep it from falling in front of her face.
On the pad of paper sitting on the couch next to her she jotted down some excuses she could give her editor to convince her she needed an extension on the deadline.
Dog died.
In a horrible car accident.
Computer crashed.
None of the things were good enough reasons to give her editor.
“Fuck! I’m screwed.” She stuck the pencil in her mouth and bit back the string of obscenities she knew were brewing.
Focusing on the computer, she logged into her favorite database website looking for a last-minute replacement for her interview. She had to have another guy’s perspective for this article. After all it was a relationship article for women from the male’s point of view. She had two resources, but her editor insisted on three minimum.
Just as she was updating what she was looking for the doorbell rang. As if on cue her stomach growled.
“Finally the pizza’s here.”
She placed her laptop on the coffee table, grabbed the twenty lying there and padded her bare feet over to the door.
“I’m starved,” she said as she swung the front door open.
She came face-to-face with a complete stranger.
“You can have me!” the ultra-sexy guy standing on her doorstep said.
She stood there, her mouth hanging open.
“You’re not Kyle.” But damn he was hot. H-O-T hot. Her nipples hardened under her t-shirt. She wasn’t wearing a bra, because she wasn’t expecting company. Only Kyle and he didn’t look at her in that I-want-to-tear-off-all-your-clothes-and-fuck-you way. She felt the juices from her pussy pooling at her opening. It’d been way too long since she’d had sex. That had to be the reason her body was reacting this way.
“No, but I sure wish I was. Who is this lucky guy Kyle and how do I get rid of him so I can replace him?”
Bailey laughed, trying to ease the nervousness she felt being so close to this gorgeous creature.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“I’m looking for Jenna King. She was expecting me over an hour ago but she’s still not home. Do you happen to know where she might be?”
“Sorry. Haven’t heard from her.” Lucky Jenna. She’d found herself a guy Bailey wouldn’t mind having a one-night stand with. A booty call to end all booty calls. His arm muscles flexed as he rested his long, strong arm against the doorframe. Bailey yearned to know what it would feel like having his body hovering over hers, making her drip with sweat as he…
“Do you have a number where I could reach her? I tried her cell but she isn’t answering.”
Bailey tried to focus on what he was saying. She had to stop this daydreaming.
“Like I said before I don’t know where she is. Maybe you should come back later.” She attempted to close the door, but he stuck his foot in, blocking her.
“I wasn’t finished.”
Bailey wondered if she should be afraid of him, but that sparkle in his baby blue eyes told her she had nothing to fear.
“What’s your name?” she demanded.
“Ethan.” He smiled, revealing dimples.
Bailey melted under his intense smile.
“I’m sorry, Ethan. I don’t know who you are or what your business with Jenna is, but I’m not going to give out any information about her to some stranger. For all I know you could be some rapist or something.” In fact hadn’t she just read somewhere there was a guy going around posing as a cable guy raping innocent woman. Fear knotted in the pit of her stomach. “I have to go.”
She kicked his foot, hoping he’d move it, but it didn’t budge.
“I’m Jenna’s brother. I’m not going to rape anyone.” He reached behind him and Bailey screamed.
“Whoa! What are you screaming for?” He pulled out his wallet.
“I thought you— I…” What could she say? She thought he might be reaching for a gun or a knife to hurt her with?
“Look,” he said, removing his driver’s license.
She read his name. Ethan King. Same last name as Jenna.
“Okay, so you aren’t a murderer, but if Jenna was expecting you why didn’t she leave you a key or something?”
“I don’t know. I’m worried because it’s not like her to be late.”
“Ha! You don’t know your sister too well.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Jenna will be late to her own funeral. She can’t seem to arrive on time for anything.”
“Are we still talking about the same Jenna? Because my sister has been punctual since the day she was born. Our mother jokes about how she even came on her due date and not a minute late.”
Bailey couldn’t help but laugh. He was funny and cute and oh-so-sexy.
Just then Kyle decided to make his arrival.
“Got your pizza, Bailey. Sausage and peppers on one side, pepperoni on the other.”
She could see Ethan looking at her quizzically.
“What? I couldn’t decide what I wanted, so I ordered both.”
“Options. I love options.”
That twinkle in his eye didn’t go undetected. He was flirting with her.
“Thanks, Kyle.” She handed him the twenty. “Keep the change.”
“Enjoy the pizza.” He bounced away, happy with his tip.
“I’m going to eat my pizza before it gets cold. So if you’ll excuse me.”
“Look, before you go. I’ve traveled twenty-three hours in my cramped little car to get here. I’ve been outside Jenna’s door for another hour and I could use a soft chair to sit on.” His stomach growled.
She was under a tight deadline. She didn’t have time to make small talk with this stranger or share pizza. She had to dive back into her article while she ate. Then a thought hit her.
“I’ll feed you if you’ll answer a few questions for me. I’m working on an article for women. What men find appealing and what they don’t like.”
“I’m your go-to guy. I have a lot of experience in that field.”
Bailey hesitated. “Are you a player?” Because the last thing she needed was a player’s advice for her article.
His stomach growled again.
“Oh just come in,” she relented. She couldn’t leave Jenna’s brother on the doorstep waiting for her to come home, but if he was a player then he wouldn’t work for the article. She needed someone sincere. Someone honest.
She felt his eyes on her as she walked to the coffee table. Her skimpy shorts rode up her ass, revealing she wore no panties. He must love the view she was giving him, no matter how unintentional.
“Can I offer you a beer or soda or something?” She placed the pizza on the table and turned, practically bumping into his hard chest.
He was close. Dangerously close. If Bailey moved her head forward just a hair their lips would touch and she could find out what those sexy lips tasted like.
As if reading her mind he inched closer, reaching out to graze her lips.
Bailey licked the spot where his lips had met hers. She stood there mesmerized. She wanted more. She needed more. Her pussy lips swelled at the mere touch of his lips. She felt the electricity of his touch run through her down to the tip of her big toe.

Guest - Tina Donahue and a Contest

Before we get to our special guest I promised to announce our winner from Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas Contest. The winners are: Kristen C and Jessica. Please email me at amberskyze AT aol DOT com so I can send you your prize! Contest will resume tomorrow.

Now on to our special guest. I'm thrilled to have Tina Donahue in the house. Her writing is HOT HOT HOT, so enjoy! Oh and she's offering a contest! :0)





Intimate Moments
As a writer of erotic romance, I’m faced with the challenge of providing unique and satisfying ways for my characters to explore their growing intimacy.
It’s not enough to have them going at it on a mattress, the floor, in a hayloft or the back seat of a car. There has to be a bond between the participants, a draw so strong not only I, but my readers feel it.
In Sensual Stranger, my latest erotic romance that released on December 15th, I wanted the sexual tension between Toni and Zach to heat up the pages. However, I also wanted true intimacy between them…a meeting of minds, hearts, souls.
To accomplish that, I explored those quiet moments after the passion, allowing them to connect emotionally as well as physically. To show you what I mean, here the blurb and an excerpt.




BLURB:

Into his life she came—wanting…willing…wanton

It’s no ordinary morning when Toni Starr arrives at Zach’s garage. Flat broke, with a past she won’t share, Toni’s instantly taken by such a potently virile man. Direct and unashamed, she tells him she’s a motorcycle performance artist who needs work and knows motors.

Zach knows women, and Toni’s unlike any he’s met. Lushly sensuous, exceedingly assured, she’d easily be his match in business and bed. A provocative challenge that stirs him as nothing has since losing his wife. A chance he’s reluctant to take, offering no more than a month’s employment, then she’ll have to be on her way.

The hours tick by. Each word and glance intensifies their denied yet escalating desire, forcing them to surrender to passion and Toni’s need for Zach’s dominance. Driven by carnal hunger, conquered by yearning, they face the unforeseen truth of Toni’s past and a future neither of them expected.


EXCERPT:

(In this scene, shortly after they’ve made love, Zach takes care of Toni, encouraging even more intimacy as he bathes her.)

Contentment radiated from her, relaxing her features, revealing her underlying vulnerability. So different than the ballsy expression Zach had seen yesterday as she’d claimed to be the best damn mechanic around. At the time, he’d also caught despair and caution so deep, he sensed she’d been hurt frequently by others and didn’t know what to expect from him.
Her measure of trust at this moment humbled Zach as few things had.
Whatever he proposed, he knew Toni would welcome it eagerly, the same as when he’d spanked her. A stunningly erotic game she’d willingly introduced to him as though she had no qualms about putting her safety into his hands.
His gaze lowered as Toni reached out, running her damp fingertips down his fly to his bulge. Through the denim, the heat of her fingers, their gentle stroking, tightened his balls and dried every bit of moisture in his mouth.
She purred, “Take your clothes off and join me.” As an added inducement, she swished her legs back and forth in the water.
Torn between a groan of pleasure and a smile, Zach settled on the latter. “The tub’s not big enough for both of us.”
Her fingertip traced the outline of his thickening cock. He’d been out of her for only a few minutes and already he was ready for more, a record he hadn’t experienced in years.
“You are a huge guy,” she murmured.
Like an idiot teen, he grinned.
Toni’s eyes met his. Her expression grew serious. “You’re tired, right?” She hesitated a moment, seeming to struggle for her next comment. At last, she flicked her gaze at his knees, just as quickly averting it as though embarrassed. “Shouldn’t you at least sit down?”
Zach’s smile hung on for a second longer before it felt foolish. She’d noticed again how he favored his good leg, no doubt curious what had caused it.
He steeled himself for her expected questions. They didn’t come. Gratitude washed over him. Tonight, he didn’t want to face anything bad, preferring to let desire take the edge off his incessant pain. In a surprisingly steady voice, he said, “I’m fine.”
Braced against any discomfort, Zach sank to his knees beside the tub. He selected a sponge from the small cabinet to the side and dipped it into the fragrant water. “Drape your arm over your head.”
Toni did as he asked, her eyes never leaving his, her actions fluid with no hint of embarrassment. As though having a man bathe her was normal in her world. Maybe it had been.
He squeezed the sponge tighter than he’d planned, wondering about the men in her life, surprised at the surge of jealousy pumping through him.
Ignoring it, he ran the sponge down her arm, pausing at her elbow. There, he saw a faint scar he hadn’t noticed earlier, the skin a shade paler than the rest and puckered slightly. “How’d you get this?” With his fingertips, he traced the contours, noting the difference between it and the surrounding flesh, wondering if a man had caused it. Some bum she’d known. Some prick who’d hurt her.
Toni’s lids fluttered. She spoke on a sigh. “Overshot a jump during one of my performances.”
Zach’s eyes moved to her face, then returned to the scar, his fingers stroking it. “You crashed?”
She rolled the back of her head against the tub. Her arm moved with it. “Not even close. Cycle came out with just a few dings, though I hit the gravel pretty hard and tore the sleeve of my jacket. Cost me big bucks to get the leather fixed.”
Surprised at her indifference, Zach glanced at the rest of her, looking for other injuries, not certain if the water masked them. He spoke without thinking or pause. “You’ve been hurt?”
A throaty chuckle bubbled from her. As he withdrew his hand, she lowered her arm and clawed damp hair from her neck. “Only when I screw up. And I don’t do it all that often. Can’t afford to keep getting my leather pants and jacket fixed, you know?”
He didn’t. She worried more about hurting her clothes than injuring her body. “What exactly do you do in your performances?”
“Just the usual stuff.” She ticked off the acts, each new one sounding worse to him than the others.
At last, he interrupted, “T-bone? Roll-over? Suicide twist?”
Composed, her lids heavy, she regarded him. “There has to be a little danger involved or no one would come.”
And then she wouldn’t make a living. She wouldn’t have a place to stay at night or anything to eat. What in the fuck had brought her to this rather than a normal life with a permanent home, friends, a family to worry about her, to be there if she needed help? She wasn’t uneducated. Her diction and world-view—that she’d unknowingly shared with him at dinner last night—were solidly middle-class.
He recalled what Em had said this morning.
You’re actually going to let her go back to that daredevil stuff?
“You like doing that kind of work?” he asked.
Her eyes closed. She took a deep breath. Zach’s gaze fell to her breasts, her nipples rosy and puckered. His cock stirred. Toni mewed. He lifted his eyes.
With what seemed great effort, she parted her lids and spoke without artifice, her voice soft. “It’s what I know.”


In the lines that follow, Zach learns a bit about her history, with it intriguing him and endearing her to him even more.


Sensual Stranger is available now!!

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8932-50-sensual-stranger.aspx

Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: http://www.tinadonahue.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097

To celebrate the upcoming release of Sensual Stranger, I’m offering a contest today. One lucky commenter will have her choice of one of my following books**:

Lush Velvet Nights – ebook
Adored – ebook
Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
Close to Perfect – mass market paperback
Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
Take My Breath Away – trade paperback

** Winner chosen at random. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks.



Contest closes at midnight December 26th. Winner will be announced on December 27th!

Interview with Anh Leod/Heather Hiestand

Please join me in welcoming Anh Leod to my blog. She was kind enough to allow me to interview her and share her new release - Let me tell you folks. This is a must read!!!!!

When was your first sale?
I believe it was 2005, a story in the Murder Across the Map anthology.

Plotter or Pantser? Why?
I’m a plotter, with handy dandy spreadsheets and everything! I find myself able to wing it a little more with erotic romance than with more mainstream romance, because when you are writing fifty percent sex, it is usually very obvious what your next scene is going to be about! I became a plotter because I have a hard time finishing projects before I get stuck and find something else much more interesting. If I have a nice spreadsheet-y outline I know what I need to write next, even if I’m tired. I'm jealous I'm a panster.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?
Anh Leod is a pen name, Heather Hiestand (my non-erotic romance name) is not. My middle name is Ann and I changed it to Anh because I thought it looked cool. Leod is a part of my great-grandmother’s name. She was a wild and crazy lady, who I figured would approve of my writing career.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I caught the writing bug at seven and never really wanted to be anything else. Other careers were always about the dayjob.

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I am a voracious reader and am excitedly waiting to enjoy my Christmas Kindle, which is already in my possession but I feel guilty about using until actual Christmas.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?
The best advice ever given to me was “Finish the book” which is very important advice until you make your first sale. Without finished product you are unlikely to sell. In my case, when I sold my first novel length book, I had an eighteen-hour turnaround after the editor asked me to send in my complete manuscript once she liked my partial, and the offer. If I hadn’t had that book done (Cards Never Lie by Heather Hiestand) I’d have missed my window of opportunity. That was my fourth completed manuscript, and I finished a fifth before it sold. Since then I’ve sold manuscript three (In Flight) and five (One Juror Down), so only two books I left in a drawer. Not too bad.

I absolutely regret not writing more in the eleven years it took me to sell. I’ve got some great excuses, but really, did I have to watch that many The Simpsons reruns? No. Few people have as little time to write as I do right now, but I’ve learned there is still time most days. You get a free pass with major medical problems and family emergencies, both of which have stopped me writing for months at a time, but other than that, you have to write!

Tell us about your family.
I’m married and have a one-year-old son. The child is currently my day job, and I write around his sleep schedule. For those of you who’ve been following my life, you’ll know he was a preemie, born almost four months early. His special needs and lively personality keep me hopping!

What would we find under your bed?
Nothing, or the baby would eat it!

Tell us about your favorite restaurant?
McDonald’s, because they offer under-three toys these days!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you for buying my books! My email address is anh@anhleod.com if you ever want to comment on one of my stories.

Tell us about your current release.
My almost current release is Christmas a Go-Go, out December 21st at Ellora’s Cave. It is part of the Merry Kinkmas line, and is based on a true story. I’ll let you imagine which parts of the story really happened to me!

Here is the blurb:
Lexie has a serious love for go-go boots and an heiress-sized fortune to build her collection. She has everything but a man who shares her fetish. When her new custom-made Christmas go-go boots capture the eye of Adrian, she wonders if she has finally found the one.

Adrian has always been turned on by a woman wearing boots, and he is immediately smitten with the lovely Lexie. Sparks fly and he leads her away to the VIP dressing room for a sultry, sexy tryst.

They both want more, and Lexie plans to have it. She wants Adrian at home, in front of her boot wall—naked, touching her body, touching her boots—while they have the best sex of their lives.

Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8800-50-christmas-a-go-go.aspx

Tell us about your next release.
My next release is going to be a Heather Hiestand story called “Victoriana Adventure” – the sequel to Victoriana, which is a Christmas story that came out in 2006 and is still available in the Holidays in the Heart anthology, either in paperback or on Kindle etc. The new story is a novella that will be out from The Wild Rose Press in 2011.

To celebrate the December 21st release of Christmas a Go-Go , as well as the releases of all the wonderful holiday guests at my blog, I'm throwing a contest! Comment on here, or visit me and my guests at http://blog.heatherhiestand.com, or email me at anh @ anhleod.com (remove spaces before sending). There will be two prizes for the winner. A story from the Anh Leod backlist (tell us which one you want) and a story from a guest blogger's backlist (tell us which one you want). See further details at my blog.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

Day 8 winners – The J's rule today. Jessica and Julia Barrett. I'll email you both a copy.

Day 9 Question – What does Shane buy everyday from Taylor’s Shoppe? Read the excerpt to find out.
Winner will be announce on Wednesday. Tomorrow I have a special guest.


Available from Aspen Mountain Press




Blurb:
Taylor Jax has a secret. She fantasizes about seducing longtime friend Shane Griffin. Only problem, he’s eight years her junior – too young in her mind.
During a game of truth or dare her secret is exposed. Challenged by her best friends, Taylor must go into an adult toy store and buy all the accessories needed to live out her fantasy.With another night of truth or dare looming, Taylor makes a bold move. Before her friends can dare her, she plans a full-fledged seduction.
Shane has loved Taylor for as long as he can remember. She enters his store in disguise, prompting him to tease her. To his surprise she agrees to have dinner with him. And when she propositions him he wonders - will one night be enough?




Excerpt:
"Hmmm, what should I treat the girls to tonight?" Taylor inspected the array of chocolate. It was her week to host girls’ night and she wanted the perfect dessert.
"I say the cherry lollipops."
Startled, Taylor looked up from the glass counter to see Shane Griffin in the doorway, looking like a centerfold that just walked off the pages of Playgirl. His cargo shorts and gray shirt were drenched in sweat, outlining a chiseled chest. He looked like he just got done fucking someone.
Taylor knew better.
Shane owned his own landscaping company and he was taking a break from work.
"Hi Shane."
"Who were you talking to?" Shane looked around the empty store. Yes, she’d been talking to herself.
"Just thinking out loud."
"I talk to myself too." He waltzed over to the counter, but didn’t lean against it with his sticky, sweaty body.
Taylor laughed. She’d yelled at him once for leaning against her clean glass, leaving nasty smudge marks. Since then he’d kept his distance but it didn’t stop him from coming into Tasty Taylor’s.
For the last three years, Shane visited every day and bought the same thing-ten cherry lollipops. Of all the candy he could have, he fancied lollipops. And for three years he’d been trying to get her to agree to a date. She’d refused his offers. Eight years separated them. Eight years too many in her book.
"Can I trouble you for a paper towel?" Shane asked.
"Sure," Taylor grabbed the roll and handed it to him.
"Thanks."
He removed a few sheets and wiped the sweat off his face and neck. As he rubbed, her eyes fell upon his hardened nipples. She imagined a pair of nipple clamps fastened to them.
She swallowed.
He lifted his shirt, exposing the hairline that disappeared below his waistband. Her mouth went dry. She imagined him walking behind the counter and asking for her assistance. She’d take the paper towels from him and wipe him clean. She’d retrace his chest, just to feel his strong muscles under her fingertips. From his chest she’d move over his abs. When they were done she’d reach into the depths of his shorts and feel his penis, which she imagined was huge. Then she’d rip off his shorts and have her way with him.
"Taylor?"
Shaking the taboo thoughts from her head, she cursed his age. It was too much of a difference for Taylor to accept, plain and simple. Sleeping with him would make her a cradle robber. Besides, he’d probably balk at the thought of her fantasies. Aside from his desire for her cherry-flavored lollipops she didn’t think they shared a common ground.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 8

I took a few days off from writing after putting The End on my latest WIP. Hotel living always makes me more productive in my writing. So I’m off to do just that, before making the long drive home! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Day 7 winners – Today I chose 2 winners. I'm in a very happy and giving mood this morning.
Molly Daniels and Jen B. I've emailed you both a copy! Congrats.

Day 8 Question – No question today…just comment for a chance to win! :o)


Available now from Ellora's Cave


Blurb:
Masturbating can be so much fun—especially when you have a one-man audience. Addison loves sex. More importantly, she loves her body and isn’t afraid to make it sing. Add a little voyeurism and it’s totally erotic.

Dante’s muse has stalled—until his sexy neighbor starts seducing him. Through her bedroom window, he watches as her hands caress her tantalizing skin. It’s like something out of a strip club, with his very own personal view. Thanks to this beauty, he’s drawing like wildfire. To thank Addison, Dante sends her an invitation for a single night together. That night may encourages them to draw a new future…together.

Excerpt:
Addison removed the clip from her dark mane and tossed it on the dresser. Her unruly hair tumbled around her shoulders. Fingertips massaged her scalp, releasing the day’s tension. Her feet screamed to be set free from the six-inch heels, but she couldn’t—not just yet. She needed to keep them on for a little while longer. For him.
In three long strides she stood in front of the window of her bedroom. A small light was on in his apartment. The moon, a sliver shy of full, illuminated the sky. Another day or two and it would be complete.
Pulling the tails of her crisp white blouse out of her skirt she unbuttoned the sleeves. Her hands moved to the top button and removed it from its hole. Slowly she continued down the shirt until her pink lace bra was fully exposed.
With ease she removed the shirt and threw it on the chair. She tapped her polished fingernail against her lip. What would she do tonight? She smiled a wicked grin. She was feeling bold.
She pictured him sitting there, his fingers wrapped around his hard cock—watching. She imagined his hand moving up and down the length of his shaft. With each article of clothing she removed she imagined him sucking in a deep breath and groaning in sexual frustration. He’d masturbate until she was finished and they’d both be satisfied.
There was no doubt he was watching. She felt his eyes on her body, begging to touch it. Most women would close the curtains and be freaked out by the idea of a man watching them every time they undressed, but not Addison. She loved the idea of being watched. She enjoyed the freedom to put on a show for him. He could look, but he couldn’t touch. That alone made the whole fantasy fun.
Addison unhooked the front clasp of her bra and flung it with the shirt. Her hands cupped her large breasts. An early bloomer, she was teased endlessly in high school. She’d hated her huge boobs as a teenager, but now she was happy with her bust.
The palms of her hands ran over her nipples, stirring them to life. She took them between her fingers and tugged until they were fully aroused. Pinching the hardened nubs she bit her lower lip from the sensations racing to the core of her pussy.
She needed an orgasm.
Soon.
Releasing her nipples, her hands floated down her stomach and around to the back of her black skirt. Unzipping the tight fabric she eased it over her hips and let it fall to the floor, where it pooled at her feet. Stepping away from the skirt she made sure she was still visible to her admirer.
She turned around, hooked her thong panties around her fingers and bent over. She dragged the panties down her legs, giving him a view of her puckered ass. Holding on to her ankles, she rotated her hips ever so slowly. She loved putting on a performance like a stripper, only hers was a one-man show.
What was he thinking? Was he wondering what it would be like to drive his stiff cock into her waiting ass? Or did he want to fill her hole with a butt plug so he could ram into her wet pussy?
She reached up to her pussy to find she was soaked. She slipped her finger inside. Pulling out she dragged her juices out coating her lips.
Ready.
Time to rock his world.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 7

Today will be short and sweet. I’m away and well…enjoying a weekend with my family. I don’t get back home as often as I like. So I'm off to have fun and celebrate Christmas early.






Day 6 winner – yadkny I’ll email you the copy.



Day 7 Question – What color are Brad’s toys? Yes, yes, you know it's in the excerpt.







Available from Aspen Mountain Press


Blurb:
Meg Trainor has one wish for Christmas every year: Two men who will fulfill all her fantasies.
Santa's in a giving mood this year.
Brothers and co-owners of Turquoise Toys, Brad and Shane Griffin will give her a Christmas she'll never forget.



Excerpt:
Meg couldn’t believe her eyes. These were not the toys she had imagined. She thought he was talking about children’s toys. These were not intended for children. These were adult toys in every sense of the word. There were floggers, paddles, butt plugs, ball gags, straps with dildos attached and handcuffs—all Turquoise, explaining the name. Meg wasn’t naive about the BDSM world. When she realized her desire to submit she wanted to know the who, what, where and why. She read everything she could about the subject. She knew enough about it to understand.
She’d even bought a few toys to experiment with. Like the ping pong paddle she’d purchased when she was curious to know what it felt like to be spanked. It wasn’t something she did regularly but when she was in the mood for a good orgasm she’d slap her cheeks a few times before using her favorite vibrator. She never had dated a man who was actually part of that world.
Brad was gay so he wouldn’t be offering. What a shame because she could see them having fun together!
Could he be carrying a bagful of goodies? Maybe Santa was going to be extra special to her this year. Please Santa I’ve been a good girl all year long. Please tell me you sent Brad with something extra special for my stocking this year.
Halfway though the job, Meg decided it was time to go back to her stranger. He’d been out there long enough. By now, he knew she was aware of his secret.
Turning she ran smack into his broad chest again. “We really need to stop meeting like this.”
Clearing her throat, she took a step back only to come against the copier. “I was just coming out to see you.”
He stepped closer, closing the small gap between them. “How are you doing?” His voice dripped with desire.
“Fantastic. Your copies are just about done.”
Damn she wished he’d step back. He was much too close. He turned her on.
“Are you sure?” He traced his finger along her cheek.
She gulped, her body overheating.
He bent closer, taking her lips. He kissed her slowly. She melted against him; her arms snaked around his neck. He touched her breast, causing a moan to escape her lips. His bulge brushed against her. He wanted her.
While he kissed her, his fingers unzipped the back of her dress then unsnapped her bra. He pushed the garments down around her waist, exposing her breasts.
His mouth covered her nipple, sucking until it puckered. God his mouth felt good. How long had it been since a man had his mouth on her? Too long. Lisa was right; she needed to get laid, but not by Kenny.
When Brad moved to the other breast she thought for sure she was going to crumble to the floor. Her hands gripped the edges of the copier to steady herself.
“I’m going to fuck you Meg, right now.

Nice Package - Katalina Leon

Okay folks...I've been waiting a long time for this. You must go buy this NOW! :)


Nice Package
Katalina Leon

Christmas chaos is over at the Emerson’s house, but the real holiday fun is just beginning. Jim presents Cora with a big beautiful gift box she is forbidden to open.

What’s in the crimson mystery box?

Cora finds out, slowly, over a twenty-four-hour period. The box contains tantalizing toys, temptation, tricky games and an invitation to an erotic adventure at a mountain lodge that will refresh their marriage and bond them as lovers. If Cora can endure one hellaciously prolonged tease, she’s really going to enjoy getting a nice package.

Reader Advisory: Novel contains a scene that includes light f/f interaction.








By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.
An Excerpt From: NICE PACKAGE
Copyright © KATALINA LEON, 2010
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Chapter One

Cora knew if the bra she wore didn’t kill her she would have to kill the bra. She leaned over the sink full of warm soapy dishes and attempted to discreetly adjust the razor-thin satin straps from beneath her snug cashmere sweater. The racy new bra looked so pretty this morning. Its shades of scarlet trim made it the perfect festive choice for Christmas day, but at the end of many long happy hours it turned on her and showed its vicious side. The bra had a biting underwire and nasty little straps that cut into her shoulders. It was not her friend even though it was beautiful and its delicate lace cups had gleamed a lush crimson in the lingerie store and promised to be a pleasant holiday companion, but it wasn’t. Its true nature had been exposed. The bra had a cruel streak and it had to go.
She stopped washing crystal goblets and removed her rubber gloves so she could reach under her favorite pearl-embroidered red sweater without soaking it. Her damp hands ran the length of the pinching underwire, hoping to locate the exact trouble spot and free her tortured breasts.
“Let me help you.” A big, warm male body pressed against her back and wrapped his arms round her waist. His hands reached upward to gently cup her breasts. “I love how sexy you look wearing this tight sweater.” His warm breath tickled her ear. “Quite fuckable.”
She quickly turned to shush her husband. “Be careful, Jim,” she whispered. “We don’t want the kids hearing that.”
Jim leaned over her shoulder, mischief lit deep within his warm brown eyes. “There are no kids.” He paused. “They just left. My parents took them for the weekend. All the cousins are going to meet at the cabin tomorrow to go snow sledding. Everyone already drove away while you were tidying the kitchen.” He smiled. “We have Christmas night completely to ourselves.”
“Really?” She turned in Jim’s arms to face him, rose on tiptoes and kissed his lips. “Are we meeting the family at the cabin tomorrow?”
“No, we have other plans.”
Her brows dipped. Was everyone truly gone? “I didn’t even say goodnight to anyone or thank them for a lovely Christmas.” She impulsively dodged past Jim, hurried from the kitchen and stared with disbelief into a quiet living room filled with puddled cranberry candles and a sparkling Christmas tree. “They left so quietly, I didn’t even hear anyone leave.”
Jim’s grin crooked to the side the way it always did when he was plotting something silly or fun. His curved smile always gave his true intentions away. “That was part of the plan. We wanted to surprise you. You work so hard every year making the holidays a wonderful experience for all of us, I wanted to surprise you by doing something special just for you.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his heart, gently kissing the top of her head. “Let’s finish the dishes and I’ll let you in on a little of my plan.” He led her into the kitchen and gently maneuvered her in front of the sink.
She laughed softly. “I see your holiday plan includes me finishing the messy kitchen work no matter what.”
He pressed the length of his torso against her back and kissed the nape of her neck. “We can’t leave a sink full of dishes, we’re also going away.”
She twisted in Jim’s arms to look up at him. “Where are we going?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.” His broad hands slid beneath her sweater and deftly unhooked her bra.
The snuggly fitted bra strap popped open. She instantly sighed with relief.
He pushed the bra upward, cupping her naked breasts and gently took hold of her nipples, giving each a gentle but firm tug. The rumpled sweater rose higher as his fingertips lovingly explored her rounded curves. His face nuzzled her hair and gently inhaled her perfume. “I like this scent. It’s crisp and clean. It suits you.” His lips brushed against the nape of her neck with a featherlight kiss, as his palms warmed her breasts. “Your skin is so soft.” He slowly rubbed his body longingly against her. “You feel so good,” he whispered. “I can’t stop touching you.” His hard cock pressed persistently against his trousers and firmly poked against her bottom. “Finish doing the dishes so I can take you into the living room and fuck you under the Christmas tree.”
“Are you joking?” She turned to face the sink and swished her fingers through the warm water searching for any stemware left behind. She picked up a goblet that still had a crimson lipstick stain on its rim.
“No, I’m not joking. I might as well tell you right now, part of your holiday surprise this weekend is that I get to have complete sexual control over you. You’ll do absolutely everything I say.”
She gasped in eager alarm and nearly dropped one of her favorite goblets into the sink. She’d been waiting a long time to hear those words, and now that the moment was finally here, she started wondering what would happen next. Her heart pounded with excitement. She loved it when Jim took charge of her and allowed her to be the pampered submissive. It was what she craved above all else, and it was thrilling to know he felt the same way.
She glanced over her shoulder and gazed into his eyes. A bright smile spread across her face. “We’ll see how well that works out for you. I have to warn you, I’ll only submit to the most clever and masterful hands.” She gently challenged him with her words and her eyes.
His eyes sparkled. “You’ve hinted more than once you were ready to play a few new games with me, and this is the time. We’re starting now.” His gaze fixed directly on hers. “I know you better than you might think. Give me credit for that. I know what you’ve dreamed about, hinted at and hoped for. I even know you enjoy a little anxiety and tension mixed together with your orgasms. Am I right?”
“What?” She wilted over the sink in mock shock. It was true. Her face grew warmer.
“I’ve watched you work yourself into a tense lather on many occasions just to get a bigger sexual thrill. I’ll tell you upfront, I might even spring a few shocking little surprises on you just for the pleasure of watching you writhe. I’ve also taken a good long look at those books you keep hidden on your side of the nightstand, and I know exactly what your fantasies are.”
“Do you?” She blushed furiously. Her gaze focused on the kitchen window above the sink. The window acted as a dark mirror, clearly reflecting her startled face and Jim’s confident expression. “I’m a reader. I’m open-minded. Erotic-romance is fun and exciting to read.” She nervously paused. “Jim they’re just books…”
He looked at their reflection in the window and caught her nervous gaze. “They’re very telling books. Very graphic books. To be honest, I’m as turned-on by them as you are, so there’s nothing to feel self-conscious about. Remember, I love you, Cora. You’re my fantasy girl, and I would never harm you or cross the line, but…” The warmth of his smiled faded and his expression became serious. “This weekend I will be completely in charge of you. Sexually you will be under my control. You will come or not at my discretion, and you will do my bidding.”
Her jaw dropped in disbelief at his words and tone. She glanced over her shoulder. “Merry Christmas, Jim. I hope you didn’t discuss this part of the holiday surprise with your parents.” Her face grew warmer. She was both embarrassed and thrilled to have her secret love-slave fantasies taken seriously and brought into the open.
“Finish the dishes,” he commanded. His lips compressed to a tight line that refused to allow even the slightest hint of a smile to warm them.
Her body twisted toward him. She leaned against the edge of the countertop as she studied Jim’s inscrutable expression. What exactly did he have planned? His suddenly firm but secretive demeanor intrigued her. The determined set of his jaw told her he was ready to play bed Master. Good for her. She loved that game and hoped he was ready to expand on that familiar and beloved role. This was a great opportunity. They both worked so hard, and the boys demanded so much of their time most evenings they didn’t have the privacy or the energy to play at all. On a good night, they simply shared lazy but satisfying sex, rolled over and immediately fell asleep. She was overjoyed Jim had planned a romantic and sexually adventurous weekend outing just for them. She had dreamed of this day, and quite frankly, it sounded too good to be true. Her naturally anxious tendencies kicked in. There had to be a catch? “What about the kids? Will they be all right? Does anyone even know where we’re going?”
“The kids will be fine, and don’t worry. Everyone knows where we’re going, but no one knows what we’ll be doing. This weekend is just for us.”

12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

We’ve reached the halfway mark of the 12 days of Christmas contest. I can’t believe Christmas is only 9 days away. I’ll be busy next week.
I ran myself too much yesterday. By noontime I was flat out on the couch with my ereader. At RomantiCon I met Shoshanna Evers. She’s such a friendly person. Not to say the other authors weren’t because they were all great.
Anyway she was telling my husband about her book coming out called Ginger Snap. She explained about the use of ginger called ginger-figging. He was totally fascinated – don’t take much to get him excited he is a man after all. Yesterday it released over at Ellora’s Cave and I immediately bought the book. Within an hour I’d devoured the entire story and boy was it sizzling. All I can say is Holy Hotness.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
It’ll be another day on the couch for me, with another new book. I’m in the mood to read Christmas stories.

The winner of Day 5 contest is: Linda Kage. Send me an email to amberskyze @ aol.com and I’ll send you a copy of Talk Dirty to Topaz.

Day 6 question of the day – What does the police officer learn from Nikaya’s driver’s license? Yup, it’s in the excerpt.
Tomorrow I have a special guest, so the winner will be announced on Saturday, when the 12 Days of Christmas returns.

Ignited available from Ellora’s Cave

Blurb:
Got Fantasies? Nikaya does. She longs to be loved by two men.

Nikaya is celebrating her birthday with a new Mustang. As she’s climbing the mountain in her shiny new car, a police officer comes out of nowhere. He pulls her over and treats her to a birthday spanking. With a sore butt and a burning need to orgasm, she’s whisked away to a cabin.

Braden and his best friend Hank have a few surprises up their sleeve for the birthday girl. They include whips, floggers, chains, blindfolds and more. They hope to make all her fantasies reality.

Three hot bodies, sex toys and a spanking machine are only the beginning for Nikaya.

Excerpt:
Nikaya floored the gas pedal as she climbed the windy mountain road in her new black Mustang. The beige plush leather seats caressed her legs. The Mustang, a gift to herself for her thirtieth birthday, roared up the hill with ease. Some might look at thirty as the end of having fun, a time to grow up and figure out where they were going in life, but not her. No, she knew exactly where she was going and the car was not some midlife crisis purchase. She looked at thirty like an awakening to a new decade—one that would allow her more freedom to explore who she really was.
With the top down she felt alive. Warm air blew her long sandy blonde hair away from her face. As she drove higher and higher into the mountain, blood pumped through her veins. She was free.
The sun dipped behind the mountain caps. Nikaya didn’t worry as dusk settled upon the town of Desmond Point. She knew the lay of the land like the back of her hand. She pressed the pedal slightly harder with her high-heeled sandal, gunning the engine on the desolate road. Her fire-engine red fingertips gripped the steering wheel. One wrong move and she could find herself flying over the side of the mountain, crashing on the rocky bottom. Adrenaline soared, her heart pumped wildly. She loved living on the edge, the thrill of adventure.
A quick glance in her rearview mirror alerted her to trouble.
“Shit,” she cursed, noticing the glare of the flashing red light. “Where did he come from?” The road had been virtually empty for the last two miles.
She slowed down and found a safe spot to pull over. Was this the right thing to do? The flashing lights weren’t on top of the car, they were inside. She’d read articles about crazies who liked to pretend they were police officers. They’d pull over unsuspecting women and then rape them. Could this guy be one of them?
She tapped her fingertips on the wheel, contemplating what she should do. Should she call and verify he was for real? Her cell phone probably wouldn’t get reception this high up the mountain. She couldn’t take off and leave him standing there, just in case he was a true officer.
Another thought popped in her mind. Would he give her a speeding ticket? A ticket was not something she wanted for her birthday. Maybe he would cut her some slack.
“Evening, ma’am,” the man said, approaching the car.
“Sir.” His sun-streaked brown hair fell haphazardly around his face. He wasn’t in uniform. He was dressed in black slacks and a short-sleeved white button-down shirt. The top three buttons were undone, exposing a small patch of dark brown hair. He looked more like someone who spent most of his days on the beach, rather than driving around in a police car. Another glance in the rearview mirror warned her he wasn’t driving a police cruiser. A shiver of fear passed through her as she gazed into the most astonishing blue eyes.
“Do you realize how fast you were going?” he asked.
She shrugged, indifferently.
“I’m gonna need your license and registration.” He leaned two muscular hands on the door.
He smelled of sun and sand.
Nikaya obediently dug through her purse, looking for the documents. Once she retrieved her license she handed it to him. “Look, officer, I didn’t mean any harm. I—”
“Step out of the car, ma’am.”
“Huh?”
“I said, step out of the car.”
“What is this all about?” Surely this could be handled from the safety of her car.
“Now.”
His stern voice prompted her out of the car.
“Hands against the car. Legs spread.”
“You’re joking, right?” She looked at his face and he didn’t appear to be kidding. He looked stone-cold serious.
Shaking his head, he pointed to the hood of the car.
Nikaya did as she was instructed, cursing under her breath.
“Excuse me?” He placed a hand on the small of her back.
Heat coursed through her body from his touch.
“Nothing,” she spat. Then added, “Sir.”
He snickered behind her.
Condescending bastard.
His hand roamed south, resting on her bare leg. As he pushed his body against hers she felt his hardness rub against her. He whispered in her ear, “Spread ’em.”
This definitely was not the norm, she thought, swallowing back the urge to cry. His touch felt hot against her cool skin. Nikaya spread her legs.
“I see from your license it’s your birthday today.” His hand crawled up her leg and under her skirt. “Ummm, no panties.”
“I have no use for them. They’re cumbersome,” she admitted.
“Oh, so wet,” he whispered, grazing his finger along the folds of her pussy.
Nikaya bit her lip, she would not moan. Just because the touch of his finger along her slit set her soul on fire. She would not allow him to know how he affected her.
“Did I do something wrong, officer?”
“You were racing up the mountain at a pretty high speed. Do you know the dangers of these winding roads?” He patted her down.
“I’m not armed.”
Ignoring her, he continued his search. Both hands caressed her legs before he lifted her skirt up over her ass.
“I don’t believe this is protocol, sir.” Her legs grew wobbly under his touch.
“Are you questioning my authority?” He stood, gently guiding her body onto the hood of the car.
“No, it’s just—”
She was quieted by his hand swooping down, smacking her across her bare ass.
“Ouch! What was that for?” She attempted to cover her sore cheek.
He quickly grabbed her hand and pinned it over her head.
“For getting obstinate with a police officer.”
“I find it hard to believe you’re a police officer.”
“You don’t believe I’m an officer? I guess I’ll have to convince you.”
His hand came crashing down on her buttocks again.
And again.
“Please stop. I’m begging you.”
“Begging me, huh? It’s your birthday and you know what that means, right?”
“What?” she choked. The sting in her cheeks sent the rest of her body into a tizzy. The burn had her pussy pooling with juices.
“You need to get your birthday spankings. One for each year. I see here you’re thirty this year. I’m going to slap that sweet ass thirty times and each time my hand cracks those luscious cheeks I want you to count. Do you understand?”
She understood but she didn’t agree with him. There was no way she was going to stand there and accept his spanking.
“I’m waiting for an answer, Ms. Murphy.”
“And if I don’t?”
He chuckled.
“Let’s just say you won’t like the consequences.”
She was tempted to scream for help but knew no one would hear. Except maybe one of the owls hooting in the distance or a nocturnal animal but they wouldn’t save her. There wasn’t a house for miles and the likelihood of another car driving up the mountain at this time of the night was slim. She was at the mercy of this man. She had to do what he said or else.
“Yes, I understand.”
“Good.” He smacked her ass.
Silence.
“I’m waiting.”
“One,” she cried.
He smacked her a few more times.
“Two, three, four…”
“You’ve got the hang of this.” His smugness irritated her. Her ass needed cool water to extinguish the burning radiating it.
He continued slapping her cheeks and she continued counting until they reached thirty.
“You’ve been a very obedient girl. Maybe I’ll let you go without a ticket.”
“I still don’t believe you’re a cop. Where’s your cruiser? Where’s your badge,” she challenged. He pressed her harder against the car hood and draped his body over hers.
“You want to see my badge? I’ll show you my badge.”
The sound of his belt coming undone pierced her ears. The zipper descended. He still had a strong grip on her wrists.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Showing you my badge.”
“I believe you. Just give me a ticket and I’ll be on my way.”
“Oh honey, I’m just getting started.”
With his free hand he positioned himself behind her. His leg pushed hers farther apart. He guided his stiff cock to the edge of her cunt.
“You want this, don’t you?”
She remained silent. She wasn’t about to admit that she was turned on. The way he warmed her ass caused a stirring she hadn’t felt in a long time. Excitement. She was highly aroused and the prospect of being fucked against her new car, on the open mountain road, had her adrenaline soaring.

We now return to our regularly scheduled event. :0) Yesterday I had a guest blogger so some had an extra day to enter the 12 days of Christmas contest. Lucky you!
My daughter is starting to feel better and now I have a horrible cold. It’s no time to be sick!!! Too much left to do.
I finished the first draft of All or Nothing. Now I have a bunch of research to do and self-edits. I’m hoping to ship this baby off to my editor before the 1st. I have an article to write and one novella to edit also.
I started a new story. The beginning scene had been playing in my mind for weeks, so I sat down and wrote it. It’s about a husband and wife who spend a rainy day pushing their sexual limits. This is going to be one of my hottest to date.

On to the contest winner from Day 4.
Thanks again to random.org for choosing the winner: Venus
Please send me an email to amberskyze @ aol.com to claim your prize.

Day 5 question – What is the name of Frank's sister. (of course you know the answer is in the excerpt!) ;)

Blurb:
Interior Designer Teagan Topaz doesn’t believe in love, after finding her fiancé in bed doing the nasty with another woman. Nine long months later Teagan finds herself sexually frustrated, due to a recent surge of explicit sex phone calls on her business line. Frank Black needs Teagan’s expertise to put the finishing touches on a room in his house, but he fantasizes about tying her up and ravishing her. Will Teagan be able to resist the designs Frank has for her?

Excerpt:
Holy shit!
Teagan couldn’t remember ever experiencing such intensity before. Stars flashed before her eyes as Frank drove her over the edge, tumbling to ecstasy.
Both feet back on the floor, Teagan rested her head on his shoulder, allowing herself time to catch her breath and time to wonder what the fuck she was thinking.
Yes, it was a mind-blowing experience, but she wasn’t the type to let her inhibitions go and succumb to a man she just met. But she had to admit, Frank Black wasn’t just any man. There was something about him, something that made Teagan want to stay and learn more about him. She wanted to figure out what this attraction was she felt. There was attraction; a deep one that scared the shit out of her. She hadn’t felt this way since Tim and her instincts were dead wrong about him. She didn’t want to make the same mistakes trusting another man. Maybe it was the phone calls. They had her sexually frustrated and needing release. Maybe she was confusing the need for sex with attraction. But damn, Frank did know how to please her.
Teagan felt empty as Frank stepped back, but her emptiness didn’t last long. He wrapped her in his arms, planting gentle kisses on her face.
"You’re an amazingly beautiful woman, Teagan Topaz."
She blushed, unused to so many compliments.
"I could make love to you all night long."
Teagan’s stomach grumbled before she had a chance to respond.
"But first, I must feed you."
She laughed nervously.
"You’ll need energy for what I have in store for you."
"What about Susan?" Teagan asked. As exciting as the prospect sounded, his sister lived in his house and would be returning home eventually.
"We’ll worry about that after dinner."
Frank helped Teagan put her clothes back in order, and then kissed the tip of her nose. "I’d rather have dessert first…"

Special Guest - Destiny Blaine

Thank you for being a hostess on our 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour. It’s great to be here today. I’m stopping by with some exciting news about a short paranormal Christmas story released today at Siren Publishing. Writing as Addison Avery, I love to write paranormal Christmas stories. Sex Shifters and a Vampire: An Unlikely Christmas Match has an important Christmas message and I hope readers interested in alternative romance will take a closer look at Sex Shifters and a Vampire: An Unlikely Christmas Match.

I brought along some information to share and as mentioned in the blog promo, I’m taking you behind the scenes and sharing one of my favorite excerpts from Sex Shifters and a Vampire: An Unlikely Christmas Match by Addison Avery.

Thanks so much, Amber! Welcome. Anytime. :)

Destiny Blaine

Sex Shifters and a Vampire: An Unlikely Christmas Match
AVAILABLE: Tuesday, December 14th

AVAILABLE: Tuesday, December 14th
This new release is offered at a 10% discount for four weeks.
A Special Christmas Feature
[PolyAmour: Erotic Shape-shifter Cowboy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, with M/M, vampires, sex-shifters]

Conrad Cleveland isn’t ready for a relationship, much less designated mates. He has valid reasons he wants to avoid the shifters waiting to claim him. A very old vampire, Conrad understands the sacrifices he’s expected to make. The sex-shifters waiting to claim their vampire have no idea what transformations Conrad will soon face.

With the holidays approaching, Conrad is left without choices, and he’s forced to accept the fact his skirt-chasing days are over. He reluctantly acknowledges the consequences of finding his shifter mates, and through them, Conrad discovers a most unusual but quite perfect kind of love.

Excerpt:

Kimberly planned to have a hell of a good time with Conrad. She’d been excited about their relationship since she first learned about him.
Two hundred years old, Conrad rarely had a woman for longer than a month, but over the course of his lifetimes, several visited his bed. Conrad rarely drank from a vein even when he desperately sought a sip of blood. Some believed he feared intimacy like mortals once feared the black plague or vampires shuddered with the mere mention of a stake through the heart.
Like it or not, Conrad would eat her up like his last meal. He might as well accept what he had coming because Kimberly couldn’t wait to spread her legs and let him have a real fine time.
Kimberly graciously accepted the cup of coffee Conrad handed her after they returned to his house. She noticed the way he traipsed around the galley kitchen, acting like a caged animal, pacing the parameter of the domestic area.
“I don’t bite,” she teased.
“I do,” he reminded her.
She clapped her hands. “Oh, goodies! Maybe we can get started quicker than I expected.”
He arched a brow. “What do you mean?’
She threw her arm over the back of the curved-frame chair. “You’re going to be crazy about me. And I can’t wait.”
“Ain’t gonna happen.”
“Let me guess, you don’t find me attractive?”
He looked her up and down, and she enjoyed the silent appraisal. “It’s not that,” he admitted. “My life is too complicated right now.”
“You don’t want a mate?” She knew he didn’t. Quite frankly, she didn’t care.
“Not really.”
“Don’t need the headaches?”
“Definitely not.”
“Don’t have the patience?”
“No.”
“The time?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Can’t find the energy for some of the most erotic fucking of your lifetime?”
He gasped.
“That’s what I thought,” she said smugly, sitting back in her chair and enjoying the ambiance. “I’ve never been in a home decorated for the holidays. This is quite unusual. Do you celebrate Christmas?”
“Yes, every year.”
“Hmmm…mind if I ask why?”
“It’s a holiday the humans celebrate and one I firmly believe in.”
“You can’t go to heaven,” she stated flatly.
“I don’t believe that.”
“You should. You can’t die.” She sighed. “Or at least, you won’t meet your demise like a normal human.”
“Maybe not, but one day, the world will end, and when it does, I plan to go to heaven then.”
“I see,” she muttered, eyeing the scattered holly above the mantel. She certainly had her work cut out for her. Conrad apparently didn’t believe in the old vampire customs. Rather than argue or contradict him by presenting evidence to prove her point, she enjoyed the pretty tree with its festive ornaments and bright lights. The smell of pinecones filled the room, and she couldn’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
“I take it you weren’t interested in a horse?”
She shrugged. “I wouldn’t say that.”