Happy Birthday!

To my amazing husband.

Friday Update

Today is my last day before vacation from the day job. It’s a much needed a vacation. We’re not going away there’s too much to do around the house, that can’t get done while working our stressful jobs. It’s okay, because the weathermen aren’t offering a promise of sunny days.

Our true vacation will be in August when we go to Virginia. I’m looking forward to that vacation, but not rushing the summer away by any means. As you know I’m a huge fan of summer.

We’ve been talking about moving to Texas or Florida. We’re both sick of the New England weather. The move will take place in two years when my 16yr old graduates from high school. Unless she goes to live with someone else before then and the way things are going that’s a huge possibility too.

My mom and son are coming for a three day visit. Tomorrow I’m throwing a birthday party for both my mom and husband. I had hoped the kids could use the pool, but it doesn’t seem likely. It’ll still be a good time.

I’m hoping to finish writing my current wip Trapt in Troy, while on vacation. This book is the first in my new Rock Band series. A surprise popped up in this book I didn’t see coming. A female singer will cause issues for Troy and Katherine. Journey, the sexy singer will get her own book down the line. She definitely has a story to tell.

Next week I’ll start the countdown to my new release – Operation: Second Honeymoon. A new M/F/M coming from Loose Id.

Happy Friday!

Special Guest - Natalie Gayle

What prompted me to write romance?

It’s the question I get asked all the time.  And I’m sure I look at people with a really confused look on my face, because to me, and anyone that knows me, the answer is so simple.

I LOVE reading all types of romance.  My tastes are wide and varied and I’ll probably give just about any romance book a go.  So it simply made sense for me to write what I love to read. 

I’ll also answer some of the other questions about romance novels that I get asked regularly.

When did your love of romance start?

I started reading romance when I was about fourteen.  I would escape to the library at school because it was air-conditioned and I hate the heat.  I’m still not sure why I live in Queensland?   Which is one of the hottest states in Australia.  One of the other reasons I sort sanctuary in the library was that I didn’t have much in common with the other kids, so I preferred to take a break from being at school and spend some time somewhere else and novels provided the perfect place to escape to.

I picked up my first Georgette Heyer novel then proceeded to read through the whole shelf and every other book that looked like romance in the library.  I fell in love with the whole “happily ever after” thing.  I was hooked on the comfort that regardless how bad things got, there was always going to be a happy ending. 

Even today I find something very reassuring about this.  Most of us at times feel our life is a bit out of control but knowing there’s going to be a happily ever after is very comforting. 

When did you read your first Mills and Boon?

At age seventeen, when I went away to boarding school I read my first Mills and Boon.  My good friend and room mate and I, would each buy a couple of Mills and Boon books on a Saturday morning, two family size blocks of Cadbury chocolate each and settle in for a weekend of reading and chocolate indulging. 

We learnt a lot about “the adult” world of love and relationships. Upon reflection it should probably be considered a right of passage for any young woman.  We had fun!

When did you realise you loved writing?

I always knew I loved reading.  I read my first real series when I was about ten.  It was not until my final year of high school that I realised I actually enjoyed writing.  I’d always been very good at English but I wouldn’t say I ever had a passion for it.  Then I had an amazing English teacher at boarding school, Mrs Robyn Collins. 

She really turned me “on” to English.  Mrs Collins challenged me, helped me and inspired me to push the boundaries.  She even let me turn in a major assessment piece entitled, “Why every guy should read at least one Mills and Boon.”  How many high school English teachers would let you do that? 

When did you write your first book?

I was in my early twenties when I wrote my first book.  I never finished it.  I wrote about five chapters and got way laid.  What sort of romance novel?  You guessed it.  A Mills and Boon.  In fact I had the whole thing mapped out to the “formula”, but I never finished it.  I don’t even know where it is anymore and that’s probably where it should stay. 

So why Finding Trust?

To be honest I’m not sure.  I’m not the sort of person that sits and wonders why I’m doing something. I’m either doing it, or I’m not.  I felt the need to write so I did.  I started the novel with a very vague idea of what was going to happen. 

The Hendra virus was something that I was dealing with in part of my life at the time and my mind as it often does, got wandering and wondered – what if?  And hence the premise for the plot was born. 

I wrote the first four chapters 2008.  A few people knew I’d started it but I said nothing more.  A few things happened and I got very busy with work and Boards and the novel got put away. 

Last year I had a bit of a reprioritisation in my life and I suddenly had a little bit of free time on my hands.  For those who know me, they’re rolling around on the floor laughing right now.  You see I own an IT company and I’m just in the process of starting another with a good friend.  I also have a husband and two small children plus many other things happening in my life.  So free time for me is a serious joke. 

Some how I found the time and wrote most of it in September 2012.  I booked the editor for the end of January 2013.  Then put the novel away for the next few months.  I had to write software specifications and project plans.  Very non- romance. 

Over Christmas/New Year, I wrote the last five chapters and epilogue.  I did this in six, three hour stints when the kids went to bed each night.  And on the 5^th January at around 11pm, I declared Finding Trust finished.    

My husband had been saying for weeks, “Just write the end.”  Well he’s not a reader so he just didn’t get that you can’t do that.  Besides Rihanna and Brayden wouldn’t have that one little bit. 

What’s even funnier was that my husband wanted to open a bottle of Vintage Champagne earlier that afternoon.  (We both love champagne – sometimes guys like it too!).  Anyway I convinced him to hold out until I finished.  So I woke him up off the lounge and we celebrated the finish together. 

Now who do you think I told next?  My FaceBook friends, of course.

And that is the story of how Finding Trust came about. 

What did I learn through the process?

I learnt that I love to write.  That even if I have no idea what’s going to happen in the story, if I sit down at the computer and let the characters take over, they’ll tell me what to write.   

I only hope the same process works as well for Finding Judgement.  I’m working on this one now.  I’m planning to have it published around late June/July.  And I have strong concepts for book three and four in the Centre Games series. 

I hope you enjoy Finding Trust.  I’m really enjoying writing Finding Judgement right now. 

DESCRIPTION:

 Brayden and Rihanna He’s hot, sexy, and leads a double life. Sometimes in the limelight, mostly in the shadows. Brayden James holds fast to a secret that’s more than his to share. She’s a singularly focused veterinarian out for a rare night of fun with friends, at a New Year’s Eve rock concert. Going home with the lead guitarist was furthest thing from Rihanna Mason’s mind when the night began. When Rihanna inadvertently becomes the target of a deadly terrorist plot using the Hendra virus as a biological weapon, Brayden is forced to reveal his other life. His job is to keep her safe and together they must stop the terrorists before it’s too late. But what happens when she becomes more to him than just the assignment? Will the secret he cannot disclose ultimately prove too much for Rihanna’s fragile trust in relationships? Or will he finally break through the double brick walls around her heart, where every other man has failed?

Buy Finding Trust ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-ebook/dp/B00BMHKBDG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371316771&sr=8-1

Buy Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-Volume/dp/0987514202/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371316771&sr=8-1

Whet Your Appetite Wednesday - Blanche Marriott

Kindle:

Nook

BLURB

A legendary crystal entangles two reluctant lovers with the help of an eccentric aunt and a mystical Indian.

Celeste Jordan knows nothing about gems so she questions why she sees a mark on hers that no one else can see. Rock Foster, a mineralogist, “rockhound”, is skeptical. As a scientist he doesn’t believe in legends, but he’d heard of crystals that hold knowledge for a privileged few. Reluctantly, he agrees to take Celeste to the desert dig site where he found the gem. Little did the loner know his life would be turned upside down and that love would knock down his door.

As an image consultant, Celeste always looks her best. Dirt, sweat, and outdoor showers have never been a part of her life. But she’s determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious gem and its affect on her, even if it means leaving the comforts of home for one night. Although attracted to the ruggedly handsome Rock, she knew nothing could come of it. They were each married to their careers and their worlds were miles apart. But when Mother Nature twists up a storm that changes all their plans, one night turns into another, then another...

Excerpt:

“Celeste, he’s here, now! Hurry, or you’ll miss him.” The phone line nearly crackled from the excitement in the old lady’s voice.

“Aunt Clara, I’m in the middle of an appointment. Can it wait?” Celeste smiled and raised an apologetic shrug to the man frowning back at her from the other side of her desk. She’d have to work hard to win over her new client after this disruptive phone call magnified his unease.

“No! Suppose he gets away? This might be our only chance to talk to him. I’ve read the cards. They say now is the time.”

Oh, Lord, not the cards again. As if they hadn’t already caused enough trouble over the years. Unfortunately, they were usually right. Or rather, Aunt Clara was right.

“Okay, Auntie, I’ll be there as soon as I can. Now don’t do anything foolish. Just stay put until I get there.”

***

The bright red FOR SALE sign stood like a bold insult in front of the old one-story house with brown weathered shingles that had seen better days. Celeste Jordan noted the realtor’s familiar name, probably the only realtor in the tiny tight-knit community of Ashaway. A few dried, crimson leaves clustered around the post as though clinging, like the remains of summer, to the memories of the man who never would have dreamed of selling his house.

Celeste parked her car in the narrow gravel driveway then slid out, smoothing down the wrinkles from her skirt. She walked the broken cement path that led to the lopsided wooden porch on the side, careful not to catch her high heels in a crevice while her mind rehearsed how she’d open the conversation.

But before she placed a foot on the bottom step, the sound of a car caught her attention and she turned. A taxi, most unusual in these parts of rural Rhode Island, had pulled into the driveway and idled as its passenger gathered his things and paid the fare. Even more unusual was the passenger himself.

A cowboy?

It was the first thing that came to mind when she saw the tall stranger with the scuffed and battered hat. Not so much a cowboy hat, more like an Indiana Jones hat. His western shirt, visible beneath the open suede jacket, had inched its way out of his low-riding, faded jeans as he hefted a duffel bag over his shoulder. His brown boots thudded heavily up the walk.

Almost as heavy as the stern look he aimed at her in his slow approach.

“Mr. Foster?”

He continued toward her, his look hard, but questioning. “Do I know you?”

“Not really. My aunt lives next door. She told me you were here and asked that I come speak to you on her behalf.”

He stopped abruptly, his right boot bumping the toe of her left shoe as though it were a challenge, but she held her ground. He tipped his head back, allowing the late afternoon light to shine under the brim of his hat and into his smoky gray eyes. She noticed the odd color right away. That was her job, to notice the physical, and she was always on the job, always observing, sizing up, calculating. No detail escaped her keen professional eye.

Apparently nothing escaped his either, since he took the liberty of scanning her from head to foot and back. No telltale expression showed on his tanned face but a glimmer of annoyance flickered across his eyes.

“Your aunt said I was here?” His gaze drifted to the house next door across the large expanse of patchy lawn.

“Yes, she called me at work. We’ve been trying to reach you for some--”

“Whoa, whoa.” From the strap of the duffel bag over his shoulder, he wiggled his free fingers to halt her explanation. “Your aunt said I was here?”

“Yes, I told you she called me. We’ve written to you--”

“But I just got here.”

“I know, that’s why she called.” Celeste bit back a lump of impatience and moved her foot away from his boot. Bad enough she’d rushed her client--who seemed less than confident she could clean up his image--out of her office and raced down here from Providence. Now she had to deal with a dim-witted cowboy, or whatever he was, whose overpowering presence made her feel like she was an intrusion.

“Lady, I just got off several long, bumpy flights from New Mexico and maybe my brain is a bit rattled, but the last time I checked a person didn’t arrive someplace until they actually arrived, if you catch my meaning. And as you yourself witnessed, I just arrived.”

Celeste was about to barge forward with her pitch when the full meaning of his drawn-out observation hit her. She’d been so busy concentrating on what to say to this phantom letter recipient, she hadn’t realized that Aunt Clara had been up to some old tricks.

More precisely, she’d ignored the warning flags that had gone up in the back of her mind.

“Yes, well, be that as it may, I’d still--”

“Be that as it may? Do people really talk like that around here?”

His mocking gaze took another slow inventory from the bottom of her navy blue heels, up her smart navy blue suit and white silk blouse, to the top of her hair neatly combed into place just before she’d gotten out of her car. A good image was everything.

She straightened her back. “As I was saying, I’ve written to you several times...”

With a slight shake of his head, he skirted around her and clomped up the porch steps, dropping his bag near the door.

“Jordan, right?”

A tingle ran up her spine hearing her name on his tongue. Smooth, mellow, and with just a hint of a western drawl.

“Yes, Celeste Jordan. My aunt is Clara Michaels, next door.”

“Right.” From his pocket, he pulled out a set of keys and decided on the right one while shouldering the screen door.

“So, you did receive my letters?”

He unlocked the door and grunted, “Yup,” then shoved the duffel bag inside. With an insolent slam, the screen door severed their conversation.

Flabbergasted, Celeste stiffened, uncertain whether to knock, wait or leave altogether. No, leaving was out of the question. She’d promised Aunt Clara. But if she didn’t leave, what did the uncivilized brute expect her to do, just yell through the door like a country bumpkin?

As she raised her hand to knock politely, the sound of his approaching boots stopped her. She held her breath until his disgruntled face appeared at the screen and the door squeaked open a notch.

“Are you coming in?”

The exasperation in his voice grated against her practiced patience. If it weren’t for Aunt Clara, she’d have been out of there five minutes ago.

“Yes, thank you.”

She entered what looked like a pantry. Shelves everywhere were stocked with canned goods and supplies, and old jackets hung from pegs at odd angles near the door. Celeste tucked her elbows close to her ribs as she passed. Who knew how long the jackets had been there, unwashed?

She stepped up from the entry into the kitchen. It too was cluttered, but a lived in kind of clutter. Canisters, small containers, cooking utensils. Everything sat out on the counter ready for use, as though Pap Wilson was still there.

“Mr. Foster--”

“Do you think you could call me Rock?” He pulled a bottle of aspirin from a cabinet. “I have a miserable headache, my stomach’s churning like a washing machine and my ears are still popping from the flight. Hearing you call me Mr. Foster is just more than I can handle right now.” He turned to the sink. “Excuse me.”

Celeste relaxed a bit. So maybe he wasn’t so much rude as just travel weary. She sympathized with that feeling after all the business trips she’d been on.

He filled a glass from the faucet, popped a couple of tablets in his mouth and washed them down with a loud gulp. Celeste shivered. Tap water. How barbaric.

“Now, if you’ll have a seat, I’ll give you my full attention, for what it’s worth right now.”

She gave the wooden chair beside the scarred table an apprehensive glance, unable to bring herself to sit in it. Pap had been dead for several months now. Who knew how long before that since the place had been cleaned?

“Oh, for God’s sake...” Rock mumbled as he got up, grabbed an old towel off the rack near the sink, and wiped down the chair. “There. Now sit.” He sank into the chair on the other side of the small table and waited for her to do the same.

Ahhh, Welcome Summer

I love you so!

Happy Father's Day

To all the father's in my life, I'm sending you wishes for a beautiful day.

Whet Your Appetite Wednesday - Kathy Kulig

Blurb: Dante’s dimension is on the edge of destruction, he seeks the help of a special mortal woman, Haley Moore. Fierce, undeniable passion between them unravels his plans and threatens Haley’s life. To save her, he must resist temptation, abandon her and leave earth forever. The sacrifices and risks are great, but what if there’s one last chance at love?

Excerpt:

Don’t get personal with your quarry.

He’d seen her walking along the highway alone. Young, attractive, fearless and carrying a backpack. A traveler? Homeless? He didn’t know. She was the perfect Kithra or quarry. She accepted his offer for a ride, with a little telepathic influence on his part, and he’d driven her out into the desert. No one would see them here.

She’d laughed when he’d swung the bike off the road, heading into open desert. While he made a campfire, she’d taken his Navajo blanket from the saddlebag and spread it out by the fire. Now naked and in trance, he craved to take her as a mortal man would take a mortal woman, but he couldn’t. She didn’t need to be naked for the collection. And tonight it was making his task more difficult.

Dante had to make his quota of human lifeforce energy to the demoness of Anartia. The immortals needed his offering to maintain their world. If he failed, he’d be replaced—destroyed—by Gwyllain, or her consort Tarik, the rulers of Anartia.

The woman watched him with hunger and lust in her eyes. The need to climax was great. His cock ached. But he’d have to wait until the offering. Stay in control. The more he teased and prolonged her orgasm, the better the harvest of chi. She whimpered as she watched him work his cock.

Straddling her body, he knelt on either side of her waist. Dante leaned forward and stroked her breasts, then eased his hand over her belly and between her legs. The woman sucked in a breath. The aura around her body told him she was close but he wasn’t ready to harvest her energy yet. As he rubbed her clit, cream coated her folds and moistened his finger. He plunged inside her pussy and shoved deep. She cried out, raising her hips off the blanket. The scent of her arousal was mixed with the scents of the desert—the earth, the sage and mesquite. He loved the desert, and he loved taking his Kithra here. The distraction of its beauty helped him control his own desire.

“Fuck me or lick me. I can’t wait anymore.” She reached down and grabbed his cock and squeezed him.

Damn, it felt good. But he pulled her hand away and pressed both arms above her head. He couldn’t risk having her touch him like that. It’d been so long since he’d had the pleasure to seek release with a human.

Leaning forward, he brushed his lips over her nipple, then bit gently and rolled his tongue over the erect peak. He repeated the tease to the other nipple and she moaned in pleasure. “So good,” she breathed.

“Yes.” He didn’t even know her name. No matter. She wouldn’t remember him after the collection. “Stay still,” he ordered.

“Yes.” She nodded and stopped writhing but he still ached to drive his cock into her. A vibration surged through him as he prepared for the harvest. Opening his mouth, he held his lips close to hers without touching. She parted her lips as if anticipating a deep kiss and her chi energy flowed in a stream of light from her mouth into his. She cried out as the orgasm shattered her but he held her down. His cock throbbed and his balls tightened, his body tensed, aching for release as the chi energy rushed into him. Control, control. He had to slow down or he’d drain her.

When he felt her energy weaken, he pulled away and stood. The woman lay there, in a deep, trancelike sleep, her eyes open but dazed. As he watched her, something inside him stirred. His collection was complete. He should leave her here, now. After all, he’d picked her up along the highway. Why not leave her where he found her? When she awoke, she wouldn’t remember their encounter.

Dropping down onto the sand beside her, he brushed her hair back. He’d been hanging around Sakari too long. No wonder that Drone chose to become a mortal. She got too personal with her Kithra and it always got her into trouble.

Dante got to his feet, got dressed and collected his belongings, stowing them away on his bike. Glancing back to the woman, he saw her curl up on her side and shiver as if the desert night air had chilled her. She was coming out of the trance. He needed to leave. He could cover her with a blanket. The night was cool and she was naked. After covering her, he stood over her and watched her sleep. She snuggled deeper under the covering and sighed. His cock twitched, then hardened. It took all his willpower not to lie next to her and pull her into his arms. Not for another collection of chi, but to feel her body close. Fuck. He kicked a stone into the fire and sparks rose into the sky.

He couldn’t leave her. He didn’t know why but he just couldn’t do it. There was no way he was going to let Sakari or any of the Drones find out about this. After he helped her dress, he folded up the blanket and got her back onto his bike. She was awake, but still in a semitrance. He extinguished the fire, buried the ashes so there was no sign that anyone had ever been there and drove his bike back toward the highway. He found a budget motel and pulled into the parking lot.

“Here’s your stop,” Dante said in a friendly manner. As she climbed off the bike, he slipped some cash into her jeans pocket.

She looked at him a little confused. “My stop? I can’t afford to stay here.”

“Sure you can. You said you found some money at the last rest area you were at. You have it in your pocket.”

Fishing in her jeans, she held up the bills. “Wow. Oh, yeah. I guess I forgot.” She laughed. “I should save this money though. I abandoned my car shortly after I left Texas. It died. But I have a sleeping bag. I’ve been camping out.”

“No, you need a bed and a safe place to sleep for the night.” Dante used his telepathic influence again. He wanted to make sure she’d have a safe place to recover. By morning she’d regain her strength and her mind, although she’d have forgotten all about their encounter, all about him.

“It would be nice to sleep in a real bed and use a shower, not wash up in a rest area. Will you stay too?” she asked.

He gripped the handles on his bike and dared to glance at her lush mouth. Her lips were pressed in a sexy pout. If he kissed her, he knew he wouldn’t have the power to leave. “Can’t.”

She sighed. “Thanks for the lift.” She waved goodbye and strode toward the motel. By morning he knew she’d forget about their sexual encounter in the desert.

Dante turned his bike around and rode back onto the highway.

Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/damned-and-defiant.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Damned-Defiant-Demons-Exile-ebook/dp/B008YXDVAG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1352653864&sr=8-6&keywords=kathy+kulig

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damned-and-defiant-kathy-kulig/1112582064?ean=9781419940804

Welcome Lisa Eugene

HOW STEAMY DO I GO WITH MY SEX.

Well...humm...I have to say that my sex scenes do get pretty steamy, but I think it's a product of my writing. The best review I ever got was when somone wrote, "You can really feel what her characters are feeling and going through"...that's what I aim for, so I tend to be very descriptive with my writing! If my characters are going through it, I want my readers to go through it too! If they are sad, I want my readers to feel sad. If they're angry, I want my reader to feel angry. If they are horny...well, you get the picture! Although I want my sex scenes to be realistic, I try to be tactful and romantic with my wording. Although, lets face it…there’re only a few words to describe the private areas so it can sometimes be a challenge.

 I want my writing to be an emotional experience. I myself am a voracious reader. I like to absolutely immerse myself in a scene. I want to know the textures of the reality. What color is the sky? How does the breeze feel against my skin? What does this world smell like? I think that's why my sex scenes tend to be explicit. I want to know what my hero and heroine are feeling, tasting, and smelling....maybe a little weird, right? But, that's me. That’s also why my husband says I’m horrible at telling jokes. If a guy walks into a bar, I want to know what he’s wearing, the color of his eyes, what the bartender looks like…lol

Reading is escapism in its most cerebral form. I believe that you can live many lives inside your brain. That's what daydreaming is about. An author can help create a fascinating daydream or spark the fuse for one. I have to say that it's also a little bit voyeuristic. We as people, love to look into the lives of others, not just sexually, but in a way that depicts everyday lives...look at reality TV. We are fascinated by what others are going through. I think in a way it gives us validation that we're not alone. We're not the only one having a bad day, or having bad hair or bad skin or bad sex. Or on the other hand we may revel in the joys and triumphs of life just by observing or reading about the lives of others. It can be fictitious or real. It's life. I enjoy depicting that life as a little more exciting and sexy.
So...steamy sex scenes...hell yeah!

Blurb: Conservative Emergency Room Physician, Nina Henley has always followed the rules. Her life has been dictated by her unwavering commitment to medicine. Wade Connolly, renowned medical malpractice attorney and 'New York’s sexiest bachelor' enters her life and challenges her with his bold sexuality and intense passion. One look into his gorgeous blue eyes and Nina is forced to acknowledge needs that have long been repressed. When she becomes involved in Wade’s perilous malpractice case she realizes that she is at risk for not only heartbreak, but betrayal as everything she's worked so hard for is threatened. Will Wade's passion and love be enough to save her or will she lose everything…including her life?


Excerpt of STRICTLY BUSINESS rated ADULT:

      Professional, she kept repeating to herself. Gorgeous and huge! Another voice kept insinuating itself into her overheated brain. The air in the room was thick and the only sound that echoed off the walls was the steady rhythm of their mingled breaths. Nina moaned as he lifted her top, exposing her black lace bra. Cool air teased her hot skin, making her shiver. A finger tormented her nipple and she was sure she whispered “please” before he groaned huskily and closed his mouth over her breast.

Caught in a cloud that was all sensation and need, she trailed her fingers down to the waistband of his pants.

 “God…I want you. Where can we go? Is it safe in here?” His husky breath floated against the shell of her ear, sending a hazy buzz along her skin.

The loud jingle of the beeper hanging precariously from her scrub bottoms sliced through the moment like a sledgehammer. They both stared at each other, stunned, wide eyed, and wanting.. She exhaled an unsteady breath as she skimmed a hand over her hair, ignoring the jab of several pens. She quickly checked the state of her scrubs. She couldn’t believe that she’d acted so impetuously—like a sex starved lunatic!  Remorse stabbed at her. Thoughts of her promising career and the life she'd built all twirled around in her head like a frenzied tornado, threatening to disappear into the fuzzy distance...

BUY STRICTLY BUSINESS


http://www.amazon.com/Strictly-Business-ebook/dp/B00BLOQ0ZS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1367419601&sr=1-1&keywords=lisa+eugene

Find Lisa:
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.eugene.3

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17450303-strictly-business

 https://twitter.com/lisaeugene43

Enter to Win

Today is my turn at the Romance Review Sizzling Summer Read Party.  I'm giving away an e-copy of Sex on the Beach to heat up your summer nights.

Hop on over and enter to win

http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Buy Link

Friends...I have a few

Our family has been going through some trying times with an unruly teen. I’ve been down this road before, but this is a bit different. If you knew her, you wouldn’t expect it. She’s a straight A student. Her plans for the future are to be a neo-natal doctor and care for women with high risk pregnancies. She always obeyed the rules and knew the importance of certain things.

The child we're suddenly dealing with is irrational. She doesn’t care about consequences and flat out disregards rules. She can’t seem to grasp right and wrong. She throws tantrums like a two year old and has violent mood swings. She's run away, I've called the cops. Cutting school every day. I’m losing my mind on so many levels it’s not funny.

I’ve come realize how wonderful it is to have friends in this business. I have to give a big shout out to some to have made me smile this week and show me some light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

Molly Daniels – we exchanged emails regarding my Freedom Fantasies series. In one of the emails she said: you know you’re one of my favorite writers, right.  *blushes* It’s nice to be told this. As a writer we don’t always know what people think of our writing. Big hugs for making me feel appreciated as a writer.

Another was with a friend, who just made me laugh. Her daughter has an eccentric art teacher. She was telling me how the teacher names all her paint brushes, holds funerals for them when they break and if you hold them under water too long she’ll say: gulp, gulp, gulp…I’m drowning.

This conversation gave me a chuckle in a time I really needed one.

My critique partner, co-author writing partner and all around good friend Katalina Leon sent me a banner for my new release coming July 9^th from Loose Id. I wasn’t expecting it, so it was a wonderful surprise.

Julia Barrett, for her kind words.

And Marie Rose Dufour who would be by my side if I ask.

Writers understand how lonely this business can be and how we need a shoulder at times. So thanks to those who’ve brightened my dark days.

Whet Your Appetite Wednesday - Heather Peters

Buy Link


Blurb:

Ocean Whispers.…When a runaway heiress books passage on a luxury cruise ship to escape her cruel ex, will the battle worn P.I. hired to find her turn her in, or turn her on?

Whispered Magic….Could unexplained love between two strangers in Salem, Massachusetts be destiny? Or just someone's playful magic? 

Excerpt:

"Jared, what are you doing here?"

Shana had always loved the sound of his name. Loved crying out when they made love. She'd scream it over and over as she came in Jared's arms. Then he'd bury himself deep inside her wet channel and she'd fall apart in his arms.

His mouth was a slash of angry indignation. As he stepped closer, she could see his nostrils flare and his eyes darken with tension. "Don’t answer my question with a question."

Lie, she told herself. Do whatever you have to do, just lie and get him out of here, before you do something you'll regret. Her heart pounded out a rhythm of something she hadn't felt in years. She couldn't help stare at him, yet no answer came forth. She tried, but couldn't lie again.

Yet she couldn't tell him the truth. He wasn't hers any longer. He belonged to another woman now. Shana had no hold over him.

"It's nothing, just allergies."

He moved closer, tall and handsome, this man she'd once planned on spending her life with. Shana could tell his hands were clenched inside his work-worn jeans pockets. "I don't believe you."

Shana shook her head, willing him closer, yet knew she shouldn't. "It's true."

He shook his head and his brows furrowed in a frown. "Liar."

If you take one more step, Jared, I'll fall apart. The scent of sweat and man wrapped around her, pulled her in. Shana stumbled back and almost fell over her chair.

"Why did you come back, Jared? Did you forget something?"

She followed his eyes to his car keys on the desk, and her heart sank. He only returned for his keys, not for you.

But he didn't retrieve the key chain. His unblinking gaze focused on nothing but her.

"Yeah, I forgot something. And I'm going to hell for this, but…."

Without warning, he grabbed her arms then pushed her against the desk. His warm and familiar touch drew a gasp from her. The fact he hadn't shaved drove her crazy. She'd always loved him scruffy, sweaty from a long day of working with his hands.

Was she crazy?

"Are you out of your mind? Jared, let me go."

His hands lifted to her face and held her in place so she couldn't look away. His mouth was so close to hers, she could smell coffee on his breath. He drank his coffee black with two sugars, something she'd never forgotten.

"Out of my mind? Maybe. My fiancée is down in the car, waiting for me. I'm getting married in three months. I found a way to go on with my life, after you threw me away. I met someone who loves me, and I care about her, as much as I'm capable of. You tore me apart and left me with no answers." His thumb traced the path of her lower lip. "I hate you," he whispered.

Shana shivered at his callused touch, her heart pounded in her ears. She couldn’t stop him. Her voice betrayed her. "Yes, hate me. Go away. Please, Jared."

"Please what? Tell me Shana, right now. Do I leave you or kiss you?"

Her legs gave way, and Jared lifted her easily. It felt so good to be in his arms again; she'd missed his touch, his strong embrace.

That earlier rigid self-control of hers was falling apart. She knew what she was about to do was so wrong, but she couldn’t help herself. Jared tore down her wall of resistance with a warm palm against her face. His voice was a choked whisper against her soft, warm cheek. "Shana, Shana."

~*~

Not waiting for her to answer him either way, his nose touched hers and the familiar feel of his erection pressed against her, hard as brick.

"Fuck this." His voice was a coarse growl and without preamble, Jared slid papers and folders from her desk to the floor, then lifted Shana and placed her on the desk, followed her down and kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

Shana's mouth opened to his insistent tongue, and he delved into her warmth, loving the taste of peppermint. This is what love should feel like, he thought. Knowing you'll die without the woman you love, holding her as if she's your other half. Having her kisses hold you prisoner from a place you never want to be free of. This is what loving a woman is like.

And he loved Shana. He'd never stopped loving her.

No words were spoken. Haste was of the utmost importance. He knew what he was doing was wrong, so why didn't he stop? Why didn't his fingers stop unbuttoning her soft blouse that would reveal the soft skin beneath? Why didn't she stop him and slap him and tell him to get out? He could see her dark pink nipples through the lace, pebble hard, waiting for his mouth to devour them like a tasty meal. He lifted the silky fabric over her head, exposing her full breasts. He proceeded to ravish her as if starved for weeks. No, starved for years . . . for her soft and warmth.

Hard as brick, his erection ruled his body as he reveled in her touch. Her hands were all over him, pulling the shirt from his pants, unbuckling his belt, and before he knew it, she released his throbbing, erect cock from its restraints.

"Ah yes, put your hands on me; that's it."

Reason abandoned her. All she wanted was to feel. Jared's hands and mouth were a carnal assault on her all too ready body, and she welcomed his touch, while wanting to connect with him. He was hard and thick and ready, and all Shana wanted was to experience Jared and invite him into her body.

The honk of the car horn broke the sounds of their passion, and brought them out of their sexual haze, and the realization of what they were about to do hit home like a sledge hammer.

"Jared, we can't, we can't."

Shana's head shot toward the window, her voice filled with shame and shock. "Oh my God. What have we done? You'd better go." Breathless, flushed and disheveled, she was unable to look into his eyes. "Look at us. Look at what we're doing."

Jared fought to catch his breath. "Is…is that all you have to say?" Jared appeared to struggle to catch his breath as Shana stepped away from him and instantly felt his loss. His gaze cemented on her, still dark and hungry. She knew from experience Jared was an insatiable lover. What they just shared would have been only a prelude to hours of deep, explosive sex.  

His fingers turned her cheek toward him. "Shana, look at me."

She shook her head, and again, tears trailed down her face. "Oh Jared. I'm sorry this happened. I've betrayed everything I believe in. "Oh my God."  She cried, then shielded her face with her hands in shame. "Please leave before Thea follows you here. If she catches us, I'll die."

He nodded. "Fuck! You think I planned this?" His hands shook as he adjusted his clothes. "I'm leaving. But this isn’t over. I want answers, Shana, do you understand? I need to know why."

She pushed errant hair over her shoulder and fought to regain her calm. "There's nothing to know. Just leave me alone. I feel bad enough as it is. I'll hand your file over to an associate. Just tell Thea I was too busy to continue with your wedding plans."

He tucked his shirt in his jeans, threaded shaking fingers through his hair, then looked at her. Without words, he shook his head, turned and left. Shana thought she'd be sick.

How could you be so irresponsible? She chided herself as she mentally ordered her shaking fingers to still as she packed her papers in her bag.

Shana's body had betrayed her. Her nipples still throbbed, as well as her sex. Willing herself to calm, she drew shaky fingers through her wealth of hair, then took a deep cleansing breath. "It was a moment of weakness." She whispered, shrugging into her jacket. "I've been without sex for too long. And who could resist Jared? He was always the sexiest, most handsome man I've ever known."

But no matter how she tried to convince herself that it was just a moment of weakness that cost her control of her body to her former lover, Shana's heart shattered a little bit more with every step she took.

As she climbed into her car and sped home, she hoped she wasn’t stopped by a policeman, when all she wanted to do was go home, lock her doors, and have a good cry.

Cover Reveal - Operation: Second Honeymoon

My newest coming July 9th from Loose Id

Welcome Natalie Acres

From the Siren-Bookstrand bestselling ménage romantic thriller series, Cowboy Boots, comes a new division of the Underground Unit and an unforgettable M/F BDSM romantic thriller.

International bestselling eBook and trade paperback author Natalie Acres presents a new line of BDSM novellas for her Cowboy Boots series. Known for writing ménage BDSM thrillers and western contemporaries, Natalie introduces The Underground Club starting with Underground-Las Vegas and a familiar operative many readers grew to love in Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business.

Readers following the Cowboy Boots series will we see recognizable faces in The Underground Clubs. They’ll also soon meet a number of new sexy Alpha Underground Unit operatives as well.

Some extraordinary surprises are in store for readers of BDSM M/F erotic romances so grab a cool beverage, load up your favorite e-reader, and replenish those batteries in your favorite toy. We’re all set for an explosive new novella debuting at Siren Publishing on June 3^rd!

Start with Book One in the Cowboy Boots series or pick up your copy of Cowboy Boots and Inexpressible Longing and follow The Underground Clubs saga, a new beginning for the Underground Unit operatives with more installments on the way!

http://www.bookstrand.com/natalie-acres

Reviews for Cowboy Boots

The Cowboy Boots Series~2011 Nominee for Best Series All Around
                in LR Cafe's Loop

“4.5 STARS: "Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts is ménage to a degree not normally seen. The sex scenes of BDSM are not for the faint of heart but they are all consensual. The intricate nuances of relationships play out against a backdrop of danger that adds even more spice to this red hot offering... AlexJouJou, Manic Readers

“If you like cowboys, horses, men and sex that pushes the envelope, you're in for a helluva ride with Cowboy Boots & Untamed Hearts!"  -- Rie McGaha, Rie's Reviews

“Very seldom will you find an erotic romance with such a deep and pain-filled thread running throughout. Kelsie’s cancer touches all of the characters in this story, and you get a close and intimate look at how it tears at the heart and soul of these five men, as well as the newcomer, Veronica. The pain and suffering is not sugar-coated at all but then neither is the heat and passion they all share…" -- Lototy,Coffee Time Romance & More