Hi everybody! Hope your having a great Saturday! My Sinful Saturday snippet is from The Best of Both Worlds, the second novella in my series Rags and Riches.
You really shouldn’t do this, she warned herself. But she wanted him so badly! And she could tell he wanted her. The alcohol had made her a little braver. Why not?
Her eyes locking with his, she leaned forward, putting her hands on his shoulders to steady herself as she tried to kiss him. She closed her eyes, anticipating the feel of his lips, but instead she felt his hands on her arms, pushing her away gently, but firmly.
"I don’t think so," he said carefully. All the humor in his eyes had gone.
I hope you enjoyed! If this sounds like your kind of thing you can get The Best of Both Worlds here on Amazon
Can Poppy find the courage to risk triple the love—and triple the
heartbreak?
Poppy Maguire is tired of being a loser. Emotionally neglected as a child,
she wants to find the courage to leave her family and the job she hates. She
desperately wants to make a change. Little does she realize how much of a change
sexy brothers Cody, Michael, and Trevor Paraby will bring to her life when the
friendly shoulders they offer turn into so much more.
Comfort turns to passion and Poppy learns what life could be like in the arms
of not one, but three men who love her. But what happens when the pink line on a
pregnancy test doubles and she's expecting twins, courtesy of one of the
Parabys?
The brothers blow her mind by offering her the family and love she's always
longed for. But do they realize what they're in for? Cody is moving a little too
fast, Michael may not be in for the long haul, and Trevor is a bit
self-centered. In order for Poppy to have the extraordinary love she fears she
hasn't earned, everyone is going to have to do some growing. But can she break
free from the bad seed of her abusive family and have the courage to bloom?
Content Warning: Explicit sex Note: This book has been previously published.
Now, we have Poppy, who is the kind of heroine you're rooting for straight away. She’s not perfect and she has family issues, and within the first page your physically crossing your fingers hoping everything works out for her.
Then we have the boys, Cody, Michael and Trevor. Each one of them would be mouth-watering on their own, but all together you just can’t help feeling a little bit jealous of Poppy. The three brothers were very different and loveable in their own way. Each one of them stands out, and the author really takes the time to let us get to know each one, what they like, what they don’t like and what makes each one of them tick. I felt like I knew each one personally, and at no point was I getting them mixed up.
And, as if that wasn’t enough to get you interested, there are also the boys’ parents who add a whole new aspect to the story. You really get swept up in the family life, and you see that they’ve had to overcome so many issues it makes you want to read all about them…and you will be able to! Now I’m just itching to get my hands on the prequel, Mary’s Men which releases in October from Beachwalk Press.
So if you’re looking for a romance that super sexy, and has an amazing story (and who wouldn’t want these things) then this is definitely the book for you!
I have another Beachwalk Babe with me today, please welcome Ashlynn Monroe, promoting her exciting new release Reality Hero!
Thank you so much for hosting me! I loved writing this book and I hope that readers will enjoy reading it as much as I adored the process of writing it. I am working on a novella sequel to this novel, Ella’s story. Enjoy Reality Hero, I can’t wait to hear what you think. I love reader email at authorashlynnmonroe@gmail.com!
Blurb
Can reality TV handle a reluctant superhero bachelor, ten attention-seeking women, and one evil villain?
Dina Dell's career as a television producer has hit bottom. Desperate to save her job, she comes up with the idea for a reality show called I Want to Date a Superhero. But the only superhero bachelor she knows is the only man she's ever loved—Zane Blair.
Zane was once a normal human, but a traumatic childhood incident mutated him, along with Dina's sister and their friends. Dina was the only one who escaped without any superhero abilities. And while she might be the "normal" one, that only left her feeling like more of an outcast.
Her lack of powers put Zane in danger. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone used her to get to him, she left, breaking both their hearts in the process. After all the pain she caused him, will he be willing to help her now?
Then an old enemy emerges, putting Dina's plans on hold. When her superhero friends are the ones who need help, Dina just might learn that sometimes little Miss Average can be a hero too.
Dina Dell sat
in the conference room waiting anxiously. A huge lump began forming in her
throat. She knew things weren’t going to go well, yet she held hope old Ervin
might be feeling generous. Her past hip and innovative programming ideas had
once made her his most valued employee. Now she was hanging onto her job by a
thread. That’s how the television business is: unforgiving. She was the
mastermind behind top rated shows such as Kid Exchange and Please,
Someone Marry my Mother.
Unfortunately,
the wellspring of creativity had run dry. For the last year, every show she’d
produced had been ratings disasters, if her productions had even been lucky
enough to air at all. Dina saw the writing on the wall, and with the network
making major cuts to combat the economic slump, she knew the axe was coming
down…on her head.
Watching the
wily old codger walk toward the room through the opaque glass, even without
seeing his face, she knew he was on the warpath. His body language said it all.
His fists were clenched and his shoulders were tight. He lumbered down the hall
as if he were preparing for murder—the murder of her career. Ervin threw open
the door with dramatic flair.
“My Cat is
in Charge? Really? Really and truly? Dear God, Dina. You honestly thought
this was going to make good television? Who’d ever watch this? What happened to
that brilliant brain of yours? Did you have a head injury? Did you have a
stroke? Did someone hit me in the head, and this is all some
coma-induced nightmare? What could possibly keep me from canning your sweet
little ass right now?”
“Well, the
sexual harassment lawsuit over your ‘sweet ass’ comment for one, and two, I
have an idea that’ll blow your mind. I swear it. This one will put the network
on top again. When the big boys hear the premise, neither of us will ever have
to worry about our jobs again.” She paused and took a deep breath. Sweat ran
down her face, but she resisted the urge to swipe at it, just in case he didn’t
notice. Oh God, can he see that I’m lying? “That whole cat thing was
just to get your attention for this. I swear the network will be kissing your
ass after this airs.” Dina was lying through her teeth. She had nothing
that she could produce. Her only idea was one she could never actually use
without destroying people she cared about. The cat thingwas the most creative idea she’d had in
months. Plenty of people loved cats. Someone would want to watch a show about
families letting their furry feline make major life decisions. Oh fuck, that
is awful. Crap. Hold it together, girl. The old man can smell fear. She
gulped in another lungful of air.
He cocked a
bushy, gray eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest. Waiting. She took a
breath. Folding her hands, she put them in her lap so he wouldn’t notice them
shaking. Closing her eyes, she exhaled slowly. It was time to pull out the
dramatics. She’d been around enough TV personalities to have picked up a thing
or two about acting. Okay, maybe if I lie well, he won’t send me to spend
the rest of my life living on the street and rambling incoherently about my
glory days working in television. The desperate thoughts sent her heart
racing. She opened her eyes and regretted it. Ervin was staring at her. He
still hadn’t said a word, but she could see curiosity in his expression. Good.
He’d taken the bait, too bad she had nothing to reel him in with.
“I respect
you, Ervin, but I’ll take this idea to another network if you don’t want to
hear it.”
His eyebrow
rose. “Okay?”
He was giving
her one last chance. She opened her mouth to condemn the one person who really
mattered to her. Her mouth went dry and she shut it. Biting her lip, she closed
her eyes. There was no more waiting, she had to do it, even if this idea cost
her what was left of her soul. She looked up at her mentor.
“What if I
told you I had a superhero who was willing to star in a new show? Would you
want me to run with that?”
His watery
eyes bulged, then he recovered and a scowl replaced his shock. “You’ve made
this network some serious money, but that’s in the past. For the last year,
you’ve been a harbinger of series death. Whatever you’ve touched around here
has turned to steaming piles of…crap. Your ideas stink. Once upon a time, I
called you the Queen of Reality TV. What happened to my amazing, rising star?
Why are you pushing terrible, idiotic, horrible programming? Everything you’ve
done lately makes me want to stick sharp pencils in both my eyes so I can’t see
them, and scratch off my ears so I can’t hear them. Then I’d rip the hair out
of my head so the pain can distract me from the memory.” His face was turning
from red to purple. She cringed. This graphic assessment of her talent left her
queasy. He glared at her beforeopening
his mouth, as if to speak, then closing it again. The old man ran a hand
through what was left of his straggly gray hair and pinned her with a less than
friendly look. She tried to stand her ground, but under the weight of her
mentor’s ire, she crumbled. Her shoulders slumped, and she couldn’t meet his
eyes.
“If I didn’t
respect you so much, and love you like the daughter I’m glad I never
had, I’d have put you out of here six months ago. I put my sweet ass on
the line for yours this morning with the network, so don’t screw me. I swear
this cat thing made me want to stick a firecracker up my nose and blow my head
off.”
She winced,
Ervin was never one to spare feelings, but ouch…harsh. His dramatic criticism
felt completely deserved. He was right. She did suck. The old coot’s face was
still red from his tantrum.
“If this
thing works out, I’ll be the queen again. So cool off before my only supporter
has a massive heart attack and dies. Just think about your wife, and how
much she’d like to spend your life insurance money.” The words seemed to calm
him down, but not much.
“You’re
giving your only supporter the heart problems, so last chance, kid. Turn the
dung into gold or you’re fired.” He whirled around, leaving the same way he
came in: abruptly. She could almost see him wiping her self-respect off his
shoes as he marched away. If she screwed up this time, her career was finished.
Dina genuinely worried about his health. For all his bark, he wasn’t a bad guy.
He’d given her a good start in the industry. She’d been the one to screw it all
up.
Dina sat
quietly looking at the blank, smooth tabletop. She nibbled her lip and fought
back tears. She had the perfect idea, but it was going to be a hard sell. Oh,
it’d be easy to get the network interested, they’d love it. Old Ervin would
respect her again. Masses of television viewers would praise her. Yet she’d
hate herself…probably until she died. The only person who could star in this thing
was the one person she loved the most. He was the only person she’d ever
intentionally hurt. The person who could save her was the one who’d given
Diamond City almost everything, and now she was going to ask for one last
thing—his heart.
Today I have a fellow Beachwalk Babe here, the lovely Tara Mills is promoting her new release Grading on Curves. Now just look at the cover! If that alone doesn't make you want to read it then this certainly will ;)
Blurb
One-on-one instruction never felt so right—or so wrong. There’s nothing unusual about Mia Page’s attraction to the young science teacher at the middle school. After all, she’s not the only one who finds him enticing. But when he pulls her son aside to ask for her phone number, she knows she’s in serious trouble. Since her divorce four years earlier, she’s been out of circulation, choosing to focus on parenting instead, and she’s not entirely sure she can handle an entanglement with the sexy Mr. Walden.
There are also other reasons why getting involved with Curt would be a bad idea. He’s two years shy of thirty, and she’s on the downside of that unmentionable number. He’s adamant about never having kids, and she has a son. Even the guy’s romantic gifts are suspect. Energy saving light bulbs? He has to be kidding.
On the other hand, he’s fun, sweet, and smart. He stimulates her intellectually, emotionally, and Lord help her, physically, opening her eyes to life outside her comfortable world. Yet their differences quietly gnaw at Mia even while she succumbs to their undeniable chemistry.
As their romance deepens, so do Mia’s fears that Curt will eventually hurt her. On edge, all it takes is an innocent comment to provoke her into drawing first blood. Mia recklessly wounds Curt, learning only too late that this blade cuts both ways. Frantic to make amends, she fears it might be too late to admit the feelings she’s tried so hard to suppress.
I write stories I like to read -- contemporary romances with identifiable characters and themes. Life is hard, love makes it bearable. If you like stories with heart, heat, and humor, I have a title for you.
In the real world I'm a pampered wife, lucky mom to three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law, and I just became a very young grandma. I should probably underline the word very. Oh heck, why not the word young too? Nah, you get the point. I'm also the daily monitor of one naughty dog with an attitude.
Notorious heiress Alexa Green has certainly been enjoying her most recent girls-holiday in Marbella. Just as we thought, she’s been knocking back the cocktails and showing off her fabulous bikini body on the beach… but rumour has it she’s also been spotted sneaking out of Enrique Castillo’s penthouse in the early hours of this morning – in nothing but her underwear! Our question is, doesn’t this fiercely private billionaire know what he’s letting himself in for?
He’s got the millions… and she knows how to spend them! So lie back on your sun lounger and get comfortable, because this summer fling is going to be a sizzler!
Adrenaline roared through her veins. This was her only chance. Pushing away from the wall, she rounded the lift, desperately seeking an escape. She barely noticed the plush furnishings, soft-looking leather sofas and floor to ceiling window which showcased the most spectacular view she’d ever seen. Instead she focused on the walls surrounding the elevator.
‘Are you lost?’
The heavily accented voice froze her to the spot. She darted a glance toward the sound. Dark brows furrowed over the richest coloured eyes she’d seen. His gaze swept over the length of her body, then up, lingering on her rear for a beat too long. Her skin tingled under his scrutiny.
Turning her whole body to face him, she slapped a hand on her hip. ‘Had a good enough look?’
His lips quirked in a sexy, lopsided grin. The jitters were back and Alexa swore the temperature in the room shot up ten degrees. Her gaze dropped to his broad shoulders, covered in a thin white t-shirt, then down to a well filled chest. She could see a dark pattern beneath the t-shirt. She longed to find out what kind of tattoo he had. Usually, tats didn’t do it for her. But on that body…
‘I could ask you the same thing.’
She snapped her attention back to his face. He stepped toward her, his jaw set, his eyes dancing with humour and something darker…something that made her blood heat and her mouth water.
Alexa raised her arm, palm out. ‘Hold it there, Mr. Any closer and I’ll scream.’
He paused by the sofa. Propping his hip against the cream leather, he folded his arms across his chest, causing the muscles to bulge. The moisture drained from her mouth and flooded in her belly.
‘No one’s here to hear you.’ He cocked a brow. ‘You seem to be forgetting where you are and,’ his gaze dipped down to her breasts causing the nipples to peak against the lacy fabric ‘how underdressed.’
Alexa thought this moment would have topped the blush scale. She planted her other hand on her hip and glared at him, unwilling to show any weakness. ‘I’m just leaving.’
She turned and strode back to the lift, keeping her back straight and trying not to wiggle her hips too much. The predatory sheen in his eyes made her body more jittery than the idea of sprinting around the lower floor in her underwear. She reached out to hit the button, but a large hand circled her wrist before she made it.
Alexa squeaked and darted back a step. He was so close, and his chest was right in her face. She could see the dark outline of the tattoo beneath the thin cotton. The outline of a burning sun, she thought, or something that looked like a sun. Her hands itched to lift the material and see for herself.
‘I’m up here.’
She snapped her gaze back up to his smirking face and took another step back. His lips kicked up at the corners and his eyes darkened. She swallowed against the urge to step closer, to feel his hard body pressed against hers. But she realised she was in little more than her bra and knickers in a stranger’s home. Unease skittered down her spine.
Alexa squared her shoulders, trying to quash the fear turning her heated blood into cold sludge. ‘I’m leaving now.’
‘After you explain what you’re doing in my home in your undergarments.’
‘Undergarments?’ Alexa pressed her lips together to keep a giggle at bay. ‘Seriously?’
About the Author
All my life I’ve been dreaming up stories. My mum said when I was little I used to make all the My Little Pony figurines talk to each other, and even fall in love. Later, it was Barbie and Ken. In my teens, I played matchmaker with my friends at school.
When I wasn’t creating imaginary scenarios, I had my nose stuck in books, reading across genres and there was one thing I loved more than the escapism—the fact a story can touch me so deeply, like I was experiencing everything along with my characters. I knew from early on this was something I wanted to do for others.
Fast forward a few years, and the dream almost got lost in real life, but I still couldn’t shake it completely. Now I write sizzling romance with the hope of making my readers’ hearts race like they are falling in love for the first time.
Interview
Sinfully Summer sounds hot hot hot! So first of all, what made you choose the location?
I wanted to write a Spanish hero, and I knew the heroine was going to be wealthy. Where else do the rich and famous party in Spain? Marbella was the location that fit.
Alexa seems like a bit of a fiery character… is she like anybody you know?
She’s very independent, which is where her similarities end with me. Oh, maybe her love of shoes is the same too, except she can afford Jimmy Choos. The rest is her. She’s a force to be reckoned with!
And how about your hero, Enrique Castillo? Was he the kind of character who just popped into your head? He certainly sounds yummy!
Yes and no. I love a good tortured hero, and had two phases of his past to pull together before he could become the man appears on the page. Due to what happened to him, he’s very no-nonsense and clashes with Alexa. I think meeting her was the most life altering experience for him, and he’s had a few.
What inspired the story to begin with? Anything to do with your own holiday experiences? ;)
No comment ;o). A little yes, but none of mine were so wild. Honest.
A certain dare plays a big part in the beginning of the story, where do you stand on dares? Any stories you want to share?
It was a fun way to put her in a very awkward position, though Alexa being who she is, she doesn’t crumble. My friends and I used to play truth or dare to pass the time, often leading us into trouble, which was what inspired me.
What are some of your favourite things about the summer?
The sun (when we see it), barbeques, garden parties with cocktails flowing. Pretty much most of the things Alexa and her friends get up to.
Have you got a special holiday memory?
In Cancun I couldn’t get used to the time difference and was up most days at sunrise. It was better that way, the sun wasn’t so hot first thing in the morning. Our hotel was right beside the sea, so I’d go sunbathe and watch the dolphins play before everyone else was up. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Mexico is an amazing country.
What would be your perfect holiday? Don’t worry, I’m not expecting it to be half as crazy as Alexa’s!
Hehe. Actually I wouldn’t mind going to Marbella. When researching I was dying to jump on a plane. Still, I really want to explore Egypt. No idea if that would be a relaxing holiday, but it would be interesting.
And when you’re on holiday do you prefer…
Hot or cold? Hot please.
Sunbathing or sightseeing? Bit of both.
Reading or writing? Reading.
Shots or cocktails? Bit of both ;o)
Planned trips or seeing where you end up? I’d love to go on an open ended trip, just buying a plane ticket somewhere and moving along when I’ve had my fill.
Thank you for having me and my book on your blog Emily! I’m currently celebrating the first birthday of my erotic romance A Clockwork Butterfly with a fortnight of partying over at my site – everyday from June 16th – 30th I have a guest romance writer sharing tips and new books – phew! I tell ya, my toes are getting a little sore with all the dancing and romancing ;)
I asked everyone to fill in a blank so I guess it’s my turn…
"It’s my party and I’ll make it last two weeks if I want to!"
Torn apart by the duty that brought them together, Lena and Angelo must find a way back to each other. But even if Angelo manages to escape, he doesn't know where to find Lena. Will following the path of the clockwork butterfly lead him to his true love?
Content Warning:
strong language, BDSM, and graphic sexual content, including m/f, f/f, and f/f/m sexual interaction
Excerpt
Lena picked up the copper butterfly carefully in her fingertips. It was exquisite, and she never tired of studying Angelo’s craftsmanship. It gently, as if it were real, flapped its wings to reveal a new delicate carving on them.
"What’s this?" She sat up, tucking her legs underneath her, and tried to coax them open again. Angelo was smiling beside her.
"Touch the proboscis." He motioned and Lena reached out to the feathery spiral. As her fingertip made contact, the wings opened again and rested there for her to see the new artwork. In the most intricate script were carved the words I love you.
Lena didn’t quite know what to do, say, or think until Angelo lifted the butterfly from her and tossed it up in the air, then pushed her on to her back, showering her with ferocious kisses. She watched the tiny creature flutter this way and that around the room while her body melted into Angelo’s embrace.
"I want to eat you up, ravish you, and come inside you," said Angelo into her peaking flesh. When he was working her with his agile tongue, her entire skin became erogenous and she could barely think for the pleasure. Stars twinkled and burst wherever he kissed and Lena wriggled as his teeth joined in, raking her flesh and arousing every part of her.
Use the code ButterflyParty at the checkout to get a 50% discount on the ebook -
Tabitha Rayne has been told she is quirky, lovely and kinky – not necessarily in that order or by the same person. She writes erotic romance and as long as there’s a love scene – she’ll explore any genre.
Her short stories, published and upcoming, are included in anthologies from Xcite, Oysters & Chocolate, Cleis, Ravenous Romance, Mischief, and House of Erotica. She has two stand alone titles from Beachwalk Press.
I’m pleased to announce the release of Surrender to Me, the sequel to Make Me Stay.
What happens when a Dominant falls for his not-so-submissive attorney?
Martin Abrams, owner of Master M's BDSM club, has become unfulfilled with his lifestyle. Ever since his sub, Gracie, left to marry her true love, Martin has lost his way. Living the life of the head Dominant in his circle isn't as appealing as it once was. Something seems to be missing.
Sassy lawyer Arianna Covington relocates to New York City after a humiliating divorce. She's looking for a fresh start when she agrees to become Martin's exclusive attorney. She's intrigued by his domineering personality and wants to know why women kneel at his feet.
Their attraction is undeniable despite Ari's initial beliefs that she will never submit to Martin's desires. But Martin is up for the challenge. Arianna is more than he ever imagined in a woman. He vows to claim her heart, with or without the games. Who will surrender first?
Check out the hot and sexy trailer for a peek into the plot.
Excerpt
"All the subs act that way around you?" Arianna asked.
"It’s the only way they know. It’s what’s expected of them."
"I don’t understand how any woman would bow down like that. It’s not normal."
"Maybe not for you." Martin understood Arianna’s position. Most who didn’t participate in a Dominant and submissive relationship didn’t get it.
"It’s degrading. She can’t use the phone. She’s a grown woman."
"Arianna, this is a lifestyle you can’t possibly comprehend because you know nothing about it. A submissive gets just as much as he or she gives. The arrangement they enter into with a Dom is consensual. Roxy is not forced into being here. Her Dom respects and cares for her. She has a very good life."
"He punishes her."
"When she disobeys. It’s in her contract."
"A contract that can’t possibly be enforced in court."
"Spoken like a true lawyer." He finished his scotch. "The contract is to protect them both. It lists what is expected of a sub and what the Dominant’s responsibilities are. They outline hard and soft limits. We create a safe, sane, and consensual environment, and that contract maintains trust between the two parties. As long as it is upheld between the parties involved that’s all that matters."
"To each his own, I suppose." She shrugged. "I’m your real estate attorney. What you do here is none of my business."
Then why are you here, kitten?
"I’m very open, Arianna. If you have questions, I’ll be happy to answer them. People should be educated in my lifestyle. It isn’t as uncommon or bizarre as you may think." He reached for her hand. "I hope you won’t judge me without getting to know me."
"Um, no." She looked down at their joined hands. He liked the way her cheeks turned colors when he flustered her. "Of course not. This whole environment is different. It’s going to take some getting used to."
"I understand." He ran his thumb over the soft skin of her hand. "If you’d prefer not to meet here anymore—"
"It’s not a problem."
"Very well." He smiled because as he suspected she wanted to be there. "Will you join me for dinner?"
Martin couldn’t remember the last time he’d asked a woman to have dinner with him. He usually just summoned a sub when he was in the mood for company. Gracie was the last woman he’d spent any time with at all. Perhaps it was time to explore his options. Obviously, Arianna would be different than the women he dealt with, but he liked the change. When Gracie left him for Cade everything changed. He hadn’t been interested in another sub. As a matter of fact, he hadn’t been interested in another woman until now.
"I’d love to join you for dinner, Mr. Abrams."
"I’d like you to call me Martin." Allowing people to use his name wasn’t a privilege he granted often, but everything was different with her. He stood from the bar and picked up her briefcase. "I hope you like Italian. I ordered enough for six people. I wasn’t sure what you would want."
"Italian is fine." She took his extended hand and walked to the back of the club with him. "Why didn’t you just wait and ask what I would want?"
"I’m not used to asking." He motioned for her to take a seat in the huge u-shaped booth that overlooked the Manhattan skyline.
"Oh, Martin." She giggled. He liked the way his name tumbled off her lips. "You have a lot to learn about non-submissive women."
Surrender to Me is the sequel to Make Me Stay but both books stand alone so the reader can choose to read either one first. You may want to start with Make Me Stay to get the back story.
Both Books available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and ARE
Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.
Once again, Ella has written an absolutely unputdownable book! And I mean that, I read Make Me Stay in one sitting and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one and I’m glad to say Surrender To Me does not disappoint! In fact, it completely surpassed my expectations, I love this author and every book of hers I read is better than the last.
Martin is everything you’d want in a dom and a hero. He is hot, hot, hot, strong and completely believable as a Master. But he also has a mature, protective and sensitive side which is what I think makes him really stand out. Arianna is also a very strong heroine, she is not what Martin Abrams expects and he has definitely met his match with her! The tension between them will have your kindle sizzling in your hands!
The introduction of interesting secondary characters will leave you yearning for the next book, and it promises to continue to be an amazing series. You can read Surrender To Me without reading Make Me Stay but I think you’ll want to read everything this series has to offer and more. For me, this is the BDSM romance of 2013 and an absolute must read!
Coming July 15th to Beachwalk Press and your favorite ebook retailer! And be sure to follow my virtual book tour 07/15/13-08/02/13 with Shades of Rose Marketing! I’ll have a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 gift card to winner’s choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble PLUS a free ecopy of Project Terminal: Legacy. For information on where I’ll be, drop by my website www.authoroliviastarke.com OR Shades of Rose Marketing.
PROJECT TERMINAL: LEGACY Book 1
Zombies and super soldiers? Laura is the one hope for a world gone Hollywood crazy.
In only a matter of hours Laura Swift has been bitten by a zombie, rescued by Mr. Tall, Dark, and Foreboding, and thrown into a world gone Hollywood crazy. She has no choice but to follow Damian into his underworld of manipulated viruses and genetically altered super soldiers. Even as her life hangs in the balance, she can't deny the attraction she feels for the incredibly sexy and thoroughly imposing Infantryman.
Damian Gonsalves believes he has a cure for the virus changing innocent people into bloodthirsty undead. Within Laura is the key to stopping the horrific plague. All he has to do is keep her alive and safe, and stay one step ahead of those pursuing them. Her stubbornness frustrates him to no end, while her body drives him to distraction.
When they discover the secret behind Project Terminal, will they survive long enough to help stop the unleashed horror? Or will they just be two more victims of a virus threatening all of humanity?
Content Warning
: graphic sex, strong language, and violence
Excerpt:
"Four more hours. We have to prepare."
Laura went cold. "Prepare?"
"The progression will snowball from here." His voice dead, he continued to stare at some unseen view.
He'd kissed her with such passion, now he spoke without emotion. How could someone do such a turnabout? The lousy bastard. Rage, white hot in intensity, shot through her, her head swimming with it.
"Maybe you're just stupid, Damian. Stupid for allowing a zombie thing to attack me. I wouldn't be dying if it wasn't for you. You deserve this, not me." Her fists balled at the injustice of it all. "You should die for this."
She sucked in wheezing breaths, unable to fill her lungs, and fell back on her butt. Her eyes widened, searching a darkened corner of the room, a distorted face appearing from the shadows. It grinned with broken, yellowed teeth, its eyes glowing in the dimness.
She gagged over raw terror.
"Oh my God, I saw something over there." She scrambled backward. "Damian, one of those things is in here."
* * * *
Damian glanced around the sparsely furnished room. Other than a few flies and mosquitoes buzzing around them they were alone.
He closed his eyes, the weight of guilt pressing down making it difficult to speak. "We're alone, Laura. Nobody else is in here."
The night wore on, and fits of anger mingled with her confusion. Several times he'd had to prevent her from dashing out the door. He paced the confines of the living room, waiting for the last of the madness to run its course. Laura lay on the floor, lashing out toward some unseen attacker, before her breathing became rapid, labored pants. White foam bubbled from her mouth.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, turning away. He'd become disillusioned with the system he'd given his life to shortly after discovering they'd screwed up royally in creating the virus. In a lab he'd watched a man succumb to it, changing into a soulless corpse. It'd been horrific the first time he'd witnessed it. Afterward Headquarters had assigned him to track down an infected woman outside of the facility. It was his duty as a super soldier to clean up their mistakes. Now he wanted nothing more than to see the lab destroyed, something he should've done in the first place. He should've listened to Doug and Max, two of the doctors from the early days of the project. Their warnings had come to pass, but he'd been a stubborn, misinformed jackass.
Curled in the fetal position, Laura looked like a sick child, fragile and broken. His throat constricted, even though it was ridiculous to have feelings for someone you didn't know. He was military, Army Infantry, for Christ's sake, he knew how to pull a trigger without regret.
Laura rolled onto her back, staring toward the ceiling with glassy eyes. Despite the tremulous hold she had on life, she was already dead.
He existed as a government killing machine—an automaton they'd designed. Nothing more. He'd given his humanity away to the project. He wasn't much better than the corpses he hunted.
"I'm so sorry this happened to you, baby. You were right, I deserved this, not you."
His vision blurred when he stared down the barrel, the silencer aimed squarely between her eyes, his heart beating a crazed rhythm in his chest. His finger squeezed ever so slightly on the trigger. Outside a mourning dove called to its mate, a haunting song echoing in the room. He recalled a story from his youth about how a dove would arrive to carry a person's soul to the afterlife. If he believed in anything but the here and now, in that moment he would've thought it true.
Laura's mouth gaped open, strangled noises escaping her throat, seizures taking her into death throes.
He lowered his arm and thumped the butt of his gun against his thigh, waiting for the monster to appear. When she became the undead, when she moved to attack him, he'd have the power to destroy her. She deserved one last try to get the best of him. Maybe it wasn't Laura anymore, but he'd honor the fighting spirit within her. She'd never get past him, but if she took a piece of him in the process he'd have an excuse to end the whole goddamned thing here, in this stinking house. If he ever got infected his duty would be to put a bullet in his own head.
Laura's body stilled, her eyelids drifting closed.
Any moment…
Her eyes popped wide open, her back arching. She sucked in a breath as if surfacing from deep waters. He turned his body sideways, leveling his gun in dead aim, waiting for the corpse to lunge.
"Damian?"
Interview
Tell us about your story What was your inspiration for this story? I’m a fan of zombie movies and this popped into my head a couple years ago. I sort of ran with it. About how long did it take you to write it? A couple of years, actually. I started it in ’10 and stumbled across it while assigning homes to my huge WIP file.
Tell us a little bit about you as a writer Do you have any kind of writing schedule? I wish I had a better one! I usually have morning errands and chores then start writing around 2 pm. I keep going until bedtime. What is your writing environment like? I alternate between my couch and when my laptop charge gets low, I go back to my office (which is actually the dining area.) If you’re ever stuck for an idea, how do you go about finding inspiration? I always have ideas lol. It’s actually a problem for me, I’m finally learning to stay focused on one story at a time so it’ll get done! What’s the first thing you can remember writing? (it doesn’t have to be published) I finished a love story between a Pegasus and a unicorn back in 6th grade. I hadn’t realized years and years later it’d become my career. Do you have any advice for new writers? Keep at it! Don’t get disheartened by rejections and bad reviews. Tell us a little bit about you as a person How do you spend your time when you’re not writing? Caring for my little farm of horses, dogs, and cats. I love being outdoors, so getting to the local lake with my kayak or going for a run is fun too. What’s the best way for you to unwind if you’ve had a hard day? Chatting with friends, and writing. What was the last thing you watched? The Big Bang Theory, though the television is usually playing in the background. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go, and why? Cardiff to see the Doctor Who Exhibit. And finally where can my readers find you? www.authoroliviastarke.comhttps://www.facebook.com/olivia.starke.3 Friend me! I need friends!
Captain of the cheerleading team, 16 year old Gwen Valiente has it all--the best of friends, a loving home, and a bright future. Little does she know that the people she loves the most have been keeping secrets--life-altering secrets.
When strange things start to happen to Gwen, she is thrust into a magickal new realm called Hallows Haven. Leaving the ordinary behind, she discovers that she can do things beyond her wildest dreams. As Hallows Haven begins to feel more like home, Gwen wonders how she ever felt satisfied with everyday life in Michigan.
Too late, Gwen realizes that even in this realm full of light and magick, danger lurks. Someone close to her is not what he seems and someone will do anything to draw her out of Hallows Haven and into the darkness. Even worse, some of that darkness may already exist within her, threatening her chance to make Hallows Haven her permanent home.
Have Gwen's loved ones continued to keep dangerous secrets? Can Gwen resist the call of darkness?
Excerpt
Grandmother held out her hand. Out of thin air, a rather large, dull, old-fashioned brass skeleton key appeared. She fit it into the rusty lock covering the door of the banned room. The door crankily complained its way open, burping stale air in their faces. It was obvious that visitors to this room were infrequent.
"Now you will see why you were never allowed in here, Gwen." She moved aside, allowing Gwen to enter the room before her.
It took a moment for Gwen’s eyes to adjust to the darkness of the windowless room. There was an iridescent glow pulsating from the long wall parallel to the door that made it look as though the wall were living, breathing. Gwen blinked. She couldn’t believe this had been in her basement this whole time and she had never known. A fantasy come to fruition. "Holy sh...!" she exclaimed.
Buy Links
It will be available on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords, B&N on June 24th.
-Melissa Brodsky used to tell everyone she knew that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. She's currently working on that goal. Living in Michigan in a modern-day "Yours, Mine and Ours" type household, Melissa is the biological mother of 3 and a full-time stepmother, as well. On some days, she may even be considered evil, and not just by her stepchildren. Most of the time, she is sitting at the kitchen table, poised over her computer while daydreaming up new plots for books. She blogs (on occasion) over at rockanddrool.com. She can be found on twitter at http://twitter.com/rockdrool and FB: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrodskyAuthor Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7018483.Melissa_Brodsky
-Since childhood, Nicole Madison has been guilty of daydreaming a little too much. One of her favorite pastimes is staring into space, dreaming up stories, characters, lives, and dimensions when she really should be accomplishing other things. She parlayed her love of creating first into a career as a freelance writer and then into fiction writing. Her favorite genres are paranormal fiction and romance, followed closely by horror.
A long time Pennsylvanian, Nicole spends her days writing, soaking up books, teaching her five children how to be weird (in a good way), dancing for the endorphins and gardening. She can be found on FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleMadison and Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091157.Nicole_Madison
When Clare Murray suffers the tragic loss of her husband Ethan, leaving her alone to raise their infant daughter, she feels the grief overwhelming her, seeping into her very soul. Weeks later, she stumbles upon an envelope with the words "When You’re Ready" written in Ethan’s familiar messy handwriting, but can’t bring herself to breach the seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare has accepted a life without him, without love. Until, years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with stormy eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.
Logan Matthews is the son of a billionaire who has spent his entire life trying to make his absent father proud. Years of living up to man who more ghost than father, and a public failed marriage has left Logan cold and emotionless until he walks into an exam room to discover a woman who stops his heart, makes his body burn with desire and leaves his entire world altered.
But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you never know you are truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all.
I’m a California native, who lives in the South – Virginia to be exact. I still prefer sushi to fried chicken, avocado to okra, and I absolutely loathe humidity, but I love watching the seasons change. My husband and I have been here for ten years, and I still get giddy like a school girl every time it snows.
I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We were married young, barely out of high school, when everyone told us we were crazy and stupid. We’ll be celebrating 12 years of marriage this year, and I love him more every single day. We’re living proof that true love knows no age limit.
We’ve been blessed with two beautiful daughters who continue to amaze and inspire me, and are probably making me go a bit insane. I’m obsessed with yoga and pilates and am a complete chocoholic. I apologize in advance for the amount of sweets in my book.
I’m absolutely obsessed with romance novels (duh) and probably could have built a vacation home with the amount of money I’ve invested in them over the years. Romance novels take you to another place, making your heart race, emotions swell, passion run free. After so many years of meeting hundreds of fictional characters and discovering their worlds, I found myself creating my own.
My debut novel, When You’re Ready, a novel about about finding love after loss, will be released August 1st!
On the same night that twenty four-year-old Jordyn Sims has a miscarriage, her sister-in-law Tori Sims conceives a child. Nine months later, Tori, a long term heroin addict, abandons her two-hour-old drug addicted newborn Jeremiah, in a hospital stairwell. Jordyn receives the news and pursues foster adoption. However, Oscar, Tori's possessive drug-addicted boyfriend, is not about to give Jeremiah up so easily. While in confrontation with Tori and Oscar, Jordyn seeks help from the Administration of Children Services (ACS), only to discover she is faced with a maze of departments, regulations, legalities and overworked social workers. Jordyn, however, remains strong and continues to push through the uphill battle, even after she discovers she's pregnant.
With all odds against her adoption of Jeremiah, and her pregnancy at high risk from increasing stress, will Jordyn win this tough battle, or will her world crumble before her?
Missy B. Salick is a new author who has written her first novel, Claiming Jeremiah. Her fictional memoir on foster adoption is drawing a hefty buzz, with an online release date not until April 7, 2013 ( May 4 in paperback). The novel is small in size, but contains a powerful message. "Children in foster care need a place to call home." Salick, a foster care advocate, wrote this book based on her personal journey of foster adopting her four-year-old son.
Before self-publishing, Claiming Jeremiah, Salick spent several years as a freelance business writer for Fortune 500 companies such as: Shearman & Sterling, KPMG, Deloitte and many more. She also had a stint with song ghost writing. Salick's experience in the entertainment industry stems from working with entertainment companies and media including Violator, MBK, Village Voice and more. As the founder of J.J. Autumn Publishing, her publishing company is geared towards highlighting urban fiction dedicated to special causes and community awareness projects.
Interview
What was your inspiration for this story?
My personal experience of fostering my son was the inspiration to write Claiming Jeremiah. Through the foster adopting process I realized how many children are in similar situations and need a place to call home. It is such an untouched topic that I decided to raise awareness about the Foster Care system, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Giving every child a home has become my passion and mission.
Do you see a little bit of yourself in any of your characters?
I see a little of myself in both of the main characters, Jordyn & Tori. With Jordyn I understand the frustration of dealing with the foster care system and not getting a solid answer, but rather mountains of paperwork and the runaround. When it comes to Tori, I understand what it is like to be judged and to be misunderstood. No one has the right to judge another person based on his/her decisions or choices. It is not up to us. Each person has to live life their own way and deal with their own consequences and outcomes.
About how long did it take you to write the story?
From beginning to end it took me around two years. I walked away from the first draft for about a year before I returned to revise and publish the final piece.
Did you have any trouble writing it at all?
I had no trouble writing; however, when I completed the first draft I thought I was finished. Once I reread it I knew the story was an incomplete puzzle that was missing some pieces. I had to walk away, take a break, and focus on other areas in my life. Once I came back to the computer the missing pieces flowed naturally, making the story whole.
Tell us a little bit about you as a writer
Do you have any kind of writing schedule?
I do "try" to carve about a certain amount of time per week dedicated to only writing. However, with a full-time job, children, and other family obligations it rarely works out. So, in short, no I don’t. {chuckles}
What is your writing environment like?
Each time I write it’s different. I can write on my phone while walking in the street, write on the train, or in the midst of my kids playing at the park. Although, if I do schedule a time to write and follow through I like my environment to have candles lit, soft music in the background, and a glass of wine nearby.
And what would your ideal writing environment be like?
My ideal environment would be on a beach with my laptop, staring at a sunset, and watching the tide come to shore. The air would be warm but cool enough for pleasant winds. And, of course, wine would be nearby.
If you’re ever stuck for an idea, how do you go about finding inspiration?
I would walk away and take a few days or few weeks to let it go. When I’m not looking that’s when it comes to me.
Did you always want to be a writer?
I always knew I would write but not professionally, a hobby maybe. I was into my early twenties before I realized this was what I wanted my career to be.
What’s the first thing you can remember writing? (it doesn’t have to be published)
Poetry. My first poem I wrote was a Mother’s Day present for my mom. Poetry was my salvation throughout my adolescent years. Instead of speaking about my feelings and emotions I would write them. Writing has saved my sanity on many occasions. There is no better therapy for me.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
Patience is a virtue. As much as we want to speed write to see the final product, it takes time. Relax, gather your thoughts think about the characters and the chapter developments. Think about how much of yourself you want to put on paper and share with the world. Evaluate your material over time. I put down Claiming Jeremiah for a year. When I picked it back up I had fresh ideas to add. Once your story is complete, review, review REVIEW! Find a great team to assist you in promoting and putting the final details on your projects- because there are a lot! When you’re ready publish it on your terms- don’t let anyone tell you how or what you should change. This is your book- and will forever have your name as the author. Continue writing and striving and looking forward. Don’t let anyone discourage your dreams.
Tell us a little bit about you as a person
How do you spend your time when you’re not writing?
My time is divided between working my day job, being with family, or running a business. In my downtime I love to read, bowl, explore the city, or try new activities.
What’s the best way for you to unwind if you’ve had a hard day?
To take a stroll outside for ice cream or a dessert or spend a fun evening with family, shared with laughs and stories.
What are you currently reading?
A Deeper Love Inside by Sister Souljah
What was the last thing you watched?
Fast & Furious 6 with my Hollywood crush Vin Diesel
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go, and why?
I would go to Africa to see the animal safari and to find out more about the African heritage.
