Meandi Corner

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

2010-11-23T13:40:00.001-06:00

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? That we have a great christmas season and remember it's not all about getting

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition? The kids get the stockings before the adults wake up ( buys us grown ups a few extra mins of sleep time) Then we turn on the christmas music and tear into the presents

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? A new car ( mines on the frets)

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?We have holiday share time ( basicly at get together with friends and bake goodies while the kids run around playing)

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? board games and cards as a teen we had a nintendo so all the kids in the neighbor hood gathered at our house to play Mario

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? on christmas eve we open 2 presents. One is always Pjs and the other is our ornament for the year

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip? Somewhere north so we could have a white christmas

8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year? My kids want an X-box 360, I want the fable 3 game and Tim wants a psp

Contest over at One Savvy Mom ( You don't want to miss)

2010-11-11T14:35:00.000-06:00

One savvy Mom is giving away a Toshiba Helios Black 17.3" Satellite Laptop PC
with AMD Athlon II P320 Processor. Lots of ways for extra entries!!!http://savvycouponmommy.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-gift-guide-2010-toshiba-helios.html
Well What are you waiting for? Get over there and enter and Good Luck all!!

Whirlpool by Vivian Arend Review

2010-08-09T07:39:00.031-05:00

                  Whirlpool
                         Forces of Nature Book 2
            Coming Tomorrow

Genre- Paranormal Romance - Merfolk
Length- 118 pages
From Samhain Publishing

Soft shoulders and dangerous curves…

Braden can’t deny he’s always wanted Chelsea, but getting involved wouldn’t be fair. She has college and big dreams ahead of her—he has no desire to leave Jaffrey’s Cove. Plus, there’s the fact merfolk women often take more than one lover. Share her? Not in this lifetime.

When Chelsea’s plans for the future fall apart, the only bright spot remaining is Sheriff Braden Marley. She’s been angling for a shot at the gentle giant’s heart—and the rest of him—for a long time. Except he not only holds her at a maddening arm’s length, he somehow manages to keep other men away, too.

Enter Jamie Powell, a human marine archaeologist who’s in town for a cataloging project. His instant chemistry with Chelsea inspires her to try a sexy new tactic: make Braden jealous enough to stop dragging his feet and start leaving his shoes under her bed.

The ensuing storm generates a boatload of complications none of them saw coming. A forbidden attraction no amount of merfolk magic can erase. And the danger that their secrets could be exposed to the outside world…

Warning: Seductive shimmering lights, a sexy interlude on the strip club floor, mysterious Spanish lovers, and a trio caught in an eddy of intense sexual attraction. Swim at your own risk.

I received this ARC thanks to Vivian Arend

MY THOUGHTS-
                       I have been so caught up in Vivian's Granite Lake Wolves series that some how book 1 of the Forces of Nature series passed me by, But this is a stand alone book so it was quite alright to jump right into it. And I'm glad I did.
                       A hot read right out of the gate. The characters really drew me in, from the bull-headed Sheriff to the sexually- frustrated Chelsea and of course we can't forget about the super-smart but endearingly forgetful Jamie. Did I mention that this is a M/F/M book ? No?, well now I did. And on that topic I will say there are M/f/M scenes but they're by no means over the top extreme.
                        Now I haven't read alot of Merfolk books so I found it to be a breath of fresh air . A happy , up-beat story that made me giggle in places and left me with a warm and fuzzy feel-good feeling.
                                      I Really Recommend

Now I popped over to Vivian's Website http://vivianarend.com/ for all those who want to go explore and I napped an Excerpt for you all so enjoy

~~~EXCERPT~~~

Jamie perched on the arm of the loveseat, staring at her. “Chelsea, can I ask a personal question? Feel free to tell me to take a hike, but…what’s up with Braden?”

“What do you mean?”

He checked his watch. “He’s going to arrive in twenty-seven minutes. He’ll pace around the room, look you over carefully, grunt in my direction, then disappear into the kitchen.”

The giggles in her belly started to rise. How had Braden thought he could slip anything past this observant man? “He comes home to make lunch, that’s all.”

Jamie’s expression betrayed his disbelief. “He’ll call out to see if you want anything, remember at the last second that I’m here and add my name to the question. After we both turn him down he’ll sit there…” Jamie pointed to the table, “…and watch us while he eats. Actually, he’ll watch you. Then he’ll clean up, come and ask me if I need anything, tell you to behave yourself and he’ll leave after one final dirty look in my direction.”

She couldn’t hold it in anymore. Her laughter rang throughout the room and Jamie joined in. When she could speak again her amusement still sounded in her voice.

“Three days and you know what he’s going to do?”

Jamie pulled his wallet from his pocket and drew out a twenty. He slapped it on the coffee table. “If he deviates from the norm, you win the twenty.”

Chelsea smiled. “I’m not betting against you. That’s exactly what he’s going to do.”

“So the question remains, what’s up?”

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Immaculately dressed in dark slacks and a crisp cotton shirt, he looked like he should be in a New York office, not digging through fishing nets and seashells. He was night and day to Braden’s casual jeans or sweats when out of uniform. Damn if she didn’t find them both attractive.

“Braden thinks I need to find a boyfriend.”

Jamie slapped his hands together and pointed at her excitedly. “So that’s what those cryptic comments he made back in his apartment were about.”

His gaze darted over her, the admiration in his eyes clear. This time he wasn’t analyzing what kind of dancer she was. Heat spread over her skin, her heartbeat picking up.

“What comments? What did he say to you?”

“He let me know that when my girlfriend joined me she was welcome to stay in the apartment with me. When I told him I was currently unattached, the grunting began.”

“Oh Lord, not the grunting.”

“Yeah, the grunting and the questions. ‘You think Chelsea is good-looking?’ he asked.” Jamie rolled his eyes and gestured at her, his hand sweeping the length of her frame as if he were at a carnival, gesturing in the main attraction. “I asked if he’d been diagnosed with a brain condition.”

“You didn’t!”

“Chelsea, I’m missing a piece of the puzzle. I think you like Braden, and the man is obviously head over heels attracted to you—”

“Really?”

“Really. So why does it seem like he’s trying to hook us up? At least for the duration of the time I’m working this job?”

Chelsea flopped back in the loveseat, her head resting on the opposite arm from where he sat. How much could she say so the lines of privacy for the shifters of Jaffrey’s Cove remained uncrossed? She sniffed. How could she explain when she wasn’t sure herself why Braden was acting so strange?

She kept it simple.

“The only thing I can come up with is that he thinks we’re not right for each other. For some misguided reason he’s being noble and refusing to get involved with me. I guess he’s approved you as a backup boyfriend, so he’s pushing us together.”

“Backup boyfriend. Hell, I feel like we’re back in eighth grade. But he actually wants you for himself, so he’s still checking in the hopes nothing happens. Got it. No wonder he’s pissed at me.”

Chelsea sat up and touched his leg. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but while I like you a lot, I really want Braden. I have forever.”

Jamie frowned. “Right back at you. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not looking to hook up with anyone right now. While you’re very attractive, I don’t need a girlfriend.” He tapped his fingers on his thigh, brushing her hand accidentally, and Chelsea sucked in a breath. She might know what she wanted, he might know what he wanted, but their chemistry was potentially explosive. She tried to pull her hand away but he grabbed her wrist, held her still.

“I have an idea if you’re game.”
“Involving Braden?”

He gave her a mischievous grin. “He’s on the edge. I’m sure it wouldn’t take much to convince him that his idea isn’t what you two really need. So as long as I’m not in danger of losing any teeth, how about we do a little playacting?”

“To try and make him jealous?”

Jamie nodded.

Chelsea thought fast. Maybe that was what Braden needed to nudge him over and finally not only admit he wanted her but act on it.

The idea held possible dangers though. She’d been without a lover for a long time, and Jamie was damn attractive in his own way. She bit her lower lip. The sexual fever burning in her veins was difficult enough to control at the best of times. If they pretended to get intimate, she might not be able to hold back.

She lifted her chin. If Braden didn’t react, then…to hell with him. Getting involved with Jamie for a bit of fun would hurt no one. Neither of them was looking for forever, and she really needed to gain back some control of her life.

“What are you thinking?”

Jamie pointed to the twenty. “Let’s start by making him mess up his routine. Give him a little something to look at. Just talk quiet to me, like you’re sharing secrets and stand close. Start pushing a few buttons. See what happens.”

“What if he doesn’t respond?”

“Then I get to spend the twenty and buy you dinner. That should go along with the goal of making him jealous.”

Chelsea grinned at him. “How about if he doesn’t react then we bump it up another notch. I’ll take you to the Grotto where I dance and you can spend the twenty on the floor. Deal?”

“Deal.”

They shook hands, the mischief in his eyes shifting to something that made her sex tingle. Tension floated in the air.

“Maybe we should do a test run before he gets here.” His voice had dropped a notch and a shiver raced over her skin as he tugged on her fingers, drawing them closer until her body was flush with his. “Just to make sure it’s going to look believable.”

He lowered his head and brushed their lips together.

More news to share

2010-07-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

Possess Me By Rg Alexander is coming out on August 3rd (august 3 is looking really exciting to my book shelves). Here's a bit about it ...

In the Big Easy, there’s a legend women long for: a sexual voodoo spirit who can fulfill their darkest fantasies. And in these three steaming-hot novellas, he helps three New Orleans couples achieve the ultimate satisfaction…

In Release Me, Allegra heads down to New Orleans to heal her wounds, but she never expects to lose her heart to such a quiet, troubled man as Rousseau. She’s even less prepared for the scorching, sexual spirit within him-and what he can do to her…

In Reclaim Me, Ben has loved Michelle as long as he can remember. But his beautiful artist has a way of running away from life-and what the pair could be. Leave it to the infamous spirit to help Ben prove to Michelle where she belongs: in his embrace…

In Redeem Me, it’s All Saints’ Day, the one day the voodoo spirit can walk the world in the flesh. When he bumps into Bethany, she might just be the reincarnation of a girl he once loved. Passion ignites, but can the couple overcome past mistakes and have a real chance at love?

POSSESS ME is available for pre-order right now on Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Borders.
And If thats not exciting enough, Over at the Smutketeers they are having a week long party to celebrate. Full of Obession and Possession , Contests and Guest Bloggers. Stop on by and join em Smutketeers

News to Share : Under the Northern Lights By Vivian Arend

2010-07-26T13:50:00.001-05:00

K so I know I said I would be back But unfortunately I have been laid up in the hospital recently ( no nothing major just in for some treatments ) and I didn't bring my notes with me so I'm having to put off my welcome back party for a future date . SO SORRY y'all. But I have heard some news I thought I'd share with everyone
Vivian Arend has a book coming to print Under the Northern Lights which is book 1+2 of the wildly popular Granite Lake series . Here's a little about the book ::

~~~

UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Coming August 3, 2010

A split second is all it takes to pull the trigger on destiny

Contains the following two novellas

Wolf Signs

Robyn’s deafness doesn’t stop her from taking the back country trip she’s been craving. Meeting a hot, ripped hunk-of-male at the Yukon cabin starts cravings of a different kind. And raises questions about wolves, mates, and duels to the death.

He wanted a quiet retreat before challenging for the pack Alpha position. Keil wasn’t planning on meeting his mate or discovering she’s not aware she has the genes of a wolf to go along with her attitude…

Wolf Flight

Tad’s workaholism keeps his bush-pilot company in the air, and his inner werewolf in check. Letting it lose would mean compromising his human principles. Then Missy re-enters his life, and their chemistry is off the charts, pushing him closer to the step he’s not sure it’s safe to take.

A wolf pack is a dangerous place to have secrets, and Missy’s corrupt Alpha has sniffed out her carefully hidden Omega powers. Her only choice is to get to Tad, and hope like hell his untapped powers are strong enough to negate her own…

Warning: Contains nasty Alphas, secret Omegas, and yup—predestined mates. Includes dangerous use of sarcasm and hot wilderness nookie.

And to celebrate she's having a week long party Starting 7-27 through 8-3 (The day of the release) over on her blog http://vivianarend.com/blog/ so stop on by and maybe win a prize .

Meandi Corner is closing temporarily

2010-05-16T17:57:00.001-05:00

I know what you all are thinking. Has it been open lately anyway? Some of you have probably been wondering if my TBR pile has fell on me and the rescue crew not been able to find her yet? Has alien abducted her and then got annoyed and dropped her off on a planet that has no net? Maybe her computer went out and I'm still waiting on the Pony express notification?
Well in short- The answer is none off the above . All though come to think of it 2 sounds kind-of close. But really I'm in the process of major upheaval. I am moving and my lord I don't know how people move cross country when I am simply moving 2 states and it's a pain.
So we are simple going to close the Corner for a part of the summer. We will be back On July 20th and I have a Welcome Back Party scheduled with lots of prizes. And I have a review of Cameron Glenn's Cupid's Overlook coming.
I hope to see everyone there and I will post a quick reminder close to that date .
Until then follow me on twitter @meandicorner and I will miss you all.

Or if you still need me feel free to e-mail me I will get back to you even if it takes a few days.

Off on my voyage into the Dark ages -

Traveling Story at Romance in the Backseat

2010-05-06T22:33:00.000-05:00

Please stop by and give it a read and of course vote on it.Come get involved cause you never know a part of the story could be posted on our little blog. And as always stop and tell me what your reading or just whats on your radar for the month And Authors feel free to send me info on your new releases cause we would love to hear about that too.I knowI have been neglecting yall and I'm so sorry Life got busy recently but I will be back with awesome post soon. Now back yo the topic. Stop in And telling I sent you over who knows that could lead to great things

Romance in the Backseat

AND THE ANSWERS -

2010-04-29T00:38:00.001-05:00

If you are just coming across this blog.Please take a min and go to Romance in the Backseat first so you can read the quiz as well.All coming from the quiz- answers_ dead ahead >

6- Oh it's just a regular man (regular man whose father made a pact with the Devil to bring back to life and is now sort-of crazy that is) Like in Blood Curse By Crystal Rain Love
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Blurb about the book

Three sets of immortal mates...One warrior born to save the world from Satan's wrath.

Vampires. Witches. Shifters. All will band together to stop the darkness from winning. Fury ignites, love blooms, and relationships are put to the test, all with a passion that proves hotter than the flames of hell. The battle to save the world doesn't get any sexier.

When Aria Michaels sets out to find the vampire who took her mother’s life, she’s stunned when she finds Rialto Renaldi, the vampire who has been haunting her dreams, instead. She hadn’t believed he was real, and she knows she should run from Rialto as fast as she can. But who better to help her find her mother’s killer?

Rialto is reluctant to help the mortal woman who has invaded his dreams, even though he’s curious about who she is and why she has this strange connection to him. He isn’t, however, about to satisfy his curiosity. The last time he became involved with a mortal, he ended up destroying her. But he knows that if Aria searches for the killer on her own, she’ll join her mother in death.

Finally, Rialto agrees to help Aria, but the pair soon learns that fate brought them together for a much larger purpose, and fate has every intention of destroying them if they don't fulfill their roles in the Blood Revelation Prophecy . . .

7-9 Crap, it's a witch and she wants to drain your powers for herself or at the very least she wants you dead. Like in Unbound by Lori Devoti
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Blurb

Risk Leidolf is a hellhound—a legendary, otherworldly creature who is both man and beast. For centuries, he’s been bound to do the bidding of an immortal witch. But after being ordered to destroy novice witch Kara Shane, the man within him rebels. And the beast within him is held at bay—for now.

Fiercely drawn to each other, Risk and Kara soon form a passionate alliance as they set out to find her missing sister—and the key to his salvation. For the power unleashed by the twin witches could free him from the immortal witch’s bondage. But that freedom comes at a steep price. For the fierce battle will put more than one soul at stake…and two hearts on the line.

10-14 Oh No it's an evil you and she(you) wants you dead. Like in A Tale of Two Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
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Blurb

Last month, I was a single preschool teacher whose greatest thrill consisted of color-coding my lesson plans. That was before I learned I was a slayer. Now, it’s up to me to face curse-hurling imps, vengeful demons, and any other supernatural uglies that crop up. And, to top it off, a hunk of a shape-shifting griffin has invited me to Greece to meet his family.

But it’s not all sun, sand, and ouzo. Someone has created a dark-magic version of me with my powers and my knowledge—and it wants to kill me and everyone I know. Of course, this evil twin doesn’t have Grandma’s gang of biker witches, a talking Jack Russell terrier, or an eccentric necromancer on its side. In the ultimate showdown for survival, may the best demon slayer win.

15-18 Oh just swell, It's the Shadow Wolves, a dark force possessing a magic so strong even Vampires tread lightly. Like in Regina in the Sun By R G Alexander
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Blurb

There’s only one place left to run—into forbidden arms.

Children of the Goddess Book 1

When she arrives at Ye Olde Haven Pub, the sanctuary for Trueblood Vampires, Regina is wounded and desperate. Her only thought is to save the Deva Clan, her family, from the dangerous Loups De L’Ombre, the Shadow Wolves. She knows she will not exactly be welcomed with open arms. She is, after all, an Unborn, the lowest caste of Vampire.

As a natural born from the purest line, Zander Sariel knows the rules are sacrosanct—a Trueblood mates with his own kind. But one taste of the young Unborn is all Zander needs to know that rules were made to be broken.

With enemies at every turn, Zander risks everything to save Regina from the monster that hunts her, his own kind’s ignorance and—if he must—her lack of faith in her own unique abilities.

Only together do they have a chance to defeat the shadow that haunts their future, and save their entire race from extinction.

18-21 Just peachy, It's Deumos. A demon of great beauty and she wants to repopulate the earth with her spawn(to destroy the earth of course) Like in The Egyptian Demon's Keeper by Ciar Cullen
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Love—it’s the real thing. And complicated as hell…

Archeologist Eliza Schneider assumes her meeting with an exotic stranger in the Egyptian desert was a heat-induced hallucination…until he materializes in New York. She has to give the tall, handsome Egyptian high marks for originality with his pick-up line: they’re fated to save the world together. The master/servant thing goes a long way toward sweeping her off her feet, but it’s easier to believe he’s just another in her long line of poor romantic choices.

Kasdeya, the Fifth Satan, waited eons for his Keeper to find her way to his tomb amongst the ancient ruins. He only has a limited time to convince Eliza that her role is critical to help defeat the loathsome Deumos, a female demon who has laid her claim to bearing his child—a child that will bring down mortals.

Trouble is, Eliza doesn’t even believe Kasdeya is real. If he can’t convince her he isn’t an illusion—and neither is their love—Deumos will win.

22-24 Great! It's the Devil himself He wants your soul and he's got jobs for you to do as well.Like in The Devil To Pay by Michele Hauf
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Blurb

After the devil Himself claims Ivan Drake's soul on his twenty-first birthday, the vampire phoenix has no choice but to enforce his wicked rule. But when the devil sends him to claim the Book of All Spells, the last thing Ivan expects is to square off with its gorgeous protector, the witch Dez Merevech--or to be so attracted to her.

To retrieve the book might end the escalating war between the witches and the vampires, but to take it from Dez will ensure her death. With the fate of the paranormal world hanging in the balance, Ivan must choose wisely--and quickly....

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I hope you all had fun!I know I did. Please leave us a comment and tell us what you got on your quiz or if you just found a couple of new books to read. I'd love to hear from you ;)

Want to win A Sony Reader From Shiloh Walker! details inside

2010-04-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

Shiloh Walker has a new release anda nice contest to go with

No Longer Mine:

One woman, one man, and a love that won’t let either of them go.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks and dealt a fair share of hardship, Nikki Kline never gives up a fight. Even when her reason to keep going is ripped from her, Nikki tries desperately to hang on. But when the man who broke Nikki’s heart comes back into her life she doesn’t know how much she can take. Especially since that man seems determined to win back her damaged heart.

Wade Lightfoot is a man who knows he’s made more mistakes than most. As much as he would like to repair the damage he’s done to those he loves, Wade also knows there is no going back. But when he sets out to put things right the last thing he’s prepared to find out is that he had a son. A son he’ll never get the chance to meet.

When the truth is out and all the old wounds are bared, it seems impossible that Nikki and Wade will find their way back to each other. But true love is an undeniable force that even past hurts can’t destroy.

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Warning: This title contains heartbreaking tragedy, lies and deception, and a scorching passion that nothing can deny.

What do I have to do to win you ask? Buy No Longer Mine by Shiloh Walker

Excerpt

It was hot—the kind of heat that wrapped around a person, threatened to suffocate, threatened to choke. Hot, with leaden, overcast skies that seemed to promise rain, but it had been overcast for days and they hadn’t seen a drop.

Nicole Kline was just outside of town when she flipped on the radio and heard the weather report. A storm was coming.

Great.

Not the ideal day for a run into town, but it was either suffer the heat or suffer the frustration when all she found for dinner was Cheetos and frozen ground beef. If she had paid attention to the weather before they had left home she would have suffered the Cheetos, the frozen ground beef—and her younger brother’s griping.

Yum.

Instead of trying to make the thirty-minute drive back to her home in the hills, she decided to grab her groceries then go to her dad’s and wait it out there.

She made it in and out of the store in under twenty minutes. As she walked outside with her infant son, Jason, perched on her hip, she glanced up at the sky. The sight of the thunderheads piling up overhead made her wince.

Her brother, Shawn, bumped her shoulder with his. “Come on,” he said. “We’re going to get soaked if we wait around too long.”

She made a face. “We’re going to get soaked anyway.” She chucked her son under his chin and smiled at him. Not that he was at all worried about those clouds.

The scent of rain hung heavy on the air.

Looks like the farmers are going to get the rain they want and then some, Nikki mused as she secured the straps on the baby’s car seat. After she finished securing Jason in his seat, she went around to help her brother finish loading the groceries into the back of the SUV.

Flattened drops of rain splattered the hood of the car as she slid into the driver’s seat. Then Nikki glared at the skies as the clouds burst, dousing the parking lot under a deluge of water.

“Don’t sweat it, Nik,” Shawn advised. “We can just wait it out at Dad’s.”

She sighed. That had been the plan anyway, not that she had told Shawn. Her brother and her father were on the outs for some reason, which was why Shawn had been spending the past few weeks at her place.

She could hear Jason jabbering to himself from the backseat.

“Dogs, dogs, dogs,” he chanted over and over while he played with a tattered stuffed mouse and chewed busily on the remaining ear.

At least that was what she thought he was saying.

Flicking Shawn a glance, she ordered, “Put your seatbelt on, will ya?”

Rolling his eyes, he fastened the lap belt and drawled, “Yes’m.” He gave Jason a look in the mirror, circling his finger at his temple. The baby laughed and clapped his hands before launching into a long and detailed jabbering monologue with his friend, Mouse.

Hazel eyes squinted, Nikki stared through the windshield, blocking out the noise of the rain and her son’s jabbering. Even though she drove with the lights on, she couldn’t see much more than fifteen or twenty feet in front of her.

Twenty minutes passed and she still wasn’t at her dad’s. The store wasn’t even ten minutes from there, but that was under normal driving conditions.

Growling with frustration, she snapped, “I can’t see a damn thing in this!”

The rumble of thunder edged closer. Lightning flashed.

“You’re almost there, sis. It’s just up there.”

She spotted the turn off as Shawn spoke. “Almost there, fella,” she said as Jason started shrieking, “Eat! Momma, eat!”

“Just a few minutes, Jas—”

Neither Shawn nor Nikki saw the other car. It came flying around a curve fast—so fast—and hit them from behind. She was thrown forward. Blinding pain sliced through her head and a loud, thunderous crash filled her ears.

A blaring noise rent the air, but above it she heard a baby’s panicked, startled cry.

From the passenger seat next to her, Shawn swore viciously, grabbing for the door handle.

“Jason!” Her voice was garbled, choked. Blood filled her mouth and a red haze clouded her vision.

Instinctively she slammed on the brakes, wrenched the steering wheel to the right towards safety. Off to their left was a steep drop off—

Another jolt struck her SUV, throwing her back. She was pinned against the seat by her safety restraint as the world started to spin before her. Above the roaring in her ears she heard thunder and the screeching sound of metal against metal. Then all was silent.

and you could win a Sony Reader Pocket Edition (color optional)!

Easy, right?

Well Pop over to Shiloh Walker's blog and read the details of entry

And GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !!!!

Review of Prisioner of Desire by Delilah Devlin and a peek at her new book First Knight + some Contest Info

2010-04-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

Prisoner of Desire > Book 1 Of the Desire series-

Captain Adamarik Zingh and his pirate crew have captured many a ship, pillaged their cargoes, pleasured their women, while thumbing their noses at the Dominion’s authority. But pirating is a lonely business and Adam and his men have entered a pact to set down roots, self-govern without Dominion interference, and raise families on an uninhabited planet at the edge of the known galaxy. What they need now are wives.

Evena McClure is the elected Cell Block Captain aboard a Dominion penitentiary serving her time along with nearly 400 female prisoners. When pirates overtake their ship Evena resists, mindful of her duty to protect the women. When the pirate captain offers freedom to only a hundred of the prisoners, Evena and the women form alliances to broker a deal to free more of their sisters.

The pirates and the prisoners have only a week to seduce the other side to their will.

How I got this book- I was luck enough to win this e-book while attending a chat last night. Thank You so much Delilah :)

Why I picked this one- I was givin the chance to pick a e-book from her back-list and as I looked around her site I reliased I had missed this whole series so of course I had to start with book 1.

Did I like it- Oh yeah I did. I couldn't put it down hence the review a day after I received it

General thoughts- This is a great tale of Evena McClure, an innocent prisioner who is eagerly awaiting a pardon so she can get revenge on the man who put her in prision with his misdeeds. Adamarik Zingh( Adam as he is called) is a pirate ready to settle down and have a family. He and his crew come up with the perfect plan to find the some women to be their wives on a new planet. They will go to the womens prision and break a few of them out. Adam wants Evena but does she want him enough to give up her dreams of home and revenge.
I was captived by this steamy read . Delilah Devlin's eye for detail without complete swamping you brought this space age tale to life for me. Her no-fear attitude submerged every page in sexual heat. If you like me have a love of the sci-fi and have missed this series Go.. Get it Now...
                                                                                                 I RECOMMEND IT ...
And Now for your reading pleasure here's an excerpt
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Excerpt from Delilah Devlin site           http://www.delilahdevlin.com/

          CHAPTER ONE

His communications mate pressed the intercom switch.

“Warning! You are entering Interplanetary Dominion controlled space.” The computer-generated message transmitted in the Universal Language. “This ship is a Dominion Prison. Any vessel detected within a one hundred milli-league radius of the ship will be destroyed.”

“Retract the visor,” Adam ordered, ignoring the warning.

The whirring sound that accompanied the retracting curtain of metal grated, reminding Adam of the loss of his previous spacecraft. Its state-of-the-art bioluminescent screen would have recreated the view of space without leaving the ship’s hull vulnerable.

But pirates couldn’t be too choosy. The lumbering transport vessel he now captained had enabled his band of raiders to creep close to their target, beneath the blanket of the Dominion’s detector beams. Its unremarkable appearance in this little-traveled part of the universe was a perfect ruse.

“I see her, Adam.” The man at the helm, his first mate Cantor Marlow, dipped the prow of the ship leeward. The sudden change in tack caused the old barge to shudder violently. Then a low, ominous groan from the hull itself rattled the consoles, spilling cups and charts onto the floor.

Adam maintained his balance, barely, and turned to glower at his first mate. “Cookie’ll dice your innards for that. He’ll be cleaning grub from the ceiling for a week.”

Cantor shrugged, a wicked twinkle in his eye. “I was just making sure the breaching crewmen were out of their bunks.” His gaze shifted beyond Adam. “There she is.”

Adam glanced through the open portal, searching the sky. The infinite, black night stretched before him. Full of endless possibilities. A siren’s call that had beckoned him from his first voyage.

Then he saw it. The enormous hull of the prison ship loomed in the distance — anticipation leapt in his veins. “Alert the breaching crew.”

His first mate grinned. “Lucky sods!”

Three whistles shrilled, followed by the alert message.

“Cantor, you’re in charge,” Adam called over his shoulder as he headed toward the hold of the ship.

“Aye, sir. Good luck, and don’t forget my list.”

Adam slapped his palm against the hold door button, and it slid silently open. Within the hold, the breaching crew was assembling-or at least he thought it was his crew. Gone were their beards and rough pirate’s clothing. In their place stood well-scrubbed, clean-chinned men.

His security officer, Darak, strode toward him wearing a deep, azure shirt, tucked into tan leather breeches.

“What in hell are you wearing?” Adam demanded.

“It’s just a little something I picked up at our last port of call. Alarian silk.” Darak shrugged, grinning sheepishly. “Quite sturdy material, actually.”

“You look like a peacock,” Adam complained. His gaze swept over the rest of his breaching party. “I’m capturing a ship with a bloody flock of peacocks!”

“The men await your orders, sir. They’re eager for this mission. Every one of them volunteered.”

Adam rolled his eyes. “They fought for the right to board. I’m lucky to have any crew left with blood enough for this capture. Is the breaching craft loaded?”

“Aye, aye sir. With eight days of supplies, should we need them.”

“Very well. Let’s get on with this.”

Darak pivoted on his heels. “Attention,” he shouted.

The crew leapt to obey, forming two ranks along the bulkhead.

Adam stomped down the line, his nose itching as he passed through a cloud of contesting colognes emanating from his bloodthirsty crew. “Are you planning on conquering them with smell?” he growled. As he passed his medic, his eyes watered uncontrollably. He paused, sniffing.

Doc blinked rapidly, moisture welling in his eyes. “It’s the scent of Alarian rose, sir-mixed with the pheromones of a Moldan yak. Very potent.”

“Grrr,” Adam glowered, then stomped back to the front of the formation. “We’ll enter the prison through the docking station. Be quick. Let’s have them contained before they realize we aren’t the warden and her guards. We only have a narrow window of time to get aboard undetected by the Dominion’s security system.” As he delivered his last instruction, he narrowed his eyes. “Don’t trip over your lace.”

“Captain,” Darak interjected.

“Yes, Darak?”

“Sir, the men want to know if we’re certain this is the right prison ship.”

“I paid 10,000 dinars in Earth gold for the information. If it’s not the right ship, you’d best be ready to defend your virtue.” Adam enjoyed a moment’s satisfaction as his crew absorbed the message. “We’ve eight days to survive aboard ship before the Intrepid can rendezvous again without Dominion detection.”

Another crewmember raised his hand. “Is it really a ship full of women convicts?”

“Aye, and ripe for rescue,” Darak answered, producing laughter and cheers among his shipmates.

“How long have they been deployed?” another asked.

“Over three years,” Adam answered. “They may all be dead. We might find only a ghost ship.”

“Sir.” Ivan, the science officer and youngest of his crew, raised his hand. “What if there aren’t enough suitable women aboard for our purpose?”

“If they’re fertile, they’ll suit,” he replied bluntly. “When does our window open?”

Ivan checked his wrist computer. “The asteroid, Cygnet, will block Dominion detector beams beginning in five minutes.”

“Board up!” Adam shouted. He followed his crew into the breaching craft, scratching his beard and wondering if he should have changed his clothing.

* * * * *

Before the siren finished its first warning peal, Cell Block Captain Evena McClure rolled out of her bunk and onto her feet in one fluid movement.

“Damn HS block!” Two nights running she’d answered alarms in the high security cellblock. Although tired and cranky, she raced from her quarters to the cabinet that housed the behavior modification clubs, the only weapons permitted aboard the prison ship. Slapping her palm to the security reader, she waited impatiently until the door latch popped.

At the sound of the heavy thud of her CB Sergeant’s footfalls behind her, she tossed her a weapon, and then shouldered her own club.

“Thought I’d get a decent night’s sleep for once.” Mary Grogan smiled, a flash of startling white against her dark chocolate face as she fell into step beside Evena. “You wanna bet on who’s raising a ruckus this time?”

Evena shook her head. “No, I won’t take that bet. I’d lose.”

Together, the two women rushed down the corridor leading from the guard quarters directly to the security surveillance room. Entering, Evena noted the two women on night watch standing at the viewing panels.

“Calandra, what’s the problem?”

The guard darted a glance over her shoulder. “That damn psychopath Celestine refused to don her uniform, again. I sent a couple of guards to persuade her, but she got the drop on them. Celestine’s fashioned a wire whip.” She moved to the side to allow Evena to see the viewing screen. “One guard is down. The other’s doing her best to keep out of reach.”

Evena frowned as she watched the battle in the cell. The guards’ uniforms were shredded, and one was bleeding heavily. “Damn! I’m going in.”

“Have a care. She’s slicing ribbons off them.” Calandra released the lock on the security gate to the high-risk cellblock then offered Evena a disgruntled grin. “Why don’t you just kill her? No one’ll miss that one.”

“Sorry to disappoint, but she’s not worth risking my pardon.”

Evena slid back the door and jogged toward Celestine Monteval’s cell, Mary once again at her heels. The occupants of the other cells didn’t alert their fellow cellmate, evidence that even the most extreme of the violent offenders weren’t rooting for that psychopath.

Grunts and curses sounded from the open cell door. Evena hefted her club, smacking it against her palm loudly as she stood in the doorframe.

Celestine spun toward her, then let the tail of her whip fall lax against the floor.

Evena spared a single glance at the bloodied guard, who slid down the wall, chest heaving, relief evident in her expression. A throaty chuckle drew her attention back to the problem, and her eyes narrowed.

Celestine was naked except for the tattoo of a crimson snake, which undulated across her golden skin, emphasizing a figure that would inflame a monk-which was what Evena felt like these days. Celestine’s perfect white teeth flashed in a triumphant smile. ” Captain , did I wake you?” she asked mockingly.

Evena ignored the woman’s taunt. Instead, she glanced over her shoulder at Mary. “While I keep her occupied, get the other two out of here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And Mary, she doesn’t come out of here alive.”

Celestine’s lips thinned into a malevolent grimace, emphasized by the ominous hiss of her homemade whip slapping against the floor.

Evena cocked her head left than right, popping the vertebrae in her neck, before she said in a bored tone, “Okay Celestine, I’m going to ask you once, nicely, to get back into your uniform.”

“I hate to disappoint you, but I can’t possibly. My skin doesn’t breathe in that damn thing,” she said, smoothing a hand down her naked flank.

Evena gritted her teeth. Celestine was going to refuse every reasonable offer. However, Evena’s office demanded she offer a peaceable settlement. “Well, I’ll make a deal with you,” she said in a tone that implied she didn’t think Celestine had the intellect to understand. “You put the uniform back on, and I won’t withhold your water rations.”

A frown darkened the stunning face of the psychopath. “You can’t do that. Who made you God?”

“The majority of the women aboard the New Attica who elected me CB Captain.”

“I don’t recognize your right to order me around. You’re no better than I am.”

Oh yeah? Who’s running this ship and who’s stuck in an HS cage? Evena’s pride kept the starch in her backbone and her retort behind her teeth. “The women have given me the right. I’m responsible for order aboard this ship. My first duty is to ensure that every prisoner abides by the recycling laws.”

“Here’s what I think of your rules.” Celestine swung her arm wide, jerking it back at the top of the arc to produce a lightning crack of her whip.

Evena feinted right, narrowly escaping the razor-sharp metal.

Celestine advanced, her face red with rage. “It’s not fair. Why do you get the run of the ship, while I’m locked in here?”

“Because you’re nuts, Celestine.” Evena forced herself to stand still, pretending unconcern for her opponent’s approach. The bitch was unpredictable. While Evena was confident she could take her, and itched for an excuse to take her down, she’d die before she let Celestine to know she held a healthy respect for her brutality. “Our internal review board sentenced you to this block. I’m merely upholding their ruling.”

Celestine’s hands fisted at her sides. “I’m going fucking insane here. I’m from Arturia. I’m not made to be without a partner.”

“You tried to take the face off your last lover, Celestine.”

“The bitch threatened to leave me,” Celestine screeched. “I was just helping her on her way.”

Suddenly, the whip snaked out, wrapping around the end of Evena’s club. Celestine jerked sharply.

The tug was meant to disarm Evena, but she’d anticipated the move and pulled back hard.

Celestine cried out and let go of the whip to avoid slicing her hands open. Before it hit the floor, she leapt at Evena.

Evena took the force of her charge and rolled with it, quickly pinning the woman to the ground. Grasping Celestine’s hands, she stretched her arms above her head, and lowered her body to trap her opponent against the floor, careful to keep her face out of reach of the psychopath’s sharp teeth.

Celestine shuddered beneath her, her expression morphing from enraged to sultry in a second. “Oooh, if I’d known you were that hard-up, I’d have issued another kind of invitation, Evena.”

Evena wiped all emotion from her face. “Shut up.”

“What’s the matter? Want some?” she asked with a roll of her belly.

The smell of the woman’s sweat was pungent yet strangely enticing. Evena glowered, disgusted she’d even noticed. “I’d sooner fuck my nightstick.”

Celestine’s sultry pout grew surly, and she resumed bucking beneath Evena, nearly unseating her.

Evena shifted, clamping her forearm over Celestine’s and freeing a hand to grab Celestine’s hair. She lifted the other woman’s head off the floor, then slammed it down. “This is the way this is going down.” Thump! “I’m going to get up slowly. You’re not going to so much as twitch-” Thump! “-because if you do, Mary here is going to use her stick to lobotomize you.” She twisted her fingers into the hair and tugged hard. “Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” Celestine ground out.

Evena stared into the dangerous woman’s eyes until she finally turned away. “I’m going to get up now. When I say so, you can start getting your uniform on.”

“I’m not wearing it,” Celestine’s voice was petulant and small. “It smothers me.”

Evena fisted a hand in her hair, forcing her to look at her. “Listen, you spoiled little bitch! You haven’t the right to withhold your sweat or piss. If you don’t comply, you won’t get your ration of water. Do you understand me?”

Celestine snarled and pitched beneath her.

Evena’s already bad mood soured. She wished like hell the woman would lay still. It had been too long since she’d touched another person’s naked skin. That she was lying on top of a professional courtesan further frosted her ass.

Two shrill whistles sounded.

Evena’s head snapped up. “Damn. The warden.” She let Celestine’s head thump back against the floor and sprang off her.

She swept her club from the floor and shot a glance to Mary. “I’ll have to let you clean up here.”

Mary grinned, slapping her club against her palm. “My pleasure.”

With adrenaline still pumping through her veins, Evena passed the HS gate and loped toward the docking station. A visit from the warden could mean news of her pardon, if she wasn’t just delivering new prisoners. At the very minimum, the prison galley would receive its quarterly shipment of protein packs and water to supplement their recycled stores.

As she approached the docking station, she heard screams from within. The door slid open and three of her guards ran out. “Captain, pirates are boarding!”

Cold dread settled in her stomach. “Get to the security room. Arm yourselves. Sound the general alert.”

Evena raised her club and entered the room. It was overflowing with men-brightly dressed men. And more were climbing through the docking port. Four of her guards were struggling wildly to escape their captors’ arms.

“Release the women,” she shouted.

All eyes turned toward her. Evena wondered whether she should’ve waited for reinforcements as one man strode toward her. Unlike his comrades, he was dressed entirely in black. His dark, disheveled hair brushed the tops of his shoulders, and a many-days-old beard-stubbled his chin. Dark eyes swept over her in a single quick appraisal, burning her skin.

Evena’s pulse pounded loudly in her ears, and a quiver of awareness fluttered deep in her belly. He was a large man, broad-shouldered and heavily muscled, and despite his wary scowl, a handsome one.

She raised her club higher and bent her knees, sinking into a fighting stance.

The bearded pirate raised a hand. “I come in peace.”

Evena’s glance dropped to the laser sword at his side, before mocking his claim with a cynical lift of her brow.

He spread his hands wide and took another step toward her. “We couldn’t be sure who would be aboard.”

She snorted. “What? You couldn’t read the warning on the portal? This is the New Attica. A prison ship. The Dominion doesn’t have a sense of humor about intruders. And weapons aren’t permitted here.”

His frown deepened, and he took another step forward. “That isn’t exactly a toothpick you wield.”

Evena resisted the urge to retreat. “I’ll repeat. You and your men have trespassed on a Dominion prison. We’ve nothing of value to steal here.”

“I take it you’re in charge?”

“Yes, and I’m ordering you to depart immediately.”

“I’m afraid we can’t do that for at least another eight days, that is if we don’t want to be caught in the security beams and obliterated.”

“Not my problem.”

The corners of his lips twitched. “You’re a stubborn wench, and a bit bloodthirsty. I like that. Aren’t you curious why we’re here?”

“Nope,” she said, shifting one foot to the other. Aware of movement around her, she was unable to look toward it, as the bearded man was within the reach of her club now. “Like I said, we’ve nothing here of value.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. We’re here to conduct a little business with you and your fellow inmates.”

“Then you’ve wasted your time. What exactly do you think we have to bargain with?”

“Yourselves.”

“Explain that before I beat in what’s left of your brains.”

“Very well. We seek wives.”
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                               And now for the Peeking

Delilah has a new book coming out Tomorrow so I thought we'd take a peek cause I adore Delilah's writing

MY IMMORTAL KNIGHT: FIRST KNIGHT

Ellora’s Cave
eISBN: 978-1419927836
Format: eBook
On Sale: April 28, 2010

While hiding her true identity, Maddie must seduce the mysterious Lord Garon to cement their marriage contract to ensure she won’t be returned into her lecherous stepfather’s care.

Fresh from Crusade in Palestine, Lord Garon has a secret he must hide, a hunger that must be fed, and a dark and uncertain future. Having shed himself of a fiancée he never met, he’s home to lick his wounds. The only thing he wants is a warm-blooded meal—but the new housekeeper is strangely insistent on giving him much more.
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                -Excerpt-

Maddie shivered at the creaks and groans the portcullis made as it slowly rose. The rain-laden wind carried the noises and filled the silences in between with a howling that sounded like the hounds from hell had arrived at the castle gate.

Shouts outside the curtain wall had alerted them only minutes before of Lord Garon d’Albermarle’s arrival. With only a bliaut over her sleeping shift, Maddie stood on the first step of the keep, holding a tray with a goblet of wine, ready to offer a proper greeting to her overlord.

“Are you sure this is the way you wish to go about this, M-Maddie?” Egbert asked, fidgeting at her side.

She swallowed against the sudden dryness in her mouth and nodded.

“It be on your head then,” he said, his always-mournful tone as dire as one of Father Ansel’s Sunday sermons. She sent thanks above that the cranky priest was away or her deception wouldn’t last past the introductions.

The clatter of dozens of hooves on the cobbled bridge beyond the gate filled the castle yard with thunder. From the encroaching darkness, the sounds were as ominous as the dark shapes looming on the gatehouse walls. The torches she’d ordered lit sputtered and flared, distorting and elongating shapes so the men riding through the entrance appeared as tall as giants.

Already tired and on edge because she hadn’t slept since a messenger had arrived, warning the castle of his lordship’s arrival days before, Maddie’s fevered imagination painted them darker and larger still.

“Be they devils?” Egbert asked, his narrow shoulders shaking. “No one travels on a night with nary a speck of light in the sky.”

“Hush!” The storm whipping at her clothing and the fatigue from months of worry over this very moment combined to make her hands shake and blackened an already foul mood.

The horsemen entered the bailey and a large figure separated from the contingent who approached the keep. As he drew closer, her fears weren’t eased one whit. The warrior sat atop a huge black destrier, forcing her to raise her gaze quite high to seek his face.

He wore a helm that left only his square jaw exposed. The darkness cast by the metal nose guard concealed his eyes. Only his mouth gave a hint of his mood—a thin, straight line with the corners crimped downward.

Under his stare, Maddie’s knees trembled but her tray never rattled. She squared her shoulders and shot a glance about her at the castle folk. “Stephen!” she called to the stable master. “See to their horses.”

In moments, boys scrambled to accept reins, and the creak of leather and the clank of iron filled the air.

The stable master himself approached the dark warhorse at the foot of the steps but the mounted warrior’s gaze never left Maddie.

She licked dry lips with an even dryer tongue. “Lord Garon?” she asked, although there could be no question who led this contingent. All gazes remained on his intimidating figure. “Please come inside, milord. Your people will see to the comfort of your men.”

His mouth twisted. “And who will see to mine?”

Maddie’s heart leapt to the back of her throat. “I will, milord.”

A long pause indicated he looked her up and down. “And who might you be, madam?” he asked, his voice a deep, hollow rumble.

Maddie remembered to curtsy and then straightened, girding herself to speak the lie aloud. “Your housekeeper. I take care of things now.” The latter, at least, was the truth.

Lord Garon grunted. Without a glance at the stable master, he tossed down his reins and dismounted.

When he turned toward her, Maggie’s breath caught. Lord, he’s a tall man. I thought it was just the horse.

Maddie lifted the ornate chalice from the tray to deliver her much-rehearsed welcome.

Instead, his lordship’s lips pressed into a tighter line and he brushed past her.

She was left gasping on the bottom step. “What a rude ogre!” she exclaimed, annoyed he hadn’t fallen in line with the first step of her plan.

“Watch your tongue, madam,” an accompanying knight said tersely as he followed the lord up the steps. “He has exceptional hearing.”

“M-Maddie?” Egbert said, nodding toward the door.

She shoved the tray at his belly and grasped her skirts high to rush up the steps.

The plan had seemed so simple. All she needed was to get him alone and addle his sight with a little wine or ale so he’d not care she wasn’t the comeliest creature in the keep. Then she would seduce him.

And the sooner, the better. The longer she took losing her virginity, the greater the risk he would discover her identity. The truth was, she would rather copulate with the devil himself than be returned home.

However, this business of copulation, which had seemed a simple, messy, perhaps even enjoyable act, according to the cook, now promised to be a daunting trial.

The lord of the keep turned out to be a giant and as dour as a priest at confession. The thought of being naked with him and accepting his manstaff into her body frankly petrified her.

She rushed through the massive doors, hoping her preparations would meet with his approval. Nothing else could be allowed to mar her well-thought-out plan.

His lordship stood in the center of the hall, hands on hips. Unlike his men, he wore no chain mail, only a leather hauberk to protect his body. He’d removed his headgear, revealing hair a black as midnight and a face as hard as carved granite.

He was everything she’d remembered and more—more frightening, more imposing—and more beautiful because of the differences. Thanks be to God, he hadn’t recognized her.

His gaze narrowed on the hall and she looked around to see what might have displeased him already.

Around him, servants scurried, delivering warm food to the men-at-arms as boys eagerly divested them of their armor. If she hadn’t been observing him so closely, she might not have detected the change in his posture. He scarce seemed to notice the din of activity. His mouth lost a little firmness, his hands unclenched on his hips and his chest rose and fell deeply.

In that instant, Maddie lost a measure of her fear. Here was a man savoring his first night home after a long absence. He had a heart and cared for something at least. Perhaps he wouldn’t be a complete troll when making her his wife.

Garon shut out the noises swirling around him and breathed in the scents of his home. The smells remained unchanged even after eight years away—wood smoke from the hearth, the moist mustiness clinging to the stone walls, roasted meat and women.

Unchanged from his memory, but enhanced by his “affliction”.

Now he could easily discern pheasant from roast beef, sage from rosemary—the laundress’s ripened odor from the housekeeper’s more delicate musk, which wafted in the air behind him where she hovered.

His sight was as improved as his scent. Even the darkest corners, far from the blazing torches in their sconces, were revealed in varying shades of gray—crisp as the autumn air outside. Outside, in the dark, the housekeeper’s eyes had been pale in her pinched, pallid face. He wondered now whether they were blue or hazel.

Sounds reverberated on the walls, a steady rumble of quiet conversations punctuated with sharp bursts of laughter. But the only sound that had raised his interest since his arrival was that of the housekeeper’s heart as she’d waited on the steps of the keep—an agitated tattoo indicating fear despite her calm demeanor.

She’d called him an ogre. If she knew the true nature of the beast, her trepidation would become terror.

“Milord, I’ve secured sustenance for you in your chamber,” Raymond, his captain-at-arms, murmured beside him.

Garon thanked God every day that he and Raymond had met on a faraway battlefield and discovered a connection that bound their destinies. Without him, he’d never be able to sustain this ruse.

“So quickly? I am hungry and thought I’d have to make do.” The throbbing hunger building in his belly had been nearly unbearable the last score of miles.

“Sisters. A friendly pair. They approached me. Said you’d remember them.”

He did. Sturdy, lusty blondes. Their names escaped him, but he well remembered how they used to play in his chamber, offering him hours of sensual delight. This time, however, the play would be quick, even deadly if he couldn’t harness his appetite. “You will wait outside the door and listen in case I have need of you.”

“Yes, milord. If the silence is overlong…”

Garon gave him a sharp, grim nod and turned toward the stairs.

The housekeeper waited at the bottom step, her hands worrying the frayed end of the braided rope securing the castle’s keys around her waist. Her shoulders straightened at his approach. “I’ve ordered a bath sent to your chambers.”

“Later. My man will tell you when I am ready.” He moved to brush past her, doing his best to ignore the heavenly scent of her skin and the pulse that throbbed at the base of her white throat. Her startled eyes were indeed hazel and too innocent for his purposes.

Light brown eyebrows lowered in a frown. “But, milord, the water’s already set to boil. It will be no bother—”

He continued up the stairs, catching a murmured curse from the woman.

So eager to please. She must wonder if her position was secure. At the death of his steward two years past, he’d been informed by courier that another had taken over the management of the estates. As she seemed to be the one in charge, he assumed she was capable, for the land he’d passed through had shown signs of a recent orderly harvest, and the keep was clean, the servants exacting in their care. Tomorrow night, he would tell the woman her place was safe. He had little interest or ability in seeing to the daily running of the estate.

That she was a woman filling a man’s shoes was only an annoyance. Dealing with her reports on a nightly basis would test his patience and he’d have to learn a measure of trust, which would be trial in itself.

He’d learned the hard way that a woman could best a man without using brute force. Sly intelligence and seductive wiles could win the battle when a man’s attention was centered between her legs. He had lost nearly everything to one such heathen bitch—a Saracen’s whore with a thirst for blood.

He shoved open the door of his chamber and hunger instantly clawed at his belly, rumbling loudly.

A fire blazed in the brazier in the far corner. The twins lay naked, warming the covers of his bed. Older now, their figures were a little overblown and fleshy, but their lips still curved in welcome. His body clenched as hunger overrode his caution. He climbed quickly onto the mattress to lie between them. The problem of how to take one without the other screaming the roof down about his ears was less of a concern than feasting on the bounty before him.

“Shall we undress you?” the one with a mole above her lip asked as she scooted closer.

“Later,” he growled, earning delighted giggles from the women. He twisted her body over his, her blonde hair forming a curtain to conceal the nature of his “taking”. Her screech of delight ended in a shocked squeak as he bit into the tender flesh of her neck.

“Milord?” she whispered, her hands pressing against his collarbone for a moment before her fingers curved into his shoulders, clutching him closer. She moaned and her hips ground into his erection.

“All that from just a kiss?” the other said, a plaintive note in her voice. “Save a little for me, Anne.”

Garon’s hands fisted in Anne’s hair, holding her still while he drew blood from the twin piercings at the side of her throat, sucking hard to assuage his hunger. Tasting of salt and copper, her blood coated his tongue, filled his throat and spread warmth throughout his body.

He sucked harder and she cried out, the rapture overtaking her body to set it trembling above his. As her hips ground harder into his, he widened his legs, and slipped a hand to her buttocks, kneading her generous mounds, and then pressing the hard bone of her mons against his cock. He matched her rhythm, bucking against her writhing body to ease the second hunger growing inside him.

A sharp knock on his chamber door penetrated his bliss-fogged mind and he withdrew his teeth, lapping her neck to clean away the smears of blood and close the small wounds he’d inflicted.

She murmured sleepily and burrowed her head against his shoulder, her hips slowing as she fell asleep.

He reached out to snag the other sister, dragging her to his side. When she aimed a kiss at his mouth, he turned from it, not wanting her to discover the length of his teeth, and dragged his lips along her throat. She moaned and nestled closer to his side.

A knock sounded again. He turned toward the door. “Yes, Raymond,” he shouted. “All is well.”

The door flung open and the housekeeper stomped into the room, her eyes widening at the sight of the two naked women. Her mouth gaped and then shut with an audible snap. Her gaze rose above the bed as though she were examining the ceiling for cobwebs. “I’ve brought your bath,” she said, her voice tight, red flags of color staining her cheeks.

With the sharpness of his bloodlust dulled, Garon’s carnal appetites arose full-blown—called to life by the shock and outrage warring in the mousy housekeeper’s expression.

Why her face and reed-thin form should appeal didn’t matter. That he had to have her and wipe away that look of disgust pouting her full lips did.

Garon’s mouth curved in wicked delight. “A foursome then?”
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                                           Contest Info
And I just wanted to let you all know - In celebration of her new release Delilah Devlin is running a contest on her blog http://www.delilahdevlin.com/blog/ for a chance to win a handmade ribbon-and-bead bookmark and a signed copy of the backlisted book of your choice from my Ellora’s Cave selection. So pop on by now cause it ends 4/28 I believe .

Cowboy Hotness- Vivian Arend's Rocky Mountain Haven has released

2010-04-21T02:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Six Pack Ranch, where learning to live again takes some sensual twists.

Beth Danube has escaped to a small Alberta town to make a new start for herself and her three little boys. Her emotionally abusive husband may be dead and buried, but so is her heart. What she doesn’t want is another man in her life—not now, maybe not ever. Yet when her libido reawakens after ten years of unsatisfactory sex in the missionary position is any woman strong enough to turn down sex-in-boots, Daniel Coleman?

The middle child of the rowdy Coleman boys, Daniel’s the quiet one who has always subdued his desires and acted as peacemaker. His powerful attraction to the young widow takes him by storm, and he’s willing to pursue her until they both find satisfaction—in and out of the bedroom.

Only Beth isn’t sure she’s ready to cross the line. Becoming friends with blazing hot benefits means she’s still the one in control. Letting her heart trust again? She isn’t that brave—or foolish. Daniel is going to have to be mighty convincing to help her overcome the past.

~~EXCERPT~~

The porch boards squeaked softly and he looked up from where he’d settled on the porch swing.

“You’ve got awesome kids. I’m sorry again about the swimming hole thing. It really never crossed my mind you didn’t know.”

She waved it away. “I’m embarrassed I didn’t figure out where they were disappearing to. I should have kept much better tabs on them. I’m so grateful you had an eye on them.”

He stood and peeked in the window. “Will you need to go and get them into bed?”

She nodded. “They’ll start on their own, but they’ll get distracted soon.”

Daniel smiled. “I think my Mama used to say it was like trying to herd cats to get us all in bed on time. I won’t keep you long, but…” He reached for her hand, linking his fingers in hers. She swallowed hard. Oh lord, it felt so good and scared her mindless. She stood, as still as a statue in spite of her pounding heart.

“I’d like to see you, Beth.”

She bit her lip. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

He turned over her fingers, his thumb brushing the groove on her ring finger that was slowly disappearing. After ten years of wearing her wedding band, the sign was still there, even though the ring was not. “You’re not married.”

She shook her head. “He’s gone.” He raised a brow and she had to say it, knowing the confusion not speaking plainly would cause. “He’s dead. He died in the accident that injured my leg.” Her throat went tight. Images flashed through her mind, the icy road, the glaring lights. The pain.

The guilt.

His fingers stilled. “I’m sorry.”

He pulled away, and she caught at his hand. Damn her indecision.

“It’s…okay. We were having troubles when he died, and I’m not grieving for him. Not really. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for you and me…” She couldn’t speak anymore. What she wanted and what she should do–why was it so damn hard to know which was which?

He squeezed her hand softly then let go and paced away. “There’s a whole lot I think you’re not saying right now. That’s fine. I’m still the man you met one night while you were in a drunken state and you don’t really know me.”

“I wasn’t drunk.”

He chuckled and she felt her face heat. “We call that liquid courage around here, darling, and you had some. I just want you to know I was serious back then when I said I was interested in you. I’m even more interested now, knowing you’re not a city girl living in some high-rise apartment hours away from me.”

“Maybe I’m not staying.”

“And maybe I’ll have time over the next months to convince you staying is what you need. I’m a good man, Beth. I’m not talking about taking over your life. I’m saying you intrigue me and you make my body ache. I think our attraction is something worthwhile exploring together.”

He moved closer. Her pulse pounded and she tilted her head up involuntarily to keep their eyes in contact.

Another step.

“I want to kiss you,” he growled. Their bodies were close enough their heat meshed and a little gasp of need escaped her throat. “Do you want to kiss me?”

Oh god. “I shouldn’t.”

“But do you want to?”

Desire and being responsible warred within her. Accepting his touch tonight would make it all that much harder to turn him down the next time.

He pressed still closer and their torsos connected, his erection rubbing her belly. Her back hit the wall as he caged her without using his hands. Their lips brushed together and she sucked in his air, the full body of his flavour rolling over her tongue like a fine wine. He kissed her tenderly, not the white-hot passion she’d replayed over and over in her mind from the bar scene, but a worshipful caress that started and finished with their lips.

When he pulled away his pupils were huge, his smile even wider.

“Goodnight, Beth.”
And he walked away, down the path that led into the trees.

And now to wet you appetite Chapter One (from Vivan's website)

July

Calgary, Alberta

She nursed her drink, waving back at her little sister who was jammed together with a hundred other people on the dance floor. Beth tried not to peek at her watch again, instead checking out the myriad of faces under the cowboy hats around her. She’d never seen so many boots and buckles in her life. Another round of ‘Yahoo’s’ rose into the air from a few little-too-well lubricated throats.

While she appreciated Darleen’s attempt at cheering her up and–how had she put it?–”pulling her back to the land of the living”, the bar scene had never been her thing.

It certainly wasn’t tonight.

One song ended, melding into another ear shattering rendition of someone done somebody wrong and Beth held the cool glass of her drink against her temple in the hopes it would slow the throbbing.

“There she is. Hey, Beth, look what I found on the dance floor!” Dar approached the table like a runaway train, dragging not one, but two cowboys by the hand. “They’re identical twins!” she shouted with glee.

Beth raised a brow. They certainly were, from the tops of their Stetsons, past the mischievous grins and the tight faded jeans to the worn shitkickers. “Well done. Now you just need a wandering gypsy and the arctic explorer and you’ll win the scavenger hunt.” She held out a hand to the first of the gorgeous specimens. “Beth.”

A warm hand clasped her fingers and gave a firm shake while a pair of piercing blue eyes gazed into hers. “Jesse Coleman, that’s my brother Joel. I can’t help you with an arctic explorer but I might know where there’s a gypsy or two.”

Beth laughed. “Sorry, but Darleen is a little enthusiastic at times. I’m attempting to keep her centered in reality.”

He pulled out a chair and sat in it backward, his mouth-watering smile never leaving his face. She sipped her drink. He was hot and kind of cute, but too young for her. Way too young.

“You dancing tonight Beth, or just exercising your imagination?” Jesse asked. She saw admiration in his eyes as he looked her over and it felt good. Maybe it was time to try to spread her wings again. She forced herself to take a long slow perusal of his body before smiling at him. His eyes darkened with interest. That was the kind of response she needed to see.

“Beth doesn’t dance since the accident,” Darleen piped up before she could answer for herself. “Oops. Shit, sorry sis. Shut mouth, throw away key.”

Beth found both the boys staring at her. Crap. It’s not like she planned on keeping it a secret.
She leaned back in her chair and pulled out her leg with its thick supporting brace. “I dance fine, Darleen, I just take up more room than is available on the floor. You go ahead, I’ll watch.”

The other twin spoke, adjusting the chairs until there was enough space for them all. “I’m happy to sit for a while. It’s been a long day and the dancing’s pretty much worn me out.”

Darleen rested on the arm of Joel’s chair, her body leaning into him. Beth coughed softly. Her sister was grown up and could make her own decisions, but she didn’t want to be in the know about any specific sexual escapades. From the looks Joel was bestowing on Dar, the potential for something to happen was high.

Besides, she had her own agenda tonight, and perhaps the young hotshot seated next to her would be a willing volunteer in her little research project. She sipped her drink and checked inwardly to see if she’d had enough to alcohol yet to loosen up her final inhibitions.

“So, why’s it called Six Pack Ranch?” Darleen now sat firmly in Joel’s lap and Beth blinked at having missed the movement that put her there. “You said the ranch has been around for generations, but six-packs are fairly new.”

Jesse laughed. “The ranch is officially the SP Ranch, after the first initials of the original Coleman brothers who established her, but the smartasses in town decided it stood for Six Pack a few years ago and the new handle stuck.”

Beth raised a brow. “The smartasses? Why would they do that? Usually nicknames have some basis in reality.”

“You’re pretty fixated on reality, aren’t you, sweetheart?” Jesse leaned over and took her hand in his, stroking her fingers smoothly. If she weren’t so sure she might have taught him only a few years earlier in one of her high school math classes, it would have felt even better. Now she wondered if he was of legal age to be in the bar. “You’re right, there’s more. Picture six boys growing up on the ranch. That started the idea. Plus, there’s this…” He rotated smoothly to end up by her side, tugging her close. Yanking up the bottom of his shirt he slapped her hand onto his abdomen.

Rigid muscles flexed under her palm and she froze for a second, his hand trapping hers against his skin. Oh God, she’d never felt anything like it before. Beth involuntarily drew a finger along the well-defined ridges, mesmerized by the sensation of individual muscle strands under the skin. A soft laugh brought her back to realize she sat fondling a stranger’s stomach in public and she snatched her hand away to safety.

She wiggled her finger in his face. “Bad boy.”

He laughed and leaned in closer. “I think you like bad boys.”

Beth shook her head. He had no idea how much she wanted the exact opposite.

Darleen giggled as Joel nuzzled behind her ear and Beth knew it was time to make a decision. She looked up from under her lashes to spot Jesse watching the other two at the table jealously, his attention back on her younger sister, and that was all the wake up call she needed. He might have thought she was amusing to tease, but she was way too old for him. She glanced around the dance floor. Damn it. Weren’t there any guys over the age of twelve in the room?

“I need to powder my nose.” She grabbed her purse and hid her smile as Jesse leapt to his feet to help her up. He was a polite thing, wasn’t he? If she weren’t old enough to have babysat him it might have been perfect.

It took a little maneuvering to make it through the crowd to the back of the room with her leg. The pulsing beat of the music stirred something inside her, the liquor setting her blood pounding for the first time in forever. The bodies tangling together on the dance floor made her jealous. How long since she had someone wanting her that badly? Hands and mouths unable to resist touching, no matter how visible they were to the eyes watching around them.

Hell, she’d never had that kind of relationship. She cursed at herself and pressed the door to the washroom a little harder than she intended, the frame slamming into the wall with a crash. The girls at the sink touching up their lipstick eyed her cautiously and she shook her head in derision, stumbling her way to a stall.

Great, now she was freaking out the party animals. The whole bar trip had been a bad idea from the start. As for her underlying goal? Obviously getting hot and sweaty was not on the agenda for tonight. She had her answer.

She washed her hands and stared at herself in the mirror. Inside, she felt a million years old, especially after seeing Joel fawn over Dar. On the outside, the news was mixed. Her new short hairstyle suited her dark colouring, but the tension from the past years had drawn lines at the corners of her eyes and she clearly wasn’t twenty anymore. She’d managed to keep her weight stable, even with the bummed-up leg. She missed her daily runs and the physical high she used to get from them. Those times alone had been her only moments of escape from the hell her life had become. In the six months since the accident there had been no more of that freedom.

Although the worst part of her prison was gone. Hopefully the bastard enjoyed burning in hell like the devil he was.

She made her way back through the crowd, bodies brushing her, knocking her, pressing her to and fro until it was difficult to keep her balance. She swore softly and clung to the railing blocking the dance floor from the rest of the chaos. If she could just catch Dar’s eye. Asking for help stuck in her throat, but she’d prefer to beg than end up on her butt on the floor.

An additional body now sat at the table in the seat she’d abandoned and Beth prayed with three guys vying for her attention, her sister would remember not to leave her behind.

She waved, catching one of the twin’s eyes, which one she couldn’t tell. He nodded and rose, and she sighed in relief. The idea of fighting her way across the room left her aching. Then the newcomer stood as well and pivoted, his dark eyes seeking her out.

Her mouth went dry.

Oh my. If she’d thought the twins were good looking, this specimen was dazzling. He was still young, probably younger than her, but on him the tantalizing features of the other boys had matured, soft edges now harder, more pronounced. There was no doubt he was a member of the six-pack they’d spoken about. Whatever else the family raised out on that ranch of theirs, the men were certainly impressive.

She lifted her chin, her pulse quickening as the older cowboy waved his brother down and made his way to her side. People seemed to part before him and Beth got an eyeful of long, muscular limbs and smooth controlled motion as he approached. Suddenly her little side reason for the trip to the bar got pulled off the backburner and back into play.

She’d spent the past six months rebuilding her life. While there were still huge holes in her world, learning to retake control of her sexuality had finally made it toward the top of the to-do list. After years of dreading her husband’s touch, she needed to know if she could stand physical contact with a man. The cowboy she was drooling over looked like a fine volunteer to experiment with–if she could get past her fears and seduce him, or at least attempt to. If she had to call it off in mid-play, this was a safe site. He’d never be able to track her down, or figure out her real identity. She’d never have to see him again.

He landed at her side and dipped his head in greeting.

“Daniel Coleman. Can I give you a hand?” He offered his arm and she took it gratefully. The fragrance of his aftershave made her perk up. Her husband had never used any cologne. Claimed a real man didn’t need anything but soap and water, and the gift she’d given him was thrown in the garbage along with a bit of her heart. Now this stranger wore the very scent she’d chosen for Samuel back when she was still young and thought she knew what love was. It had to be a good omen. Damn it, she was going to take it as a good omen because she needed one right now.

Back at the table it was a tight fit. Darleen now sat on both the twin’s laps, their three bodies crowded close together. Beth found herself seated next to Daniel.

The noise level in the bar increased and Beth gave up trying to listen to a conversation three feet away from her. She’d have to shout to be heard. She turned to see Daniel frowning slightly as he watched his brothers.

“Everything okay?”

He smiled wryly at her. “Just getting tired of babysitting. Your little sister?”

She nodded. “Dar doesn’t bite. Your boys are safe.”

He laughed. “Then I’ll relax. You live in Calgary?”

Did she really want to tell him anything about herself? No. Hell, she thought that at least she could handle some small talk after all this time. She threw back the last mouthfuls of her drink and changed the topic. The conversation needed to stick to what she wanted to discuss. Somehow she had to lead him into accepting her proposition.

“What’s your favourite part of the Calgary Stampede?”

He paused and took a long drink of his beer before turning to face her. “I take it you don’t want to answer my question.”

Damn right, she didn’t want to tell him any of her personal details. There was no way she would tell him the truth. But the best lies were made of a pinch of reality.

“I just want to enjoy myself and take a night to be whoever. Do whatever. I’m not into exchanging life stories. Sorry.”

He nodded. “Understood.”

She looked him over closer. A small scar marred the skin beside his right eye, and she touched it without thinking. “You were lucky.”

“I deserved it.”

Her involuntary reaction to his words was to stiffen in defense. Oh damn, there were still triggers that were beyond her control. She forced herself to relax. He didn’t mean anything by it. He wasn’t talking about her and scars, he was talking about himself.

They were crowded on either side as people forced their way past to reach their seats. His arm draped along the back of her chair, just touching her shoulders. It felt way better than she’d hoped–the riotous fear she had expected wonderfully absent. She deliberately made herself rest her hand on his thigh, trying to make it look casual, trying not to show how much effort it took to not flinch away. He moved slightly and the individual muscles shifted. Firm muscles pressed against the jean material and she sucked in a quick breath wondering what he was about to do. Heat radiated upward, and her core tightened. The twins took off, dragging her sister back to the dance floor.

She leaned closer under the pretense of speaking quietly. Her nose itched as it struck the short hairs behind his ear. The scent of his skin, so different from her husband’s, gave her courage. That wonderful mixture of man and aftershave, slightly rough, slightly wild. Damn. Her nipples tightened and between her legs her body ached.

Okay, that was a good sign. The whole libido thing wasn’t completely broken…

“Dar’s going to have a hard time picking which one of them she likes better, you know.”

His shoulder pressed against her body as he leaned back, twisting his head to the side to reach her ear. He sighed, the warm air tickling her skin. “Are you going to go ballistic if I tell you they’re going to try their best to get her to pick them both?”

She choked before pulling back to look him in the eye. “Hello?”

Daniel grimaced. “They won’t force anything, but they like having one girl between the two of them. I don’t get it, I don’t understand it. But they’ve always been like that and so far I haven’t heard any complaints.”

She sat shocked for a moment, turning to watch the slow-dance taking place on the floor. There were more than enough bodies to explain why the three of them had to be dancing so close, but sure enough, the younger Colemans had trapped Darleen on two sides. Beth debated for a moment, her heart pounding. What if…

No, she couldn’t start imaging what if her sister suddenly had to deal with two men who were overly aggressive. Not all men were like Samuel. If Dar wanted to cut loose tonight, hell if big sister was going to stop her. Life was short, and she should take what fun she could.

“More power to them.” She said it quietly, but she knew he’d heard. He relaxed, his arm brushing her again. Onto other important issues. It was now or never, because she was one second away from fleeing altogether. “What about you, Daniel?” She pressed her hand against his thigh, letting the weight of it slowly brush the surface of his jeans. If she had the courage she would have reached toward his crotch, but that was impossible. This was as deliberate as she could get.

She held her breath waiting for his reaction. Would he ridicule her? Brush her aside?

He stared at her for a full minute and heat crept up her neck. It was one thing to act the hussy, and another to pull it off. Fine. The whole plan had been rotten from the word go. She dropped her eyes and retreated. She would have withdrawn her hand when he grasped her wrist, locking it in place with a steely grip. She bit her lip to hide the gasp of fear that wanted to escape, but his grasp, while it held her immobile, was gentle on her skin.

With a slow but deliberate motion he tugged her hand over his lap. He opened her fingers, curling them around his length. His erection bulged, a solid ridge under the fabric. She felt him grow firmer beneath the zipper.

He leaned in. “I’m not usually the type for this kind of thing, but if you’re asking for a little something on the wild side, hell yeah, I can oblige you. I don’t know why someone like you isn’t getting well taken care of already. For tonight, if you want me to make you happy, I’ll do my damndest.”

She swallowed hard, his hand trapping her. No escape. Demanding. Her heart fluttered with fear and she closed her eyes to stop the shaking. Okay, this was why she was doing this, in public. It was safe. All she had to do was say stop and it would be over.

His grip loosened and he stroked his fingers over hers, a fleeting touch with the back of his hand caressing her skin. The coarse hair on his arm tickled her as he moved past her wrist, his body tight to hers, his lips hovering over her ear. The loud beat of music shook the room. The table. Her body. It had to be the music; it wasn’t her pulse making her shake so hard.

The warmth of his breath brushed her neck, sending a shiver through her. “You sure–completely sure–about this?” He drew back and cupped her chin in his hand, supporting her without locking her in place. “I’ve been around a lot of animals in my lifetime, and I know when one’s skittish. You may have the most come-hither attitude and sexy stare I’ve ever seen, but your body is telling me a different story.”

Beth wiggled uncomfortably but refused to drop her gaze. She had to bluff her way out of this. She was a grown woman, she was taking back control of her life. It was a step she wanted to take and she could handle it. Couldn’t she?

His gaze descended her body, an intimate caress without physical contact. “What’s it going to be? Do I grab my brothers and we pop you and your sister in cab so you get safely home? Or do you really want to have a little company tonight? Shoot straight with me. I won’t accept any lies.”

She licked her lips and his eyes darkened, his stare solid on her mouth. She stuttered for a second, then swallowed and took a deep breath. Part of the truth burst out.

“I need this. I need to know…” She couldn’t maintain eye contact anymore and buried her head in his shoulder. Shit. It had been a stupid idea to begin with, and there was no getting around it. Now she sounded desperate, which she was, but actually acknowledging it was brutally difficult.

He’d turned out to be exactly the kind of person she needed for a one-night stand, compassionate and caring. Something inside her cringed a little with disgust at herself. When she thought about the fact she was using him as an experiment she felt dirtier than when she’d first come up with the idea.

He stood and helped her to her feet.

“What are you doing?”

“I thought we could dance.” He moved slowly through the masses, leading her away from the crowded floor toward the bathrooms. There was a small landing kitty corner to the ladies room door, and he guided her there before pulling her into his arms and wrapping her close. She hid her face again, fear and rising desire fighting in her body. They were only steps away from the crowd. A constant stream of women passed by. If she got frightened she’d have help in an instant.

She relaxed, just a tiny bit and let her arms snake around his torso.

“Hmm, that’s better. You’re not going to bolt on me now, are you?”

She shook her head. “Feels nice.”

He swayed with her, every inch in contact. Her cheek rested on his collar, letting his fragrance fill her head. Why was it that the smell of the man turned her on so much?

His heartbeat–she felt it against her chest. He adjusted them, somehow bringing her closer until they were intimately lined up, his erection now nudging her belly. “I still need to hear what you want, Beth. If it’s a dance, I’m happy. If more…say the word.”

Oh God, he shifted his hands down her back, caressing, teasing. She sucked in air like it was courage. “I want something. I don’t know what to tell you.”

He lifted her face to his, their bodies still swaying, hips in intimate contract. Slowly, with lots of time for her to retreat, he lowered his head and brushed their lips together. A single touch. Chaste. When he pulled back, she followed him without intending to, wanting more.

A bright light shone in his dark eyes as he examined her face. “That was something. Was it enough?”

She took it as a good sign that she definitely wanted more. “No.”

“So tell me.”

She hissed in frustrated. “Please.”

He had a wicked smile. She’d noticed his good looks, but the smile turned his whole face into sin incarnate.

“You’re having trouble articulating, darling. How about I give you a multiple choice. You look like the type who enjoys options.”

He kissed her again. Light. Fleeting. The bathroom door opened and closed but Beth barely noticed. There could have been an audience standing around them and she wouldn’t have cared.

“You want a kiss?” He brushed a thumb over her lips and brought it back to his mouth, licking the moisture from the pad. “Hmm, you taste good. You want me to kiss you for real? Like a man kisses his woman? Or are you happy with more pecks like you give your neighbour at the church picnic?”

She swore she spoke aloud. She knew her lips moved, but the deafening buzzing in her ears outweighed the sound of her own voice. Daniel gave her another of his sexier-than-sin grins and came back for a third pass. She closed her eyes and hoped like hell she’d said door number one.

He gripped her body tighter and lifted her, heavy brace and all, and she gasped in surprise. Then he tore the rest of the air from her lungs as he consumed her. Crushing their lips together, he thrust his tongue into her mouth and took control. She waited for panic to descend, but all she felt was a heavy pulse between her legs and the urgent desire to drop to the floor and rip off his clothes. She opened to him, accepted his demands. Clung to his neck and writhed shamelessly against him. He held her up, cupping her by the ass and now the cold of the wall met her shoulders. He leaned into her, supporting her with his torso and hands, pulsing with small movement so the ridge of his erection ground against the apex of her mound where the blood beat with an insane tempo.

He tasted fantastic. Clean and fresh, the hint of hops on his tongue from the beer, but beyond that nothing but heat and passion. Tingles spread across her belly from the constant pressure on her clit. When he lowered her slowly to the floor she whimpered, suddenly fearful he’d leave her at this point, frustrated and all alone again with nothing but her own hand to bring her over the edge.

He caged her against the wall, his lips brushing her ear, the arm away from the bar sneaking between their bodies until he cupped her breast in his hand. “Option number two. You want me to touch you over your clothes, or put my fingers on your bare flesh?” He licked her earlobe and tugged at her blouse, pulling it loose from the waist of her skirt.

“Skin.” This was insane. She’d gone insane. This was no longer an exercise to discover if she could bear physical contact with a man again. It was a torture method to see how much her body could take before she exploded from the mere thought of a caress.

Whisper light, seductively slow. Inch by inch his hand crept up her waist, strumming the curve of her ribs gently like piano keys, lifting the bottom edge of her bra and forcing it out of his way. He cupped her, his palm calloused and rough but so tender and careful she shivered. He distracted her with strokes of his tongue against hers as his fingers plucked her nipple to a hard peak.

“God, you’re driving me mad.” He rolled her aching nipple between thumb and forefinger and a piercing flash shot straight between her legs.

“More.” Beth ached. It wasn’t enough to have confirmation she could be touched. She wanted to come and she wanted Daniel to be the one who brought her over the peak. It had been too long, and something in this man made her think he’d understand if she told him what she truly needed. Why.

“Get a room!”

Laughter burst out behind them. Daniel twisted, covering her with his body, protecting her from the giggling girls exiting the bathroom and traipsing back onto the dance floor.

A cold flush raced over her. What was she thinking? Groping in a hallway with a stranger. All the passion she’d felt, the sense of being truly alive, drained from her like air from a balloon. She struggled back and fumbled to put herself back in order–her bra, her blouse. He helped her, his hands far more careful and slow, redoing the buttons that had slipped open, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Beth. Don’t. Don’t start thinking this was a mistake.”

She looked up at him in astonishment. “How did you–?”

He brushed a hand over her cheek and she stilled again, her skin burning hot. “The only mistake was thinking a short encounter in a back hall would be enough. I’m not that type.” He shook his head, his eyes fixed on hers. “I don’t think you’re that type either. Not really.”

She hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. He deserved at least that much honesty. It was all she was willing to give.

“Let me get to know you better. We know we’ve got the chemistry. I’d like to find out who you are when you’re not trying to be someone else.”

Every word drove another nail into her guilty conscious. “Sure. Let’s go back to the table. Darleen must be wondering where I am.”

He kissed her once more and she took it eagerly. Trying to store up the memory of his taste, the way he tugged his fingers through her hair just right. None of the fear she’d expected was there. When he pulled away she had to fight to keep tears from falling. He had no idea, but he’d help remind her she was free. Samuel had tied her in knots, and in one fell swoop, Daniel had cut some of the remaining cords that held her bound.

They headed to the table, but their previous space was filled with strangers. Beth spotted Darleen waiting by the door of the bar, a frown on her face.

“Shit. Looks like trouble in paradise.”

Daniel pointed to the far side of the room where Jesse and Joel tossed back beers at the long bar counter. “Double shit. Jackasses. I’ll whoop their butts if they–”

She shook her head. “Knowing Dar, it’s just as easily her fault. It’s only a night out on the town.”

He turned her in his arms. “It’s more than a night on the town for me. I like you, Beth. There’s something about you…” His eyes traced her hair and she flushed. Damn it, she hadn’t intended it to come to this.

Daniel pulled out his wallet and handed her a card. “It’s for the family business, but my contact numbers are on there. You can email me, or phone.” He handed her an extra card. “Write your number on the back for me.”

She nodded. He pulled her close and she used his chest as a solid base to scribble down her name. Beth Jackson. Jotted down a number. He took the card and tucked it away, his dark gaze burning a hole in her conscious. “I’ll call you a cab.”

She held up a hand, refusing his offer. “We have a car. We’re fine.”

Dar flounced out the door and Beth rolled her eyes. With all the other drama, dealing with her temperamental little sister was not something she had energy for. She took one last look at her cowboy wishing things could be different.

“Thanks, Daniel. It was great meeting you.”

He brushed her cheek with a kiss. “I’ll call you in the morning. I’d love to take you for coffee.”

She smiled and backed away, the relentless noise and the situation making her head and heart ache equally. “That would be great,” she lied.

The night air felt cool after the heat of the bar, and she sucked in a calming breath. Dar had already brought the car around and Beth maneuvered herself into the passenger seat, the leg brace frustrating and cumbersome.

“Where the hell were you?” Darleen griped. “I’ve been wanting to leave forever.”

Beth dropped her head back on the seat and groaned. She was sexually frustrated, her leg ached and she really didn’t want to listen to whining right now. “I thought you were busy. With two guys.”

Darleen had the grace to look embarrassed. “Yeah, well, they were nice enough. Then one of the Stampeders asked me to dance. I mean one of the linebackers from the professional football team. I had to say yes, and when I got back, the guys had left.”

Stupid child. “You went and danced with someone else and expected them to wait for you?” Darleen didn’t say anything. Beth rolled down her window and let the sounds of the city streets soothe her soul. “Can’t have it all, girl.”

Darleen flicked a hand in her direction. “Whatever. It was still fun, I guess. How about you? Their older brother was hot. Did you hit it off with him?”

A pulse still beat between her legs. Did they hit it off? Jesus. “Yes.”

“You going to see him again?”

Beth stared at the card he’d given her. She’d been clutching it like a lifeline. The dark look in Daniel’s eyes scared her, yet gave her hope, and for one moment she hesitated.

No. It was time for a total break. She tore the card into tiny little pieces so she wasn’t tempted to try and recover the numbers. “Nope. I’m leaving town with the boys in two weeks. Making a new start, and I don’t need any baggage in the shape of male stalkers, thanks very much. Been there, burnt the T-shirt.”

“Guys aren’t all like Samuel, you know. There are good ones out there.”

Like Daniel? She dropped the shards into the trash bag and adjusted her leg. “Enough. I want to go home. Mom’s bringing the boys by in the morning, so it’s not like we can sleep in.”

Beth stared out the window and wished more than anything Daniel were the one taking her home, and tucking her into bed.
copyright 2010 Vivian Arend
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Go here to buy

Don't forget to pop by over at Viv's blog for a great contest http://vivianarend.com/blog/
and her website for more cowboy goodness including free read http://vivianarend.com/

Well if that don't make you cowboy hungry I don't know what will. And in honor of cowboys,for your viewing pleasure-

YEEHAW

Y'all come back now, you hear!

By the way R G's book is free from All Romance today only

2010-04-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

And Of course I felt it my duty to tell all you good people that for today only RG Alexander's e-book Regina in the Sun is FREE as part of All Romances Earth Day Celebration. Just Pop on over http://www.allromanceebooks.com/ and put it in our basket, the discount is taken off at check out. You do have to register but they are having a free book a day til Earth Day so it is worth the few mins it takes to fill out the form.

Regina in the Sun is book one of the Children Of the Goddess series which I am currently on book 3 of. I highly recommend it, In fact If I was you I would pick up the rest of the series while I was there but hey thats just my opinion

Lion's Heat by Lora Leigh- a bit about the book and observational ramblings

2010-04-15T15:21:00.000-05:00

                                                           Lion's Heat (Breeds)

The mating urge cannot be ignored...

Bad boy Jonas Wyatt knows it is fate that Rachel becomes his mate. He can sense it. He can also sense her reluctance. But she has little power over the mating heat of the Breeds. It is Jonas's destiny to claim her. And nothing will stop him from having his way.

             ( i snagged this from Lora Leighs website) Lora Leigh click her name for website

EXCERPT from Lion's Heat by Lora Leigh (c)...(unedited)
For the first time in her life, Rachel Broen was terrified. It wasn't fear. It was soul destroying, mind numbing, and silently screaming terror.

She couldn't scream aloud, it would draw notice. Notice that her tears and ragged sobs wouldn't draw, weren't drawing as she slid her unassuming little Civic into the deserted parking lot of the Bureau of Breed Affairs.

The night guard on duty had taken her pass without much notice. He knew her car; he'd seen enough of her to know who she was. It wasn't unusual for her to leave late, or to arrive early if she was commanded to do so by the autocratic bureau director, Jonas Wyatt.

The guard had easily accepted her hasty excuse that she'd forgotten to update his memos and his morning schedule, and that it had to be done tonight.

He hadn't noticed her torn blouse; the jacket she wore covered it. He hadn't seen the bruise she could feel spreading across the right side of her face, or the swollen condition of her right eye.

The blow had been carefully delivered.

Jumping from the car she felt the rough asphalt bite into her bare feet as she stumbled before racing to the door. It took two attempts to get her electronic card pass to activate the doors and release the locks.

A thin sob tore from her chest as she nearly fell through the door and ran for the stairs that led to the third floor and the private offices of the director, Jonas Wyatt.

Jonas. The manipulating, calculating bastard. This was his fault. He'd played too many games. He'd pushed the wrong people and had so erroneously believed they would come after him.

She tripped, her knee slamming into a step, the skin breaking as a ragged scream of rage and pain tore from her lips.
She was paying for it.

Oh God. She was paying for it. She was paying for her stubbornness, her determination... No, she wasn't paying for it. The bruises, the agony tearing through her leg, the ragged pain in her side from the fist she had taken earlier, the bruises on her face, they were nothing. She would suffer that pain a thousand times over. She would suffer the fires of hell if only her child was safe.

Jonas. He was here.

A strangled scream tore from her lips as she fought to breath, to race up the second flight of stairs. One more flight. Dear God, she was almost there.

Jonas was here. She knew he was. He had warned her that evening not to come to work tomorrow. He had known his enemies were tracking him. He'd known, the son of a bitch, he'd known and just as she'd warned him months ago, when they struck, it wouldn't be him they went after.

She had never believed they would come after her child.

"Jonas!" She tried to scream out his name as fumbled the electronic key at the door to the main offices.

Sliding it again, again, and still it wouldn't work.
"Jonas please..." she screamed out again, terrified he would ignore her, knowing he had to hear her.

He was a breed.

The lock released, the heavy steel door flew open, and nearly pitched her to the floor as the door to Jonas' office was jerked open across the room.

He's here, and he isn't alone. She barely saw the others though. She saw his face, hated and yet adored. His eyes, alive in his bronzed face, swirls of silver mercury as he jumped to her, barely catching her before she fell to the floor.

"You bastard!" An open handed slap to his shocked face as sobs tore from her, tears making her vision cloudy as terror choked her, ripping the breath from her body. "I warned you! I warned you they wouldn't strike you!"
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How I got this book- well I wish I could tell you. I went visiting friends and when i got back My adorable 3 yr old brought me a stack of four lovely books and said these came for you so i opened it with an impish grin and then pointed to a shredded manilla-ish envelope. She had that thing torned to such small pieces I couldn't read the name and Grandma just shrugged and said she never looked at who it was from :( So if you sent me a lovely package please speak up I'd love to Thank you)

Ok so this was my first Lora Leigh book and I know for those up on such things, this is in the niddle of the Breed books so I'm reading out of order.

This book works great as a stand alone

I enjoyed Lion's Heat. Jonas is a strong shifter who gets what he wants and he wants Rachel more than anything. And her baby is a part of her so thats included. Rachel is a strong woman who knows better than to want someone as dangerous as Jonas. But she has to protect her baby and Jonas can offer that. Jonas wants to call all the shots and it's fun to see how he reacts when Rachel stands up to him.Lora Leigh creates a wonderful community that is struggling to find a place free of racial oppression. But the most adorable part of the book for me was Jonas stepping up and loving the child that wasn't even his, to me those moments spent alone in the night with the little girl made this book worth buying it was so heartmelting. The paranormal aspect of Lion's Heat made it over the top for me.Shifters Yum. I loved the medical part of the story as they search for the matching mating DNA and what did the bad guy inject in the baby. Can't wait for her story .

Now of course I have heard from readers of the Breed series that they didn't enjoy it as much as previous breed books. Have you read the other Breed Books? What is your opinion on the series as a whole?

Have you read Lion's Heat? What did you think?

Contest I know of

2010-04-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

Cleverly Inked is having a Birthday Phenomenon.
What can you win -53 books and to much swag to count! So just click On The link and whisk over there to enter for your share of the prize. You must be a follower of the blog but hey thats a simple fix right.

ParaJunkee's View is having their 666 followers contest with Great book or an Amazon Giftcard up for grabs ParaJunkee

So get to clicking

My Shifter Showmance Review

2010-04-13T08:08:00.000-05:00

Ok so you might have remembered me talking about it a few weeks ago. Well for all that are new I adore R G Alexander and of course I picked up the new book ;)

The Trapped in a Restaurant meme game

2010-04-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

1. In MIND GAMES, hypochondriac heroine Justine Jones can’t figure out why tortured mastermind Sterling Packard never sets foot outside the Mongolian Delites restaurant. What if you were somehow trapped in a restaurant, what sort of restaurant would you prefer?

all- american cafe

2. What if you won the fancy $100 dinner to a restaurant of your choice, and you could dine with any character from any book, movie, or history. Who would you choose?

van helsing from the movie Van helsing

3. Choose three characters to dine with for a lively dinner party (you can define lively however you want).

Dean from supernatural, Jack sparrow from Pirates of the carribean, Jon bon jovi

Talk about a hot Dinner party ;)

Chapter 2 of THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER

2010-04-07T08:25:00.000-05:00

The Fire Lord's Lover

Book One of The Elven Lords

Copyright @ 2010 by Kathryne Kennedy

Two

Lady Cassandra Bridges knelt on the wooden step of the pew in front of her and pressed her palms together. The small chapel lay shrouded in shadow, the gray clouds failing to light the stained glass windows above the altar. Several students surrounded her and so Cassandra kept her voice to less than a whisper. "Almighty God, please let my new husband be happy with me tomorrow—"

She started at the light touch on her shoulder, turning to face Sister Mary, who only nodded her veiled head towards the open chapel door. Cassandra mutely followed the sister down the aisle, noting with satisfaction that none of her classmates noticed her departure. She'd worked hard to make herself almost invisible to them, fostering no friendships or acquaintances.

They stepped out into the long hall with its arched roof and mosaic-tiled floor, their footsteps echoing softly over scenes of glorious battles and cherubic angels. Sister Mary slowed to walk beside Cassandra.

"You must be sure to pay extra attention during your private lesson today," said the blue-eyed nun.

Cassandra mutely nodded, waiting for the other woman to explain herself. She'd learned that if she kept her mouth closed, people talked more freely than if she'd asked them a hundred questions.

Sister Mary clasped her hands before her bosom. "General Raikes—your intended—has won the king today. So you must be even more diligent in your studies, for when you go to court, you will not only have to impress the Imperial Lord, but King George as well."

Cassandra's heart fluttered with excitement. Not because her future husband had accomplished what no other man had done for over a hundred years. Not because she would live under the same roof as the king. But because the king's most trusted advisor, Sir Robert Walpole, would be coming to Firehame. Having the counsel of the leader of the Rebellion might make her task easier.

"So you must listen well to Father Thomas," continued Sister Mary, a slight hitch to her breath at the mention of the handsome priest. "Practice your curtsies and table manners and forms of address, so you will do our school proud."

Cassandra glanced at the nun. She required a response. "Yes, Sister."

The nun nodded with satisfaction. Sister Mary had elven blood somewhere in her family line, for Cassandra caught the brief flash of a halo around the other woman's head, the brilliant white plumage of angel's wings behind her shoulders. The illusion faded, though, at Sister Mary's next words. "Although I can't imagine anyone not paying close attention to Father Thomas." A small sigh escaped her pretty mouth.

Cassandra stifled a smile. She didn't blame the nun, despite the other woman's vows of chastity. The handsome priest would cause any woman's heart to yearn for just a touch of his hand. Indeed, Cass had even once thought herself in love with him, when he'd first come to tutor her.

Sister Mary stopped just outside a heavy wooden door, a relief of elven figures being warmed by rays of light from heaven carved into the oak surface. "Do you wish me to accompany you inside?"

Cassandra heard the note of longing in that request but had to shake her head. The staff had strict instructions from the headmaster to never enter this room. And despite Sister Mary's longing to catch a glimpse of Father Thomas, it would be safer for her not to become too familiar with the priest.

The nun sighed and left, the long sweep of her robes floating back down the hall, her wings reappearing and flowing in her wake like some feathered train. Cassandra took a breath and slowly turned the doorknob, allowing not a hint of a squeak, a ghost of a sound, to announce her presence. Although her fellow students chose to wear the silk gowns befitting their aristocratic status, Cass had years ago traded them for soft, brushed wool and modest-sized hoops. Her skirts did not rustle nor did her hoops catch on the doorframe.

She closed the door as silently as she'd opened it.

Father Thomas stood with his back to the room, his hands on the windowsill, contemplating London's dreary skies. Tables littered the room, where he'd taught her all the card games with which the court amused itself. Near the columned fireplace sat two velvet chairs and a tea tray, arrayed with meticulous precision. A pianoforte waited on the left wall, music sheets carefully arranged for her instruction.

But the middle of the room lay bare, nary a rug or carpet to break the smooth expanse of flagstone. Her true lessons took place within that empty space.

Cassandra waited with bated breath. Father Thomas appeared deep in thought, unaware of his surroundings. One of his ancestors had ties to Dreamhame, for the man possessed some of that sovereignty' s elven power of illusion and glamour. He often startled Cass by appearing silently at her side. Had her tutor really made such a mistake, or had he orchestrated a clever trap?

She slowly removed the cloth-of-gold belt from around her waist. A tune formed in her head. She felt the slight shiver of elven magic run through her blood as her feet began to move to the tempo of the music in her mind. Her body trembled in anticipation of the dance; the kettledrum pounding a growing beat, the flute twittering its notes, the bassoon growling beneath the increasing tempo.

Cassandra wrapped the ends of her belt firmly in both hands and allowed the music to possess her. It fired her blood, strengthened her muscles, gave her a speed that surpassed all but an elven lord's. She danced across the room within the blink of an eye. Looped the belt around Father Thomas's neck and twisted.

His hands scrabbled at the cloth around his throat. She could feel his magic rising within him in defense of the attack. But speed and surprise aided her. The need of his body for air overwhelmed his instinct for the magic. He fell, his heavier weight bringing Cass to the floor with him, knocking over a small mahogany table and shattering the pale blue vase that sat atop it.

Lady Cassandra squeezed until Father Thomas stopped struggling. Had she really caught him by surprise, then? Had he broken the rule he'd pounded into her over the years? "You were distracted," she accused him.

He didn't respond. Fear fluttered in her stomach, and she loosened her hold. "Thomas?"

He grunted and she slid her belt off his neck, tossing it aside as she crawled over his body to look into his face. Despite the slight blue tinge to his full lips and the scowl tightening his brow, he still managed to look incredibly handsome. The annoyance in his gray eyes softened to something else as Cass continued to study him with genuine alarm.

"Have I hurt you?"

He smiled. "My pride more than anything else."
Lady Cassandra humphed. "Because you were bested by a woman?"

"No. Because I was bested by my student."

She suddenly realized their faces lay only inches apart. That she sat close enough to him to smell the scent of his cologne. Cass scrambled backward, smashing her hoops against the wall. "Well I should think," she continued, "that you'd be pleased with yourself, Viscount Althorp. Isn't the best teacher the one whose student surpasses him?"

He sat up, rubbing at the red mark around his throat, his priestly garb twisted around his lean body. Cass never understood how he'd managed to fool so many with that clothing. He had the eyes of a wicked man.

They looked at her with a glitter of wickedness even now. "Perhaps. And I suppose the timing is fortuitous, since you're to be married on the morrow."

Cassandra abruptly rose and he copied her movement, his eyes never leaving hers. He reached out to touch her hand and she turned away, facing out the same window he'd been standing at but a moment ago. "You've heard that he has won the king?"

"Of course."

Cassandra didn't need to name her intended. They both knew of whom she spoke. And suddenly her doubts overwhelmed her. If only she had inherited some of that elven beauty, perhaps she wouldn't be so unsure of winning him over. Her brown hair had a hint of red, her brown eyes a touch of gold, but her appearance held nothing unusual enough to tempt him. Fie,the nuns likened her to a little brown wren. She lowered her voice to a near whisper. "The very thought of him frightens me sometimes. I think he is more elven than human. I worry I shan't be able to please him."

"Cass." Thomas's own voice lowered to a husky timbre. "Look at me."

She never should have spoken of her fears. Not to him. Truly, not to anyone. But her marriage had always seemed a distant thing, something she needn't worry about for a long time. The day had come faster than she had been prepared for.

When she didn't turn around, Thomas clasped her shoulders and spun her, forcing her to look at him. "You don't have to go through with this."

She looked into those gray eyes and saw to her utter astonishment that he meant what he said. "Do not allow me to give in to a moment of cowardice, Thomas."

"I'm serious." His hand brushed her cheek.

When he'd first come to tutor her, she would have given her life for that touch. But Thomas had kept himself aloof, recognizing her infatuation for what it was. Or so she had thought.

"Come away with me," he said. "You don't have to go through with this. The Rebellion will find someone else to marry the bastard."

Just the thought that she would stray from the path laid out for her dizzied Cassandra for a moment. Nearly every day of her life had been in preparation for her marriage to the Imperial Lord's champion. The thought that she wouldn't fulfill her destiny set her adrift. "It would be impossible."

He misunderstood her. "No, it wouldn't. I've given this a lot of thought over the past few days. I'm the most skilled spy in the Rebellion, Cass. I can get you out of Firehame into one of the neighboring sovereignties before anyone suspects you're even missing. I can keep you safe."

She shook her head and his temper flared. "You are going to your death, Lady Cassandra."

Her own temper retaliated in response. "You've known this for years. Need I remind you that you are the one who taught me the death dances? You are the one who swayed me to the Rebellion's cause. How dare you take advantage of my cowardice to offer me this false hope."

"It's not false." He picked up her hands and went down on one knee. "Marry me."

"I cannot."

"Why?"

"Because I don't love you."

His breath hitched. She hadn't meant to put it so baldly. "You don't love the bastard either. And you can't marry him."

She pulled her hands out of his. "I can. I will. That's different and you know it. It's a path I decided to take long ago. I've made my peace with God and am willing to risk my immortal soul."

"Don't spout that holy drivel at me, Cassandra. This priestly garb is nothing but a disguise, you know."

She couldn't help the half smile that formed on her mouth. "And well do I know it, Viscount Thomas Althorp."

He stood, raking his gold hair away from his eyes, scowling at her stubbornness. "You used to love me, once."

"I admit I was infatuated with you. How could I not be? Besides my father, you're the only man with whom I've spent any company." She didn't mention her betrothed. She'd been allowed out of the confines of the school to meet with him on several occasions. But it had all been formal functions, and Dominic Raikes barely seemed to notice her.

Thomas made a strangled sound, stepped forward, and roughly took her into his arms. And then he kissed her.

Cassandra had never been kissed before. He caught her completely unawares and at first she could do nothing but study the peculiar sensation of having a man's mouth on her own. Warm, wet…and decidedly odd. She couldn't quite decide whether she liked the experience or not.

Thomas pulled back his head and stared down into her face. "You don't feel a thing, do you?"

She frowned. "What exactly am I supposed to be feeling?"

He let out a sigh of exasperation and kissed her again.

Cass wondered if it would feel the same when her intended finally kissed her. Although she couldn't be sure if he would, not knowing if it was necessary for the act of…procreation. He'd made it very clear he would do only his duty and nothing more. That he viewed her as his breeding stock.

The thought made her try to respond to Thomas. This might be her only chance to experience a true kiss. She cautiously curled her hands around his shoulders, which made him moan and lean even closer to her, nearly bending her backward with the force of his mouth.

Cassandra could think of nothing other than the pain in her back and the need to breathe.

Thomas pulled away and raised his golden brows. "Despite your lack of enthusiasm I know you aren't frigid," he muttered.

"What do you mean? I'm not the slightest bit cold. Indeed, your hold is nearly suffocating me with warmth."

He straightened and set her away from him. "You could come to love me, you know."

"I'm not destined for love. I knew that the moment I decided to join the Rebellion."

He spun and sought out the chair by the fireplace, sat with his elbows propped on his knees and stared into the embers. "You've always been stubborn. Once you set your sight on something, there's no changing your mind. I had to try though." He glanced up at her, gold hair tumbling over his brow. "Do you know how many assassins we've set on the elven lords? And they've all failed, Lady Cassandra. Every last one of them."

The look in his eyes frightened her. She prayed to God for courage and took a moment to compose herself. She smoothed her sleeves, fluffed her skirts. Their lesson today had not gone as she had thought it would. Fie, she had never imagined having such a conversation with Lord Althorp. Had never imagined that the man who'd always reassured her would now require that same sentiment back.

She folded her hands in front of her and gave him a cheeky grin. "How many of them managed to nearly strangle you to death, Thomas?"

He couldn't seem to resist smiling back at her. "Confound it, girl. I can't help but admire you. There's nothing I can say to change your mind, is there?"

"No." She felt her smile falter as she thought of the enormity of her task. "I cannot think of myself, Thomas. Nor you, nor my father…or the elven bastard, for that matter. The freedom of the people of England is at stake. And just the chance"—she clasped her hands tight—"the mere chance of ending these ridiculous war games and setting the king in power once more is worth my soul."

"Not to me." She opened her mouth again and he held up a pale hand to quiet her. "Enough. Do you know your eyes glaze over like a nun at prayer when you say such things?"

"Had I not been chosen for this task, I would have liked to have taken the vows."

Thomas laughed at her, slapping his knees. "Oh, no, my girl. Becoming a nun is not for the likes of you."

Cass raised her chin, miffed at his opinion of her. "I would make a very good nun."

He laughed harder, wiped the tears from those wicked gray eyes. "Sometimes I think I know you better than you know yourself. There's a fire within you, Lady Cassandra. I felt it in your kiss. And one day it will be set free, and heaven help the man who stokes it." He motioned her to the chair across from him and Cassandra took it, although her back stayed as stiff as a rod. He eyed her for a time in silence, only the crackle of the fire and the muted sounds of a carriage rumbling past the window disturbing the quiet.

All trace of humor vanished from his expression, and he leaned forward, his brow creased in earnestness. "I do not think your father did you a favor by having you raised among all this religious dogma. You've taken it to heart and I'm not sure if it will help or hinder you."

Cass frowned. She'd always considered Thomas's lack of faith a peculiarity, another oddity to his character compared to those she'd always been surrounded by. She pitied him for it.

Thomas sighed. "Well, then, there's no help for it. Despite my teaching, the nuns have managed to keep you pure, anyway. What a paradox you are, my dear. The court won't know what to make of you."

"Unless they get in my way, they hardly matter."

"I dare say. Now, this will probably be the last time we will be able to meet privately."

Cassandra felt her stomach twist. In many ways, Thomas had been her only friend. How would she manage without his company?

He patted her hand then snatched his away, as if he had to force himself not to hold onto her. Their conversation today, that kiss of his, had changed their relationship, it seemed. Perhaps it would be better if they did not meet again.

"Don't worry," he assured her. "You shall still see me. But not as Father Thomas. Viscount Althorp, however, will reappear at court, to the surprise and delight of all, I am sure." He gave her that crooked grin that had once made her younger self swoon. "But it wouldn't be safe for us to talk often, or privately, so listen closely."

She nodded, relieved they had resumed their familiar roles as tutor and student.

"I don't know," he said, "if having the king's court in Firehame will make your task easier. See if you can aid our leader, Sir Robert Walpole, but do not risk your task for his sake. We've never had an assassin this close to an Imperial Lord before. Your mission is far more important than the leader of the Rebellion, do you understand?"

Cassandra nodded.

"Your magic for the dance will not be enough. You never would have returned home after your trials if you had enough magic to truly threaten the elven lord. Only surprise and skill will overcome him."

Although Cass vaguely remembered her trials, she knew her father had been disappointed when she hadn't possessed enough magic to be sent to the elvens' home world, the fabled Elfhame. His friend, Lord Welton, had bragged for years that his son had been a chosen one, and the duke had been decidedly put out when he could not say the same of his only child.

It had soothed her father somewhat when she'd become affianced to General Raikes. And now that her intended had won the king…

"It may take you years to get close to the Imperial Lord," continued the viscount. "It will help you immensely if you can manage to make your new husband trust you. But even then, do not rush forward blindly. Remember your most important lesson."

The words fell from her mouth without thought. "Patience."

"Just so. Practice it with Dominic Raikes. I'm sure he will tax it."

Cassandra smiled. Thomas did not return it this time. Instead he leaned forward, his gray eyes hard as steel. "Make sure of your opportunity before you seize it. If nothing else, remember that, my girl."

"I will. I promise."

The bell rang, signaling the end of prayer, and made both of them jump. Thomas smiled at her rather sheepishly, and Cassandra feared the smile she gave him in turn held too much sadness in it.

He walked her to the door, bowed low over her hand. "If you ever need me, leave a message for Father Thomas. I will come…if it's safe."

She understood. From this moment forward, she should depend only upon herself. She turned to leave, but he would not let go of her hand.

"Are you sure?" he murmured.

"Yes." Oh, how confident she sounded! Was it false or true? She supposed the next few days would tell.

His grip loosened and she felt her entire body grow cold. Would she ever be truly warm again?

"Farewell, then, Lady Cassandra. You have been a most excellent student."

She might never see him again, at least in this guise. She wondered what he would be like in the full role of Viscount Althorp. "Goodbye, Father Thomas."

Cass slipped out the door almost as quietly as she'd entered. Some of her training had become pure habit. The hall flowed with the colorful skirts of the ladies of quality and she insinuated herself within the crowd of students with barely a notice. She knew she should go to her rooms, that her father had sent his servants along with her wedding gown so she would be prepared for tomorrow.

But the entire encounter with Thomas had shaken her belief in the path she had chosen to take. Her widowed father had no idea of her involvement with the Rebellion; he would have disowned her, since he stood to gain status and funds with her union to the champion.

She'd missed her mother over the years, but never as much as she did at this moment.

So when Cass passed by the chapel she slipped inside and closed the door behind her. She'd always had God to talk to. For a moment she enjoyed the silence, the chatter of the girls muffled behind the walls. Prayer time had ended and so she had the entire place to herself.

She passed the pews and went straight to the altar, sinking to her knees on the bare stone, as close to the cross as propriety would allow. She bowed her head, pressed her palms together, and continued her interrupted prayer, her words barely above a whisper.

"Almighty God, please let my new husband be happy with me tomorrow so I can murder his father."

***
Cassandra sat within the carriage, trying not to rumple the silk of her wedding dress. The sunshine streamed through the windows and struck the silver edging decorating the cream fabric, and shot tiny sparks of light around her. Father had insisted on the silk, had chosen the pleated gown himself. He wanted his daughter to shine.

Cass wanted only to disappear.

She glanced across the coach at her father. The press of traffic to Westminster Abbey impeded their progress, and the Duke of Chandos grumbled again.

"Devilishly foolish of the lot. They're all here to see the wedding and they can't have one without the bride. We shall be late because of all the gawkers."

He checked his gold watch for the hundredth time. Age had not diminished her father's handsome looks. His silver white wig made his hazel eyes appear lighter and they made a striking contrast against his tan face. He loved to hunt, spent a great deal of time outdoors, which had kept up his youthful physique. He had not mourned Cassandra's mother for long, although she supposed she couldn't blame him, when women kept throwing themselves at his feet.

He'd inherited only a pretty face from his elven blood.

"Please, Father, don't be concerned. They will wait for us."

"Eh?" He glanced up, as if he'd forgotten her presence. "Yes, quite right." The Duke of Chandos leaned over and patted her hand. "As you are my only child, your son will inherit the title. Of course they'll wait."

Cassandra gave him a weak smile and turned to stare out the window. Her new stays itched. And Father had insisted she wear the most outlandishly wide hoops; as a consequence, they kept popping up in her seated position. She gave a sigh of relief when she saw the Gothic arches of the Abbey. The carriage stopped in front of the ornately carved entry. The area had been roped off to hold back the crowd, and a line of uniformed officers standing in rigid military attention created an aisle for her to walk through.

Their uniformed escort leapt down from the back of the coach and opened the door, stepping aside to create another barrier against the watching crowd. Cass felt as if she were on display and confined all at the same time.

A sudden flare of cool white fire highlighted the officers and the entrance to the church, dancing upward past the tops of the spires in curling waves of crystal scintillation. Cass could feel the strength of the Imperial Lord's magic like a shiver in the very air. Her hands began to sweat inside her silk gloves.

Father stared out the window and swallowed. "Don't worry, my dear. We'll do just fine."

She couldn't be sure if his words were to reassure her or himself.

Father exited the carriage first, adjusted the lace at the sleeves of his satin coat, and held out his hand to her. Her fingers trembled as she clasped it. The sweep of her gown preceded her from the carriage and when she raised her head a sudden beam of fire touched her satin pinner, radiating outward to join the already swirling beams. Her knees felt like pudding and for the first time in her life she thought she might swoon.

Cass muttered a prayer, took a deep breath, and walked forward to her doom.

But the moment she entered the grand abbey, the carved images of saints and apostles calmed her. Statues of angels stared lovingly down at her, the feathers in their wings, the very folds of their robes, appearing softly real from the skill of the artisan that had sculpted them. Father led her down the nave and she ignored the hundreds of staring eyes of the nobles sitting in the pews, keeping her gaze focused on the great cross over the high altar. The music of the choir soared above and beyond the Imperial Lord's magical fire that had led them inside, and she let the melody carry her slippered feet down the very, very long aisle.

She didn't trip on her gown. Father didn't stumble in his new high-heeled shoes. Cassandra thought she might manage this public display without too much fuss after all, until they neared the altar. And she saw her intended. And his father.

General Dominic Raikes's handsome features had always flustered her. But today she realized the elvenkind had brought the beauty of angels to earth for them…and Dominic looked so strikingly similar to his elven lord father. Her intended stood with military precision; indeed, he'd worn his uniform, although she doubted he wore this version in battle. The red wool had been replaced with red velvet, with gold trim about the sleeves and flared skirt of the coat. Dozens of gold buttons trimmed the wide cuffs of the coat and down the opening, although only one clasped it closed at the waist. His cravat and sleeves dripped with black lace and that color matched his shiny boots and the velvet cloak slung over his shoulders.

Not the normal dress for a marriage, but it suited him well.

He wore no wig, of course, since after all, the reason the gentry wore them was to copy the elvens' silver blond hair, and the general had inherited the original. As she drew closer to him, she noticed he wore his battle braids in his hair, but they'd been drawn back and fastened behind his head, revealing his pointed ears and the high cheekbones in his face.

Cass had her attention riveted on him, but he didn't return the favor. Indeed, his gaze roamed the vaulted ceiling and he looked…bored.

She glanced over at Imperial Lord Mor'ded. He'd dressed in the same manner as his son, although Cassandra imagined he'd never fought on a real battlefield in his life. His face looked slightly paler than his son's, his shoulders narrower, his legs less muscular. And his black eyes…

Cass's face swiveled between the two of them. Large elven eyes, as shiny and black as coal, they almost looked like they had facets in them. Both their eyes would be beautiful—glittering like exotic jewels—if they hadn't looked so very cold. So very cruel.

Instead of the angels to whom she'd compared them, she should have been thinking devils.

Cass turned her attention toward the archbishop and kept it there as her father brought her to stand next to General Raikes. He didn't so much as blink to acknowledge her presence. Her head just topped his shoulders and she fancied she could feel the heat of his body.

She refused to allow her intended to intimidate her by his mere presence.
The entire wedding party waited in a frozen tableau while the choir finished its song. Yet beneath Cass's dress her toes continued to tap in time to the music. She felt the dance swell inside of her, seeking direction. A brief thought came to her and made her stomach flip. Could she kill Mor'ded now and put an end to this farce? She'd resigned herself to the knowledge that she wouldn't survive the assassination. Surely the Imperial Lord's son would kill her if she moved now. What better way to send the sovereignty into chaos and advance the tide of the Rebellion?
Her heels lifted. Her knees swayed.
General Dominic Raikes leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Do you have an itch?"

The archbishop frowned at them. Imperial Lord Mor'ded fastened those cold eyes on her.
Cass froze. Had she detected a note of mockery in the general's deep voice? She stole a glance at him. His emotionless eyes stayed fixed on the archbishop as well, but the corner of his mouth twitched. She vowed she'd seen it twitch.
She felt a flush creep from belly to nose and knew her face had turned a deep red. And knew her opportunity to act had passed. The choir ended with a crescendo of glorious song, and without further ado the archbishop began the ceremony.

Perhaps it was just as well. Thomas had cautioned her for patience and she'd almost rushed forward. And as she stood through the painfully long ceremony and went through the motions required of her, she chided herself.

Imperial Lord Mor'ded's body nearly vibrated with tension, his eyes watching the assembled guests without appearing to. His white fire magic still swirled among the guests and she suddenly wondered if it had all been for show. Could he search for hidden dangers with it? Could he sense an attack, whether magical or physical, with his power?

Cass couldn't be sure. The information that the Rebellion had on the elven lords was sketchy. Thomas had done the best he could, but she suddenly realized she'd been ill-prepared for her task. She could feel the power of Mor'ded's magic, and the tiny bit she possessed seemed negligible by comparison. Perhaps the wiser course would be to discover all she could about the elven lords and their magic before she acted at all.

Cass now stood facing her…new husband. She supposed she'd have to get used to that idea. Although she didn't think she could ever get used to the coldness of his beautiful eyes. She'd hoped she could use the general to gather information about the elven, but right now he did not look like a man who could be used. Indeed, when his eyes met hers for a moment, a shiver of dread went through her.

The few times she'd visited him, he had treated her with a disinterest bordering on contempt. She'd foolishly thought that when she became his wife that might change, but it appeared the ceremony affected him not at all. Faith, how would she manage to share his bed tonight? Best not to think of that.

She blanched as her new husband slid a ring on her finger. A band of gold with a rose carved atop it. But the rose looked so real, the edges of the petals as delicate as the true flower. Cass couldn't resist the impulse to bring it closer to her face, then nearly jumped when the petals curled closed, changing the carving to a tight bud.
He'd given her a ring crafted with elven magic.
Her eyes flew up to his in alarm.
General Raikes lowered his head. "It won't harm you," he muttered, a note of exasperation in his velvety voice. And then he lowered his head and kissed her, signaling an end to the ceremony.
Cass's heart flipped over. She stood quite frozen, unsure of what had come over her. The general had done nothing more than press his lips to hers. And her entire body had shivered. From that one dispassionate touch.

As the onlookers broke into polite applause, Mor'ded leaned close to his son and said, "Surely the champion can do better than that."
She watched her husband glance at his father. Saw his face harden with challenge. Then the general wrapped his arms around her and roughly pulled her against his chest and Cass could only pray.
Her new husband kissed her again. But this time, he kissed her like Thomas had, bending her backward in his arms, moving his mouth over hers as if he sought to eat her alive. But the experience was totally unlike the one she'd shared with Thomas.

The world seemed to fall away. Cass became aware of nothing and no one but the man holding her in his arms. The heat of his mouth, the fire that ran through her body, the sheer exhilaration of the taste of him. Her senses heightened. She felt her breasts tighten and strain toward him. Felt a wetness between her legs that frightened and excited her all at the same time. His tongue pressed against her lips and lacking any experience of what to do, she opened her mouth and he invaded it, stroking and tasting until she just forgot to breathe.
Her new husband abruptly let her go and set her away from him. Cass swayed. The applause in the room had risen in volume and she blushed again to realize she'd behaved in such a manner in front of an archbishop, half the country, and in the house of the Lord, no less. She couldn't account for what had come over her.

General Raikes gave his father a heated look. "Will that do?"
Mor'ded chuckled.

When Dominic took her hand and led her back down the nave, Cass could do nothing but weakly follow. But she noticed the rose in her ring had come unfurled, spreading out into a glorious open blossom.

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Chapter 1 of THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER by Kathryne Kennedy

2010-04-05T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Fire Lord's Lover

Book One of The Elven Lords

Copyright @ 2010 by Kathryne Kennedy

The link between the world of man and Elfhame had sundered long ago, the elven people and their magic fading to legend. Tall beings of extraordinary beauty, the fae preferred a world of peace. But seven elves—considered mad by their own people—longed for power and war. They stole sacred magical scepters, created their dragon-steeds, and opened the gate to the realm of man again and flew through.

Each elf carved a sovereign land within England, replacing the baronies that had so recently been formed by William the Conqueror. They acquired willing and unwilling slaves to serve in their palaces and till their lands. And fight their wars. Like mythical gods they set armies of humans against each other, battling for the right to win the king, who'd become nothing more than a trophy. They bred with their human slaves, producing children to become champions of their war games.
The elven lords maintained a unified pact, using the scepters in a united will to place a barrier around England, with only a few guarded borders open to commerce. Elven magic provided unique goods and the world turned a blind eye to the plight of the people, persuaded by greed to leave England to its own, as long as the elven did not seek to expand their rule into neighboring lands.
But many of the English people formed a secret rebellion to fight their oppressors. Some of the elven's children considered themselves human despite their foreign blood and joined the cause. And over the centuries these half-breeds became their only hope.

One

London, England, 1724

The people lining the streets of London cheered while General Dominic Raikes rode to his doom. Not that they had any idea what awaited him at Firehame palace, and if they did, he doubted they would care. He resembled the elven lord too much for that. Yet he had won the final battle and they hailed him as their champion despite his elven white hair and pointed ears.
Young women threw flowers from upper-story windows, the petals flickering through the air like snow and coating the dusty streets with color. Gray skies covered the sun and in some places the buildings nearly met above the streets, further shadowing the rider's passage with gloom. The glass-fronted shops had been locked up as their owners joined the throng in the streets: painted harlots, street urchins, costermongers, servants, and the occasional prosperous Cit, distinguishable by his white wig. The fishy smell of the Thames overlay the stench of the streets as his troops approached Westminster Bridge.
Over the murky waters the flaming turrets of Firehame palace beckoned Dominic onward.
He shook back his war braids and straightened his spine and glanced back at his men. They had cleaned their red woolen coats as best they could, and lacking wigs, had powdered their hair to resemble the elven silver white. They had polished their boots and buttons, brushed their cocked hats. Despite their stern faces, Dominic could see the glitter of pride in their eyes and nodded his approval at them. They returned his gesture with wary respect.
Dominic turned and sighed. They were brave, good men, every one. Some he owed his victory and life to. He would like to oversee their promotions himself but it would be too dangerous. He didn't know the personal life of a single man, nor did they know of his. Dominic had grown used to his solitary existence, yet sometimes he regretted the necessity of it.
The hooves of his horse met the road at the end of the bridge with a crunch of pebbles. The noise of the crowd faded as they neared the open gates of Firehame palace. Red flame jutted from the top of the stone pillars flanking the entrance, danced along the outlying curtain walls.
Dominic halted his mount for the span of a breath, studying his home with the unfamiliar gaze of one after a long absence. Elven magic had tinted the stone walls a glossy, brilliant red. Warm yellow flame slithered up the stone, whorled over the buttresses, making the entire structure shimmer in his sight. The towers soared above the three-storied palace and Dominic's black eyes quickly sought out the tallest, looking for a flicker of wing, a jet of red fire. But he could see no sign of the dragon and so flicked his reins, urging his horse into the courtyard.

Dominic wanted nothing more than a bath and then the quiet of his garden or the sanctuary of the dragon's tower. He knew he wouldn't manage any of his comforts until he'd been tested in fire.
He thrust away the memory of pain and dismounted, feeling his face turn to stone, his body conform to rigid military posture as he crossed the paved courtyard and ascended the steps into the opulence of Firehame palace. Several of his officers followed, although many decided to forgo the privilege of coming to the attention of the Imperial Lord of the sovereignty of Firehame.
The back hallways they marched through displayed the magic and wealth of the elven lord. Delicate tapestries that rewove their pictures every few minutes covered the walls, and thick rugs of rippling ponds and bottomless chasms carpeted the floors. Dominic breathed in the scent of candle wax, perfume, and elfweed, ignoring the portraits framed in gold with their moving eyes that followed their passage. At the end of summer the air in the corridor still felt chill against his cheeks. His ears rang from the silence.
Then Dominic opened the door leading to the great room and the thunder of applause broke that brief moment of quiet. He paused, waiting for his men to compose themselves, then started down the middle of the enormous room through the crowd of gentry that awaited them
Fluted columns lined the sides of the hall, capped with ornately carved capitals that supported archways even more ornately carved with golems, gremlins, and gargoyles. Courtiers milled between the stone supports, a riot of colorful silk skirts and gold-trimmed coats. Full court wigs of powdered white sparkled with the addition of the ground stone the nobles used to imitate the silver luster of elven hair. Buckled shoes flashed with diamonds; ceremonial swords sparkled with ruby and jet.
The smell of perfume became overwhelming and Dominic suppressed the urge to sneeze. He kept his gaze fixed on his goal, the dais of gold where the elven lord Mor'ded waited, but he caught the faces of the courtiers from the corners of his eyes. The lustful gazes of women—and more than a few men—followed his every movement. Despite their fear of the elven, humans could not resist their beauty, and Dominic had inherited more elven allure than his half blood warranted.
When he reached the Imperial Lord's throne, Dominic stared at Mor'ded for longer than he intended. Silvery white hair cascaded past broad shoulders in a river broken only by the tips of the elven lord's pointed ears. Black, fathomless eyes stared coldly into Dominic's own, the expression robbing them of their almost crystalline brilliance. Smooth, pale skin glistened like the finest porcelain over high cheekbones and strong chin. A full mouth, straight nose, high brow.
When Dominic looked at the Imperial Lord, he might as well have been gazing into a mirror of his future, for although his father must be over seven hundred years old, he did not look a day over five-and-thirty. And despite the thickness of his elven blood, Dominic aged at a normal human pace. In ten years, Dominic would look like the man before him.
Dominic dropped to one knee and bowed his head, war braids dangling beside his cheeks and eyes fixed on the marble floor. A wave of silence rolled across the room until he could hear nothing but the breathing of his men and the rustle of the ladies' silk skirts. "I have won the king, my lord."
At his words, the room erupted in applause again and Dominic stood, gazing at his father, hoping to see a glimmer of pride in those cold black eyes. He had fought for years to achieve such acknowledgement.
Imperial Lord Mor'ded smiled, revealing even white teeth, and cut his hand through the air, signaling the court to silence. He stood with a grace no human could possess and stepped down from the dais, one hand wrapped around the black scepter that enhanced his magic. Dominic's eyes flicked to the rod, the runes carved upon it swirling momentarily in his sight before he quickly looked away.
As a child he'd been constantly hungry. He'd been stealing food off the sideboard in the grand dining room when his father and court had entered. He'd hidden under the table and his father had sat, the triangular-shaped head of the scepter jutting beneath the crisp white linen. Dominic didn't know what made him reach out and stroke the forbidden talisman, for everyone knew only one of true elven blood could hold it without being flamed to ash. But he hadn't tried to wield it, had only touched it, and since then he couldn't look at it without feeling strange. As if the thing possessed a conscious awareness of him. It bothered him that he had such a fanciful thought.
Mor'ded reached his side and placed his other hand on Dominic's shoulder. The chill of his long fingers penetrated the heavy wool of Dominic's coat. "After a hundred years the king will finally be returned to his rightful place. Thanks to my son, the champion of all Firehame."
Applause thundered again. The elven lord's words echoed in Dominic's ears. His father had publicly acknowledged him as his son. Fierce pleasure rose in Dominic's chest and he had to force himself to concentrate on Mor'ded's next words.
"General Raikes has defeated Imperial Lord Breden's forces and we have won the ultimate trophy—King George and his royal court. London will again be the center of taste and fashion. The sovereignty of Firehame will house the man who decides what color breeches you wear."

A ripple of excited pleasure ran through the courtiers and Dominic stared coldly at the assemblage. Did they not hear the disdain in his father's voice? Did they not understand the mockery toward the king who should be their rightful ruler?

Mor'ded's fingers tightened on Dominic's shoulder, and the elven lord's magic shivered through his spine. Dominic forced himself to relax under the painful grip. It did not matter if the ton understood or not. They could do nothing about it, anyway.

"Tonight we will feast in my son's honor."
His fingers gave Dominic one last painful squeeze before he released his grip and climbed back up on his dais. With a flourish of his scepter, Mor'ded filled the long great room with sparkling white fire, the flames harmlessly bouncing off the wigs of the men and the silk skirts of the ladies. The courtiers laughed and wove their bodies through the magic, and Dominic watched them with hooded eyes until his father grew tired of amusing his playthings.
When Mor'ded swept the skirts of his red silk coat through the door behind the throne, Dominic followed, resisting the sudden urge to draw his sword and run it through his father's back.
He'd tried it once. It had cost him the life of his best friend.
His father lit their way through the gloomy passage with white fire that slithered on the ceiling above them. Dominic knew most of the passageways behind the walls of the palace. He'd spent hours as a youth exploring them. This particular one led from the throne to Mor'ded's private chambers, and branched off only once by means of a tunnel that his father told him twisted far beneath the palace, finally opening onto an entrance to the fabled land of Elfhame. Of course, only a chosen one could pass into that land, and Dominic had still failed to prove worthy. They both ignored the heavily warded door blocking the tunnel as they continued on to the end of the passage.
Mor'ded opened the door to his chamber and Dominic followed him into the room and suppressed a shudder. Very few people were allowed into the Imperial Lord's private chamber, and he didn't count himself lucky to be one of them. The walls glowed with iridescent color, a copy, Mor'ded had once told him, of the truly living walls of his old rooms in his homeland of fabled Elfhame. Plants grew in the corners of the room, pale pink pods that occasionally liked to dine on warm meat through some corrosive process Dominic didn't want to understand. A striated crystal sat next to the double doors that led out onto a balcony broad enough for a dragon to land. The stone picked up the color of the gray skies and threw it into the room. Large enough for a table, and yet shaped like a cone, the crystal held a hole in the top of it that Mor'ded often slipped his scepter into.

Chairs that resembled flower petals, a bed that could be some sort of deformed swan, and a desk that snapped closed like the jaws of some great beast completed the room.

Dominic always felt displaced here, as if a part of his mind rejected the surroundings. But then again, he'd become quite skilled at projecting his mind out of his body. It was the only way he'd survived the trials with his sanity intact.

Mor'ded slid into one of his petal-chairs, the scepter carelessly laid across his lap. He liked to play with Dominic a bit before he began, taunting him to display any human weakness.

"You used magic to gain your victory."

Dominic clasped his hands behind his back and widened his stance. No use in denying it. He'd seen the shadow of the dragon hovering over the battlefield, his father atop the great beast, enjoying the sight of the games. "I used it to save the lives of my men."
That handsome mouth crooked, so like Dominic's own. "It looked to be quite a firestorm."
Dominic shrugged.
Mor'ded shifted, the swish of his silk coats loud in the silent room. "Breden is furious, of course. He says we should not allow any of our bastards to play in the games. Indeed, that we should cull any of those possessing the slightest degree of power."
Dominic kept his face impassive. He did not doubt that the elven lords would destroy all their offspring on a whim, for he knew of their madness better than anyone. "One of Breden's bastards tried to quench my fire with a wave of water from the Bristol Channel."
"Which I pointed out to Breden," replied Mor'ded. He waved a graceful hand. "It matters not what he says. His pride has been injured by the loss of the king. He had become complacent, and we elven must never succumb to that human weakness, eh, Dominic?"
"Never, my lord."
"Aah, but it makes me wonder. Have I allowed myself to become complacent?" Mor'ded leaned forward, his glittering eyes intent on his son's face, baiting him with the agony of anticipation.

Dominic clenched his teeth.
Mor'ded collapsed back in his chair, the petal swaying with his laughter, a ringing song emanating from the depths of the flower. "You were one of my greatest mistakes, and yet a most amusing one. We elven procreate with you animals so rarely, and yet a brief rut with a common kitchen maid produced a bastard with enough of my blood to bear a marked resemblance to me. And sometimes I swear your heart is all elven." He shook his head, pale locks winking with silver. "Still, who knew that when I saw you fighting with the other kitchen boys and threw you into the game you would rise to claim the king one day? Not I."
"You've taught me well, Father."

"Indeed. And now we must again test your worthiness. You know what has to come, do you not?"

Dominic lifted his chin.

His father stood, the scepter held before him with both hands, calling on the additional power the talisman gave him. "There is no other way to be sure of your power. Defend yourself, boy." And he unleashed the black flame.

It engulfed Dominic with a hiss and a scream, licking at his feet, shivering down his arms. His clothes appeared unaffected by the flame, and yet he felt them melting into his flesh, fusing into him. His skin still looked whole, and yet he felt it searing into ash. The black flame only burned in the mind, but ah, even the worse for that. He gritted his teeth and vowed that this time, he would not fall. His own little game he always played against his father.

Dominic held up his hands, his own magic instinctively responding to the assault. White, blue, gray—he could call the entire spectrum of fire magic except for the black, but only the red fire did any damage, and his father easily squelched the blaze before it could sizzle the tiny fibrous hairs off his monstrous plants.

"Come on, lad. You can do better than that," said Mor'ded. And increased the magic twofold.

Dominic gasped for breath. The blackness slid down his throat and into his lungs, charring them until he could not breathe. The pain he could withstand, but the suffocation always defeated him. He dropped to one knee. His magic flared again and he imagined he felt the power of the black fire within him, the flame that burned only in the mind. Dominic tried to call it forth, but as always, nothing happened.

He always forgot how bad the pain could be. How could he forget?

Dominic had been wounded in battle many times. His men whispered that his elven blood made him impervious to pain. They did not know his mind had been tempered in fire, that the cut of a sword or sting of a bullet seemed a minor ache compared to the agony of his father's magic.

And Dominic knew he couldn't possess the power of black fire, as much as he wished for it. The gift would have been revealed when he reached puberty, when any elven powers first appeared, and he would have been sent to Elfhame with the rest of the chosen children. Only those with small magics stayed in the human world.

Yet his father continued to test him again and again, as if he suspected his son held stronger power as well. Or perhaps Mor'ded just enjoyed torturing him.

Dominic's lungs began to falter, his breath reduced to no more than a strangled wheeze of agony. His other knee collapsed and he fell to all fours, cursing his weakness. Cursing his father.

And suddenly the burning fire ceased.

Blessedly cool air caressed his cheeks and he sucked in a deep breath. Dominic resisted the urge to run his hands over his face, his hair--to reassure himself that he stood unharmed as he'd done the first time he'd endured one of his father's trials. Mor'ded had laughed at him and Dominic had vowed never to give the man the satisfaction of that pleasure again.

Dominic rose with elven grace.

Mor'ded studied him with narrowed eyes. "No elf could withstand such pain and not instinctively call forth his own magic in defense. Again you've proven how truly weak you are…and yet…"

Dominic let out a tired sigh. He did not bother using the blue healing fire. His body might be whole, but it always took some time for his mind to heal from the memory of the pain. And he rarely used so much of his power; he felt tired unto death. "Either destroy me completely or allow me to leave. I'm half human, you know."

"Indeed, indeed." Mor'ded chuckled, lifted his scepter and the door of his chamber flew open with a breath of fire. "You look so elven I forget you're half animal. Go lick your wounds, then. I want you rested for the feast tonight, and of course, your marriage tomorrow."

Dominic halted in midstep. He had forgotten the date. Easy to do, since he'd almost forgotten what his intended looked like. He'd met Lady Cassandra a few times and could only recall a plain wisp of a girl with brownish hair and eyes. "Is it tomorrow, then? I suppose it's best to get it over with."

Mor'ded rolled the scepter between his palms, his black eyes glittering. "It will make the humans happy, seeing my son wed to one of their finest aristocrats. And who knows? Perhaps you will breed true and produce another champion."

Dominic sighed. Fatigue shrouded him and it took all of his will to pick up his feet and put one before the other again. He had realized years ago that it would be pointless to fight the destiny his father had forced upon him. If Mor'ded wanted him to take a wife and breed champions, so be it.

It mattered only that Dominic never allowed them to be used against him.

When he left Mor'ded's room his feet took him to the tower stairs and not his own chambers. Halfway up the curving staircase a wave of nausea overtook him and he allowed himself a brief moment of weakness. In the dark, where none could see. He felt again the searing of his flesh and the constriction of his lungs. Sweat broke out on his forehead while his body trembled in wave upon wave of remembered pain. But he gritted his teeth against the sobs that threatened to rise from his chest and for a brief moment pictured his father's slim neck between his battle-hardened hands.

He thrust the futile image away and began to climb again. The elven lord could level London if he so chose. Dominic's strength would never be a match against Mor'ded's and he'd been forced to accept that.

But he had won a victory today. He'd made his father proud enough to call him son before the entire court. Dominic would grasp that slender victory, as he'd grasped even smaller accomplishments over the years.

He shoved open the wooden door and stepped out onto the flat roof of the tower. Humid air caressed his skin; a light breeze swept his silver hair against his cheeks. The metallic smell of the dragon teased his nose and he glanced across the rooftop at the huge beast.

Ador raised his black-scaled head and blinked at Dominic, his red eyes glowing even in the overcast day. Strange eyes, with elongated pupils with black lines radiating from them, separating the red color like pieces of a pie. The dragon's leatherlike wings lay tucked against his sides, appearing deceptively small against his long, sinuous body.

Dominic removed his woolen coat and spread it out in his usual place at the base of a merlon and sat, his back against the stone. He leaned his head against the hard surface and closed his eyes with a sigh of utter weariness.

The dragon shifted. Dominic heard it in the slide of scale on stone, felt it in the tremble of the floor beneath his feet. It had once frightened him, the sheer size of the beast. But no more. He'd gotten used to the beast and Ador…well, the dragon had finally managed to tolerate him.

"Do you remember the first time I came up here, Ador?" Dominic didn't wait for the dragon to answer. He rarely received a response to his musings. But for Dominic it was enough that someone listened. "Father had tested my magic by burning Mongrel to ashes. He was a good dog and a loyal friend. I didn't think I'd ever forgive myself for not having enough magic to protect him."

The pungent smell of the Thames swept across the tower, even at this height, and for a moment, Dominic thought he could hear the muffled sounds of the city below them.

"It was the first time I realized I could no longer allow myself to care for anyone. Man nor beast. For Father would always use them to test my magic." Dominic blocked the images of those who had suffered because of him. He'd found it much easier to bear the pain himself. "But my human weakness for companionship made me think of you. All alone, atop your tower. And then I realized Father would never harm his dragon-steed. That I could care for you, at least. Even if you couldn't return the sentiment." Dominic cracked a hopeful eye. But Ador appeared to have fallen back to sleep, his lungs like a great bellows pumping beneath those black, shiny scales.

Dominic sighed and allowed the solitude of their high perch to settle over him. The world seemed very far away up here. The wars, the court, his father, all dwindled to minute specks of matter. One final small tremor shook him, dispelling the last memory of pain. And when he spoke again his voice held the coldly rigid control it always did.

"I have done well, in most respects, to be like my father. Remote and untouchable, concerned only with my own pleasure. But you know the truth of me, don't you, Ador? Whether you willed it or not, you've been forced to hear my true thoughts over the years." Dominic scrubbed a weary hand across his brow. "This elven face of mine is deceiving, for I've been cursed with an all-too-human heart."

Ador snorted and his wing twitched, his only reaction to Dominic's damning statement. Ah, well. Dominic should consider that a remarkable response. Usually the dragon resembled nothing more than a still lump of shiny black coal.

Dominic rose and arched his back, wincing at a stab of pain. Just an ordinary pain, though, from an old bullet wound in battle. He smiled with relief that it held none of the taint of black fire magic. "Are you aware I'm to be married on the morrow? A dangerous proposition, for one such as I. I almost feel sorry for the girl…but the aristocracy are used to being breeding stock, are they not?"

He picked up his coat and slung it over his back. His mind felt settled again, the memory of the burning fading to a manageable degree. Dominic couldn't be sure if the dragon's quiet presence soothed him or if the release of his thoughts brought him peace. He knew only that he always healed faster atop the tower.

He'd taken a few steps toward the door when the dragon's rumbling words stopped him.

"I smell a change in the wind."

Dominic turned and stared into those red eyes. "What do you mean?"

Ador, of course, did not answer. He closed his eyes again and huffed a small stream of smoke through his nostrils.

Dominic considered the implications of the dragon's words. Ador had once told him Father was mad. An obvious statement, it seemed, and yet those words had allowed Dominic to deal with his father time and again. So he did not think the dragon referred to something as simple as the coming of the king. Yet no matter how he twisted the statement around in his head, he could not fathom it.

Ah, well. How could Dominic know the turnings of a dragon's mind? It would become clear in time…or until Ador chose to make it clear.

Pre-order now at: http://astore. amazon.com/ kathkennauth- 20

For more purchase links visit: http://www.kathryne kennedy.com

Be sure to come back Wed for the posting of Chapter 2.

Adult Easter Joke

2010-04-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

What did the egg say to the boiling water?

Its gonna take a while to get me hard. I just got laid by a chick.

harhar
Happy Easter y'all

Unmasking Zorro by Darah Lace Releases Today

2010-04-02T05:03:00.000-05:00

Title: Unmasking Zorro
Publisher:The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: April 2, 2010
ISBN: 1-60154-766-8
Author: Darah Lace
Format: E-book/Print
Length: 65,877 (238 pp Adobe PDF)
Genre: Erotic Romance
Category: Contemporary
Price: E-Book: $6.00/Print $11.99

Blurb:

Business becomes pleasure when Spencer Preston attends a masquerade ball and encounters a red-hot she-devil. Especially when the sexy siren turns out to be none other than his prim and proper, no nonsense secretary, Melody Jamison. He’s been fighting his attraction to her for months. Hiding behind the black mask and swirling cape of Zorro, Spencer intends to discover all her deepest desires.

A plain-Jane persona is the only way Melody Jamison can ensure her business assets outshine her physical. Her only priority is attaining a coveted promotion at Preston Enterprises—and based on job skills, not T&A. Yet she desperately needs release from her uptight alter ego. A chance meeting with Zorro provides just the outlet she needs—and allows Melody to explore her most intimate fantasies when her masked lover seeks her out time and again.

When an unknown threat to Preston enterprises throws Melody and Spencer even closer together, will they trust each other enough to reveal their secret identities? Or will Spencer lose Melody forever by Unmasking Zorro?

Buy link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=182&products_id=766

2012 (movie review)

2010-03-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

Ok so I know most people will say they have already seen this movie but Hey what can I say I'm slow.I HATE going to the theater. Our is alway cold with the most uncomfortable seats and for some reason maybe it's me but their sound is off. The bass is so loud it will shake the walls but the talking is so low you need sub- titles to know whats going on. All in all a horrible experience for me so I watch my movies when they come to DVD and with my ( Other) a major home entertainment guy ( I love Blu-ray now but shhh don't tell him) he keeps me up with the lastest movies. Ok rambling here back to the point.

2012 - A Keeper. I loved it. I'm not a cry at movies type of girl but this one yeah I descretely wiped away a few. Maybe it was all the earthquakes that has been happening but it really left me with a small feeling of dread and the knowledge nugget of hey it could happen. But in the end the graphics rocked. A beautiful story of love and family amongst a back-drop of explosions and who don't love seeing things blow-up. Now I'm a love nature in all it's glory and I have to add if you are too, watch for the volcano eruption. Awesome.

Blood Curse by Crystal Rain Love Review

2010-03-30T07:24:00.000-05:00

Three sets of immortal mates...One warrior born to save the world from Satan's wrath.

Vampires. Witches. Shifters. All will band together to stop the darkness from winning. Fury ignites, love blooms, and relationships are put to the test, all with a passion thatproves hotter than the flames of hell. The battle to save the world doesn't get any sexier.

When Aria Michaels sets out to find the vampire who took her mother’s life, she’s stunned when she finds Rialto Renaldi, the vampire who has been haunting her dreams, instead. She hadn’t believed he was real, and she knows she should run from Rialto as fast as she can. But who better to help her find her mother’s killer?

Rialto is reluctant to help the mortal woman who has invaded his dreams, even though he’s curious about who she is and why she has this strange connection to him. He isn’t, however, about to satisfy his curiosity. The last time he became involved with a mortal, he ended up destroying her. But he knows that if Aria searches for the killer on her own, she’ll join her mother in death.

Finally, Rialto agrees to help Aria, but the pair soon learns that fate brought them together for a much larger purpose, and fate has every intention of destroying them if they don't fulfill their roles in the Blood Revelation Prophecy . . .

Book #1 Blood Revelation Series

ISBN#: 978-1-933417-05-9

March 2010

Imajinn Books

www.ImajinnBooks.com

Paperback/E-Book

$14.00/$6.00 e-book

227 Pages

Romantic Suspense (Paranormal)

~~~

Excerpt -

She thinks I’m a repulsive monster? I’ll show her a repulsive

monster, Rialto thought, as he ducked under a rickety set of

fire escape stairs, positioning Aria with him among the shadows

so they could see the alley without being seen themselves.

“What are we doing here?”

“Hunting,” he answered irritably, and again asked himself

why. He wasn’t in dire need of blood. He could go another

night or two if need be, but here he was, hiding among the

shadows with the woman he’d dreamed about for over two

decades yet was still a stranger. So why hunt at all tonight?

Because you saw the desire in her eyes, he reminded

himself. She’d tried to chase it away, but not before he’d seen

the heat of it blazing in those eyes of pure green. It was the

same look he saw in her eyes when he dreamed of her, right

before she scratched her own throat to offer him her blood.

He would not allow the dream to become real.

She tensed before him, and he realized he was squeezing

her wrist too tight. He released his grip and brought his other

arm around her waist, holding her so that her back was firmly

pressed against his chest. She let out a soft, barely audible

whimper, reminding him of a kitten trapped by a pit bull, and

her fear spiked another degree. He could sense it rolling off of

her in fervent waves as blood pumped harder through her veins,

calling to him like a siren’s song. He dipped his head, smelling

the skin of her neck peeking out from the collar of her jacket.

Coconut and leather fused together, combining with the fragrant

aroma of blood and fear, begging him to taste the droplets of

sweat glistening along her collarbone.

“Try it and die,” Aria warned, and he felt the unmistakable

point of a sharpened stake pushing against his throat.

I was lucky enough to win this book on Crystal Rain Love's blog It's a Sick Sad World

My thoughts- This book is a can't put down for me. The world of vampires and witches that had flaws to make them lovable really drew me in.The romance a classic tale of deciding to alter your own life so you can be with the one you love is sweeping. The mystery of who-dun-it is very well written and will keep you guessing. Crystal Rain Love has a great voice through the book to make those pages keep flipping. Can't wait for the next one, so Crystal get to writing :)

Buy Blood Curse here or go http://www.imajinnbooks.com/ and be sure to stop by Crystal's blog.

R.G Alexander has a new release coming out tonight !!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

A Shifter, A Vampire and A Demon walk into a bar…

Shifting Reality, Book 1

Thomas Lyons is your average cat shifter. Cool, seductive…and bored out of his mind. With the new popularity of all things paranormal, he doesn’t see why he should hide anymore. When his half-demon technophile roommate hooks him up with a computer, Thomas starts a blog announcing to the world who and what he is. Oddly enough, the more he shares, the less he’s believed. In fact, people begin thinking it’s a new online series with fantastic effects.

Margo Sheffield doesn’t dance on tables anymore, not since her reckless naïveté cost her so much. These days, her only guilty pleasures are dark chocolate, shoes—and a certain website with a man whose purring voice sends shivers down her spine. When the show, Shifting Reality, offers a week in a haunted Scottish castle with the stars, it seems a far-off dream. But when that dream becomes reality, her boss’s insistence that she mix business with pleasure—or else—is more like a nightmare.

Thomas’s focus on the show is blown by the luscious, camera-shy handful. And Margo can barely think about contracts when she’s surrounded by newlywed ghost hunters, a matchmaking demon and a man whose addictive touch makes her head spin. A showmance is the last thing she needs, but with a sexy cat like Thomas on the prowl…she just can’t resist.

Warning: Tons of explicit sex. A cat shifter with an oral fixation, voyeurism, anal sex, sex in pantries, with ghosts…you get the idea.

Keep your eyes open-it should be out tonight at MBAM

REVIEWS

Literary Nymphs-4 nymphs- “My Shifter Showmance is very different from anything I have read before but I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. This is the first release in the Shifting Reality series and I can’t begin to imagine who the next story will be about, especially with all of the intriguing characters. Once Thomas and Margo get together, and get past their inhibitions, the sex is blistering hot….Congrats R. G. and I am looking forward to reading your next book soon.”

Whipped Cream Reviews-5 cherries- “I had a blast reading this one. It was such a different premise, and takes full advantages of the modern technology so prevalent in today’s world. Thomas, Mac and Saint are three very interesting and unusual characters….three very sexy and hot beyond belief hunks. I would expect no less in an R. G. Alexander tale. I am so glad she indicated this is the first of a series, because I definitely want to read more about these characters.

Ms. Alexander has a way with character development, and her world is very believable as well. This is a great book, a joy to read, and it leaves you wanting to visit again. ”

Don’t Forget to check out contest at http://www.smutketeers.com/!

EXCERPT

“No more.”

Thomas hopped over the back of the couch, his agile body moving in a way no human’s could. He landed to sit comfortably, legs crossed on the coffee table as he popped a potato chip into his mouth. “Don’t get your kilt in a twist, Mac, you agreed to this, remember?”

The tall Scotsman snarled as he paced the living room. “I believe you mentioned something about freedom in the anonymity of the Internet. That we’d be lost in the masses, and there would be no true repercussions for baring our proverbial souls.” He stopped to glare at Thomas. “People are following me whenever I show myself, Lyons. Other vampires are split into two camps. They either want to be on the show, or they are planning my demise for allowing you to continue to out us. That sounds like repercussions to me.”

“They’re called fans, Mac Attack. It isn’t like they’re carrying torches and pitchforks.” Thomas chuckled. “Not yet anyway. As for the vampire threats, you can take them. You’re the toughest bloodsucker I know.”

Saint spoke up from his position on the leather recliner without lifting his gaze from his laptop. “The forums are already lighting up like Christmas trees, and the contest post is going viral.”

“Viral?”

Thomas snorted. “That’s a good thing in this case, Mac. Now you just need to let the current residents at Castle Continuously Depressing know we’re having guests.”

Mac crossed his arms. “Only if you remember our deal. After I allow you to turn my home into your own private testing ground, this ends. No more waking to find a camera attached to my headboard. No more deep in depth interviews about the taste of Type A versus Type O positive. I have lived a dozen lifetimes with no more than a family painting to prove my existence. And now I’ve been recorded sleeping merely to answer a random question on your damn site about whether or not a vampire snores. So no more invasions of my privacy, or Saint’s, or you’ll be looking for a new roommate…and we all know who keeps this place in cream and caviar.”

Thomas watched Mac storm out to the balcony and disappear into the night, becoming the mist. He was always envious of that ability. Arrogant bastard. Problem was, Mac was right. He stared at the ceiling morosely. It had gotten out of hand. He’d never imagined people would actually pay attention to one small website among so many. Or that he’d enjoy it this much.

He wasn’t sure when it began to bother him, hiding what he was. Maybe it always had. His was a proud species. Cats weren’t known for their humility, after all. He didn’t want to dominate humans, but pretending to be one of them, pretending he wasn’t stronger, faster, more agile and a hell of a lot longer lived…well that sucked.

Clark Kent he wasn’t. The alter ego, play-acting routine had long grown stale. But he’d lived with it for so long. Swallowed the bitter taste in his mouth and suffered in silence. Until that one night. He recalled it with great clarity. He’d been penned up for too long, and he felt the desire to unleash his lion for a late night run. He’d shifted back to his human form in an alley behind his favorite nightclub. He was feeling wild, longing for the sexual release the beast within him craved. Before he could enter the club he heard the scream. A young woman had seen him, watched his body morph, watched his fur disappear and clothing come from out of the ether to cover him.

He’d reacted instinctively. Done what he’d done a thousand times before. He’d pulled her into his arms, swamped her with his pheromones, then found her friends and convinced them she was drunk. When she’d rambled on and on about seeing a lion in the alley, about her sudden need to have sex, they’d all chuckled, joking with her about her inability to hold her liquor before they decided to take her home. It was a scenario Thomas had played out before, but this time…it had gotten to him.

He started thinking about the injustice of it all. Why couldn’t he shift when he wanted to? Why did Mac have to change locations, “die” and leave his inheritance to himself over and over again? And Saint. Well, Saint was different. He had no desire to leave the house or his computer to explore the world outside. He said the demon half of him didn’t play well with others. At least, not in person. But what about all the other shifters and vampires out there? What about the ghosts? They accepted humans and their right to exist, why couldn’t they live out in the open as well?

He’d gotten home that night railing at the Fates, going on an on until Saint had walked out of the room and brought him one of his extra computers. He’d shown him how to use the webcam and how to start a blog. Mainly, Thomas now believed, to get him to shut up.

It was like catnip. He’d begun to talk into the camera and, like a sinner at confession, it had all poured out. All his frustrations, what he was, everything. It had been cathartic. Freeing. Addictive. When people began to comment on his blog, discussing his video posts in the chat room, going with what they considered his fantasy…well, he enjoyed that too. Here he could talk to them, answer questions, get into arguments about myth versus reality. Here he could be himself.

And he’d loved the loyal posters and chat room groupies. He found himself prowling less, staying home just to talk to them. Doing things he wouldn’t normally do, like risking the wrath of his roommates just to please them. Fanglvr353 had been the one to request a camera placed on the sleeping Mac’s headboard. She’d been so grateful she’d sent him virtual flowers. And a picture of herself that made even Thomas blush. It was for Mac, but somehow Thomas didn’t think he’d be appreciative.

“She’s signed in.”

Thomas glanced over at Saint, suddenly alert. “She?”

Saint raised one dark eyebrow. “Kittysnapdragon. Isn’t she your favorite?”

He tried not to let his excitement show. What had she thought of his last video? Had she gotten his not so subtle message to her? Had she entered the contest? He rolled his eyes at Saint. “She’s just a fan of the website, man. Besides, you told me yourself how these things work. She could be a sixty-five-year-old, three hundred pound man for all I know.”
Saint shook his head. “Nope. More like thirty-one, female, long, dark brown hair and an ass you could bounce quarters off for fun.”

Thomas made an effort to stop growling, pulling his lips down over his extending incisors. “It isn’t nice to pry, Saint.” He kept forgetting Saint’s talent. A technophile, Saint traveled through the ether with his mind alone. In a heartbeat he could know everything about anyone linked in. A power Thomas wouldn’t mind borrowing from time to time. “Quarters, you say?”

You all know I love R.G Alexander and I'm going to be in-line to buy :)

The Book Resort is celebrating

2010-03-27T16:23:00.000-05:00

Come join the book resort in their celebration of their 1st blogoversary. And they have a fab contest for a Sony PRS600. It looks sweet. http://thebookresort.blogspot.com/2010/03/win-sony-prs600.html. Stop on by !

Contest at Jessica's Vision

2010-03-24T14:37:00.000-05:00

Ok all there is a great contest going on at Jessica's Vision Please stop by and enter http://jessicasvision.blogspot.com/2010/03/contest-my-100-followers-contest-good.html

Good luck everyone :)

Queen of Kings By Cornelia Amiri Review

2010-03-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Summary

The powerful battle queen has her pick of the men, but can the handsome stranger best her skills and win her heart?
It’s hard to believe this tale survived, passed down by oral tradition alone, for over a thousand years. Then again, it’s an exciting story.
Macha of the Red Braids exudes the essence of female power. Defying and fighting two kings, she takes her father’s place on the throne. With one goal in mind, she uses magic, battles, disguises, and skills of seduction to take the crown as sole ruler. She is the only woman listed as a High King of Ireland. She builds the famed kingdom of Emain Macha, marking off the borders with the pin of her treasured cloak brooch. Even still, a Champion from the wilds of Connaught throws the powerful battle queen off guard when he comes to claim her heart. Has Macha met her match in Nath of Connaught? Will he pass the three trials she has set before him?

I was lucky enough to win this book in a contest.

This is a short story, only 18,000 words.

This is book is listed Celtic Fantasy Romance story, however the hero is not introduced until late into chapter 3 and as this is only a 5 chapter book I considered it more Fantasy then Romance.

Macha the main character is one I could really enjoy. She is a strong, determined young girl at the beginning of the story who grows into a wise and determined Queen in her land. But through it all she remains kind hearted.

All in all a great quick fantasy read that ends happily and leaves you wishing Macha and Nath, the hero, all the best. Cornelia has a great voice and the plot rolled along nicely.I will definitely be picking up Cornelia's other works.

Get this on amazon Queen of Kings or find it here at Eternal Press Queen of Kings

I'm going to talk video games for a minute

2010-03-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

Ok so I love video games. Well maybe I should say I love certain video games. And so I'm going to talk about my latest addiction.- Oblivion- The Elder Scrolls 4. Now I played Morrowind which is the elder Scrolls 3 and no you don't have to play that one before you jump into Oblivion but Morrowind is where I first became addicted.The gaint free range of the Elder scrolls is what first attracted me. There are missions and side-quest that you can do but in what order and the decision to do side quest is completely up to you. But i'm getting ahead of myself heres a blurb of what it about :

Oblivion Game of the Year Edition presents one fo the best RPG's of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created. With a powerful combination of freeform gameplay and unprecedented graphics, you can unravel the main quest at your own pace or explore the vast world and find your own challenges. Also included in the Game of the Year edition are Knights of the Nine and the Shivering Isles expansion, adding new and unique quests and content to the already massive world of Oblivion.

Now I didn't get the game of the year edition but I did download the extra content off the playstation 3 network and I can honestly say that the game of the year edition is better in terms of price

Live another life in another world, create and play any character you can imagine
An all-new combat and magic system brings first person role-playing to a new level of intensity
Groundbreaking AI system gives characters full 24/7 schedules
New lands to explore in the Shivering Isles expansion

Challenging new foes, hideous insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles, amphibeous Grummites and more

And the plot-

Oblivion is set in Cyrodiil, a province of Tamriel, the continent on which all the games in the series have taken place. The plot begins with the arrival of Emperor Uriel Septim VII (voiced by Patrick Stewart), accompanied by a trio of Imperial bodyguards known as "the Blades", at the Imperial City prison. They are fleeing from the assassins of the Mythic Dawn, a fanatical religious cult, through a secret underground exit in the city sewers. By chance, the exit is located in the cell occupied by the player. The player follows the party into a series of catacombs. There, the group is attacked by the Mythic Dawn, who are staved off by the Blades. Meanwhile, Uriel entrusts the player with the Amulet of Kings, an ancient artifact traditionally worn by the ruler of Cyrodiil, and orders them to take it to a man known as Jauffre. Subsequently, an assassin ambushes and kills the emperor, before being defeated. The sole surviving guard, Baurus, explains that Jauffre is the Grandmaster of the Blades and can be found at Weynon Priory. The player then proceeds to the open world of Cyrodiil.

It is soon revealed that the lack of an heir for the fallen Emperor has broken an old covenant—the seal for the barrier between the mortal realm and the hellish realm of Oblivion. Multiple gates to Oblivion open and an invasion of Tamriel begins by magical creatures known as the Daedra. Jauffre informs the player that the only way to close down the gates permanently is to find someone of the royal bloodline to retake the throne and re-light the Dragonfires in the Imperial City. Fortunately, there is still an heir to the Septim throne: an illegitimate son named Martin (voiced by Sean Bean), who resides in the city of Kvatch. Upon arriving at Kvatch, the player is met by a fleeing refugee, who explains that the Daedra have destroyed the city and killed many of its inhabitants. The leader of the town guardsmen, Savlian Matius, says he saw Martin escape into the chapel along with a few others, but cannot get into the city, as the Oblivion Gate is obstructing the main city gate. After venturing into the Planes of Oblivion and closing the gate, the player assists Savlian Matius in a counter-attack against the Daedra within the city walls. With the area secured, the player enters the Kvatch chapel and persuades Martin to come to Weynon Priory.

Upon their return, the player finds that Weynon Priory is under attack by the Mythic Dawn and discovers the Amulet of Kings has been stolen. Jauffre orders the player to escort himself and Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple, the stronghold of the Blades. Martin is there recognized as the Emperor and is given command of the Blades, while the player is sent off in search of the Amulet. After gathering information with the help of Baurus, the player is tasked with infiltrating the secret meeting place of the Mythic Dawn. When the player manages to infiltrate the inner circle of the Mythic Dawn, their leader—Mankar Camoran (voiced by Terence Stamp)—escapes to his Paradise through a portal, taking the Amulet of Kings with him. The player takes Mankar Camoran's book (the Mysteriam Xarxes), which has the power to open a portal to the Paradise, before escaping the shrine. Martin deduces that the only way to recover the amulet is to create a portal to the Paradise and follow Camoran. A "collect-the-pieces" quest begins, as the player seeks out three key artifacts necessary to recreate the portal.
With all three retrieved, Martin reveals that a final ingredient is needed: a Great Sigil Stone from a Great Gate similar to the one that devastated Kvatch. Martin and Jauffre hatch a plan that involves allowing the city of Bruma to be attacked by the Daedra so that a Great Gate can be opened. The player then must venture into the gate and obtain the Great Sigil Stone. On the battlefield before Bruma, Martin gives a moving speech before charging the Daedra. Many men are lost but a Great Gate is finally opened. Within, the player obtains the Great Sigil Stone.

A portal is created at Cloud Ruler Temple and the player is sent to Camoran's Paradise. After bypassing a host of monsters and obstacles, the player confronts Camoran in his throne room and slays him and his family. When the player takes the Amulet from Camoran's neck, the Paradise evaporates. The player returns the Amulet to Martin, and the Blades travel to the Imperial City to re-light the Dragonfires and end the Daedric invasion. There, the Daedra begin a desperate final assault and overrun the Imperial City. The player and several others fight their way to a small temple named the Temple of the One, in the Imperial City Temple District, to find that a 200-foot tall being is wreaking havoc in the city, revealed to be the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon himself. The player and Martin fight their way into the Temple, where Martin shatters the Amulet of Kings to merge himself with the spirit of Akatosh, the Dragon-God of Time, and become his Avatar. After an epic fight, the Avatar defeats Dagon, before turning to stone. Martin disappears, the gates of Oblivion are shut forever, and the throne of the Empire again lies empty. In a final monologue, Martin describes the events in an optimistic light and states that the future of Tamriel is now in the player's hands. Lord Chancellor Ocato of the Elder Council proclaims the player Champion of Cyrodiil.

Now I adore this game I received it for Christmas and since then the kids have to wrestle the PS controller out of my hands. And I'm not even half way through which it another thing I just love. When I find a great game I want it to last and with hundreds of hours of gameplay Oblivion certain fits the bill. The graphics are awesome. And with the free roam if I don't feel like doing the missions I can just wander the wilderness looking for new places to find. Oblivion is available on many platforms. So if your looking for a great game to help you unwind look no farther.

Whooo We Remodeled

2010-03-20T06:50:00.000-05:00

As was posted before I'm attending the Book Blogger and Publishers Online Conference. Friday was day one and man is my head spinning just from all that I have learn already.And one of the focus thing as I'm sure you have guessed is the lay out of the blog itself. And per the suggestions that I have received we re-decorated. I love it but still I'm open to more suggestions so.... Tell me what you think! What else would you like to see? Know a good joke? Yeah I know I'm reaching but I'd love to hear from you.

BTW- I'm putting together a new release and soon to be released page so Got a book coming out? Send me the info and I will get it up. meandicorner@yahoo.com

Happy St Patricks Day

2010-03-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ok so I'm wearing green. Are you? What is your favorite part of St patrick's day. Is it the green beer or the kissing the Irish men part, you know I love that part of it.
By the way I'm like an eight irish so men pucker up. Eight kisses equal the same thing right? And just cause I'm feeling generous here is some tasty eye candy Now I don't know if they are irish or not but here you are. Enjoy

THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER

2010-03-11T11:57:00.000-06:00

Kathryne Kennedy's new series, THE ELVEN LORDS: Book One

BLURB:
If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him...
In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven Lords, the Fire Lord's son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father, until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever.
Unless his bride kills him first...
Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married...

Then Dominic and Cassandra together discover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save...

A darkly delicious new fantasy world of sizzling romance amid the pageantry of Georgian England.

"THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER showcases Kathryne Kennedy's deft craftmanship as she once again blends history and high fantasy with amazing skill. A Tolkien-esque world combined with an eighteenth-century historical romance produces a satisfying tale with twists you'll never expect. Excellent!"~NYT bestselling author Jennifer Ashley

"Brilliantly crafted and moving. An epic fantasy you'll want to read again and again."~NYT bestselling author Angie Fox

"As darkly imaginative as Tolkien, as richly romantic as Heyer, Kennedy carves a new genre in romantic fiction."~Erin Quinn, author of Haunting Warrior

Site Design & Written Content (exclusive of quoted material) copyright @ by Kathryne Kennedy, All Rights Reserved

The History of THE ELVEN LORDS
The link between the world of man and Elfhame had sundered long ago, the elven people and their magic fading to legend. Tall beings of extraordinary beauty, the fae preferred a world of peace. But seven elves--considered mad by their own people--longed for power and war. They stole sacred magical scepters, created their dragon-steeds, and opened the gate to the realm of man again and flew through.

Each elf carved a sovereign land within England, replacing the baronies that had so recently been formed by William the Conqueror. They acquired willing and unwilling slaves to serve in their palaces and till their lands. And fight their wars. Like mythical gods they set armies of humans against each other, battling for the right to win the king, who’d become nothing more than a trophy. They bred with their human slaves, producing children to become champions of their war games.

The elven lords maintained a unified pact, using the scepters in a united will to place a barrier around England, with only a few guarded borders open to commerce. Elven magic provided unique goods and the world turned a blind eye to the plight of the people, persuaded by greed to leave England to its own, as long as the elven did not seek to expand their rule into neighboring lands.

But many of the English people formed a secret rebellion to fight their oppressors. Some of the elven’s children considered themselves human despite their foreign blood and joined the cause. And over the centuries these half-breeds became their only hope.

Please visit: http://www.KathryneKennedy.com

Stay tuned for more as Kathryne says I will be allowed to post Chapter 1, * squeel* Thanks Kathryne, coming soon.
I am really looking forward to this series

Contests going on At Gothic Asylum Reviews

2010-03-09T14:09:00.000-06:00

Stop on by and become a follower and enter to win some fab prizes
Whats up on the block to win

-Demonia Bat Wing Wallet
-Alice in Wonderland locket
-a copy of the first graphic novel in the Twilight series

Now this is three different contest so be sure to enter them all
http://www.gothicasylum.blogspot.com/

WHO HERE REMEMBERS THE SMURFS?

2010-03-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

OH MY GOD is it Saturday morning? Yes I like many children ran downstairs early on a Saturday technically you can sleep in morning to go watch the smurfs and she-ra but that a different story for another time, Anyways I just learned they are making a smurf movie. Now I just have to say with all the 80's toys and cartoons making a come back maybe some of us should let go a little and learn to move on. I mean what's next a thunder cat movie? Now will I be in line to see it Hell Ya but still the smurfs were cheap even back in the 80's. Of course everyone remember the theme song * Singing LALALALALA loudly off-key* they couldn't even afford words to it.And OMG the one line dialog But yet someone felt the needed to make a new movie. I might hate myself as I leave the theater but I'll go along and see if it helps us recapture a little of our youth. And the big names they have slated to voices

Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf [4]
Katy Perry as Smurfette [4]
Alan Cumming as Gutsy Smurf [4]
George Lopez as Grouchy Smurf [4]

When can we expect this little gem? Well I heard it's scheduled for a late-July release. Well now that that song is once again embedded in my head...

Supernatural- Have you been watching?

2010-03-03T09:56:00.000-06:00

I'm not one that can watch T.V shows mostly for the fact that I can't never remember when they are on so I fall behind. Then I don't want to get ahead of what I know so after a few weeks of forgetting I can't watch the season at all until I buy it. Anyway due to this I have missed out on some really great shows. This past month I splurged *shh don't tell on me now* Supernatural was one of them I bought Seasons 1-4 and I'm loving it. I'm only on the 2nd season but It's great and the men Whoo .
Hot Right!
I have been having a marathon which after all is the best reason to buy the seasons right.

Do you love it? What other show can't you live without? I'm always looking for the ones I missed :)

Add on post for Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight

2010-03-02T07:50:00.000-06:00

Deidre Knight's people was kind enough to send this to me to post so post I shall-

Groundbreaking Butterfly Tattoo Finally Available in Print

Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight, which created an online sensation when released as an e-book last April, is now available for the first time in print (Samhain Publishing, February 2010).

The story’s release in any format indicates that contemporary culture’s acceptance of the sometimes “fluid” nature of sexuality has taken giant strides.

When Knight first shopped the novel in 2004, Michael and Rebecca’s love story was deemed too controversial for public acceptance. Michael is struggling to come to terms with his male life partner of 12 years being senselessly killed by a drunk driver a year earlier. Then he meets and falls in love with Rebecca, a woman carrying physical and emotional scars

“I came close to selling repeatedly,” Knight explains. “It was considered for hardcover at several big houses, but each time the book proved to be just a click too edgy.”

However, after little more than two weeks on the market as an e-book in April, a search for “Deidre Knight’s Butterfly Tattoo” on Google delivered 9,850 hits. The first two pages consistently catalogued very positive reviews. Today glowing praise continues to predominate, page after page.

Why not read this groundbreaking book and determine its “edgy” factor for yourself? To order your copy of Butterfly Tattoo visit Borders, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million or any of your other favorite online retailers.

In a side note - if you got something you would like me to put up please feel free to send it to me meandi09@yahoo.com and I will get it up :)

contest for today over at the Qwillery

2010-03-01T10:24:00.000-06:00

Stop by for an interview with Anton Strout and a chance to win goodies http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2010/03/interview-with-anton-strout-and-goodies.html

Is spring coming yet?!?

2010-03-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

So I know like most people I'm ready for spring to get here. But why? I'm not a gardener ( In fact plants wilt as I walk by them ). Spring reminds me of cleaning and do I really want to do that? Will I actually get outside more as the weather gets better? I'd like to think so but in reality probably not. But still and all the same I'm like a child after being cooped up. I'm ready to run and play in the sun. What about you? What does spring remind you of? What can't you wait to do ?

Bring in the Readers Online Conference 3/19- 3/21 I'm participating are you ?

2010-02-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

What is Bring in the Readers
Well here's what it says-
Bloggers and Publishers have the same goals, to bring in readers. This Conference is to discuss what is working online to promote books and what we can do better. How can we work together and with authors to bring readers online? What are Publishers goals in working with Bloggers? What are Bloggers and Reviewers looking for? Join us for panels, discussions and giveaways.

Read more at http://www.romanceinthebackseat.com/bbpcon.html

Now why attend well I'm in it to learn that's why. I want to know how to better interest you, to make you feel as if stopping by my little crack in the corner that is the web of the world like you haven't wasted a small hunk of your time.Now I registered for this before i even set up this page so I can't blame you for it lol. I am fascinated by the whole process and already have a notebook that I have been jotting thoughts in. You want to come learn with me? I think there's still time go register now!!!!
PS It sounds like fun too And Terry who's in charge of the whole thing is just a doll. So if you have any question feel free to ask her

So I heard about this great contest and wanted to let you all know

2010-02-24T09:29:00.000-06:00

Fang-tastic Books is having a 500 followers contest. heres details

One lucky follower will win: A Fang-tastic Books tote bag and t-shirt, signed copies of my books Eternal Desire and Insatiable, Blood Ties Season 2 DVD set, Blood Price by Tanya Huff, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, and Mr Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange.
They also have a stack of author swag including: postcards, bookmarks, trading cards, stickers and buttons (some signed)
How do you win - go be a follower oh and they have bonus entries ways available. So quick go check it out
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/500-follower-giveaway.html

Death, the Vamp and his Brother by Lexxie Couper

2010-02-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

When it comes down to love or duty, pick a side—and pray your heart survives.
Death exists for one purpose and one purpose only: to sever the life-threads of the living. She does her job with pride and an unwavering commitment. Nothing ruffles her. Until she encounters Patrick Watkins. The Australian lifeguard pushes all her buttons—and makes her tailbone itch like crazy. And when her tailbone itches, it means trouble is brewing. Big trouble.
Ven’s gut tells him that Death is taking aim at his kid brother. He should know—he died and was turned vampire while trying to prevent another failed murder-attempt eighteen years ago. Patrick is meant to do something important in the world, and Ven will do anything to keep him safe. Even take on Death herself. In more ways than one.
As far as Patrick’s concerned, the whole thing is a load of bull. But what if everything Death tells him turns out to be true? How is he expected to save mankind from the worst fate of all—the Apocalypse? Especially when all he can think about is how quickly he’s falling in love with the most feared Horseman of them all…
Warning: This book contains enough heresy to shame the Devil, more scorching sex than one person can handle, Oh, and lots of Australian colloquialism. A bloody lot of Australian colloquialism

Yup I was lucky enough to win this in a contest. WHOO WHO Thank you god for all my useless knowledge for triva. And that's right it's next up for review.Stay tuned. You got a book you want me to review? I'm always open for suggestions!

Jason Statham at Jo's suggestion

2010-02-22T10:05:00.000-06:00

My isn't he just hottness itself but he always looks so serious at least he did in all the pics I found and I really want to see this man smile.If you know of a link of Jason's smile please comment and let me know. I'd love to put it up.

BUTTERFLY TATTOO by Deidre Knight

2010-02-21T12:13:00.001-06:00

COVER COPY for BUTTERFLY TATTOO by Deidre Knight

Just when the darkness seems permanent, fate flips a switch.

Michael Warner has been drifting in a numb haze since his lover was killed by a drunk driver. As the anniversary of the wreck approaches, Michael’s grief grows more suffocating. Yet he must find a way through the maze of pain and secrets to live for their troubled young daughter who struggles with guilt that she survived the crash.

Out of the darkness comes a voice, a lifeline he never expected to find—Rebecca O’Neill, a development executive in the studio where Michael works as an electrician.

Rebecca, a former sitcom celebrity left scarred from a crazed fan’s attack, has retreated from the limelight and from life in general, certain no man can ever get past her disfigurement. The instant sparks between her and Michael, who arrives to help her during a power outage, come as a complete surprise—and so does her uncanny bond with his daughter.

For the first time, all three feel compelled to examine their inner and outer scars in the light of love. But trust is hard to come by, especially when you’re not sure what to believe when you look in the mirror. The scars? Or the truth?

Where can you get yours? here> http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-butterflytattoo-15040-149.html

Ash Wednesday or Irish No Smoking Day

2010-02-15T18:01:00.000-06:00

Today is the start of Ash Wednesday. For all those non-catholics like me I thought we should at least make a note of it.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a moveable feast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as 4 February or as late as 10 March.

Now while I was at least aware of Ash Wednesday, this one slipped right by me so lets learn together -

Today is also National No Smoking Day
In the Republic of Ireland, Ash Wednesday is National No Smoking Day. The date was chosen because quitting smoking ties in with giving up luxury for Lent. In the United Kingdom, No Smoking Day was held for the first time on Ash Wednesday 1984, but is now fixed as the second Wednesday in March.

So bring on the feasting and No smoking if you please

Happy Hottie Day

2010-02-15T17:29:00.000-06:00

Well I know that today isn't actually a holiday but I'm celebrating anyway. And what are we celebrating? Why Hotties of course. Here are a few of my favorites: Does anyone else see a wet trend going on lol

To start with we have my fav. Criminal Minds hottie Shemar Moore

And then we move on to Taylor L. Now I might not like the Twilight Series but this man here and yes I said man as now he is drool legal is worth watching the movie for !!!!!

And then Hugh, Oh Hugh! Not only is this man so hot it must be a sin. But when he talks I melt. And I hear he's quite the sweet in real life. Drool

See anything you like?

Tor: Viking Master- my choice for the 28 Days of Heart

2010-02-15T16:33:00.000-06:00

Sometimes love is sweeter than revenge…

When Tor comes upon the Saxon woman who killed his brother, he takes her as his slave to make her pay for her crime.

Maida is innocent of the murder Tor accuses her of, but until she can convince him of the truth, she must endure his torment.

When the Viking jarl finally realizes his mistake, he also knows he’s fallen deeply in love with Maida. But if he frees her, how can he keep her?

This is my choice for the 28 days of heart that ARe is having.But they have so many to choose from I'm sure everyone will find something they will love.
>http://www.allromanceebooks.com/index.html

Stay tuned for my review

ABOUT THE 28 DAYS NOVELLAS

During the month of love, when everyone's attention is focused on matters of the heart, All Romance eBooks (ARe) is helping to fight the number one killer of women, heart disease, with their 28 Days of Heart campaign.

All proceeds from the sale of these shorts, which will be offered exclusively on AllRomance.com and OmniLit.com as individual eBooks, will be donated to the American Heart Association

The Delicious Tease Contest Extravaganza

2010-02-15T14:29:00.001-06:00

Shiloh Walker has a new release coming out and a great contest

2010-02-15T07:35:00.001-06:00

_______________________________

Shattered

Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.

Desperate

Sara Davis is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.

Driven to desire…

But Quinn must get closer to Sara when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…

And Shiloh's having a great contest to celebrate the upcoming novel, Broken

Interested?! go to http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/broken-pssst-theres-a-contest/

Review: Wicked Sexy by R.G. Alexander

2010-02-11T13:27:00.000-06:00

My first review-

Please keep in mind that this is my first so please bear with me. Oh and on a side note if posting spoilers please write that at the top so people who haven't read it yet can avert their eyes

First up- Wicked Sexy
by R.G. Alexander

Blurb: Something magic this way comes…
Wicked ³, Book 1
Callie has always known the Abbotts were different. Witches, though they call themselves “Magians”. They are her second family. Harrison Abbott has been her best friend since they were children. Tucker Abbott, her life-long crush. And their brother, Tyghe? A magical pain in her backside.
When the Abbotts need her human perspective to solve a mystery, she doesn’t hesitate. Especially since it means getting everything she ever wanted. A chance to be one of them, to have magic, even if it’s only temporary.
Someone is attacking young women at Triune, a ritual that helps Magians find their perfect threesome—the match that will complete their magic and their hearts. Callie expected to be dazzled by her first glimpse into the Magian world, but the bone-melting desire between her and the Abbott brothers isn’t part of the plan.
Nor is the decades-old secret that makes her the target of a killer…

Warning: Explicit sex, magical dresses, mind-reading rooms and mind-boggling threesomes.

Did I like it? Hell Ya !!!
It was a beautifully woven story of magic, love, and sex so hot I couldn't put down. Now I was a little concerned about the men being brothers but as there is no m/m interaction R.G pulled it off nicely and had me dreaming of a set of Abbott brothers of my own.

Definitely pick it up. You can find it here http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wickedsexy-404784-140.html

To learn more about R. G. Alexander please visit www.rgalexander.com.

A man that can cook? I got to see this...

2010-02-11T12:46:00.001-06:00

Yes ladies it's true and from what i hear he can cook very well. Who…Chef Lee-author of …And He Can Cook!. He's at http://www.smutketeers.com talking about his book. Drop on bye and say hi.

Valentine's day is just around the corner. Are you ready?

2010-02-10T20:39:00.000-06:00

It's that time again. Do you have your flowers ordered? I for one am not a big fan of flowers. Yes I am a female from the planet earth but the hard reality of it is I have a black thumb even with cut flowers. I don't know what it is but they just seem to wilt when I touch the vase. However I love candles. Hint Hint! Now last year I got flowers in a candle. They were wonderful. And if you are creative you can make it at home. Here's what you will need

- candle in a jar that has a lid
- sticky putty
- a bouquet of fresh flowers
- that green foam stuff for flowers
-a pretty ribbon

Direction- take candle flipping the lid over and putty it down on the top of the candle.Make sure it's secure. Put moist green foam down in the lid. Arrange flowers sticking the into the foam. Finish off by tying a beautiful bow around the jar where the lid meets the jar.
It makes a lovely gift and after the flowers die you still have a great candle.

Do you have any great Valentine idea's?I love to hear them. Hate Valentine's Day well tell me that too then

BTW- Be sure to enter the scavenger hunt @ http://1RomanceEbooks.com . It runs til the 14th so hurry

Oh no here I go

2010-02-10T15:50:00.000-06:00

OK so everybody keeps telling me that I need a blog so I finally did it. I have a blog. Now what I should put in it I have no idea. Any ideas?

Btw this is my Vampire Valentine for VampChix blog

I guess to start with I should tell you a little about me. I LOVE to read. I have been on the net for a few years ( if you call surfing on the net )but this is the first time I have made my own space, so be patient with me. Of course I'd love some imput and am more than willing to share my opinion on most anything so speak up and be heard.