Spotlight- Aftermath: Guts and Glory by Tyler Robbins

Posted on August 28, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Aftermath: Guts and Glory

by Tyler Robbins

Length: 213 pages
Published: July 25, 2013
Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Blurb:

When the brother he idolized is killed in action in Afghanistan, Kyle Barrett is rocked to his core. With his only confidant gone, Kyle struggles to deal with the loss, while fighting to keep his hidden sexuality a secret from his parents.

If only he didn’t have to face them alone.

Army veteran, Ryder Bishop has returned from his final tour in Iraq, when severe PTSD forces him to seek help through a new counseling program back home in Texas.

Just when Ryder thinks he’s reached the end of his rope, he meets Kyle, and their lives take a remarkable turn.

Can the grieving brother and damaged soldier find the peace they so desperately need? Or will they become another statistic when the aftermath of war hits too close to home?

They might have shipped the soldier home, but his demons have come with him.

******

Excerpt:

Kyle took a deep breath to steady his excitement then slowly unfastened Ryder’s jeans. He pulled them down just a bit, low enough to remove the semi-hard cock from Ryder’s boxers. The shaft stiffened in the palm of Kyle’s hand, and he liked the feel of the delicate flesh against his own skin. He slowly tightened his gripped and began to stroke.

“Shit.” Ryder moaned again, and rolled his hips.

Kyle watched Ryder’s expression as his movements hastened. Ryder, this strong, mountain of a man, who dominated the basketball court, and practically mopped the floor with Kyle every time they played, literally melted in Kyle’s hand.

Exhilarated by that extra confidence, Kyle found the courage to take the next step. The natural step he’d wanted to take since he first laid eyes on the other man’s cock. Kyle licked his lips, then flicked the head of Ryder’s dick with his tongue.

Ryder shuddered.

Kyle lapped the salty surface of Ryder’s crown then encircled it with his lips, until he lowered his head, and drew half of the fleshy shaft into his mouth.

“Fuck.”

Kyle’s ears rang, and his heartbeat boomed like a bass drum inside his head. The more he sucked in, the louder Ryder’s groans became, thrilling Kyle even more.

Ryder made a hissing sound. “Careful with the teeth.”

Kyle corrected his technique and covered the thick shaft with his lips instead, then dove back down for another plunge.

“Mmm.” Ryder bucked his hips, forcing himself deeper into Kyle’s mouth. “Yeah, that’s it.”

Kyle’s eyes watered as Ryder’s cock bumped the back of his throat, flooding his mouth with Ryder’s salty-sweet essence.

Ryder grasped the back of Kyle’s head and shoved himself in harder. “Feels so fucking good.”

Kyle gripped the base, and used his hand to jack Ryder off as he continued to suck and lick, until Ryder abruptly pulled back, and stopped him.

“What?” Kyle’s mind whirled, and he fought to take Ryder’s cock back into his mouth.

Ryder’s stomach muscles rolled, and his breathing deepened. He inhaled deeply before speaking. “You’ve seriously never done this before?” Disbelief resonated in his tone.

Was he serious? He’s asking this now? “Never.”

“Shit.” Ryder licked his lips, his eyes glazed over. “So that means,” Ryder skimmed his thumb over Kyle’s tingling bottom lip, “nobody’s ever done it to you either.”

Kyle drew in a deep breath, doing his best not to bust a nut just at the thought of it. “No.”

A gleam sparked in Ryder’s eyes “Lie back.”

Chills wreaked havoc across Kyle’s flesh. Oh shit.

Ryder’s eyes danced back and forth as though searching Kyle’s for an answer to a question he hadn’t bothered to ask. His brow bunched, and he eased closer. “Just don’t forget to breathe.”

*******

Links:

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/aftermath-guts-and-glory-by-tyler-robbins/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aftermath-Guts-and-Glory-ebook/dp/B00E4UIYB4

All Romance Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aftermathgutsandglory-1251208-149.html

Tyler Robbins Author Bio:

Tyler Robbins is the pen name of author Robin Badillo, who lives in a small Texas town and is the mother of four nearly grown kids, two boys and two girls.

Tyler enjoys stepping out of her comfort zone and pushes the envelope on the stories she writes every chance she gets. She hopes her readers are just as thrilled as she is with the chances she’s taking.

Always the optimist, Tyler is a firm believer that gray hair is merely God’s graffiti!!

Author Links:

Tyler’s Blog: http://www.tylerrobbins.org

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/author.tyler.robbins

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Robin_Badillo

@Robin_Badillo

Weekend Writing Warriors – Just Breathe

Posted on August 25, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my just released debut, TAKING CHANCES. It’s available now!

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. LAST WEEK: While Lydia waits to find out who Jake will select for his project, she gets lost in one of her fantasies starring the man himself. In last Wednesday’s Mid Week Tease, I shared a bit more. Jake picked Lydia for the project! Click over to the tease to find out what happened and the cause behind her jitters. THIS WEEK: Lydia’s getting ready to spend the day alone with Jake.

If the nonsensical feelings were left to fester she’d tumble into a panic attack.

They had a big task in front of them. Loads of work would fill the day, and there was no need to get emotional. Her brain heard all the reasonable thoughts, but her body continued to brace against panic. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the pace of her breathing. She needed a distraction. She opened her eyes and found it in the mess on her desk. Her hands shifted pages, such a normal thing for her to do, except she wasn’t reading a thing.

Oh boy, Lydia’s successfully worked her nerves into a dancing fit. <~ You can <tweet that> if you want. I wonder how Jake’s doing. Come back and find out.

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

I’m holding a GIVEAWAY through the end of September to celebrate my debut.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Group, and Saturday Spankings too.

ROW80 Check-in #72 The Proof

Posted on August 25, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

It happened. My book is out. There’s proof too. You can see it on Amazon. The girl who loved to read, but never dared to write until early 2011, has been published.

It’s been a crazy ride. The writing bug had been trying to nab me for a long time and I tried to ignore it. My brother was the writer, not me. I dance. I tell my stories with movement, not with words. But you see, there was the key to my destiny.

I’ve always been a story teller.

I just had to get out of my own way. Once I decided I would do what it takes, I began my journey. I wrote and wrote. I studied and studied. When passion and desire drive your work, nothing can stop you.

It also helps to surround yourself with support and #ROW80 has been there for me. Thank you to each and every participant, you rock.

So, what’s next? After I finish writing another dozen guest posts, I’ll dive back into my craft study, finish the next book in The Love Projects series, and prepare for hitting send, again.

This week, Amy and Travis Wall performed a piece that Travis choreographed. This piece is simply about the games in a relationship. It’s strong. It’s daring. It’s powerful and oh so beautiful. I could and have watched it over and over.

IT IS PERFECTION.

It’s visions like this piece or the great book I’m reading that drive me to write, to tell more stories, because I am a story teller and I have a lot more stories to tell.

The Goals – week-8 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters – done.
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting – this is only done if writing guest posts can count. I’ve written a bunch and I have twice as many more to write.
Workout a minimum of three times a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep, and my calorie limit – not done. I didn’t get in a single workout, I blew the calorie limit more and more the further I got in the week, and got barely any sleep. I did keep up on my water. WEEK 9 PRIORITY
Weekly Nia study (i.e. studying the song/movement structure) – not done. WEEK 9 PRIORITY
Stay on top of my co-op preschool Treasurer responsibilities – done. I handled a bunch of stuff here, including a couple meetings, lots of reporting, and journal entries. ugh.
Organize something in the house each week & clean something in the house every day – not done. WEEK 9 PRIORITY
Spend time in the garden – not done. WEEK 9 PRIORITY

I’m holding a GIVEAWAY through the end of September to celebrate my debut.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What you might have missed here this week:

My First Cover Reveal: Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee

Spotlight: Been Loving You Too Long by Seraphina Donavan

Mid Week Tease with Taking Chances

My Debut is Here – Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee

Posted on August 23, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

This is the best Friday ever. My debut has arrived. Today, TAKING CHANCES was published by Evernight Publishing. I’m beyond excited to share my characters and their story with you. Lydia and Jake are very special to me and I hope you’ll enjoy reading their story.

Below you’ll find all the details, blurb, excerpt, and I’ll be adding all the links to where you can find TAKING CHANCES as they become available. Plus, there’s a GIVEAWAY. Today, I’m also at Jessica Jayne’s talking about the setting to my story, at Sandra Bunino’s I’m giving you 10 things to know about TAKING CHANCES, and at Wild Wordy Women I’m talking about where my story ideas come from.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be visiting lots of friends and sharing more about TAKING CHANCES including: character interviews, what inspired the story, my road to publishing, balancing life and writing, and more.

Until then, take a look at TAKING CHANCES. Enjoy!

Taking Chances

(The Love Projects #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Release Date: TODAY!! August 23, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

Click here to see TAKING CHANCES on Goodreads.

EXCERPT:

Lydia’s boss stared the team down. She squirmed in her seat and worked to contain her fidget. The glower she recognized. Mr. Keller’s fiery gaze swept over every person in the conference room. Praying he would skim right past her, she shrank a smidge in her seat. The transition to their new product management database had bombed. He wanted someone to blame.

The team worked hard, and yet dozens of things had gone wrong, but no one deserved to get chucked under the bus. Politics was never a strong suit for Lydia, and neither was talking in front of a group. Who would enjoy sweating profusely and forgetting all words except ah and um?

The threat of humiliation fired through her, making her eager for a solution. If she could figure out a way to shift the meeting away from the possibility of someone getting fired, she’d relax. An idea rolled about in her head, but not even a drop of courage lingered within her reach.

“Keller, the policies and procedures need strength and substance if we’re going to move forward as a team with our new system.” Jake pushed back from the table.

She needed to add mind-reading to the list of Jake’s gifts. She’d had the exact idea. It wasn’t the first time he offered a solution she’d been contemplating. It often left her with the idea they’d get along well, which was ludicrous. Men like Jake didn’t pay attention to a woman like Lydia. Hesitation was more her style, and it certainly wasn’t Jake’s. As a department director, he made things happen, and along the way he intimidated the heck out of her.

Of course she’d never been alone in a room with Jake, never even had a casual conversation. Fortunately, he never sought her out. Whenever Jake neared, her pulse raced, and naughty ideas filled her mind. Her fascination with him had started on her first day with the company over a year ago.

The sidewalks had been a mess of snow and ice in front of their building that morning. She’d picked style over practicality in shoes and was rewarded with a slip and fall, flat on her butt. Jake had helped her up. He’d placed her purse strap in one hand and held the other while he asked if she was okay. Embarrassment might have flared through her, but his gaze had melted her, and she hadn’t been able to think straight in his presence since.

He made her aware of her body, the way it heated and awakened. It wasn’t the chiseled cheek bones, or his tall lean body that had to be fit as a Navy Seal. Okay, maybe in her fantasies it was heaven to grab onto his thick neck and shoulders. When Jake was around, she either got lost in a fantasy or felt like a teenager worrying about her hair being flat, smudged mascara, or worse things. What if he saw her nipples hardening? Luckily for her they worked in two different departments and didn’t find themselves with the need to talk to each other.

If she could get to know him she wouldn’t suffer so much. Most people had issues, and if she could find his she wouldn’t be so intimidated. She had a long history of finding flaws in people. First with her dad, she had been eight when he left. She led a lonely existence and wore it like an armor, and it stopped her from being let down.

“I think you’re onto something.” Boss man Keller usually agreed with Jake.

Disappointment ticked at her ragged nerves. Once again someone else was getting credit for an idea she couldn’t voice.

For Keller to ever agree with her, she’d have to have the audacity to speak about her own ideas. Until she had the guts to offer her own opinion there would be no recognition, no advancement. Soon it would be time to go back to her familiar little box, a place she usually thought of as comfortable, a place made easy to hold onto her armor.

“I’d like you to head the team on this.” Keller inclined his head toward Jake. “Pick one of the technical writers from this table, lock yourselves in a room, and get it done. I want a report tomorrow, my office, ten o’clock.” He stomped from the room and took another opportunity to sneer at each of them.

The room, without Keller’s presence, grew eerily quiet.

All attention turned to Jake. He towered over them as they waited for the chosen partner to be selected. Whispers bubbled up around her.

A door slammed down the hall, probably Keller letting off some steam. She didn’t want to think about Keller. She desperately wanted to fill her mind with one idea, that she could be the technical writer Jake chose. He could choose her.

She blocked out her surroundings, peeled back her protective layer and allowed herself to feel. She bit her lower lip and sucked it into her mouth. She could be locked in a room with Jake. Her mouth dried, and her heart pounded. She took another look at Jake and drank in his dark features and the muscles she imagined hidden under his blue collared shirt. A fantasy, starring the infamous Jake, filled her imagination.

He sauntered around the table and stopped at her chair. His hand took hold of hers, and he pulled her into his strong arms. Once he settled her bottom on the table, he stepped in between her thighs. As he devoured her mouth in eager kisses, he popped the buttons on her blouse, unclasped her bra, and exposed her. Powerful hands molded her breasts. She let her needy body fall to the table to give him access to every inch of her.

“Lydia.”

The fantasy was in full swing now. Jake shouted her name. Oh, her name sounded sinful on his lips.

“Lydia!” someone shouted.

Something pushed her elbow, and it fell awkwardly from the table, releasing her from her inner thoughts. Everyone at the table stared her way.

“Thanks for rejoining us. Clear your calendar, and meet me back here in a half hour.” Jake locked his gaze with hers.

“Yes, Sir … I mean, okay, I’ll be here.”

She couldn’t handle his powerful expression and dropped her stare to the table. It was too intense, him standing there like an unyielding statue. Had she said something wrong? Before an idea could enter her mind, he stormed from the room. The rest of her department followed him like nothing tremendous happened. Just like that, they went on with their day, talking about lunch plans and other mundane things. Lydia, on the other hand, couldn’t move.

It had been a split second, but his eyes had narrowed in on her and dimmed to a shade darker than black. It was intimidating, but she desperately wanted to see it again. She should slap herself or pinch her arm. She was at work. This wasn’t a time for fantasies.

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate my debut, I’m holding a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card. I’ll be visiting lots of friends over the next month and I’ll be sharing the Rafflecopter with all of them. For a full listing, you can visit my Appearances Page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUY LINKS

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/taking-chances-by-s-j-maylee/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Chances-Love-Projects-ebook/dp/B00EPWDHP4

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-takingchances-1269898-147.html

Mid Week Tease with Taking Chances

Posted on August 21, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Welcome to my first Mid Week Tease. There are several very talented authors teasing today. You’ll find a link to all of them at the bottom of this post.

I have another first coming up on Friday, August 23rd. My debut, TAKING CHANCES releases from Evernight Publishing.

In this tease: While Lydia waited to find out who Jake would select for his project, she got lost in one of her fantasies starring the man himself. Keep in mind, Lydia’s in a board room surrounded by her colleagues and Jake. The fantasy that proceeds this tease can be found in my post here. Enjoy. 🙂

“Lydia!” someone shouted.

Something pushed her elbow, and it fell awkwardly from the table, releasing her from her inner thoughts. Everyone at the table stared her way.

“Thanks for rejoining us. Clear your calendar, and meet me back here in a half hour.” Jake locked his gaze with hers.

“Yes, Sir … I mean, okay, I’ll be here.”

She couldn’t handle his powerful expression and dropped her stare to the table. It was too intense, him standing there like an unyielding statue. Had she said something wrong? Before an idea could enter her mind, he stormed from the room. The rest of her department followed him like nothing tremendous happened. Just like that, they went on with their day, talking about lunch plans and other mundane things. Lydia, on the other hand, couldn’t move.

It had been a split second, but his eyes had narrowed in on her and dimmed to a shade darker than black. It was intimidating, but she desperately wanted to see it again.

Taking Chances

(The Love Projects #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Release Date: August 23, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads list.

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Spotlight: Been Loving You Too Long by Seraphina Donavan

Posted on August 19, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Been Loving You Too Long

Seraphina Donavan

Publisher: Curvy Seductions Press; 1 edition (June 10, 2013)

Length: 168 pgs

Sub-Genre: Erotic, romance

BLURB:

Ophelia Broulliard’s life has always been linked to the wealthy and powerful DuChamps family. The granddaughter of the family’s housekeeper, she’s worshipped Vincent DuChamps from afar–the ever unattainable prince in her fairy tale dreams. Little does she know that Vincent harbors his own secret feelings for her, but other darker secrets that he sees as an insurmountable obstacle to ever being the man she deserves, have prompted him to avoid her altogether.

When Thomas, the family patriarch dies, his will bears some unpleasant surprises for them both. Thomas wants nothing more than for Vincent and his siblings to be happy, and in his final act as the only father figure they’ve ever had, engineers a series of contingencies in his will that require them each to face their demons. Only too aware of what Vincent really feels for Ophelia, Thomas creates a situation that will force Vincent to confront his feelings. Unless, Vincent and Ophelia marry, Vincent and his siblings will lose everything, including the family business.

Forced into such close proximity, denying their attraction for one another becomes impossible. But even as they grow closer, other threats to the future of DuChamps Hotels and all that Vincent holds dear threaten to destroy their burgeoning relationship. Ophelia has played it safe her whole life. Taking a risk on Vincent is a frightening prospect. Will it be worth it, or will his secrets break both their hearts?

EXCERPTS:

“You look tired, Vincent.”

He quirked an eyebrow, his expression sardonic. “So I hear.”

It had slipped out, an admission that she shouldn’t have made. Acknowledging to anyone how frequently Vincent crossed her mind or how often she studied his face was dangerous.

When he looked up at her, their gazes locked and Ophelia’s breath simply froze. Her lungs seized and she could do nothing but stare into his coal-black eyes and pray that everything she felt for him wasn’t written all over her face.

It was only when he drew her hand up and placed it against his chest, directly over his racing heart that she realized he’d even still been holding it. The firmness of muscle and the springy mat of chest hair beneath the cotton of his shirt was too much temptation to resist. She caressed that muscle lightly and watched as his eyes blazed with lust.

His expression changed to something she could only describe as carnal, predatory even. He stepped closer to her, backing her against the island.

She let out a sigh, savoring the sensation of his closeness, of the heat from his body scorching her.

His mouth was only inches from her and the anticipation of waiting for the kiss that seemed so inevitable was agonizing. “Tell me to stop,” he demanded.

“You shouldn’t,” she whispered, unable to find her voice.

“I shouldn’t stop or I shouldn’t kiss you, Ophelia? Which is it?”

She knew the right answer, the answer she ought to give. Instead, she sank against him, savoring the heat, the hard planes of his body against hers. Her eyes closed softly as she raised her lips to his.

The heat between them sparked, flared, then raged out of control. She might have initiated that first tentative touch of their lips, but he quickly seized the reins.

His lips were firm as they settled over hers, demanding. When his teeth scraped her bottom lip, nipping roughly and then soothing with his tongue, she couldn’t hold back the low moan. Each gentle tug and pull as he sucked at her lips, the sensual glide of his tongue against hers as he swept it into her mouth was overwhelmingly intense.

It was as if he’d peered inside her and knew what she wanted even before he she did. Heat suffused her, spreading throughout her body. He tasted of bourbon and the spice that was simply him. Sliding her hands up and over the breadth of his shoulders, she clasped her hands behind his neck, bringing them even closer.

BUY LINK:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Romance-DuChamps-Dynasty-ebook/dp/B00DBN9F9A

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Seraphina Donavan is a hopeless romantic with a wicked & oh-so-dirty mind! Those things, combined with her love of writing, prompted her to take the leap and transform those fantasies into written words on a page. As a curvy girl herself, Seraphina has made it a point to celebrate those women with delicious curves with her work through writing and the hot men who love them.

She currently has 11 published books & is working on many more..

Living in Central Kentucky, Seraphina spends her time rescuing stray animals, working for a non-profit agency and dreaming of becoming a best-selling author. She lives in a home that has more character than working parts and enjoys spending time with her fur babies. Feel free to contact her with any questions or thoughts on your mind.. She loves connecting with her readers & hearing from anyone!

Twitter: @MissSeraphinaD https://twitter.com/MissSeraphinaD

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeraphinaDonavan

Gmail: SeraphinaDonavan@gmail.com

www.seraphinadonavan.blogspot.com

My First Cover Reveal: Taking Chances by S.J. Maylee

Posted on August 19, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I have a cover and it’s gorgeous. I’m incredibly excited this week is finally here. Today, I’m sharing the cover. By mid-week, I’ll share some lovely tidbits about my characters, and then on Friday, I’ll celebrate release day. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating my debut.

Taking Chances

(The Love Projects #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Release Date: August 23, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads list.

Weekend Writing Warriors – Taking Chances

Posted on August 18, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my soon to be released debut, TAKING CHANCES. It’s releasing this Friday!!

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb is below. Today, I’m sharing 8 from the first chapter. THIS WEEK: While Lydia waits to find out who Jake will select for his project, she gets lost in one of her fantasies starring the man himself. Keep in mind, Lydia’s sitting in a board room surrounded by her colleagues and Jake. We start in her fantasy.

Once he settled her bottom on the table, he stepped in between her thighs. As he devoured her mouth in eager kisses, he popped the buttons on her blouse, unclasped her bra, and exposed her. Powerful hands molded her breasts. She let her needy body fall to the table to give him access to every inch of her.

“Lydia.”

The fantasy was in full swing now. Jake shouted her name. Oh, her name sounded sinful on his lips.

Oh my, he’s not shouting her name from her fantasy, lol. 🙂 Wonder what she’ll say once she realizes Jake’s been watching her. Taking Chances is risky business. <~ You can <tweet that> if you want.

I’ll reveal my cover this week. On Friday, I’ll celebrate the release. I hope you’ll join me.

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads list

TAKING CHANCES unofficial blurb:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t lovable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he deserves the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. Together they find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed loved.

ROW80 Check-in #71 The End of the Beginning

Posted on August 18, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

This is my last check-in … as a pre-published author. That’s right. My debut is coming out this week. I’ll also be celebrating the birth of my two sons on Monday and Thursday. I’m one heck of a Project Manager, lol. This week will now be known as birth week. 🙂

My goal for the week is not to panic, not to worry, and not to think about whether or not I’m ready.

Do you know what will get me through this week? My friends. I’ve met a lot of lovely people in this writing journey. At times they motivate you, encourage you, and they also make you laugh. Thank goodness for friends

and family.

Have your friends and family helped you with something lately?

This week, Tucker and Robert performed a piece by Travis Wall. I recommend listening to the intro before they dance. The choreographer was inspired by experiences he had with this own brother. In the performance, you’ll also see Tucker’s and Robert’s own experiences in this marriage of movement and music. Their fluid strength hits and melts with such grace. It’s beautiful.

The Goals – week-7 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters – done.
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting – kind of done. Waiting for your first ever cover is hard. I was a nervous wasteland all week. Finally by mid-week I got moving again on my WIP and inspiration struck. I’m looking forward to spending more time with these characters.
Workout a minimum of three times a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep, and my calorie limit – done. I got in 5 workouts.
Weekly Nia study (i.e. studying the song/movement structure) – kind of done. I danced one of the new routines. Gosh, it’s so good. I’m thinking about spending time studying one of these routines next. 😀 WEEK 8 PRIORITY
Stay on top of my co-op preschool Treasurer responsibilities – done. It just took a couple of emails, a couple trips to the school and one to the bank.
Organize something in the house each week & clean something in the house every day – done. We are hosting family and friends today to celebrate my kids’ birthdays. There was a lot of organizing going on this week.
Spend time in the garden – done.

What you might have missed here this week:

Spotlight Dark Hunter by Shannan Albright

Cover Reveal BET ON ECSTASY by Stacey Kennedy

A Blog Takeover by Morgan King Author of With His Handy Man

Interview: Shyla Colt and Nikki Prince authors of The Bond

Posted on August 16, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I have not one, but two authors with me today. Shyla Colt and Nikki Prince the authors behind the new release The Bond. I asked these two a bunch of questions and it’s provided a sweet insight into these two talented authors. Plus, they’ve given me a steamy excerpt to share. Enjoy!

The Bond

by Shyla Colt and Nikki Prince

Length: 45 pages

Released: July 3, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Blurb:

Sanura Bast is willing to risk everything to keep her Pride of Pumas safe from Logan’s scheme to sell their land off to the highest bidder, including masquerading as his fiancée. After almost a year playing a role that disgusts her, she gets the intangible proof she’s been looking for. Desperate to end the charade, she turns to her ally, Rafael.

Banished for losing his control with a human, Rafael’s been looking for a way back to his Pride and to Sanura ever since. The woman set his blood on fire before she was old enough to accept what he wanted from her. Together they plot to stop Logan before he becomes chief, and now she has the proof they need to save her Pride. With that goal in sight, Rafael is ready to take what’s always been his and claim Sanura as his own.

How did you two meet?

Nikki: I met Shyla through Facebook. I’d been reading her books and reviewed them. Shyla is such a sweet person. She was always kind to me and willing to talk to an aspiring writer who happened to be her fan girl.

Will there be more Nikki and Shyla projects in the future?

Nikki: You know that is a possibility. *Grins* Shyla and I are always bouncing off ideas with one another.

Shyla: *mysterious look* I can’t confirm or deny that, but I can say we already had a few in the works before we sent in The Bond. We’ve been excited about the positive response to it.

Have you picked up any good or bad habits from each other?

Nikki: Shyla is a hard and dedicated writer, I like to think we play off one another and add more good than bad habits. 🙂

What turns you guys on creatively?

Nikki: Music, people, pictures…life in general. There is always something out there…that can bring a story out in me.

Shyla: I think I’m most creative when I’m constantly feeding the inspiration machine. So I try to read, get out and walk around, look at people interacting, and pursue interests. A combination of those things really gets my creative juices flowing.

What quality do you most admire in a friend?

Nikki: I admire a friend who has the ability to listen to me vent and understands that I need it. She doesn’t have to agree…but listening is a plus.

Shyla: I love loyalty because I feel with that automatically comes honesty, and integrity.

What is your greatest fear?

Nikki: Hmmm….that is a hard one. I have kids. So I guess I worry most about them being happy.

Shyla: Hmm on a small scare, bees. It sounds crazy, but I’m deathly allergic to the little buggers, and Epi pens are so not fun.

What is your hero or heroine’s greatest fear?

Nikki: Sanura feared losing herself because of pack issues.

Shyla: For Sanura it’d be marrying the man whose destroying her people from the inside out, and being forced to watch their ways and their culture becomes a thing of the past.

If you could choose to be any paranormal being, what would it be?

Nikki: I honestly would love to be a hybrid. There is so much out there. Vampire/Fae.

Shyla: Since I’m on a succubus ala Lost Girl, we’ll go with that. *smiles*

What is your greatest extravagance?

Nikki: Honestly…it would be my iPhone and iPad ohhh and can’t forget my laptop…it’s how I write my stories.

Shyla: Books, only because they’re my guilt free buy I purchase frequently.

What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

Nikki: I’m ecletic. I love every genre a little from this and that. But my main is 80s music.

Shyla: I don’t think I could answer that if I wanted to. I just love music in general. I can say right now I’m really feeling Lana Del Ray.

What is your motto?

Nikki: Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Shyla: I have many but the one I say a lot, Family First.

When you’re not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

Nikki: Spending time with the kids.

Shyla: I like to craft, and travel.

What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

Nikki: LOL sad I know…but getting on with the next story.

Shyla: Put it aside for a few days, usually read, and just try to get my mind off that particular piece to let it “rest” before I edit it again and send it in.

What’s next for Nikki and Shyla?

Nikki: For me it is the plan to keep writing the best stories I can.

Shyla: Right now I’m currently on tour for my release Cast the Cards.

Excerpt:

Sanura studied herself in the mirror, immediately recognizing the hunger that lurked in the dilated depths of her hazel eyes. She freed her hair from its elastic prison, pleased by the golden highlights brought out in the auburn tresses that fell to her shoulders. A lady wanted to look good for her gentleman, no matter what the circumstances. Blood filled her face. Desire stirred once more at the thought of an able-bodied male. There was no use denying she’d reached the pinnacle of her cycle.

The circumstances that had brought her to this point were daunting, but the meeting she’d set up for the evening would hopefully end all that. It angered her that the archaic tradition of the Pride choosing mates was still in place. If she hadn’t been engaged they would’ve forced her to bond with him. There was a big difference between mating and bonding, sort of like comparing fucking to marriage.

If only she could solve all of this by riding out her cycle, literally if she had anything to say about it, and go back to her Pride a single woman once more in control of her destiny. A soft groan escaped parted lips as her need increased. The intense arousal moved through her body, as if to mock her train of thought.

Bracing her weight against the sink, she gripped the edge of the counter as she fought to tamp down an orgasm. She’d waited as late as she could to get to the hotel, because she was afraid of being trailed. Now the fire that burned inside her needed to be extinguished. Her nipples peaked beneath the comfy black track suit, and her panties grew damp from the abundance of cream she produced. A small moan escaped, and she willed him to arrive and soon.

This was what the Pride’s shaman had warned her about. Unlike the other females in her Pride, her breeding cycle was very unique. As the daughter of their Chief, she was the only alpha female in her Pride. When her cycle came Sanura had to mate with an alpha male to end her heat. This was fine, until the Pride had decided it was time for her to bond and determine the next in line for Chief. Bonding for her people was different from most. For them it was a choice, not a biological response. The sharing of souls was a deeply spiritual experience she refused to have soiled by Pride politics. Her father would be upset. But he loved her. Eventually he’d get over the fact that she’d thwarted his plans to choose her path for her. Especially, when he found out about all of Logan’s lies.

Another wave of desire threatened to buckle her knees, shattering her thought process. I can’t even be out in public like this. Thank God, she was in her room right now. Sanura attempted to redirect her thoughts and failed, biting back a scream as her body shuddered and the wave began to build once more.

Her gaze was drawn to the bed where a night of passion would provide her with freedom she craved. No one else seemed to understand her urgency. Her sensitive nipples rubbed against the fabric of her bra. She gasped, and she sprang into action. Kicking off the black sneakers and socks, she slipped out of the track pants and white tank top, leaving the pieces where they fell. She had to come, even if it was by her own hand. The door opened with a soft click, and her breathing quickened. He was here, moving toward the bathroom by the sound of it. Fuck! There’s no time to get dressed again.

His scent ensnared her, musk and forest pines blended, throwing her heat into overdrive as it tickled her nostrils. Her gaze was drawn to the doorway like a magnet, and she watched him approach, his broad body shrouded in shadows. Anticipation ran rampant. He was about six two with long silky black hair, copper-toned skin, and eyes that mirrored a dark abyss. Rafael looked like his Native American ancestors. An unusual blend of Latin and Native American the man turned heads wherever he went. As he entered the bathroom he held up his hand to show her a red blindfold.

“What’s that for?” she whispered.

“For you, of course. I can see that you almost started the party without me.”

“No, you need to go back into the room. Let me dress so we can talk.”

“We’re not going anywhere until I claim you as I should’ve a long time ago.”

He moved forward, and she could see the intent in his eyes, the blindfold still dangling from his fingers.

“Rafael.”

“No, no excuses. I’m going to show you what it’s been like to wait.”

Pleased she offered him her back, turning away from the mirror. He pressed his body against her. The feel of cloth covering her eyes was so sensual it made her shudder. The red cloth stole away her vision, and her heart thudded in her chest. Her ears twitched, and her nostrils flared as her other senses heightened.

His body was firm and tight beneath his layer of clothing. The bulge in his pants nudged her back, making her wonder if he’d planned this all along. His teeth grazed her neck, and all thoughts fled. A low mewl of pleasure released from her throat. She reveled in the relief from the burning heat that swamped her body.