About S.J. Maylee

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together

ROW80 Round 2 2014 Goals

Posted on April 13, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Hello Weekend Writing Warriors.
I’m almost ready to share snippets with you again. I’ll be back very soon.

This will be my tenth round of 80 days. A Round of Words In 80 Days or ROW80 is the writing challenge that knows you have a life. Join in at any time. State your goals and check-in on Wednesdays and or Sundays.

I ended my last round with lots of forward movement after moving slowly at the start. Looking back, I recognize the nerves and other personal issues that were standing in my way. By the end of the round, I was so hungry for progress, I almost wore myself out trying to catch up to my goals.

__________

You may remember I was polishing a WIP at the end of the last round. I may not have told you, my publisher released a submission call in March for a new anthology. The call was right up my alley, romance in the work place. So, while polishing the WIP I had wanted to have finished last December, I was also looking at a ticking clock on a fabulous opportunity since submissions were due by April 11th. I made notes of the plot points that popped into my head, but I stayed focused on polishing my WIP.

I finished my last read through on the WIP on March 26th and hit send. By the 27th, I was in crazy plotting mode for the submission call and then I got an email … ACCEPT! In one day, my publisher accepted my book. WAHOO!! 😀 Party, shimmy, shake, back to work.

I started writing the submission call on March 29th. I averaged 900 words a day and finished the first draft on April 7th. At that point, I thought I had either the best thing I’d ever written or a worthless piece of junk, lol.

I spent three very long days polishing and worrying I was just wasting my time, but I kept going. I love these characters and I love the fast pace of the story. It’s sexy. It’s heart wrenching. It’s submitted. Yes, I hit send on a 10k story I started writing not even two weeks ago. I think I’m nuts, definitely sleep deprived.

Even if they don’t accept it, I’m proud I tried. 🙂

__________

It’s tempting to take some time off. I’m so tired. However, I don’t want to lose my momentum. I have two WIPs to finish polishing and another I need to start writing. I will also have a new book to promote this round. I have added items to my goals to guard against burnout.

My main goal will be to find a balance between it all.

My goals below are in addition to my evil day job, volunteer duties, and my family.

The Goals – Round 2 2014

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting
Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual, the healthy journey, and daily breaks from technology)

Here’s to a fabulous round of 80-days.

What you might have missed here this week:

What’s In a Cover – my guest post at BTS eMag Daily Blog
Inside Look with Erin Nicholas author of Up by Five
Inside Look with Lynn Rae and Peri Elizabeth Scott authors of Prohibited
Mid Week Tease – Not What He Expected

Mid Week Tease – Not What He Expected

Posted on April 9, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

I’m back! It’s been a long time since I’ve done the Mid Week Tease. I’m happy to report I have something new to share with you today. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing from my soon to be released book, the second in my Love Projects series.

Today, I’m sharing from the beginning of the WIP I’m polishing. Colin is about to see for the first time the gal that is going to unravel his life. Got to love a woman that can do that to a man.

“Your interview is here.” Jen’s warn out voice called from his office and woke him from his meditation.

Out of his sanctuary, but still hidden from view in his bathroom, his gaze slide past his very pregnant assistant and found an auburn haired beauty. He needed a moment to drink her in. The light kissed her hair in a sensual display of entwining colors. He followed the line of her pale skin down the length of her legs to dangerous looking spiked black heels. She was the perfect image of a wet dream. Not what he’d been expecting at all.

Fuck me.

Oh boy. Something tells me Colin’s day is not going to go as he planned. Gosh, he was so much fun to write. You can see my inspiration board for this WIP on Pinterest here.

The In Progress Blurb:

Mary is determined not to be distracted by the devilishly handsome Colin whose business deal is halting a much needed park. Armed with a plan, she tries to ignore her growing attraction.

After reading her resume, Colin believes Mary isn’t right for him or his office. However, he’s about to risk his biggest business deal yet when Mary knocks him off his game. The pair gives in to their growing desires, but Mary’s plan might unravel everything they’ve been building.

____________

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. Be sure to check out all the Mid Week Teasers:

1. Sandra Bunino	2. Living the Dream	3. London’s Scribbles
4. S. J. Maylee	5. Casey Moss	6. Kiru Taye Writes
7. Nicola Cameron Writes	8. Doris O’Connor	9. elodie parkes erotic romance
10. Evie Knight	11. Jessica Jayne	12. Carlene Love Flores
13. Siobhan Muir

Inside Look with Lynn Rae and Peri Elizabeth Scott authors of Prohibited

Posted on April 8, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Special treat day here in the Maylee ehouse. Lynn Rae and Peri Elizabeth Scott are both here and they’re talking about their first collaboration. I think you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did. They’ve also brought all the details for their new release, Prohibited. Take it away ladies. 🙂

What inspired us to write Prohibited?

Lynn Rae: For me, it was an opportunity to do a lot of things I’d never tried before; write a book with a co-author, write a historical, and write without an outline or plan. It took me completely out of my comfort zone and I think that’s important for creative people to do.

Peri Elizabeth Scott: I met Lynn online and then at a conference that same year. We got along really well and when one of us suggested writing a book together, it seemed a wonderful idea!

Lynn Rae: I don’t remember who suggested it either. I know we both came up with the historical genre mutually since it was new for both of us.

What was the most fun about working on a Roaring Twenties book?

Peri Elizabeth Scott: Learning accurate facts about that era. I knew about speakeasies and flappers and the like, but much of this was superficial. I like to learn and there were so many interesting facts that surfaced. Not to mention the amazing clothing and the gracious old homes.

Lynn Rae: Research! It’s what I used to do in my former career and I loved getting my hands on a microfilm reader again. There’s nothing more fun than sinking into 1923 editions of the Lima News, at least for a history geek like me. I’ve always been attracted to the post WWI era because it was a time of such radical change in America. Everything from social mores, clothing, entertainment, transportation, housekeeping, and the ways people made their livings underwent amazing transformations. The Twenties saw U.S. women voting for the first time, home refrigeration, the growth of the automobile as a necessity of life, so many things we take for granted started in that decade.

How was it working with a co-author?

Lynn Rae: It was so much more exciting than I’d anticipated. I loved getting her next scene in my inbox and would drop whatever I was doing because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. Peri is a great writer and friend, so we never had any major differences of opinion while writing or editing. I’m sure our next collaboration is going to be equally exciting.

Peri Elizabeth Scott: Our styles are very different and yet we worked so well together and melded our scenes. I’m a total pantser and dragged Lynn right along with me until she showed the voice of reason because of her amazing research. I watched my in box like a hawk for the next installment. (I’ll confess it initially felt a little weird to make love to her character!)

Lyn Rae: It was weird making love to her character at first, but Mac is so sexy, it wasn’t hardship!

Prohibited blurb:

In the early 1920’s in Lima, Ohio, John MacDonald Adair hides his speakeasy from the law, and his mixed heritage from the KKK, mingling with the rich, piling up the cash and taking his pleasure within the ranks of the flappers who patronize his speak.

Lilly Townsend is a serious, modern woman, a suffragette and temperance advocate with nothing to hide and no patience for the frivolity of the times. And she doesn’t break the rules—yet.

Such disparate souls should never meet, but Fate conspires otherwise. Powerless against overwhelming chemistry, and something far deeper, Mac and Lilly must make some difficult choices and face down societal mores—together—to attain their happily ever after.

Prohibited excerpt:

Making her way up the wide stone steps to the porch, Lilly shifted the pie to one hand and pressed the doorbell with the other. There was a barely discernible chime through the leaded glass and walnut door but no other sound. She waited and pressed the button again. The door opened with a rattle and creak.

When she recognized the person glaring at her, all the breath left her body in a gasp. It was Mac Adair. Of course. Of all the people in Lima who could have purchased this house next to hers, it would have to be that man.

He narrowed his eyes at her and propped his arm across the door opening as if to deny her entrance. He was wearing a soft-looking red shirt with far too many buttons unfastened, and sturdy black trousers. When she realized he wasn’t wearing an undershirt and she could see the tanned muscles of his chest, her arms weakened and the pie wobbled and dropped from her useless hands.

Stifling a shriek, Lilly flailed for the pan but it was too late to catch it. Spraying its contents, the pie landed on the porch with a sickening squash and the entire pastry top cracked apart as reddish goo welled up like heart’s blood. Scarlet gobbets clung to her forearms and the front of her embroidered linen dress.

Horrified, she looked up to find Mac Adair still staring at her, although his features had smoothed away from the frown he’d worn earlier. The corners of his mouth twitched with disgust or amusement at her predicament. Lilly knew her own mouth was gaping open but she was frozen with embarrassment and powerless to close it.

****

Stricken might be too strong a word for Mac to apply in this circumstance, but it came damn close. Perhaps another might find humor in this beauty brought to her knees by some version of slapstick, but he was mortified for her.

It wasn’t lost on him, this neighborly gesture of welcome, although no doubt she’d have painted a black daub on his door to warn others had she known he lived here after the way he’d treated her in his speakeasy. Mac fumbled for his handkerchief.

“Here, let me…” He squatted to reach out and pat the worst of the spill from her wrist then thought better of it and offered the cloth to her to apply instead.

Trembling fingers snatched it from his grasp, the slight contact sparking a frission of static up his forearm. Lil patted at the sticky fruit and flakes of pastry, lips set in a thin line as she visibly regained her composure. Not that her full, bee-stung mouth could compress into a truly regimented grimace.

“Thank you.” A quiet, dignified murmur at last. She raised her coffee brown eyes to his again, the long lashes sweeping up to unveil returning self possession. His heart pounded harder, and another part of his anatomy responded as well, refusing to listen to his brain scold.

As awkward as a boy in the company of his first crush, Mac struggled to his feet, offering her the hand not occupied with the detritus of the pie as he did so. Lil reached out to take it, and their fingers met amidst the gooey residue as he helped her up. He felt his lips twitching and registered a similar movement of Lil’s. Laughter bubbled over, a welcome warmth that enveloped his senses, and he guffawed in response.

“Mac Adair.”

“Lilly Townsend.”

“My pleasure to meet you, Miss Townsend. Please come in and you can freshen up.”

“I think it will take more than a mere freshen up. And it’s Mrs. Townsend, but please call me Lilly. After our two, um, disparate meetings…”

She was married? How had he missed that fine gold band? Married to that sap.

“Ah—” What in hell was that man’s name she was with last night? “So, Walter is your husband.”

“Walter? Heavens, no! My husband passed four years ago.”

The rush of relief at the news made his knees weak—he was a total bastard for welcoming such news. “I’m sorry for your loss, Lilly.”

“Thank you.” She stared at him expectantly and he shuffled backwards into the foyer. Lilly gracefully followed, only to come up short.

“Do you have a powder room on the main floor?”

“There’s a newly constructed bath just off the foyer.”

Carefully disposing of the ruined pie in his sterile kitchen, he hustled back to the porch with a rag and a small basin of water. He hadn’t cleaned a floor on his knees in, well, ever, but the flies were gathering.

When Lilly emerged, the stuff of her dress sported large, spreading damp spots tinged with an unfortunate hue of pink, the same hint of blush remained on her cheeks.

“I had no idea you were my aunt and uncle’s new neighbor.” The frost was back in her tone.

“Or you wouldn’t have deigned to make me a welcome to the neighborhood pie. Let alone cross the threshold.” Damn it, he was biting back as a dog snaps at flies.

She flinched at his comment and held her head even higher. “I definitely wouldn’t have. You own a speakeasy! Your reputation—”

“My reputation? I’m a businessman, Mrs. Townsend. I serve the public, at least those who seek my services. And if memory serves, you were in my speak just last night. How might that have impugned your reputation, I wonder? Or perhaps it reflected who you are beneath the trappings.”

If he could have ripped out his tongue by its very roots he would have done. Lilly’s breasts lifted and fell rapidly in response to his set down and he tore his eyes away from that bewitching sight to meet her very hurt gaze, swiftly being hidden by outrage and disdain.

“I know who I am beneath my trappings. Mr. Adair. Who or what do you hide behind yours? My slight lapse in judgment last evening, correction, serious lapse in judgment won’t be repeated. Of that I can assure you!”

Hell’s teeth, she was lovely! All flashing eyes and high color. He couldn’t resist pushing her harder.

“I knew my first impression of you was correct.”

She sputtered. It was fascinating to observe, those succulent lips parting with fury.

“If you consider calling me priggish and straight-laced an insult, sir, you’re sorely mistaken. I’m simply fine with your assessment. At least I’m contributing to the moral compass of this world, unlike some people who undermine the very fabric of—oomph.”

It was just too much. Too much of everything. She had slipped a verbal dagger between his ribs and pierced his conscience. Coupled with her intense appeal, he felt pushed over the brink and reacted to both quiet her and soothe his abraded soul.

Her wealth of hair spilled from its gathered twist on the back of her head as he pulled her roughly into his arms, soft curves imprinting against his chest. He caught a glimpse of her wide, startled eyes before taking her mouth with his own in fierce possession, plundering the seam of her lips. Groaning with the effort of suppressing his lust—he longed to sweep her up and carry her into the parlor where a fainting couch reposed—Mac contented himself with kissing them both senseless.

Prohibited Buy Links:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/prohibited-by-lynn-rae-and-peri-elizabeth-scott/

http://www.amazon.com/Prohibited-Forbidden-Series-Lynn-Rae-ebook/dp/B00JDVHTBU/

Author links:

http://www.perielizabethscott.com/index.html

http://www.lynnraewrites.com/

Author Bios:

Peri Elizabeth Scott lives in Manitoba, Canada. She and her husband have a wonderful son, and a house full of animals. She recently closed her part time private practice as a social worker and child play therapist to spend more time with her husband. Peribeth has written for years, mostly short stories and poetry, and reads everything she can lay her hands on. She has just begun to pen contemporary romance, although has published dark erotica under another pen name.

Lynn Rae makes her home in land-locked central Ohio after time spent in the former Great Black Swamp, beside the Ohio River, and along the Miami and Erie Canal. With professional experience in fields ranging from contract archaeology to librarianship along with making donuts and teaching museum studies, Lynn enjoys incorporating her quirky sense of humor and real-life adventures into her writing (except the naughty bits). She writes sci-fi, contemporary, and historical romances.

Inside Look with Erin Nicholas author of Up by Five

Posted on April 7, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Up By Five

By: Erin Nicholas

Releasing: April 8^th, 2014

I’m so pleased to have Erin Nicholas here today and even more so because she’s been sweet enough to answer a bunch of questions. I love learning things about authors. We are a unique bunch. Plus, she’s brought two giveaways with her. Have fun! 🙂

Hi, Erin. Let’s start with some basics and tell us why did you start writing?

Hi! I’m Erin Nicholas, contemporary romance writer. I’ve published sixteen novels as of April 8^th and absolutely love my job 🙂 I started writing at a young age. My mom and dad tell stories of family vacations spent with my head bent over a spiral notebook writing stories instead of paying attention to the scenery around us 🙂 I started writing because I couldn’t not write. It’s always been like reading… something I had to do!

I know that feeling, Erin. It’s become a little joke in my family. What’s SJ doing now? Lol. When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

I don’t have a lot of down time, seems there’s always another deadline looming—which is great! But during those quiet moments: Reading! 🙂 I also love movies and tv. Love to bake. And hanging out with my family—my husband and kids and I have a great time together. I also love to travel—near or far!

Love your list. It’s been a few years since I’ve traveled far. I need to plan something. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?

That the best moments, the best dialogue, the best scenes are often the unplanned ones. Sometimes they just happen and it’s like magic 🙂

How true. No matter how much I plot, my characters still give me surprises. I’ve learned it’s better to listen to them then to stick with my plan. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Oh, boy. I have sixteen published books with my latest, Up By Five. I love them all, of course, for different reasons. I guess if I had to pick at this very moment (and it could easily change two minutes from now :)) I would say Just for Fun. Mostly because that book surprised me as I wrote more than any other, I think.

Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

Conner Dixon. And I’m not just saying this since he’s my latest hero (well, okay, maybe that’s partly it :)) . Conner’s got such an interesting backstory and he’s such a character! He’d be fun to hang out and have a drink with.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Ooh, as in what do I spend money on that I shouldn’t? lol! Home décor probably! I love picture frames and lamps and tables and desks and thing to hang on the wall! I don’t count books, though I spend plenty on those too—but those are a necessity, not an extravagance, right?! 🙂

Absolutely. Books can’t count. We need those to breath. 🙂 What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

Country music. I love lots of music, but that’s my favorite, always my fall back. I especially love the Zac Brown Band! 🙂

I’m listening to more and more country lately. I’ll have to check out the Zac Brown Band. What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

Give a big WHOO HOO, uncork some wine and order a pizza! Then I spend a day or so dusting and scrubbing everything I’ve ignored for a few weeks, I take my family to a movie to make up for ignoring them for a few weeks 😉 and I read a couple of books to catch up on the TBR pile I’ve resisted for a few weeks. Then a dive right back into writing whatever is next!

I now know for sure we’d get along. Lol! Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.

There’s some fun with poker 🙂 and one my favorite guys from the Bradford series (oh, who am I kidding, they’re all my favorites…), Mac Gordon, shows up a lot in this book!

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I’m really excited to be working on a new series that I’m releasing this summer! The series is called Sapphire Falls and book one, Getting Out of Hand will be out in June! Getting Worked Up will be out in July and Getting Dirty will be out in August!

Thank you so much, Erin. That was a lot of fun. Congratulations on your 16th release! I wish you lots and lots of sales and years and years of writing.

Blurb:

He’s in the middle of the last thing he wanted… and the best thing to ever happen.

Ace paramedic Conner Dixon has sworn to never live with another woman after raising his four younger sisters. They have been giving him gray hair since they lost their father fifteen years ago. Now they’re all in love and Conner’s ready to retire– from worrying, fixing problems and cleaning up messes.

Of course, when his fellow paramedic, Gabrielle Evans, needs a place to stay after her apartment burns down, Conner can’t say no. But it’s no problem– Gabby’s just one of the guys.

Gabby’s penchant for poker and her ability to overhaul a transmission definitely make her different from Conner’s usual women. She also has no interest in getting involved with him. Conner’s crazy mix of family and friends is the last thing Gabby needs right now. She has her sights set on medical school in the fall and knows success depends on focus and commitment.

But within forty-eight hours of moving in, Gabby’s in the middle of a family crisis that could disprove all her I-don’t-need-anyone bluster and Conner’s in the middle of the last thing he wanted-a girl and all her stuff, all over his stuff. Still, the more she makes herself at home, the more he thinks that’s maybe exactly where her stuff should be. For good.

Warning: Contains a girl who thinks she wants to be just one of the guys, a guy who happily proves why that won’t work, and a very good reason to buy cinnamon roll icing-you know, other than for use on cinnamon rolls.

Tour Schedule:

4/1 I am, Indeed

4/1 Redheads Review it Better

4/2 Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears

4/4 Riverina Romantics

4/4 Delilah Devlin

4/7 S.J. Maylee

4/7 All I Want and More

4/9 Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories

4/9 All Things Romance

4/9 The Book Pushers

4/11 A Book Lovers Review

4/11 Ex Libris

4/15 Reading Between the Wines

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20526645-up-by-five

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Five-Counting-Love-Erin-Nicholas-ebook/dp/B00IYG08J0/

Author Bio:

I’ve been reading romance since my mom first let me into her book cupboard when I was about fourteen. LaVyrle Spencer, Julie Garwood, Debbie Macomber… they took my ‘happily ever after’ ideas from animated princesses to real people in the real world.

I’ve been writing romance almost as long. Many a family car trip was spent with my head bent over a spiral notebook in the back seat. I’ll confess that my very first attempts at fiction were fantasy and paranormals, influenced by my father’s love of the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the original Alice in Wonderland. If Harry Potter had been around, I’m sure he would have been on the bedtime story shelf as well.

But it wasn’t long until I started writing about true love and that’s where I’ve been ever since.

I’m so thrilled to be able to share these stories with you! I hope that they make you smile, sigh, maybe even choke up a little. Most of all, I hope that they help you believe in magical things like first kisses, the spark of passion, and the power of true love.

Website: http://www.erinnicholas.com/

Blog: http://erinnicholas.blogspot.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholasBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholasAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinNicholas

Nine Naughty Novelists Blog: http://ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com/

NNN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the9NN

Giveaway:

Erin is doing two different giveaways. She is hosting a tour-wide giveaway of a $25 gift card from Amazon/Barnes & Noble. She’s also giving away one (1) copy of any of her backlist books. For the gift card giveaway, click on the rafflecopter link. For the backlist giveaway simply leave a comment on this post by April 14, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Goblin Fires by Brantwijn Serrah

Posted on April 1, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Goblin Fires

Blurb:

From the moment she laid eyes on sweet Ceri, Reagan knew she would be lost forever. A Sidhe Royal, though, could never return such feelings for a War-Child…

As the daughter of the fae Goddess of War, Reagan was sworn into service to the Sidhe monarchies before she was born. Her contract forever binds her to the beautiful goblin princess Ceridwen. When an unseen enemy threatens the Fae Courts, Ceridwen is caught in the attack, and Reagan must fight to the ends of the earth to save her. But will this battle tear her away from her princess forever?

Author Bio:

They say you should never meet your heroes, but Brantwijn Serrah says otherwise. At a Los Angeles book signing in 2012, Brantwijn met one of her all-time favorite authors of urban fantasy, Jim Butcher, who couldn’t have been kinder or more encouraging to her as an aspiring novelist herself. As it turned out, the book he signed for her that night gave her the first spark of inspiration for Goblin Fires, the story of a goblin Knight hopelessly in love with her princess.

When she isn’t visiting the worlds of immortals, demons, dragons and goblins, Brantwijn fills her time with artistic endeavors: sketching, painting, customizing My Little Ponies and sewing plushies for friends. She can’t handle coffee unless there’s enough cream and sugar to make it a milkshake, but try and sweeten her tea and she will never forgive you. She moonlights as a futon for four lazy cats, loves tabletop role-play games, and can spend hours watching Futurama, Claymore or Buffy the Vampire Slayer while she writes or draws.

In addition to her novels, Brantwijn has had several stories published in anthologies by Breathless Press, including the 2013 Crimson Anthology and 2014 Ravaged Anthology. She’s also had a short story published in the Cleiss Press Big Book of Orgasm and the anthology Coming Together Through The Storm. She hopes to have several more tales to tell as time goes on. She has author pages on GoodReads and Amazon, and loves to see reader comments on her work. Her short stories occasionally pop up at Foreplay and Fangs, her blog at http://brantwijn.blogspot.com.

Link to Book Trailer:

Review: Auctioned To Protect by Doris O’Connor

Posted on March 31, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Title: Auctioned to Protect

Author: Doris O’Connor

Genre: Erotica, Contemporary, BDSM

Long Blurb:

Tough undercover cop Mike Anderson does not submit to anyone, let alone a pint sized
bundle of curves with a Mistress Complex, who stands for everything he despises
about BDSM.

Thrown into a world where the rules make no sense to him, he has to rely on his instincts, and they all scream one thing—submit to His Lady.

Scarlett Simpson is one of the most feared Mistresses at Club Spectrum and she has a
score to settle. Mike’s atrocious behavior needs addressing. If only she wasn’t
so attracted to the big hunk of a man, and he didn’t prove so utterly responsive. As she explores his boundaries through Shibari and Knife Play, Scarlett can’t help but get emotionally involved.

Submission freely given is a gift she treasures, but can she trust Mike to stay around
once the case is over? When danger comes knocking, will Mike be able to protect
her, or will this end in tragedy?

SJ’s Review:

I’m a huge fan of Doris O’Connor. Every time I pick up one of her books, she hooks me quick and I’m transported into the lives of her characters. Her stories are always sexy and they’re always well written. Lately, I’ve been curious to read a book with a dominatrix. So, when I saw that her next release had one, I was quick to read it.

Auctioned To Protect is the second in her Spectrum Auctions series. I read the first in the series, Auctioned to the Honorable Dom and loved it. It’s a must read. You can read my review here.

Auctioned to protect is a wild sexy ride. In the beginning I had my doubts that Mistress Scarlett would be able to dominate brass cop, Mike, but boy was I wrong. As Mike puts it, she messed with his fucking mind. She surprised him for sure. Once he had a taste of the delicious ride she could take him on, he wanted more, and more, and more.

This book also has a down right scary element that’s going after Mistress Scarlett. Doris does a fabulous job of keeping you on your toes and riding the wave of suspense. Her writing pushes you to turn those pages faster so you can find out if everything will be okay.

Auctioned to protect delivers everything it promised and then some.

The epilogue from the first book gave me an idea of what I was in for in the second book for which I got. 🙂 The epilogue in the second book does the same thing for what I hope will be the third book. I’m going to have to read that one. What a great series. Each book is different. Got to love that.

Auctioned to Protect is definitely a five star read and I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of both books in exchange for my honest and fair review.

“Fuck, you feel so damn good
around my dick, Scarlett. Look at us. Look how I stretch your tight hole.
Jesus, baby, tell me this is as freaking good for you as it is for me.”

Scarlett dug her finger nails
into his shoulders in answer and clenched around him, and Mike roared. He
pulled out and thrust back in again, ramming her into the wall, as she hung on
for dear life. Pain mixed with pleasure so intense she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t
talk, just hung onto his big shoulders and took all the passion he gave her.

Here was a man brutally
taking his own pleasure and sending her body sky high in the process. When he
pulled out of her and dragged her over to the sink, Scarlett bit her lip so
hard she tasted blood. Mike kicked her legs apart and then slammed back into
her from behind. This position drove him deeper than before and when he reached
around and stimulated her clit at the same time, Scarlett saw stars. Her whole
body tightened in ever closer spirals of pleasure that started from deep inside
her core. Impaled by his hot member, his harsh breath in her ear, one hand
digging into her hips, the other mercilessly fingering her swollen clit, he
pushed her toward a mind-splintering release. Higher and higher she climbed,
and when Mike grasped one of her legs and shoved it over the edge of the sink,
the move sent her over the edge.

He yanked her torso up and
pulled it up against his chest, allowing him to sink deeper still into the
clasp of her body. Ripples and waves of pleasure crashed over Scarlett, and she
let her head fall back and gave herself up to the sensation rocking her body as
Mike increased his tempo even more. Every forceful thrust lifted her off her
toes, and Scarlett came a second time, or was it the third. Sensations merged
into one, fire raced over her skin, and she screamed his name when he grew
bigger still inside her and then grunted his release into her shoulder, and
warmth spread deep inside her.

Mike lowered her leg with
them both still joined as intimately as two people could be, and he locked his
arms next to hers on the sink. By the time her breathing had slowed down enough
to speak and her hazy vision cleared, Mike was slowly slipping out of her. She
tightened her muscles to keep him in for longer and he groaned and rubbed his
morning stubble across her neck. It left delicious tingles in its wake and
Scarlett moaned her contentment.

Their gazes locked in the
mirror and Mike smiled. Scarlett’s heart turned over in her chest at the open
affection she saw in his azure eyes that seemed to bore straight into her very
soul.

“Good morning, My Lady. I
guess this beats coffee first thing.”

* * * *

She was so fucking beautiful,
staring back at him with her huge green eyes, and her fair skin flushed from
the force of her orgasms. A primitive sense of ownership grabbed him by the
throat and squeezed the breath out of him, and he shut his eyes and nuzzled
into the soft skin of her neck. A shudder went through her when he licked the
rapidly beating pulse point and nibbled his way up to her ear. Scarlett ground
her ass against his thigh and he groaned into her neck.

“You’re so fucking wet for
me, baby.”

Scarlett turned around in his
arms and gasped when he sat her on the edge of the sink and spread her legs
wide. He dropped on his knees and inhaled against her wet slit. Scarlett’s
intoxicating musk mixed with his own scent and he watched in fascination as
their combined juices slowly trickled out of her pink flesh.

His cock signaled its
interest briefly and Scarlett smiled down on him when he looked up.

“Have I broken you?” she
whispered.

Mike laughed.

“Hardly, My Lady. Give me
five and we’ll be ready to go again. In the meantime…”

He bent his head and
delivered butterfly kisses along the incredibly soft skin of her inner thighs.
It was one of Mike’s favorite places to linger on any woman, especially just
after they’d come. Hot, sweet, and intimate, it called him to indulge, and he
blew against her slit, causing an allover body shiver, as her clit contracted
in front of his eyes.

“Mike, please… I’m so close
again… Oh…yeees.”

It was all the encouragement
he needed. Using short shallow strokes he cleaned her cunt, until no traces of
their earlier encounter remained. He rubbed his beard-roughened chin across her
clit, and placed her legs over his shoulder when she started to tremble.
Scarlett’s fingers dug into his shoulders, and she pushed her hips up in a
seeming effort to hurry him along, but Mike had his own plans.

He’d been far too rough on
her earlier, regardless of how much she had been with him in the moment.
Regardless of how much she seemed to have needed that brutal release. Besides
he was fast getting addicted to the needy little moans and sighs she couldn’t
stop from escaping. The way her fingernails scored his skin and her breaths
grew choppier until her body tensed and her pussy clenched and unclenched,
trying to draw in his tongue as her cream gushed into his waiting mouth.

He tunneled his fingers into
her channel and her greedy little cunt clamped down on the digits, as she came
in a series of delightful little tremors. Mike pulled out his wet digits and
gathering up more of her cream as he went along, circled her anus and pushed
in.

“Yes, there, take me there.”

Scarlett clawed at his skin
and his semi hard dick roared into action. He added another finger to stretch
her, and Scarlett bucked against him like a wild thing.
“Easy, baby, I’ve got you. I’ll
make this so fucking good for you.”

Glutton for punishment would be a good description
for Doris… at least that’s what she hears on an almost daily basis when
people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to
toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children,
pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic
goddess she is not.

There is always something better to do after all,
like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even
more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters
tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris
burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and
quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.

She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales
involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get.
From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories
are guaranteed.

Website Blog Twitter Facebook Pinterest Evernight Publishing

Amazon All Romance E-Books BookStrand Barnes&Noble

Add to Goodreads

Buy from Bookstrand

ROW80 Check-in #95 SJ’s Superheros

Posted on March 23, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Hello Weekend Writing Warriors. I’ll be taking a couple weeks off while I finish my latest WIPs. I’ll be back soon.

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

Where did the week go? Where did the month go?

I’ve been in the editing cave for so many weeks now that I think I’ve lost track of time. But wait, what’s that? I see a smidgen of light way down at the end of my cave.

Yes! I can see it. 😀

I got notes back on all my manuscripts this week. My betas are superheros. They can see the story under the flaws. They can see what works and what doesn’t. They gave me advice that allows me to see the story from a different angle. I’d gotten too close to my manuscripts. After reading their notes, I could see how to improve my stories. Gosh, I love that. It renews my love affair with my characters and makes me excited to finish.

I wish my superheros didn’t live so far away. I want to give them big bear hugs.

One of my WIPs has shifted from ruff around the edges to smooth and shiny on a couple sides. I’m so close. After one more slow read through, I just might hit send.

I may still be working on the manuscript I’d hoped to send out back in December, but I’ve made such great progress recently that I’m letting it go. I realize now that nerves and lack of confidence kept me from working on these projects. This problem isn’t going away, but I need to do a better job of seeing it and dealing with it.

I’m ending this round on a high and I can not wait to start the next round of 80-days.

The Goals – week-11 results

Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done.
Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- done. I worked on the manuscript everyday this week and added 1.5k words. I smoothed out so many little things and tightened bits here and there.
Take care of and be kind to myself (start w/ a relaxing ritual and daily breaks from technology)– done. I took the tech breaks, but I let my house go. Please don’t bring your white gloves to my house today, lol. I did clean my kitchen and bathrooms yesterday. I knew I needed a big push on the WIP this past week. So, I let things slide and it took a lot of the pressure off. Wahoo!

What you might have missed here this week:

Review: Stealing His Heart by Ella Jade <– 5 Stars. A great sexy read.

Cover Reveal: The Sin Circus

Flash Fiction #58 A Drink or a Proposition

Posted on March 21, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Jasmine entered the club, certain her date had left long ago. Another Friday night wasted. She lifted her hip onto one of the high stools at the bar.

“Pomegranate Martini, compliments of the man at the other end.”

She leaned forward and found the last man she expected to see. With a flip of her golden hair, she removed him from her line of sight. Her colleague may be arrogant, but the drink she’d take.

“I knew you would not listen.” He took the seat next to her. “You can’t date while you’re on the job, unless it’s with me.”

_____________

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! What do you think Jasmine’s next move should be? A push, a kiss, or another sip of her drink? If you’d like to read a little more from this story. I’ve posted this 100 and an extra 115 words over at Siobhan Muir’s 3/20/14 #ThursThreads post. My entry is about 1/2 way down in the comments. There are several fabulous flashes to read there too -> http://siobhanmuir.blogspot.com/2014/03/thursthreads-challenge-that-ties-tales_20.html

Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Faberge Nostromo: http://fabergenostromo.blogspot.co.uk
Brantwijn Serrah: http://brantwijn.blogspot.com
Theresa Stuart: http://oneuniquewomanswords.blogspot.com
Michaela Rhua: http://michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk
Decadent Kane: http://http://decadentkane.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday to The Romance Reviews – Come party with UNTANGLE ME

Posted on March 21, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

The party is on at

The Romance Reviews

They’re turning 3!

More than 450 participating authors!!!

More than 450 prizes to be won!!!

Today only, you’ll find a multiple choice question involving my latest release, UNTANGLE ME.

One lucky winner will win a copy of my book.

LASR: “If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable, sexy read, then Untangle Me by SJ Maylee is your book.”

Click here or on The Romance Reviews graphic above and join the party.

Cover Reveal: The Sin Circus

Posted on March 18, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

The Sin Circus

Everyone remembers their first trip to the circus–the home of fantasy and dreams. Where the idea that anything is possible meets a creative reality of alluring tricks and amazing acts of defiance. The big top is known for inspiring lust, awe, and happy memories, and now you’ll see it like never before.

Some of today’s hottest romance authors combine the decadent memories of the center ring with all the flavors in erotic fiction in The Sin Circus. Whether it’s with a dominating Ringmaster, a lion tamer’s bratty kittens, or a dark Harlequin King, this show is sure to shock the audience with its dazzling dares and tantalizing tales.

Dark Surrender by Rachel Firasek
He stole her control, but she hasn’t completely surrendered her heart…yet.
http://www.rachelfirasek.com

Claimed by the Blade by Mina Carter
He’s waited years to claim her. Tonight, she’s all out of excuses…
http://mina-carter.com

Ring of Fire by Lacey Wolfe
The Ringmaster must figure out his feelings before his ballerina goes up in flames…
http://www.laceywolfe.com

Unmasking Her Dom by Jennifer James
Tormented by touch, the King of the Harlequin resolves to release his bratty sub before she strips away the last barriers between them, and discovers his secret shame.
http://www.authorjenniferjames.com

The Bratty Lioness Tamer by April Angel
Two sexy female lovers. A new master ready to tame them. And the performance they’ll never forget.
http://millytaiden.com/

Sweet & Sticky by Sabrina Garie
Recipe for forever: Mix a flailing writer with a down-on-his-luck agent, toss in a pound of cotton candy and an empty bleacher. Let simmer.
http://sabrinagarie.com/

Twice the Pleasure by Georgina DeBurca
As the bindings unravel, two brothers race to save the woman who has captured their hearts.
http://www.georginadeburca.com

With the Greatest of Ease by Anne Lange
He traded a trapeze and the catch of a lifetime for a life in a courtroom. Now he’ll share her, to catch her, one last time.
http://authorannelange.com/

Click here to add Sin Circus to your Goodreads want to read list.

We are sponsoring a $25.00 Amazon GC to one lucky winner through a rafflecopter giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway