Unknown's avatar

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

Spotlight and Review: Find Me by Ella Jade

Click the Spotlight image to see all the Spotlights here at SJs

Ella Jade is here and she’s brought her brand new release! Wahoo. I’ve already had the pleasure of reading Find Me. I loved it! You can read my review here. She’s also brought a fabulous teaser, excerpt and a GIVEAWAY! Please help me welcome this must read author.

Hi Ella *waves*

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m pleased to announce the release of my very first paranormal romance. This idea has been in my head for several years so to finally see it on the pages is a dream come true for me. I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with.

FindMe_MediumA love that transcends time…

As her 25th birthday approaches, Riley Sparrow begins to dream of a handsome, intriguing stranger. Each night the dreams get more intense and the stranger starts leaving her clues to his whereabouts. The dreams always end in a whisper…

Find Me.

Riley has denied her birthright her entire life. She descends from a strong line of witches and warlocks, but she’s refused her powers up until now. With the help of her estranged grandfather she learns that her mystery man is from the past and his life is in danger. Will her grandfather help her travel back to 1963 to save the man she believes she’s meant to be with? A man she knows nothing about but feels a strong connection to.

If she finds him, can she save him from the evil that haunts them both? By securing his past, she knows there can never be a future for them in her time.

Content Warning: contains sensual sex scenes

BUY LINKS

Beachwalk Press

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Find-Me-Ella-Jade-ebook/dp/B00HX9QD52

B & N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/find-me-ella-jade/1118082349

find me teaser

Excerpt

Riley closed her eyes and let the heat of the water engulf her tired muscles. Resting her head against the bath pillow, she cleared her mind. The steam seeped out from the bubbles and swirled around the room. Soon the mirror and windows were fogged and a scented mist surrounded the bathroom, creating a relaxing atmosphere. A week’s worth of sleepless nights had taken their toll and Riley drifted off.

The squeak of the faucet and the silence that followed distracted her tranquil thoughts. She opened her eyes to find him sitting on the edge of the tub looking at her. For a moment, she felt self-conscious. She glanced down and discovered her body covered in thick, white bubbles. He couldn’t see anything but the tops of her shoulders, neck, and face.

“Sorry,” he said. “I was afraid the water would overflow.”

“Am I awake?”

He shook his head. She noted his green eyes sparkled even in the dim lighting of the bathroom.

“Well, then how—”

“It’s complicated.” His thin, pink lips formed a small smile. “I can’t explain now.”

“Why not?”

“There isn’t enough time to make you understand while you’re in your current state. We need much more time. You can get that for us.”

“Are you real or am I crazy?”

“I’m very real, just stuck between realms. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” He slid off the side of the tub and knelt down on the floor. “I’m afraid I can’t stay very long. I keep trying to figure out how to increase the length of my visits but nothing seems to work.”

“I don’t know you.”

“You will.” He reached for the clip in her hair. “May I?”

She nodded.

Once he’d freed her hair from its confines, he smoothed the damp locks out with his hand. “I like when you wear it down. It’s so pretty.” He continued to stroke her hair. “You’re just as beautiful as I remember.”

“How do you know me?” She shifted her position to face him. She breathed in his crisp scent. He smelled of spice, maybe a hint of cinnamon.

“I…” He trailed off when his gaze caught her exposed breasts. He looked lost in a distant memory.

When she’d turned to face him she’d upset the bubbles shielding her. Her nipples hardened as she watched him take in her flesh. She no longer felt embarrassed.

“I have to go.”

“You keep leaving me. I don’t like it.” Each time he left, he took a small piece of her with him.

“That’s why you need to find me.” He leaned forward. “I know you can. You’re very powerful.” He brushed his lips against her mouth. A rush of warmth coursed through her and settled between her legs. “Find me, Riley.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, lingering a second longer than usual. She took the opportunity to run her tongue along his soft lips. “Find me now.”

“How?” She wanted more than anything to find this man. “What do I need to do?”

“Tucker…” he whispered.

“What?”

Riley slipped off the bath pillow and under the cold water. She quickly sat up and looked around. The bubbles had evaporated into the freezing water.

Did she turn the faucet off? Or did…

I must be crazy.

She thought for a moment. Her mystery man had left her a big clue tonight. Now she needed to figure out what Tucker Sparrow had to do with any of this. It looked as if she would be paying a visit to a man she hadn’t seen in a decade.

About Ella

ellabio1Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she’s not chasing after her kids, she’s busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you’ll get lost in her words.

You can connect with her at:

Blog: http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellajade1

GIVEAWAY

I’m offering a $5.00 Amazon Gift card and some signed swag to one lucky commenter.

I hope you’ll add Find Me to your TBR pile.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Midnight Mistletoe by Laurel Cremant

Click the Spotlight image to see all the Spotlights here at SJs

Midnight Misltetoe_300dpi-1400x2100MIDNIGHT MISTLETOE

(The Golden Pack Alphas, Book I)

 AUTHOR: Laurel Cremant

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

LENGTH: Short Story/Novelette

PUBLISHER: Winged Moon Publishing

BLURB:

WARNING: This short novelette/short story of 8,000 words is the first book in this serial and contains snarky dialogue, extremely inappropriate uses of mistletoe, alpha HEROINES and the weres smart enough to chase them.

All were-hybrid, Georgia Walker wants for Christmas is to spend some time away from her pack and in particular, away from one increasingly dangerous enforcer turned Beta. She has every intention of spending her days basking in the warm Caribbean sun and indulging in an island fling, or two. Anything to forget the way a certain were made her pulse race and skin tingle.

Marcus Legrand has only one goal this holiday season, bring Georgia home and finally claim her for his own. Convincing the strong willed ice princess will take all of his skill and patience, but Marcus is no stranger to hunting prey. He has every intention of putting both his rank and heart on the line.

EXCERPT:

Taking a deep breath, she reached her arms overhead, arched her back and inhaled the balmy salted air.

She could almost hear her muscles sigh, but despite the relaxation attempting to spread through her limbs, her body tingled with a tension she knew settled too deep.

Her heat cycle was starting, and there was nothing she could do to relieve the discomfort.

Well almost nothing.

Dropping her hands back down to her sides, she swept her gaze across the small beach. It wasn’t crowded but had a fair number of sunbathers and Zen cravers. And most importantly it had men looking for the same thing she was—a little fun, forgetfulness and zero strings.

Although heat pooled to her center, her stomach rolled in apprehension.

In the past she’d had no problems with finding a willing male to sleep with when she was in heat. She enjoyed sex, and although each year her parents hoped she would chose a permanent mate, no man in or outside of her pack inspired much feeling or devotion. At least not enough for her to be shackled to for life.

But last year, because of The-Wolf-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, no one appealed to her.

Instead of rolling around for several hours with a well-endowed chosen playmate, she’d remained locked in her home for days with her vibrator and a healthy supply of batteries.

She had no intentions of repeating the experience. This week, she planned on proving to both her body and wolf, that Marcus wasn’t the only man capable of making her hot.

Her gaze combed the area, looking for a good candidate.

One particular man caught her eye.

He’d been swimming for the last hour, his caramel arms cutting through the water in languid strokes. But now he rose out of the surf resembling a naughty sea nymph, his strong legs leading up to deep blue board shorts. Dry, she guessed the swimming trunks were perfectly modest—but wet they molded to his thick muscled thighs and cupped his cock in a way that left very little to the imagination. And since Georgia’s imagination was better than the average wolf’s she bit back a groan and clenched her thighs tight.

Yum.

Pushing her sunglasses up to her hair, she licked her lips as her gaze traced the diamond bright droplets of water running down his hard chest. They sluiced down his body, aided by the tight ridges of muscles along his abdomen, tunneling down to what looked like one hell of a stocking stuffer.

Merry Christmas to me.

Yes, an island getaway was proving to be the perfect holiday treat.

Her gaze meandered back up his chest and after making a brief note of thick smooth lips and tempting dimples, she made eye contact with her merman come to life.

His eyes gleamed with interest and her lips turned up in her best come-hither smile. He took a step forward and then froze, his gaze focusing on something just over her left shoulder. Shaking his head he turned and continued walking down the beach.

What the hell!

She frowned at his retreating back. Admittedly she was no super model but, she’d never had a problem with luring men her way.

A long shadow fell over her and it was her turn to freeze. Despite blocking out the sun, a heated scorch rippled down her body as the approaching shadow crept down her body. Her nipples pebbled to thick points, her pussy clenched and a slow growl worked its way up her throat.

Only one thing made her body react this way and she’d deliberately left it back in Golden Valley.

“Hello Gigi. Miss me?”

MIDNIGHT MISTLETOE, AVAILABLE NOW

BUY LINKS:

Amazon (US): www.amazon.com/Midnight-Mistletoe-Paranormal-Romance-Golden-ebook/dp/B00HGG3ZO4

Amazon (UK): www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Mistletoe-Paranormal-Romance-Golden-ebook/dp/B00HGG3ZO4

Amazon (CA): www.amazon.ca/Midnight-Mistletoe-Paranormal-Romance-Golden-ebook/dp/B00HGG3ZO4

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-midnightmistletoe-1382945-168.html

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midnight-mistletoe-laurel-cremant/1117794339?ean=2940148969877

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Laurel_Cremant_Midnight_Mistletoe?id=n7FpAgAAQBAJ

ABOUT LAUREL CREMANT

Bio ImageLaurel is a romance author, who like most writers loves to read. Her first love (pun intended) has always been romance. From the sappy YA romance novel to the more risqué erotica novels, Laurel is a sucker for a good love story.

Laurel writes paranormal and contemporary romance and is a self-proclaimed, out of the closet nerd. She admits that she can’t seem to avoid adding a bit of “nerdology” or “geek-dom” to all of her books. Living in Miami, she also admits that she can’t seem to avoid giving her heroines gorgeous shoes, “In Miami, we worship everything strappy, open toed and just plain hot!”

AUTHOR WEBSITE & LINKS

Website: www.LaurelCremant.com

Blog: www.laurelcremant.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LaurelCremant

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurelCremantAuthor

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LaurelCremant

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/laurelcremant

Inside Look with Elodie Parkes author of A Little Mysterious

click to see all the Inside Looks at SJ's

I have Elodie Parkes back today for her third visit. Each time she brings me something different and this time she didn’t come alone. She brought the hero and heroine from her latest Evernight release, A Little Mysterious. The exchange is fun, sexy, and sweet. It’s not to be missed. Enjoy!

A littlefor bloggers

BLURB:

He’d been sent off course…he thought he was lost…until he found Daisy.

His vampire abilities were special. He belonged to an elite group. Moving home, they are set off course by a storm that lands Dhruv alone, hungry, and desperate in a strange town.

A story of lust, love, and coincidence.

****

Please welcome, from ‘A Little Mysterious’, Dhruv and Daisy

Daisy, would you like to tell the readers about how you and Dhruv met?

Daisy: We met on the high street in the café I worked in didn’t we Dhruv?

Dhruv: We did formally meet then, although I took a while to say much to Daisy. I liked her as soon as I saw her. That was before we actually met. I’d seen her around shall we say. I don’t want to give spoilers.

Daisy: That’s true, but I wanted you right away. I could hardly take my eyes off you. When I went up the back of the café and cleared the tables, I used to stare at you.

Dhruv: You did more than stare you sighed over me. I knew it. I could sense it. I could feel your need and it fuelled mine.

meet DhruvHe leans across and kisses Daisy, then keeps hold of her hand.

Dhruv, Can you describe when you first knew you were in love with Daisy?

Dhruv: You know, I’m sorry but I can’t. It was weird for me. I couldn’t admit it to myself. I think Daisy loved me right away. Did you Daisy?

Daisy: I knew I wanted to make love with you, but I felt such a strong attraction to you I think I might have loved you right away. Then I knew the first time we made love, it was sex that turned into making love. For me anyway. Although I liked him the moment I saw him, in the cafe doorway. I wanted those arms around me right away.

She leans across and kisses him this time .I better ask another question since now they are starting to get a little heated.

What’s one thing you might have changed about your story?

Daisy: Nothing, since it’s the real story. Although I’ve never been happy with my name, and that I’m not very tall, Dhruv can tuck me under his arm. Although things are a little different now since we really got together, but I can’t tell you that. It would be a spoiler.

Dhruv: That’s so sexy Daisy, that I can pick you up and cuddle you into my body. You’re beautiful the way you are.

As for me changing the story, more sex, although there’s loads, I’m addicted to Daisy now and I find it hard to keep my hands off her. I might have said a little more about our lives after we got together, but that might be better in another book.

Dhruv, tell us something about Daisy, how would you describe her in a few words?

Dhruv: She’s very pretty, slender, intelligent. I think she’s kind and generous, and she treats people really well. She’s brave too. She likes the countryside and water. Starts to laugh and hugs Daisy.

Daisy, describe Dhruv in a few words.

Very sexy, giving, clever, thoughtful, a great lover, knows what he wants or needs to do and goes for it. He’s very creative, and talented artistically.

So what’s hot about the story?

Dhruv: The steam rises from the love scenes. I think the way Daisy responds to me.

Daisy: I think it’s the way you talk dirty to me.

Dhruv: Do I?

Now Daisy is stroking his arm, okay time for an excerpt.

How about you both choose your favorite scene from the book.

Daisy: It has to be a love scene for me, what about you Dhruv?

Dhruv: I think so, the hotter the better. (Grins)

****

EXCERPT:

“Hi, Dhruv. What can I get you?” She gave him a special look. It said he could ask for anything he wanted.

Dhruv waited for a few seconds before he answered. He leaned on the counter top with his elbows and returned her look. “I think you know, Daisy.” There was more said in his tone of voice than the words.

They gazed at each other, and Daisy was mesmerized by his beauty. She gave an involuntary sigh as she looked at him. She wanted him so badly it made her dizzy. Each night she thought about him as she lay in bed waiting for sleep to overtake her. He would kiss her, not waiting long to put his hand inside her panties and feel her. Feel the throb between her legs, as she got wet wanting his fingers in her, wanting his cock in her. It made her needy. Sometimes had to reach her fingers down and stroke her clit for relief.

“Black coffee, please.”

Daisy broke into a grin. “One day, Dhruv, you’ll surprise me.” She left him watching her with his cool stare as she went to get his coffee.

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

****

Buy the book:

http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00GXAMHZC

http://bit.ly/1b4OF3r

http://bit.ly/1ifJ1W1

http://bit.ly/1iTJzPi

Available All Amazon sites, AllRomance, Evernight Publishing and Siren Bookstrand

****

About Elodie:

Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery, paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.

Elodie lives in Canterbury with her two dogs. She works in an antique shop by day and writes at night, loving the cloak of silent darkness that descends on the rural countryside around her home.

Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, and Evernight

She has also released titles as an individual indie author.

Find Elodie online: Blog  Tumblr  Facebook  Twitter  Google +  Pinterest  YouTube  Amazon USA  Amazon UK  Smashwords  Barnes and Noble  ARe  Bookstrand  Evernight

Weekend Writing Warriors – Pop Quiz

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my second release, UNTANGLE ME.

Ivy is a young event planner and she’s completely smitten with her newest client, the ultra successful businessman, Seth. However, Seth is not the type of guy Ivy wants in her life. LAST WEEK: Seth’s possessiveness showed up. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped past a sweet conversation between Seth and Ivy as they started their lunch. All is going well until Ivy’s trainer from the BDSM club decides to text her with an impromptu quiz. We’re still in Seth’s POV.

Her phone buzzed again. Not wanting anything interrupting their moment, he grasped her hand as it landed on the phone. Their eyes locked until the phone lit and the message appeared.

“Name one rule of submissive pose?”

“Are you—?”

“Oh, my.” She pulled her hand and phone from his grip. Once she turned off the screen on her phone, she threw it in her bag.

You better believe the rest of this conversation holds all kinds of fun and revelations. Come back next Sunday for another snippet or find the buy links below and read it today. Their connection is definitely real, but it may be a bit tangled. <~ You can <tweet that> if you want.

Click here to add UNTANGLE ME to your Goodreads TBR list

BLURB:

Ivy’s revenge on the people behind her family’s downward spiral is simple and it’s working. There’s no need to long for help from the wealthy business owners who turned their backs on her father. Ivy may be worn untangleme 300out, but she’s finding herself again after joining the local BDSM club.

Seth has it all. He has homes around the world and the little red speedster he dreamed of as a little boy, but none of the things he can buy satisfy him, not the socialites hanging on his arm or the submissives falling at his feet. Then, he hires Ivy to plan his next event.

Seth and Ivy enjoy each other’s company in and out of the planning stages for Seth’s charity event. Their playful bets lead them to a first date. When their secret kinks are revealed, the pair fall deep, but it’s not meant to last. Past hurts come back to haunt Ivy. Now, it’s time for Seth to use all he’s learned, regardless if he can win back the girl.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

All Romance eBooks | BookStrand

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 #86 Baby Steps for Preventing Burnout

The writing challenge that knows you have a life.

Many of my friends have been talking about burnout lately. I’ve definitely been showing the signs for some time, but have been soldiering on. Enough is enough, it’s time to figure another way.

We know moderation is the key for food choices. We also know when making changes, baby steps can be a set-up for success.

I came across a website yesterday called HelpGuide.org. Their page Preventing Burnout caught my attention. They breakdown the differences between stress and burnout. In dealing with burnout, they suggest the “three r” approach (recognize, reverse, and resilience). It’s really good stuff. My favorite section gives tips on preventing burnout. I’m very familiar with several things on this list and will continue to work on them. The two I want to add are Start the day with a relaxing ritual and Take a daily break from technology. 

I’m hardly ever far from my phone and laptop. I rarely take any time for myself. No wonder I’m burning out.

I’ve recognized the issue, I’m working on reversing the effects, and it’s definitely time to work on building my resilience. It’s most definitely baby steps time.

The Goals – week-2 results

    • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done. 🙂
    • Daily progress in writing craft, word count, editing, and/or plotting- almost done. The first couple days of the week, I was buried in evil day job and volunteer work. Ugh! By Wednesday, I was eager to make progress, but I let my frustrations get to me. Finally on Thursday, I started making some progress. I edited a couple of scenes and found the first scene that needs a rewrite to set the story in the direction of the new ending. I made good progress on Friday and Saturday too. There’s a happy ending.
    • Take care of and be kind to myself- kind of done. I’m doing a better job of letting the stress go at the end of the day, something I used to have mastered. I’m getting back to that pattern and it makes me happy. Baby steps. I’ll let you know next week how I do with adding the morning relaxing ritual and the daily break from technology.

What you might have missed here this week:

Inside Look with Alexa Bourne author of Dance Away, Danger

Spotlight: This Isn’t Goodbye by Iyana Jenna

Flash Fiction #55 – Light of My Life

Flash Fiction #55 – Light of My Life

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

January 17, 2014

Nathan took another step closer. His gaze never left hers as he maneuvered around the table.

“I don’t think you should come any closer.” A tingle of static danced up her spine. Jocelyn straightened her stance, not wanting to cower from her new husband.

“After what we’ve experienced, nothing could keep me from you.”

A burn of need raced through her core and her fingers itched to touch. She forced her arms down and still her palms reached for him. A flash of light twisted to life. He reached for her hand. The glow spread, wrapping them in her power.

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! This is part of a sci-fi erotic romance I’m working on. Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Summer Ross: http://decadentkane.blogspot.com/
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Naomi Shaw:  http://www.authornaomishaw.com/
Brantwijn Serrah: http://brantwijn.blogspot.com
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
Leann Mitchell: http://www.leannmitchell.blogspot.com/
Dariel Raye: http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Jorja Lovett: http://jorja-lovett.blogspot.co.uk/

Spotlight: This Isn’t Goodbye by Iyana Jenna

Click the Spotlight image to see all the Spotlights here at SJs

Please help me welcome fellow Evernight Publishing Author, Iyana Jenna. She’s hear to share her second release with Evernight, This Isn’t Goodbye. Plus, she’s brought a giveaway too. Look for it below. Enjoy.

Hi SJ! Thank you so much for hosting my post on my second story to be published by Evernight Publishing, This Isn’t Goodbye.

GIVEAWAY – Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter below!

This Isn't Goodbye cover - click to see on GoodreadsThis Isn’t Goodbye

by Iyana Jenna

 

Romance on the Go

 

Evernight Publishing

 

 

BLURB

Stay-at-home dad Taylor MacLean chose his life knowing he could rely on the trust fund from his rich grandmother. He didn’t have to work a day in his life. He preferred to take care of his baby daughter Janine and, when he was not busy changing diapers, he would get down to his art studio.

After finishing college, Jamie Selkirk followed his dream to be a photographer. Now working for a famous fashion magazine, Jamie spent more and more of his time away from Taylor and Janine, his husband and daughter. Can the couple learn to put each other first before their marriage begins to crumble?

EXCERPT

Taylor went still for a moment before he let Jamie go. Jamie’s body turned rigid a moment ago, a tell-tale sign every time his boy almost said something important. It disappointed him when Jamie only said that he needed an aspirin. Really, Jamie, an aspirin? Taylor had put a full bottle on the glass table in the living room next to the couch where they both slept last night.

“Go ahead. It’s on the table,” Taylor said in dismissal. “You would’ve seen it if you hadn’t been so busy wanting to throw up.”

Taylor turned around abruptly. He combed his hair back. He’d acted mean and thoughtless. He caught a pained reflection in Jamie’s eyes. Taylor wanted to leave the room, this very second.

“Taylor?” Incomprehension and hurt chased one after another in Jamie’s voice, and Taylor couldn’t take it anymore.

“I heard something. I think Janine’s woken up.”

“Janine.” Jamie’s trembling voice stopped him in his tracks. “I haven’t seen her since … since I don’t remember when.”

Yeah, Taylor knew it must’ve been too long since Jamie saw their daughter. He’d stormed out of the house right after breakfast yesterday morning.

“Don’t you miss her, Jamie? Or is your job and are all those parties still too important for you? More important than your own daughter?” It crossed Taylor’s mind that she was Jamie’s and not his, but he figured it would be mean of him to say that. They’d both agreed to use a surrogate, and they were married. It meant whatever belonged to Jamie belonged to him, too.

“I want to see her,” Jamie said, his voice so thin Taylor thought he was imagining it.

“She’s okay,” he said. “I checked her earlier. She slept through the night while I was down here.” He stopped at once. Jamie didn’t know Taylor slept with him on the couch.

But nothing escaped that pretty head.

“Down here? Were you with me?” Jamie’s face flushed and Taylor wanted to grab him right there.

“Uhh, yeah.”

“Taylor.”

“I just missed you.”

Jamie sniffled, but he stayed still. Taylor balled his fists.

“Aw, what the hell.” He lunged forward at Jamie right at the same time as Jamie moved toward him. They met halfway, grasped each other’s face, and mashed their lips together.

“Wait a minute.” Jamie pulled back, gasping.

“What? Jamie?”

“I have to tell you something.”

“No, you don’t. I missed you. You’re all I want.”

“I need to tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry I neglected Janine and you. I won’t do that again, ever.”

Taylor cupped Jamie’s face. “You don’t need to apologize.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then I’m sorry, too.”

“What for?”

“I ignored what my husband needed.”

Jamie smiled. “So do you forgive me?”

Taylor swept him off his feet and grazed his lips lightly against Jamie’s.

“I already have.”

Taylor kissed deeper and drank in everything he could. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed Jamie. All the models in the world and their neighbors could want him, but Jamie belonged to him.

BUY LINKS 

Evernight Publishing ~ Amazon ~ All Romance Ebooks

Bookstrand  ~ Amazon UK

About the Author:

Iyana lives in Jakarta, a city famous for its traffic jams, a lot of cars and motorcycles, and people selling stuff on the roads. You can spend two hours on the road going to a place you can reach in half an hour in a normal situation. Thanks to the traffic jams, though, Iyana can come up with a lot of stories, mostly shorties, as she prefers to spend the time during her trips writing into her cell phone rather than sleeping.

Another thing Iyana loves is kitties. Right now she has five of them. Their names are Larva, Nyil, Cil, Mermood, and Horus. When she doesn’t write, she plays with them, or they would play with her when she writes.

Author’s Links:

Blog
Website
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

You can win my story and an Amazon gift card. Please enter the Rafflecopter!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Inside Look with Alexa Bourne author of Dance Away, Danger

Inside Look logo by SJ

It’s special treat day. I have Alexa Bourne today with her brand new release, DANCE AWAY, DANGER. She didn’t come empty handed either. She brought the hero of her story with her, Matt Rylan for an INTERVIEW. Plus, below you’ll find the details on her prize pack GIVEAWAY.

DanceAwayDanger_cover - click to see on GoodreadsBlurb:

Sensible dance instructor Tessa Gage likes her life organized, risk-free and on her own terms. When her cop brother goes missing, his crooked partner tries to kill her, and a handsome stranger claims he’s come to protect her, she’s forced to leave her comfort zone. With more dance and business sense than survival skills and no idea who to trust, Tessa has no choice but to rely on this man who’d rather be anywhere but by her side.

When carefree carpenter Matt Rylan gets a late night call from an Army buddy who once saved his life, he finds himself where he never again wanted to be—responsible for someone else. Honor demands Matt cooperate, but he never expects his simple babysitting job to test the limits of his self-control. Nor does he expect it to explode into a race against time for his very freedom.

As Tessa and Matt get closer to the truth, and to each other, Tessa learns to step outside the safety of her world to help set the wheels of justice in motion. For Matt, supporting this courageous woman suddenly becomes everything to him.  Yet, his biggest challenge remains sharing his closed-off heart with her before the danger silences them both forever.

Bio:

050 - CopyAlexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance and is thrilled to have the chance to share her stories with readers everywhere.

When she’s not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV, and thinking about exercising. Okay, she also spends way too much time interacting with readers and writers on social media sites. But don’t tell her editors! Find out more about her and her books on her website, www.alexabourne.com.

Hello! Thanks for joining us today and thank you to SJ Maylee for inviting us to hang out here. Who is ‘us’, you ask? I’m Alexa and today I’m interviewing the hero from my latest romantic suspense book, DANCE AWAY, DANGER. Matt is a very low-key guy, very calm under pressure and quick to make an assessment about any situation. He was best friends with the heroine’s brother a while back, which causes some…issues in the story. Ready to learn more about this awesome guy? Let’s get started!

Alexa: What sound or noise do you love?

Matt: I’m not allowed to tell you on here since this a G-rated site, so I’ll tell you my second favorite sound: Tessa’s laugh when she’s happy and relaxed.

Alexa: Speaking of Tessa, what do you love most about her?

Matt: She’s a happy, upbeat person who always tries to see the good in people.

Alexa: If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?

Matt: I’d travel back to when my father was alive and I’d stop him from dying.

Alexa: Yeah, I’m sorry I had to write the story that way. What do you do to unwind and relax?

Matt: I really like sanding the stuff I make.

Alexa: Folks, for those of you who don’t know Matt is a contractor and a carpenter. What one thing about Tessa drives you crazy?

Matt: I may be a simple kind of guy, but I’m not stupid. I plead the fifth.

Thank you to Matt for answering my questions and to SJ for inviting us! I hope you’ll follow me this coming week. I’m touring several blogs and sharing something different about Dance Away, Danger each day. If you leave comments anywhere along the way, you’ll be in the running for a Dance Away, Danger prize pack!

1/7-8- Just Romantic Suspense http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/
1/9- Get Lost in a Story http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com
1/10- RomCon http://www.romcon.com/blog-romantic-suspense-thriller
1/11- JF Ridgely’s Blog http://rpridepublishing.wordpress.com/
1/12- Happily Ever After Thoughts http://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/
1/13-SJ Maylee’s Blog <– You’re Here 🙂
1/14- Gretchen Rix’s Blog http://gretchenrix.com/
1/15- All Romance Ebooks http://www.arecafe.com/

Alexa@alexabourne.com
http://www.alexabourne.com
http://alexabourne.com/cuan-macdougall-pub/
https://twitter.com/AlexaBourne
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexaBourne
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5818611.Alexa_Bourne

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Away-Danger-Hanover-Haven-ebook/dp/B00HPAWYSY/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dance-away-danger-alexa-bourne/1117971061

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-danceawaydanger-1389725-149.html

Weekend Writing Warriors – Seth Wants More

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my second release, UNTANGLE ME.

Ivy is a young event planner and she’s completely smitten with her newest client, the ultra successful businessman, Seth. However, Seth is not the type of guy Ivy wants in her life. LAST WEEK: Seth’s concerns surfaced while he watched Ivy during their car ride to lunch. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped ahead a little bit. I skipped over some of Seth’s sexier thoughts. Oops. Let’s see how he’s managing now.

So many things he wanted to know, but she wasn’t his to touch, yet.

Ivy stared at the latest message. He snuck a look at her screen and watched her type, “Yes, sir.”

His heart quickened its pace and his mouth went dry. He had no idea who she was texting, but he didn’t want her calling anyone sir, but him. He took a deep calming breath. She was probably just texting with another client. He needed to figure out how to become something more than just her client.

Got to love a man on a mission. I wonder what these two will find to talk about over lunch and if it will add to their sexual tension or give them more tangles. Hmm. Come back next Sunday for another snippet or find the buy links below and read it today. Their connection is definitely real, but it may be a bit tangled. <~ You can <tweet that> if you want.

Click here to add UNTANGLE ME to your Goodreads TBR list

BLURB:

Ivy’s revenge on the people behind her family’s downward spiral is simple and it’s working. There’s no need to long for help from the wealthy business owners who turned their backs on her father. Ivy may be worn untangleme 300out, but she’s finding herself again after joining the local BDSM club.

Seth has it all. He has homes around the world and the little red speedster he dreamed of as a little boy, but none of the things he can buy satisfy him, not the socialites hanging on his arm or the submissives falling at his feet. Then, he hires Ivy to plan his next event.

Seth and Ivy enjoy each other’s company in and out of the planning stages for Seth’s charity event. Their playful bets lead them to a first date. When their secret kinks are revealed, the pair fall deep, but it’s not meant to last. Past hurts come back to haunt Ivy. Now, it’s time for Seth to use all he’s learned, regardless if he can win back the girl.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

All Romance eBooks | BookStrand

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 Round 1 2014 Goals

This will be my ninth round of 80 days. With each round, I try to start smarter, more effective. Well, effective for whatever my current mind space looks like, lol.

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.

ROW80 has helped me keep my eyes front and butt in the chair. Since starting ROW80, I’ve been published twice by the lovely Evernight Publishing, but I’m desperate to have a backlist. I’m also desperate to publish fabulous books. These two needs are warring with each other. For me, it takes time, lots of time, to polish my writing. Hitting send too soon is the worst thing I can do right now. I need to remember this as the pressure builds on the need for that coveted backlist.

To add to the pressure, the WIP that has my full attention has been giving me trouble for months. The ending has been changed three times and it’s still not right. Finally this week, I’m seeing some progress. A read through with a new end in mind has landed me in the middle of the WIP and things are finally coming together.

This pin caught my eye the other day. I need to remember to listen to my characters. They know the way. I’ll work at shoving away the outside stresses and allow my writing/editing time to be with me and my characters alone.

I’m trusting my muse this round and I’ll arm her with what she needs. Time and attention. I believe if I put in the work and commit to my characters, that backlist will be mine.

My goals this round will be much the same as last. I’ll continue to reach for focus and work on not letting the pressure bubble over.

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

The Goals – Round 1 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

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