Author Archives: S.J. Maylee

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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

Flash Fiction #49 A Clean Start

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Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

October 11, 2013

Four days in the car and Kelly wondered if they’d ever stop running. When the rain started pounding the car, she also wondered if she’d ever shower again, but most of all she wanted Dean to kiss her.

“Can we stop? The rain is pouring off the roofs here and it might be our only way to get clean.”

“You want to shower from the side of a building?”

“No, behind the building is fine.”

Dean laughed, but turned left and drove behind the next building.

Within minutes the rain poured down her back and Deans arms came around her.

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com/
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Michelle Howard: http://www.michellehowardwrites.com
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com
Raven McAllan: http://ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
J.P. Stevens: http://jp-stevens.blogspot.co.uk/

Inside Look with Eve Meridian author of Sam’s Learning Curve

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Inside Look logo by SJI have a treat for you today. Eve Meridian is here with her new release from one of my favorite lines, Romance on the Go! Eve’s sharing all kinds of stuff with us and I got her to answer some questions too. Enjoy.

Thank you, Sidney, for having me on today! I’m excited about my newest release with Evernight, and I’m hard at work on my next project. I know that you’ve had a recent release as well, so you know how exciting it is to get your creations out into the world! Wishing you the best of luck with Taking Chances!

Aw! Thank you, Eve. I know you’ve shared the blurb and an excerpt below, but tell us a little bit about your new release.

My latest published piece is Sam’s Learning Curve. It is part of the multi-author Romance on the Go line offered by Evernight Publishing. It has a little bit of humor mixed in with some sexy scenes.

Yeap, this sounds like something I want to read. Okay, here we go, first question:  Picture your favorite place in the world. Now, can you tell us a little bit about the place you’ve pictured?

My favorite place is a sandy beach in the late afternoon. The sun is shining, my toes are in the sand, and the water rushes to cover them every few minutes with the upcoming tide. Oh, and I’m drinking a frothy adult beverage with an umbrella in it.

Nice! That sounds lovely. 🙂 Tell us about yourself: Who are you and why did you start writing?

I have always been an avid reader and have dabbled in writing for years. (Seriously, I started my first novel in the 3rd grade. I didn’t finish it, though.) I have a B.A. with an emphasis in Creative Writing and English Lit. A few years ago, my husband bought me a Kindle Fire for Christmas. I had no idea that the ebook industry was such an incredible market. After reading a number of books via my Kindle, I realized it was time for me to pursue my dream of being a published author. I didn’t set out to write romance, but I found that I really liked it.

The ereaders certainly do open us up to a whole new world. When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

I’m a runner, currently in training for my first marathon. It’s a great way to stay in shape and decrease stress. I also like yoga. And drinking red wine. (Actually, I love red wine.)

Impressive. My dad was a track and cross country coach, but I never really ran, until last year actually. I prefer red to white wine. After spending some time in Italy many years ago, I enjoy a good glass of red. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

So many challenges – such as making the time to write and committing to getting it done. Then there’s the questions to self-publish or submit it to a publisher who may or may not accept it. I decided to send my work to Evernight because I really liked their selection. They are also very easy to work with.

They are so easy to work with. We are very lucky, Eve. 🙂 Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

Hmmm…probably Ben, from Sam’s Learning Curve. I like a man with tattoos and a motorcycle with a head for business. There’s something sexy about that combination.

Yes, definitely sexy. What is your greatest fear?

There’s too many to list – just kidding. Skydiving used to be a big fear, but I conquered that by trying it. I’m still here, so it worked out okay. 😉 And although I love motorcycles, part of the adrenaline rush is from fear, so I took the motorcycle safety course and learned to actually ride one.

I don’t think I’ll ever have the guts to jump out of a plane. Yes, I’m very impressed. What is your greatest extravagance?

Hmm…I guess that would be my Frye boots.

Sweet! I’d love a pair. What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

I like all types of music. My current favorite (especially while running) is “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke. I also love Cee-lo, The Dixie Chicks, Franz Ferdinand, Gwen Stefani, Me First and the Gimme Gimme’s, The Black Keys, Dropkick Murphys….I could go on, but I’ll stop.

My musical tastes are eclectic as well. Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I’m currently working on what I hope will be the first book in a series. It’s about a woman who finds her true calling after a divorce and a job loss. Of course, she also finds her true love. But the road to love is rarely easy….

That sounds like something I’d like to read too. Hurry up and finish it. 🙂 Okay. Give us a closer look at Sam’s Learning Curve.

Blurb:

Sam's Learning Curve cover - click to see on GoodreadsSam is perfectly fine being single. She has a job that she loves and the company she works for is promoting her after she finishes her M.B.A. She has great friends and a newly found love of running. Then she meets Ben, the sexy bike builder who just moved back into town and is unlike anyone she’s ever dated. Can she overcome her fear of getting hurt again and the fear of riding motorcycles so she doesn’t miss out on a great guy? Is it finally time for Sam to learn how to love again?

Excerpt:

“So how was your first ride? Did you like it?” he asked as he walked up and stood beside her.

She turned to him. “I loved it,” she said simply. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ben was glad. It seemed important to him that she liked riding. He didn’t know why, but he found himself drawn to her.

“Seriously, I needed that. I guess I just didn’t know it.” She looked up at him with a smile playing on her luscious lips.

“Glad to be of service, ma’am,” he said as he turned towards her.

She closed the gap between them so that their bodies touched. Her chest was against his, and it felt like every point of contact between their two bodies was electrified. She had slid her sunglasses up on to her head, and he could see directly into her eyes.

He leaned down slightly, and the next thing he knew, their mouths were touching. Their kiss was tentative at first, but within seconds it grew. Her lips parted, and he slid his tongue into her mouth. She tasted sweet, and he leaned closer to her, wanting more. He felt her arms wrap around his neck and pull him in even closer. The next thing he knew, his hands were around her waist, grinding her body against his.

BUY LINKS:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/sams-learning-curve-by-eve-meridian/

http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Learning-Curve-Romance-ebook/dp/B00F9Y9MJC/

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sam039slearningcurve-1297345-149.html

About the author:

I live in a small Ohio town with my military husband, two daughters, a neurotic cat named Max and a Lab/Newfoundland mix named Freyja. I’m an avid runner. I love writing (and reading) contemporary romances. Coffee and red wine are my two favorite food groups.

Here’s where I can be found online:

http://www.facebook.com/evemeridian

goodreads

Amazon

Twitter @Eve_Meridian

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/eve-meridian/

Inside Look with Bethany-Kris author of A Mile High

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click the Inside Look logo to find other interviews herePlease help me welcome Bethany-Kris. She’s here to celebrate her debut,

Here we go, first question: Picture your favorite place in the world. Now, can you tell us a little bit about the place you’ve pictured?

Yellow, orange skies. White sand. Crystal water. (Clearly I need a vacation)

Lol, so do I! Tell us about yourself: Who are you and why did you start writing?

My name is Bethany-Kris, and yep, I spell it just like that with no last name. I’m a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to two young sons named Rohan and Lexan. One is almost four, the other is almost two. They keep me crazy busy. I love just about anything that’s bad for my health, work way too much, and don’t write nearly as often as I would like.

I started writing during an ordered best rest with my first pregnancy. I posted online for free under a different penname. All that is still there, also. I wasn’t the best at first, but who really is? I got better. I met great people. Betas with awesome talent were suddenly working with me. So, I continued. Nearly five years later, I’m still writing, except now it’s on a more professional level.

That’s awesome. My sons are just a little bit older and they keep me crazy busy too. Motherhood is hard work for sure. When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

Wait…writing is my only hobby! Ha ha. No, really, it is. Between my fulltime job and the two boys, two cats, and two dogs, when I get to write, it is my time away.

I know what you mean. Writing is such a joy for me that I don’t need or want time away from it. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

Well, my first, A Mile High, wasn’t the first book I put out there under a publisher’s scrutiny. A different manuscript was, and it was denied. That was a hard pill for me to swallow, but I did, and I continued. Three days later, my submission for A Mile High was accepted.

My story is very similar. Can you tell us about a criticism you’ve received that pushed you into a better writing place?

One of my stories from a long time ago was given a great deal of criticism, not because of the writing, the grammar, the editing, whatever…no, but because the readers didn’t agree with the choices I made in regards to the plot. Crit is one thing, bashing someone on a personal level is something entirely different. I made a choice then to turn cheek at bad comments, reviews, whatever. I’ll accept anyone who wants to help me be better, and by learning to overlook the ones who don’t have that to offer allowed me to enjoy my writing as I wanted it to be seen and heard. It made me happier with my own writing, honestly.

That’s awesome and a very important thing to learn. Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

Oh, Sal from A Mile High, definitely. He’s tall, dark, and handsome. He’s got the charm going on and the humor to boot. Not to mention his ability to convince a woman to sleep with him on a plane. Hands down, Sal.

He sounds like a fabulous book boyfriend. 🙂 What turns you on creatively?

Music, pictures, general circumstance. It can be anything that catches my mind’s eye for a moment. If I can plot something out in my head by the way the leaves turned color in a week’s time, I’ll do it. Inspiration hits everywhere for me.

What is your greatest fear?

Surprisingly, it’s not failure. Being a writer, I kind of figure there will be a time when something will be seen as a failure. No, my greatest fear kind of revolves around my beautiful children. I hope the lives I gave this world are proud of me for the accomplishments I’ve made. Every word I put to paper is for them, in one way or another.

That’s beautiful. I bet you’re a really wonderful mom. What is your greatest extravagance?

Heh—Phones. Seriously, I update mine at least once every six months. Something new comes out, and I gotta have it.

Oh, and books. I have a library in my house…no, really, an actual library. So, I pick up paperbacks and hardcovers by the handful every time new releases are out.

Wow, that’s so cool. I have books all over my house. I think when my kids are older, I’ll have to designate their playroom as my library. 😀 What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

Lana Del Rey is a favorite artist. Anything by her makes it into my fave list.

The Civil Wars – Poison and Wine is also a song that haunts me forever.

Finally, Counting Stars by OneRepublic reminds me of A Mile High, so it gets a special mention.

I love The Civil Wars. They are uber talented. What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

I celebrate, usually with coffee…and cigarettes (see, things that are bad for me). The manuscript can need hours of work, but I still stop to enjoy my moment of finishing something worth reading.

Yeah! I. Love. Coffee. It definitely helps me soak in a moment. (I’m not even going to mention the cigarettes. Nope. Promise.) Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I have two works in progress, A Love Unfinished. This is a paranormal/shifters romance that’s nearly finished, so I’m about to have a celebratory dance for that.

Another is The Scandal of Three, a ménage erotic romance that I have just begun.

But, right now, I’m working on promoting A Mile High. It’s a contemporary erotic romance published by Evernight Publishing. It’s brand new, and my first ever release.

A Mile High cover - click to see on GoodreadsHere’s the summary for it: Olivia wants a vacation, that’s all, but when the airline screws up her plans for a week getaway to the beautiful Barbados, instead putting her on a new path that intertwines with the handsome, funny, and charming Sal, she can’t say no to his offer of joining the mile high club. Their meeting is explosive, attraction intense, and when the flight ends, Olivia is unwilling to part ways but unable to voice her wants. Still, fate is at work with its own plan, and where it finishes just might not be where it ends up.

There’s nothing quite like sex at a mile high.

****

Thank you for having me on your blog today!

You’re very welcome, Bethany-Kris. Congratulations on your debut. 😀

A Mile High can be found at: 

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-mile-high-by-bethany-kris/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Mile-High-ebook/dp/B00FEXO4TQ/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-amilehigh-1304746-149.html

And you can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Blogger.

Weekend Writing Warriors – Wicked Temptation

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Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

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 debut, TAKING CHANCES.

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. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together and both have been fighting their desire. LAST WEEK: Jake returned to the conference room after taking a cold shower to find Lydia licking her fingers. THIS WEEK:  I’ve skipped a few paragraphs of conversation. Jake’s been distracted by a smudge of barbecue sauce on the corner of Lydia’s mouth.

Before he could stop himself, he sat beside her, and his inquisitive finger reached out and rubbed the corner of her mouth. His finger hovered between them, an inch from her mouth. She licked her lips, and seconds ticked by. Nothing in the room captured his attention but her devilish mouth. Her tongue reached out and licked his finger. It took forever for his hand to return to his side. The air between them had become thick with heat. He couldn’t tear his sight from her beautiful eyes.

Wow, Lydia’s taking it up a notch with her wicked tongue. <~ You can <tweet that> Quiet Lydia seems to be coming out of her shell. I sure hope she doesn’t regret that decision. Will Jake encourage her or will these two get back to work?

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

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 takingchances1mlove 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.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | 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.

Flash Fiction #48 Sunday in the Park

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Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

October 4, 2013

Carla’s life was about to change. She could feel it as certain as the sun was bright.

With her legs turning to mush she slumped to the nearest bench and pressed her hand to her chest.

“He could be the one.”

She looked up to find Sam walking towards her. Not stopping, he picked her up and cuddled her in his arms.

“What’s wrong, baby?” He was pinching his eyebrows with such force that wrinkles zigzagged all the way up his forehead.

She looked into his sweet brown eyes, and with one more of his seductive kisses, she stopped resisting.

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Sherri Hayes: http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
J.P. stevens: http://jp-stevens.blogspot.co.uk/

Cover Reveal: Bared by Stacey Kennedy

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Bared cover - click to see on GoodreadsBARED

Club Sin, Book Two

Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Loveswept

(Random House Publishing Group)

ISBN: 9780804178884

Release date: February 2014

+ Add to goodreads

PRE-ORDER BUTTONS:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Bared-Club-Sin-ebook/dp/B00EMXC022

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bared-stacey-kennedy/1116525826

Book Description:

In a novel that’s perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Stacey Kennedy returns to Club Sin with another wicked and wild tale of submission, seduction, and love.
 
At Las Vegas’s exclusive Club Sin, Aidan Knight is the Master, unleashing the erotic yearnings of his submissive lovers. But his dominant façade conceals a devastating loss—something he instantly recognizes in his personally trained submissive Cora Adams. Sworn to unearth her secrets, Aidan uses his seductive skills to ignite her wildest desires until Cora yields to the pleasure she can find only with him.

Cora came to the BDSM club to act out her sub-and-dom fantasies without ever revealing the heartbreak that haunts her. But Aidan’s masterful touch is bringing her closer to the edge . . . and deeper into a world of control and surrender. He refuses to allow her to submit to any other man—nor does she want to. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing. For as they give in to passion, they must lay bare their souls for a love that could heal—and free—them both.

Bared is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
 
Praise for Stacey Kennedy’s Claimed
 
“Claimed sucked me in! Stacey Kennedy weaves together the intense BDSM lifestyle with the soft touch of a sweeter, more traditional love story in a novel with an engaging heroine at its heart.”—J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author of Release Me

“Deliciously sexy, Claimed will captivate you at once, leading you on an erotic journey that you won’t want to end. A fabulous talent, Kennedy shines in this fast-paced and exciting novel.”—New York Times bestselling author Cheyenne McCray

“Tender, emotional—and smoking hot!”—Savanna Fox, author of the Dirty Girls Book Club series

About the Author:

staceykennedy1Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

Website – http://www.staceykennedy.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStaceyKennedy

Facebook Fan Page – www.facebook.com/StaceyKennedyFanPage

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

Loveswept website – http://www.readloveswept.com

CHECK OUT THE FIRST BOOK IN THE CLUB SIN SERIES:

“Claimed sucked me in! Stacey Kennedy weaves together the intense BDSM lifestyle with the soft touch of a sweeter, more traditional love story in a novel with an engaging heroine at its heart.”—J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author of Release Me

Final ClaimedA novel of erotic discovery and forbidden desire that goes beyond Fifty Shades of Grey.

Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.

Presley is different than the other submissives Dmitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in Dmitri far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon, igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.

Claimed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

BUY LINK – http://www.randomhouse.com/book/229124/claimed-by-stacey-kennedy

Happy Birthday Evernight Publishing! It’s a Birthday Bash Blog Hop

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Celebrate like a ROCK STAR because Evernight Publishing is THREE!

Evernight 3rd bday blog hop button - click to go to EvernightPublishing.com

In three short years, Evernight has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to readers like you! Evernight is pulling out all the stops and throwing an extreme BIRTHDAY BASH BLOG HOP in your honor!

That’s right! It’s Evernight’s birthday but YOU get the presents…

Prizes include:

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Kindle Paperwhite

Kobo Touch

$100 Evernight and Amazon Gift Certificates

Mega Evernight Swag Pack

Plus, each author on the hop will offer his/her own special prize!

As an author, I’m thrilled to share my stories with you and Evernight helped to make my debut, TAKING CHANCES shine! Here’s why I love Evernight Publishing:

The experience from the start has been quite rewarding. The warm welcome started right away. The authors at this publishing home of mine are incredible. They’re a silly bunch and very helpful. You have a question, someone will have an answer.

I was so nervous to work with my editor. Goofy me. She was awesome, so supportive, and I’m incredibly proud of the final touches she helped me make. I can’t wait to work with her again. I mentioned her in my dedication too. 

Next stop was the cover art. Sour Cherry Designs is amazing. Right of the bat they gave me the cover I’d dreamed of. I love it.

Soon, I was ready for release day. I’ve been having such a good time. The fun and support just keeps going and going. I can not wait to do it all over again with Evernight Publishing.

It’s an incredible honor to be published through Evernight Publishing. They Rock!

For my part in this rock star party:

I’m giving away one $10 Evernight Gift Card

>>> a Rafflecopter giveaway <<<

TAKING CHANCES cover - click to see at Evernight Publishing5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

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.

Excerpt:

“Come on in, Lydia. I want to talk about a few things before we get started today. We need to make it quick, since we need to report to Keller at ten this morning.” When she remained in her spot he added, “Lydia, come here.”

Not wanting Gina to take anything further from her, she lifted her head and walked to Jake. She stopped at his desk, but felt instantly unworthy. Gina was more Jake’s style. She fought the need to lower her chin.

“Look at me, Lydia.”

He pushed her. “Why?” She shifted her gaze and hit him with her direct stare.

“Thank you. I needed to see your eyes.” He reached out and swiped a lock of hair from her face. He tucked the strand behind her ear, and let his finger drag down her face to her shoulder. All the while his gaze captured hers, not letting go. “How are you this morning?”

“I’m okay.”

“Okay? Hmm, maybe I should do something to improve your mood? What would you say to that?”

“Here?” she gasped and quickly turned to look out the door.

He grabbed hold of her shoulders, lifting her slightly off the floor.

“Yes, here.” He brought their bodies together, claimed her lips and swept his tongue through her mouth, awakening her sexual hunger.

She felt wanted. She felt claimed. Images from the night before swam in her mind. Silly challenges from the office mean girl were all forgotten. He set her down and nipped at her lower lip.

“We have a lot to do today. Unfortunately we cannot go any further, now.” He stepped back behind his desk as casually as if he’d just greeted the mail man.

“But you would want to?” Still looking at the papers on his desk, she didn’t think he heard her. She took a step closer. “You would repeat last night?”

Her words stopped him. His gaze searched her face. Placing his hands on the desk he leaned forward and said, “Lydia, I fully intend to further explore your body and mind. After all, there are a few places I haven’t yet completely inspected.”

Her mind ran through what he had done to her last night, and there was only one place she could think of. Warmth fluttered through her face.

“Now, that is a beautiful sight.” He returned to his papers. “I’m going to have to keep thinking of ways to shock you simply to see you blush again.” With the papers properly sorted, his attention returned to her. “Is Gina a problem?”

Gina was a lot of things, but she’d never thought of her as a problem. “I don’t think so.”

“Don’t be afraid to put her in her place. She likes that more than she lets on. She’s the type to push so she can be pushed back.”

“I hadn’t thought of her that way. Interesting.”

“Let me know if she becomes a problem.” His gaze drilled into hers, not letting her escape.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” His posture remained controlled, but the smirk couldn’t be missed.

She added her own version of the devilish grin, which ignited another blush before she even spoke. “Okay, Sir.”

“Trouble.” He stalked towards her and ruthlessly swept his hand under the hem of her skirt to press firmly along her panties. His lips pressed to her ear. “Hot and damp.”

The palm of his hand pressed on her clit, and he bent his knuckles, sending the tips of his fingers past the edge of her panties to drag along her slit.

“Be careful what you say to me, sweetheart, or you’ll shatter my control.” With one last drag of his fingers, he pulled away and walked from the room.

She turned around and watched him go. Her heart pounded. All she could do was follow him, but she couldn’t move. The exchange with Jake left her bones unsettled, and the all too familiar ache tried to set-up shop in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to crave more from her, and now she couldn’t deny he did. Was she going to deny herself the pleasure of getting to know him?

BUY LINKS:

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Keep the party going there’s 100 stops in this rock star hop.

Have a great time!

Inside Look with Nicola Cameron author of Grading the Curve

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click to see all the Inside Looks posted here at SJMaylee.comI have Nicola Cameron in the ehouse today and she’s giving us the inside look into her new release, Grading the Curve. It has been released through one of my favorite Evernight Publishing lines, Romance on the Go. First up, I got Nicola to answers some questions and below you’ll find the cover, blurb, an excerpt, and all her links. Enjoy.

What turns you on creatively?

Something unusual that piques my curiosity. One time, I got stuck in downtown Dallas traffic and noticed the proliferation of pyramids that are used in architecture there. As I thought, “Gee, someone who could use pyramid power would love this place,” a plot bunny landed and I got a book out of it.

That’s fabulous. Plot bunnies really are everywhere, lol. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My mother would have said it was surviving past the age of 6 (I was a bit clumsy when I was young). I would have to say it’s my writing career — 2013 in particular has been an absolutely spectacular publishing year for me.

Ha! My sister-in-law is the same way, total klutz. I’d bet 2014 is going to be even better yet. What is your greatest fear?

Being forced to do work that I hate just to survive. I’ve had to do it before, and I really, really don’t ever want to go back to that place again.

I hear you. Evil day jobs are the worst.What are some of your favorite curse words?

As the daughter of a Marine, “fuck” and variations thereof are usually on my playlist.

Nice! That’s one of my favs too. J What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

I like a wide variety of music from classical to rock. I like writing to instrumental soundtracks, and Sherlock Holmes, Pirates of the Caribbean, Stage Beauty, and The Fountain are some of my favorites.

Instrumentals can definitely be fabulous to write to. I don’t pick them enough. I’ll have to try these out. Thanks! When you’re not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

Do you have a couple of hours? When I’m not writing, I knit, quilt, crochet, make dollhouses, design jewelry, make dolls, and

Wow. Very interesting. What is your greatest extravagance?

Ebooks and crafting stash.

What quality do you most admire in a man?

Kindness. Too often, men these days are taught that it isn’t manly to be kind, and that’s just so damn wrong.

Truth! I saw several character trait lists today for various heroes and kindness definitely wasn’t listed that often. What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

Enjoy the day-long writer’s high that comes with it. I don’t know what goes on in my brain when I finish something, but it’s better than Vicodin.

I know that feeling. It’s so very satisfying. Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I’m currently working on Breaker Zone (Book Two in the Olympic Cove series), a sci-fi caper romance called Two to Tango, and an MMF time-traveling adventure called Pharaoh’s Desire.

Grading the Curve cover - click to see on GoodreadsGRADING THE CURVE

by NICOLA CAMERON

BLURB:

Ellen Ragsdale is a scholarship student who just wants to get her college degree and start her life. Alexander Cord is a widowed English professor who hides his loneliness behind a sardonic facade. School rules have kept them at arm’s length all year long. But on the last night of Ellen’s college career, the two of them risk everything to find out if their mutual attraction is more than a classroom crush.

BUY LINKS:

EXCERPT

“Did you know that you always blush when you talk to me?” he said quietly. “It’s charming. You look like a medieval maiden receiving her first suitor.”

It felt like someone had painted fire across her skin. She ducked her head, staring dumbly at the hallway’s scarred paint. He couldn’t know. Nobody knew that about her. It wasn’t that obvious.

Was it?

“Interesting.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I meant it as a compliment, but perhaps I struck closer to the truth than I’d intended.” He moved closer, and she could feel the heat from his whole body now, warming her like an invisible caress. “Are you?”

She swallowed hard. He couldn’t be asking what she thought he was asking. “A-am I—”

“A maiden. A virgin. I believe a popular term is ‘unicorn bait.’” His voice dropped, turning into a soft rumble. “I have to admit, I’m puzzled as to how someone as lovely and intelligent as you could still be virginal.”

Her entire face now felt like it was on fire. She’d gone on the occasional date, usually doubling with Keisha or Dianne, but once the guys found out what her schedule was like they didn’t bother calling again. “Too busy, I guess. Working, studying.”

To her surprise, cool fingers slid under her chin, gently turning her face up. “What a shame,” Cord said, his voice low and soft. “But if it’s of any consolation, men your age do tend to be rather slapdash and impatient when it comes to women. I assure you, you haven’t missed out on much by skipping the undergraduate sexual circus.” The façade of the academic disappeared. Underneath was a man she didn’t know, warm and standing so close to her. “That being said, I wonder … would you be willing to consider me?”

“What—” Her throat clicked, it was so dry. She swallowed and tried again. “What are you saying?”

He tilted his head to the side. “I want to take you to bed, Miss Ragsdale. I want to kiss that pink mouth of yours, undress you ever so slowly, play with those gorgeous breasts and suck your nipples before I caress every inch of your body. I want to bury my tongue between your legs and lap at your clit, and when you’re dripping wet I want to bury my cock in you. I want to see that sweet mouth of yours open and scream my name as I make you come over and over again.” Now she could smell his cologne, something masculine, woody, and underneath that, the musk of clean male. “Come home with me tonight, Miss Ragsdale. Let me make love to you. I promise you, you won’t regret it.”

BIO

Nicola Cameron is an expatriate Chicagoan who has lived in England, Canada, Holland, and Sweden, and keeps a confusing amalgamation of languages in her head as a result. Currently located in the clavicle of Texas, she has finally mastered the proper use of “y’all,” much to her Chicago family’s dismay.

Despite a healthy interest in sex since puberty, it wasn’t until 2012 that Nicola decided to try writing about it. As it turned out, the skills she picked up during her SF writing career transferred rather nicely to erotic romance. When not writing, she wrangles cats, smooches her husband, makes dolls of dubious and questionable identity, and thanks almighty Cthulhu that she doesn’t have to work for a major telecommunications company any more (because there’s BDSM, and then there’s just plain torture…).

Weekend Writing Warriors – A Not So Innocent Lunch

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Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

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 debut, TAKING CHANCES.

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. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together and both have been fighting their desire. LAST WEEK: Jake took a cold shower in Keller’s office. Well, it started cold.  THIS WEEK: Jake returns to the conference room to find Lydia eating the lunch Keller ordered for them.

Barbecue.

Keller was trying to kill him.

Her tongue escaped her mouth to smother her finger in quick caresses. Wet fingers could do a lot of naughty things, and his mind wanted to think of them all. They had a lot of work to do this afternoon, and his thoughts needed to stay on the task in front of them. Why did she have to keep licking her fingers like that? He’d never been so envious of a finger. He crept closer to her and her wicked tongue.

Will Jake’s envy lead him to taking a chance with Lydia? <~ You can <tweet that> if you want. I can tell you it leads one of them to take a chance. Come back next week and you’ll find out.

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

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 takingchances1mlove 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 | Barnes & Noble | 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.

Flash Fiction #47 Hope in a Picture

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Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

September 27, 2013

Rochelle brushed her nose against her knee and snuck another look at Javier as he slept. For weeks, they’d traveled together, but unless they were about to perform, he scarcely spoke.

He may have rescued her purse from the nasty thief that first day in Paris, but she’d never forget his curt reply to her heartfelt thank you.

“Next time I’ll let them keep it. Hold onto your stuff.”

She couldn’t figure out why he’d drawn a picture of her, but there she was in black and white. The need to ask him for something, anything left her in shivers.

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Raven Mcallan: http://ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
J.P. Stevens: http://jp-stevens.blogspot.co.uk/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Sherri Hayes: http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Leann Mitchell: http://leannmitchell.blogspot.com/
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com/
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
Angela Crum: http://cherrydarling317.wordpress.com/