Inside Look with Ela Stein author of Pleasure Android 7.1 and Love’s Labyrinth

click to see the Inside Looks here at SJs

I’m extremely pleased to have Ela Stein here today. She recently made her debut with Evernight Publishing. It’s a great place to make a debut. 🙂 Ela has released not just one, but TWO books and one of them is free. It’s a great opportunity to meet a new author. Plus, one of her excerpts is X-Rated. Wahoo. Take it away, Ela Stein!

***

Hello, everyone! I’m here today to talk about my two new releases with Evernight Publishing, but first of all, a very huge thank you to SJ for having me. These are my first publications, so I am excited and a little scared 🙂 Writing has always been a part of my life, and getting published a dream and a goal, so it’s a cool feeling to have two books for my very first release date.

First, a little bit about my Free Read because… well, it’s free. So you can try out my writing at no risk, and I hope you enjoy it. This is a quick and short read, at a little over 5,000 words. “Pleasure Android 7.1” came about as the result of the eternal “what if” question. With all the advances we’re making in artificial intelligence and robots, it seems almost inevitable that this will be our future. I saw a video about the robots they are creating in China… they look like people, they talk, they make eye contact. It’s exhilarating, the progress we’re making, and a little creepy at the same time. Nico, the hero of “Pleasure Android 7.1” is definitely not the least bit creepy. He was created to be every woman’s fantasy and has the database to deliver (wink, wink).

unnamed (13)Blurb:

Zola is dismayed to discover that for her 40th birthday, her friends teamed up to purchase her a hot sex droid. She refuses to let herself get attached to a machine, and tries her best to avoid the temptation. He is programmed to overcome such resistance and knows how to wear down defenses and sell himself like a pro using his perfect charms and impeccable skills. Though she suspects it’s nothing more than a sales pitch, she begins to question whether beneath his perfect manufactured exterior can lie genuine feelings and desires.

Excerpt:

What the fuck.

A seven-foot-tall box occupied the middle of my living room. I stared at the prime male specimen behind the clear front panel. Well over six feet tall, with dusky skin, dark brown wavy hair, broad shoulders, aquiline nose, full lips—basically, he looked like a model, the kind you’d drool over in an ad for high-end products.

With his eyes closed, his long, thick lashes grazed his chiseled cheekbones. He looked as though he slept—an illusion of the most expensive kind.

I sighed, hands on my hips. My best friend, Lexia, had done it. For my fortieth birthday, she got me a sex droid. She’d joked about it, but I never thought she’d actually follow through. It had to be her—she was the only other person who had access to my apartment.

On the box, in large, blocky print, it proclaimed “Domestic Android 7.1” and underneath it, in fancy script, “For Your Pleasure.” Alrighty then. And what if it was my pleasure to get rid of it? I stalked to the box and circled around it. The back and both sides were solid panels of striking red. If it was supposed to be romantic, their marketing department missed the boat. I wasn’t a big fan of Valentine’s Day, and this was even cheesier than a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Although, I could remember a time when chocolates, roses, and a little stuffed bear made my heart skip a beat. I had grown a bit jaded over the years, which was probably why my friends decided to gang up and torture me with this… thing. It stood there, like the proverbial elephant in the room. There would be no vid watching on my birthday, cuddled up with a bowl of ice cream. No relaxing in the tub with a good romance novel. Now I was too distracted, and I wasn’t going to be able to enjoy myself until I got this thing out.

A plan formulated: get the box outside and message his creator, Atlas Robotics Corporation, to come pick him up. No, not him. It. I studied the box. At five foot five, it had well over a foot on me. I tried to tilt it to the side, planning on then pushing it out the rest of the way. The damn thing was heavy. So heavy, it didn’t even wobble when I gave it my all.

Exhausted, I plopped down on my yellow pleather couch to glare at the box. I refused to build up a sweat today of all days. What a disaster my birthday was turning out to be. There was no getting the box out until Atlas Robotics agreed to stop by. Since they had no incentive to be eager to process a return, it could be days. Maybe even weeks, I thought miserably.

Not fair that here I was, suffering, while he—it!—stood there, all serene and peaceful. I jumped to my feet and approached the box. There was an easier way to do this. Turn him on and order him to take a hike on his own two legs. The more I considered it, the more I liked this plan. Quick, easy, smart.

***

Okay, I hope you liked the beginning of my free short story. Now, onto my novella, “Love’s Labyrinth”. I am a huge fan of fantasy, and this novella is very close to my heart. It’s set in the far future, on a colonized planet. Humans weren’t doing too well with surviving on it after a crash landing, but the Gods took mercy and intervened, helping them figure it out. The Goddess of Love left behind her magical Labyrinth, where once a year, those who participate get to meet the ones they’re fated to be with. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the ratio of men to women is skewed, so it’s not uncommon with a woman to find more than one mate. As everyone knows, the Goddess makes no mistakes.

unnamed (14)

Blurb:

Auria enters the magical Labyrinth on New Year’s Eve, and its halls guide her to the two men she is fated to be with. Brener has loved her from afar since they were children, and Jhennen is a Warrior-Guard, commanding in personality and intimidating in physical presence. They share a life-changing, passionate night together, but come morning, they must decide if their one-night menage can be the beginning of something new. When trouble threatens to tear Auria away from her life and the two men she is starting to develop feelings for, their connection just might be her only hope for salvation.

X-Rated Excerpt:

Brener’s tongue flicked masterfully on my clit. He knew what he did to me. I held my breath, feeling my insides begin to gather, ready for that final moment.

But just before it came, Brener stopped and jerked back, leaving me alone. My pussy protested, my clit throbbing almost painfully. My eyes flew to him in protest, in supplication, but then my whole being froze.

Brener was sitting back on his heels, his lips wet from his ministrations, his body stiff with shock. The same shock I myself felt, as I stared up at the stranger that seemed to have appeared from nowhere.

He was gigantic, appearing to loom like a mountain from my prone position. Whereas Brener had an athlete’s body, this stranger had a warrior’s body with a broad back and wider hips and his entire physique encased in bulky muscle. Blond hair, almost white, was pulled back in a long ponytail—I could see its bottom reached to his lower back. My eyes flew to his face, his cold, pale blue eyes. He seemed to regard me with some measure of amusement. A long pale scar saved his face from being almost pretty, as did the rough bump in his aquiline nose. Leaning against the green wall of the Labyrinth with one shoulder, his relaxed stance was at complete odds with the tension that gripped me.

I gasped and used my hands to cover my breasts, while drawing my legs up to cover my splayed pussy.

Seeing this, he chuckled and shook his head. “No need to cover all the loveliness,” he said, and his words held a hint of an accent, the difference in inflection conveying he was not from our village. It sounded like a northern dialect.

“Who are you?” I could think of nothing else to say in that moment. My heart jumped to action, pounding away like crazy with a surge of adrenaline.

“Jhennen,” he replied, as though we were out to tea, having a pleasant chat. As an afterthought, he added, “Jhennen Vayment.”

“What are you doing here?” Brener almost growled, coming to his feet now, bristling. With them standing, it was clear Jhennen was a couple heads taller. All the more sweet that Brener thought to protect me from him, dwarfed as he was by this man, who looked battle-trained and used to combat.

“I suppose the same thing as you are,” Jhennen drawled out almost carelessly. His stance was nonthreatening, but his eyes glinted with definite danger. “The Goddess brought me here, same as you. So stand down, and either watch or participate, your choice.”

Outraged, I sputtered, and would have flown at him to slap that presumptuous smile off his face, but remembering my complete nakedness, I stayed put. “What do you mean, participate?”

“Is it the word or the concept you’re not clear on?” He turned to me now, his tone light.

“You’re not participating in anything here, or with anyone here. Feel free to turn about and go back the way you came,” I shot back, angry now.

“I think not. The Goddess doesn’t make mistakes, and to be honest, I hoped we’d cross paths here.”

***

About Ela Stein:

Reading was my entertainment and salvation as a child, and it transferred into a passion for writing. I am still very much a reader, and love many different genres, from erotic romance, to fantasy (and dark fantasy… Game of Thrones, anyone?), to historical fiction, and that love is reflected in my own writing as well (I don’t do contemporary very often). If you’d like to learn more about me, or chat about books and life, you can find me all over the web. I’d love to get to know all of you, and even though my blog is new, I post regularly and update on life and my writing progress. Thanks so much for stopping by today and reading. You can find me here:

Websitehttp://www.elastein.com/
Bloghttp://elastein.blogspot.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ela.stein.735
Twitter https://twitter.com/Stein_Ela
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8142001.Ela_Stein
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/elastein/

My Book Crush with Terran (Breeder 2) by Cara Bristol

The highly anticipated second book in Cara Bristol‘s Breeder series released a couple weeks ago. I loved the first book in this series, but could the second book give me the same sense of wonder and suspense that happens when you fall in love in a sci-fi world? The answer is YES!

I’m in love with this series because it mixes so many things I love. It’s a great story with romance that’s spanking hot and it’s all mixed in a sci-fi world that doesn’t overwhelm, but adds an undeniable uniqueness.

You can read more about my reading experience in my review on Goodreads.

Terran has been climbing the Amazon charts too. It’s simply a great read that’s not to be missed.

click the image to see Terran on Goodreads
Terran (Breeder 2)

by Cara Bristol

Published: May 6, 2014

Publisher: Loose Id

After fleeing loneliness and heartache on Terra, Tara Diehl has adjusted to male-dominated Parseon better than most vendors–until she is kidnapped by Alpha Marlix, one of the five rulers of the planet. At first she’s terrified of her tall, muscled abductor, especially when he doesn’t hesitate to quell her struggle for freedom with a little corporal discipline. After all her methods and ploys to escape fail, she decides to seduce her way to freedom. 

But out of seduction and subterfuge grow a true intimacy that cause Marlix and Tara to take action that drives Parseon to the brink of civil war, and threatens not only their relationship, but also their lives. 

Terran, the second book in the Breeder sci-fi series, is a “capture” romance involving a domineering but hunky alien, and a female with a bad dye job and an even worse attitude.

EXCERPT:

If people gawked, she did not notice. Panic blinded Tara to all but instinct as she tore through the Bazaar. Suck it up. Suck it up. Sobs of relief convulsed in her throat when her feet found their way to her shop. Perched on a counter stool eating lunch, Ramon leaped to his feet as she stumbled in.
“My God, Tara! What the hell happened?” He grabbed a bolt of flannel off its stand and threw it around her, then hugged her to his chest.
Unable to stop crying, she heaved and shuddered as Ramon rocked her and swore under his breath.
“I th-thought it w-would be o-o-okay. I only went out-outside to check.”
Ramon stiffened.
“They grabbed me,” she sobbed.
“They?”
“Th-three males.”
“F***,” he swore, his voice laden with concern. He did not need to say I-told-you-so to remind Tara how foolish she’d been. “We need to call Security. The Terran Embassy.”
She shook her head. “No.” The Terrans held little authority and couldn’t do anything. Parseon Security did have power but would do nothing. Nor could she endure an interrogation by males cut from the same cloth as her attackers. Parseon did not consider sexual assault a crime but rather a sport, which was why the treaty attempted to protect its female vendors by insisting they travel with an escort. By venturing into the Market alone, she had disobeyed the rules intended to protect her.
“Yes. My God, Tara, you were attacked.” He dropped his voice to a hoarse whisper. “Did they rape you?”
“No,” she lied. She squeezed her eyes shut against Ramon’s shoulder. She’d been pinned to the ground. They had sodomized her with their fingers–they just hadn’t gotten around to the rest of it, because the Commander had intervened. She recalled his growl, his shadow. The boot on her back had lifted, and her attacker had flown through the air. She’d heard a thud and a snap, and then the pounding of feet as the other two attackers had scrambled away.
Only Alpha remained. Though he’d saved her, the rage and intent to harm that enlarged his already huge body had terrified her, and she’d fled, as much from him as the attack.
“You’re bleeding,” Ramon said, and she became aware of searing pain in her legs, back, and chest. 
They’d cut her when they had sliced at her clothing and had pummeled her with their fists and feet. “You need medical attention. I’m calling Security.”
“No!” came a gravelly shout.
Ramon started, but Tara did not. Hadn’t she known all along he would follow her?
“I will handle this.” There was no mistaking the threat in the gaze the Alpha cast upon Ramon. “Leave us.”
A brave Ramon shook his head. “No, I’m staying.”
Aggression shimmered off the Commander in waves. Ramon was wiry but little match for most men on Terra, let alone an Alpha. She had little doubt how he would fare in a confrontation. Again, she pictured her attacker sailing through the air as if the Commander had thrown a stuffed toy and not a live adult male.
She opened her mouth to reassure her shop mate she would be okay, but before she could speak, the Commander yanked her out of Ramon’s protective embrace and slung her over his shoulder. The Alpha stalked out of her shop into the Bazaar.

Where you can find Terran:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | Loose-Id

Spotlight: The Beta’s Beloved by Rebecca Brochu

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

click to see on GoodreadsBlurb:

A year after Declan Adair crashed into Carson territory and into the alpha Law’s heart things have finally settled down.  Except for the fact that Trace Carson, Law’s brother and right hand wolf, is head over heels for the fiery but skittish Lachlan, Declan’s identical twin brother.  The entire pack, including both of their brothers, knows how Trace feels about Lachlan.  The only problem is that Lachlan seems completely oblivious to Trace’s interest.

Trace, in a final attempt to woo the elusive Lachlan, whisks him away to the northern reaches of the territory and a remote cabin deep in the heart of the forest.  Trace hopes that he can convince Lachlan to give him the chance he needs to prove himself before someone else swoops in and takes his beloved away.  Trace will do anything to prove to Lachlan that he can be the man and the wolf for him.

Excerpt:

They were both panting when he finally broke the kiss. Lachlan’s face was flushed, and his eyes were bright, and he was so beautiful Trace could barely breathe.

“Can I?” Trace asked as he let Lachlan go so he could trail his hands down the smooth line of Lachlan’s chest to fiddle with the waistband of his borrowed sweat pants.

Lachlan nodded his agreement and Trace slowly hooked his fingers in the waistband and pulled them down and off. He tossed the pants in the direction of the couch, attention focused on the way Lachlan’s half hard cock bobbed against the smooth line of his stomach. Trace relished the hiss Lachlan released when he wrapped a hand around his cock and tugged. Lachlan was smooth in his hand, hot and hard and utterly tempting. He swiped his thumb across the head and grinned when Lachlan moaned and bucked up into his grip. Trace watched the way Lachlan’s eyes fluttered closed and couldn’t help but frown lightly at the way he bit lightly at his lower lip in an effort to stay quiet.

“Don’t do that.” Trace thumbed at Lachlan’s mouth with his free hand as he twisted his other to give Lachlan’s cock a firm upstroke. “I want to hear you.”

Lachlan moaned loudly in response, pushed his hips up lightly into the firm grip that Trace had on his cock. He didn’t try to stifle himself again, and Trace had to ignore the way his own cock throbbed with want at the sounds Lachlan emitted as he stroked him.

Trace moved out from between Lachlan’s thighs so he could settle onto the rug beside him. He played with Lachlan lazily for a few moments, did his best to remember every twitch and shudder he managed to wring out of him. Lachlan’s flush grew, spread across the high arches of his cheeks and down his neck and chest. He could smell Lachlan’s arousal in the air still, thicker than ever before, could feel the way Lachlan was approaching the edge, muscles tense and breathing heavy.

Trace pushed him further along with a few more strokes and then he abruptly stopped. Lachlan whined at him in protest, bucked his hips up and tried to entice him back, but Trace just grinned down at into his flushed face. Trace leaned down and took Lachlan’s mouth in another deep kiss. Before he pulled back Trace grabbed one of Lachlan’s hands and guided it towards Lachlan’s cock.

“I want to watch,” Trace rasped. Lachlan jerked and stared up at him in surprise, but Trace just leaned over and ran the flat of his tongue across Lachlan’s nipple. “I want you to do it.”

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/the-betas-beloved-by-rebecca-brochu/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Betas-Beloved-Wolves-Flathead-ebook/dp/B00JQRR8TY

About Rebecca Brochu:

I am proud to say that I live in a small town in North Carolina, surrounded by fields and fresh air. Naturally I spend most of my days crouched in front of a keyboard or curled up with a book.  As an avid video game and anime enthusiast, it is an understatement to say that I have a vivid imagination. With a collection of games, dvd’s, and books that number too many to count I am often neck deep in some fantasy world.  I am also the proud owner of two haughty cats and one encouraging dog.  I truly do owe it all to the readers.  Thank you so very much.

Links to find Rebecca Brochu:

Evernight Publisher:  http://www.evernightpublishing.com/rebecca-brochu/
Blog:  http://rbrochu.blogspot.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AuthorRBrochu
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008DMDK5E
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorRebeccaBrochu
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5159900.Rebecca_Brochu

Inside Look with Doris O’Connor author of The Mating Project

One of my favorite authors, Doris O’Connor is back today and celebrating her latest release, The Mating Project. Prepare to be hooked. 🙂

click to see all the Inside Looks at SJs

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m incredibly excited to be sharing Maria’s story with you. I knew I had to write her story from the minute we meet her in book one of the Projects Series, The Orgasm Project. In that book she sets up her best friend with her brothers. In book two of the series, The Bear Project, she is there for her human work colleague Emmi, when she comes back from holiday mated to a bear shifter, and we get the first glimpse at Maria’s complicated love life.

****

“Oh, no,” Emmi said. “You’re not getting out of this so easily. Spill, Maria, what in hell is going on? You made it sound like some sort of dire emergency on the phone, so I drag myself here on my day off, and then you turn up half an hour late, and looking as though you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.” Emmi stopped and properly looked at her friend. “And you were wearing those clothes yesterday. I knew it, you’re seeing someone! Who is he?”

She had to be. Maria was always perfectly turned out, and she’d never wear the same clothes twice in a row, and she had sounded desperate on the phone.

Emmi crossed her arms and glared at Maria, and she squirmed.

“Them, actually, but you can’t tell anyone, promise me, please.”

“Two?” Emmi laughed. She couldn’t help it. Here she was on the verge of combusting with sexual frustration, and Maria had snared herself two guys. “What is it with your family and threesomes?”

Maria paled, and something in her intense blue gaze told Emmi that all was not well here.

“Promise me, Emmi, you mustn’t tell a soul. Not Anastasia or my brothers and certainly not Cole. Promise!”

****

Yes, it’s complicated, and dangerous, and Maria and her men break all the rules.

I recall my editor telling me in no uncertain terms that I’d better be writing Maria’s story next, when she read that bit in The Bear Project.

*grins*

So, this is it. Maria gets her men…or does she?

You’ll have to read the book to find out.  🙂

thematingproject1mBlurb:

Being together could mean death to them all, but walking away is not an option…

Bloodlines need to be protected at all costs and as a true-blood cougar Maria is expected to mate with a council-approved shifter. Too bad the one chosen makes her skin crawl for all the wrong reasons.

But running away already landed her in hot water once before. Wolf shifter Malachi Luca saved her life ten years ago, and then promptly disappeared with her heart. So much for true love.

Now time is running out and Maria is feeling the strain. Seducing Professor Silas Deacon should be a welcome distraction except the human turns out to be her mate, too.

And that damn wolf—yeah he’s back and determined to claim both his cat and his human. What’s a girl to do? Fight for love and enjoy the awesome sex, of course.

Be Warned: menage sex (MMF), m/m sex, bondage, spanking, anal sex

Excerpt:

Maria couldn’t get enough air into her lungs, and she yanked on her restraints, the longer the two of them just stood there watching her through hooded lids.

Relax, little cat. Let us take care of you, and we’ll deal with the rest of the world tomorrow, or next week.

Silas winked at her, and Maria’s agitated cat calmed down. In fact the animal bowed her head in submission and hissed her approval when Malachi pulled his tee over his head. Her throat went dry taking in the hair roughened expanse of his chest and the force of his erection straining his jeans. Silas, too, shrugged out of his shirt and kicked off his trousers and boxer briefs in one impatient move. His magnificent cock bounced up to his navel, and Maria whimpered when he took himself in hand and stroked along his impressive girth. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from the slow movement of that hand. Not even when Malachi tore her dress off her with one abrupt flick of his clawed hands.

Cool air fluttered across her exposed skin, and her breasts grew heavy as her nipples tried their best to punch through the lace of her bra. The bed dipped again when Malachi knelt next to her and with a few well-placed flicks of his claws cut away their lacy covering. He continued a downward path of pleasuring pain toward her mound, using just enough force to leave a red trail behind. The slow slide and drag of those razor-sharp nails of his caused her whole body to tense, as sensations bombarded her. More of her juices gushed out of her as her pussy clenched in desperate need to be filled, and her hips pushed up when he circled her clit with his claw, lazy, incredibly slow circles that had her panting and undulating her hips in an effort to increase the pressure to that little swollen nubbin.

“Lie still, princess, or so help me I’ll leave you hanging.” Malachi’s hot hand landed on her belly and pushed her hips back down on the bed at the same time as Silas stepped close enough for Malachi to grasp hold of his cock. The action meant he abandoned Maria’s needy clit, and she whimpered when he licked away the bead of pre-cum that had appeared on Silas’s dick.

“Fuck, yes.” Silas hissed the words as Malachi took all of his lover’s dick in his mouth and fondled his balls with one hand. The other still held her hips down, and Maria bit her lip as arousal fizzed through her veins. She wanted to come so badly, and she was so damn close that the slight wafts of air, created by Malachi bobbing his head up and down on Silas’s cock made her clit contract with need.

Silas fisted his hands in Malachi’s hair and fucked his mouth with an urgency and brutal need that he’d never displayed with her. She tore her gaze away from the sight of Malachi’s lips stretched across Silas’s dick to find Silas’s gaze riveted between her thighs.

Maria whimpered at the heat of that gaze, until Silas pulled away from Malachi and knelt next to her head instead.

Grasping his dick, slick with Malachi’s saliva, he ran it across her bottom lip, and Maria opened her mouth eagerly to take in as much as he could. Silas kept his hand on the base of his shaft to stop her from choking on his length, and she shot him a grateful look, as he started to fuck her mouth. The taste of him mixed in with Malachi’s earthy scent, and she swallowed the first spurts of his cum down.

“Fuck, that’s so hot.”

Malachi’s words sounded strained and slightly distorted as though he was more wolf than man right now, and Silas fucked her faster. One hand wrapped in her hair as he held her head at just the right angle to serve his needs, and the knowledge that he used her to his ends, had her grow even wetter. The rip of fabric as her underwear tore made her shudder, and there was the swipe of Malachi’s rough tongue, and her body tensed. His claws dug into her ass as he lifted her up to give himself better access to her drenched core, and she screamed as her first orgasm ripped through her body.

Malachi chuckled into her pussy and then stepped up his efforts as Silas pulled out of her mouth and his hot cum splashed over her breasts.

Maria was too far gone to care, because Malachi now pushed two fingers into her channel, and finding her sweet spot in record time sent her over the edge twice more.

By the time she could draw air into her lungs, Silas was removing her leg shackles and Malachi had rid himself of his trousers. His cock was just as thick, if not thicker than Silas’s. It wasn’t quite as long, and the head of his dick looked swollen and purple, the balls drawn up tight to his body as though he was barely holding in his cum.

Malachi’s stubble glistened with the evidence of her arousal, and when he bent to devour her mouth his with his, she tasted herself in with him. It pitched her need for him sky high again, despite her earlier orgasms, and she pleaded with him in between kisses.

“Please, please…”

He pulled away and with a wicked grin bent down to lick the sticky evidence of Silas’s cum of her breasts. Silas joined him on the other side, and the dual sensations sent her clit and pussy into overdrive. There was something so dirty and yet terribly arousing in the act, and when both men bit down on one erect nipple each, another orgasm ripped through her.

 

Buy it from Evernight Publishing. For all other Buy links, please check here.

 

*****

Author Bio:

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.

Stalking Links

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Evernight Publishing

              Amazon | All Romance E-Books | BookStrand | Barnes&Noble

Spotlight: Extreme Heat AND Surrender Sweet Succubus by Jewel Quinlan

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

 

It’s two for one day in the Maylee ehouse. Jewel Quinlan is here with not only one new release, but two. The first is from Evernight Publishing’s Romance on the Go line. You know I love these hot and fast romances. Yum! She’s also brought her just released Surrender Sweet Succubus. She has me with the title alone. Enjoy!

extremeheat1mBlurb: When photographer Chloe Gaige gets assigned to cover the Pro Kiteboarding finals in Morocco she never expects to run into her childhood crush. Back then, their age difference is what caused her to pull away. Would he resent her for how she treated him back then?

Fully grown, pro kiteboarder Kai Shephard is a tough competitor used to going after what he wants…and getting it. When he catches sight of Chloe in the crowd with her camera, nothing can stop him from trying to be with her again. Except Chloe, that is. Would she see him for the man he is now?

Where you can buy Extreme Heat:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | All Romance e-Books | Barnes and Noble | BookStrand | Apple iBooks | Sony or add it to your shelf on Goodreads

Excerpt:

“I’m glad you’re here, Chloe.”

“You are?”

He turned his head toward her and looked into her eyes, his hands pressed into her back, drawing her closer. “Because I’ve thought of that night hundreds of times.” His words were loaded with meaning.

Chloe skimmed her eyes over his handsome face. He was positively smoldering with emotion. She swallowed hard. This was the moment, the one she would never forget. Her eyes locked on his and her mind churned over the different signals and sensations her body was picking up.

“Have you?” he whispered.

They were so close. His lips were right there, and he could kiss her any second. His deep, dark eyes were drawing her in.

She nodded.

He lay still, waiting, but she said nothing more. “You have to give me more than that,” he said. “I still don’t know what happened. I thought you liked it when I kissed you.”

Anxiety filled her. It was time to come clean. What would he think of her reasons? How would he see her after she admitted what a weak person she was? “I did,” she said blurted. “It was just….”

His clasp on her back remained firm and he turned his body to face hers so their fronts were pressed together. “Just what?”

Chloe could feel her face filling with the heat of embarrassment. Did he really want to talk about it? “It was just…school and my friends and….” She stopped and buried her face in his chest, not wanting to say anything more. He smelled so good. The warm scent of athletic male and ocean breeze.

He grasped her chin with his hand and lifted her face. “What else?”

Looked like she wasn’t going to be able to get out of explaining. He had that earnest look in his eyes again, the one she remembered from long ago.

“I need to know,” he said.

She couldn’t deny him. “Our age difference,” she said with a wince.

“Seriously?” His breath whooshed out with his surprise. “I mean, I know you’ve made comments about it before, but that was the reason you wouldn’t talk to me anymore?”

“Yes. No. Sort of,” she said in a rush. “Couldn’t you see how strange it would have been?”

“No.”

She sighed. “Of course not. You are such a male. If you were a teenage girl you would understand.”

“What is there to understand?”

She pulled away from him and lay on her back once again. “All the pressure,” she said. “To fit in, to be cool, to be part of the group.”

“And you and me would have been a problem?” he asked, sounding hurt.

The tone in his voice caused her long-held guilt to well up. “Not a problem, exactly. Just…not usual. I don’t think the guys in the senior class we always hung out with would have accepted you even if some of my friends had,” she explained. “Come on, Kai. I’m sure you remember what it was like being a teenager.”

He ran a hand through his hair and stared up at the stars. “I do but what I don’t remember is ever having problems fitting in.” After a moment he gave a great exhale. “Okay, sure. I guess I can understand. Not that I’ve ever lived my life caring about that stuff, but…I get it. I don’t like it, but I get it.” Using the arm still cushioning her head and shoulders, he turned her to face him again. “But you did like me then?” he asked.

She nodded.

He smiled. “And what about now?”

She felt shy and squirmy under his gaze but admitted with hesitation, “Yes.”

He beamed at her response. “And does our age difference still bother you? I’m twenty-one and you’re twenty-three. We’re always going to be a couple of years apart.”

She looked away from him feeling very shy and hating it. He still liked her? Was it possible after she’d rejected him? A small thrill shot through her stomach. “No. Why should it bother me?” she said, with a small shrug. Chloe was sure she looked braver than she felt.

“Because I want to be with you, Chloe. I want what was lost to us before.” He searched her face with his eyes and then added in a low voice, “And because I’m going to kiss you.”

Surrender Sweet Succubus CoverBlurb – When Dr. Stephen Wallace, a fertility specialist from Sydney Australia, is approached by his brother and sister-in-law for help conceiving a child there is no way he can refuse. Since they have already exhausted all the possibilities modern medicine can provide, Stephen turns to his skills as a shaman for alternative solutions. His search leads him to Las Vegas, Nevada on a slim lead to capture a succubus who he hopes has the power to help. But when he meets Geneva, the exotic and passionate succubus, he finds himself being captured instead.

Where you can buy Surrender Sweet Succubus

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Apple iBooks | All Romance eBooks

Or add it to your shelf on Goodreads

A peek inside Surrender Sweet Succubus:

“I came here because I was looking for a succubus…” he began.

“Mm hm. Well, you found one.”

He lost his train of thought as she rolled a tube of lipstick over her lips. The same lips that had been wrapped around his cock last night doing the most wicked things to him.

She finished and started to walk back into the bathroom but her feet stopped short just before the door as if she had hit an invisible barrier. The look on her face was almost comical.

“What the…?” She backed up a step and then tried to move forward again but was halted once more in the same place. She reached in front of her and grabbed the doorway then tried to pull herself through but from the waist down, nothing else moved.

“What the hell is going on?!” She sounded scared now.

He stood. It was working, the binding spell was working! “Okay, I don’t want you to get upset but I put a binding spell on you.” He couldn’t help feeling bad about it. It wasn’t really in his nature to cast such spells but it had been necessary.

“You did what?” Her tone turned to acid and her eyes narrowed.

“A binding spell,” he repeated, “So you can’t go more than three yards away from me. Sorry, were you trying to go to the bathroom?”

He moved closer to give her more slack so she could go in. She stumbled slightly as the perimeter of the bind shifted. She straightened, looking even more upset, and moved away from the bathroom towards the front door.

“How dare you!” she raged. “I am not to be held in bondage by any man. Release me at once!” Her hands scrabbled at the door behind her for the knob.

“I’ll remove it I swear! It’s just, I need your help with something and I didn’t want you to disappear. I wasn’t sure how you would react when I told you I knew what you were.”

“You think I’m going to help you now!?” She looked like she would hit him if she could. Her eyes blazed emerald fire.

“I think, when you listen to what I have to say, you will.”

“And what if I don’t want to listen? You’re going to force me?”

He started to negate it but then stopped. She was right. The look in his sister-in-law’s eyes had haunted him since they’d spoken. He couldn’t let her down. Couldn’t let them both go on with the heartache of being childless. He shook his head, not knowing what to say.

“That’s it, I knew it! You men are all the same. You just take what you want and bend other people to your will.”

He held his hands out to her in pause. “Now look, I don’t even know if you can help me. I just wanted the opportunity to discuss it with you. That’s all. But before we do there’s something else I have to tell you about.” Better to come clean right away. He slowly inched forward towards her.

She yanked the door open. “I don’t care! Whatever it is, I’m not doing it you jerk!” she said, turning to go.

He quickly called out, “I just wanted to be honest and tell you…”

She took one step and then crumpled into a heap on the carpet.

“…about the sedative.”

About the Author:

From a young age, Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels.  She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her two dogs; Shimmer and Penny.

For more information about books by Jewel Quinlan visit her website and blog or you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

 

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

Inside Look logo by SJ

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:

prohibited1m 43KBIn 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.

 

Review: Stealing His Heart by Ella Jade

Happy Release Day, Ella Jade!! I read Stealing His Heart this weekend and I can tell you it is a must read. I love Ella’s writing and she’s given us another fabulous story. You’re going to love Pax. He’s definitely my book boyfriend, but I’m willing to share, lol. I’ve already written up my review, 5 stars, you can read it here.

Below you’ll find all the details on Stealing His Heart along with an excerpt, buy links, and Ella’s giveaway. Enjoy! I did. 😀

When the players take the field this spring come meet my players…
Will the bad-boy pitcher strike out when it comes to love?
 
Shy music teacher Sophia Ballis has sworn off men. After a bad experience with a college jock she decided it was better to be alone than to get burned again. She focused on her education and now her new job at a local private school.
 
Professional baseball pitcher Paxton Hughes is a player both on and off the field. He’s signed to the Kingston Crushers to bring home the coveted championship title. Nothing can get in his way. Serious relationships don’t mix with a life on the road and he never loses focus on the game. One-night stands are his specialty for a reason.
 
While out jogging one spring morning, the two collide, setting their course in motion. Pax is immediately drawn to the unassuming beauty. Sophia is aware of his reputation and decides one night of meaningless sex with the attractive Texas charmer is just what she needs to get over her self-imposed dry spell. Pax has more than a one-night stand on his mind, but will his bad-boy persona and demanding schedule ruin any chances of a happily ever after?
 
Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content
StealingHisHeart cover - click to see on Goodreads

Stealing His Heart

by Ella Jade

Released: March 17, 2014

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

ISBN13: 9781940744131

Buy Links: Beachwalk Press

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Can I walk you to your car?”

“Thank you.” Sophia got up from the table and took his hand. “I’m parked right out front.”

Pax led her across the dance floor, waving to the few people who were left, and then out to the parking lot.

“It’s that one.” She pointed to her beat-up car, the one she’d bought her freshman year of college. It was used then but it still managed to get her where she needed to go. “Probably not as nice as what you drive.”

He leaned her against the car and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, strumming loud between her ears. She could smell the beer that lingered on his breath. His hazel eyes narrowed as he swiped the tip of his tongue along his top lip before tilting his head.

“I have a feeling I’m going be seeing you in my dreams tonight.” He sighed as he brought his mouth to hers. “Give me something to remember these next few days.”

She nodded as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and guided him to her, closing any space between them. When his warm lips touched hers, she thought she would explode. A burn coursed through her and settled between her legs. The mild tingling she’d experienced when they danced was nothing compared to the intensity she felt now.

As he deepened the kiss, his tongue massaged hers. Increasing his hold on her hips, he pinned her between the car and his massive thighs. She tightened her grip on him when his erection grazed her center. Every nerve ending in her begged to be satiated. The ache inside her stomach moved lower until the dampness invaded her panties. Her nipples poked against the thin material of her silk bra.

When she moaned into his mouth, he placed one last kiss on her lips before pulling away. He looked at her for a moment, pressing his forehead to hers, as he stuttered a few words.

“That was…well, I’ve never…” He ran his fingers through his hair. “You have me tongue-tied, sugar. That doesn’t happen often.”

Now she wanted to know what else he could do with that tongue.

“You best get in that car and drive away before I…”

She’d never wanted to have a one-night stand more than she did at that very moment. Maggie had said if there was ever a guy to have one with, Pax would be the one. He was a no-strings-attached player. Why hadn’t he asked her to go home with him?

“Be safe driving home.” He reached for the handle and opened her door. “You have some sweet dreams. I know I sure will.”

Sleep? That was the last thing on her mind.

About Ella
 
Ella 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:
 
GIVEAWAY
I’m giving away a Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer, A Keychain with the cover art and signed swag to three winners throughout the tour.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll consider adding Stealing His Heart to your TBR pile.

Spotlight: Lynked by Bethany-Kris

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

Happy Release Day, Bethany-Kris! 😀

Lynked - Cover - High ResLynked

by Bethany-Kris

He’d give up everything to keep her, in fact he did. But will she still be waiting on the other side when it’s over?

Genre: Contemporary erotic romance

Length: Full length – 93k

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Release Date: February 3rd, 2014

Blurb: When a fighter’s path crosses with a beautiful woman, he’s positive the meeting will only end in her leaving his penthouse with sex hair and a smile—until life and the law steps in, inevitably linking their futures forever. 

The accident that ended his fighting career wasn’t enough to keep former heavyweight mixed martial arts champion Devon Lynk out of the sport. His new business, Chaine Lynk, an exclusive fighting company, has made him millions through illegal gambling. Happy with his life, he never suspected it could be his downfall … until the morning after leads to something so much more than he expected, and he’s left with the weight of guilt and responsibility on his shoulders.

Veronica “Nic” Stacey made her way to Edmonton with the intention of starting life anew, but her first night in the city lands her in a stranger’s bed and things don’t quite go as planned. Waking up to find out her brother is in jail is one thing, but learning the man she slept with is also his boss is another matter altogether. With no knowledge of the city and nowhere to go, she’s left taking the only help offered: Devon’s.

With Chaine Lynk’s doors closed and Devon facing possible jail time for his involvement, reality takes a front row seat. Love and lust intermingle as he comes to learn what his business and choices have cost the girl he wants most—now he just has to fix it. But is it already too late?

Excerpt:

“What is your name, pretty girl?”

*

Something sinful crawled over every nerve Nic had in the best way at the voice in her ear. She couldn’t not respond to the hand suddenly holding tight to her waist. The heat of the man’s palm soaked straight through the fabric of her dress and seeped into her skin in the best way. She swore it travelled over her flesh with a tingling dance that had her burning hot instantly. Shooting him with a simpering grin, Nic turned her head just enough to check him out.

Tall and well dressed with broad shoulders, a muscled frame, and hazel eyes that seemed to pierce right into her soul, Nic was stunned for a second. The dark color of his skin stood out against the cream color of her dress and his fingers tightened, making her breath catch. Handsome was an understatement. This man was downright gorgeous in a way that made her pulse pick up and her sex ache.

There was a faint grin playing on his full lips and her gaze was drawn down to his hand still holding firm to her waist like it belonged there. No one had so blatantly approached her like he had throughout the night, not to mention physically touched her.

Actually, this man was the first to ever do that at all and not get an instant rejection.

Maybe it should have bothered Nic, but instead she found herself curious as to why he had approached her. After all, she hadn’t been actively trying to invite attention her way.

“Your name?” he asked again.

The roughness in his voice was almost mesmerizing. The flecks of green in his eyes seemed to dance under the lights, sparkling with suggestion and want.

“Nic.”

“What are your plans in the next five minutes?”

Nic turned to look back at the fight. The man did the same, watching as Jordan locked down hard to his opponent, pinning him to the mat with a chokehold that looked like it must have hurt. She’d thought seeing Jordan fight would turn her inside out with worry, but instead, Nic only found herself proud.

Maybe making the choice to come to Alberta had been the right one after all. Change was supposed to be a good thing, right?

“That depends,” she finally answered.

“On what?”

Once more, she met his gaze, feeling his hand gripping tightly to her waist and wanting to become lost in just the sensation of that action alone. Nic could feel her body wanting to press harder into his grip. Never had her insides reacted so strongly to another person. He didn’t let up a bit. Haze yielded behind them, tapping out hard against the mat. People started to cheer as their hands hit the cage. Jordan’s name rang out in the crowd louder and louder.

“On that.”

Her brother won.

The tuition was all but paid now.

Do something different. Those words rung in her mind like a toll bell.

What would it hurt to go home with this man? Nic wondered. Who would know what she had done? There wouldn’t be a soul to say anything bad. There would be no one judging her like they did back home. He clearly wasn’t a fighter if his clothing and attitude were any indication, so she was still following along with her brother’s only request.

What could it really hurt? Nothing. She was grown. Jordan would be celebrating his win. A single phone call to let him know she was fine would be enough until the morning.

“Come home with me,” he said, his eyes seeming to search hers for any sign of indecision.

Nic laughed an airy sound. “I don’t even know you.”

“I don’t bite.”

“Maybe I’d like that, though.”

“All right, I bite a little,” he teased.

She could easily say no, but she didn’t want to. That should have scared her. Whatever influence this man seemed to have on her was one she hadn’t experienced before. Nic was the rational one; a person who didn’t make irresponsible choices that would shine her in a bad light. Straight and narrow; white as a dove. Whoever this man was, he made her want to jump headfirst into the filth of sin without even thinking of possible consequences.

“Married?” he asked.

“Nope.”

“Escort?” The face she made must have given away how she felt about that comment. “Sorry,” he said.

Again, his mouth came dangerously close to her face, lips ghosting over the shell of her ear. Heat saturated Nic all over again and she shivered. Who was this man? She didn’t even care that his name had yet to be uttered. She wet her tongue with her lips.

“Come home with me,” he repeated, his voice turning down to a husky tone.

Nic bit her lip, her eyebrow rising in contemplation. “You’ll get me home in the morning?”

“In a private jet if you want, sweetheart; just say yes.”

“Yes.”

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lynked-Crimson-Romance-Bethany-Kris-ebook/dp/B00I2ZY6T6/

All Romance ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lynked-1407014-149.html

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lynked-bethany-kris/1118355494?ean=9781440579974

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lynked/id807763869?mt=11 

Author Bio: Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother of two young sons, two cats, and two dogs. Between playing children, barking dogs, snuggling cats, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something…when she can find the time.

Author Links:

Facebook | Twitter | Blog

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

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