Release Day! Smoke and Sin, The Perfect Gentlemen Series by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake #OneClick

Posted on September 26, 2017 by S.J. Maylee

New York Times Best Selling Authors Shayla Black and Lexi Blake invite you back into a world of passion and scandal.

More than a decade ago, Roman Calder had a scorching affair with the sister of one of his best friends. Augustine Spencer drove him so crazy he thought of nothing but her. The only thing they did more often than heat the sheets was fight. Unprepared for the intensity of their relationship, Roman broke things off and concentrated on things that made sense to him: his career and putting his best friend, Zack Hayes, in the White House.

Gus Spencer is known to Washington insiders as the president’s secret weapon. Gorgeous and brilliant, Gus runs the press pool with the determination of a shark. No one dares to cross her, not when she’s known for having a spine of steel…but long ago one man melted her down. Despite the fact that she’ll never forgive Roman for breaking her heart, now that they work together she can’t get him off her mind.

When a dangerous investigation leads both Roman and Gus to London, the heat between them becomes unbearable. As they begin to unravel an international conspiracy, they find themselves falling all over again. But when a killer threatens their world, can they fight to stay together or will the sins of their past keep them forever apart?

Kindle US | Kindle UK | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay | Amazon Print

ABOUT SHAYLA BLACK:

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. For nearly twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

NEWSLETTER I WEBSITE I FACEBOOK I INSTAGRAM I TWITTER I PINTEREST I GOOGLE+ I YOUTUBE

ABOUT LEXI BLAKE:

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

NEWSLETTER I WEBSITE I FACEBOOK I INSTAGRAM I TWITTER I PINTEREST

Release Day! JUST DESSERTS – A Collection of Bite-Sized Delights – Is Here!!

Posted on June 22, 2015 by S.J. Maylee

Just Desserts is here!! Happy Release day to all my fellow authors in the collection. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve put together. 😀

Below you’ll find all the details on this hot new collection including an interview with the amazingly talented Anne Lange. <- love her!

This collection will only be available for a short time and for only .99 cents.

So, scoop it up today!

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Feast on this collection of 22 Contemporary and Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy Erotic stories from bestselling, award-winning and multi-published authors, in this limited-time anthology. All stories are exclusive new content and can be read without reading the series, but will be icing on the cake for readers loyal to each saga.

JUST DESSERTS – A Collection of Bite-Sized Delights

22 Bestselling, award-winning and multi-published authors bring you the naughtiest delights.

Michele Bardsley ~ Honey Bear ~ The Pearson’s Security Series

Renee George ~ Alpha-Bites ~ The Cull: Claimed by the Alpha

Jodi Redford ~ Perfect Passion ~ Perfect Chemistry

Zara Cox ~ Indigo Velvet ~ Indigo Lounge Series

Renea Mason ~ Tasting Paris ~The Good Doctor Trilogy

Piper Denna ~ Confidential Craving ~ Fantasies Inc. Series

Erzabet Bishop ~ Black Magic Café

Iyana Jenna ~ Strictly Professional

Anne Lange ~ Blind Taste Test

S.J. Maylee ~ Common Grounds

Terri George ~ Feast on Me

Lee Rene ~ The Sweetness in the Pudding

Mindy Larson ~ Sweet Tooth

Felicity Kates ~ Super-Sex Me ~ The Little Miss Kick-Ass Series

Emma Nichols ~ Sinfully Sweet ~ The Sweet Series

Libby Sinclair ~ Cake Topper ~ The Incarnation Chronicles

Rissa Blakeley ~ A Little Taste of Naughty ~ The Shattered Lives Series

Mariah Kingsley ~ Sugar and Spice

Rosemary Rey ~ Always the Last One

Persephone Jones ~ Cherry Tart

Christine Severin ~ Cherry Lips

J.S Snow ~ Claiming

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/NsOt3D8ivI0

Buy Links:

Blind Taste Test by Anne Lange

A stand-alone erotic short story.

Contemporary Erotic Romance, Menage

An erotic romance author who needs to inject more realism into her sex scenes finds herself in the middle of a blind taste test in which she’s the dish for a double helping of dessert.

The Interview!

Hi, Anne! I’m so happy to have you here.

Hi S.J.! Isn’t this exciting! Just Desserts is finally live and it’s our first project together 🙂

I hope this is the first of many projects we have together. 🙂

First question: Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

The very first book I wrote, is not my first book released. It’s actually my second book. The first book I wrote is Friends with Benefits, the first in my Vault Series. And at the time, it wasn’t even planned to be part of a series. What inspired it? Boredom. Plain and simple. I was bored and decided to try writing something to pass the time. I read voraciously and decided I’d try my hand at crafting a story myself. I used locations I was familiar with and relied on one of the genres that I like to read myself. I didn’t plan it out. I just wrote by the seat of my pants. And voilà! After many iterations, and some on-line writing classes, Friends with Benefits was born.

The first book I ever wrote was written in much the same way. Only difference is that I’ve pushed it under my bed. Maybe someday I’ll pull it back out.

Tell me something about your hero and heroine in “Blind Taste Test” that made it difficult for them.

Hmm. Well, she’s blind folded and they are not. Probably the most difficult thing is the guys don’t want to give themselves away. So they try to disguise their voices and limit the dialogue. For her, the blindfold helps maintain a certain distance. This is a totally new experience so she’s really nervous. But she’s also very excited about the prospect of being with two men. Though that wasn’t what she expected when she agreed to the set-up. Surprise! 🙂

I was excited for her, too!

Something about your hero and heroine in “Blind Taste Test”” that makes them perfect for each other.

Tough question. Let’s see. Dale and Liam are younger than Lynda but they are mature. They are successful in their careers. They’ve established themselves and now find they’re ready to settle down. They both want a woman they can love, preferably the same woman. Lynda is coming out of a bad relationship where her husband belittled her. She needs somebody to love her and encourage her, to help her see the beautiful woman she is. Luckily she’s found two such guys.

All three of them are very lucky to have found each other when they did!

Thanks for having me S.J.! Congrats to you as well on your Just Desserts story Common Grounds. I loved this story and can’t wait for your fans to read it!

Aw! Thank you, Anne. Your story is fabulous. Readers are going to love it! This has been such an amazing project.

About Anne Lange

Shoes are her addiction, but books are her passion. Anne reads many genres of romance, but prefers to write sexy stories with a side of those sinful pleasures your mom never told you about. Oh, and always a happily ever after.

While embarking on this wild journey of becoming a romance author, Anne juggles a full time job and a family. Not always successfully, though. Who needs a clean house every day? And what’s wrong with cereal for dinner?

Anne lives in Ontario, Canada with her wonderfully supportive husband, three normally awesome kids, a chocolate lab who loves to cuddle, and a bearded dragon who loves carrots.

Author Links:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneLange

https://www.goodreads.com/Anne_Lange%20

https://twitter.com/Anne_Lange

http://authorannelange.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Lange/e/B00B2F9XVE/

Release Day Party for TAKING COURAGE – Love Projects 2

Posted on June 12, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

I couldn’t be more proud to release a story of love, courage, and ultimate passion out into the world. Please help me welcome Taking Courage (Love Projects #2).

Happy Release Day to me! 😀 *Throws coffee beans* 😀

It’s party day at the Maylee ehouse. I have all the details on TAKING COURAGE and an exclusive excerpt. Plus, I have a brand new GIVEAWAY.

Enjoy!

TAKING COURAGE

Love Projects series #2

by S.J. Maylee

Genre: Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Published: June 12, 2014

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-77130-875-5

TAKING COURAGE BLURB:

Janna’s ready to make over her life and get out from under the controlling thumb of her father. She doesn’t want another failed arranged marriage. She’s ready to do whatever it takes for the career she wants, enter the lifestyle she craves, and to earn the trust and love of the man that has captured her heart, but heartbreak and career hiccups seem to be her destiny.

Simon’s still recovering after his last submissive lied her way into his life. He’s not ready for Janna and how she pushes against his prejudices. He needs to decide if he’s willing to lose her or if he’ll fight for her love and submission.

TAKING COURAGE Exclusive EXCERPT:

The setup: Janna has just asked Simon to forgive her for a mistake she’s made. He’s stopped her from leaving his office by stepping in behind her and pressing his hand against the door.

“You want to start over?”

“Yes, please.” The heat from his body soaked into her back. She wanted to press her hips into him. What would it feel like to be taken, right here?

“No more lies.”

“None, Sir.”

Her hips arched back to rub, seeking his hardness. She needed more. Her hips swirled over him, and he pressed her against the door. A moan escaped her, and then he was gone. She remained plastered against the door, afraid to move, not wanting to admit the moment was over. She peered over her shoulder and found him pacing the back corner of his office.

He couldn’t have gotten any further away.

“Do I need to apologize again?” She slowly turned around to face him and pressed her body into the door. A part of her wished the door would swallow her whole.

He stopped walking and looked out the window. She took a moment to look around his office. It was a mirror image of her office, except for the old boxing gloves on his bookcase.

“No. Maybe I should do the apologizing this time.” He crossed his arms over his sizable chest. She waited for him to continue. “I’m not going to bother you with my history.”

“History can be important stuff. It would help me to understand what’s going on here.”

“I’m sure you’d like that.” He continued looking out the window, probably looking at the ravine that had given her comfort earlier.

“I’m not sure you know what I’d like.”

He turned to look at her, smiling. “Is that so?” The corners of his kissable lips turned up.

She wanted to wrap her arms around him and tell him it would all be okay. Something or someone must have done a number on him. Lying could be his trigger. She needed to find a way to make it up to him.

“How can we get past this?” They were in the office, but their troubles had started in the club. How would they handle this sort of thing there? “You could punish me.”

“You’re asking for a spanking?” His cock clearly liked the idea. Her line of sight pulled to the obvious bulge in his pants.

“If that’s what you think I deserve, Sir.” She held her breath waiting for his answer. The line of appropriateness had clearly been crossed, but she needed this. She wanted this from him. Her palms turned cold and clammy as her heart pounded, waiting for his judgment.

He sauntered back to her, his darkening eyes trained on hers. He grazed her hip as he reached past her to lock the door. “Remove the skirt and panties.”

WHERE YOU CAN FIND TAKING COURAGE:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

All Romance eBooks | BookStrand

________________________

GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate my third release, I’m giving away one $10 Amazon gift card and THREE swag packs. To enter: answer this question in the comments, and click away on the rafflecopter.

Once Janna receives her punishment, do you think she’ll get a second chance with him?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Happy Release Day to The Sin Circus with Sweet and Sticky Buns from Sabrina Garie

Posted on April 29, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Click the pic for the
Evernight Publishing
Book Boyfriend Blog Hop!

The Sin Circus

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

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

Oh, that sounds fun and now here’s something Sweet and Sticky from Sabrina Garie

The circus abounds with very naughty food. Cotton candy, popcorn, snow-cones, cracker jacks and so much more. In the The Sin Circus, my story “Sweet and Sticky,” uses edibles in tantalizing and sexy ways. You may find some new uses for cotton candy after you read it. 🙂

In addition to serving as sexy props, food is also woven into the main story. The hero, Nick, is a literary agent specializing in cook books and food writers. Here’s a pretty decadent recipe from his most successful, and eccentric, authors. Sweet and sticky, just like the story.

Dorothy Blaine’s Vanilla-iced Cinnamon Buns

Bun Ingredients

2 (.25 oz) active dry yeast packages
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups warm water
6 and ½ cups all-purpose flour (this will be divided)
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
½ cup of sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Vanilla Icing Ingredients

1/3 cup of softened butter
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 and ½ tablespoons of Milk
1and ½ teaspoons Vanilla extract

Bun Directions

Dissolve yeast and 1/3 cup sugar in warm water. Best to use a large mixing bowl for this. Then, stir in 2 cups of flour and beat for two minutes, then add in the eggs and oil. Add one half cup at a time, then beat well. Continue to do so, one half cup at a time, until you’ve used all the flour.
Once the dough is ready, knead it for five minutes on a lightly floured surface. Butter a large bowl (you can use oil if you prefer), add the dough and coat it with the butter (or oil). Cover and let rise. You want it to double in size. This will take about forty minutes.
While the dough is rising, mix together the cinnamon and the remaining ½ cup of sugar.
When the dough has doubled, divide it into 12 pieces and roll in the cinnamon sugar then put in a greased baking pan. Cover the pan and let it rise, again about 40 minutes until it doubles yet again.
Bake for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F
Let cool then add the icing.

Vanilla Icing

Stir all the ingredients (butter, sugar, milk, vanilla) together. Add when the buns are cool.

Yum! Thank you, Sabrina Garie for sharing that recipe. I can’t wait to try it out. Now, let’s read more about each story in The Sin Circus.

Dark Surrender by Rachel Firasek

He stole her control, but she hasn’t completely surrendered her heart…yet.

http://www.rachelfirasek.com

Claimed by the Blade by Mina Carter

He’s waited years to claim her. Tonight, she’s all out of excuses…

http://mina-carter.com

Ring of Fire by Lacey Wolfe

The Ringmaster must figure out his feelings before his ballerina goes up in
flames…

http://www.laceywolfe.com

Unmasking Her Dom by Jennifer James

Tormented by touch, the King of the Harlequin resolves to release his bratty
sub before she strips away the last barriers between them, and discovers his
secret shame.

http://www.authorjenniferjames.com

The Bratty Lioness Tamer by April Angel

Two sexy female lovers. A new master ready to tame them.
And the performance they’ll never forget.

http://millytaiden.com/

Sweet & Sticky by Sabrina Garie

Recipe for forever: Mix a flailing writer with a down-on-his-luck agent, toss
in a pound of cotton candy and an empty bleacher. Let simmer.

http://sabrinagarie.com/

Twice the Pleasure by Georgina DeBurca

As the bindings unravel, two brothers race to save the woman who has captured
their hearts.

https://www.facebook.com/author.deburca

With the Greatest of Ease by Anne Lange

He traded a trapeze and the catch of a lifetime for a life in a courtroom. Now
he’ll share her, to catch her, one last time.

http://authorannelange.com/

For the final act, the author’s of The Sin Circus have this fun Giveaway. 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sin Circus released today, April 29, 2014!! 😀

Amazon | AllRomanceEbooks | Kobo

It will be available at Barnes & Noble soon.

Spotlight: Bared by Stacey Kennedy

Posted on February 10, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

<<Click here for the Love Scene Blog Hop!>>

Prepare to be BARED…

Publisher: Loveswept

(Random House Publishing Group)

ISBN: 9780804178884

Release date: February 10, 2014

“Bared is a seductively haunting tale of control and surrender that will tantalize existing fans of the series, while enticing new readers into the passionate world of Club Sin.” ~Eliza Gayle, New York Times bestselling author of SUBMISSIVE BEAUTY

“A hot blend of raw sensuality, this is an author to watch!”

~Eden Bradley, author of THE DARK GARDEN and DANGEROUSLY BOUND

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.

Buy links:

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

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

More buying options – http://www.randomhouse.com/book/236825/bared-by-stacey-kennedy

Rafflecopter code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Stacey 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 Supernatural, True Blood, Lost Girl, and Sons of Anarchy.

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

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorstaceykennedy

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

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

Get CLAIMED with 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

A 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

Release Day Party for UNTANGLE ME

Posted on December 5, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click here for the Thankfully Naughty Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to my release day party. I’m so glad you came. UNTANGLE ME is here! I love Evernight Publishing’s Romance on the Go line and now I have a ROTG of my very own. 😀 Below you’ll find a little glimpse at the hero and heroine, the BLURB, BUY LINKS. and a GIVEAWAY. I’m also visiting lots of friends who have excerpts and giveaways too. You can find all the links on my Appearances page as they become available. I’m visiting four friends today!

Untangle Me is a novelette. The book may be short, but I don’t skimp on the story or any of the emotion that drives these characters to beautiful places.

The heroine of UNTANGLE ME is Ivy Reed. She is the cousin of Jake Reed, the hero from my debut, TAKING CHANCES. Here is one thought she has in the beginning of this story.

You can read more from this scene in my post from this past Sunday’s Weekend Writing Warrior’s. I share snippets every Sunday from my published/unpublished books.

Now, here’s a tease from Seth Marsh, the hero from UNTANGLE ME.

UTM Quote Seth 2 new

You’ll have to get your own copy of UNTANGLE ME to find out how Ivy responded.

Although Untangle Me is not a Love Project series book, all my books are connected in some way. Be sure to follow my blog, because in the weeks ahead I’ll be sharing some book extras which will include Lydia and Jake from TAKING CHANCES and Ivy from UNTANGLE ME.

BLURB:

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

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

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

____________________________________________________

BUY LINKS:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

All Romance eBooks | BookStrand

____________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the release of UNTANGLE ME,
I’m giving away one $15 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

____________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taking Chances

(The Love Projects #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Release Date: TODAY!! August 23, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

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

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

Click here to see TAKING CHANCES on Goodreads.

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Lydia.”

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

“Lydia!” someone shouted.

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

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY:

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

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