Spotlight: This Isn’t Goodbye by Iyana Jenna

Posted on January 14, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

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

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

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

This Isn’t Goodbye

by Iyana Jenna

Romance on the Go

Evernight Publishing

BLURB

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

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

EXCERPT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But nothing escaped that pretty head.

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

“Uhh, yeah.”

“Taylor.”

“I just missed you.”

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

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

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

“What? Jamie?”

“I have to tell you something.”

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

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

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

“Yes, I do.”

“Then I’m sorry, too.”

“What for?”

“I ignored what my husband needed.”

Jamie smiled. “So do you forgive me?”

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

“I already have.”

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

BUY LINKS

Evernight Publishing ~ Amazon ~ All Romance Ebooks

Bookstrand ~ Amazon UK

About the Author:

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

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

Author’s Links:

Blog
Website
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

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

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Flash Fiction #54 – Finally

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

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Kelly shuffled into the gym at the end of her block. She promised herself she wouldn’t pass it again without going in. Standing alone looking at her hands, she considered running home.

“Can I help you, miss?”

“Ah.” No more words would come. Her mind lost in utter envy of the light and how it rolled over his bare shoulders and licked at his rippling abs. “I mean I wanted to sign up.”

“Finally. I was wondering when you’d come in.” His gaze seared into hers. “Come. I need to hang a new bag and then we’ll set you up.”

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

J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
K.A. Sullivan: http://Wildfire8470.Wordpress.Com/
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Raven McAllan: http://ravenmcallan.blogspot.com/
Jorja Lovett: http://jorja-lovett.blogspot.co.uk/
Pablo Michaels (Michael T Jordan): http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Faberge Nostromo: http://fabergenostromo.blogspot.co.uk
Naomi Shaw: www.authornaomishaw.com

Spotlight: One Kiss by Lisa Fox

Posted on January 6, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

I have a special treat for you today. Lisa Fox is here! She’s sharing her brand new release, One Kiss. All the details are below, including the first chapter. You’re not going to want to miss this. So much fun. Enjoy!

One Kiss by Lisa Fox

Blurb:

Sometimes one kiss can change everything.

New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a night for celebration and new beginnings. For best friends Kat and Dean, it is a nightmare filled with disastrous dates and enraged ex-girlfriends!

Lucky for them, they’ve got each other to help laugh off the embarrassing, and downright inappropriate, moments. But then midnight rolls around and neither of them have anyone to kiss…

There’s no doubt this is a night they will always remember.

The real question is whether it will be a night they want to forget…

An Excerpt From: ONE KISS

CHAPTER ONE

Kat spun around when her cell phone rang, and the stiletto heel on her brand new shoes snapped, knocking her off-balance. She crashed down on the living room carpet with a loud thump, grunting out a string of vile curses. Her short, sparkly dress twisted around her hips as she scrambled to get up, and a few sequins fell off when she collided with the coffee table. The phone slid off the glass top, bounced twice, and hit the floor. She snatched it off the ground as the last bars of “Tank!” played, brought it to her ear, and winced as the missed call beep blasted her eardrum.

“Son of a bitch,” she muttered, and checked the caller ID to see who had caused her all this grief. Dean. It figured. Her eyebrows furrowed. She hadn’t expected to hear from him for another few days. He was supposed to be out somewhere swank tonight, spending a very expensive, very exclusive New Year’s Eve with his girlfriend, Marine. The more expensive, the better. Marine wouldn’t settle for anything less. And she would not be happy if she knew he was calling Kat in the middle of their date. There had to be something wrong.

She slipped off her broken shoes as she called him back, grimacing when she tossed them into the trash can. It was a damn tragedy to have to throw out a cute pair of shoes. This was not a positive omen for the evening.

“Hey, Kat,” he answered on the second ring, and the familiar sound of his deep voice made her smile. Dean had a way of always making her smile. He also had a way of getting under her skin and driving her crazy too, but right now it was good to hear his voice. She’d missed him a lot during the Christmas break.

“Hey, yourself.” She switched the phone to her other ear and pushed open her bedroom door. Going out tonight was probably a bad idea. She still didn’t understand why shewas beginning to regret letting Ron talk her into this ridiculous blind date. If there was any time left to back out, she would have. Well, maybe that wasn’t entirely true. She was kind of excited. Curious anyway. She’d been so stagnate lately. It was time to shake things up. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I just got back and I wanted to say hi.”

“Huh-huh,” she said, allowing him to hear the skepticism in her voice. This was not a “just say hi” call. Something was up. She could feel it. “I thought you’d be out with Marine by now.” She knelt down in front of her closet and pushed her half-unpacked suitcases aside. Her shoulders sagged as she peered into the dark, chaotic recesses. She was never going to find anything in there. Why had she never organized? Maybe that ought to be her New Year’s resolution. She dug around and pulled out a pair of red, patent leather Mary Jane’s, which she examined and promptly tossed aside. Definitely not right. “What are you guys doing tonight?”

He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Mari and I broke up.”

Kat sat back on her heels. That was news—and not the bad kind. The last time she’d seen them together, Marine had been clinging to Dean’s arm as hard as usual. Found someone with a bigger wallet, did she? formed on her lips, but she bit the words back. He knew exactly how she felt about Marine. He didn’t need to hear it right now. “What happened?”

She heard the phone shift and knew that he was raking his fingers through his thick, curly hair. It was what he did whenever he was upset. “It started out like it always does, you know? She bitched about my job, cried over all the money I was ‘losing’ by not going somewhere else, and then she got all twisted, went on this rampage about how we can’t get married if—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” She shook her head so violently, her hair got caught on a button of the only business suit she owned. She winced as she pulled herself free, ripping out a fair amount of hair in the process. “Please don’t tell me you proposed to her?”

“What? No. But it’s what she wants.”

I’ll bet. Marine was no fool. She was entering her late twenties and while she was a working model, she wasn’t one of the elite. One day very soon she was going to be nothing more than an old face in a sea of younger, fresher faces. For women like Marine, marrying well became the next logical step. Dean was an excellent candidate. He was young, ambitious, an award-winning designer on the ground floor of a successful boutique web design and marketing firm. He’d already been headhunted a number of times by the corporate giants. If he ever decided to make a move, he’d be able to name his price. And, as an added bonus, he looked great in a suit. “I don’t understand. You broke up over that? You guys have had that fight a million times before.”

“Well, this time when she left, I didn’t stop her.” He paused. “I haven’t heard from her since.”

Good riddance, she almost said aloud. He deserved so much better. “When was this?”

“Tuesday.” She heard him sit down on his couch, the familiar creak of the springs in the background. “Right after the holiday dinner.”

Kat’s mouth dropped open. “Before Christmas? Dean, that was over a week ago! You’re just telling me now?”

She could feel him shrug, see his sheepish grin. “You were in California, and I only got back from Colorado last night. There was nothing you could do.”

She huffed in reply and dove back into the closet. There was probably something she should be saying, some comfort she should be offering, but he didn’t really sound all that upset, and a deep, mean, little part of her was glad Marine was gone. A deep, selfish little part of her actually rejoiced. “So, what happens now?”

He didn’t get a chance to answer because Kat yelped as a pile of boxes fell down around her head.

“Kat,” he called, his voice sharp with alarm. “Are you all right?”

She couldn’t help but smile. She knew without any doubt that he was on his feet, that he’d leapt up the moment she screamed, and was ready to jet over to her place to save her immediately. Sir Galahad had nothing on Dean. Sickening as it was, it never failed to strum a cord way back in the depths of her black, little heart. She wasn’t used to people wanting to care for her and every time he did, it left her feeling a bit unbalanced, yet oddly touched. But, no matter how sweet, it was the reason behind most of his problems. He was a sucker for a female in distress—or at least the ones who were convincingly in distress.

“I’m fine,” she said, pressing her palm against the side of her head where the corner of a box had struck. She supposed she should have been grateful there was no blood. A great, big river of blood gushing out of her head would only have made the night that much more awesome. “I’m trying to get ready for Ron and Alan’s party.”

“I didn’t think you were going.”

“I wasn’t.” She had intended to stay home and work, maybe have a glass of champagne alone at midnight, but then Ron approached her the day after the holiday dinner with his idea, and she had randomly said yes, surprising both him and herself. A sigh escaped her lips as her gaze touched the disarray spanning out into the center of her bedroom. She should have stuck with her original plan.

BUY LINKS:

Harper Impulse: http://www.harperimpulseromance.com/books/one-kiss/
Amazon: http://goo.gl/kUhg13
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/WF65GA
B&N: http://goo.gl/VD8s78
iTunes: http://goo.gl/BsfHz5

About Lisa:

World-renowned neurosurgeon, jet fighter pilot, secret member of American royalty, seducer of legions of beautiful, outrageously sexy angels and demons and vampires and werewolves and the occasional pirate, Lisa Fox has done it all…in her own mind. In reality, she can generally be found at her desk with a cup of coffee close at hand. Or maybe a martini. It really depends on the day.

Feedback, comments, opinions, words of wisdom, chocolate cake and the addresses of super hot men are always appreciated and encouraged. Please feel free to contact Lisa any time.

Email: lisa@lisafoxromance.com

Website: www.lisafoxromance.com

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

Twitter: @LisaFoxRomance

Flash Fiction #53 – Stay

Posted on January 3, 2014 by S.J. Maylee

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

All week Shelly had draped her body over the cushioned stage and each day she’d hoped to catch the eye of one painter, but each day ended the same. No conversation, just breathtaking art with her as the subject.

Today, she took a risk and wore the dress with the ridiculously sexy neckline. Her breasts threatened to spill out. She didn’t care.

Marco’s gaze caught hers and for a minute she kept him with her. When his brush started again, a tingle danced along her cleavage, as if his brush stroked her flesh.

“Everyone out.” Marco pointed to her. “Stay.”

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

J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Michelle Howard: www.michellehowardwrites.com
Michaela Rhua: http://michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk/
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Faberge Nostromo: http://fabergenostromo.blogspot.com

Flash Fiction #52 – and the Christmas Blog Hop

Posted on December 13, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

Plus, we’re not just flashing today. A bunch of us are celebrating the season with a Christmas Blog Hop starting today through December 16th.

“Is there anyone in here? Call out.”

She’d yet to gather all her memories and she’d be damned if she’d call out before she was ready.

The door behind her cracked and split in two. She turned to her bag and shoved in the picture of her parents.

“The fire’s coming. Let’s go.”

“Not yet.” This fucking world had taken enough from her. “Just one more picture, please.”

He hauled her over his shoulder and tipped her world over. “It’s not worth losing you.”

She wiggled and swung her bag at him.

He slapped her ass. “Enough, I’ve got you.”

________________________________

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!!

For my Christmas Blog Hop giveaway, I’ll be giving away one ecopy of my debut, TAKING CHANCES. Find the rafflecopter below.

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

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

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

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he deserves 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. Together they 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 loved.

BUY LINKS: Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Enter to win SJ’s Giveaway through this rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find the rest of the Christmas Blog Hoppers here or through this list. So, hop and have fun.

1. Naomi Shaw 2. Muffy Wilson 3. Doris O’Connor 4. Michaela Rhua 5. Fierce Dolan 6. J S Morbius 7. Is me 🙂 8. Dariel Raye 9. Raven McAllan

________________________________

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

J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Doris O’Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
Michaela Rhua: http://michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk
Fierce Dolan: http://www.fiercedolan.com
Naomi Shaw: www.authornaomishaw.com
Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Pablo Michaels: http://www.pmmanmanromance.com
Leann Mitchell: http://www.leannmitchell.blogspot.com
Raven McAllan: http://www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
Michelle Howard: www.michellehowardwrites.com
Dariel Raye: http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com

Spotlight: Fall Into Me by K.M. Scott

Posted on December 10, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Fall Into Me

(Heart of Stone #2)

By: K.M. Scott

Published: November 25, 2013

Length: 233 pages

Blurb:The second book in the Heart of Stone series continues the sensual and emotional story of Tristan and Nina that began in Crash Into Me…

Wealthier and more powerful than most men his age, Tristan Stone merely has to give voice to his desires and whatever he wants is his. Money has given him the ability to say nothing and no one is beyond his reach.

Except for Nina. Stripped of her memory after an accident, she doesn’t remember the man who loves her. Now he must find a way to show her why she fell in love with him, but the past is always just a step behind, threatening to take her away forever.

Unsure of everything about the past four years, Nina believes Tristan loves her. But will the secrets he holds tear them apart just when she needs him most?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Into-Me-Heart-Stone-ebook/dp/B00GW3TPWI/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fall-into-me-km-scott/1117299036

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fall-into-me-heart-of-stone-2/id735505227

EXCERPT:

I didn’t want to hold back anymore. I wanted her to be mine again, body and soul. Cradling the back of her head, I drew her mouth toward mine and kissed her with all the desire I’d kept bottled up for all those weeks. Her lips were soft against mine but as eager and passionate as I slid my tongue into her mouth to find hers. When she sighed into my mouth, I couldn’t wait anymore.

My hands clawed at the zipper down the back of her dress, but it got stuck an inch from the top. Aching to be inside her, I tore the two halves of the dress apart, ruining the zipper and the dress.

“Tristan, my dress!” she cried as I pulled it from her body.

“I don’t care. I’ll buy you ten dresses just like it,” I panted as I unhooked her bra and slid the first strap over her shoulder. “Same thing with the bra. And if these panties don’t come off easy, I’m going to rip through them too.”

Nina’s fingers tore through my shirt buttons until it hung open, and I quickly shrugged out of it. She was as desperate as I was to be out of those damn clothes. In seconds, she had my belt off and my pants and boxer briefs off my legs, and I had her pushed up against the wall.

As I lifted her off the ground to wrap her legs around my waist, I pressed my forehead to hers and rasped, “I hope you weren’t expecting something slow and gentle. I can give you that, but tonight I don’t want to wait. I need to be inside you, Nina.”

Moaning, she pulled me close, but just then I remembered her sore ribs. Pulling back, I said, “I forgot about what the doctor said. Maybe we should go easy this time.”

She dug her heels into my lower back and pulled my mouth to hers in a deep kiss. Her voice husky, she groaned, “Please, Tristan. I’m not a china doll. I’ll tell you if something hurts.”

I gently slid just the head of my cock into her, still worried I might hurt her if I didn’t take it slow. My body was in agony wanting to bury myself inside her, but I didn’t want to risk bruising those already sore ribs. I could give her gentle, even if every part of me wanted much more.

Nina pushed her palms against my chest and held me away from her. Worried I’d already screwed this up, I opened my mouth to apologize but she touched her finger to my lips to stop me. “Don’t make me wait. I don’t want gentle now. I want you…all of you.”

Her fingers pressed into the back of my neck as I plunged balls deep into her wet and willing cunt. Nothing in the entire world ever felt better than that moment when our bodies joined together as one again. Her body was hot and enveloped me, taking my body to places I thought only existed in my imagination.

K.M. Scott Social Media

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

Twitter: @kmscottromance

Blog: http://authorkmscott.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY:

2 $25 Amazon gift cards at
the end of the tour ….. Just enter the Rafflecopter to win!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unofficial Book Trailer

Daily Picspiration – A Bench Out of Reach with Roxanne and Jonathon

Posted on December 9, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

– Don’t miss my Release Party for UNTANGLE ME –

I’m back at Daily Picspiration today with a brand new flash and it’s also listed below. This is the fifth flash in the story of Roxanne and Jonathon. I haven’t been telling their story from beginning to end which has been strangely fun. 🙂 Today’s flash enters the story line right in the middle of it all. You can find all the flashes listed in story order on my Roxanne & Jonathon page here.

A Bench Out of Reach (Jonathon’s POV)

Jonathon kicked the gravel under his feet. It had already been seven long days since they’d taken him from Roxanne and dropped him at the opposite end of the world. The fates had offered no explanation for their interruption, something they’d always done in the past. They’d only told him to look for the bench. The change in their tactics had festered like a tick under his skin.

The bench he and Roxanne so often shared was nowhere to be found and with each passing day she slipped further and further away.

He worried about Roxanne, he could only hope they were leaving her alone, but if they changed one tactic, he wouldn’t put it past them to change another. The bastards would pay regardless. Every second without his Roxanne felt like an eternity of agonizing deaths.

The rumble of a train in front of him broke into his thoughts. He looked up and watched the passing train. One train car had its large doors wide open. There was nothing inside but a bench.

“Fuck.”

Jonathon took off. His knees pulling up higher and higher with each punishing stride. A spark ran through his legs and he felt the pull. If only he could get to the bench, they’d take him back to his heart’s desire. They’d have to do it, if only he could reach the bench. The train picked up its speed and with each second got further away. He tripped and rolled down the embankment. Stone tore into his palms and burned a stinging path to his heart.

_________________

I have so much more I want to add to this story, more to add to the beginning, middle, and the end. I’ll share another flash soon You’ll have to let me know if you have a preference on what part of the story you want to read next.

Hope you enjoyed my flash. Visit Daily Picspiration to read a little about each contributing author. You can go back daily for something new and go today to see the pictures that inspired these words.

See all of my flashes at Daily Picspiration here –> http://picspiration.blogspot.com/search?q=S.J.+Maylee

Daily Picspiration – Backwards and Forwards with Roxanne and Jonathon

Posted on November 25, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Click here for the Thankfully Naughty Giveaway Hop!

I’m back at Daily Picspiration today with a brand new flash. This is the forth flash in the story of Roxanne and Jonathon. I’ve been telling their story backwards which has been a lot of fun. Below you’ll find them in reverse order, I mean chronological order. I’m really not trying to make this confusing, lol. 🙂

The date listed on each is the date they were posted at Daily Picspiration and the title links to that post where you can see the inspiration pictures.

The flashes are listed here in the order they occur, from before they meet and right on through to the happy ending. Enjoy.

_________________

November 25, 2013 – A Cold Cute Meet (Jonathon’s POV)

Jonathon wandered the streets. Up and down, he weaved a senseless pattern. He stopped at the top of the hill, turned around, and watched the movement below until it disappeared into the fog.

This time and place was just as monotonous as the last. There was nothing here to capture his interest, no sign of what he was truly looking for. The cars may look faster and the architecture was definitely getting more interesting, but it didn’t deter him.

The fates claimed he’d find her soon. They were determined to prove love wasn’t real, that it couldn’t last. His kind were just a piece in their little game.

Since that day they’d given him a glimpse of her, he couldn’t get her out of his thoughts. He wondered first what her voice would sound like and then he began to think about how soft her hair would be. Then, he worried she wouldn’t like him. Of course, if he believed the fates, it wouldn’t matter because he wouldn’t love her anyway.

A piercing light split through his mind. Moments later, a chill traveled through him and snow kissed his cheeks. He turned in a circle, caring nothing for when and where, only hoping he’d find her in this place, but there was nothing. He continued to look, there had to be something in this freezing city.

Movement caught his attention and he turned back around. He lost his footing and slipped on the cold pavement, landing right on his ass.

“Are you okay?”

He looked up into the beautiful blue eyes that had been enchanting his dreams.

_________________

September 2, 2013 – A Punishment (Jonathon’s POV)

Waves crashed all around him, but Jonathon felt nothing. He was frozen through with the emptiness breaking apart his heart. Once again the fates had stolen his life.

No longer would he accept where they threw him. No longer would he accept these punishments. No longer would he accept the sentence of his kind.

He had to get back to his Roxanne.

He prayed that she’d wait and hold tight to his last words. It would take everything in him, but he’d get back to their bench. He’d get back to her.

They must have sensed he was about to tell her the story. A story of fiction turned to bitter reality each time the fates chose to punish his kind. However, this time their punishment touched Roxanne as well.

She would be their undoing. He had to believe it would be true.

_________________

August 19, 2013 – The Empty Bench (Roxanne’s POV)

Roxanne stood at the gate, kicking her shoe against the wood. The need to see Jonathon again had burrowed deep. Missing him had become one with each breath and it was burning a hole in her heart. She didn’t know when he’d come back, but he had to. She couldn’t imagine a future that didn’t have Jonathon right by her side.

I’ll meet you at the bench …

She replayed his last words again and again. It had been a week since the wind took him away. Since that dreadful night, she’d been replaying the scene. There had to have been words left unsaid. After replaying all their conversations, she couldn’t figure out what she was missing. Instead, she stood at the gate. Waiting.

He’ll come back. He has to come back.

A tear tumbled off her cheek and splashed her hand. She pushed the gate open and ran. With each foot fall she got closer to the bench.

_________________

August 5, 2013 – Simple Instructions (Roxanne’s POV)

The evidence was right in front of Roxanne. He’d been here. He was real.

Seven years after he disappeared in front of her eyes, he was still fresh in her memories. She might have stopped looking at the things he’d left behind, but she could never forget the time they’d shared together.

Memories flashed before her eyes this evening when a chance encounter with a medium mentioned his name.

Jonathon.

The woman’s candles had warmed the cool room with their spicy scent until they changed when she’d said his name. There was no mistaking the musk of his aftershave. Roxanne cried out when it dissipated.

“Will it come back? Can you get it back?” The crack in her voice matched the feeling in her heart.

“You can get it all back.” The woman reached and touched her hand. “Simply look at what’s left.”

Roxanne had run all the way home to set out each of the items. Nothing new jumped out. She scrunched her face and clamped her jaw tight. It has to be here. Her fingers touched each piece again and landed on the little notebook.

She flipped through the familiar pages, but the last page had something new. The short passage was followed by a simple instruction.

Say it and it will be true.

“Jonathon, come home to me.”

A piercing light filled her room and then was gone, revealing her heart’s desire.

_________________

I have so much more I want to add to this story. As you can see there is lots of story to tell between the flashes, before the first and more to tell even after this last flash. Well, that was actually the first flash I wrote in their story, 😉

I’ll definitely write more about Roxanne and Jonathon, but I’m not sure what I’ll share next. You’ll have to let me know if you have a preference.

Hope you enjoyed my flashes. Visit Daily Picspiration to read a little about each contributing author. You can go back daily for something new and go today to see the pictures that inspired these words.

See all of my flashes at Daily Picspiration here –> http://picspiration.blogspot.com/search?q=S.J.+Maylee

Inside Look with Amy Gregory author of Mike’s Way Back

Posted on November 25, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

I’m so pleased to have Amy Gregory here today and she’s agreed to answer my questions. Yeah! You’re not going to want to miss her answers or the other nuggets she’s sharing. The blurb and excerpt from Mike’s Way Back. Plus, there’s a super cool giveaway.

Okay, Amy, let’s get started. Picture your favorite place in the world. Now, can you tell us a little bit about the place you’ve pictured?

A: I’ve been very fortunate to have visited a good portion of the States. However there is a beautiful private beach along the coast of Oahu that has the finest white sand, the clearest blue water and every day when we visited, it was just us, our kids and a few stray critters. It was one of the most relaxing weeks of my life and it warms my heart seeing the pictures again and again.

That sounds fabulous. I’ve never been, but it’s on my short list. Tell us about yourself: Who are you and why did you start writing?

A: I sort of fell into writing. I know that’s not the “I’ve known I was going to do this my whole life” typical answer. My first series is based on the world of professional motocross racing. Our family follows the sport and our youngest is a racer. However, my husband travels a lot and I never sleep well when he is gone. On one particularly long trip I kept having this dream that was so vivid, and each night, the story extended. After a few nights I started jotting it down with just pencil and paper. A week later I had over four hundred pages and one very bad case of writer’s cramp in my right hand! I couldn’t just bear to throw it all in a drawer so I dove in and researched what to do next and walla!

When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

A: I’d be a bad writer if I didn’t first say reading! However, I shoot on a compound bow league with my husband, love to camp (in our RV so not the roughing it of our early days) and I’ve recently become the weird dog lady. We’ve always had animals in our house with the kids, but our babies are six month old little Maltese-Shih tzu puppies named Chloe & Bear. I have totally fallen in love with them.

That’s cool. I bet your arms are strong. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

A: This list could take forever. First things first, I just needed a lot of guidance. I still rely a lot on my editor for simple grammar and punctuation help. The writing of the actual story is the easy part, the rest is actual work.

Can you tell us about a criticism you’ve received that pushed you into a better writing place?

A: I had originally submitted Carter’s Treasure in present tense, when I was told to go back and change simple structure (keep in mind, that took FOREVER!) it made the whole world of writing make sense and made it much easier.

The first book I wrote, I did it in first person. After I typed “the end” I realized I wanted it in third. Ugh, lol. Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

A: My husband would tell you I’d say Eli Hunter hands down, but I still have a soft spot for Jesse Frost. However, my all-time hero that I’d love to –not just meet but become friends with, is now Det. Michael Sterling. Oh-la-la!

What turns you on creatively?

A: I spin from one book into another, so I typically have several books brewing as I am writing one, but I would say the one thing I spend time investigating is song lyrics. I can pull an entire book from one song.

What is your greatest fear?

A: I can tell you all the normal things, heights, etc, but I guess my biggest fear is failure. I want to succeed as an author so bad it drives me to the edge some days.

What is your greatest extravagance?

A: Hmmm. I guess I’m a cowboy boot addict, as well as Starbucks lol. However, my husband has surprised me with a couple of things. I do have the exact cross that Carter gave Molly, and what is funny, I didn’t have a picture, it was just in my head. He went and found it. Then my biggest toy would have to be Alex’s Jeep. It wasn’t intentional at all, but we needed a new vehicle and it’d been my dream car since I was fourteen. I’m not quite the girly girl type, so although I wear make-up and have way too many purses, I like my vehicles to get me through our snow and ice, as well as around our farm when it’s muddy.

I think we’d get along really well. 🙂 What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

A: Genre – easy… COUNTRY! Artist… wow… I have so many, and for different reasons. I love Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. They are crazy together and Blake and I could spar with the best of them. He’s as big of a smartass as I am. I love Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and actually, the TV show Nashville—I have every one of their songs on my iPod. They’re all amazing singers.

Country has been growing on me lately. It’s their story telling that I love. Shocker. Also, there’s a lot of talent in Country. What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

A: I’m never done! I just flow right into the next one. I don’t want to ever be done.

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

A: Book #2 in the Finding Perfect series. You met Gabby James in Mike’s Way Back, but she has just turned into such a fire cracker. I was trying to tell my husband about my favorite scene so far and I had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard. He shook his head and said, ‘that’s my favorite part of your books, the sarcasm and humor’. I love writing the love and sex too, but it all comes back to me being a total smartass…I just can’t help it!

That was a log of fun. Thanks for playing along, Amy. 🙂

Mike’s Way Back

By: Amy Gregory

Publisher: Amazon Digital

Length: 485 kb

Sub-Genre: Contemporary

BLURB:

When Detective Mike Sterling left the Chicago PD and returned to his hometown of Renlend Kansas, he tried to convince himself it was so his mother could stop worrying. The truth was, even Renlend wasn’t going to vanquish the dreams that tortured him at night.

When Taryn Watts landed in Renland Kansas to de- sign a client’s new cooking school she intended to stay just long enough to do the job and then go right back to her life on the East Coast.

When Taryn and Mike found themselves sharing a booth, one thing was certain, neither one of them thought it was a good idea. Mike still wasn’t over his ex-wife’s betrayal, and when Taryn found out Mike was a cop she wanted to run all the way back to Connecticut and never look back, but she couldn’t… Sitting outside his home late at night she watches him fight against his demons. Demons she already had too much experience with firsthand.

When Mike finally admits there is no way to outrun his demons, Tayrn knows she’ll do anything, or be anything, to help Mike find his way back.

EXCERPT:

He reached for the bottle, the dark glass still cold to the touch. Tipping it back for a long swallow, the slight burn of the heavy ale helped force his past back where it belonged. “Hey, Mike?”

Noises became sharper around him as he realized it wasn’t Molly’s voice calling his name this time. Silverware sliding across a plate and ice cubes falling into a glass were a far cry from an emergency room, especially when a round of cheers rose up around him. One glance was enough to know the baseball game he had zoned out on was now tied. Blinking, he separated his hellish past from pres- ent day and turned toward the bar to answer Jeff.

His friend was holding up a fresh bottle, yet to be uncapped. Mike blinked twice, hardly letting Jeff’s chuckle register.

Mike’s jaw wasn’t the only part of him to twitch.

It had nothing to do with the second beer the bartender just set on the counter for the waitress to deliver to him. No, it was all to do with the knockout in a black pencil skirt, toned bare legs and killer heels standing at the bar—talking to Jeff.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About The Author:

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs. The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”. She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions. Because she sits so much, she always carries a note- book with her at all times.

She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years. And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make oth- ers laugh as well. At least she’s grateful most of the time! Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!

amy@amygregoryauthor.com

Author’s Site

Facebook

GIVEAWAY!!!

Amy is giving away 3 prize packs tour-wide!!! Enter to win an autographed print copy of Mike’s Way Back, a $10 amazon card, or an E-copy of the book!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Inn for the Holidays by Ella Jade

Posted on November 18, 2013 by S.J. Maylee

Happy Holidays! I’m thrilled to announce the release of Inn for the Holidays, a Pleasure Inn Series short, featuring Logan and Elyse from Master of the Inn.

Blurb

Innkeepers Logan and Elyse Cole have been making people’s fantasies a reality for the past six months at their popular bed and breakfast. While running Pleasure Inn has been a rewarding experience for the happy couple, it also requires long hours and busy weekends. Catering to their guests’ whims and fantasies doesn’t leave much free time for the Coles. They need a few days to reconnect and indulge in their own fantasies.

Logan makes that happen with a surprise gift to his wife. He reserves the inn for just the two of them several days before Christmas. Two nights of uninterrupted romance is exactly what this couple needs. Logan reminds Elyse what drew her to him in the first place. He vows to make good on his promise to always make all of her fantasies a reality.

She wants nothing more than for the Master of the Inn to make an appearance this holiday season.

A Pleasure Inn series short, featuring Logan and Elyse from Master of the Inn. All books in this series can stand alone and/or can be read in any order.

Content Warning – Graphic sex and explicit language.

Available now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Excerpt…

Logan took her chin between his fingers and shot her his signature intense glare. The very stare that had her obeying his every command between the sheets. Logan was Dominant to the core. It was his Dominance that drew her to him in the first place. When he offered her the opportunity to relinquish control and let go intimately, all of her desires had been fulfilled. He had awakened a sexual awareness in Elyse that brought her the most pleasure she had ever experienced.

“Trust me,” he whispered never taking his gaze away from hers.

“I do.”

“Good girl.” He brushed his lips against hers. “You’ve been extremely busy. You’re working so hard to get this place perfect. They only reason we are as successful as we are is because of your attention to detail and the satisfaction you bring our guests.”

“We did this together.”

Logan had transformed the old place into its former glory and then some. He worked non-stop tending to the grounds. He made sure everything inside was in perfect working condition. Not a door squeaked or a loose floorboard could be found. There were several rooms that he had yet to tackle but they were in his plans for the new year. The upcoming year was going to be big for them. They were even starting to get repeat customers. With the new rooms underway, they’d be able to take on more than two couples at a time on any given weekend.

“I know but with Christmas just around the corner, you’ve had extra things to do. You worry about getting us through the holidays and I’ll take care of everything else.”

“How did I get so lucky to find you?”

“You stumbled onto my porch one night and I felt compelled to take you in.”

“You insisted, if I remember correctly.”

“What can I say? I have good taste.” He ran his tongue along her lips. “Kiss me.”

She threw her arms around his neck and parted her mouth allowing him access. He held her tight against his masculine form, exploring her long and hard. When he finally stopped kissing her, the room spun and she had to catch her breath.

“Feel better?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

“I’m always calmer when you’re around.”

“I’m going to get that bath ready.” When he took a step back, she could see the excitement bulging against his jeans. “You have five minutes.”

“Or what?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve taken you over my knee.”

“Too long. I might have to be a few minutes late.” She teased.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” He shook his head as he allowed his gaze to take in her body. “I don’t want to waste any time tonight with frivolous punishments.”

But I love those provoked punishments. “I have a fantasy that needs fulfilling.” She hoped he got the hint. “We are, after all, in the business of making that happen.”

“Indeed.” He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing his defined six-pack abs to her.

She reached out, running her hand down his chest and over his rock hard stomach. He sucked in a breath when she unbuckled his belt.

“What would you wish for if you were a guest this weekend?” He watched as she toyed with his belt.

“If I were staying here, looking to reconnect and spend some quiet time with my husband, I would request that the Master of the Inn make an appearance.”

“Really?” He arched a brow as she unbuttoned his jeans. “I think that could be arranged in the very near future.”

The timer on the oven buzzed, interrupting their conversation. It figures! “I have to get that.” She walked over to the oven not wanting her cookies to burn. “I’ll be up in a few minutes to finish what you started, Mr. Cole.”

“Five.” He swatted her backside. “I’m not in a patient mood, Mrs. Cole.”

***

The Pleasure Inn series launched with Master of the Inn, book one in a multi-book series that centers on Pleasure Inn and the couples who spend a weekend indulging in their fantasies. The first book introduces the reader to Logan and Elyse and they learn how the inn came to be.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWJ88XA

Meet the first guests to stay at Pleasure Inn…

Indulging the Professor, A Pleasure Inn Steamy short

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMX4I1A

About the Author

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.

She loves connecting with readers. You can find her here…

http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/

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

GIVEAWAY…

I’m giving away 5 eBook copies of Master of the Inn, the book that launched the series, throughout the tour. Enter here…

a Rafflecopter giveaway