Forsaken Paradise by Elise Whyles

Title: Forsaken Paradise
Author: Elise Whyles
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Pages: 125
Buy: Beachwalk Press | Amazon
What could be more dangerous than loving a rogue?
Condemned as a rogue and punished by his master, Angrail, one of the Seven Paradise Walkers, has wandered mortal and immortal worlds for centuries. He's determined to find those responsible for killing an innocent woman and the child she carried, no matter the cost to himself.
Ephynia, a demoness with scars, has spent a lifetime serving Nerafail, Lord of the Dead. When she unwittingly stumbles upon the one being who can end her loneliness, the battered Angrail, her life changes forever.
Unknown to Angrail and Ephynia, evil lurks in the shadows. There are those who believe Angrail and Ephynia are the key to preventing a coming war—a war that they need to take place—and they seek to end their lives.
Can Angrail find love in the arms of a demoness at war with herself? Or will the secrets hidden within the bowels of their worlds destroy them before they can find peace?

EXCERPT
Ephynia froze, a touch unlike anything she’d ever felt washing over her. Turning her head, she scanned the battlefield. Pockets of gray mist navigated the fallen as other demons and demonesses stalked their prey. All of Nerafail and Seraphine’s forces were out due to the numbers of dead and dying. Souls had to be collected, penance delivered…yet there was something tugging at her.

“Please, give me pity and I swear on my lord’s head I will honor it. Do not—”

“Silence.” Ephynia lifted his head. “Else I bind your mouth shut with your own tongue!”

Shaking the head, she ignored the vibration of the soul. Instead her attention remained on her search. Something was there. Someone who called to her.

“Where or what are you?” Ephynia tensed at the suffocating feeling of power around her.

“Why do you not return him to me?” Nerafail’s voice filled her mind.

“I cannot, master.” Ephynia closed her eyes. “Something holds me to this plane.”

“What?”

“I do not know. He comes even now. I shall return as soon as I have killed the one who binds me here.” Opening her eyes, she caught the gaze of another demoness of her sect.

“Ephynia, what is it?” The other demoness adjusted her bow.

“Take this bottom-feeder to Nerafail. He has been condemned.”
“What of you?”

Ephynia shrugged, she could not explain what kept her there, but she would. “I’ve a new hunt.” Ignoring the prickle of unease at Nerafail’s displeasure, she turned back to the battlefield.

* * * *
Angrail groaned, agony washing through him with the force of the tides. The mangled body next to him wheezed with his dying breath, his spirit confused. Cursing Nerafail for his binding, Angrail closed his eyes. He could do nothing to aid the warrior, to carry him to his rest. Instead he lay, trembling, freezing in the heat of the desert sun. Sweat pooled on his abdomen, blood congealed beneath him.

The tip of an arrow wiggled with each wracking cough of his body’s protest. He could feel the agony within the form he was bound to, and the gnawing pain had him wishing for death.

Gasping at the icy touch of one from his order, he opened his eyes to stare at the man above him. Compassion lay in those blue eyes as they drifted over Angrail’s body before moving onto the man next to him.

“Please.” Angrail swallowed against his swollen tongue. “Please, Thantos.”

“I cannot.” He guided the mortal’s soul to its feet. “Only Nerafail can release you from your torment.” Turning, he led the confused soldier toward the massive barge floating up to the battle.

“Your peace will come, brother.” Thantos’s words offered little comfort.

“Nay.” Angrail groaned, rolling toward his sword. His wounds would fester, the poison would consume him, but he would not die. No, his fate lay in the hands of one who had long ago forsaken him.







About the Author:
Born in a small community, Elise Whyles lives in Canada with her son and husband. She’s currently working on the next book in the Canadian Heros Trilogy as well as the next book in the paranormal romance series Forsaken. Elise writes in multiple genres, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, m/m. To learn more about her or to drop her a note please stop by her website.

Site Twitter Facebook


Giveaway

The author is giving away a digital copy of Forsaken Paradise during her Tour. For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bare Necessities by Lacey Wolfe

After years of bad relationships, Ava Miller is finally living life for herself and isn’t going to let anyone get in the way. Her dream is to open a lingerie shop, and she has chosen Brookfield, Wyoming as her new home, where her dreams might just come true. Once she meets the town sheriff, though, she’s suddenly involved in a flirtatious battle for the right to open her store.

Seth Hampton is the town’s sheriff, and when Ava shows up, he’s not sure what hits him. He craves her, yet he can’t stand to allow that type of shop to open in his small town. However, he isn’t alone. Someone else wants Ava to leave town. Things take a turn when her shop is vandalized, and all evidence points to Seth.

Ava isn’t sure what to think. While Seth seems to be the only one with motives, something inside her believes he would never do it. Can Ava and Seth figure it out before one of them gets hurt?

Excerpt:
The sun was starting to go down, and even though it was late summer in Brookfield, it still got a bit chilly in the evenings. Once in her car, she made the short drive over to the local diner, Swift Water Café. It was brightly lit, and the place appeared to be hopping. She couldn’t wait to start meeting people. She loved to socialize. Talking was just second nature to her—along with flirting.

Seth greeted her at her door, and as she stepped out, he placed his hand on her lower back. It was possessive, and at first she wanted to step away, but his hand soon dropped and she realized he was just being friendly.

In the diner, they made their way to a corner booth. Many of the customers quieted and watched as she and Seth took their seats. Just like a normal small town. She was new, and now they were curious. She smiled at everyone. First impressions were important.

A perky waitress made her way over and took their drink order. The blonde made flirty eyes at Seth, and Ava couldn’t help but be amused. He was most likely Brookfield’s number one bachelor. Every woman here probably wanted to tie him down and have six of his children. Thank God that was the last thing on her mind.

“So, Ava, tell me a little about yourself,” Seth said.

“Not much to tell, officer.”

Seth’s face lit up again. She enjoyed making him smile.

“Everyone around here loves Julie,” he said. “It’s nice having her home again. Have you been by to see her and Lila yet?”

“It’s the first thing on my agenda in the morning. I can’t believe how big Lila’s getting.”

The waitress returned with their drinks and then took their order. Diner food, what could be better? A nice, greasy sandwich and fries. She was thankful she wasn’t one of those women who watched her weight.

“So tell me, Ava, what brought you to our lovely town?”

“I’m opening my own business.” Ava took a sip of her soda.

“That’s great. We need some more shops. Let me guess, you’re opening up a boutique of some kind.”

“Something like that.”

“Rumor has it we have an adult store opening.” He laughed.

Ava froze. What was so funny?

Seth continued. “Whoever that nut job is, I hope they know this town isn’t having it. We plan on running them out. We have a reputation to keep up.”

The waitress came back, still batting her eyelashes at Seth. Looking at the food in front of her, Ava was no longer hungry. She dug through her purse for a ten-dollar bill, set it on the table, and then stood up. Seth gazed up, confused.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Yes, you called me a nut job, and I’ve lost my appetite. I thought Brookfield would be different, but you’ve just shown me how wrong I was.” Ava turned and started to make her way to the entrance. Once she was outside, Seth came running out after her.

“You’re the one opening up a sex toy shop,” he said.

Rolling her eyes, she said, “It’s a lingerie shop, and in the back, there just so happens to be a small adult area. Why I’m explaining this to you, I don’t know.”

“Well, I hate to tell you, but that shop isn’t opening here.”

Crossing her arms, she glared at him. “Just try and stop me.”

Lacey Wolfe on writing both contemporary and erotic romance.

Do you ever feel like some stories need to be hot and steamy and others need to be more sweet and emotional? If so, me too. While I love sitting down and writing a good erotic romance, I had other characters in my head that wanted a different sort of story. It was then, the Brookfield Series was created. Finding Home was the first contemporary romance I released. A women returns home when she learns she is pregnant and her ex-boyfriend wants her to have an abortion. As I wrote the story, I realized it wasn’t going to be erotic. It needed to be on more of a sweet level. And, since I like to write series, I knew at that point I wasn’t just an erotic author anymore, I was also a contemporary.

Reader’s loved Finding Home, which warmed my heart. I then started to craft the next book in the series, Bare Necessities I had a lot of fun with this one and have learned that the Brookfield Series is quickly becoming a series of firsts. Why? Well, Bare Necessities is not only a contemporary, but a romantic suspense as well. As I wrote this fun and sexy tale, an inner story line began to develop. A villain had entered my story. Ava is opening a lingerie/sex toy shop in the small town. Seth, the town’s
sheriff, wants her to open this shop elsewhere. And he isn’t the only one who wants Ava out of town.

The Brookfield Series is far from over. There will be more stories coming soon and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the small town.

buy Bare Necessities: Smashwords / Amazon / Nook / All Romance

Finding Home (Brookfield Series Book One)
Julie Miller has returned to her home in Brookfield, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast.

Mark Thomas has moved to Brookfield to escape his past. He needs a fresh start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Brookfield seems like the perfect place.

As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another.

Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Brookfield or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?

About the author
Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.

You can find Lacey at the following places: Her Site Twitter Facebook

Glimpses of Midnight

I have a special guest on my site today. J.L. Oiler, author of Glimpses of Midnight.

Special Guest Interview by Alia Fang – Liaison Officer South Hedonism with Carina, Daughter of Lord Cyrus, and Main Character Glimpses of Midnight: Indulgence (book 1) by JL Oiler

First let me welcome you princess Carina and may I say I feel honored to be conducting this interview.
Please just call me Carina.
All right Princess, I mean Carina, what was it like to share glimpses of our world with authors JL Oiler and Suzzana C. Ryan?
JL and Suzzana were both very open to discussion of South Hedonism. I suppose it is because both have a deep understanding of paranormal. In fact, in my story I wondered several time if JL had actually gained access to the city because of her attention to details.
The masses seem outraged over the fact you chose not to have an immediate execution of the humans found wondering on the outer tunnels of South Hedonism. What do have to say about the situation?
The masses can learn their place. If any of them wish to challenge my decision, they are more than welcome to challenge me on it. As the dead ogre in the courtyard can attest, I don’t mind killing those who question too much.
Any chance you’ll be finding a way to get your latest sexual conquest out of the city and back to humanity.
Why don’t you journey with me to the labyrinth and find out?
No Thank You I understand those who go in there rarely come out. How about you just tell us a bit more about your story if you would….
Blurb:
Carina Bellefleur is the only daughter of the dark lord of South Hedonism, Cyrus Bellefleur. Belonging to a city of Indulgence and decadence has its privileges but the half vampire half succubus is having a difficult time finding someone, or better yet more than just one someone, who can help her reach that ultimate orgasm. When a pair of human males are caught just outside the city walls the subject of the dark city desire nothing more than their immediate death. Carina however sees something special in the pair of well-endowed males.
Evan and Eric are the ultimate urban adventures. Therefore, when they hear rumors of a city hidden beneath their own beloved New York they cannot help themselves, they have to try to find it. Now as prisoners among creature they would never in their wildest dreams believed existed the pair of brothers find their fate lay in the hands of the cities sexy princess.
They discover survival depends on provide Carina with the ultimate in sexual satisfaction before her father discovers humans within the walls of his city in exchange the feisty woman might lead them back topside. There is however a catch, what if they really don’t want to go or she doesn’t want to let them?
Buy Link  Site
As always I thank you for your time Princess Carina
You and the readers are welcome. Please feel free to join me in sharing Glimpses of Midnight.

Bad Juju by Dina Rae

Title: Bad Juju
Author: Dina Rae
Genre: Dark, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Young-Adult, (R-Rated although teens would love it)
Publisher: Amazon
Words: 93,000
Purchase: Amazon |

Lucien Nazaire flees his Haitian homeland and meanders around the United States for decades. He settles in a Wisconsin trailer park filled with elderly tenants. He meets Jake, his teenage neighbor, and hires him for odd household jobs. As their relationship progresses, Lucien invites the boy into the world of Voodoo.

Jake LaRue lives in foster care with his abusive uncle. The Voodoo lessons give him a sense of power within an otherwise helpless situation. Although the boy is a loner, he feels an instant connection with his classmate, Henry, and introduces him to Lucien.
Henry Novak has Asperger’s Syndrome. He fixates on historical events, most recently the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Like Jake, he becomes passionate about the dark side of Voodoo. They learn how to cast spells on those they hate and lust, leading up to dire consequences.

Several months after the Haitian earthquake, Henry convinces his family to volunteer with their church in the island's reconstruction. Their mission turns into a nightmare when he mysteriously walks off of the campsite.

Bad Juju is a balance of horror, romance, and literary fiction intended for ages fifteen and up. Research about the Voodoo religion, shapeshifting, zombies, and possession and themes of redemption and loneliness emerge throughout the plot.

Excerpt:
Jake rolled out of bed and army crawled to the doorway. Looking through the opening that separated the door from the carpeting, he saw Leah’s head bloodied. She lay limp on the floor. Pete stopped hitting her. His whole demeanor changed. With a wolfish expression, he began to unbuckle his belt. Rhianna’s screams got closer. She must have darted to the other side of the living room, putting her smack-dab in front of Jake’s bedroom door. He could now see her foot. It partially blocked his view. Shit! Can’t get involved!

If I open the door…
“Pete, what the hell is a matter with you? Stop it! She’s passed out. You beat her into a coma, man! And now you’re gonna…Sober up and think of what you’re doing! Right in front of your daughter!” T.J. yelled.

Is he suicidal? Jake knew his uncle would make T.J. regret his words. Like Leah, T.J. was small. He was filled with faults, but violence was not one of them. On perfect cue, Jake could hear his uncle’s bare fists hooking T.J. in the jawbone. Rhianna’s screams turned into full-blown hysteria. The poor girl was hyperventilating while desperately grasping Jake’s locked doorknob for refuge. I don’t want to be involved! Go back to your closet and lay still!

“Jakey, Jakey, pwwweeeze!” Rhianna sobbed.

Jake couldn’t take her suffering any longer. Quickly unlocking the door, he grabbed the little girl and pulled her inside his room and then relocked the door.

The living room had grown eerily quiet. Jake had a difficult time hearing while Rhianna wailed. “It’s okay now. Try to be quiet,” he whispered, straining to hear. Nothing but silence was on the other side of his door. His heart rate doubled. Always quiet before the storm. Was it over? Or was I next? He slid on his gym shoes, took a can of Comet cleaner from his bathroom, and crept up to the only window in the room. It was small, but Jake knew he could fit through.

Then came the sound he was waiting for. Click, click, click. Pete was delicately trying to open the door. He now knew it was locked.

Guest Post:
Origins of Haiti’s Demonic Rep

Haiti and her people have been called Satanists, devil worshipers, demons, and other disparaging names since independence. The impoverished country’s history has unfortunately kept the politically incorrect reputation alive. Why? What could have happened over two hundred years ago that is still the subject of real
life horror stories?

To begin with, Haiti has one of the most intriguing independence stories that I ever read about. Yes, the U.S. had a bloody, gory revolution, but nothing as interesting as Haiti’s alleged pact. It all started in 1791 with Dutty Boukman, a Jamaican born houngan (Voodoo priest). Back then Haiti was called St. Domingue. One fateful night in August, Boukman performed a ceremony that changed the course of history in Haiti forever. He sacrificed a pig, drank its blood, and then invited all of the loas (spirits) from the Cosmos. Everyone at the ceremony became possessed. Legend states a pact was made with the loas to end slavery and free them from their oppressors. Pat Robertson, a leading evangelist, went even further, claiming the pact was made with Satan. Boukman was decapitated a few months later by the French who ran the country. By the way, Boukman means dirty or man of the book.

The rest of the story has quite an apocalyptic ending. Other uprisings occurred a few years later, but things got really weird once Napoleon got involved. Fifty thousand French troops mysteriously died of yellow fever. With France out of the way, Haiti was born in 1804. Voodoo never went away and disguised itself under the Catholic religion.

About the Author:

Dina Rae is a new author here to stay. As a former teacher, she brings an academic element to her work. Her three novels, Halo of the Damned, The Last Degree, and Bad Juju weave research and suspense throughout the plots. Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character. Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.
Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago. She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. She has been interviewed numerous times in e-zines, websites, blogs, newspapers, and radio programs. When she is not writing she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs.

Website | Blog | Twitter: @haloofthedamned | The Last Degree | Halo of the Damned |

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the rest of the tour here.

The Devouring Kavachi's Rise

Title: Kavachi's Rise
Series: The Devouring #1
Author: Mike Kearby
Genre: Damnation Books
Publisher: Horror, Thriller
Paperback/Ebook
Words: 56,000
Purchase: Damnation Books | Amazon | B&N |

A Dark Secret. Thomas Morehart and his sister, Kara are vampyre, not the undead, but creatures evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to mimic their prey, man. Then - rescued from a Nazi Prison Camp, Thomas and Kara are brought to the U.S. and forced to work inside government-owned mortuaries. Now -betrayed by the government sixty-seven years later, Thomas and Kara are in a race against time to transform back to their feral states or risk Exsanguination by government sanctioned hit squads.

Excerpt
The soldiers knew this lieutenant. Knew of him, anyway. Nikolai Borisoff was his Russian name, but if all the rumors were true, nobody knew his real name. Others of his kind referred to him as, “Rom baro,” the big man. But in the stories he was known simply as the necromancer hunter.
“Shall we put him in with the others, sir?” one soldier asked.
Nikolai ignored the question and squared himself off to stand face-to-face with the prisoner. He stared into the darkness of the creature’s eyes. “How do you write yourself?” he asked in Amria.
The creature stopped rocking. He looked up and opened a dark pit of a mouth. A word tumbled out: “Death.”
Nikolai frowned, “But where are the others?”
Death tilted his head right and left, like a confused animal trying to make sense of an unfamiliar sound. After several seconds of the head movement, he parted leathery lips and emitted a rattling laugh.
“Others?”
“Yes, the others, like yourself.”
“Killed, dead. All meat.”
“In the showers?”
“A death they would have welcomed.”
Nikolai leaned back. He stared across his left shoulder, down the rows of barracks where the camp’s prisoners were being assembled. The 48thhad found only a handful of them, yet intelligence had said there would be thousands. Reports had indicated as many as twenty thousand. He turned back to Death.
“Where?” he asked.
Death lifted his chin toward the camp entrance. “There,” he whispered. “Only a short way from the death gate. Toward the sea.”
Nikolai looked past the gathered prisoners and through the opened gates of the camp. Pine and aspen lined the road for as far as he could see. He turned back, questioning, “In the woods?”
“In the ground.”
Nikolai frowned. “Can you show me?”
Death shook his head. “I prefer here. It’s very bad luck to go to that place.”
“Why?”
Death began to rock again. “It’s a madhouse filled with all kinds of madness.”
Nikolai studied Death’s face. “Then you’ve been there?”
Death wagged a finger in Nikolai’s direction. “Oh, I went there once. It might even have been twice or maybe three times. I can’t be sure, for the madness takes away one’s sensibility.”
“And your job there?”
“I helped push the carts back to this camp.”
“Back? What had been on the carts before?”
“Creatures.”
“And when you returned?”
“Shoes…and pyjamas…and hair.”
“And what of those who once wore the shoes and pyjamas and hair?”
Death rested his chin against his knees once more and resumed his monotonous cantillate. Then, just as quickly, stopped. It looked up at Nikolai. Its pupils contracted. “Porrajmos!”
Nikolai narrowed his eyes and pinched his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger. His gaze darted back to the front gate and to the forests outside. “Are you saying violate?”
Death’s face twisted. He screamed again, “Porrajmos!”
Nikolai shook his head and released his lip. “To open? To open one’s mouth?”
Death stopped rocking and stared ahead, rigid. His pupils dilated back to their dead state. He exhaled a short breath, then pushed his right index finger into a spot just below his right ear and directly above his jawbone. He held his finger in the spot for several breaths, as if to make sure Nikolai understood, then slowly dragged the finger down his neck to his collarbone.
Nikolai watched, fascinated at the visual. “Rip open?” he uttered.
Death shook his head, exasperated, exhaled a rattling breath, and motioned with an outstretched finger for Nikolai to lean close.
Nikolai stooped forward and turned an ear toward Death’s mouth.
A gush of stagnant air rushed from the man’s lips and flowed across Nikolai’s cheek and nose.
Nikolai jerked away from the dead gas -- and from the two words that had drifted on the offensive fumes. He sucked in a quick breath and jerked the pilotka from his head.
Death nodded blindly, as if pleased, and then started rocking again.
Nikolai could only stare at the living corpse swaying in front of him.
Porrajmos.
Such a simple word.
And when translated into Russian, two words: The devouring.

Review: 
The Devouring - Kavachi's Rise is quite unique with it's mythology, characters and storyline. It's also dark, violent, and very descriptive.  I had only one issue, it jumped around quite a bit and I had a bit of a problem keeping up with everything.

Mike Kearby has written a different kind of vampyre story all together, that will keep you riveted to your seat until the very last page.

This book is rated at 18+.

I give The Devouring - Kavachi's Rise 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Author:
From Wikipedia: Mike Kearby (born 1952) is an American novelist and inventor. Since 2005, Kearby has published ten novels, one graphic novel, and written two screenplays: (2011) Boston Nightly, with fellow writer Paul Bright and (2012) The Devouring. Boston Nightly is scheduled for filming in the spring of 2013.

Kearby was born in Mineral Wells, Texas, and received a B.S. from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1972. He taught high school English and reading for 10 years and created ""The Collaborative Novella Project"" The project allows future authors to go through the novel writing process from idea to published work.
""Ambush at Mustang Canyon"" was a finalist for the 2008 Spur Awards.
""A Hundred Miles to Water"" was awarded the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Adult Fiction.
“Texas Tales Illustrated” was awarded the 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best YA Non-Fiction.

Website | Twitter | Blog |

I received a copy of this book from FMB Blog Tours at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review.

Decedent Thursday's: To Feel Again by Valerie Mann and some history on the 1Night Stand Series

Welcome to Decadent Thursday's! It's me Tamaria here today and I though we would take a look back to the very first 1Night Stand book, To Feel Again by Valerie Mann!

I also asked Valerie Mann for some information on how the series got started.

From Valerie Mann...

This series was developed by me, Kate Richards and Olivia Starke in the summer of 2010, with the idea of farming out our stories to a publisher. We wanted a common thread running through our three stories, and I came up with the idea of a dating service run by a mysterious Frenchwoman. Madame Evangeline (Eve) was born. We also wanted a central location where Madame Eve could direct her clients for their rendezvous and we thought a luxury hotel chain would work.


I knew my book was going to be the launch book, and since Latin men are very sexy, I decided my hero would be a Cuban-American hotelier. I think surnames should be authentic, so I googled "common Cuban surnames". Scrolling down the list, I saw "Castillo". I thought that was a regal-sounding name. Even better, when I looked up the meaning, I found that it meant "Castle". Wow! This guy's last name is Castillo and he owns luxurious hotels (castles)? It was meant to be!


At that time, Decadent Publishing's doors were not open yet. Shortly thereafter, DP put out a call for editors, Kate and I hopped on board the DP train, and the stories got buried during the excitement, LOL


In January of 2011, I emailed Kate and Olivia and said, "Hey, do you want to see if DP will take our stories?". They thought that was a good idea, so we submitted them and they were contracted. I asked Decadent's owners, Lisa and Heather, if we could ask some of our trusted author friends to see if they were interested in writing a one-night stand. Lisa said "sure!" and within a month, I think we had five authors on board. Who doesn't think the idea of romance resulting from a one-night stand is a wonderful idea? They all did!


In early April 2011, To Feel Again was released. A week later, Kate's The Virgin and the Playboy (still selling like hotcakes after all this time!), was released, with Olivia's, Familiar Desires, a couple of weeks after that.


And a few months later, we were overwhelmed with submissions. Kate and I do all of the content editing for 1Night Stand, and Lisa had to hire two line editors and a senior editor for the series, as well. It's been a crazy, fun, unbelievable success story that we never anticipated.

~ To Feel Again By Valerie Mann ~

Genre: Contemporary romance, erotic romance, interracial
Pages: 27
Heat Rating: 4

Blurb: When Leah loses her fiancé, Mark, in Afghanistan, it takes nearly a year to get to the point where she’s ready to live again. Although she doesn’t want an emotional commitment, a night of consensual sex, even with a stranger, might help bring her some closure after Mark’s death. Enlisting the services of Madame Evangeline’s high-end, online dating service, One Night Stand, promises exactly what Leah is looking for—sex with a man she doesn’t have to see again, but one who will satisfy her physical needs now that she's ready to move on with her life.

Jackson Castillo has no desire to go on a date with one of Evangeline’s clients. One Night Stand uses his hotel for its client’s rendezvous, but otherwise, he never gets involved. When Eve threatens to take her business elsewhere unless he helps her with a particular case, he’s no fool. He’ll go on the date. But he won’t sleep with the woman.

When one thing leads to another, his good intentions to stay out of the bedroom with Leah are shattered. The sex is phenomenal, but there’s more to Leah he wants to explore. After she leaves the next morning without a goodbye, he’s both disappointed and royally pissed. Will he let her go or find a way to convince her she’s ready…to feel again?

~My Review~

This was the first 1NS I read and it made me want to read more from the series! I fell in love with Jackson instantly and it was easy to adore Leah!

To Feel Again ignited many emotions within me as I read it. I laughed, cried, and swooned! If you haven't read a 1Night Stand story yet, what are you waiting for? Go buy To Feel Again!

Without a doubt I give To Feel Again 5 out of 5 stars!

~Excerpt~ 

Leah slipped the plastic card in the lock, entered the hotel room, and blew out an impressed little whistle. She ran a hand along the watered silk wallpaper near the door. Luxury and Castillo Hotels were synonymous, and this room didn’t disappoint, all part of the expensive-and-hopefully-worth-it 1NightStand experience. Madame Eve promised only the best for her clients.

A one-night stand...not something Leah ever contemplated she’d experience, let alone pay for.

“You can do this,” she whispered, fighting the intense urge to make a run for the elevator and ditch the whole rendezvous.

Tossing the key card on the nearby secretary desk, she took stock of the large suite. Cream, beige and chocolate browns dominated, both warm and inviting. She spied an enormous bathroom through an open door off to her left and wandered over to peer in. Heavens, the Jacuzzi was big enough to swim laps in. Turning back, she found the heavy drapes open to reveal the entire city of Las Vegas glittering below. Underneath the gigantic flat screen TV on the far wall sat a fully-equipped wet bar.Perfect. Maybe a cocktail or two could persuade the butterflies in her stomach to land. What had she been thinking, signing up for a night of sex with a stranger? If her therapist knew what she’d arranged for the evening, he’d probably fire her.

Did therapists even do such a thing?

What she couldn’t ignore any longer was the room's focal point, a California-king, three foot high bed. As big as the room was, the bed dwarfed it—in spades. And, at some point in the next few hours, she’d be on that bed, in that bed, rolling around having hot, sweaty sex with a man she didn’t know.

Bending down, she stepped out of one of the stilettos she’d earlier thought were such a great idea to wear. Easing the other one off, she groaned and wiggled her toes in the plush carpet. The evil things weren’t touching her feet again before she left. Not even four-inch stilettos hid her short stature—vertically challenged as the women in her family liked to call their common genetics. And what did it matter when you spent the evening horizontal? That’s how the evening would end anyway…horizontally. She shivered.

Eyeing the bed again, she approached it and frowned. How on earth would she gracefully get on that thing? Easing the oversize purse off her shoulder, she laid it on the ocean of mattress and climbed up. Her legs dangled over the edge and she resisted the urge to swing them like a kid. Instead, she pulled the bag closer and unzipped it, staring in at the contents. Wallet, cell phone, breath mints, passport.

Condoms.

Lucky Stiff brand—when opportunity strikes, we’ve got you covered!

Leah winced at the gift from her sister. Leaning over, she yanked the nightstand drawer open and tossed the box in where it landed next to the Gideon bible.

Oh, the irony.

You Sexy Thing sang from the bottom of her handbag, piercing the quiet. She jumped, fumbled for her cell phone then jabbed the talk button.

“Since you answered, I’m assuming you’re alone and still dressed.”

Leah had to laugh. If anyone could find the humor in this ludicrous and completely out-of-character-for-Leah situation, it would be her sister, Lana. “Yes, on both counts.”

“No sign of Prince Charming yet?”

Leah laid back on the thick coverlet and stared at the ceiling. “No. But, I got here early.”

Lana’s hesitation echoed over the airwaves. “It’s not too late to call this off, you know.”

Leah shook her head. “Not happening. I need to let Mark go and move on with my life. This is how I choose to do it.”

Lana sighed. “Sleeping with a stranger isn’t the most ideal way, honey.”

God, how many times would she and her little sister have this same conversation? Leah tuned out the same-shit-different-day dialogue and began to count the number of tiles in the ceiling.

“…afraid this will hurt more than it helps,” Lana droned.

A firm knock on the door jolted Leah out of her distracted state. Bolting upright in alarm, she dropped the phone before tumbling gracelessly off the gargantuan bed.

“Damn.” She tried to breathe around the sudden hammering of her heart. Lana’s voice continued somewhere under the bed and Leah fished around past the dust ruffle for the phone before locating it near the wall. She clutched it to her ear like a lifeline, and cut her sister off mid-sentence. “Oh, my God, Lannie—he’s here.”

Lana waited a beat before replying in a rush, “It’s not too late. Tell him you’ve changed your mind.”

Another knock sounded and Leah jumped again. Pressing a hand to her heart, she whispered, “No. I need to do this.”

“Don’t be silly! He’ll understand if you don’t—”

“I’ve got to go, Lannie. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Flipping the phone shut, she muted the volume and set it on the nightstand. Then, on auto-pilot, she crossed the room and unlocked the door.

Buy Links:  Decadent Publishing          Amazon         Barns & Noble

About the Author:

Valerie Mann has lived from sea to shining sea and currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has her own romance hero husband, five children, and two lazy cats. She has more fun than is proper as the promotion director for an online bookseller, owning a romance review site and editing for an electronic publisher. She loves to hear from her readers! ValerieMann09@yahoo.com

For more information, please visit this author's webpage.

BizJet JumpSeat by Telma Cortez

 A blistering turnaround for Jana.

After a risqué stunt gets her fired from her flight attendant job, Jana finds an even better position, as crew for Dominatrix Productions.













Excerpt:
The next morning, Jana checked out early, ready for her first flight with Dominatrix Productions. Cynthia had sent her a text message letting her know that she could wear anything she wanted, but the more skin she showed the better. Jana was taken aback by the message, but relieved she no longer had to parade around in khakis and polo shirts. She chose a thin, flowing tank top. The sparkles along the dark red fabric perfectly matched the hem of her black skirt that stopped short a few inches above her knee and revealed the murals painted into the sides of Jana's legs. Starting at her feet, the depiction of a beautiful vine wove around her ankle and up her leg, blossoming into bursts of flowers on her thighs before disappearing beneath her clothing. Jana felt sexy and capable when she looked herself up and down in the mirror. She went down to the lobby for the complimentary breakfast as she waited for her ride.
Not too long after she finished breakfast, her cell phone rang and she could see a limo pulling in front of the hotel. It was Cynthia, letting her know they were outside. As she stepped through the hotel doors onto the street, Cynthia emerged from the limo. She wore a tight blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Cynthia smiled at Jana as she approached, nodding in approval at her appearance. During the short drive, Cynthia ran through what Jana could expect on the job. It was typical work as Cynthia explained.
She would mostly be responsible for beverages and food. Cynthia smiled. "The plane is stocked with small amounts of almost anything imaginable, so satiating the needs of executives shouldn't be too far out of your capability." There was a hint too, of something in Cynthia's voice that Jana couldn't quite put a finger on. It was something that Cynthia hoped Jana would understand without needing it spelled out for her. But, Jana wasn't scared. She was eager to experience something different, and confidant that she could handle whatever they threw at her.
They arrived at the airport and went through security. Cynthia already had an employee badge made up for Jana, and they got through pretty quickly. They turned from the main terminal and exited the building down a flight of stairs. The jet was parked on the tarmac, not too far away. Cynthia ushered Jana on board and she felt an odd sense of pride when she looked up towards the terminal windows of the airport, wondering how many pairs of eyes were on her at that moment.
She stopped in her tracks when she saw the aircraft cabin. There was a table situated in front of a curved couch, six full-length lounge chairs with fold over desks, and an amazing amount of open space in place of rows and rows of cramped seating. The décor was a modern mutation of seventies hues and angles. In the back of the plane in one of the plush lounge chairs sat Jana's new boss. Over dinner he had introduced himself as Thomas, but said he preferred to be called by his middle name, Anton, instead. He waved to the women and motioned for them to come over. Jana wore a look of amazement as she walked down the aisle.
He reached into a cabinet built into the wall of the plane and pulled out a box with the company's insignia on it. Anton handed it to Jana with a smile and welcomed her on-board.
On the ride to the airport she learned the company was the front for an adult entertainment empire. Anton had started the company out of college and built it to expand over websites, social media clubs, movie production and distribution; along with a slew of other small niche ventures. Cynthia had joined with him early and earned a generous salary to be his personal assistant. As the company was continuing to rapidly grow, Cynthia was finding she might be better off working during the flights instead of playing the role of his personal flight attendant. Cynthia had said to Jana during the ride that she was being trained to take Cynthia's place with Anton in the skies. "And believe me," she said, "you'll be flying way up there in the skies… if you catch my wind." Jana had only smiled in return, but was beginning to get the hint.
She opened the box in her hands and all of her suspicions were confirmed. Against a tiny, beautiful, black satin pillow sat a sterling pair of diamond nipple clamps.
Jana looked down at them. She was shocked, but enticed. Instead of being nervous, Jana took the opportunity to make an impression and establish herself as part of her new crew. She looked Anton in the eye, feeling Cynthia drink in every moment. She took one of the nipple clamps from the box and attached it to her pinkie, admiring the glimmer of the diamonds in the light of the plane. "Is this the entire uniform, or can I add a few bracelets to the mix?"

Amazon Buy Link





About the Author:
Write what you know, they say. Telma Cortez is an author and a flight attendant. She’s unzipping the sex lives of those working in the theater in the sky. ‘The Aerosexual Series’ is currently short erotic novels based on the sexual experiences of the aviation world from pilots to flight attendants, passengers to buziness jet owners. It might be hard to imagine, but the airline business is small. Word gets around from crew room to aircraft galley, overnight bar and hotel crew rooms where only airline crew are allowed to socialize. This is where she gets all of her juicy gossip and full on descriptions of crew antics for her stories
If you’ve read and liked 50 shades of Grey then you’re bound to like Telma and ‘The Aerosexual series’. The mile high club is for pilot cadets, Telma’s stories are stratospheric…

Site Twitter Facebook

Wicked After Dark Blog Hop

Halloween, that is my family's favorite holiday. We've already got the graveyard in the front yard in place, with 18 graves. Zombies will be in place this weekend. In honor of this years haunt, I am giving a set of zombie ebooks. But first I have to thank Nikki from Close Encounters of the Night Kind and author Natasha Blackthorne. 
Like I said we are giving away three ebooks. From Decadent Publishing's Edge Series comes a steaming hot series from Olivia Starke, Zombies in Vegas. 
These are NOT Hollywood's Zombies either, keep that in mind! 
Zombie Lovin' 

Dating a dead guy would be complicated and complications were one thing she liked to avoid.

Samantha Perry expected a fun weekend in Vegas, what she didn’t expect is the hottie she wakes up next to after a wild night of drinking. Tall, blue-eyed, and all American, Jake is the epitome of male virility—give or take the fact he lacks a heartbeat. But sometimes even the living impaired need a little lovin’.

And Jake has a big surprise in store for Samantha…

Sometimes, waking up is the biggest surprise of all.

What could be hotter than a threesome for your birthday? Kristin finds herself in Vegas with her boyfriend and one gorgeous stranger, proving that “three’s a crowd” simply means one hell of a good time. And she’s ready to have her two hunky men in every way possible.

Of course when you play in Vegas, you play with the unexpected. Always be ready for one killer of a night...

Sex is better when you’re one of the undead.

When her luggage is stolen at the Las Vegas airport, Kelly finds herself stranded and broke. Lucky for her, sexy Detective Nick Rodriguez offers her a room for the night. And when he whips out the handcuffs, she is ready to offer gratitude for his hospitality all night long.

Of course, when in Vegas the party doesn’t stop even if someone wakes up dead….





It's international!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! Have a safe Halloween, and happy hopping!

Night Music Review

Title: Night Music
Series: The Edge Series
Author: Margie Church
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Erotica, Ménage (3+ partners),
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 26
Purchase: Decadent | Amazon | ARe |

A quiet, lakeside vacation is just what Brielle needs to decompress after her busy concert season. She expects the weeks to pass uneventfully. Until she meets the men next door.

Tyler and Zeke are as adventurous and sexy as the Harleys they ride. The passion they hear in Brielle’s music draws them to her.

Convinced the hunks are gay, Brielle lets down her inhibitions. That turns out to be the best decision she’s made in a long time.

Review
Briellle is a cellist for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, she's on vacation after a long music season, taking the oppurinity and beautiful of her uncles cabin. Where her two neighbors hear her play, and things spice up from there.

Night Music is a perfect little menage number, with smoky hot scenes. Maggie Church does it again, brilliant.  I give Night Music 4 out of 5 stars

 

Excerpt:

Brielle had stopped at the local market to get enough supplies for a few days. She had no intention of going to town unless there was a darn good reason. After her clothing and other belongings were unpacked, she opened a bottle of wine—one of several she’d bought—and contemplated the glorious evening sun.
The rumble of motorcycles disrupted her musings. She craned her neck to see who the offenders were.
Two men on leather-bedecked hogs cruised down the neighboring driveway. She watched from the seclusion of her covered porch as they got off and parked their bikes. Leather chaps covered their jeans. Boots and black leather vests made them look badass. She waited for them to remove their helmets and reveal more of their features.
She wasn’t disappointed.
One of the broad-shouldered men had flaxen hair. The second man ran his hands through his dark hair that reached his shoulders. Even from a distance, she could tell they were in good physical shape, and probably in their late twenties. A twinge of naughtiness plucked her libido. Her vacation was already looking up.
The bike-riding neighbors unpacked their saddlebags and carried their gear into their cabin. The door shut softly behind them and returned the peace and quiet they’d interrupted.
Brielle watched the sun dip lower, streaking the sky with brilliant red, orange, and yellow against the clear blue backdrop. The deep sounds of a motoryacht’s engines mixed with the haunting sounds from the loons.
Inspired, she refilled her wineglass, and then brought her cello to the three-season porch. She moved her bow across the taut strings, warming up, wondering what she should play. She sipped her wine while searching through her extensive music collection. Her hand rested on Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Did she dare? Could she play with even half the passion Mei Ju had the other day?
Closing her eyes, Brielle focused on the sounds and sight of Mr. Ju on stage.
Will that ever be me?
She drew her bow back and forth on the strings to play the fiery interludes and soulful chords. Brielle imagined herself in front of the orchestra, the way Ju had been, and did her best to do justice to the piece he’d played so brilliantly.
As she played the last, low note, she noticed the two men standing on their porch, watching her. Heat flared in her cheeks, whether from the exertion of playing or the embarrassment of their witness, she didn’t know.
One man began clapping.
Not expecting that reaction, she chuckled.
“Play something else,” said the man with the long hair.
Thinking they were making fun of her, she closed her music and stood. “Funny guy.”
“No, really, play some more.”
She contemplated the request for a moment. “You’re not going to call the cops?”
The blond one laughed. “Oh, hell no. Come on. Play something hot and sexy.”
Bolstered by their enthusiasm, she wondered what she could play that might fit the bill. “Just a minute.” A number of titles ran through her mind and she dismissed them all. Ah, the perfect one.

Excerpt:

Brielle had stopped at the local market to get enough supplies for a few days. She had no intention of going to town unless there was a darn good reason. After her clothing and other belongings were unpacked, she opened a bottle of wine—one of several she’d bought—and contemplated the glorious evening sun.

The rumble of motorcycles disrupted her musings. She craned her neck to see who the offenders were.

Two men on leather-bedecked hogs cruised down the neighboring driveway. She watched from the seclusion of her covered porch as they got off and parked their bikes. Leather chaps covered their jeans. Boots and black leather vests made them look badass. She waited for them to remove their helmets and reveal more of their features.

She wasn’t disappointed.

One of the broad-shouldered men had flaxen hair. The second man ran his hands through his dark hair that reached his shoulders. Even from a distance, she could tell they were in good physical shape, and probably in their late twenties. A twinge of naughtiness plucked her libido. Her vacation was already looking up.

The bike-riding neighbors unpacked their saddlebags and carried their gear into their cabin. The door shut softly behind them and returned the peace and quiet they’d interrupted.

Brielle watched the sun dip lower, streaking the sky with brilliant red, orange, and yellow against the clear blue backdrop. The deep sounds of a motoryacht’s engines mixed with the haunting sounds from the loons.

Inspired, she refilled her wineglass, and then brought her cello to the three-season porch. She moved her bow across the taut strings, warming up, wondering what she should play. She sipped her wine while searching through her extensive music collection. Her hand rested on Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Did she dare? Could she play with even half the passion Mei Ju had the other day?

Closing her eyes, Brielle focused on the sounds and sight of Mr. Ju on stage.

Will that ever be me?

She drew her bow back and forth on the strings to play the fiery interludes and soulful chords. Brielle imagined herself in front of the orchestra, the way Ju had been, and did her best to do justice to the piece he’d played so brilliantly.

As she played the last, low note, she noticed the two men standing on their porch, watching her. Heat flared in her cheeks, whether from the exertion of playing or the embarrassment of their witness, she didn’t know.

One man began clapping.

Not expecting that reaction, she chuckled.

“Play something else,” said the man with the long hair.

Thinking they were making fun of her, she closed her music and stood. “Funny guy.”

“No, really, play some more.”

She contemplated the request for a moment. “You’re not going to call the cops?”

The blond one laughed. “Oh, hell no. Come on. Play something hot and sexy.”

Bolstered by their enthusiasm, she wondered what she could play that might fit the bill. “Just a minute.” A number of titles ran through her mind and she dismissed them all. Ah, the perfect one.

About the Author:

Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years. If you enjoy books you can't put down, read one of hers.

Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh. She also writes children's books under the pen name, Margaret Rose.

Website (Romance with SASS) | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author page | Goodreads |

Fearless

Title: Fearless
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: YA
Abby White was seven years old when she killed the monster under her bed. Now she slays creatures spawned by the fertile imaginations of children, and the number of these nightmares are on the rise. Neither she nor her guide - a stuffed hippo named Tawa - know why.

When she rescues Demetrius from an iron prison, he pledges his life to protect hers until he can return the favor. She doesn't want the help. And how can she concentrate on her job when the gorgeous wild fae throws himself in front of her during every fight? No matter how tempting, she can't take the time to lose herself to him.

To save the children and all she loves, Abby must be truly Fearless.


Excerpt:
“You scared that girl more than the monster.” Abby wiped her face with an old towel from her car’s trunk. When he held out his hand for one, she ignored the blood splattered fae.
“I did not. She saw how handsome and heroic I am and swooned.” When she was done, Demetrius snatched the towel from her. The black blood was like jelly, but the stench didn’t whet the appetite in the least.
“You barreled in through her window and growled like an animal just as I had the monster. The girl screamed and fainted.” Abby opened the driver’s side door and unhooked Tawa from her belt. She tossed the hippo into the backseat. “I told you to stay outside and watch.”
Hey! I don’t care if you’re mad at that brute, but be a little gentler with me. Tawa complained.
“The beast was going to suck you dry. If I hadn’t helped—” Demetrius threw the towel back into the trunk and slammed it shut.
“It was not! I could’ve tied its proboscis in knots, but I was going for the quick, clean kill. You’re the one that made it messy.” Abby sat in the driver’s seat and jammed the keys into the ignition. This night had gone to hell. First a pack of monsters in the attic. She’d never seen so many together. They were usually solitary creatures. Then this damn annoying fae had attached himself to her and gotten in the way of what would have been an easy kill. The mess from the fight was extensive, but all evidence of the monster in the closet would be gone as soon as the sun rose. The little girl would remember, but her memory would fade with time. Unfortunately Abby’s would not.
Demetrius stood beside the car with his arms folded. The moonlight highlighted and complimented his profile. Even covered in filth, he still managed to look hot. Abby yanked her door closed and cursed herself for noticing.
“Well?” Abby glared at him.
“Well what?” He snipped back.
“I’m going home now.” She couldn’t believe she was waiting for him.
Neither can I. Tawa huffed.
“Where do you live? I’ll meet you there.” Demetrius said with a nonchalance that made Abby frown all the more.
“It’s a bit of a drive. Just get in.” Abby sighed.
“I’m not getting into an iron box for the second time tonight.” He stood his ground.
Ha! That’s right. The fae hate cars. Tawa laughed. Drive off and leave him in the dust.
“All right then. Can’t say it was nice meeting you. Bye.” Abby shifted the car into drive and pulled away from the curb. He cursed and snarled in her rearview mirror and then ran to grab the passenger side door.
“I’m coming with you.” Demetrius sat down and shut the door. His hand gripped the handle and his face paled.
“Don’t worry.” Abby smirked as she drove down the street and headed for the highway. “I won’t take advantage of you in your weakened state.”
“You can give it a try, if you’d like, babe.” His sly smile made hers evaporate.

Buy Links: Amazon  | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo

About the Author
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. When she's not writing or reading, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on the SyFy channel. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood but make her a great Jeopardy player. Christine has one novella and sixteen short stories published with three forthcoming. She's a member of RWA and S.C.I.F.I.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Cornerstone Deep Echoes

Title: Cornerstone Deep Echoes
Series: Chronicles of Shilo Manor, #2
Author: Charlene A. Wilson
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science
Fiction,
Publisher: Class Act Books
Paperback/Ebook
Pages: 279

Purchase: Class Act Books | Amazon |

Book Description:

It's their nature - long lives and rebirth. They're from another dimension, one gifted with advance
abilities, but they serve in Cornerstone Deep. They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.

"We are of another plane. Only by ancient covenant do few know our true natures. We walk this world among you, beside you, loving you."

Mianna’s return heals Cole’s soul and he promises to follow her for the rest of his existence. But the past isn’t what he believes. The fight for her has only begun.

Lord Dressen’s obsession grows as unexpected knowledge is revealed. His search for Mianna has spanned six life times and he won’t give up now. The courts stand behind him. Power pulses through his veins. Determination peaks and not even Cole Shilo can stop him. He will win his prize.

Struggling to stay ahead, Cole’s anger explodes. Nothing is sacred when it comes to keeping his love—not even covenants made with gods. But, through all his efforts, lofty or damned, the truth remains. Will echoes of another life cause him to fail?

“Every breath you take is a song to my soul.”



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the tour 

Vaquero by D'Ann Lindun

When Cordero Ybarra and Aspen O’Hare meet, there is an immediate attraction. But he holds his secrets close, refusing to open up about the night racial prejudice almost killed him.
Aspen refuses to trust Cord—or any man. She’s been abandoned one too many times. When another woman lies and says Cord wouldn’t take responsibility for a child they created together, Aspen believes Cord is a deadbeat just like her father. It is only after she uncovers the truth that Aspen realizes Cord is nothing like the men who’ve deserted her before.

When an immigrant worker is hanged by the same two crazies who branded him, Cord sees the truth. The shame he’s carried about being the victim of a hate crime is going to cost him the woman he loves if he can’t let go of his past.

Excerpt:
She abruptly pulled out of his embrace and fastened her dress back together. “I need to get back. Daddy will be looking for me.”
Swallowing his disappointment, Cord said, “I’ll walk you back, chica.”
Her eyes were hard, or maybe it was just the moonlight playing tricks on him. “Chica? Don’t call me that. And you can’t tell anyone what happened between us. This was a mistake. I’ll see you around.” Before he could react, she vanished out the door.
“I’ll see you around.”Had she really just said that? He found his shirt on the floor and, after jerking it on, left the bunkhouse, slamming the door behind him. She teased him, got him hard as hell, then vanished? What the fuck had just happened here?
Just a few feet into the dark, someone stepped in front of him. In no mood to talk, Cord started to push by when the other man grabbed his arm. “You too good to talk to me, Mex?”
Buford LaDelle. Cord sighed. What was the guy’s problem with him? “No, just tired.”
“Worn out from work, or something else?”
Cord jerked his arm away from the bigger man’s grip. “Not that I feel like sharing my business with you, but yeah, I’m beat from roping all day.”
Another man moved out of the shadows. Buford grinned at him. “I think he’s worn out from that little joyride he just gave Shayla. How ’bout you, Spike? Think that’s it?”
“Yeah, I think that’s it,” Spike agreed.
Buford got so close Cord could smell the alcohol on the other man’s breath. “That it, Mex?”
“Get lost.” Cord moved to step around Buford, and the bigger man slugged him. Hard. In the stomach. Not expecting it, he doubled over, fighting to catch his breath. Before he could suck in enough air, one of the men slipped a lariat over his head, pulling it tight against his neck. The other one grabbed his wrists and bound them with a slick leather strap, a rein maybe.
What the hell? It was one thing to have a fistfight over a girl—all guys did it—but he’d never been attacked in the dark and roped like a wild steer before. Cord struggled, and the rope around his neck tightened until he feared passing out. Stars danced in front of his eyes, and his ears felt like they had cotton stuffed in them. He tried to speak, and his voice came out in a hoarse growl. “Let me go.”
Buford chuckled. “Not until you learn your lesson, son. I don’t know how things are done back where you come from, but around here, illegals don’t fuck our women.”
“I didn’t—” The rope dug into his neck, cutting off his words. He was as American as they were, the crazy bastards.
Like a prisoner being dragged to the gallows, Cord was hauled toward the corrals. Every time he tried to speak, one of them jerked the rope around his neck, making it impossible for him to call for help. At the branding pens, Buford yanked Cord up tight against one of the corral posts, securing him like a trussed hog. His nose pressed against the rough cedar pole. He turned his face so his cheek rubbed it instead. Spike pulled Cord’s hands around the pole and tied them, rendering him helpless.
“What now?” Spike asked.
Buford held up something that flashed in the dim moonlight. A knife. “I say we geld him. Cut off his nuts and feed them to him.”
The buddy chuckled. “Good plan. That’ll teach him not to go between the legs of decent white women.”
Cord struggled against the rope binding him until it cut into his neck. Warmth trickled down his neck, and he knew it had to be blood. They were only trying to scare him. No one in his right mind would do something so crazy.
Buford crowded up behind Cord, pinning him even tighter to the fence, and reached around and unbuckled his jeans. They slid down over his hips and thighs. He stood tied, half naked, his jeans and shorts pooling around the tops of his boots, as they discussed what to do next.
“We’re gonna need another couple of ropes to hold his legs apart,” the buddy said helpfully. “I’ll go get ’em. But you’re gonna have to do the cuttin’ ’cause I ain’t touchin’ no other man’s dick or balls.”
Buford considered that, turning the knife in his hands. “Yeah, you got a point about that. I ain’t no queer. But we gotta do something to teach this boy a lesson.”
Cord twisted his hands, desperate to get free, but the tie they’d used tightened with every move. He couldn’t catch a deep breath. Sweat beaded on his forehead and ran down his back. The joke had gone far enough. “Turn me loose and I won’t kick your ass,” he demanded in a harsh whisper.
“Oh my God.” A woman’s voice. Shayla. Out of the corner of his eye, Cord saw her take in the scene. Horror filled her voice. “What are you doing? This isn’t Deliverance. Let him go right now.”
A rough laugh rumbled out of Buford. “Not a chance. Your daddy told us to take care of the problem, and we have it handled.”
“I never agreed to this,” she said stubbornly. “Pull up his pants and turn him loose.”
“We’re just scaring him a little.” Buford’s tone changed to vicious, and he stepped toward her with his fist closed. “Now get on out of here.”
She turned and fled.

Buy at BookStrand

About the Author:
Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, eight ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!
Site Facebook Goodreads

Decadent Thursday: Oceans Kiss

Welcome to Decadent Thursdays! Today is a little different as Both Tamaria and I loved the same book and debated upon who was going to review it. So, we decided since we felt the same about Ocean's Kiss that we would both review it!

Title: Oceans Kiss
Author: J.T. Cheyanne
Genre: contemporary, fantasy
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pages: 80
Buy: Decadent Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookstrand

At the age of seven, Devan McDaniel awakened to a new world full of color, noise, and clarity. On vacation with her mother, she waded into the warm waters of the Atlantic and her life changed. It, the debilitating affliction she’d struggled with since birth, disappeared. But, Devan wasn’t free. To control It, she maintained a strict routine of daily visits to the salty depths. Lack of vigilance sent her careening back into Its black void of sensory deprivation. Devan didn’t mind the swims. She loved the ocean and her Furies. The three dolphins had shown up almost a year after her family moved to the seaside and were her constant companions when she entered the sea. But lately, Devan yearned for more. She longed to find a man who could love her and accept It.

Dominic Cole lived and breathed the ocean. He’d entered the Navy and qualified for one of the elite SEAL teams. After a disillusioning mission, he retired. Unable to separate from his love of the sea, he settled down in Florida, where he set to work as a marine biologist. The small cove he researched offered up many interesting surprises, including three friendly dolphins. Dominic’s peace didn’t last. His highly tuned senses warned him danger lurked.

A blind date arranged by mutual friends brought Dominic and Devan together. Stunned by his immediate reaction to her, Dominic found himself agreeing to diving lessons. In a matter of weeks, Devan mastered the skills required and in the process, fell mask-over-flippers in love with the powerful, stoic instructor. Resisting Devan’s allure, Dominic struggled to keep his hands to himself. When he finally gave in, his worst fears were realized.

Would he find Devan before It and his enemy ended her life?

Tamaria's Review:

Ocean's Kiss was by far one of the best short stories I've read in awhile. Devan's life awakens on a trip with her mother to the ocean. The waters engulf and her world opens up for the first time and she finally has a way to deal with IT (her debilitating affliction that controls her life). Her struggle isn't over she must emerge herself in the salty water a few times a day to stay free.

Dominic lives for the ocean. He's a retired Navy Seal (swoons just thinking about him in uniform and out!) and has settled down and studies the marine life in a Florida cove. The two meet on a blind date set up by a friend. They are drawn to each other instantly.

When Dominic agrees to give her diving lessons they end up spending time together and the attraction only intensifies between them. They both yearn for more but they hold deep secrets that keep them apart. Dominic's past comes back to haunt them and puts Devan's life in danger.

To say I couldn't put this story down is an understatement! Ocean's Kiss has everything you could want in a story; love, romance, suspense, and plenty of action!



Viari's Review:

Ocean's Kiss holds it's secrets well. Everything comes to a head at once, and I loved it.

J.T. Cheyanne has a very distinctive style of writing, with beautifully rendered characters, a passionate story with the most perfect ending, with just the right blend of action. This story is one that will stay with you after that last page is read.

Together hands down we both give Ocean's Kiss 5 out of 5 stars!

~Excerpt~

“Devan? What happened?”

Her words, when she finally spoke, emerged muffled against his skin. He eased her back away from him.

“I can’t understand you, sweetheart. Is this another It attack?”

Devan took a deep breath and focused on his warm brown eyes. She shook her head. “A man…at the office. He knew I was going diving.” She saw the confusion in his eyes. “Dom, I haven’t told anyone at the office about the lessons. I haven’t even told Terrica, my best friend. There’s no way he could know, unless he’s been spying on me.” The trembling started again despite her best efforts to control it. “He could have been…the person who shot at me. But I don’t understand why.”

Dominic’s gaze hardened, and she actually experienced the change that came over the man. No longer was he the marine biologist about to give her diving lessons. A pissed-off, ready-to-do-battle Navy SEAL stood before her. Dangerous did not begin to describe the vibe rolling off his large, heavily muscled frame. Devan’s body responded instantly to the dominant male holding her. She wet her lips as her core clenched. Nothing like an alpha male to chase away the boogey man. Before she could embarrass herself, he swung her clear of the breakers and strode for the shore.

About the Author

J.T. Cheyanne resides in the beautiful state of Alabama. J.T. lives with her two sons and daughter. An avid reader since fourth grade, she has only just started writing her own stories. She also has several works in progress with a co-author. When she’s not writing, she enjoys coaching cheerleading in her local youth organization.