ORPHEUS—To most he’s an enigma, a devil-may-care rogue who does whatever he pleases whenever he wants. Now this loose cannon is part of the Eternal Guardians—elite warriors assigned to protect the human realm—whether he likes it or not.
Orpheus has just one goal: to rescue his brother from the Underworld. He’s not expecting a woman to get in the way. Especially not a Siren as gorgeous as Skyla. He has no idea she’s an assassin sent by Zeus to seduce, entrap, then ultimately destroy him.
Yet Skyla herself might have the most to lose. There’s a reason Orpheus feels so familiar to her, a reason why her body seems to crave him. Perhaps he’s not the man everyone thinks… The truth could reveal a deadly secret as old as the Eternal Guardians themselves.
My thoughts:
Enraptured is book 4 in Elisabeth Naughton’s Eternal Guardian series. I really, really enjoyed this story. Orpheus is such a bad boy, well he thinks he is just bad. ‘O’ thinks that he doesn’t need anyone. That he is so bad that no one could ever need him. Boy is he wrong on all accounts. Everyone around him can see the good in him, but getting ‘O’ to see that is another story. It will take a very stubborn, strong and determined woman to open his eyes.
Skyla is not sure she wants to do her job anymore, but she knows she needs to keep going. Skyla is willing to take on a least one more assignment before she makes her decision. But this mission becomes more then she can handle when you touches the man she has been sent to kill.
Orpheus & Skyla are combustible together. I LOVED this book!!! ‘O’ is such a big softy even if he will never admit it to himself. I loved to watch his struggle with this very fact. Skyla is such a kickass heroine. My only fault with her is she lied to Orpheus. But with out the lie there would not have been as much drama. Darn me for loving the drama of it all.
If you are a fan of Elisabeth and her Eternal Guardian series you will love Enraptured. If you have not started this series you really need to.
Now I am so looking forward the next book in Elisabeth’s book in this series. Enslaved, scheduled for release November 2012.
Following Expectations and What Money Can’t Buy, the third novel in the Taylor Twins series, Gifts from the Past, finds the twins, Chris and Matt Taylor, immersed in the greatest challenges of their lives—parenthood. Chris and Aiden are raising their adopted daughter and their special needs son, who struggles with physical and emotional challenges daily. Matt, on the other hand, has a beautiful and happy baby girl. However, his fiancée, Carley, has gone from overemotional to abusive and Matt needs to decide his best course of action. When Ally, Chris’s college girlfriend, comes back into the twins’ lives, everything becomes complicated. Especially for Matt.
Gifts from the Past is a novel redefining love, family, loyalty, and ultimately survival. Sometimes, taking the best from your past moves you forward through the present, creating a brighter future for you and your family.
My thoughts:
Gifts from the Past is book 3 in the Taylor Twin series. Gifts from the Past takes us back into the life of the Taylor twins and not everything is rosy and good. Chris and Matt find themselves both learning to struggle with all of life’s twists and turns of parenthood, marriage and betrayal.
I have loved the Taylor twins from the very first book. Chris and Matt just want the happy life they never had as kids. But each step of the way fate is throwing them curve balls.
Liz, does a wonderful job of taking the twins and their families to the edge of disaster and back. If you have not read this series you really should. But I will say for those who don’t like m/m relationships one of the main relationships in this series is m/m. But Liz does the m/m relationship beautifully.
Loyalites tested in a country divided… Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
My thoughts:
WOW!!!! This was a GREAT book.
First I have to say to Kristina “I forgive you” Okay back to the review.
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves is such an emotional book. When you think it can’t get any worst it does. Kristina does a wonderful of sucking us into the world that she has created. A world that revolves around a set of kids and one horrible event. Pearl Harbor. It is truly amazing how people were treated back then. The struggle that these kids have to go through on a daily basis makes me realize that we should all be thankful for the things we have in our life.
I loved every page of this book. Yes, Kristina every page!!!
Kristina thank you so very much for allowing me to read and review your book for you. I look forward to see what you come up with next.
If you love historical I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this book!!! Oh and please have some tissues.
Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she’s cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.
For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her….
Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—Guardians who safeguard humanity and Darkbloods, rogues who will stop at nothing to satisfy their craving for the sweetest of human blood.
Now, former Army Ranger Finn McKentry finds himself imprisoned as a blood slave, forced to submit to an enemy more powerful than any he’s encountered before. Only Brenna Stewart, the woman he’d loved and lost, can set him free—but the secret she harbors might lead them down the most dangerous path of all…
Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he’s managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won’t rest until he’s dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he’ll risk anything to protect.
Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet—a rare blood type that’s addictive to vampires—makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bed…then left her in despair. Danger aside, Lily won’t let Alfonso near her heart again—until an irresistible hunger threatens to draw them back together… and into an assassin’s snare.
All they want for Christmas is you…It’s the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow.
And they don’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice.
Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can’t wait for an invitation.
Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions:Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….
He might be known for his effortless charm, but Guardian Jackson Foss is hiding a terrible secret. For months, he has battled the emergence of his dark nature—deadly urges that threaten to consume him. And those cravings only intensify when he meets Arianna Wells, the human he’s been assigned to protect. Smart and perceptive, Arianna doesn’t seem like a dangerous temptress. Yet she awakens in Jackson an unstoppable need that, if left unchecked, will brand him a traitor…a crime punishable by death.
But soon their bond may be Arianna’s only hope. For stalking her in the shadows is a merciless enemy—one who will stop at nothing to claim her completely….
One woman swears to avenge the savagery of a ruthless killer loose on the streets of Lundun; if only she can stay one step ahead of an inventor who fears his greatest work, a labor of love, has turned on humanity.
Grieving the loss of her beloved cousin, Ella Wilder is determined to catch the murderer. Infuriated by the fumblings of the constable, she seeks the assistance of a handsome Noble who seems to be looking for his own answers, and who’s reluctance tells her he has something to hide. Over time, hesitant intimacy grows into fiery passion but brings them no closer to finding the madman.
As the killer reveals darker inventions that blur the boundary between man and machine, Ella fights the fear he may be after her next. Can Ella trust her heart to the man who refuses to share his secrets yet swears to protect her? Will Bennett be able to choose between keeping terrifying family secrets…or losing Ella to the iron-hearted killer who stalks the night?
Excerpt:
When they reached the top, Bennett stopped. Past this point there would be no turning back. She must realize this.
“You do understand you are bringing a man into your bedroom?”
Ellie dropped his hand and turned to face him. Low fires burned in her eyes. “Every move I make is done with full deliberation. I am no simpleton.”
He swept his gaze down her smooth neck to the straining fabric at her breasts.
Lord, was it only a few hours ago that he had her pushed up against the table, pressed his body against hers?
She opened a door. “Tell me what’s happened. You look as though you are in dire need of a friend.”
Light from inside the room illuminated beneath her dress. The features of her body outlined for his viewing pleasure. He could see every round curve, each flare and indentation.
It was becoming evident he needed more than just friendship from her tonight.
With his returning libido came a comforting sense of control. Weakness and vulnerability he could not tolerate. Seduction and yearning pulled him back to strength. He pushed aside the weighty drag of helplessness and the overwhelming ache for casual comfort.
Ecstasy would return him to full health again. Surely.
Bennett closed the door behind them. He glanced about the room. It was smaller than his servants’ rooms. A bed against each wall, an old wardrobe, small dresser and a fireplace. In the center of the room, a tub of still-scented water.
The thought that her naked body was just in there sent quivers down his spine. And a flush of hot blood to his groin.
Ella motioned to the chair beside the fireplace. “Won’t you sit? Perhaps tell me what is going on?”
Bennett continued standing. Sitting in a chair across the room from Ella was not at all in the plans.
Just a short time ago he’d have told her everything. What he’d done to his brother to create this monster, why it was so hard to capture him again.
He swallowed the pitying desire to have her brush her fingers through his hair, to have her hold him close to her heart.
It was the thrilling rush of pleasure he needed. Yes. It must be.
She shrugged and lowered herself to a bed. “Are you going to talk to me or have you just come to see if I was still awake?”
Bennett grinned, the first smile in hours.
“I came because I need you.” He glanced at the bathwater then back at Ella. “But I have found that my needs have changed since I arrived.”
A flush raced up from her chest to the tips of her ears. Once again he was charmed by her passionate blush.
“That is not the reason you came back to my door.”
“No,” he admitted, leaning against the wardrobe arms folded. “As much as my body yearns for you, it is never the initial motivation for me seeking your presence.”
She blinked, unable to answer.
“However, as seems to be the case with each time, my first cause slips away as I am drugged by your heavenly scent and seductive gaze.”
Her hand clenched a fistful of her nightdress.
“You are correct in that I came to you tonight because I was in dire need of a friend. I could not stomach the thought of spending the next few hours in futility. But that has now changed.”
Her chest rose, strained against the fabric. He could make the small outline of her nipples. A shot of electricity blasted to his groin.
Bennett licked his lips. He crossed the room in a few short strides. “You see, once again the sight and smell of you has brought me to my knees.” He sat on the bed next to her. “My body hungers for you.”
Her mouth opened then closed, as she seemed to search for the right words. And then, “Yet you stop us each time.”
He pulled off his gloves and tossed them to the floor. Next he shook his coat off and then his shoes.
All the while she watched with wide eyes and a nibbled lip.
“Yes, Ella, I have halted our progress us each time. And since I am still a gentleman, I will stop if you ask me to. Although it will be with great difficulty.”
He brushed his fingers across her chin. “But this time it will not be me who puts an end to the fire between us. As I stated, I need you. I hurt for you. I need the intimacy that only you can provide me.”
His face was just inches from hers. He could see her eyes searching his, her mind working. She tried to find reasons to put him off, to deny her desires. But she wouldn’t be able to. Ella was a passionate woman. She desired him as much as he yearned for her.
She drew in a deep breath. “Are you waiting for my permission?”
His lip curled. “No. I wanted to make the situation quite clear to you. We are on your bed. I have no intentions of leaving until I have found bliss inside your body.”
Her breath caught. It was the only invitation he required.
Bennett’s fingers went to the knot on her wrap. He quickly untied it and the thin cotton fell to the bed. Her creamy shoulders came into view and on impulse he pressed his lips to the round curve of her skin.
Ella whimpered.
Heat blasted through his blood, hardening his flesh and increasing his pulse.
His hand slid down to her knees. She jumped but did not move away. The cotton was rough on his fingers, not the soft muslin of Noble women. Ella had made herself a Commoner. But it would not stop him from wanting her.
He scrunched up the fabric until it bunched under his hand. Then, to distract her, Bennett pressed his lips to her hair.
“Lord, you smell delightful.” Soothing and stirring, the lavender hummed in his blood.
He kissed his way down her forehead, over her nose, and finally to her lips.
“Bennett?” she said against his mouth.
“Hmm?” His hand slipped between her knees. The skin there was soft, so very soft.
“I-I thought we would go on the dirigible tomorrow. We might…”
“Are you asking me to stop? To wait for the morrow?”
Before she could answer, Bennett slipped his tongue between her lips. He angled his head to press deeper, and in doing so, she lost her resistance.
Her ramrod spine softened, shoulders bent. Bennett gently leaned her back, his mouth never leaving hers, until her head was upon the pillow.
He scooted next to her and pulled her legs up, skimming higher up her leg as he did so. Now they both lay upon the small bed, he partially on top of her, one hand between her thighs, his lips locked onto hers.
Her full body touching him sent the dizzying fog of lust to his brain. Like a bull rutting, need charged through his veins and clouded his mind. He could no longer be gentle.
Bennett thrust his tongue deep to find hers and his hand up beneath her night dress.
She moaned beneath him, responding as she did every other time they were together. Ella didn’t want his tenderness. No, she craved the urgent, desperate fire like he did.
Her tongue brushed his, pulling him further into her. She arched her back, pressing her breasts to his chest.
His fingers skimmed past the treasure between her legs to grasp a delicious mound of sweetness. Her nipple was hard against his palm and she cried out when he flicked it with his thumb.
His erection throbbed, hurt for release from the tight trousers. Soon, he promised, very soon.
Bennett tore his mouth from hers and kissed his way down her throat. He nibbled on a sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulders. She squirmed, but did not pull away.
His lips pushed down on the dress to find the swell of her breast. The shift would not go any lower. He must take it off of her.
“It has to come off,” he whispered. “Lift your hips.”
Her eyes opened and she stared at him. He waited for her to obey, but then she sat up. Instead of removing the night gown, Ella maneuvered herself from under him and got off the bed.
“What are you doing?” He reached out. “Come back.”
She took a step back. “I-I can’t.”
He must not have heard her properly. Ella was always the one urging him to continue. “You can’t? Why the hell not?”
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome TD Jones to the blog today. We are going to be talking about her new book Coming up for Air.
I’m a West Texas girl and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love to see the blue sky and all the open space. At night you can walk out and see stars for miles. There’s nothing like sitting on a porch and watching the Texas sky on a warm, summer night.
I’ve always dreamed of becoming a published writer and finally decided two years ago I was either going to make my dream come true or give it up. Luckily Melange-books decided I was worth giving a chance and published Hot Days. My dreams seem to becoming more of a reality since I will have my second story published in July 2011 and more to come out soon.
I love writing about characters who aren’t perfect. They have problems and have to figure out ways to make their life better. Humor is sprinkled throughout my stories. It always surprises me that I’m able to write humor because I don’t really find myself funny. I’m known to worry about things and stress out easy so maybe that’s why I love writing humor, at least my characters are having fun!
Writing feeds my soul and I want to do it forever. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I love writing them.
TD: Hi. Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be at Books-n-Kisses. This is my first stop on my book tour.
Q1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?
TD: I write under the name T.D. Jones and I write Romance/Family Drama/Mystery. All my books have humor in them. I write for Melange-books, XoXo Publishing and New Dawning BookFair Publishing.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
TD: I have always been a ‘closet writer’ and always wanted to be published and finally two years ago I decided I was going to work really hard at making that dream happen. It was kind of ‘Do it or Bust’ kind of thing. I quit just saying I wanted to be a writer and I became one. I learned you can’t fulfill a dream till you start to believe you are good enough to do it and that’s what I finally did. I started calling myself a writer and I write whenever I can.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
TD: I loved LaVyrle Spencer when I was younger. Now I love to read Janet Evanovich and Debbie MaComber and when I really need some spice I read Jackie Collins. I think all these women influenced me due to they know how to take a simple story and make characters come alive. We’ve all been in love and had heartache but these writers know how to make us really feel the emotions. I love J. Evanovich humor, she keeps me laughing and that is my goal to do for my readers in my books.
Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like.
TD: I work full time at a hospital so my day starts about 4am and I will write and answers e-mails and promote until 6:30 am and then go to work at 8am and then back home at 5pm and usually I try to write at least for about an hour if I can find the energy. Weekends are really when I write. I have been known to stay in my home office all day and write. I’m not one of those writers that has to be writing at a set time, just as long as I write.
Q5) Can you tell us a little about you book Coming up for Air?
TD: Coming Up For Air is about Maggie Dawson and Kevin Walker. They were young lovers and going to get married, but Kevin leaves Maggie at the altar. Eighteen years later he is back to sale the family ranch but he’s not alone. Kevin has brought his pregnant fiancée with him. Maggie Dawson is the local doctor and thinks she has moved on when it comes to Kevin but soon finds out she’s wrong and her heart is still beating for him. This book has some fun in it and of course some surprises. It’s a sweet romance and published by XoXo Publishing.
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
TD: Maggie Dawson came to me first and started telling me about Kevin. I know it sounds strange but usually a character will show up and start talking to me. I would never tell anyone this before, but as I got to know more writers it seems to be a normal thing with us so I’m thrilled to say I’m not crazy!
Q7) What is up next for you?
TD: After Coming Up For Air, I have Salem’s World and Wrangled Hearts to be released. Both books should be released by March and Dangerous Games should be released sometime around there also. I always have at least three stories going, one I’m doing edits, one I’m writing and one I’m just thinking about. I’m not sure if I would suggest that for anyone who wants to write, but it seems to work for me.
Q8) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?
TD: I want to read Janet Evanovich #18 and I have a lot of friend authors that have some great books out I want to read.
Books-n-Kisses: TD, again thank you so very much for making Books-n-Kisses a stop on your book tour. I have enjoyed learning more about you and your book. I look forward to reading and see what you come up with next.
TD: Thank you so much for having me here at Books-N-Kisses. I love visiting with everyone and hope I get to come back sometime for another visit. Love T.D.
Bess Saint Clair is about to lose everything and the only man who can save her is Nicholas Blake. It’s just a pity she can’t stand him.
Nicholas is a record industry hotshot with a reputation for being a Big, Bad Wolf. That’s okay by publicist Bess – she’s the sort of Little Red Riding Hood who eats wolves for breakfast. From the moment Nicholas and Bess clap eyes on each other they share a common bond: they want to tear each other’s throats out.
When Nicholas discovers that the man he has hired for the job is a woman, he’d like nothing better than to boot her out of his office. When Bess discovers he is one of those creatures of prehistoric legend – a male chauvinist – she’d like nothing better than to flip him the bird and turn on her heel.
But he needs her talent and she needs his money.
Each is hell bent on teaching the other a lesson. Both are about to learn a lesson they’ll never forget. The battle over who will wear the pants will be fiercest when neither is wearing any.
Funny, tender and deeply sensual, Bess, Nicholas & A Dog Called Bones is set in a picturesque valley vineyard and features a heroic, shameless sausage extortionist of a dog who is almost as human, and every bit as unforgettable, as Nicholas and Bess.
Excerpt
The bedroom door slammed shut. Bess jumped and whirled around.
Nicholas leaned back against the door, his arms crossed and one knee bent, his foot upon the door.
“This rule of yours.”
He had on the shirt she had touched in his wardrobe. It was open at the neck and he had nothing on beneath it and he was bright-eyed from rest and clean-shaven and fresh from the shower and Good God, he was glorious.
“What rule?” she breathed.
“The one about no making love with a man you’re not in love with.”
He pushed himself away from the door.
Her legs wanted to run. Bess didn’t know – to him or past him – only that they wanted to run somewhere.
“Oh, that one.” The words were barely audible; her lungs were bellows.
Nicholas took a step toward her.
“Does it apply to… kissing?”
Her mouth went dry. He advanced another step.
“I… hadn’t thought about it.”
One more step. He towered over her. Bess looked up into his face.
“No?”
“Strictly speaking… kissing isn’t lovemaking.”
“It can be.”
“You think s–”
One kiss – one soft, warm, hungry-making kiss – and then he was gone, just beyond her reach, his tilted face hovering above hers, his lips parted. Somehow she had come to be balanced on her tiptoes. Bess swayed toward him.
“I know so,” he breathed, and his eyes closed as his lips found hers once, twice, thrice he caressed her mouth with a seeking gentleness that breathed sweet life into her mouth, and she tilted her chin and reached for him as his arms swept around her and gathered her into his embrace.
His lips were tantalising, his kisses so soft, so meltingly, deliciously soft, they made her ache and they made her thirst and she tilted her chin higher and reached for more, and sweetly, tenderly, Nicholas answered her need, his fingertips drawing a feathered trail over her throat.
One more – the softest of kisses, it was a billowing cloud against her lips – and then he withdrew almost imperceptibly; his lips, touched to hers, became still. Bess opened her eyes. Amber eyes, flashing and dancing in the firelight watched her. Her fingers curled into his shirt.
“Please, sir,” she whispered, “May I have some more?”
He covered her mouth with an appetite that shocked her.
Hungry as she was, her appetite was no match for his. She gasped into his open, seeking mouth and, overwhelmed, she tried to turn her face away, even as her hands gathered his shirt into her clasping fingers. He arched her back and deepened his kiss, dipping her back to receive him. Bess closed her eyes and took her medicine.
He pulled away. She held onto his shirt for support.
Nestling his cheek against hers, he nuzzled the words into her ear. “What say you, Miss Saint Clair? Was that lovemaking or kissing?”
“Kissing–”
Seized by the hips she was borne up and around; Nicholas held her aloft, then, holding her eyes, he slowly slid her against his body until her dangling feet touched the floor.
He unclasped her fingers from his shirt and drew her arms around his neck, pressing her chest to his. Without a word, he studied her upturned face, his eyes alight with swirls of burnished copper. He covered her mouth, kissing her deeply, then drew away.
Suddenly grasping her hips he parted her legs with his hips and thrust her back against the door.
Bess swallowed the cry that rushed to her lips. She had asked for more, she’d bitten off more than she could chew, and…
Damned before she’d admit to it.
She held Nicholas’s eyes, her chest heaving against his.
A half-smile toyed devilishly with his lips.
His tilted head came down slowly, inch by inch by tormenting inch. His lips a whisper away from hers, he stopped.
“How about that, Miss Saint Clair?” he murmured, “Was that kissing or lovemaking?”
“Strictly speaking–”
Swiftly he descended and how eagerly she rose to his mouth, but at the last moment his lips glanced off the side of her face and lit on her neck. He set to work with breathtaking purpose, his pulsing lips warmly provocative, a living electrical current on her throat. Her legs were having trouble holding her up.
His hands were under her cashmere sweater; his fingers were cool and long, their delicate stroking utterly sumptuous. Her head fell forward, she was drowning in sensation: his body was hard, his touch was soft, his lips were electrifying and she could stand no more; Bess took a ravenous taste of that damnable jaw before she placed her lips to his ear and whispered her plea to be kissed.
He smiled against her neck.
Understanding flashed with blinding clarity – once before, she had deflected his kiss. He was punishing her.
She turned her head to make it easier for him.
Caressing her shoulders he pulled her away from the wall and bent her backwards; further parting her thighs to accommodate him, he pushed himself between them.
He took to her throat like a honeyeater awash in a wealth of nectar.
Bess gasped silently and shuddered beneath him. Nicholas paused, his lips on her throat, his breathing ragged against her skin. He seemed to be having trouble speaking. “Kissing…” he drew a breath, “…or lovemaking, Be–”
“Just… kissing.”
His head flew up. His eyes were lightning. “Just–”
Bess shrieked as Nicholas hefted her from her feet and swung her against him, her legs astride his waist.
His forearms brandishing steel against her back, Nicholas carried her to the bed.
The eiderdown rustled loudly as he threw it back. The bed rocked wildly as she was tossed onto it.
Nicholas knelt above her.
Author Bio:
When Tessa Armytage isn’t writing, she likes to take long solitary walks near her country home, thinking about cooking, writing and whatever else tickles her fancy. Bess, Nicholas & A Dog Called Bones is her second book.
Thanks, for having me over today! I thought I’d share a bit about me today rather than bore everyone with one of my lessons in writing. J Sexy foods anyone?
My idea of a sexy thing doesn’t necessarily embody what most would consider sexy…you know dark and lush and completely sinful. My list does involve a few standards, but I think you’ll be surprised what else I find decadent…tasty…sexy.
Before I get started, I’ll tell you a bit about how I came up with my list. Several months ago I was asked what I thought was the sexiest room in the house other than the bedroom. Without a second’s pause I immediately replied, “The kitchen.” Why you might ask? Because to me it’s the heart of the home where nurturing takes place…and that’s sexy. It’s also sensual, and if I might say it lends to a completely submissive frame of mind in and of that is where you can care for someone, give yourself up to them in a pleasing way, in a non-sexual way. I love to cook and when I know I’ve pleased my husband by feeding him something that satisfied him on not just a purely nutritional level…that makes me a very happy woman…
So here goes…Lila’s top ten sexy foods…
Number ten: Fondue. Yes you read that correctly. What’s more fun than gooey cheese or drippy chocolate that you can feed each other?
Number nine: Cheesecake. Need I say more? I mean come on…it’s lush and decadent and feels so good on the tongue…yum!
Number eight: Oysters. I live on the east coast…yes, it is true what they say. I’ve never been disappointed yet after one or a dozen.
Number seven: Strawberries. What’s not to love? Sweet, juicy goodness on a stem that can be rubbed across…
Number six: Chocolate. Yes, a standard, but this stuff is just pure sin in any form. Would you not agree?
Number five: French fries. J I can hear you all right now…What? Okay, this one comes from a friend who tells me one of the most romantic moments with her husband involved French fries…I believe her. J
Number four: Pasta, specifically spaghetti and meatballs. Why? Because of Lady and the Tramp, that’s why…and that’s my husband’s and my movie…I know a hopeless romantic.
Number three: Comfort food. See I told you I was outside the box. What says love more than a plate of fried chicken, mashed and gravy, and a big fluffy biscuit? I think it’s a sexy way to feed my man after a hard day’s work and it keeps up his strength for other things…
Number two: Pizza. When I first met my husband I was working horrendous hours and he was an instructor. Dinner time was not a joy and sometimes didn’t exist. It was the sexiest thing for him to bring home a pizza and feed me…see this erotic nourishing runs both ways. J
And, the number one sexy food for me: Wedding cake. There is nothing sexier than sharing that first piece as man and wife…sometimes I buy a cute little cake just because I can and have it with my husband along with a glass of bubbly—also sexy by the way…
Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, and the Identity series. She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012. And has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13. Ms. Munro also works as the VP of Business Affairs for Rebel Ink Press. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted via her website http://realmanticmoments.blogspot.com or through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lila_Munro You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com For more information about Rebel Ink Press please visit their website at www.rebelinkpress.com
Assumed Identity
Innocent childhood games of dress-up and pretend…
Julie Stevens is as straight as they come. Or so she tries to convince herself. But it isn’t easy believing that little white lie when she has the two most sexually eccentric best friends on the planet. One is a bi-sexual Domme who believes if it looks fun, try it. The other is a gay man in the role of slave to his very sexy Master whom Julie often wishes wasn’t gay. Dante’s commanding presence makes her want to do things that set her on fire with need and embarrassment. Given her boring vanilla life, how exactly does she fit into their world? Would they like to have a shinier third wheel?
Are a completely different animal for grownups…
After one wild evening and a bit too much liquid encouragement, Julie discovers a side of herself she’s always tried to ignore. The realization she’s a sub not only scares her, it excites her and she yearns for more. But the process of finding the right man to teach her becomes a real issue, until Mason comes along. He’s everything Julie imagines a Dom should be. Armed with her masque and Renaissance costume, Julie is thrown for a loop when the handsome Master draws more willingness out of her than she ever thought possible. Is it possible she’s more than a submissive? And will the assumptions he’s made about her identity end up tearing them apart?
“Are you wet, angel?” Mason asked, running one hand down the middle of her back. Her intake of breath told him she was and that she didn’t want to admit it. “Answer me. Now.”
“Yes,” she whispered over a whimper.
Covering her body with his, Mason leaned over her and gently took her by her hair. “Tell me what you need, angel.”
Silence. Sniffling. Muffled moans.
“Julie. Tell. Me. What. You. Need.”
“Sex.” Her voice was barely audible.
“No. That’s what you think I want. I know what I want. You’re to free your mind of thoughts concerning what you think I want.” Mason pushed back up and began moving one hand over her back in a soothing pattern. “Tell me what you need.”
“I need…I…Don’t make me…”
“Say it.”
“I need to come,” she whined.
“Good girl,” he praised. “Now tell me what you want.”
“I don’t understand…”
“Yes, you do. Tell me,” he growled.
“I want you to make me come,” she gushed, arching her back into his constant touch.
“I’m going to do just that, angel,” he spoke harshly, leaning back over her and taking a handful of hair, raising her head enough he could nip her earlobe. “Tell me you understand.”
“I understand.”
“When’s the last time you had an orgasm?” She started to answer and he cut her off. “With a man?”
“I can’t remember.”
“Shame on them,” Mason told her.
He stood and while keeping one hand on her lower back letting her know he was still present, he unbuttoned his jeans then unzipped them slowly, adding to her agony by being forced to listen to the click of each tine popping open. Scooting his pants down his legs along with his boxers, he stepped out of them and when his hand left her so he could sheath himself, Julie grunted in frustration.
“Get on your back on the bed,” he said as he finished rolling the condom down. She needed the visual contact even if she couldn’t see anything but shadows and reflections.
She hesitated, looked behind her as if trying to determine if he was baiting her or not, then turned and backed across the mattress before lying down with her legs spread and her arms at her sides, her eyes tightly squeezed shut. So clinical, as if she expected to be used as a vessel. Who the hell had she been with before and what the hell had they done to her to make her think sex was about lying like a dead fish while the man got what he wanted? Then he remembered what she’d been like at the party, after he’d caught her in the chase.
She was carefree and happy, not at all a dead fish beneath him. As he’d lain on her in the garden, she was vital and eager. Mason believed she’d have done anything he asked of her she was so pliable…She’d been Hayden. Not Julie. She’d not just been dressed for the party. She was literally hiding behind her masque.
A bit of anger and sorrow wound around Mason’s state of arousal and squeezed him as he realized she had to assume an identity to feel. Then he was almost ashamed at the bit of happiness that crept in at the realization that she was not only fresh and new to his world but actually, she was like putty in his hands. She was ready to be molded into the person she was perfectly capable of being. He could be the one to show Julie how good it really could be, not just physically, but emotionally as well. For tonight though, she needed a safe haven, a place where she could turn her fears into dancing.
The first kiss in any relationship can be such a magical experience, or absolutely dreadful, but either way, always memorable. It can turn friends into lovers, crushes into relationships, or make you want to run and hide. I remember them all.
In fiction, the first kiss changes everything as well. It is usually a major plot point in any romance story, and determines what the characters do next.
Here is the first kiss in Unknown Futures:
Jewel pressed against her, her head resting on her shoulder, swaying to the decelerated beat. “I don’t want this night to end.”
Their dancing became deliberate, a sensuous and intimate rhythm. “It doesn’t have to.”
Jewel stopped and looked up at her. “You…you’re interested?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? You’re the most beautiful creature in the space station.” Somehow, she had to make her see. She brushed her thumb across her lips, wanting to touch more, her entire luscious body. Taking a deep breath, V steadied herself. If this were to go any further, Jewel needed to show her own intentions. As warm moisture pooled between her thighs, V schooled herself to patience.
“Are you sure you’renot my date?”
Shit!That damn date, the only wedge between them. “No, but I wish I was.”
“I wish you were, too.” Jewel stood on the tips of her toes and claimed her mouth. V pulled her closer until the bit of space between them had been filled. Excited by the warm, curvaceous body pressed against her taut nipples, she fed from the sweetness of Jewel’s mouth, drawing out each delicious sweep. But she wanted more. She wanted all of her.
Now, in one word, describe your first kiss.
Unknown Futures
Attacked as a young adult, Jewel is left scarred and alone. She applies to the 1Night Stand service, believing no one can see past her appearance to love her. But she doesn’t expect to be sent to a space station where her date could be any number of unusual alien species.
Flavia left everything behind to be one of five humans working for the Space Service space station. Extremely homesick, she is excited to learn she will be a guide to a woman from Earth visiting the station for a couple days. She is immediately drawn to the petite woman, seeing past her scars to her true inner beauty, stirring unforeseen desires.
Unfortunately, Jewel is there for a date which Flavia hasn’t been told about. Can she contain her lust and simply show her a good time? Or will she let her desire lead them into an unknown future?
Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.
As part of the Unknown Futures blog tour with Sizzling PR, Jessica is giving away a $20 gift certificate to either Amazon.com or AllRomanceEbooks.com. Simply leave a comment with your email address for your chance to WIN! Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=8896
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Margaret Ethridge back on the blog today. We are going to be talking about her new book Commitment.
Hi Margaret, welcome back to Books-n-Kisses
Margaret: Thanks so much for having me back! I love Books-n-Kisses. Your readers are awesome.
Q1) Margaret, for those who may have missed you last time you were on the blog can you share a little about yourself?
Margaret: I went back in my files to see what I said last time so I didn’t repeat myself and I found that it all still holds true. I thought I’d do a little copy and paste with updated commentary. You ready for this?
Each day I roll out of bed with my make-up already applied and every hair in place (Still true. That is, if bed wrinkles count as make-up and Mrs. Toucanella from Horton Hears a Who styled my hair.), hop in my sports car (I did buy a little red coupe since we last spoke, but it’s a 4-cylinder Kia. Cute as all get-out.), and zip through a traffic-free commute to my office (They are expanding our building, so these days I follow the dump-trucks of dirt.). There, I count bottles of booze. (Still counting.) Literally. My mother is proud. I have her dream job. (She still likes her vodka. A lot.)
When I return to my spotless abode each evening (cracking up), my loving husband greets me at the door wearing nothing but black mesh boxer briefs and a smile, asks about my day (This may or may not be true. I’ll never tell.), and leads me to a candlelit table laden with Steakburgers from Steak ‘n Shake, heaps of McDonald’s fries, bowls of candy corn and Smarties, platters of Krispie Kreme crullers, and a convoy of Route 44 Diet Cokes from the Sonic. (Sigh. Is there anything hotter than a food fantasy?) I consume them all without ever gaining an ounce or getting a zit whilst Colin Firth climbs out of the pond in our back yard wearing a wet white shirt… (I’m imagining Mr. Darcy climbing out of the goldfish pond by my patio. Still imagining…)
Yeah. So…I still write fiction-as you can tell. It’s fiction about ordinary people finding extraordinary romance where and when they least expect it. And that’s the truth.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
Margaret: I was one of those people who said, ‘Someday, I’d like to write a book.’ I’ve been an avid reader since I was young, but I didn’t start writing until about five or six years ago. Now, I can’t stop.
Q3) What is your typical writing day like? What are the things you have to have while writing?
Margaret: Well, my typical writing day doesn’t begin until 7 or 8PM, which means I have about 2-3 hours to attend to all of my authorly duties including writing, editing, and promotion before I have to hit the sack. Unfortunately, I cannot function on less than 6 hours of sleep, and they don’t appreciate me sleeping at my desk at work. Weekends are prime time for me.
I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to my writing routine. I grew up in a large, noisy family, so I do need some form of background noise in order to concentrate. Oh, and my feet must be warm. Fuzzy socks are a must. Cheese Its don’t hurt, either.
Q4) Who do you feel has influenced your writing style?
Margaret: Wow. So many people. I started reading Nora Roberts when I was in my early teens. I picked up a copy of Irish Thoroughbred, and I was hooked. I love the humor in Janet Evanovich’s books. She always makes me laugh out loud. Sarah Addison Allen’s writing is so breathtakingly descriptive it make my heart go pitter-patter. I love her books and I dream of being able to create stories as utterly charming as hers.
Q5) Can you tell us about your book Commitment
Margaret: I love this book! Is it bad to admit that? I can’t help it. I love this couple. They’re so funny and sexy. There were times when I thought they would spontaneously combust on the page. And they’re real. I would totally hang out with them. That makes it even more fun as far as I’m concerned.
Here’s the blurb:
Tom Sullivan wants a woman who is willing to accept him as he is. The successful divorce attorney has seen enough of the flip-side of love to know better than to promise forever. Women have tried to pin him down, but none have managed to make it stick. Until Maggie McCann. Maggie is only interested in one thing. Her fortieth birthday is looming and the tick-tock-tick-tock in her head means her biological clock is about to strike midnight on her dreams of finding Prince Charming. Armed with a new plan for her happily ever, she foregoes the Fairy Godmother routine and makes an appointment with a fertility clinic for a rendezvous with a sperm donor. The last thing Maggie needs is to get mixed up with a player like Tom Sullivan. A chance encounter and the opportunity to scratch a decade-long itch prove irresistible, and what starts as a one night stand turns into a game of cat and mouse when Tom learns of Maggie’s plan to start a family on her own. To Maggie, messing with a guy like Tom Sullivan is the single-girl equivalent of playing with fire, but she convinces herself to take what she can get for as long as she can and expect nothing more. But Tom falls hard and fast for Maggie, and now that they’re planning to have a baby together he starts banking on his own happily ever after.
If only he can get her to commit…
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story.
Margaret: We first met Maggie in Tom in my June 2011 release, Contentment. Maggie is Tracy Sullivan’s friend and Jiminy Cricket, and Tom is Sean Sullivan’s snarky and elusive older brother. In Contentment, everyone is stunned when they learn that Tracy’s good-girl friend has hooked up with Sean’s bad-boy brother. And that’s when the fun begins…
Maggie and Tom’s story is much more light-hearted than Tracy and Sean’s story. In Contentment Tracy and Sean were stumbling about trying to navigate the perilous middle of their relationship, and not having much success. Maggie and Tom are just embarking on this backwards kind of relationship. It was great fun to turn their expectations inside-out and upside-down.
Q7) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
Margaret: Well, at the moment my naughty alter ego is monopolizing the writing time (Her name is Maggie Wells. Shh. Don’t tell my mother…), but I do have two more novels coming in 2012. The next is the tale of an unexpected love affair between a small-town widower and the big-city divorcee. Spring Chickens will be released by The Wild Rose Press in April 2012. Coming in June 2012, Turquoise Morning Press will release Inamorata, the sequel to my ghostly paranormal romance, Paramour.
Q8) Can you tell us what you would be doing if you were not an author?
Margaret: I would probably be reading quite a few more books. I don’t get to read nearly as much as I did once upon a time.
Q9) Because I am nosey. What is up next in your to read pile?
Margaret: Just started The Fall of Rain by the fabulous Renee Vincent. It’s the third in her Emerald Isle Trilogy, a contemporary romance to wrap up a historical series. I’m loving it so far.
Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Margaret: I just want to thank your readers for their enthusiastic response. I’ve made quite a few new friends through Books-n-Kisses, which is always a treat. Please feel free to contact me – I love hearing from readers!
Books-n-Kisses, Margaret: it always pleasure to have you on the blog. I look forward to having you back again. What do you say we give a copy of Commitment away to one lucky follower?
Margaret: I say let’s do it! Thanks again for having me here. The pleasure is all mine. Happy reading, everyone!
Want to learn more about Margaret? You can find her here:
After defeating the covert agency that threatened to destroy her and her sisters, Addison Lonike grudgingly resumes her life as an EMT in Maine. She would love nothing more than to take on the dangerous Mer queen, Magaera, who is hell-bent on destroying them. But with two baby nieces on the way, she can’t take the risk. That is, until Mason McKenzie arrives…
Captain of the naval task force on the hunt for Queen Magaera in the Mediterranean, Mason sees the perfect recruit in Addison. But while at sea, the pair is pulled under a wave of passion that threatens their independent natures—and their mission. An encounter with a new race of male sea-shifters further complicates Addison’s desires. Now, she must choose between a life of the sea, or fulfilling the deepest longings of her heart…
Excerpt:
This one is trouble with a capital T, some inner voice of preservation warned. Keeping her at arm‘s length was going to be hard, but he‘d just have to bite the bullet and keep everything that occurred between them on a professional level.
Mason immediately forced himself to crush the attraction he felt toward Addison Lonike. She definitely had charisma, that special something that most would define as flesh impact. In the back of his mind he briefly wondered what it would be like to hook up with a mermaid…
He cut the thought short with practiced precision. Why the hell was he even thinking that way? He hadn‘t come here to propose to the woman, for God‘s sake. He‘d come to talk her into joining a vital mission that might well determine the way Mer and humans regarded each other in the future.
Mason coughed discreetly into his hand. “With all due respect, ma‘am, I have to let you know I‘m not interested in your, ah, finer attributes.”
The playful spark immediately left her eyes. Uncrossing her legs, she sat up straight. The air around her chilled more than a little. “Okay, cut the bullshit, shall we? What does the government want with us now? Except for that little slip-up today, I haven‘t done anything wrong. And thanks to the wonders of medical science, the victims who saw me today won‘t even remember it once the docs get finished playing mad scientist.”
In lieu of an immediate answer, Mason indicated the chair across from her. “May I?”
She nodded. ”Knock yourself out.”
Mason sat, placing the briefcase he carried within easy reach. “In order not to waste any more of your time, ma‘am, I will let you know that acting on orders from the Secretary of the Navy, I have been sent to inquire about your availability to serve your country.”
Addison Lonike‘s eyes widened. “Are you asking me to join the Navy?”
Mason nodded. He opened his suitcase, pulling out the folder he‘d been given. “The Secretary is offering you a civilian‘s position as an MTA, which would be Mer Tactical Advisor.” He handed over the folder. “The details are inside, along with the financial compensation and what your first assignment would entail.”
Addison eagerly accepted the folder. Flipping it open, she quickly scanned the few pages she‘d been given. Her face darkened as she read. “Gee, you guys don‘t pay very much,” she commented. “I make more as an EMT.”
