Tantalizing Tuesday - Hovering

Tuesday and 200 words. I am just one answering the challenge. Visit our Blog to read all the fantastic teasers out there.

A chill creeped into her legs. Moist dampness soaked into her thick woolen dress, making it heavy and dark. The light, filtered through mist and cloud, did little to alleviate the darkness. Muted as it was, she shivered, lacking the heat of the sun’s rays.

Creaking filled her ears, a sighing sag. Wood groaned as it held itself up, held her weight, tried to stand tall. And it did. The tree spread leafless branches over her head, like a skeleton, and she would be the tiny rodent hiding within.  

Snow hovered, not forming, not falling, not existing, just hovering on the verge of existence. At any moment, the scale might tip. If enough vapor got cold enough, it would fall. Until then, six fingered crystals waited, an infinitesimal distance from one another.

Her nose turned red and a thin stream began to run from it. She lifted her sleeve to wipe it away, but made a face in disgust when she saw the crusted area made over the last hour.

An hour. Would she freeze to death? Would she thaw? Would she become and fall? Or would she hover here forever, on her perch, the canary in a bone cage.

Sunday Surprise @CarinaPress @MicheleMannon @DanubeAdele @AmylynnBright

Today, I'm happy to introduce you to Carina Press, a digital-first imprint of Harlequin. Whether you like to read contemporary romance, erotic romance, gay/lesbian fiction, science-fiction, fantasy, or any number of other genres – you’ll find something to love at Carina Press. Here are a few of their latest releases.

Out for the Count is another installment in Michele Mannon's Worth The Fight series. With an athletic or sporty theme, they are sure to get your blood pumping along with the characters. This particular volumes pits an undercover narcotics detective against a woman who has just cut ties and is enjoying her new-found freedom.

Caroline Kimberly has added a new book to her Ashford Brothers
series. The Inconvenient Wife, Kyra Deverill, has lost her father. Now the Earl of Griffin, Ethan Ashford, is responsible for her well-being--an unlikely assignment for a renowned playboy. Grif finds the assignment all but impossible because he's lusted after her for most of his life.

Danube Adele has released Dreams of a Wild Heart, part of the Dreamwalkers series. Ceci Bradford has mastered MMA, climbs and dances because just being a twenty-six-year-old doctor isn't enough. Tabron has no need for a mate. What he does have are hands and wicked lips. Surviving a hidden conspiracy and the dangers of an alien place might be more difficult than they imagined.

And finally, not part of an ongoing series, Finish What We've Started by Amylynn Bright builds on a shaky past to put a new foundation under Lee Bennett and Candace Claesson.

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Chapter One 

Oh, crap.
Literally, crap. Lee Bennett cursed, then scraped the sole of his work boot on a curb. How had he missed that pile of dog poo? It was like Godzilla had passed through the parking lot.
He raked his fingers through his hair, making himself presentable to meet with his client. He grabbed his clipboard and a manila folder, then slammed the door to the truck’s cab. He skirted another pile of dog poop. Probably an occupational hazard at a veterinary office. He held the door open for a tiny old lady holding a tiny brown dog.
The lobby of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic was loud. And hairy. Lee suppressed a sneeze as a hunk of yellow dog hair floated past his face. He waited by the tall counter as the elderly lady signed in her wee brown dog—or squirrel, honestly it could have been either, it was so small. There was also a woman with a box of gray-striped kittens, a man with something very mysterious rolling around inside a tied pillowcase, and a young guy with a dog the size of a musk ox drooling on a leash. The last one was probably responsible for the poop in the parking lot. What the hell did his owner feed an animal that big? Truant children?
“Can I help you?” The receptionist looked over the counter, trying to spot his animal.
Oh, no. No animals for him. Pets seemed like so much trouble. “Hi. I’m here to see Dr. Claesson about the new clinic.”
“Oh right. He’s expecting you.” She stood up and walked to the door that led to the back. “Why don’t you follow me?”
She led him down a hallway, past a closed door that muffled a feline yowl followed by an alarming thump, and into an office. “You can wait here. He’ll be right with you.” She met his gaze and gave him a full-wattage smile. He gave her a friendly nod. Picking up a girl here, of all places…It wasn’t going to happen.
He wandered around the room and read the diplomas on the wall. There were pictures of Dr. Claesson with all kinds of animals, cats, dogs, horses…A giraffe. Whoa, sure as shit, there was the vet with a damn giraffe. Cool.
He stepped over to the book shelf. Nothing there but reference books and stuff. On the desk sat a photo of the man’s family taken about fifteen years before, based on the clothes. Dr. Claesson had a pretty blonde wife, five handsome blond sons and one gorgeous blonde daughter who had almost been Lee’s wife.
The room was stifling all of a sudden. He plucked at the front of his shirt and told himself to calm down. Taking a seat in front of the desk, he pulled the blueprints from the folder. He spread the papers out, then scanned them for the millionth time. It was a fairly standard layout: big lobby, five exam rooms, surgery, office and boarding kennels in the back.
This wasn’t the type of job he normally preferred, but it was going to be a quick one and the money would allow him to take other, less lucrative jobs that would require more creativity. Besides, he hadn’t been able to figure out a way to graciously say no.
“Lee,” Dr. Claesson said his name in a good-natured bellow as he walked in and shut the door. “How are you today?”
He stood and shook the veterinarian’s hand. “Afternoon, Doc. I’m good. You?”
“Eh,” the doctor said with a smile. “It’s always a good day when I’m not wearing Band-Aids.”
Lee chuckled. “In my line of work, we just close up cuts with some duct tape and move on.”
“Right. But then again, your customers probably don’t bite you on a regular basis.” The doctor took a seat behind the desk. “Are these my plans?”
“Yes, sir.” He leaned over the desk with one hand and pointed to the drawings. “Here is the lobby, exam rooms here on the left, passage along there is the lab and an operating suite, and an office right here—” Lee touched the paper on the far side, “—in the back.”
Dr. Claesson smiled. “That looks great. And you put in the electrical requirements I mentioned?”
“Yep.” Lee reached behind him for the folder and pulled out a typed sheet. “Here are the changes in the estimates. Nothing big.”
The doctor nodded. “Fine, fine. When do we get started?”
“Permits will be ready by the end of the week. Grading will sta—”
The door to the office opened and an agitated female was already talking a mile a minute as she strode into the room. “Dad, I’m not taking Mr. Phillips anymore. There’s nothing wrong with that cat of his. I’m telling you, he just wants to hit on me.”
Candace Claesson. Lee could only stare.
She spotted him and came to a quick stop. “Oh.”
“Lee is doing the construction on the new site.” The doctor was busy going over the estimate sheets and paid no attention to the silence that sucked the air out of the rest of the office.
She was still the most heart-stoppingly lovely woman he had ever seen. Her butter-yellow hair was pulled back in a long braid. He wanted to ask how she’d been. If she was happy. Was she seeing anyone? He wanted to snub her. Or call her a witch, then wrap his arms around her and kiss her until they both couldn’t breathe. Instead he snapped his jaw closed and looked at his paperwork.
“I’m sorry.” She shifted her gaze to her father. “I didn’t know you had someone in here.”
Someone? He was just someone these days?

Thursday Taster - Gentleman #16

Merry Christmas! Another taster from Gentleman. Many tasters on the blog.

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“Can we both ride at once? I think so.” She knelt, her sex smothering Harrold for a moment. Then she shifted her hips, rubbing her lips on his. Needing no more encouragement, Harrold dug his fingers into Lynn's ass and used his tongue to lap at her.

The women each had her own rhythm but soon fell into synchronization. When they had, he felt a hand on his belly brushing him. Kendra squealed.

“Yes, yes, Mistress. That is good.” Kendra quivered around him and he thought he felt the fluid from her leak onto his thighs. He didn't stop using his tongue on Lynn. She didn't seem nearly as distracted or inflamed as Kendra, who rocked back and forth. Was she well?

“Take ease, Kendra.” As soon as the black girl moved, Lynn shifted to take her place. Once poised on Harrold, she turned so he could see the delight in her sparkling amber eyes.

“Tell me, Harrold,” she asked as she slowly raised her hips. Only the head of him remained sheathed. “Have you ever seen a black pussy?”

The image made him smile. How different would Kendra's dark brown lips between black curls look? Would they be red, like her tongue?

“No, Lynn. Do you think Kendra would oblige?”

The girl's dark eyes went wide and Lynn laughed as she moved quickly but shallowly, leaving the majority of Harrold's length exposed.

“Come, girl. No sense in modesty now. Show him.” When Kendra continued to hesitate, Lynn clapped her hands. The girl scurried to Harrold's head. Lynn stroked the girl's calf as she slid over more of Harrold. He closed his eyes, expecting to climax, but it didn't come. He opened his eyes to see his hands on Lynn's hips, though he couldn't say when he'd grabbed them. She held still, waiting as he did for the urge to pass. Then she chided Kendra again.

“Well, kneel, fool girl, or get on your hands and knees. He can't see you up there.”

Practically shaking, she dropped to her knees, turning to face away from him. The first thing noticeable was how her thighs, and some of the hair, gleamed with moisture. As he leaned forward, he could see her lips, brown, but at the same time rosy. The outside, beneath the hair was dark. Inside, she was paler, reminding him of her palms. He could almost smell her. If only she were a little closer.

---

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Tantalizing Tuesday - The Savoy

Jesse shivered, waiting outside a few minutes longer. She wasn’t on the street or in the lobby. He’d sent her the key to his room with the number written on it. He wasn’t sure she would take him up on his offer. It was risky, meeting in public.

The hotel was hardly a train station or pub. Someone might notice each of them passing through, but no one would be watching once they were safely behind doors.

Kelly still hadn’t appeared and Jesse’s anxiety got the better of him. He popped into the hotel’s bar and ordered a whiskey. He drained the two ounces in as many gulps, the fire burning his throat flowing lower and pooling in his stomach. Thinking about Kelly, imagining her in his room, the fire burned even lower still. Frustrated he took the elevator to the twelfth floor.

He stopped just outside the doors. His door was the last on the right, but from here he could see someone standing at it.

With long confident strides, he covered the few yards in moments, positioning himself behind her and sliding one hand over her middle. Her painted fingers fumbled the plastic key.

“I knew you’d come.”

More teasers can be found on the blog. Don't miss out!

Sunday Surprise Decadent Publishing @DecadentPub @IngeUlrike @shilohsaddler @vsmorgan1

Decadent Publishing has a page full of new releases as well as a selection of holiday stories. I'm going to focus on some of the newest releases.

Can Emma fall for Mr. Unexpected when she doesn’t believe in Mr. Right or even Mr. Right Now…? Falling for Mr. Unexpected is set in Africa, bringing two vacationers together. This recent offering from Inge Saunders is sure to warm you up on a cold winter night.

The second volume of Box of 1 Night Stands is spicy morsel after spicy morsel. The pieces by Sabrina York, Mina Carter, Dominique Eastwick, JoAnne Kenrick, Louisa Bacio, Heather Long, Kate Richards, Kerry Adrienne, Leigh Ellwood, Cate Masters, Melissa Kendall, Jessica E. Subject, Angela S. Stone, Deanna Wadsworth, D.L. Jackson, Rebecca Royce and Lia Davis range the globe and the timeline. From regency to current day, from vampires to were-wolves and even a sports team, you are sure to find something you fancy among them.

Sam's Temptation by V.S. Morgan features Sam Malone,the brains behind a guest and working ranch. On a working vacation in Montana, Chef Gabi Inez’s schedule allows her to enjoy planned activities and hangout with her cousin and his new family. What’s a cowboy to do when a sweet and sassy chef gets under his skin, only to be told by her overprotective cousin she’s off limits?

Bitten By Snakeoil is the first in the Medicine Show series from Shiloh Saddler. One of many stories Beyond Fairy Tales from Decadent, Jed uses all his strength and energy to fight his attraction to sexy medicine-show man Peter Saint in a town where the local preacher’s hellfire and damnation sermons promise repercussions. A western fantasy, this brings historical together with a familiar story of boy meets boy.

The list of releases goes on, but here is a sample of Bitten By Snakeoil.

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A short, wiry man stood on the pullout platform in the back of his brightly colored wagon playing a banjo and singing about a miracle-working elixir. “Peter Saint’s powders and tonics can make the old feel young again and make the blind see. They can make the crippled walk and the ill-tempered gleeful.” Townsfolk doing their Saturday shopping gathered around, taking in the medicine show.

I couldn’t recall the last time a medicine show had come through Tumbleweed. Leaning against the side of my shop, I took in the entertainment from a distance, and my pulse quickened. The man’s strong, melodious voice captivated me. No, if I was truly honest with myself, I was more interested in the way he filled out that sharp salesman’s suit. If only I could peel off his navy-blue striped vest and white shirt to run my hands across the planes of his chest and then open his sable trousers.

The breeze ruffled Mr. Saint’s blond hair under his chestnut-colored derby. The movement drew my attention to the man’s emerald eyes. Realizing I was staring, I bent my head, and my cheeks heated. It must be nearing 100 degrees outside. I grabbed my shirt collar and tugged it up to wipe off some of the sweat oozing down my neck. I struck the match against the side of my shop and lit my pipe. Tobacco wasn’t as good a distraction as a cool glass of whiskey, but it would have to do for the moment.

Taking a puff on my pipe, I tried not to look at the man with the perfect build.

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If you have a publisher I should feature on Sunday Surprise, please leave a comment!

Winter Warm-Up #Bloghop - Nothing like a hot bath

Winter Warm-Up Bloghop 

Perfect crystals that don't shatter but melt away, leaving only the smallest drop of dampness to know they had ever been. Many melt, billions, trillions, but eventually, one doesn't. The next doesn't either, and the next billion, trillion, slowly pile up and form an unmarred blanket that turns an entire vista into monochrome. The white of the snow and the light grey of the sky.

Of course, after playing in that snow, you need a warm up. How about a nice bath? Here are two excerpts from my Blue Moon House series that feature a bath. The first is from Kitten, the prequel to Blue Moon House, the second excerpt. Leave a comment below about how you prefer to warm up and win an electronic copy of either Kitten or Blue Moon House.

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“I won't stay long,” Sophia warned. She doffed the robe she wore and slipped into the tub, placing herself in Jocelyn's lap. Jocelyn ran her fingers down Sophia's cheek. “May I ask, Madam?”
Sophia chuckled. “I prefer Mistress. Madam makes me feel old.”
Jocelyn laughed. “You do not look old, Mistress.”
"Well, that's good.”
"What makes your eyes so brilliant? Lynn said I wouldn't believe it, but I keep wondering.”
Sophia didn't answer. She ran her hand along Jocelyn's leg, pulling it over her own and stroking it. “It is a condition. It isn't spreading, though. You would have to...ingest us for it to happen to you.”
At the mention of ingesting, Jocelyn kissed Sophia's neck, nibbling on it.
Sophia laughed. “A little more than that.”
"But not here.” Jocelyn took her time, running her fingers along the crease of Sophia's thigh and up the inside before curling her fingers to tease the other woman's labia. “I ingested plenty from there.”
Sophia hummed, sinking lower in the bath and sending a small wave cresting over the side. She sat up. “Bother. That's very bad for the floor, the reason we don't fill the tub very full.”
Jocelyn stayed in place, frowning when Sophia began to pull herself out of the tub. She didn't say anything else, learning slowly. Sophia left the room and Jocelyn sighed, extracting herself from the tub as well. When Sophia came back with an arm full of towels, Jocelyn wrapped one around herself. Sophia dropped the rest in a pile.
"Actually, you will clean that up,” she said with a confident smile.

---

Julia ran the tube and lounged in it, soaking away the aches, the new bruises over the old, the burning in her pussy and ass. Not long after she’d settled in , the door to the bathroom opened and Nicholas came to sit on the toilet lid.
Julia sighed. An eternity, but this vampire couldn’t wait an hour.
“I am not your master now,” Nicholas told her. “I will be when you come out. I have something I need to see for myself, but I thought perhaps you’d like to talk to someone. Someone who isn’t Harry.” His smile was friendly.
Julia sighed in relief this time and gave a small chuckle. “I didn’t expect to have a second week here,” she admitted freely. “I had gotten so used to Dominants taking one look at me, beating me for their own pleasure, and then never looking at me again. I wasn’t prepared for the unbridled pleasure Harry gave me that first night. I didn’t dare dream he’d ask me to come back.”
“Why not?” Nicholas asked. “Just because the others didn’t?”
Julia thought before answering. “Not only that. Because it was too good to be true. It was beyond anything I had expected, the way he pushed me. I took pride in never needing to use my safeword, but he forced me to use it again and again. He pushed me as far as I could go and then proved to me that I could go further.” She shook her head. “And to think he wants to keep me. It incomprehensible. What am I? Some decrepit human.” She slapped the water, making it splash.
Nicholas chuckled “You aren’t as old as that. He wants you for everything you just described.”

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Feeling warmer? Make sure you continue to all the other stops along the hop!
the GRAND PRIZE Rafflecopter giveaway my Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday Taster - Gentleman #15

Lynn gets in on the fun in this taste from Gentleman. Check out all the tasters on the blog.

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A hand combed through his dark curls, making his eyes close heavily. “Forgive me,” Kendra whispered a moment before leather snapped across his back.

This was what he had come for. The sexual release was wonderful, but he could have that at any whorehouse. This, the blazing pain, seared away the intangible hurts. The aloof nature of his wife, the barrage from his employer and clients, they whittled away his soul. All were burned in the fire blooming in that welt.

“Again,” Lynn ordered when Kendra hesitated. The maid's arm was strong, built from labor, and the second welt burned as hot as the first. In this fire he became light, floating. The weight of carrying every whim of his wife, every request of his mother, every new client, all burned to ash. Still, he felt an ache in his heart and mind, a need for something his life denied him.

Four more lashes and each brought him closer to freedom, closer to relief. With one last crack, he screamed out, the fire having nothing left to consume. The leather fell to floor just as he did, his forehead resting on cool wooden planks. He could see the instrument of his torture, smell it, and it only aroused him more.

Kendra descended, wrapping her arms around his head. “I'm sorry. Forgive me, sir. I'm so-” she was cut off in a gasp at the same time a smack sounded.

“You are to address him as an equal,” Lynn reminded her. “Though, if you seek forgiveness, you might help ease this.” She used her toes to push Harrold onto his side and reveal his erection.

“Oh, yes.” Kendra didn't question, taking him in her hand and stroking vigorously.

Harrold rolled onto his back, gritting his teeth and grinning at the renewed pain. “Ride me again,” he told her, pulling on her hips.

Kendra looked to Lynn, who nodded. Once the girl had hold of him again, Lynn moved to stand over Harrold's face. He looked straight up into the hair covering her and licked his lips.

“Can we both ride at once? I think so.” She knelt, her sex smothering Harrold for a moment. Then she shifted her hips, rubbing her lips on his. Needing no more encouragement, Harrold dug his fingers into Lynn's ass and used his tongue to lap at her. 

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Remember to check out all the tasters on the blog.

Tantalizing Tuesday - Rex

James rolled onto his back, arm thrown across his eyes to block out the light. His head pounded and it felt like a hot needle was being driven into his right eye, despite covering it complete. His stomach turned and twisted, threatening to send him a more visceral reminder of last night.

He sat up, suddenly aware he had no idea where he was. Did a girl take him home? The light stabbed his eye again and he covered it with a hand, using the other to pull back the sheets.

A small yip stopped him. Looking down he spied the puppy climbing his way clumsily up the bed. He wiped out twice before perching atop James’ pelvis. Lifting one leg, he scratched his ear.

James chuckled and brought both his hand down, giving the dog the scratching he so obviously craved. As he sat up, he felt something a little off. He must have pulled something last night, partied too hard.

He continued to play with the dog, digging to try to remember something beyond where the party had been.

“You found Rex.”  The man in the doorway was naked, his gaze betraying his thoughts.

Not a girl then.

Teasing! Was that mean? I hope not. Plenty more teasers on the blog.

Sunday Surprise - Liquid Silver @lsb_lsbooks @kalynncooperbook @jessicacale @emmaweylin @thegoddessnaomi

Welcome to another Sunday and another publisher. Today I'm highlighting Liquid Silver Books and six of their most recent releases.

From Michelle Kelly we have Borgia Heat. An unexpected reunion has Giovanni leScala playing the game of his life for the woman he thought lost to him forever. Danger, intrigue, and passion. Set before 1600, this historical romance with extra spice is sure to keep you warm on the cold December nights.

Crimson Desire by Elisabeth Morgan Popolow is the second book in her Blood Rose series. Sang’s sadistic blood-mistress has developed an unhealthy obsession for Lily White. Kidnapped and hidden away in a castle full of dark, deadly secrets, their lives hang in the balance as Lily and Sang try to find a way to escape with their sanity intact. Be prepared for all sorts of pairings and menage as you make your way through this hot piece of fiction.

Emma Weylin has released the third installment of her Secret Blood series, Going Under. Kenzie Butler is in love with the man who saved her life eight years ago. Her problem? Tiberius is a Siberian were-tiger with the ability to scent his mate, and she wasn’t it. After Kenzie survives a mysterious were-bear attack in her place of work, Tiberius learns the scientists altered more than his state of mind. Just when he thought he could take Kenzie as his mate he discovers he could be the biggest threat to her life.

The next three releases are all the first in new series. Ruled by the Moon from Naomi Bellina is one I actually got to beta read in its early stages. I love getting a sneak peek on these great stories. Her Nocturne series introduces us to a psychic vet and a secretive werewolf. Both are drawn to Nocturne, a town filled with magic due to a strong convergence of ley lines in the area. Morgan and Dylan recognize a connection when they meet, but neither one is looking for romance. After a harrowing encounter with a panther shape-shifter, they must combine forces and work together to uncover a menace that threatens the town.

Tyburn is the first Southwark Saga book from Jessica Cale. Sally Green is about to die. She sees Death in the streets. She can taste it in her gin. She can feel it in the very walls of the ramshackle brothel where she is kept to satisfy the perversions of the wealthy. She had come to London as a runaway in search of her Cavalier father. Instead, she found Wrath, a sadistic nobleman determined to use her to fulfill a sinister ambition. As the last of her friends are murdered one by one, survival hinges on escape. This suspense and spice filled historical romance will take into the heart of Restoration London and hold you hostage until the end.

The last, and most seasonally appropriate, is the first In Cancun book from KaLyn Cooper. Christmas in Cancun features a sexy former SEAL and beautiful Mayan anthropologist on a treasure hunt. Busy building a new career with his catamaran company, former SEAL Jack Girard had all but forgotten about his grandfather’s quest to find the golden Mayan goddess statues until his brother’s beautiful widow, Jillian, and adorable daughter, Addison, arrive in Cancun with the research. This contemporary suspense adventure will have you sweating in the hot Mexican sun. Here is a taste of what you will find between the covers.

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Jack watched the line bleed from customs as tired families pushed heavily-laden carts overfilled with suitcases and pulled staggering children through the opaque doors into the tiled lobby, the vacation excitement lost hours ago in cramped airplane seats miles above the ocean.
Melodic giggles preceded the sprinting toddler through the doors as a purple sundress and flying blonde darted around a well-traveled couple in their mid-fifties. The gentleman with graying temples and a grandfatherly smile reached out to the little rocket as she slipped inches past his grasp.
“Sorry, miss. I almost had her,” he apologized to the strawberry blonde that stepped from the customs area. She stretched her long legs to catch the laughing, three-foot-tall dervish.
“Thank you, sir, for trying.” She flashed the man a bright smile. The flash of white against full pink lips almost knocked Jack to his knees. Damn, she was pretty. More than pretty, she’s stunning.
The doors opened again, and Jack forced his gaze back to the exit as a few more stragglers pushed through. Complete families with husband, wife, and two kids drove their small herds toward the taxi and shuttle lines. Damn, where is she?
He watched the little purple sundress evade her mother’s reach and admired the way the jeans hugged her tightly toned butt when she bent to capture the child. A mental slideshow of all the things he’d like to do to that body in that position flowed past. Jack considered walking over and offering his card to her with a sizable discount. Hell, he’d make her today’s winner of a free catamaran ride just to see that body in a bikini.
Jack’s gaze swept the area once again. This time he wasn’t looking for potential danger. He was searching for the father of this beautiful baby, husband to the attractive woman. Plenty of men paid attention to them, but none acted as though they belonged with her. He checked out her left hand as she dashed by ten feet from where he leaned against a pillar. No gold ring encircled her finger, but there was a definite indentation where one had been. That could mean many things. Hope racketed up another notch.
“Addison Elizabeth Girard, you little Houdini.” The woman scooped up the giggling child in both arms and rolled the baby’s tummy to her lips for raspberries. Squeals of pure unadulterated joy echoed around the nearly empty atrium.
The sight warmed something deep within him. He smiled at the touching scene of mother and daughter, laughing and playing. They were so perfect together. He considered his offer of a free day on his catamaran and pictured her in a tiny bikini chasing little Addison— Like a punch to the solar plexus, it hit him.
Fuck me.
The beautiful woman he’d had illicit thoughts about was his sister-in-law. He wanted to hate himself for the images that remained seared into his brain. The picture of her and the baby laughing screamed of family. Then his undersexed libido added…my family. Mine. Every mental picture he’d painted of Jillian was so far removed from the woman in front of him. He’d expected someone with large ugly glasses, her hair forcefully twisted and pinned to her head, her back stalwartly straight. In his mind, he’d been looking for a woman with at least twenty-five extra pounds. His sister had said she was pudgy.
Jimmy had been a big guy, over six feet like himself, but he’d never played sports. He could have played football like Jack, but Jimmy had been lumbering. In fact, he was a little uncoordinated. He was more interested in their grandfather’s Mayan research than sports. He had a hard time envisioning this shapely woman with luscious curves with his brother. Truth be told, he didn’t want to paint that picture because she’d not only been with Jimmy, she’d been his wife. Together, they’d made that beautiful little girl. A daughter Jimmy never got to meet. He’d died when Jillian was five months pregnant.
Straight long hair, more blonde than red, swung side to side just above nicely rounded hips. The short-sleeved T-shirt was the color of the rainforest and matched her playful eyes. He imagined those eyes dark with passion as he pushed into her for the first time. Shit. No. This is my brother’s wife. Oh, God. How could I think of her like that? But he had and continued to as she swished her way back to the closed customs doors.
She planted the baby on her hip in a gesture she’d obviously done a thousand times and reached for the doors just as they opened. A blue-uniformed customs agent easily pushed the overloaded cart filled with suitcases, boxes, and a baby car seat. The smile he gave her was not exactly friendly, but more of male appreciation.

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You can read the rest of the first chapter at Liquid Silver Books. As always, if you have a publisher I should highlight, please leave a comment!

Flasher Fiction Friday - Becoming

Flasher Fiction Friday. We have a very interesting picture this week. It definitely sparked something for me. Check out what everyone else saw by hopping over to the blog.

Sometime before dawn. Somewhere between heaven and earth. Someone between men and angels. Something new.

She hovered between planes, between realities. She was neither here nor there. How long could she balance here? When would a weight tip the scales? She stretched, feeling the edges of both, dipping her toes in each. Here she was a god, there a girl. Neither wanted her but neither would let her go. Suspended, she waited. One day she would fall or rise. One day she would become. The world would shake and the heavens burn when at last she stepped across the threshold. 

Thursday Taster - Gentleman #14

Here is a little more of Harrold's encounter with Kendra. Lots of tasters to check out on the blog!

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“I'm going to ride you until you come,” she told him, shifting her weight to drive more of him into her. He gritted his teeth as her cheek rested against his. “This isn't scary. It's fun.”

“There will be something even more fun after,” Lynn promised. “Not all men are here to hurt you.”

Harrold leaned into Lynn's hand on his cheek, then turned to kiss Kendra's dark round one. He wished there were a way to please both of them.

Kendra got her long legs in place and stretched toes to floorboards. Then, she started slamming her hips into his. She wasn't heavy, but obviously strong, the chair groaning as loudly as either of them.

Lynn whispered to him again, “You will be strapped.”

The threat was enough nudge as Kendra squeezed him tight in her own release. He clung to the black girl, biting into her shoulder as he spurted stream after stream into her.

She sighed as she leaned back. Harrold held her and kissed her arched neck. She laughed and the sound warmed him. There was no laughter in his life.

“Nothing like boss man,” she repeated, taking Harrold's face between her paler palms and kissing him again. Her tongue moved more smoothly this time, finding his.

The kiss was interrupted by Lynn's command, “Kendra, on your feet.”

Startled, the girl nearly sprang from Harrold, standing by the bed with her head bowed and hands clasped before her.

“Harrold, kneel before her.”

He did so, staring in fascination at his white discharge against her dark skin.

“No, love, face away.” Lynn took his shoulders and positioned him. His flaccid cock began to stir. He had climaxed, which meant he was about to be strapped.

“No, Ma'am,” Kendra said behind him, “I couldn't.”

“You will, or I will use it on you,” Lynn warned.

A hand combed through his dark curls, making his eyes close heavily. “Forgive me,” Kendra whispered a moment before leather snapped across his back.

This was what he had come for. The sexual release was wonderful, but he could have that at any whorehouse. This, the blazing pain, seared away the intangible hurts. The aloof nature of his wife, the barrage from his employer and clients, they whittled away his soul. All were burned in the fire blooming in that welt.

---

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Tantalizing Tuesday - Six

The door banged open, thudding against the wall beside it. She barely caught sight of the child bursting through and up the stairs.

“Douglas! Take off your shoes and shut the door!”

He didn’t come right away and the timer on the oven buzzed at her, drawing her attention away. She opened the door of the oven to see the cookies were ready, a beautiful golden brown, the chocolate shining as it balanced between liquid and solid. She almost put her fingertip to one before catching herself and using a flipper to move them from the hot pan to a cooling rack.

“Cookies!” Douglas cheered, running back down the stairs and peering over the edge of the counter. “Can I have one?”

“When you’ve taken off your shoes and closed the door.” He ran to obey and Laura got out, “Don’t slam,” before her reminder was punctuated by a very loud thud. Sighing, she transferred one to a plate and poured a glass of milk.

“What were you doing today?”

“Oh! I got something for you,” Douglas said, putting a dirty hand into his pocket. He pulled out a small white flower with six perfect points. Six, just like him.

There are more teasers available on the blog. Check them out!

Sunday Surprise: Loose ID (@loveunleashed) featuring @Keiraandrews @CashCatelyn Heloise West (@velvetpanic) and AllieQuinn

Part of the fun of Sunday Surprise is surprising myself. Today I have another publisher that I didn't know before the post. Loose ID. I have four of their new releases to tempt you today. All of which fit the holiday spirit.

Heloise West has written Hitting Black Ice and given us the gift of male/male strife, tension and fulfillment. ER physician's assistant Hunter guards his heart carefully, but that doesn't stop him from falling for Shawn, the front desk clerk. Shawn is on the run from the law and love to protect himself and anyone else involved. Forced into a hostage situation, buried passion explodes in the aftermath, and sex in the supply closet brings their hearts back to life. Tentatively, step by step, they begin to explore a relationship together until the past catches up with Shawn.

Catelyn Cash gives us Wicked Wonderland and a real elf among the many costumes. She is a beautiful, uninhibited woman who yearns for a cock bigger than the standard Elfish three inches. There is also a man eager for his first ever sexual encounter with the opposite sex. And his lover, who has some ideas of his own about how to make this a highly memorable Christmas for all.

Holding the Edge by Kiera Andrews is a gay romance taken to the ice. Misha Reznikov has an Olympic gold—and a secret lover who just happens to be the silver medalist. As they prepare for a special holiday skating show on Christmas Eve in Dev's hometown, tension builds. How long can Misha and Dev keep their love secret—and what happens if one of them wants to stop hiding?


Christmas Past and Christmas Presents, could Allie Quinn have found a more seasonal title? Through the help of three fun Christmas ghosts, Dane is shown his relationship with his girlfriend, Sara. The ghost of Christmas past reminds him of all the exciting places and ways he and Sara have spent Christmas. The ghost of Christmas present shows him how stupidly he's chosen her Christmas gift. Then, the ghost of Christmas future reveals his bleak future without her.

Here is a glimpse at that hot version of a Dickens classic.

---

Dane woke with a start.
His head was fuzzy, and it took several seconds of blinking for his eyes to focus.
He was pretty certain that when he’d flopped onto the couch, the lights on the tree had been off. So how had they gotten turned back on? “What the hell?”
He tried to sit up. His head felt like it weighed twenty-five pounds. Then he saw her: an absolutely gorgeous, model-beautiful blonde with the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. The sight of a strange woman wearing a sparkly white minidress, black stiletto heels, and a Santa hat in his apartment had him springing off the sofa in an instant. Damn. His vision swam, and he lost his balance. Weak-kneed, he fell and crashed into the coffee table.
The girl reached out and swiped the Christmas dove ornament off the table a second before he would have fallen on it. His left knee hit the floor. His right one hit the corner of the table. His face slammed into the surface not far from where the ornament had been. Dane groaned.
“Oh, I bet that hurt.” Her words held not an ounce of sympathy. “Good thing this ornament didn’t get broken, though. It would look great right here.”
She hung the doves on the branch where Sara had hung them. How did she know it had hung there? And hadn’t Sara said the same exact words? It would look great right here.
“Who the fuck are you, and what are you doing in my place? How’d you get in here?”
“Ooooo, aren’t we in a good mood? I was told you’d be cranky.” She turned from the tree and offered him a smile that shone almost as bright as her dress.
“You’re about to see me crankier as I toss your ass out of here.” He needed to use both hands on the coffee table in order to haul himself to a standing position. Damn, but he wished the room would quit spinning. He took a step toward her. “Who told you I was cranky? Steve? Did Steve send you?” Steve, his partner at city hall, couldn’t know about his argument with Sara. No one did, unless Sara had told someone. Maybe she did, because leave it to Steve to pay for someone to come and spend Christmas Eve with him. “Whatever he paid you to come visit me, you can keep it. Now get the hell out and leave me alone.”
“I can’t leave you yet. And you can’t toss me out either.”
“Wanna bet?” He reached for her. He’d never physically tossed anyone out the door. And he didn’t readily like the idea of starting his tossing career with such a beauty like her. But damn, she’d challenged him. There was his fucking pride again.
His hands clapped together as she disappeared before his eyes.
“See, I told you,” she said, speaking from behind him.
He turned so fast he nearly lost his balance. “How’d you do that? Who are you?”
“I’m Christy, the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, right. And I’m Santa Claus.”
She grew serious. “No, you’re not. You’re Dane Carlton. Santa is much nicer than you are.”

---

If you have a publisher that I should include in Sunday Surprise, please leave a comment!

Thursday Taster - Gentleman #13

Kendra really settles in, pleasing Lynn and pleasuring Harrold. Check out all the tasters on the blog.

---

Kendra was doing quite well, for all that she seemed mystified by him. She was learning through trial. Every time he twitched in her hand, he got a flash of her white teeth against her dark lips. She wouldn't have heard Lynn, wouldn't understand why he twitched when she wasn't stroking.

“Use your mouth, Kendra, just like you would on me,” Lynn suggested. She was more gentle now, the riding crop dangling at her side.

The girl turned to look at Lynn over her shoulder, but the older woman pushed her between Harrold's knees, holding her neck as she forced the girl to look closely at his cock. She seemed to shake, but took him in her hand again and kissed the tip. His head had just started to push through the foreskin thanks to her ministrations. Her hot lips stuck to him a moment, coming away with a bead of fluid stretching between them.

Kendra licked her lips again and smiled, letting out a relieved, “Ha!” Her lips wrapped around him and he tossed his head back at the sudden change. No longer slow and tentative, she took him into her mouth. She'd seemed inexperienced, but no virgin could do this.

As sometimes happened, he thought of Veronica, imagining her doing something sexual. As it usually did, the image made him laugh. He'd come to the conclusion that his wife had no sex drive whatsoever.

When he chuckled, Kendra let him slip from her mouth to laugh with him. That made him even jollier. The more they amused one another, the braver Kendra became. “You're nothing like boss man,” she said as she straddled him, her long legs sliding under the arms of the chair. “I like you.”

“I like you, too,” he said, holding her back and leaning down to kiss one of those fascinating black nipples. Kendra squirmed when he did, her slick skin sliding over him until she caught him in the right place and pushed down with her hips.

Harrold's teeth closed on her nipple, biting her in response to the sudden change around him. She squealed but quieted just as quickly, rocking on him.

“I'm going to ride you until you come,” she told him, shifting her weight to drive more of him into her. He gritted his teeth as her cheek rested against his. “This isn't scary. It's fun.”

“There will be something even more fun after,” Lynn promised. “Not all men are here to hurt you.”

---

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Tantalizing Tuesday - Dreams

Tanya bolted upright, gasping for breath. She could almost hear the echo of her scream. Sunlight streamed through the open curtains, but she still felt like she was drowning in darkness. The smothering sensation turned her ragged breaths into sobs.

As always happened, she couldn’t remember anything of the dream. She only remembered a weight on her chest, something warm and thick over her mouth and nose, and the sparks that came when she held her breath too long.

Thankfully, her roommate did not come barging in. Her screams had woken him before and she had opened her eyes to find him shaking her shoulders, his warm brown eyes wide with fear. She had tried to explain, but how did she tell him it was just a nightmare?

There was a knock on the door.

“Tanya? Are you up? Can I come in?”

Tanya pushed matted hair back from her still sweat streaked face. She would look awful, but he’d seen her as bad before.

“Yeah, I guess.”

Peter poked his head in, his long dark ponytail hanging over his shoulder. “I have something for you,” he said. He fiddled at her window, stepping away to reveal a dream catcher.

Plenty more teasers on the blog. Don't miss out!

Sunday Surprise new #release from Lady Lit Publishing @harperbliss @lailajblake @erzabetbishop

Today I have the pleasure of sharing a publisher who focuses on female-female love. Lady Lit Publishing has stories of all different lengths and steaminess for the lesbian romance connoisseur. Here are some of their most recent releases:

Harper Bliss has a full-length novel about a woman trying to mend her relationship with her family. She must decide in the midst of this ordeal if she is going to pursue another type of relationship as well. At the Water's Edge is available from Amazon.

Girls in Love by Laila Blake has five shorts stories about childhood friends turned lovers in a snowy cabin, a student seducing her teacher, and two women overcoming prejudice.

Sweet Seductions, the Erzabet Bishop Collection, includes new and previous released short stories compiled into one volume sure to hook you on this author.

An anthology about older women pursuing younger come together in Cougars. Including pieces by Harper Bliss, Erzabet Bishop, Cheyenne Blue, Laila Blake and Lucy Felthouse, this is  one hot read after another.



Here is an excerpt from Bali High, Erzabet's contribution to the Cougar anthology.

---

The plane hit a bump of turbulence and Ariana, jarred off her feet, landed haphazardly in Miriam’s lap. Her knees were draped over the arm rest, with her feet dangling in the aisle.

“Oh!” She struggled to get up, but another violent motion of the plane only succeeded in Ariana losing her balance once more. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

Ariana scrambled to move and turned her face to Miriam. “Oh my God. I’ve never fallen on a passenger before.” Her eyes swam with panicked tears.

“If you had to fall on anyone, I’m glad it was me.” Miriam replied, her voice husky. She tentatively reached out and brushed a stray curl out of Ariana’s eyes. Warmth spiraled through her body at the intimate contact and liquid lust seeped through her veins. The younger woman ceased struggling and met her hungry gaze. A delicate smile and a pink blush replaced the panicked look from moments before.

“Truly?”

“Completely.” Miriam whispered. “You can fall into my lap whenever you want to.”

Ariana sighed and turned her warm brown eyes to Miriam. Her lips parted and with the slightest movement, they were pressed against Miriam’s.

“I’m so glad.”

She smelled of cinnamon and spicier things. Miriam cupped her chin and deepened the kiss.

A low moan erupted from the flight attendant’s throat.

“You taste like strawberries.”

“And you of forbidden things.”

Ariana stilled, her lips pulling back in a slight frown. “Forbidden?’

Miriam ran her fingers down the other woman’s cheek. “You’re young enough to be my daughter.”

“But I’m not.” Ariana’s eyes met Miriam’s, her unflinching desire reflected in them.

“No, indeed you’re not.” The need to bury her hands in the brunette’s hair and see it tumbling down her back was nearly overwhelming.

---

Do you have a publisher that should be featured on Sunday Surprise? Let me know in the comments or via email (authorangelicadawson at gmail)

Thursday Taster - Gentleman #12

Continuing from the last segment, Harrold has found himself in his mistress' room with a slave girl. Check out all the tastes by hopping to the blog.

---

On the bed lay a dark skinned woman, another slave, he supposed. He'd never given Polly more than a glance, but this woman had curves to shame his maid's slight frame. His gaze seemed fastened to her nipples that somehow managed to be darker than her already black skin.

The girl scrambled off the bed and to the floor. Only when she moved did Harrold notice how young she was, not even twenty.

“Easy, Kendra. He's not going to hurt you. Harrold, please remove your clothing and take that seat.”

Harrold didn't argue, but stood close to the women as he disrobed.

“He isn't your boss or your master in any way. He is at most your equal here.”

He spun at that comment, holding his pants in one hand. Lynn's palm connected with the flesh of his ass, making him yelp.

“Did I suggest waiting?” Her eyes left no question as to who was in command of the situation. “There, you see, Kendra?” Harrold slouched in the chair, wondering what would happen next. “He answers to me, just like you do. Now, I want you to make him come.”

Harrold's eyes widened at the same time as the slave's large, brown ones.

“Please, Ma'am. I would-” Her scream punctuated her sentence as Lynn broke out the riding crop she had used on him. The girl flinched and cowered. “Yes, Mistress. Of course, Ma'am.” She hustled herself toward Harrold, kneeling in front of him. Her tongue peeked out to lick her lips and he was started at how pink it was. He leaned forward and cupped her chin.

“May I kiss you?” His hand jerked as the crop landed on his shoulder.

“That is quite enough hesitation from both of you.”

Kendra jumped, though Harrold didn't see Lynn wield the crop again. She took his cheeks and pulled him down to her, kissing him awkwardly. He took charge of the kiss, using his tongue to guide hers.

She relaxed, her shoulders falling in his peripheral vision. Perhaps she needed more guidance to obey Lynn. He reached for her hand, pulling it into his lap.

He was surprised how quickly the color of her skin faded from his notice. She was simply another lovely young woman set to please him, just like the many he had paid.

Harrold broke the kiss and sat back to let Kendra see what she was doing. “And you,” Lynn whispered in his ear, “will be whipped when you come.” He groaned at the new information.

---

Don't forget to check out the other tastes on the blog.

Tantalizing Tuesday - Missy

Danika pressed the paper and ran her arm along it, picking up smudges of graphite, but removing any air pockets preventing the drawing from adhering to the cardboard that would keep it safe, wrinkle free, and once framed, preserved for as long as possible.

It was the last piece she had ever drawn. Not Danika, she could draw an elevator shaft. Missy’s. Her work was on walls around the country. No one had as complete a collection as Danika, though.

Missy had been more than the artist she commissioned to document the children in her care. She was foster mother to most of them right alongside Danika. The last three for certain had called her Mama Missy.

The faces of all her children, most of them now grown or moved on to permanent residences, looked down on her from parks, yards and gardens in the neighborhood. Missy was so good at capturing the familiar expressions and antics among the familiar places.

“Mamanika?” a quiet high pitched voice said. “What is wrong?” The dark skinned boy looked afraid.

Danika knelt, lifting Horace in her arms to show him the picture.

“Mama Missy went to the park but she’s not coming back.”

Hopefully you can find some more cheerful teases on the blog.

Sunday Surprise - Ravenous Romance

I'm excited to find and feature publishers that are new to me. I have some author friends published with this one, but I didn't visit their site before now. Ravenous Romance specializes in affordable sexy reads. Let's take a look at some of their latest releases, all of which are $4.99 each! They also have a special where if you buy 4 books (hey, look, 4 new books) you get a fifth one free.

Bad Boy Menage is an anthology including The Bounty by Nicole Wilder and Carrie's and Bridget's Bucket List by Kimber Vale. The compilation is edited by F. Leonora Solomon who promises one bad boy after another.



In Ryan Field's Too Hard To Handle, conservative Dan meets Cass who claims he’s related to storied Texas Ranger, Kit Acklin. Although Dan is still mourning the death of his boyfriend and hot Cass is a self-proclaimed no-good drifter, they are offered the dream job of a lifetime on TV. It all takes place in peaceful Glendora Hill, Texas, which will be familiar to readers of Ryan.

Chloe Stowe has released Pound, the second in her Lion and the Steed series. In this installment, Dr. Samuel Lyon and Brevyn Steed settle into their new lives together expecting the sweet calm of sameness and security to settle down around them. However, when a silent film thought lost to a fire 90 years ago is stolen from a private collection, Brevyn and Sam are hired to recover it. The thief’s trail quickly forces the couple to abandon their New York City environs for the sunbaked coast of Sicily.

Once Upon A Menage combines the love of three with the magic of fairy tale. Authors include: Celeste Hall, Ramona Leigh, Naomi Shaw, Muffy Wilson, Manlius Latham, V. Shepard and Louisa Bacio. Edited by Rachel Kenley, this book will definitely scratch that itch for magic with your erotica.

We are lucky enough to have an excerpt from one of Naomi Shaw's contributions to this anthology. Here's a taste of Beauty's Beast:

---

The weather was warm, with sunbeams shining, so later in the afternoon Rosie walked to the local library, where she often went, to return a few books. She took a shortcut along a gravelly road, where the stones crunched beneath her feet and hurt her soles as she walked with light footsteps. The shortcut took her past the Old House that loomed up behind a tall gated terrain. It was huge, gray-stoned, aged, and full of mystery, with a wild rose garden she could just about make out behind its surrounding walls. She looked in, deciding to investigate on her return journey.

On the way home, Rosie paused at Old House. Her vivid imagination allowed her wild fantasies of what could go on inside and she recalled them now.

Her eyes misted over and her red lips curled into a smile as she imagined heavy red drapes drawn tightly closed, concealing wild sex with people tied up to live out their innermost fantasies. Quite forgetting she was in a public place and might be spotted any minute, Rosie’s hand slipped between her thighs to stroke where the crotch of her panties had become damp.

“Mm,” she purred. “Lovely.” She sucked her fingers, wishing another could do that for her, then stopped suddenly, realizing she could be seen by any passersby.

Looking at the lion statues that rested on pillars either side of the old brass gate she said, “I bet you could tell a tale or two.” Rosie’s thoughts were increasing her curiosity about the place, and noticing one of the gates left slightly ajar, she thought this was an opportunity far too good to pass up. Using both arms, she leaned her full weight against it, trying to shift the gate open a little more. Finally with creaks and groans, she managed to shift it a few more inches, enough to squeeze through into the grounds.

She sidestepped off the stone driveway into what her father had called a wild rose garden. Dad was not wrong about this garden, she thought. It would be a shame to leave it untended. With fingers trailing around the velvet petals of rose blooms struggling to show their blooms through a tangle of woody briars and thorns, Rose wandered through. “Ouch!” she exclaimed when while breathing in the aroma of one of the flowers, she inadvertently caught her finger on a thorn. She withdrew her hand quickly and sucked the blood seeping from the cut.

“Now that was a stupid thing to do,” a deep voice boomed from behind her, although she had never heard his footsteps. “Let me see.” Rosie swished around to see where the voice came from. She saw a tall man of medium build with thinning gray hair, dressed formally. “I am butler to the Master. He does not like people on his property and wants to see you.”

“But I have to go home—” Rosie began but the man cut her short.

“You don’t want to disappoint the Master. His powers of persuasion are very strong and you would not want to annoy him. Follow me.”

---

If you have a publisher featured on Sunday Surprise, leave a comment or send me an email.

Flasher Fiction Friday - Gabriel

Landing with a thud, Gabriel flipped head over heels, left over right, tumbling over coarse cutting sand. Pushing himself up, he saw the impact crater where he had landed on the beach. It was easy to follow his path, a large skid that ended where he now sat.  He put a hand to his head, trying to get his bearings. This plane was familiar to him, but he’d never felt so solid here. Before he was a visitor, now he was an exile. He hung his head and tried not to regret his choices as his wings disappeared behind him.

There are many more takes on this picture, each only 100 words. Find them all on the blog.

Thursday Taster - Gentleman #11

This Thursday, I thought I'd slip back to Gentleman. You might remember the party where he met Lynn and was slapped by his wife. We pick up just a few days later. Tastes of all sorts can be found on the blog.

---

Harrold knocked on the door. Lynn had told him to return in three days, but he couldn't wait. A large black man answered the door a few minutes later.

“What do you want?”

Harrold frowned. “Do your owners let you speak like that?”

The man seized him by the throat. “I am free now. I take orders from no one.”

Harrold pulled at the man's fingers, starting to struggle for breath.

The man who had met him at the door on his first visit appeared behind the giant slave, the freed man.

“That one is Lynn's, Will. Let him go, please. We don't need to deal with bodies.”

Harrold felt the blood leave his face at the cold words. This man could easily strangle him.

“Well, I wouldn't want Lynn's ire.” Will opened his hand and Harrold held his knees as he violently coughed air back into his lungs. There was blood splattered on Will's pants, making Harrold that much more grateful for release. Whose blood did he wear? “You will wait in the parlor until Lynn collects you.” He stretched out his right arm, pointing and revealing more blood on the cuff.

Harrold practically ran to get away from the homicidal black man. Both men disappeared down the hall. Harrold paced the parlor, admiring portraits, including one of Lynn with the blond man in the hall. Another woman with equally dark hair but glittering blue eyes, and a man slightly darker than the one he'd seen. There was also a portrait of the slave, freed man. He looked menacing even there. Eventually, Harrold tired and sat in one of the chairs, wondering how late he was willing to wait.

“Harrold?” The musky smell of sex followed Lynn's entry.

He rose from the chair, taking her hand and bowing over it. “Madam.”

She smiled and waited for him to straighten. “I have use of you.” She turned, robe swirling out around her knees and making Harrold long to remove it.

She didn't go far down the hall before stopping and holding the door for him. It was, in fact, the same room they'd met in previously.

On the bed lay a dark skinned woman, another slave, he supposed. He'd never given Polly more than a glance, but this woman had curves to shame his maid's slight frame. His gaze seemed fastened to her nipples that somehow managed to be darker than her already black skin. 

---

Remember to visit the blog!

Tantalizing Tuesday - Them There Hills

“Pull over,” I told him. “It’s my turn to drive. You need sleep.”

“I’m fine,” he argued, rubbing his eyes. “I couldn’t sleep anyway, not knowing what’s back there.”

I didn’t blame him. I’d dozed off but was woken with horrible dreams mixed with memories.

“You can’t keep driving. You’re swerving all over the road. Pull over. It’ll take ten seconds to swap seats.”

He seemed to weight whether that was fast enough, whether the risk of his driving was worse than the risk of losing ten seconds.

“We’re going to have to get gas soon anyway. We can’t keep going like this.”

“The hell we can’t.” He did pull over, braking hard. I braced myself on the dash. “Move.” He ordered, jumping out the driver’s door.

I didn’t hesitate, leaping over the hood and sliding in the door. It was like something out of Dukes of Hazard, and I couldn’t believe I pulled it off. However, I was in the seat ahead of Max and popping it in drive as soon as his door closed.

“We can get gas in the mountains,” I said, nodding my head toward them. “They’ll freeze up there.”

“Mountains. Freezing. Good.” His eyes closed.

Check out all the 200 word teasers by clicking through to the blog.

Sunday Surprise - Yellow Silk Dreams

Start your week off with some newly released surprises from Yellow Silk Dreams. This group of independent authors have banded together to release a myriad of fiction.

Let's start with an anthology. Do you believe in magically ever after?
Four of the best writers of modern erotic fiction have created a different story of the magical enchantment of love and passion. Enchanted includes pieces from Gemma Parkes, Jocelyn Modo, Cindy Jacks and Jaqueline George.

Rebecca Lorenson brings Shakespeare's fairies to life again in Midsummer Dreaming. Two dreamy voyages, guided by Puck, bring romance for some and mischief for others. Sarah and Anna are both searching without hope for true love and Puck can bring both mayhem and good fortune.

Old memories are like old red wine - all the richer for time passed. And the kisses taste sweeter too. Muffy Wilson bring us three romantic and very sexy stories take us back to things as they once were in Memories and Kisses. A grieving woman rescued from the sea, two childhood friends growing old friendship into passionate loving, and two long separated teenagers finding that time has mellowed them both, all three stories of rekindled love are ready to burst into flame.
And here is an excerpt from The Storm.

---

I walk to the surf, heaving for breath, weak from running against the rain, fighting the storm, the sadness, my loss - your death. I walk into the surf and keep walking. It is surprisingly warm and enveloping. I suddenly feel comforted, my heartbreak no longer a penetrating pain. I know you are with me and I seek out your embrace. I cry again, scream at the thunderous surf, and then I am gone. I can’t breathe and I am falling, rolling, tumbling in a hazy grey darkness that is wet, ferocious, demanding. Suddenly my dizzy comfort turns to fear and I struggle against the pounding, relentless waves. What have I done? I am a good swimmer and an athlete, but can I beat this? Instinct overcomes me. My heart pounds. I start to kick wildly. Moving my arms toward the surface, the current catches me again, tumbling me over and over. My lungs burn. I lose my bearing—which way is up, down? I start to get a sickening feeling of death, my own impending death, and, just as I start to give in, I feel the hand of God grab my hair and hood in a fierce grip and yank me to the surface. I feel the sky darken and the surf diminish. Everything tastes salty, gritty, and then my body heaves, relaxed, and my world goes black.

I awake to pounding on my chest; I am being rattled and something is covering my mouth and nose. I cough, retch, and then vomit the last vestiges of the ocean from my body. My mouth is filled with grit, sand, and the salty taste of taffy. I open my eyes and see God reaching down toward me. He leans over me and the salty ocean water drips from his face to mine. He is big, strong, and gasping; he is surrounded in a glowing aura which intensifies his white hair and white beard. I am frightened. I must be dead. But that cannot be! How foolish I am. He sits me up, tenderly and gently helps me to my feet, all the while holding me securely with large strong hands and then he speaks to me.

“Are you alright, miss? You scared me near to death when I saw you walk into the surf. Why in the world….Where do you live?”

I am alive to my senses.

“Wha. . . ?” My knees weaken and I fall further into his arms. Quickly, he catches my descent and carries me to a bench where he sits me down, moving the errant curls of hair from my cheeks, and speaks to me again.

“Where are you staying? Shall I call the police?”

I can feel my heart pounding against his chest.

“No, please, I’m . . . I’ll be fine. My key, my pocket; it’s in my pocket. Please…” I can’t remember my hotel or where I am or why. As he unzips my pocket and removes my hotel key, he pulls my hood up over my head to shelter my face from the pelting rain. Collecting me under his arm, my body firmly in his grip, we walk slowly back to the hotel. The traffic is still sparse, no taxis to be seen. It seems to take forever. The storm is so much worse, the surf so high, sucking the wind into the watery folds as it retreats to the ocean. At once, I am so scared that I begin to tremble and yet, I feel protected.

As we walk into the hotel lobby, the bell captain approaches us and asks if I need the hotel doctor, whereupon my guardian says, “No, that won’t be necessary, thank you.”

We take the elevator to my floor and I am finally in the sanctity of my room, as lonely as it is. My savior, my hero sits me in the desk chair while he goes to the bathroom and starts the shower. He returns. He is saying something to me that I can’t understand, but he starts to take my shoes off. Then he leans me forward, removes my windbreaker and sports bra, and helps me stand while he pulls relentlessly at my wet spandex knee-highs. He kicks off his own running shoes and removes his blazer. He carries me to the shower but I feel as if I’m watching the scene unfold from outside my own body. I am unafraid of this stranger.

The water is hot and piercing, but he is gentle, loving, and tender. He bathes me and washes my hair, lifting the removable nozzle to rinse the sand, grit, and seaweed from my hair and lithe body. My skin is a deep pink from the intense extreme of the cold grasp of the ocean and the heated comfort of the hot shower. His hands are everywhere, on every curve, gently caressing my skin with his soapy fingertips. He deftly, tenderly, washes my breasts, my taunt stomach and pussy. He controls himself, but I can’t let him stop. I look up at him, and notice he is watching himself bathe me. He seems to caress my buttocks as he cleans the sand from between my rounded cheeks. Unembarrassed, he rinses my body thoroughly, running his fingers though my shoulder-length brown hair. I feel safe, warmed, yet surprisingly aroused, weakened by my ordeal.

For the first time, it seems, he looks down at me. He takes me in as I look up at him, transfixed by his control. I am naked in my sorrow and my pain; he, fully clothed except for his windbreaker and shoes, smiles, touching my heart. I did not notice his erection in the shower, he is a complete gentleman. My breasts, the curve of my belly to my thigh, my face against his chest glisten in the shower, as I trust him to help me.

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