anthology

Tall, Dark, and Rich ~ A Hot Billionaire Romance Collection #99cents #BillionaireRomance #Anthology #Romance #MFRWAuthor

Just Released – on sale for 99 cents for a limited time only!

Money, suits and style.⁠

Possessive, dominant, and used to getting their way.⁠

Tall, dark and rich.⁠

⁠These powerful men will stop at nothing to claim the women they want. From boardrooms to bedrooms, these billionaires live a life of luxury and excess, but it’s the women who captivate them and hold their hearts.⁠

⁠Follow the journeys of these powerful men as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, lust, and power while they explore their deepest desires.⁠

⁠With intense chemistry, blistering sensuality, and unforgettable characters, this anthology is a must-read for anyone who loves their romance with a healthy dose of heat. So pour yourself a glass of wine, get comfortable, and be swept away by the intoxicating world of steamy billionaire romance.⁠

BLURB

A Crazy Rich Dilemma
by Madison Michael

One Night. One Lie. What Could Go Wrong?

Leah: In thirty-one years, I’ve never left a party with a stranger, never planned a one-night stand in a hotel room, and never been kissed until my toes curled. I’d come to this shindig in search of a place to live. With one semester left of art school I was drowning in debt and in need of cheap housing.

Enter Fletcher Donovan, elusive, rich, playboy. My friends ask if I can stay at his place while he jaunts off to Paris. The answer: a resounding no!

Maybe if we meet, I can change his mind. So here I am, waiting for Fletcher until a too handsome, too charming, too persuasive Van leads me away from the party and into his suite.

But then I get Fletcher’s mansion, and a glimpse of the man, too.  I’m craving two men, both unknowable apparitions far out of reach.

Fletcher: I’d intended to sneak in and sneak out, but the stranger caught my eye, as did her cleavage.

Next thing I know I’m luring her from the party to my suite, using a false name to hide my identity, and my fortune. It’s just one night. But one night with this temptress and I’m breaking all the rules.

Ignoring the alarms exploding in my head, I give her the keys to my house for six months. I’m no stalker, but I know I want Leah, and I can’t stay away. Instead, I start a charade that may blow up in my face. But at least I’ll know.

Does she want me or my money? With a thousand miles between us, it’s insanity. Soon there are emails as Fletcher and texts as Van.

We are playing a dangerous game in the art of love where winner takes all.

BUY LINK

UNIVERSAL LINK

99 Cents for a limited time only!

https://books2read.com/TDRanthology

Including Stories from:

Melissa Stevens – NYT bestselling author
Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author
Megyn Ward – USA Today bestselling author
Sahara Roberts – USA Today bestselling author
Dawn Brower – USA Today bestselling author
Charmaine Louise Shelton
Madison Michael
TL Reeve/Michele Ryan
Anne Roman
V.K. Holt
Kitt Lynn
Erika Vanzin
MacKenzie Stowe
Jess Peters
Eliza Renton
Susanna Eastman
E.S. McMillan/Tiffany Carey
Elizabeth Kozloff

 

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Tall Dark and Rich ~ Billionaire Romance Anthology #PreOrder

Tall Dark and Rich: A Billionaire Romance Anthology at an Incredible Price!

I hope this finds you in high spirits and eager for an exciting new reading adventure! I love writing billionaire romance novels, and sharing them with new readers, but there is nothing like an anthology to get the blood stirring. Think about it: more hot heroes, more steamy sex, more clever plot twists, more obscenely over-the top luxury.

I think one of the biggest challenge readers have is determining where to spend their limited reading dollars. This is especially true for mystery and romance readers who are particularly voracious. Readers return to the same authors again and again because they don’t want to throw their money away on disappointing novels. To be honest, I have participated in anthologies before, only to be disappointed by many of the participating authors.

Not this time. As a romance reader myself, I find immense joy in sharing stories to make your heart race and your imagination soar. That’s why I am thrilled to be part of Tall Dark and Rich, an upcoming billionaire romance anthology I feel confident will captivate your senses and fulfill your deepest romantic fantasies.

As of this writing, Tall Dark and Rich features thirty billionaire romances from sweet to scorching, novella to full length read, all written by talented authors. One third of the contributing writers are USA Today or NY Times Bestselling authors. One third! These gifted writers have poured their hearts and souls into crafting tales to transport you to a world of wealth, passion, and desire.

My own entry, A Crazy Rich Dilemma, is a full length, steamy contemporary romance about Leah, studying art and drowning in debt. Leah is still reeling from an out-of-character one night stand with Van when she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Renowned art collector, and disgustingly rich, Fletcher Donovan makes his own out-of-character move, loaning Leah his mansion for six months. Missing Van and their sizzling chemistry, Leah bonds with Fletcher over their shared love of art, soothing her battered heart by beginning a long-distance correspondence with Fletcher. Can the billionaire do more than lick her wounds?

Here’s an excerpt from my new book, an All’s Crazy in Love adjacent story and my entry for Tall Dark and Rich.

EXCERPT

Stanton approached, saving me from further discussion, and I watched with relief as Constance meandered away without a backward glance. She’d taken my advice and was hunting. God help the man she snared.

“Still trying?” We shook hands, happy to see one another. Stanton’s grasp was powerful.

“Afraid so. I just want to have some fun, you know.”

 “I didn’t see you sneak in.” Stanton surveyed the ballroom, looking past the Christmas trees decked in gold and silver that complemented the traditional styling and made the Drake a classic. “Plenty of fun here tonight.”

 “Yes, there is. In fact, there is a woman I curious about—” I pointed to the back of the woman in the green dress.

 “Leah Rhodes.  She’s staying with my sister while she finishes Art School. Interested?

 “Just curious,” I deflected as convincingly as possible.

 “In fact—” Oh no, Stanton wanted something from me. I needed to escape.

 I didn’t need more. I had her name and a tidbit of information with which to open the conversation. I waved off Stanton, started to make my move. But my host was still talking to me and I never learned how to be rude. Tuning him out but nodding at appropriate times, I watched as my beauty stepped from the room, my stomach plummeting at the idea that she would leave before I had my chance.

 I finally caught wind of what Stanton was saying. This woman needed a place to stay. He was suggesting my house. That was a monumentally bad idea, but—

  I scanned for Leah, hoping she would return. She was a standout, with that body, that sweetness about her mouth, and wonder in her eyes. It was a lethal combination. She was mesmerized in that crowd of jaded, rich bitches, fresh-faced and trying not to gape at the splendor. Or maybe she was trying not to judge the expense.

 It was the uniqueness of her that attracted me, but those curves draped in emerald green held my interest and notched up my temperature more than a few degrees. I felt the zing of electricity burgeoning with promise and sexual tension. I’d sensed it the moment we made eye contact. I couldn’t lose her now.

 “I don’t think it will work,” I told Stanton, understatement of the century. I felt sick simply at the idea. But it was Leah. “Now’s not a good time, and I’m really not good with people in my house. But maybe I could find some other way to assist.”

 Certainly, the woman was a beauty, although not in the traditional sense. Her gown, obviously designer, was barely there, cut low, hugging her as I wished to, offering me a glimpse of cleavage that made my mouth water. All of which was icing on the cake, not the tasty confection that was this woman. I sensed much more to her, a depth I couldn’t explain.

 Stanton continued talking until I wanted to punch him. The man had never been so loquacious. My expression must have signaled my impatience, because he wound down to the end of a speech, advocating hard for Leah. Who was she to him? Finally, Stanton quit yakking.

 “Like I said, I’m not really comfortable with the idea. Don’t get her hopes up, but maybe—maybe I will think about it. Rhodes? Is she related to Melanie Rhodes? She was part of my legal team once or twice, so like I said, maybe I can help some other way.”

 That was enough to placate my host so I said my goodnights, eager to find  Leah before anyone else could corner me or Stanford could gauge my level of interest.  One night with this angel was exactly what I needed to cleanse myself of women like Constance and start Paris with a fresh perspective. Having her my bed tonight. Definitely. Having her live in my house, not a chance.

 I found her resting in a traditional upholstered chair not far from the ballroom entrance, fingering through something on her phone. An urn behind her created the illusion she wore a flower crown. She resembled a goddess of Greek mythology.

 I wasn’t wrong. Leah had no idea who I was. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. For once a woman looked at me without dollar signs in her eyes. Leah was clueless about my family and I wanted to keep it that way as long as possible. I would be gone tomorrow, and she would be none the wiser while  I had the rare opportunity to spend one lovely night with a beautiful woman who wasn’t after a Donovan, and what we could give her. This woman, this goddess, wanted me. I had a chance at an honest relationship, but only if I was dishonest. I appreciated the irony, and didn’t think twice.

 “Van,” I said, extending a hand toward hers, using my college nickname. It slid out of my mouth with ease. Her chin lifted to my face. She was more beautiful up close.

 Her eyes grew wide, obviously surprised to see me but not unhappy about it. I reached for a handshake and wound up engulfing her fingers, clasping them like fragile glass. She shook and not a limp handshake, mind you; more like she was proving a point. I resisted the urge to press a kiss on the inside of her wrist, wanting to leave my mark on her. “You’re Leah, right?”

 She didn’t hide her shock, rubbing a finger along her bottom lip. Was she checking her lipstick or wiping drool? Her expression didn’t make it clear. 

 “I asked Stanton,” I offered by way of explanation. “Dance?”

 I wasn’t wordy, nor elegant, but my movements were swift and smooth, wrapping her in my embrace before she could refuse. I wasn’t willing to risk no and it was obvious her feet were killing her.

 She was already halfway out of  the chair when she nodded yes,  her head barely reaching my nose. Hiding us from prying eyes, I kept us away from the ballroom but close enough to hear the music. She was tiny and soft in my arms and didn’t question my choice of location.

 Leah fingered the fabric of my tux, then rested her hand like a whisper on my shoulder. Maybe I held her a little closer than appropriate, but she smelled sweet and felt breakable.

 “I’m not much of a dancer,” she warned, her voice low and unconsciously seductive.

 “I promise not to step on your toes.” Thanks to my years of dance lessons and decades of experience, I spun her to the edge of the lobby, lights and colors speeding past my view. A strong pine aroma emanated from the ballroom, but her floral scent rose above it as I twirled us around the groupings of lobby chairs.  I bent my head closer to inhale deeper. Whatever the perfume, it was a definite aphrodisiac.

 “How have we managed to miss each other before this? I think I’ve made most of Stanton’s parties.”

 “This is my first. I’m staying with his sister, Huntley.”

 “Visiting from out of town?” I knew the answer but wanted to hear her version. “Where is home?”

 “Oh no,” she clarified, meeting my eyes and holding me spellbound. “I live here, but a few months ago, I broke up with my boyfriend and he got custody of the apartment. It’s been difficult finding a place since then.”

 “Too busy nursing a broken heart?” I held my breath awaiting her response.

She laughed, a soft sound, and I finally got a glimpse of that wide smile in earnest. It transformed girl-next-door Leah into a force majeure. She was magnificent.

 “Hardly. More a question of affordability and proximity. I go to school downtown, and housing near the loop is pricey.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. No attachment preventing me from pursuit. “I wish I could help, but I am living in a hotel room at the moment. Upstairs.” Her blush was a giveaway. We were both thinking of that room, easily reached for a night of— “I leave in the morning, but if you are desperate, I could extend it a few days.”

 “Leaving or the room?”

 “The room.” I felt disappointed, surprisingly so. I was more intrigued than I’d expected.

If you’re intrigued, now is the perfect time to preorder your copy of Tall Dark and Rich to ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable reading experience. And the best part? For a limited time, the anthology is priced at only 99¢! That’s dozens of captivating billionaire romances bundled together in one explosive collection, for less than a dollar! It won’t last forever.

To reserve your copy, simply click https://books2read.com/TallDarkRich

You won’t be disappointed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Madison Michael is the author of more than a dozen romance novels. She loves to create sassy heroines who know who they are and what they want. Add a hero who is every women’s fantasy come true and watch the chemistry sizzle. Proud of her smart romances, Maddy tries to create flawed but loveable characters readers want to know, situate them in wonderful settings and then add a plot that allows them to flourish and fall madly in love. A smattering of mystery, humor, or meddling friends usually helps things along.

Madison lives in Chicago, close to her roots, friends, family and the best pizza anywhere.

She loves cats, cat jokes and cat videos, Hello Kitty, anything with too much sugar, and everything about being an author. She enjoys writing, learning about writing, promoting writing and writing while eating sugar, surrounded by cats.

Discover her Beguiling Bachelor or All’s Crazy in Love series at www.madisonmichael.net/books

LINKS

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Release Blitz: The Gods of Inthya, by Effie Calvin @EffieCalvin #Giveaway #Fantasy #ShortStories #Magic

Title:  Gods of Inthya

Series: Tales of Inthya, Book 5.5

Author: Effie Calvin

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: 01/17/2023

Heat Level: 1 – No Sex

Pairing: Female/Female

Length: 38600

Genre: Fantasy, anthology, Fantasy, gods, magic, romance, short stories

Add to Goodreads

Description

At the beginning of time, the gods came together to create Inthya, a world where magic is common and hatred never had the opportunity to take root.

But the Inthyan gods are young and imperfect. With countless failures behind them and unspeakable horrors lurking outside the borders of creation, they must not allow this world to meet the same fate as the last—without alerting their mortal worshippers that anything is wrong.

Nineteen short stories from the perspectives of the gods themselves, some humorous, some horrifying, and all united by a theme of protecting the mortals who love them unconditionally.

Excerpt

Gods of Inthya
Effie Calvin © 2023
All Rights Reserved

Inthi, God of Creation and First of the Ten, does not generally manifest in cities. This is somewhat paradoxical, considering most new ideas come from places where mortals gather in large numbers. But Inthi is a quiet, thoughtful sort of god and has trouble focusing when surrounded by too much noise and commotion. Even when they are called to a mortal’s private workshop, away from shouting vendors and screaming children, they cannot block out the soft but persistent hum of countless souls going about their daily business outside, each mind a bright beacon of wants and worries and dreams.

But today, unfortunately, they must make an exception.

Inthi is intimately familiar with their own Great Temple in Birsgen, and the enormous district surrounding it. Some call it the Flame District, but others simply call it Inthi’s District. Most large cities have one, a place where smiths and artisans and inventors come together to work and exchange ideas.

As Inthi approaches their temple, they hear mortal voices raised in argument. Standing on the steps are two people—a neutroi that Inthi recognizes as their own archpriest here in Ieflaria, and a priestess of Eran dressed in silver robes. The priestess is the source of most of the noise, waving her clenched fist in the archpriest’s face.

Inthi’s archpriest, however, is unimpressed. They wave a hand dismissively and say, “Your concerns are unwarranted.”

The priestess’s cheeks redden. From the rage that emanates from her mind, Inthi can tell reason has failed and now she is about to start cursing. Inthi walks up behind her and rests a reassuring hand on the prophet-priestess’s shoulder. “It’s all right,” they say. “I will handle it.”

Eran’s priestess looks at Inthi with wide, disbelieving eyes. She takes a step back, too dumbfounded to speak. Inthi’s own archpriest has not recognized them, but she has. With more effort, they can disguise themselves completely, but Inthi is not inclined to do so today.

“I appreciate your efforts,” they add. Only rarely do Eran’s priests take an active role in events. Most adhere to the philosophy that attempting to alter the future is pointless at best and disastrous at worst. This priestess must have decided that no outcome is worse than what she’s already seen in her dreams. “Excuse me.”

Inthi walks past the bemused archpriest and enters the temple. Inside is warm from the heat of dozens of forges, and every stone is steeped in magic. Countless prayers have been uttered within these walls. Generations of priests and artisans have labored here. Even if the temple was disassembled and all the stones cast into the sea, it would take centuries for the magic to dissipate from the air.

After taking a few moments to admire the new bronze statues decorating the temple’s anteroom, Inthi takes a side door into a hallway. All around them, mortal minds buzz with ideas; mortal hands wrest iron and copper into new shapes. It is still early, but most of them have been awake for hours. Some have not slept at all.

Inthi could have manifested directly at the source of the problem, but there is time enough to enjoy being in the temple. They pass a few priests in orange robes, but most of the mortals are dressed practically, with heavy leather gloves and large aprons. Some carry boxes, or tools, or push carts filled with scrap metal to be melted down and turned into something useful. Inthi brushes each mind as they pass, appreciating every mortal’s unique focus.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Books2Read

Meet the Author

Effie is definitely a human being with all her own skin, and not a robot. She writes science fiction and fantasy novels and lives with her cat in the greater Philadelphia area.

Website | Twitter

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A Taste of Ginger ~ The Cougar Book #Cougar #Giveaway #MFRWAuthor

Our April Rafflecopter contest is for an autographed (by us) print copy of The Cougar Book, edited by Jolene Du Pré. This spectacular anthology of sexy escapades by cougar women was published ten years ago by Logical Lust Books, and we still have a few print copies available.

We love all the stories in this book, and you will, too. Ours, A Taste of Ginger, is an enticing evening encounter between a mid-life new divorcee and a hot young stud.

The Cougar Book

An incredible night of decadence and sensuality, or New Year’s Eve alone at the bar?

BLURB

Against her better judgment, mid-life divorcee Ginger
Nelson lets a co-worker talk her into spending New Year’s Eve at a swing club
to celebrate her final divorce decree. When Annette tells Ginger a handsome
young man at the bar is checking her out, Ginger wants to run the other way—but
Annette abandons her to pursue her own interests, and Ginger must make her
choice for the night of a lifetime.

EXCERPT

“There’s
a handsome young man checking you out!”

“Where?”
Ginger Nelson didn’t dare look around the sweeping bar to where Annette James
pointedly stared. It wasn’t Ginger’s idea to come to this swingers club. That
was Annette’s doing.

Apparently
it was one of Annette’s frequent weekend haunts. Ginger thought she knew her
co-worker better than that, but they hadn’t really started doing things
together socially until recently, after her divorce. This was why she’d agreed
to this crazy idea in the first place. Today marked the final divorce decree.
She was a free woman again—at fifty-five.

“Don’t
be so uptight,” Annette cautioned. “He’s a hunk, and he’s really looking you
over.”

“He’s
probably looking at you,” she groused, staring into her wineglass.

Annette
giggled. “No way. He doesn’t even know I’m here. You could at least peek at
him. That’s why we’re here, to look at the guys.”

“That
may be why you’re here.” Ginger
groaned. “I know. I know you didn’t force me to come with you tonight. But—but
this is different than I expected. The music is too loud. People are making out
right by the bar. They’re all so young. And I feel so old.” She tried not to
wail.

“Nonsense!
You’re overreacting. There are plenty of people here our age. But don’t dismiss
the younger guys so quickly.” Annette squeezed her friend’s elbow. “I bet the
guy undressing you at the end of the bar doesn’t have a single gray hair on his
body.”

Frowning,
Ginger cocked her head sideways enough to peer out the corner of her eye and
catch a glimpse of the far end of the curved bar. “I don’t see anyone. I only
see a guy with a couple girls draped over him.”

“Exactly.
And his eyes are on you. Think of the girls as accessories. They’re no
competition. Not with you.”

We also highly recommend an f/f story by Emerald, To Make it That Way.

EXCERPT

When people tell me I seem different
now, my stomach clenches for a moment. At those times, there are two things I
know: first, that they’re right; second, that even though I am aware of
precisely why, I could never explain exactly what happened to make it that way.
It was, and still is, an enigma in my life.

I was twenty-one when I met her. Three
of my friends and I were standing outside one of the bars we went to all the
time when she pulled up in a black Toyota and stopped at the curb right beside
us. I glanced over, and her eyes fastened on mine with an expression I couldn’t
begin to decipher. It was an expression I would come to know well. It meant that
she was seeing me, really seeing me, and she saw something I needed that she
knew she could give me.

“You,” she said to me. Her voice was
sweet but had an edge of command that made me jump even as she smiled. I moved
forward to her open passenger side window and looked down at her.

She nodded at the bar. “You going in
there to get laid, sweetheart?” I just stared at her, at a loss for what to
say. Behind me, I could hear my tipsy friends shuffling and murmuring.

Her smile grew wider. “Why don’t you come with me instead?” She kept her eyes trained on mine, and I grew no less stupefied as the seconds ticked by. I thought I hadn’t understood her correctly, and I didn’t give the idea that she was serious more than a second’s—an elated second’s—thought. She lowered her voice and made her intentions perfectly clear.

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Out Now—United in Love, a Charity Anthology Edited by Lucy Felthouse (@cw1985) #charity #anthology #britishredcross



Blurb:

The world could use a lot more love, which is why being united in love is the theme of this short story collection. Each of the characters are dealing with horrific and heartbreaking situations—loss, grief, war, divorce, dementia, disputes over land and more, but what they all have in common is that, with the help of love, of unity, they come through. It may not be all happily-ever-after—since life just doesn’t work that way—but positivity and solidarity shine through in each of the tales and will warm your heart.

So enjoy these stories of unexpected companionship, old lovers reuniting, second chances and creative problem-solving, with the knowledge that the proceeds from your purchase will also have a deeply positive effect—with every penny going to the British Red Cross’s UK Solidarity Fund.

Featuring stories from Gina Wynn, Lily Harlem, Rebecca Chase, Rosie Jamieson, Skye MacKinnon, M H Heyer, Alyssa Drake, Arizona Tape and Lucy Felthouse.

Available from:

Amazon (universal link): http://mybook.to/unitedinlove

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2wq8dqe

iBooks: http://apple.co/2hdoqEP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2yjSoyG

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2hbrLrN

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36240214-united-in-love

 

Excerpt from What’s Past is Present by Gina Wynn

 

Connie always believed she’d know it was summer when the rain got warmer. And that meant summer was today.

She ran along the pavement, trying to dodge the drops as they fell in big splats on her bare arms like sloppy kisses, hunching as she attempted to shield the package of fish and chips she carried. The aroma of the hot food and warm paper tickled her nose, and she could almost taste the contents. Declan would be lucky if she arrived back with anything more than soggy, empty wrappings at this rate.

Picking up her pace as the smell of rain-splashed tarmac filled the air, she hurried the rest of the way back to the house. His house. She shook her head. It would take a while to see the house as anything but Mr Pearce’s place—an adjustment it felt like she’d only just made. Now, it was Dec’s. Just Dec’s. In her head, it’d only just stopped being his place where he lived with his dad. Glancing at the windows in hopes of glimpsing him inside as she walked past had been a habit for a very long time.

When her doorbell had rung the previous night, she hadn’t expected to find a very crumpled, travel-weary Dec in the dingy entryway to her bedsit. In fact, he was probably the last person she hoped to ever find gracing the stoop of what she not-quite-laughingly referred to as her hovel.

She’d barely had chance to move, or slam the door in his definitely unwelcome face, before he wrapped his arms around her, folding her into a perfect bear hug of long-ago familiarity. Caught off-guard and unprepared to see him, she rested her cheek against the soft brushed cotton of his shirt, listening to his heartbeat, as his fingers splayed over her cheek, and she pretended not to notice the rough gasps of air he drew or the silent tears landing in her hair. Her chest hollowed, her heart breaking both for him and over him anew, and a lone teardrop of her own slid noiselessly down her nose.

Of course, she’d promised to help him today because she could never deny him anything, even though she’d spent the past five years regretting him. Getting over him. The bastard. She’d never stopped loving him.

Five years had crept by in a lazy blink of his beautiful brown eyes. And now, in the place where she’d spent so many of her stolen days and illicit nights, she could almost imagine the clocks had rolled back and he’d never left. She’d certainly wished for it enough times.

Short of pressing the doorbell with her nose she had no way to attract his attention, so she pushed on the door handle with her elbow and shouldered her way through the unlocked door into the narrow hall. The same worn carpet, lending a musty smell to the house these days, ran straight ahead to the kitchen and up the stairs. She walked towards the kitchen, ignoring the grime of a house where the owner hadn’t cared as much for the fabric of the building over the years as he did the family members within it. Framed portraits and holiday snapshots of Dec and his dad lined the walls, but she brushed past each of them. She could describe the position and content of each—perhaps accurately pinpoint the date of a few if she appeared on Mastermind with ‘The early life of Declan Pearce’ as her specialist subject.

But as she turned to push through the door into the next room, she caught sight of some new pictures and swallowed down a mixture of envy and bitterness at the juxtaposition of Declan’s life before and after—the part where he’d moved on without her. Even after Dec left, his dad must have continued to hang pictures of him because there he was, framed with as much care as anything that gone before.

Dec in an office of black leather and gleaming chrome—a vista of New York spread like a map through the huge picture window behind him; Dec beside an aeroplane bearing his name—sunglasses on, wide grin in place, and a suit that must have been expensive but one he wore without effort and made it look good.

Dec behind a podium.

Dec in an apartment so swish she’d have believed someone had Photoshopped him into it if she didn’t know better.

Dec… Dec… Dec. Just him.

Her gaze skimmed the remainder of the newest frames, and her thoughts stalled. She leant closer. No. They weren’t photographs. They were pictures that had been cut with great care from glossy magazines and newspaper articles, as if someone was reduced to simply scrapbooking a loved one’s life rather than being part of it.

Regret flashed through her. It didn’t show the future—the life together— she and Dec had planned in all those late nights that somehow turned into seeing the dawn. If she was honest, it didn’t show any sort of life she’d ever imagined for anyone she knew, let alone someone she loved. And especially not for Dec. She’d always believed they were the same type of person. But maybe not now she could see his life through someone else’s eyes.

She shrugged, trying to throw off her sudden melancholy. The fish and chips wouldn’t eat themselves.

 

Release blitz organised by Writer Marketing Services.

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Summer of Seduction On Tour #MFRWAuthor

Summer of Seduction
An Anthology
By Candi Fox, Louisa Bacio, Bobbi Romans, Monica Corwin, Audra Hart, Shakir Rashaan, AM Halford, 
Sheri Velarde, Izzy Szyn

These fabulous authors are offering wonderful giveaways. There are Amazon Gift Cert’s, ebooks, and a print book of Summer of Seduction up for Grabs. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. You may increase your chances of wining by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here

About the Book: 
“Avoid the burn, but savor the heat of the season! Kick back in the shade with your copy of Nine Hot Authors – Nine Sexy Tales of Summer Sizzle!

“Sugar’s Salvation” by Candi Fox 
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“Dry Heat” by Louisa Bacio
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“A Summer Tryst” by Bobbi Romans
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
Windows and Doors By Monica Corwin
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“Primal Heat” by Audra Hart
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“GFE Interrupted” by Shakir Rashaan
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“Summer Fever in a Tent” by A.M. Halford
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“Mikhail’s American Adventure” by Sheri Velarde
☆。☆。☆ 。☆。☆
“Kassie’s Seduction” by Izzy Szyn


Featuring an exotic array of genres to tempt even the pickiest of palates! Come, join the erotic adventure of “A Summer of Seduction”

 

Amazon Buy Link

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Summer Fever in a Tent Book Blurb:

Paul has loved Danny, his best friend’s little brother, since they were kids. Not willing to risk his friendship, Paul has kept his feelings well hidden, at least until a camping trip provides the opportunity he’s been waiting for.

Excerpt: 

He watched as Danny tossed the football across the park, watching it spin in a perfect spiral before he caught it. The shorter man hooted and cheered himself on for his perfect form. Then again, considering how long Paul had been teaching Danny to throw a football, he’d better have perfect form by now.

Still, he couldn’t help but watch as the man jumped around, his ear length black hair bouncing around him. The sunlight glinted off it, reflecting with shades of red outward. His brown eyes were dancing happily as he turned to meet Paul’s gaze and held out his hands for the return throw.

Paul pulled his arm back, and let the ball fly, spinning beautifully and arcing across the summer sky as it came in for a landing right where he wanted it to. Danny’s arms. That radiant smile that met his own had Paul fighting with the same urge he’d had since he’d met the younger man ten years ago. Danny had been twelve then. Paul fourteen, and had just made friends with the man’s older brother Raymond. Ray was a cool guy, but Paul was completely certain the man would kill him if he ever got wind of the fact he held romantic, and sexual, desires for his “precious baby brother”.

The guy had a brother complex. Bad.

Danny jogged over to him and grabbed his water from the bag laying on the grass at his feet. In doing so he bent over, giving Paul the perfect few of the man’s small bubble butt and even a peek at his lower back as his shirt rode up just the tiniest amount.

“So, Ray says you guys are going to the mountains to camp,” Danny said after he stood and took a drink from his water bottle. “Where to?”

“We’re driving up to Oregon and hiking a place called Eight Dollar to Baby Foot Lake,” Paul shrugged. “Ray swears it’s beautiful.”

“Should be fun,” Danny packed up his water and grabbed his bag. “Can’t wait.”

“Wait, what?” Paul practically tripped over his own two feet as he tried to follow Danny. “You’re coming?”

“Something wrong with that?” Danny pouted.

Oh, gods! Not the pout. Every person alive was weak to that big lower lip and puppy dog look. Paul had seen Ray fold time and time again once it came out. Paul was no different.

“No, nothing’s wrong with it,” Paul found himself saying.

“Great!” Danny cheered before kissing Paul’s cheek and rushing back to their awaiting cars.

Paul let the feeling of another’s lips pressed against his skin linger for a moment before following him. Danny was overly affectionate with everyone. His kisses and hugs meant nothing special. He saw Paul as another big brother, and he hated it! How he wished sometimes he wasn’t Ray’s best friend and didn’t have that obstacle to contend with. Then maybe he could pursue his feelings for Danny more openly.

As it was though, these small stolen moments tossing a ball back and forth was the most he could hope for these days. Danny was a full-time student at the local college while Paul worked at his dad’s auto mechanic shop sixty hours a week, six days a week. Maybe having him come along on the camping trip would be a good thing? Perhaps if he saw a bit more of the energetic guy Paul could get his fill via osmosis or something.

He doubted that though. If that were possible then all the time they’d spent together prior to college and careers would’ve been enough.

Danny tossed his small bag in his car just as his phone rang. Paul tried not to glower at the sleek device. He knew who it was, and he wanted to pummel the guy with a tire iron.

~*~*~*~*~*~
About the Author: 

A.M. Halford lives in Southern Oregon and enjoys spending as much time outside as she possibly can. Her partner and her often find themselves hiking with their two dogs when the weather permits it. Fishing, camping, and photography are also activities she greatly enjoy. If the weather doesn’t permit going outside she likes to curl up with a sketch book and draw whatever comes to mind.

A.M. Halford got into writing as an outlet for personal therapy and has since expanded that into a hobby and profession that she enjoys. She often writes down anything that comes to mind, combing through the ideas and expanding on plots that sound the most interesting. She likes to write believable relations between people overcoming unfair hardships set before them. She always loves a happy ending and no matter the hell her characters go through they’ll always get their forever person.

Social Links: 
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads |
Bookstrand | Amazon

 
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Tattooed Ladies: A Taste of f/f

Imagine a sexy redhead just recovering from her divorce who’s got a crush on her much younger massage therapist – a woman with several tempting tattoos in just the right places. Hubby and I imagined exactly that and had a wonderful time getting “A Bucket List Tattoo” on the page for our story in the upcoming lesbian erotic romance anthology, Tattooed Ladies, scheduled for release July 21 at Torquere Press in their Toy Box series.

I have to confess it was one of our characters (Merry Delaney, in The Merry Widow) who actually inspired my first tattoo, and yes, it was on my bucket list. I blogged about it at MySpace the spring I got it (May, 2008). So tattoos are close to my heart, and what better than designing a trio of lesbian erotic stories around that theme? Beth Wylde is to be credited with the inspiration. She’s collaborated with Kissa and me on earlier projects so when she invited us to participate we were all in. Here are blurbs for our three stories:

Lipstick Prints by Kissa Starling

An online baker’s site provides an introduction for Tessa to Maria, a bisexual wife and mother. Their friendship builds through daily discussion, phone calls and eventually an in-person meeting. That moment in time becomes a catalyst for change in Tessa that she never thought possible.

In My Skin by Beth Wylde

Melissa is a tattoo artist whose girlfriend has a serious phobia about needles. Kendra finally decides to confront her fears and let Melissa tattoo her but just stepping into her lover’s shop leaves her shaking. Will Melissa be able to pull off the impossible and put her name in Kendra’s skin? It’s going to take some smooth moves and fast talking to get it done.

A Bucket List Tattoo by Adriana Kraft

Just past fifty and freshly divorced, cardiac nurse Natalie Gardner decides it’s time to create her personal bucket list. On the top of her list? A tattoo – but she’s nervous about the pain. Maybe Cindy McGraw, the hot young physical therapist she often lunches with, can help her out. Next on her list? It may be too much to hope for, but she’s definitely angling for more than tattoo advice from Cindy. Would a taste be too much to ask?

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To Love and To Cherish – for Everyone

One of the Twitter trends I follow regularly is #marriageequality. I popped over there last weekend to see what was new and found this link to an article at Stltoday.com. Quoting from the article, “When [Missouri] Highway Patrol Cpl. Dennis Engelhard was killed in a Christmas Day traffic accident near Eureka, the agency described him as single with no children.” The article continues, “Engelhard, hit by a car that lost control in the snow, was gay. He left behind a partner of nearly 15 years who was not mentioned in his obituary or official information released by the Highway Patrol, although members of the agency knew about his sexual orientation.”

Our son has been partnered for nearly a decade in a state that does not sanction marriage equality. If something happened to either him or his partner, neither would be entitled to any death benefits. In fact, civil marriage carries a total of 1138 federal benefits and responsibilities that are not available to same-sex couples, even if they live in a state that recognizes their marriage. You can find a summary of these rights at Marriage Equality USA.

Why do the two halves of Adriana write what we write? Of course, we write because we love erotic fiction, and we love reading and writing loving relationships and hot sex across a range of gender combinations and polyamorous groupings. But also, as lifelong activists, we write to lift up the right of all persons to freedom of sexual expression – in short, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We hope you’ll enjoy some of the fruits of our labor. Together with fellow authors from Sapphic Planet, we’re part of an anthology of lesbian love stories being published this month by LoveYouDivine Alterotica. Entitled To Love and To Cherish, the fourteen stories will be released over the first two weeks of February, first as a series of three e-books, and in print as a single volume on Valentine’s Day. All profits from this collection will go to benefit Marriage Equality USA.

 

Our story, “Embracing the Fire,” is in volume three, Lives and Wives, releasing as an e-book on Friday Fbruary 12. Here’s a blurb and an excerpt to whet your appetite – come join me at Midnight Seductions Yahoo Group  Saturday February 13 for a chance to win an autographed print copy of the entire collection!

And be sure to check out Lara Zielinsky’s radio show “Readings in Lesbian & Bisexual Women’s Fiction” for a 2 hour launch special for the complete anthology, in print, on February 14, 2010. Both halves of Adriana will be there, and I’ll be reading an excerpt from “Embracing the Fire!”

BLURB

The deep chill of a Vermont winter will require lots of firewood, so canoe and wilderness guide Brandy Latham welcomes the help of her best friend, Stephanie Watkins. Together they saw, split and stack as they’ve done for many years – but what will happen when new fires ignite between them? 

EXCERPT 

Bending over in the shower, Brandy welcomed the shards of water slicing across her lower back and buttocks. Although she guided fishing parties on area lakes, even the work required to set up and break up camp and paddle canoes against the wind didn’t compare to the strenuous exercise of sawing, splitting, and stacking wood. 

She turned and soaped her breasts. If she was aching, how must Stephanie be feeling? Stephanie seldom guided anymore. Since she’d had to support her loser of a husband she’d taken on the job of assistant manager at the grocery store-a job with stress, but not as physically demanding as guiding or sawing wood. 

Brandy shuttered her eyes and let the steaming water have its way. Would Stephanie welcome a massage? It had been on the tip of her tongue to invite her to share a shower, but that would’ve been too much, too quick. 

Not that she hadn’t waited for years to follow up on that one night of bliss they’d shared after their high school graduation. Well, at least it had been bliss for her. It might not have been quite that for Stephanie. She had hooked up with Jerry as soon as he’d gotten back from his Guard weekend. Then they’d gotten serious. 

Cringing, Brandy still hated remembering having to stand beside Stephanie at the wedding. That had been pure hell, but Stephanie never noticed. She thought she was entering heaven. The bastard even tried to hit on Brandy a couple times. After the first time she said something to Stephanie, but she was beyond listening. From that point on Brandy bided her time trying to be supportive but doing nothing to sour the friendship she and Stephanie had shared from the time either one of them could remember. 

Stepping out of the shower and grabbing a towel, Brandy worked on her hair and tried to keep her pulse steady. She would never do anything to sever their relationship, but she had to know if there wasn’t more possible for them. She knew her own heart, but she wasn’t certain Stephanie had a clue. 

She thought she’d caught Stephanie eying her differently a few times over the last couple months. Her divorce had been final for three months now. As far as she knew, Stephanie wasn’t dating. And she’d certainly know if she was. She doubted there was a secret between them-except for her desire to love Stephanie wholly and completely.

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