Today, I'm featuring Monica Corwin, author of Late Night Temptation.
Sunday, 30 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad- Monica Corwin
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring Monica Corwin, author of Late Night Temptation.
Bianca Lewis lives for coffee. More accurately, she lives for Ramone the man who owns the coffee cart at the hospital she basically lives in. After a particularly grueling day in the ER, Ramone shows her a new side to life. One that involves more smiling, and illicit interludes in the supply closet.
Today, I'm featuring Monica Corwin, author of Late Night Temptation.
Saturday, 29 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad-Kate Richards
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring Kate Richards, author of Never Settle.
Workaholic Arabella Carmichael is achieving her career goal in a large corporation by giving up all her other dreams. Friends, family, and a love life—as well as company of her own. A surprise vacation designed to give her a break and make her even more productive on her return lands her on a an island with no Internet, so no way to work. Perhaps she can have one of those vacation flings she’s heard so much about. But why is that incredibly handsome guy leaving on the plane she arrived on?
Will Sanders spotted the gorgeous blonde when boarding the plane for the mainland. He cannot forget her and returns sooner than planned, only to find she’s about to hook up with a lawyer friend of his with a less than stellar reputation with women. Is he too late to catch her eye and get her to spend her vacation in his arms, or will she go ahead with her plans with Earl? He’s got to convince her he’s the right one for her before she throws herself back into a life of all work and no play.
Vacation fling or start of a whole new life? Make the right choice, Arabella!
Excerpt:
“Welcome to the Bahamas. May I see your passport?”
Okay. At least they’d established the country.
An hour later, she’d managed to get through Customs. Three minutes of flashing her passport and fifty-seven of chitchat from a woman with lots of time on her hands.
Finally, she stood outside the hut again, next to her new silver Tumi hard-sided luggage full of whatever Emily, her PA, thought she might want to take on the trip. She prayed either it was suitable or the resort had a good boutique. Despite working for her for over five years, the young woman still wore pleated skirts and button-down blouses that made her look like a Catholic schoolgirl. If they allowed them eyebrow piercings and blue hair. Still, her business degree and basic common sense made her an asset. But she’d never had the nerve to send her shopping…
According to the Customs lady, she had a half hour wait for a land taxi to take her to a water taxi to take her to the resort on the opposite side of the island. Before her car arrived, the pilot emerged from behind the building, deep in conversation with a tall man whose olive-skinned good looks made him a candidate for a magazine ad for high-end skin care products. Unlike Charlie’s ginger bristles, his neat black scruff clung to a chiseled jaw, making her fingers itch to touch it. His hair was combed, but a wisp of breeze lifted a lock and dropped it over his forehead, giving him a youthful jauntiness. Jeans, loafers, and a polo made up his ensemble. He walked with an easy, long-legged stride as if he hadn’t a care in the world. What must that be like?
Pausing before climbing the stairs to the plane, he turned and, one raven brow arched, held her gaze. Her breath caught. Don’t leave. But Charlie hollered something, and he nodded and, lifting a hand to her, boarded.
A moment later, they taxied off down the runway and then disappeared between puffy white clouds in the cerulean sky.
Sure, the one hot guy on the island left as she arrived. For one heady moment, she’d almost had the flash of an idea about a vacation romance. Or a fling. Sex filled a basic human need. One she’d been neglecting for quite some time.
Lucky she had work to keep her company. As always. She’d learned her lesson about romance long ago and didn’t often indulge in sex even for release. She had her eyes always on the prize. The presidency.
Dammit. I could have found an hour or two for him.
When she became president, nobody would be forced to take time off. For now, Arabella could settle into her room and work. Room service. Internet. Work. Comfort.
She removed her beige linen suit jacket, smoothed her skirt, and winced at her scraped-up shoes. The heat surging through her blood was related to the weather, and not the man who’d left. Getting all hot and bothered for someone she’d never see again held zero purpose.
Today, I'm featuring Kate Richards, author of Never Settle.
Will Sanders spotted the gorgeous blonde when boarding the plane for the mainland. He cannot forget her and returns sooner than planned, only to find she’s about to hook up with a lawyer friend of his with a less than stellar reputation with women. Is he too late to catch her eye and get her to spend her vacation in his arms, or will she go ahead with her plans with Earl? He’s got to convince her he’s the right one for her before she throws herself back into a life of all work and no play.
Vacation fling or start of a whole new life? Make the right choice, Arabella!
Excerpt:
“Welcome to the Bahamas. May I see your passport?”
Okay. At least they’d established the country.
An hour later, she’d managed to get through Customs. Three minutes of flashing her passport and fifty-seven of chitchat from a woman with lots of time on her hands.
Finally, she stood outside the hut again, next to her new silver Tumi hard-sided luggage full of whatever Emily, her PA, thought she might want to take on the trip. She prayed either it was suitable or the resort had a good boutique. Despite working for her for over five years, the young woman still wore pleated skirts and button-down blouses that made her look like a Catholic schoolgirl. If they allowed them eyebrow piercings and blue hair. Still, her business degree and basic common sense made her an asset. But she’d never had the nerve to send her shopping…
According to the Customs lady, she had a half hour wait for a land taxi to take her to a water taxi to take her to the resort on the opposite side of the island. Before her car arrived, the pilot emerged from behind the building, deep in conversation with a tall man whose olive-skinned good looks made him a candidate for a magazine ad for high-end skin care products. Unlike Charlie’s ginger bristles, his neat black scruff clung to a chiseled jaw, making her fingers itch to touch it. His hair was combed, but a wisp of breeze lifted a lock and dropped it over his forehead, giving him a youthful jauntiness. Jeans, loafers, and a polo made up his ensemble. He walked with an easy, long-legged stride as if he hadn’t a care in the world. What must that be like?
Pausing before climbing the stairs to the plane, he turned and, one raven brow arched, held her gaze. Her breath caught. Don’t leave. But Charlie hollered something, and he nodded and, lifting a hand to her, boarded.
A moment later, they taxied off down the runway and then disappeared between puffy white clouds in the cerulean sky.
Sure, the one hot guy on the island left as she arrived. For one heady moment, she’d almost had the flash of an idea about a vacation romance. Or a fling. Sex filled a basic human need. One she’d been neglecting for quite some time.
Lucky she had work to keep her company. As always. She’d learned her lesson about romance long ago and didn’t often indulge in sex even for release. She had her eyes always on the prize. The presidency.
Dammit. I could have found an hour or two for him.
When she became president, nobody would be forced to take time off. For now, Arabella could settle into her room and work. Room service. Internet. Work. Comfort.
She removed her beige linen suit jacket, smoothed her skirt, and winced at her scraped-up shoes. The heat surging through her blood was related to the weather, and not the man who’d left. Getting all hot and bothered for someone she’d never see again held zero purpose.
Friday, 28 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad- Tina Donahue
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring Tina Donahue, author of Skin Deep.
What was the last book you read?
The Handmaid's Tale
Do you have any hobbies?
Love to travel
When did you write your first book?
When I was 9. Illustrated it too, made copies and sold them around the neighborhood. My first book tour. :)
The best is yet to come…
Turning forty and losing her job in the same week sends Tori into a tailspin. At her lowest point, she meets Jon. He proves there’s more to life than work, and she’s just getting started on the future she deserves.
Excerpt:
Tonight had taught her a lot. She’d never met a man as wise or honest as him. “In what way?”
“Are you from around here?”
“Orange County. I won a scholarship to Stanford and never left the area.”
“Smart and beautiful.”
Heat poured through her.
“Bet your parents are proud.”
She sipped her wine. “Mom was. She passed away before I graduated.”
“I’m sorry.” He covered her hand. “Didn’t mean to bring up anything bad.”
“You didn’t.” She turned her palm and curled her fingers around his. They barely knew each other but touching him felt right, needed. Could be the wine had gone to her head. She hadn’t eaten in days.
Maybe loneliness had finally overwhelmed her.
Whatever the reason, Tori didn’t care to pretend. Not tonight. She wanted him. “I have great memories of our times together.”
He stroked her thumb. “What about your dad?”
Gloom should have settled in, but, somehow, bad memories steered clear. More of Jon’s magic. “He left us when I was eleven. Moved in with his mistress and their son. Last I heard, they’re still married and happy.”
Jon squeezed her fingers gently. “You’ve had a tough time.”
“Oh hey, I’m good. Great, in fact, or will be once I get my career rolling again.” She pulled her hand from his. Pity she didn’t want. Mindless sex might be all she could handle. “Knowing what you do about the industry, do you think I have a chance of ever landing a good position, or am I dreaming? Don’t sugarcoat it for me. I’d rather know.”
“Here we are, here we are.” Salvatore bustled close, a tray perched on his protruding belly. He placed the bruschetta between them. “More wine?”
Tori finished hers. “Please.”
Jon put his half-filled glass aside. “I’m good.”
“I’ll send Carmine over. He’ll take care of your lovely Tori, pronto.”
Her pulse thudded. Being called Jon’s anything sat too nicely. Sharing dinner with him wasn’t something she should get used to. He was simply kind. Hence, his reluctance to answer her question. She’d asked him for the truth but didn’t want to face it tonight. Hell, ever. She was too young to retire and too old to take on student debt to start another career that might not work out. God, she was screwed.
His silence got to her. In the dim lighting, he was a breathtaking study in muted browns and tan. Pure male. A magnificent animal. Wind tugged his hair. She would have given anything to bury her face in his locks and capture his scent.
She pressed her toes into her moccasins to steady herself. “What do you think?”
He offered a slow, sexy smile. “About you ignoring me when I noticed you at your company and my place for what seemed like forever?”
Her cheeks stung. “You did?”
“Almost asked about you, but hey, that’s so high school, right?”
Tori laughed. “Yeah. I guess. I’m sorry I didn’t notice. I was afraid to make a mistake at work or not be on top of things.” She slumped. “I have to study for so many certifications and constantly learn new things I’m always busy.”
“Bad girl.”
She hadn’t been that in too long. Maybe ever. “I wish.”
Interest registered on his face. A younger guy might have smiled, laughed, made a crude joke. Not Jon. He had the benefit of age and experience. He regarded her assuredly. No need for words. Their prolonged silence spoke volumes.
The surroundings drifted away. Sounds faded. Wrapped in an intimate gaze, they melted into each other, their mouths joined.
He speared his tongue between her lips.
Hunger burned within her, deeper than she’d ever known. She drove her fingers through his hair and suckled his tongue.
He growled.
A wondrous sound.
She needed more.
They scooted closer. Their chair legs scraped the concrete.
Jon cupped her face and glided his thumbs over her cheeks, a soft, sensuous touch. His stubble rasped, adding extra excitement.
They broke free on a gasp. Both gulped air.
Arousal smoldered in his eyes. “This is what you need.”
Her stomach fluttered. “Kissing you?”
“Not just that.” He cupped her chin. “My guess is you’ve spent your life chasing your dream, pleasure not in the equation. Precisely what I did. I lost my family. For what? You can give your damn soul to a company and they don’t care. There’s always someone cheaper to take your place. Trust me, what happened to you isn’t about age. It’s about economics and power. You know too much. When someone comes up with a monumentally crappy idea, they can’t sway you. However, they can bulldoze a young kid and pay him or her zip while stuffing their own pockets with what should have gone to the employee. You asked what I thought. For your future, I think you should try something different.”
Her spirits sank. “Another career?”
“Shh.” He pressed his finger to her lips.
She resisted the urge to suck it inside.
“We’re not talking about careers, work, or anything unpleasant now. We’re discussing your immediate future. You need a change. Something to recharge you.”
“Such as?”
“Fun. Beginning tonight and going through to your birthday, nothing except fun. With me. What do you say? Don’t sugarcoat it. I want to know the truth.”
Today, I'm featuring Tina Donahue, author of Skin Deep.
What was the last book you read?
The Handmaid's Tale
Do you have any hobbies?
Love to travel
When did you write your first book?
When I was 9. Illustrated it too, made copies and sold them around the neighborhood. My first book tour. :)
Turning forty and losing her job in the same week sends Tori into a tailspin. At her lowest point, she meets Jon. He proves there’s more to life than work, and she’s just getting started on the future she deserves.
Excerpt:
Tonight had taught her a lot. She’d never met a man as wise or honest as him. “In what way?”
“Are you from around here?”
“Orange County. I won a scholarship to Stanford and never left the area.”
“Smart and beautiful.”
Heat poured through her.
“Bet your parents are proud.”
She sipped her wine. “Mom was. She passed away before I graduated.”
“I’m sorry.” He covered her hand. “Didn’t mean to bring up anything bad.”
“You didn’t.” She turned her palm and curled her fingers around his. They barely knew each other but touching him felt right, needed. Could be the wine had gone to her head. She hadn’t eaten in days.
Maybe loneliness had finally overwhelmed her.
Whatever the reason, Tori didn’t care to pretend. Not tonight. She wanted him. “I have great memories of our times together.”
He stroked her thumb. “What about your dad?”
Gloom should have settled in, but, somehow, bad memories steered clear. More of Jon’s magic. “He left us when I was eleven. Moved in with his mistress and their son. Last I heard, they’re still married and happy.”
Jon squeezed her fingers gently. “You’ve had a tough time.”
“Oh hey, I’m good. Great, in fact, or will be once I get my career rolling again.” She pulled her hand from his. Pity she didn’t want. Mindless sex might be all she could handle. “Knowing what you do about the industry, do you think I have a chance of ever landing a good position, or am I dreaming? Don’t sugarcoat it for me. I’d rather know.”
“Here we are, here we are.” Salvatore bustled close, a tray perched on his protruding belly. He placed the bruschetta between them. “More wine?”
Tori finished hers. “Please.”
Jon put his half-filled glass aside. “I’m good.”
“I’ll send Carmine over. He’ll take care of your lovely Tori, pronto.”
Her pulse thudded. Being called Jon’s anything sat too nicely. Sharing dinner with him wasn’t something she should get used to. He was simply kind. Hence, his reluctance to answer her question. She’d asked him for the truth but didn’t want to face it tonight. Hell, ever. She was too young to retire and too old to take on student debt to start another career that might not work out. God, she was screwed.
His silence got to her. In the dim lighting, he was a breathtaking study in muted browns and tan. Pure male. A magnificent animal. Wind tugged his hair. She would have given anything to bury her face in his locks and capture his scent.
She pressed her toes into her moccasins to steady herself. “What do you think?”
He offered a slow, sexy smile. “About you ignoring me when I noticed you at your company and my place for what seemed like forever?”
Her cheeks stung. “You did?”
“Almost asked about you, but hey, that’s so high school, right?”
Tori laughed. “Yeah. I guess. I’m sorry I didn’t notice. I was afraid to make a mistake at work or not be on top of things.” She slumped. “I have to study for so many certifications and constantly learn new things I’m always busy.”
“Bad girl.”
She hadn’t been that in too long. Maybe ever. “I wish.”
Interest registered on his face. A younger guy might have smiled, laughed, made a crude joke. Not Jon. He had the benefit of age and experience. He regarded her assuredly. No need for words. Their prolonged silence spoke volumes.
The surroundings drifted away. Sounds faded. Wrapped in an intimate gaze, they melted into each other, their mouths joined.
He speared his tongue between her lips.
Hunger burned within her, deeper than she’d ever known. She drove her fingers through his hair and suckled his tongue.
He growled.
A wondrous sound.
She needed more.
They scooted closer. Their chair legs scraped the concrete.
Jon cupped her face and glided his thumbs over her cheeks, a soft, sensuous touch. His stubble rasped, adding extra excitement.
They broke free on a gasp. Both gulped air.
Arousal smoldered in his eyes. “This is what you need.”
Her stomach fluttered. “Kissing you?”
“Not just that.” He cupped her chin. “My guess is you’ve spent your life chasing your dream, pleasure not in the equation. Precisely what I did. I lost my family. For what? You can give your damn soul to a company and they don’t care. There’s always someone cheaper to take your place. Trust me, what happened to you isn’t about age. It’s about economics and power. You know too much. When someone comes up with a monumentally crappy idea, they can’t sway you. However, they can bulldoze a young kid and pay him or her zip while stuffing their own pockets with what should have gone to the employee. You asked what I thought. For your future, I think you should try something different.”
Her spirits sank. “Another career?”
“Shh.” He pressed his finger to her lips.
She resisted the urge to suck it inside.
“We’re not talking about careers, work, or anything unpleasant now. We’re discussing your immediate future. You need a change. Something to recharge you.”
“Such as?”
“Fun. Beginning tonight and going through to your birthday, nothing except fun. With me. What do you say? Don’t sugarcoat it. I want to know the truth.”
Thursday, 27 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad- Ever Coming
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring Ever Coming, author of Remember Me.
What was your first job?
I worked at Taco Bell.
Are you a plotter or pantster?
I usually have a basic idea for my solo-works but the characters take over and they morph drastically. When I co-write, there is much more planning and outlining involved to facilitate the process.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I am a power writer. I write a ton all at once but then take days off because I have four young children. I have been known to finish a first draft in under two weeks, but on the other end of the spectrum, I have a novel I have been working on and off on for the past two months.
Remember Me
Ten letters.
Four syllables.
Two words.
Two of the most powerful words of Kate’s life. She read them the first time she had her heart broken, heard them when she lost her husband, and now they stared back at her as her daughter moved away for the first time. Yes, each time these two little words crossed her path, her life changed course. That was why when Kate spoke them to herself, about herself, she knew great things were about to happen. She was going to remember who she was and go back to being that strong, intelligent, determined and fun, yes fun woman she once was. Remember Me is a contemporary BBW second chance romance.
Today, I'm featuring Ever Coming, author of Remember Me.
What was your first job?
I worked at Taco Bell.
Are you a plotter or pantster?
I usually have a basic idea for my solo-works but the characters take over and they morph drastically. When I co-write, there is much more planning and outlining involved to facilitate the process.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I am a power writer. I write a ton all at once but then take days off because I have four young children. I have been known to finish a first draft in under two weeks, but on the other end of the spectrum, I have a novel I have been working on and off on for the past two months.
Ten letters.
Four syllables.
Two words.
Two of the most powerful words of Kate’s life. She read them the first time she had her heart broken, heard them when she lost her husband, and now they stared back at her as her daughter moved away for the first time. Yes, each time these two little words crossed her path, her life changed course. That was why when Kate spoke them to herself, about herself, she knew great things were about to happen. She was going to remember who she was and go back to being that strong, intelligent, determined and fun, yes fun woman she once was. Remember Me is a contemporary BBW second chance romance.
Wednesday, 26 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad- Krista Ames
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring Krista Ames, author of Out with the Old.
After a divorce from a marriage where he'd been the arm candy to a drama queen socialite, Dutch Walker needed and wanted a carefree, quiet and single lifestyle. He had no idea moving back to his hometown after so many years would bring anything but.
Elizabeth hadn't had a moment's peace since she signed her divorce papers two years ago. Completely frustrated with the current state of her life, she could only pray that her ex-husband would stop trying to put their marriage back together and leave her alone.
When Dutch steps in to rescue damsel in distress, Elizabeth neither knew that their chance encounter would end up bringing them back together again. Will their reuniting lead to a walk on the wild side, or to the one thing they truly needed most...love.
Today, I'm featuring Krista Ames, author of Out with the Old.
After a divorce from a marriage where he'd been the arm candy to a drama queen socialite, Dutch Walker needed and wanted a carefree, quiet and single lifestyle. He had no idea moving back to his hometown after so many years would bring anything but.
Elizabeth hadn't had a moment's peace since she signed her divorce papers two years ago. Completely frustrated with the current state of her life, she could only pray that her ex-husband would stop trying to put their marriage back together and leave her alone.
When Dutch steps in to rescue damsel in distress, Elizabeth neither knew that their chance encounter would end up bringing them back together again. Will their reuniting lead to a walk on the wild side, or to the one thing they truly needed most...love.
Tuesday, 25 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad- Adaline Raine
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring Adeline Raine, author of Calling the Shots.
Roxy Monroe, a tough-as-nails emergency room nurse, finds herself at the bedside of a man who has stoked the fire of her fiercely protected heart. His name is Keith Cooper. He’s a paramedic and volunteer fire-fighter, and staring down at him, feeling her pulse race and heart quicken, she wonders if she’s the one in need of medical attention.
Later the tables are turned, and when Keith rescues her from a life-threatening situation, Roxy finds herself asking him to dinner. In spite of her determination to keep him at arm’s length, Keith’s charm and wit slowly melt away her protective wall of ice…until her fear takes hold, and though deeply conflicted, she pushes him away.
But has Roxy met her match? What happens when a stubborn woman and a tenacious man, both driven by love and an undeniable chemistry, find themselves in a clash of wills?
Excerpt:
"So, I don't remember seeing you around the ER before your suspected concussion incident. Did you move here recently?"
"You've never noticed me before." He cracked a smile. "I had to drag you out of a burning building for that to happen." Her lips twitched, but he couldn't tell why. "The answer is no. I've been with Life Trek since for about ten years or so? I took the EMT skills test on my eighteenth birthday and the paramedic on my twenty-first."
"Oh." A light flush crept across her cheeks. "Well, I've been sort of preoccupied. Thinking back, I'm sure I've seen you. Anyway, I hope your partner feels better." Trying to move past him proved to be a challenge. She shifted the board to her other side, but it pressed her hip into his. "Excuse me."
"Are you serious about dinner?" He brought up the earlier, more interesting topic. Keith stepped backward to insert himself between her and the exit.
"Yes. You saved my life. That doesn't happen every day. So I figured if our schedules matched up sometime between now and three years down the road, we can grab something to eat."
"If they don't match up in three years, the offer expires?"
"Yup."
"Roxy?"
"Okay, well not really. I'm working four nights in a row followed by three days off. You?"
"I'm also working the next four nights and then I get three off." He grinned in spite of himself.
"You're lying."
"I do not lie about nights. Those things are hell on earth."
"Fine. Pick me up at 6 o'clock on Thursday. It gives us both a day to relax and sleep." Her tone held an edge, but her eyes sparkled just a little.
"Do you plan on taking me to dinner in the hospital cafe'?"
"No. You’re driving me crazy." She reached into her pocket and then pulled out a notepad and a blue dry-erase marker. Roxy jotted what he hoped was her number down, and then ripped off the top sheet. "Here. I'm not good at small talk."
"I'll text you later on to get your address, but I'm sure we'll run into each other." He wanted to kiss her, right here in the damn dungeon, but what if he read her wrong? Maybe this was just dinner. No strings attached. Then why was she still looking up at him instead of rushing off?
"I bet we will. One other thing. I’m so sorry I caressed your buns."
"Don't be sorry." Risking a slap to the face, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'd say we're even."
"We're not even close to even."
"Oh yeah?" He grinned. "What do I have to do to you to get even?"
"No, nothing. That's not what I meant."
Roxy sounded like he had to grope her to be even. Not that he would mind doing so. "What did you mean?" He loved teasing her. It caused the light pink on her cheeks to deepen.
"Nothing. I have to get back." Roxy used the backboard as a battering ram to push him to the side but he caught it in his hands. "You’re getting on my bad side."
"Which implies at the moment I’m on your good side."
Today, I'm featuring Adeline Raine, author of Calling the Shots.
Later the tables are turned, and when Keith rescues her from a life-threatening situation, Roxy finds herself asking him to dinner. In spite of her determination to keep him at arm’s length, Keith’s charm and wit slowly melt away her protective wall of ice…until her fear takes hold, and though deeply conflicted, she pushes him away.
But has Roxy met her match? What happens when a stubborn woman and a tenacious man, both driven by love and an undeniable chemistry, find themselves in a clash of wills?
Excerpt:
"So, I don't remember seeing you around the ER before your suspected concussion incident. Did you move here recently?"
"You've never noticed me before." He cracked a smile. "I had to drag you out of a burning building for that to happen." Her lips twitched, but he couldn't tell why. "The answer is no. I've been with Life Trek since for about ten years or so? I took the EMT skills test on my eighteenth birthday and the paramedic on my twenty-first."
"Oh." A light flush crept across her cheeks. "Well, I've been sort of preoccupied. Thinking back, I'm sure I've seen you. Anyway, I hope your partner feels better." Trying to move past him proved to be a challenge. She shifted the board to her other side, but it pressed her hip into his. "Excuse me."
"Are you serious about dinner?" He brought up the earlier, more interesting topic. Keith stepped backward to insert himself between her and the exit.
"Yes. You saved my life. That doesn't happen every day. So I figured if our schedules matched up sometime between now and three years down the road, we can grab something to eat."
"If they don't match up in three years, the offer expires?"
"Yup."
"Roxy?"
"Okay, well not really. I'm working four nights in a row followed by three days off. You?"
"I'm also working the next four nights and then I get three off." He grinned in spite of himself.
"You're lying."
"I do not lie about nights. Those things are hell on earth."
"Fine. Pick me up at 6 o'clock on Thursday. It gives us both a day to relax and sleep." Her tone held an edge, but her eyes sparkled just a little.
"Do you plan on taking me to dinner in the hospital cafe'?"
"No. You’re driving me crazy." She reached into her pocket and then pulled out a notepad and a blue dry-erase marker. Roxy jotted what he hoped was her number down, and then ripped off the top sheet. "Here. I'm not good at small talk."
"I'll text you later on to get your address, but I'm sure we'll run into each other." He wanted to kiss her, right here in the damn dungeon, but what if he read her wrong? Maybe this was just dinner. No strings attached. Then why was she still looking up at him instead of rushing off?
"I bet we will. One other thing. I’m so sorry I caressed your buns."
"Don't be sorry." Risking a slap to the face, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'd say we're even."
"We're not even close to even."
"Oh yeah?" He grinned. "What do I have to do to you to get even?"
"No, nothing. That's not what I meant."
Roxy sounded like he had to grope her to be even. Not that he would mind doing so. "What did you mean?" He loved teasing her. It caused the light pink on her cheeks to deepen.
"Nothing. I have to get back." Roxy used the backboard as a battering ram to push him to the side but he caught it in his hands. "You’re getting on my bad side."
"Which implies at the moment I’m on your good side."
Monday, 24 July 2017
The Authors of Wanna Be Bad- TL Reeve
Wanna Be Bad is an anthology of hot and sexy stories about forty-something women who find their first (or second) chance at love, after spending most of their adult life focused on other things. This weekend, I'm introducing you to the fabulous authors who have contributed to this collection.
Today, I'm featuring TL Reeve, author of The Professor & Adeline.
What is your favourite genre to read?
My favorite genre, is everything, but I have found myself liking M/M more than anything lately or m/m/f and RH (Reverse Harem) One girl multiple men.
Everyone has a guilty pleasure, what's yours?
Books. Tons and tons of books. I love reading when I'm not writing. Thank goodness for my kindle. I don't think I have anymore room for paperbacks or hard backs. lol
What do you think makes a good story?
I think overall a good story needs a fluid story line, great characters and a little suspense. I think too much anxiousness or back and forth will he/won't or they kills a story. I get aggravated at the book and put it down. I'm not saying it has to be insta-love, but if you're going to have sex with the heroine early on in the book then you have some intentions toward her, so treating her crappy, just doesn't work for me.
After her divorce and her son leaving for college, Adelaide Miller is ready to try something new. The local community college is offering a six-week program on English literature, poetry and dramas, taught by none other than Alastair Kline.
New York Times Bestseller Alistair Kline, is in America for a twelve month tour to promote his new book and to get to know his fans. Every six weeks he changes locations, and this time he ends up in a quiet, little Midwestern town, teaching at a community college.
The man could read a phone book and Adelaide would sit and listen to him.
Unfortunately, the class isn’t about listening, it’s about participating and writing a story. She’d love to write a romance, however her source material, is lacking. What starts out as harmless flirting when he offers to help, escalates, and the line between professor and student blurs.
Excerpt:
“If you thought you would only learn about American Literature, you are sadly mistaken.” He held up the book. “Regency romance. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte. These ladies wrote superb novels, filled with romance, angst, and such dynamic verve. You want to hate the hero, but love him at the same time. You curse the heroine’s naivety, or her stubborn bullish ways. Her stiff upper lip.”
Adelaide hung on every word he spoke as he stood in front of them, leaning against the counter with his long, muscular legs crossed at the ankle. He could read the phone book, and she’d hang onto ever word he said—as would the whole female population in the room.
“Who has read Pride and Prejudice?” His gaze rose to stare at the class, giving his brow a quirk.
Adelaide raised her hand, surprising herself with the speed.
“You are?”
She opened her mouth, and a squeak came out. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Adelaide Miller.”
“All right, Ms. Miller.” He gave her a cheeky grin, the gleam of something more in his dark brown eyes had her heart skipping a beat. “What is your favorite part of the book?”
She licked her bottom lip as several pairs of eyes gazed upon her, waiting for her answer. What was her favorite part? The whole thing! But, what stuck out for her the most was both Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s fierce protective streaks for their family and their friends. “I guess … well, everything.” A few snickers from her classmates sent a bolt of anxiety through her.
“Care to elaborate.”
She nodded. “There are several themes in Pride and Prejudice. It’s not just a love story. It’s a tale of greed and good intentions gone awry. It’s a story of family and protecting your loved ones at all cost. It’s also about making assumptions about people you don’t know. I found Elizabeth to be a cynical girl who viewed everything with a bent, while Mr. Darcy saw everyone as a threat to him or his family. Moreover, the thought of expressing his love for Elizabeth, in his eyes, could be a fate worse than death.”
“No way, it’s about the zombie apocalypse,” a guy from the back shouted. “I should know. I watched it last night. Those chicks were so hot.”
What? There were no zombies in Pride and Prejudice.
“You are?” Alistair grabbed the list off the table behind him.
“Casey,” the boy replied.
“Ah. Well, Casey, we’re not talking about the modern version of the story. We’re talking about the original, in its original context.” The censure in his voice surprised Adelaide. “We all know zombies don’t belong in the text. It’s a fad, and if the movie was any indication, a bad attempt at one. Moving on.”
Alistair stepped over to the white board and began writing on it. “The book is about two houses. The Bennetts who were middle class socialites and the Darcys who were upper class, bordering on aristocrats.”
For the next hour, he spoke about the interwoven stories within Austen’s novel. Adelaide didn’t much pay attention. She found herself paying more attention to the faces he made. The way his eyes brightened when he spoke about his favorite parts. The closer they got to the climatic parts, the more animated he became. The passionate way he engaged those who sat nearest him … she grew more excited by the second.
A wistful sigh passed her lips. She’d never experienced anything of the sort before. Sure, she got this way with books, but seeing another person do the same surprised and invigorated her. Ignited the embers of her lackluster desires, causing them to slowly warm her. She was inspired. If one lecture could do this to her, what would six weeks do?
“So, you have your assignment. Write your story. Bring it to life. Give it plenty of twists and turns and love, and misfortune. Make your characters work for every ounce of what they do and what they receive. It can be any genre. Set anywhere, just make me believe.” He placed the marker on the ledge, and turned to the class. “I will see you Wednesday. I would like a blurb and a brief background on your characters.” His gaze locked with hers, or at least she thought so. “Make me believe. Make me fall in love with reading all over again.”
Today, I'm featuring TL Reeve, author of The Professor & Adeline.
What is your favourite genre to read?
My favorite genre, is everything, but I have found myself liking M/M more than anything lately or m/m/f and RH (Reverse Harem) One girl multiple men.
Everyone has a guilty pleasure, what's yours?
Books. Tons and tons of books. I love reading when I'm not writing. Thank goodness for my kindle. I don't think I have anymore room for paperbacks or hard backs. lol
What do you think makes a good story?
I think overall a good story needs a fluid story line, great characters and a little suspense. I think too much anxiousness or back and forth will he/won't or they kills a story. I get aggravated at the book and put it down. I'm not saying it has to be insta-love, but if you're going to have sex with the heroine early on in the book then you have some intentions toward her, so treating her crappy, just doesn't work for me.
New York Times Bestseller Alistair Kline, is in America for a twelve month tour to promote his new book and to get to know his fans. Every six weeks he changes locations, and this time he ends up in a quiet, little Midwestern town, teaching at a community college.
The man could read a phone book and Adelaide would sit and listen to him.
Unfortunately, the class isn’t about listening, it’s about participating and writing a story. She’d love to write a romance, however her source material, is lacking. What starts out as harmless flirting when he offers to help, escalates, and the line between professor and student blurs.
Excerpt:
“If you thought you would only learn about American Literature, you are sadly mistaken.” He held up the book. “Regency romance. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte. These ladies wrote superb novels, filled with romance, angst, and such dynamic verve. You want to hate the hero, but love him at the same time. You curse the heroine’s naivety, or her stubborn bullish ways. Her stiff upper lip.”
Adelaide hung on every word he spoke as he stood in front of them, leaning against the counter with his long, muscular legs crossed at the ankle. He could read the phone book, and she’d hang onto ever word he said—as would the whole female population in the room.
“Who has read Pride and Prejudice?” His gaze rose to stare at the class, giving his brow a quirk.
Adelaide raised her hand, surprising herself with the speed.
“You are?”
She opened her mouth, and a squeak came out. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Adelaide Miller.”
“All right, Ms. Miller.” He gave her a cheeky grin, the gleam of something more in his dark brown eyes had her heart skipping a beat. “What is your favorite part of the book?”
She licked her bottom lip as several pairs of eyes gazed upon her, waiting for her answer. What was her favorite part? The whole thing! But, what stuck out for her the most was both Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s fierce protective streaks for their family and their friends. “I guess … well, everything.” A few snickers from her classmates sent a bolt of anxiety through her.
“Care to elaborate.”
She nodded. “There are several themes in Pride and Prejudice. It’s not just a love story. It’s a tale of greed and good intentions gone awry. It’s a story of family and protecting your loved ones at all cost. It’s also about making assumptions about people you don’t know. I found Elizabeth to be a cynical girl who viewed everything with a bent, while Mr. Darcy saw everyone as a threat to him or his family. Moreover, the thought of expressing his love for Elizabeth, in his eyes, could be a fate worse than death.”
“No way, it’s about the zombie apocalypse,” a guy from the back shouted. “I should know. I watched it last night. Those chicks were so hot.”
What? There were no zombies in Pride and Prejudice.
“You are?” Alistair grabbed the list off the table behind him.
“Casey,” the boy replied.
“Ah. Well, Casey, we’re not talking about the modern version of the story. We’re talking about the original, in its original context.” The censure in his voice surprised Adelaide. “We all know zombies don’t belong in the text. It’s a fad, and if the movie was any indication, a bad attempt at one. Moving on.”
Alistair stepped over to the white board and began writing on it. “The book is about two houses. The Bennetts who were middle class socialites and the Darcys who were upper class, bordering on aristocrats.”
For the next hour, he spoke about the interwoven stories within Austen’s novel. Adelaide didn’t much pay attention. She found herself paying more attention to the faces he made. The way his eyes brightened when he spoke about his favorite parts. The closer they got to the climatic parts, the more animated he became. The passionate way he engaged those who sat nearest him … she grew more excited by the second.
A wistful sigh passed her lips. She’d never experienced anything of the sort before. Sure, she got this way with books, but seeing another person do the same surprised and invigorated her. Ignited the embers of her lackluster desires, causing them to slowly warm her. She was inspired. If one lecture could do this to her, what would six weeks do?
“So, you have your assignment. Write your story. Bring it to life. Give it plenty of twists and turns and love, and misfortune. Make your characters work for every ounce of what they do and what they receive. It can be any genre. Set anywhere, just make me believe.” He placed the marker on the ledge, and turned to the class. “I will see you Wednesday. I would like a blurb and a brief background on your characters.” His gaze locked with hers, or at least she thought so. “Make me believe. Make me fall in love with reading all over again.”
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