Day #3: Sexy Friday:)

Winner from yesterday:

Melissa!
Send me an email storimom2@aol.com

Okay; I've introduced the characters....shown the conflict....how about some ROMANCE for this rainy Friday?

“It’s…been a long time for me, Austin, so go easy?”

“Anything you want,” he promised. He eased a hand between her thighs and stroked her damp petals, kissing her when she jumped. Moist heat closed around his finger as she panted. He slipped in another finger and was rewarded with a small cry of delight. God she was tight! He teased her some more with his fingers before withdrawing and slipping the tip of his latex-lined cock into her. “Are you sure you’re not a virgin?” He gasped as her muscles gripped him.

“Maybe it grew back?” Cara slid her palms up his arms and guided his lips back to hers, spreading her legs wide and arching upwards. “Ohhhh…”


“Sweet Jesus.”

Steve and Angie:

Angie sighed and shifted; it was all the encouragement he needed.  Raising her shirt, he bent his head and drew the taunt nipple into his mouth, reaching behind her back to find the bra clasp,  Getting it unsnapped, the fabric fell away, and he filled his hand with her other breast, getting to know her all over again.

Panting, Steve worked his own shirt over his head and pressed their torsos together, feeling her nipples burn against his chest.  He tongued both nipples, hearing her soft moans and the rush of blood pounding in both his head and his groin.  He unsnapped his jeans with the increasingly uncomfortable pressure building, and carefully managed to free himself.  Holding his swollen cock with one hand, he unfastened Angie’s slacks and tugged them down over her hips, nearly losing it when he saw the transparent underwear and the ginger triangle beneath.  He lightly inserted a finger in the waistband.  Angie bucked her hips; he peeled the final barrier down and lightly stroked.  She cried out softly at the contact, and he tugged both slacks and underwear to her ankles.

He brushed his palms over her mound, feeling the tension in her muscles and listening to her increased breathing.  He reached behind him for his wallet and withdrew the blue-foiled packet.  He waved it in front of her.

“Do I need this?” he asked, giving her one last chance to stop him.

She nodded, and he mentally thanked God, fate, and whoever else that he wasn’t going to be denied this final pleasure he’d waited so long for.  He ripped the packet, removed the latex sheath and rolled it on his nearly bursting member.  Gently, he slipped inside her folds, nearly crying with the sweetness of the action.  But it had been so long…and he’d wanted to love Angie physically before that fateful night… three quick thrusts and it was all over for him.  He collapsed on top of her, mortified that it hadn’t lasted longer.  He stayed inside of her, willing his body to grow hard again, but she shifted beneath him and he slipped out.

He rose up on his elbows and kissed her softly.  “God, Angie..that was beautiful,” he panted.  “I just wish I could have lasted longer…” 

*****

Brad and Emma

“I like the view from here too,” he said.

Emma swung around and sauntered over to him, positioning herself so his face was upside down to hers and kissed his chin, then his lips.  He reached above his head and tugged her shirt loose from her jeans so it floated over his head.  He scooped her breasts free of the white cups, feeling the nipples tighten in his palms.  Emma moved to straddle him, and tugged her shirt and bra over her head.  Brad’s teeth fastened one of her nipples as he growled at her, flipping her over on her back.  His hands went to her belt buckle, and soon had her jeans and underwear around her knees.  He slid backwards off the bed to tug off her boots, and then proceeded to nuzzle behind her knees, causing her to squirm.

“That tickles,” she complained.  “Stop…”

He increased the pressure of his mouth slightly and moved upwards to her smooth thighs.  Emma sighed and parted her legs wider.  Brad gently spread her pink petals and found her button, licking it lightly.  Her breath expelled in a rush, and he dragged his tongue lower, hearing her whimper.  Her hips bucked in invitation; he slid two fingers into her moist entrance and felt her body tighten around them.  Her breathing increased; he continued to lap at her clit, even sucking it lightly.  She shrieked and convulsed around his fingers.

“Brad….please.…oh Brad.…” she gasped, her hands reaching for him.  “I need you….”

Remember, all you have to do is comment.  I'll pick TWO winners tonight; one will receive a free download; the other a Grand Prize.  Don't forget to include your email address and what format you'd prefer along with your comment!

Day #2

Welcome to day #2 of my easy-peasy contest!  All you have to do is leave a comment, telling me which character has you most intrigued.  Yesterday's winner is....

Cara Marsi!!

Email me at storimom2@aol.com and let me know what format you'd prefer.  Now, back to the excerpts.

“Drink,” he told her. “You’ll feel better soon.”

She heard the motor turn over and sipped the scalding coffee, glancing at him in surprise. “How did you…” Her voice trailed off as she tasted her favorite latte flavor.

He flashed a smile as he put the vehicle in gear. “I’m your boss. I’m supposed to notice little details, like what you drink every morning. Besides,” he continued as he pulled out onto the busy street, “filing charges isn’t easy. When we get back to the office, I’ll give you Grant Coleman’s number. He handles all the legal details at Harmony House.”

“Grant Coleman? The gentleman whose wedding reception we just planned? Maybe he won’t want to take on a new client so soon.”

“Nonsense. Grant’s the best, and, besides, he owes me a favor. Don’t worry about it. In fact, when we get back to the office, go home. Roxie and I can handle things for the rest of the day.”

Cara sipped her coffee, marveling at the fact that Austin was so understanding. I’ve seen him bring staff members to tears and yet he’s really a compassionate man. Why can’t I find anyone like him?
Because right now you have no time for anyone else. Caring for Mama and staying employed are your top priorities, not romance!

Off The Clock is now available at Freya's Bower and All Romance Ebooks.

Steve and Angie:
“You don’t have to be scared of me, baby,” he cajoled, shoving his hands back in his hip pockets.  “You’re all I’ve ever thought about the entire time.  What we had and what I threw away…”

Angie found her voice and her anger at the same time.  “We had a good friendship and I trusted you,” she said, her voice getting firmer as she spoke.  “You broke into my home.…you tried to steal the TV, for god’s sake!  Not to mention my stereo.”  She slapped her hands on the counter.  “Do you know how hard it was for me to sleep after that?  I can’t even sleep now, unless I know every single door and window is locked tight.  You took away my security, my self-respect….and you think you just made a mistake?”  She moved around from behind the counter and rounded on him.  Smack!  She balled her fist and punched him in the face.  Shaking her stinging knuckles, she slapped him across the other cheek with the opposite hand, and poked a finger in his chest, not even noticing he was stepping backwards.
“How dare you come into my shop, my business, and spout your prison counselor’s platitudes,” she said hotly.  “I am over you, Steve.  Get that? Over!  So get out of here and leave me the hell alone.”  By this time, they’d reached the door, with Steve blindly reaching for the doorknob, rubbing his sore face. “Angie, honey…”
“I am not yours anymore, now get out.”  Angie gave him a push which sent him sprawling through the doorway just as he managed to open it.  
            
“You haven’t seen the last of me,” he thundered back at her.  “I try to make amends, but no; you won’t listen, as usual!”  He threw her one last angry look and rubbed his jaw again before stomping down the sidewalk.

Angie slammed the door so hard the bell above the door fell off, narrowly missing her head.  She sagged against the door frame and stuffed her fist in her mouth, sinking to the floor as she gave into the tears.  She sat there for several minutes, shaking so violently her feet tapped on the bare floor.  Gradually, the tears ceased, and the realization of what she’d done gave her courage again.  She hadn’t run from him. She’d actually thrown him out of her store…. Laughter welled up inside of her as she remembered him practically cart wheeling out the door.  Drying her cheeks with her shirttail, she slowly got to her feet and poured herself a cup of coffee to drive the sudden chill from her body.  Curling her hands around the Styrofoam cup for warmth, she was struck by another thought.  What if he brought charges against her?  He’d already filed a complaint against the café…

“Too late to worry about that now.”

*****
Brad and Emma:
Emma reached for the hot wings Gavin had ordered and told the waitress to bring her a Coors.

“Gavin likes that crap, but I prefer to stick with a Colorado beer,” she stated as Brad shifted in his seat again. “Something wrong, Mr. Morrison?”

“No, no. It’s just I’ve had too much good food the past two days,” he lied.

“Don’t they feed you back home?” Emma stretched her arm back and patted Gavin on the back. Brad swallowed at the sight of her nipples through the fabric and looked away. Keep breathing, remember Angie…

“Actually, my girlfriend is quite a cook.” Brad managed to get his tongue working. He reached for a wing at the same time she did, and as their fingers brushed, Brad felt an electric jolt all the way to his groin.

“Maybe she doesn’t feed you enough,” Gavin laughed, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents.

Brad was spared by the appearance of the waitress, ready to take their orders. Brad and Gavin ordered the Prime Rib; Emma opted for the shrimp scampi. Brad ordered another beer, and then excused himself to the men’s room, hoping to get his raging hormones under control.

Wild At Heart is now available at Secret Cravings Publishing and Amazon.

Remember, leave me a comment and I'll draw a random winner later tonight.  Tomorrow night, all names go in a hat for the Grand Prize.  The more you comment, the better your chances:)

Release Week Madness

My 6th 'baby' is now available!  The premise of this sprang from an idea a friend had for an anthology for our writer's group to publish.  But my brain kicked into gear and two weeks later, I showed up and informed him I'd started it off by setting it at a country club, and had written the manager/office assistant's story.

"Ummmm.....we were thinking of setting it at Chicken Shack or some other fast food place."

"Oh."

I kept writing, since Austin and Cara were busy telling me their story.  And when it was written, I kept the title, since none of the others were writing their parts yet!  And when T read my story, he was impressed.

"You keep surprising me!  I was expecting a cheesy romance, but this is great!"

So here's a snippet of that 'not-so-cheesy' romance.  Enjoy!

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Excerpt #1:
“Austin! Where did you find her?” His best friend Ryan clapped him on the back. “She’s fantastic, man! Nothing like Leslie.” 

“She answered my ad in the paper. She’s my office assistant.” Austin Harmon took a sip of his drink and followed her with his eyes as she paused to speak with an elderly couple. 

“You lucky dog! You banging her or is she taken?” Ryan adjusted his striped tie. 

A flash of anger welled up. “Stay away from her,” Austin warned. “Leslie left my office records a mess and Cara finished sorting everything out today. She’s a dream come true.” 

“I’ll say. And are you kidding? Andrea would string me up alive if she even caught me looking at another woman. I was just thinking of you, man.” Ryan smiled and held out his hand. 

Austin shook it. “After the Leslie fiasco, no more office romances. Harmony House doesn’t need any more visits from the Health Department.”

Available NOW at Freya's Bower:)

Wild At Heart was supposed to be released May 31st, but I discovered it released ten days early, and now it's already on Kindle, along with the wonderful 5-star review I was afraid of losing!  Here's an introduction to each character.

Angela Clayborn:
“Golden Boy Gets Parole”

Angela Clayborn clapped her hand over her mouth as she stared at the morning paper on her doorstep. With a muffled cry, she bent to pick it up. So it’s true, they really let him out, after all. She straightened up and reentered her condo, locking the door securely behind her. She walked to the kitchen table and sat down as the impact of the headline continued to roll through her.

Steve Blumenthal. Her high school sweetheart. Star basketball player, with a promising NBA career after college. Three years before, the Chicago Bulls had moved him from the bench to a starting position, with the media recording his every move. With the pressure mounting, he’d tried drugs one night. Angie had discovered him in her apartment late one night, in the act of disconnecting her stereo.

I must act normal; no one else must know how much this bothers me.

Steve Blumenthal:
“Damn it, Josh…I’ve served my time; paid restitution; been clean for nearly fifteen fucking months. I’m trying to get on with my life, and what happens the minute I’m back in town? That scrawny-assed manager at the café downtown refuses to let me in his goddamned restaurant.” He paused to light another cigarette. “If there’s one thing I learned in the slammer, it was how to be treated fairly. I ought to sue his ass for discrimination.”

“Will you calm down? Maybe Angie was in there,” Josh sounded weary. “Her shop’s down a few blocks…maybe he thought he was protecting her.”

Steve stopped in front of the window overlooking the swimming pool, the cigarette halfway to his mouth. He sank into the nearest chair and ran his free hand through his blonde crew cut.

“I didn’t think of that,” he muttered. “You told me she’d opened her own business and was downtown. You’ve seen her; how’s she doing?”

Joshua winced. “Look, man. Don’t torture yourself. We need to figure out what you’re going to do next.”

“What I’m going to do,” Steve said, crushing out the cigarette. “Is go see her, talk to her…God, she’s been on my mind for months.”


Brad Morrison:
Brad Morrison whistled as he parked his black Mercedes in the underground parking lot of the hotel in which he was staying. His client had treated him to one of the finest restaurants in Denver, and just happened to meet a tourist couple at the next table, who had just returned from Estes Park. When Brad had mentioned he’d always wanted to go there, the husband had whipped out a business card.

“If you do get up there, be sure to eat at Nicky’s Restaurant. They have the best beef steaks in the country.”

Brad had thanked him for the information, and then turned back to his host.

“If you’d like to stay another day or two,” the owner suggested. “I have a cabin not too far from Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ll be glad to take you up there and show you around. One of our subsidiaries has a shop along the strip.”

Brad’s face had lit up. “That would be great! Thank you.”

“Wonderful. I’ll call for you around seven.”

Just thinking about the unexpected side trip put a spring in Brad’s steps. He hurried to his room and called Angie, wanting his conversation to be private. Some people didn’t mind calling home from the middle of the lobby; Brad preferred the comforts of the room. He sank onto the comfortable couch and waited for Angie to pick up on her end.


Emma Nichols:
Emma Nichols shifted her cell phone to her other ear. The mare she had just unsaddled nickered at her and brushed her arm, nearly causing the phone to slide down her shoulder.

“Hold on, Dad. Let me get Misty’s saddle put away.” She placed the heavy brown leather saddle on the shelf and slid the saddle blanket from the horse’s back. “Okay…now I’ve got a free hand again…You did what?” As she listened to her father, Emma took her currycomb and brush and began grooming the horse. “I’ll have to check the book, but I’m pretty sure I’ve got a few slots open. I can always call Ethan and have him take a group or two…you know how he is about the store, but he’ll help out at least one day a week—Hold still, Mist!—Sorry, Dad.” Emma ducked under the palomino’s head and began brushing the other side. “He said what?” The brush clattered to the stable floor and she bent down to pick it up. She felt Misty nuzzle the blonde wisps of hair that escaped her braid in the late afternoon wind. “I’ll have your food in a minute…you can’t have my hair,” she scolded the horse as she straightened. “No, not you, Dad.” Emma resumed her task. “No, everything’s current! Yeah, business was a little slow after that late snowfall, but the books are all up to date…No; I’ll go talk to him. There’s just been a misunderstanding or something. I paid for the materials myself. Tell Bruce not to panic; I’ll get it taken care of. Damn!” she swore, clicking off the phone and shoving it back into the clip on her left hip. “Misty, that idiot brother of mine has done it again,” she muttered. “If he keeps this up, I’m going to lose my free advertising.”

Are you intrigued?  Let me know which story line you're most curious about.  Or has Off The Clock caught your eye?  I'll be posting more excerpts the rest of this week, so leave me a comment.  I'll award a free book each day, with one lucky person on Friday getting an extra special surprise.  So see you back here tomorrow!

We Have A Winner! Or Two.....

Yes, you read that correctly:)  My overall winner is....

Shadow!

And since I'm in a generous mood, I decided to award another:

Heather!

I'll be sending your prizes soon, so watch your inbox!

Why Am I In Such A Good Mood?

I love it when you ask me that!  First of all,  I received this in my email:

Marci, my Freya's Bower publisher, took out a half-page ad in the July issue of BTS e-zine:)  Isn't it pretty?

Secondly, I received my Off The Clock ARC, and found a tiny issue.  Then while reading it, the thought occurred to me that Shadow the Labrador only shows up once in the entire book, and she's at home three more times.  So wouldn't she greet her pet?  Spent yesterday writing him in.  Plus found a minor POV issue...and Marci got sucked into the story again and found another minor issue, which was easily fixed.  So 3 ARC's later, I think it's been spit-shined, polished, and wrapped in plastic:)

Last, I received a phone call from my BFF about her daughter's graduation party.  We were able to rent a car, and daughter and granddaughter accompanied me.

Here we are, from L-R:
Sara, Alexandria, Faunia, me, Shia (pronounced Shy-ah), and Erica:)  We took four pictures, trying to get one where Shia's eyes are open, but to no avail.  Maybe when it's your graduation in four years, Shia!

Plus, Trace Adkins is the new All-Star Celebrity Apprentice!!  We bought both flavors of ice cream, and while D and myself love Trace's Maple Macadamia Mash Up, Youngling prefers Penn's Magic Swirtle.  I had to force myself to stop eating the Maple Macadamia last night, or I'd eat the entire pint.  And the macadamian nuts went into the trash.  Not a fan of nuts in my ice cream.

Glad everyone had a good time this weekend!  I'll be back next week with an awesome contest for both book releases!

Who's Got An 'Appetite'? Or Feeling 'Wild'?

Welcome to the first of our genre-related blog hops!  Like contemporary romance?  You're in luck; every author on THIS LIST has contemporary excerpts and prizes to give away!  I've got one contemporary book with SCP, with another due out at the end of the month.  And since I'm in such a good mood this morning, you get a choice:  Monday morning, I'll draw one random comment for a copy of Appetite For Desire OR if you're chosen, you can wait for Wild At Heart, releasing May 31st.  All you have to do is comment.  Say 'hi', drool over the shot of Jimmy Thomas in his tighty-whities, or just a 'sounds interesting'.  If you've read one or both (Wild was previously released in 2010), rave about either one, lol!  See how easy this is?

Okay.  Enough blathering by me.  Enjoy this weekend-long hop!  I'm off to a graduation party tonight and Sundays are typically reserved for family time, but I'll pop in when I can.  Leave me your contact info and what format you prefer along with your comment:)

Blurb:
Dustin James is shocked to learn the sexy blonde he met two days earlier is none other than his father’s caterer who also works at the country club he’s recently joined. When he can’t keep his hands off of her, is lust for her sexy body all he wants, or is it love?

Courtney Bright defied the rules by admitting her attraction to the new customer at the country club. But when she realizes her feelings aren’t just sexual, will she take a chance on love, or is her job more important?

Buy link:
http://store.sweetcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=55&zenid=ab771fc1dc0af04cad9a6c96efa6efa6

Excerpt:

“Want to see the upstairs?” Dustin led her to the golden oak staircase, the risers carpeted in the same dark blue as the living room.

She nodded and followed him, poking her head into each of the five bedrooms, all decorated differently.

“There are two full baths on this floor,” Dustin explained as he showed her the master suite. “And two half baths downstairs.”

“Someone finally got smart.” Courtney looked at the glass-walled shower and the whirlpool tub. “Growing up, we only had one full and one half. My brother would often go outside and pee in the bushes if both were full.” She took one more glance and headed for the doorway. “Your friend hasn’t lived here very long, has he?” She lingered by the door.

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, look,” she gestured at the walls. “No photographs, no pictures, and everything looks as if it just came out of the showroom.”

Very perceptive. He chuckled. “That’s because this is one of the model houses for the neighborhood.”

Courtney blushed. “Oh. I should have realized…”

“No, no, don’t worry.” He leaned against the door jam. “So what do you think?”

“About the house? It’s lovely.” She looked at him, her eyes dreamy. As he watched, she shook her head. “Thank you for showing it to me.”

“My pleasure.” Dustin put a finger under her chin and brushed her lips with his.

Mistake.

His cock swelled as the memory of their night together flooded his mind.  He groaned and pulled her closer.

Blurb:

Angela Clayborn discovers the man she sent to prison nearly two years before, has been granted an early release.  Torn between wanting to see him and fearful if she does, sparks fly when Steve Blumenthal appears in her gift shop and later at her condo.  Will Angie free her heart from its icy prison?  Has Steve really turned his life around, or is it a hoax?

 

Meanwhile, in Colorado on business, Angie’s current boyfriend, Brad Morrison, is wrestling with his own call of the wild.  He’s met unconventional, sexy Emma Nichols, who runs not only her own riding stable, but helps out with her family’s woodworking store in EstesPark.  Emma resents Brad’s offer to help during a family crisis, but eventually discovers that Fate sometimes sends people down unexpected paths to love.  Can Brad tame a wildcat?  Or will Emma settle for the safe path?

 

Excerpt:

Steve and Angie

He confidently rang the doorbell and enjoyed the second shocked look on Angie’s face in as many days.

He immediately handed her the rose.

She sucked in her breath.  “You remembered,” she stood aside so he could enter.

“You bet darlin’” He made his way into the kitchen.  “I always said I would bring you a rose and a chocolate malt when you opened your store.  And I brought you something else.”  He handed her the sack.  “I figured you’d be ready for another one of these by now.”

“Oh Steve….” Angie put her hand over her mouth.  “I can’t believe it….Thank you.”  She pecked his cheek and took the malt and the art materials from him.  “I’ve not had a malt in a long time,” she took a sip and smiled.  She turned and set the rose on the table.

“I’ve got another surprise.  I’ve taken the job at the country club, starting Monday.  I’ll be working double shifts for a while, but it should only last through Labor Day.  I should have enough saved by then, and I can cut back my hours to explore my options and see what else is out there.”  Steve stepped closer to her and reached for her hand.  “And for something else…come outside with me for a minute.”  He tugged at her, and pulling her outside to the car.  “Voila,” Steve threw out his arm and gestured dramatically.  “Behold my new ride.”

“You bought a car?” she gasped.  “Oh my!  I guess you are serious about turning your life around.”

“Hell yes, sweetheart.  Especially if it means that beautiful look in those green eyes.” Steve tugged her back to the foyer of her condo, away from public scrutiny and pulled her into his arms.  His kiss was brief and gentle, but it sent fresh shock waves of desire coursing through his body, and saw Angie’s blush as she pulled him inside the condo.

“Have you had lunch?  I made a pasta salad last night…”

“Angie, you’re the only meal I need right now.”  His lips descended on hers once more, and his fingers went to the buttons on her white shirt.  His lips traveled to her ear as he spread the blouse open and lovingly cupped her breasts.  “If you’d rather we used your bed, Ange…lead me upstairs, honey, or else I’m going to love you on the floor.”  

Brad and Emma

“I like the view from here too,” he said.

Emma swung around and sauntered over to him, positioning herself so his face was upside down to hers and kissed his chin, then his lips.  He reached above his head and tugged her shirt loose from her jeans so it floated over his head.  He scooped her breasts free of the white cups, feeling the nipples tighten in his palms.  Emma moved to straddle him, and tugged her shirt and bra over her head.  Brad’s teeth fastened one of her nipples as he growled at her, flipping her over on her back.  His hands went to her belt buckle, and soon had her jeans and underwear around her knees.  He slid backwards off the bed to tug off her boots, and then proceeded to nuzzle behind her knees, causing her to squirm.

“That tickles,” she complained.  “Stop…”

He increased the pressure of his mouth slightly and moved upwards to her smooth thighs.  Emma sighed and parted her legs wider.  Brad gently spread her pink petals and found her button, licking it lightly.  Her breath expelled in a rush, and he dragged his tongue lower, hearing her whimper.  Her hips bucked in invitation; he slid two fingers into her moist entrance and felt her body tighten around them.  Her breathing increased; he continued to lap at her clit, even sucking it lightly.  She shrieked and convulsed around his fingers.

“Brad….please.…oh Brad.…” she gasped, her hands reaching for him.  “I need you….”

He threw off his shirt and unfastened his own jeans, sliding them hurriedly down.  He crawled up her body and with one motion, rammed his member home, causing another high-pitched shriek. Her arms clutched his neck, her legs locked around his waist, and it was the sweetest thing in the world to empty himself inside of her, hearing her cry his name as she exploded with him.

His cell phone was ringing when they came to, and reluctantly, Brad left the comforts of Emma’s young body and answered it, moving to sit at the desk.  He watched Emma silently creep into the other room, and soon return to the bed, pulling the covers back and sliding under.

Brad finally clicked his phone shut.  “That was my boss,” he said.  “He received Gavin’s fax, and everything looks to be in order.”  He strode to the bed and laughed when he saw her burrowed in.  “Can I get in there too?”

“Who are all your other messages from?” she asked as he slid in beside her.

Brad wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.  “My assistants called; my boss called….seems I forgot to check in yesterday.  I wonder why?”  He tilted her face and planted a light kiss on her nose.  “Could be I was distracted.”

“I wouldn’t know about that; some of us actually work for a living,”

“I’m on a mini-vacation,” he protested.  “How well do you know Denver?”

“Well enough.  I can find the airport, the downtown area, and one of the better malls.  Why, what do you want to do?”

“I’m doing it.  And I can’t wait to go back to your ranch.”

She sat up and looked at him.  “Brad,” she shoved her loose tendrils of hair back.  “What if I said I don’t want you on my ranch?”

Releasing May 31st at SCP

New Cover Art and News:)

I forgot I'm being featured over at Tamara Monteau's blog, Haven's Realm.  Stop by be reintroduced to Steve Blumenthal!

First of all,  behold....the new cover art!

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

You can pre-order it here; it officially arrives May 29th:)

Yes, I hear you.

"But Kenzie....doesn't Wild At Heart release about the same time?  How is this possible?"

I'm mind-boggled by it also.  I used to wonder how other authors could possibly juggle all the promo stuff it takes for not only one book releasing, but TWO?  I decided I'd stick to one every six months.

But when you have two publishers, they don't always adhere to your release schedule.  Therefore, yes, Wild At Heart (Secret Cravings) is due to release May 31st, two days after  Freya's Bower releases the 3rd and final book in The Anderson Chronicles, Off The Clock.

And now I have to get writing again.  Everything I've written since 2007 has now been published.  And that's scary.

So I may disappear for a while, but I'll be back:)  Just.....don't forget me when I'm gone in June?

Announcement!

Remember this book?  It was the first book in which a 'back door' sex scene took place.  A few people loved it, including a 5 star review on Amazon:

Michaels interweaves the lives of Angela, Brad and Emma without giving a second thought. Angela is still in love with Steve and hasn't been able to tell Brad about her and Steve's past. The reconnection between Angela and Steve is realistic, heartfelt and genuine while Emma and Brad's developing love interest is paced perfectly for this short novella.

A reader also chimed in:
"OMG...Wild At Heart....just read it....Loved it!!!  Kenzie, you rock....felt like I was there, absorbing every word, I stayed up til 3am to finish,I think the only thing which would have been great is if Ethan could have gotten with Lori after rehab, lol!"

Anyway, this was released Nov 2010.  After 2 years and never getting paid for sales, other than what I hand-sold, I respectfully sent this publisher a 'can I have my book back?' letter, stating clips from my contract about low sales and the fact I'd not even promoted it for over a year.  She gracefully granted my request, and informed me I'd made about $26 in royalties, which they were retaining for 'services rendered'.  I can live with that!  I was told to wait 90 days, in order for the book to be removed from all websites.

Guess what?  My 90 days ARE UP!  I sent the original Wild At Heart file to Secret Cravings, and the book is due to be released at the end of this month:)  I was sad to give up my beautiful cover, but Dawne created an equally amazing one:

What do you think?  May 31st is my release date, and I know, with better editing and with a publisher who adores this story, I'll make that $26 back and more.  Want a sneak peek?

Blurb:

Angela Clayborn discovers the man she sent to prison nearly two years before, has been granted an early release.  Torn between wanting to see him and fearful if she does, sparks fly when Steve Blumenthal appears in her gift shop and later at her condo.  Will Angie free her heart from its icy prison?  Has Steve really turned his life around, or is it a hoax?

 

Meanwhile, in Colorado on business, Angie’s current boyfriend, Brad Morrison, is wrestling with his own call of the wild.  He’s met unconventional, sexy Emma Nichols, who runs not only her own riding stable, but helps out with her family’s woodworking store in EstesPark.  Emma resents Brad’s offer to help during a family crisis, but eventually discovers that Fate sometimes sends people down unexpected paths to love.  Can Brad tame a wildcat?  Or will Emma settle for the safe path?

 

Excerpt:

(Steve and Angie)

He confidently rang the doorbell and enjoyed the second shocked look on Angie’s face in as many days.

He immediately handed her the rose.

She sucked in her breath.  “You remembered,” she stood aside so he could enter.

“You bet darlin’” He made his way into the kitchen.  “I always said I would bring you a rose and a chocolate malt when you opened your store.  And I brought you something else.”  He handed her the sack.  “I figured you’d be ready for another one of these by now.”

“Oh Steve….” Angie put her hand over her mouth.  “I can’t believe it….Thank you.”  She pecked his cheek and took the malt and the art materials from him.  “I’ve not had a malt in a long time,” she took a sip and smiled.  She turned and set the rose on the table.

“I’ve got another surprise.  I’ve taken the job at the country club, starting Monday.  I’ll be working double shifts for a while, but it should only last through Labor Day.  I should have enough saved by then, and I can cut back my hours to explore my options and see what else is out there.”  Steve stepped closer to her and reached for her hand.  “And for something else…come outside with me for a minute.”  He tugged at her, and pulling her outside to the car.  “Voila,” Steve threw out his arm and gestured dramatically.  “Behold my new ride.”

“You bought a car?” she gasped.  “Oh my!  I guess you are serious about turning your life around.”

“Hell yes, sweetheart.  Especially if it means that beautiful look in those green eyes.” Steve tugged her back to the foyer of her condo, away from public scrutiny and pulled her into his arms.  His kiss was brief and gentle, but it sent fresh shock waves of desire coursing through his body, and saw Angie’s blush as she pulled him inside the condo.

“Have you had lunch?  I made a pasta salad last night…”

“Angie, you’re the only meal I need right now.”  His lips descended on hers once more, and his fingers went to the buttons on her white shirt.  His lips traveled to her ear as he spread the blouse open and lovingly cupped her breasts.  “If you’d rather we used your bed, Ange…lead me upstairs, honey, or else I’m going to love you on the floor.”