Thursday, November 30, 2017

’Tis the Season for Gratitude, #Books, & More

“swirly

Hi Everyone!


I’ve been deep in the writing cave this month working on my WiP for Nanowrimo 2017, editing ORIGINS, the third novel in my Tranquilli Bloodine vampire series, and of course, prepping for and enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday.

Celia’s Thankful List

In the spirit of this Thanksgiving holiday month, here’s what I’m grateful for…

  • Books, books, books! My recent reads include Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, Cherise Sinclair’s Mountain Masters & Dark Haven series, and Sabrina York’s Wired series and her “Hot Dominant Heroes” anthology.
  • Readers! Thank you for taking the time to purchase and read our books. Much appreciated! :-)
  • Friends and Family, of course!



Planner Blog Hop

“Planner Speaking of books, but a different kind of book… I’m participating in a fun blog hop in December and it’s all about planners! If you like planners, journals, making lists, and doodling all over these items (I sure do!), please be sure stop by my blog in early December (12/1 - 12/15, 2017) to enter a little, planner-related giveaway. . :-)



Have a great holiday season, Dear Readers, and see you back here on December 30th!

xo,
Celia


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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

#Win Amazon Gift Cards! Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt

Night Owl Reviews Web Hunt 

Hello my darling! 

I've got a winter treat for you. 

I'm one of the sponsors of the Night Owl Reviews Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. During this event I'm going to help you find some great new books. Make sure to check my featured title out along the way. 

The grand prize is a $100 Amazon Gift Card. 


Event Dates: Nov 20 - Dec 13 

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT CHAT 
December 18th at 5pm PT / 8pm ET in our chat room 
Duration: Around 1 hour 



Sunday, November 26, 2017

Developing a Reader/Author Connection

One of the most important aspects of any author's career, no matter the genre, is the connection we make with the readers. Whether it be on Facebook or Twitter or even our own website, these connections are important.

While cyber connections are the easiest, there's nothing like a good old face-to-face meeting with both established readers and those who are new-to-you and your books. It's been awhile since I attended an author/reader event and I'd forgotten how much I missed them. And, more importantly, how vital they are to cultivating a personal connection to those readers who love and respect the romance genre.

In addition to the author/reader event I wrote about last month, I've attended a flurry of craft fairs, library appearances, and bookstore signings. The new acquaintances I've made have been uplifting to my spirits as a writer. And, as is our goal, cultivated sales and new readers.

Writing is such a solitary job ... holed up in our writing space with little more than the tap of our keyboards to keep us company. Unless, of course, you own a cat. For some reason, they love the keyboard of a warm laptop. Because of this solidarity, writers more than anyone need an outlet to the outside world.

So how does one plan to get the most out of those outside experiences, those connections to readers?

First, don't overdo it. As I discovered at the first craft fair I attended, too much of a good thing is ... well ... too much. I carted way too many books with me, had too many "things" in my six foot space. What I discovered was by offering them too many choices, I took away their desire to browse. Also, the swag seemed to scare them away more often than it drew them in.

My solution: At craft fair number two, I limited my display to five copies of six different books. I kept backup copies under the table. I put out a single tray of swag, with a sign saying "free to a good home". On it I placed pens, fridge magnets, and chocolate.

Second, if you're local to the area, make sure they know it. One man stopped at my table and picked up and sat down a few books before it dawned on him they were all written by the same person. Finally he asked, "Is this you? Did you write all these?"

My first reaction: Uh...yes...I did. I guess the huge banner in front of my table wasn't clear enough. Then the realization hit. Everyone there was selling a product (e.g., Tupperware, makeup, woodworking). I hadn't personalized my product. I could have been a sales agent for the author, rather than the author.

My solution: A new sign (actually two) that clip onto the edges of my fancy banner and say "Local Author" and "Meet the Author". Clarity is key.

Finally, appeal to the genre the reader wants most. When putting out your product, don't mix genres or heat levels. Someone who reads only sweet romance is going to shy away from the section with racy covers and possibly think you have nothing he/she wants to read.

My solution: Label your product. Since I create my own price tags, I also "flame" rate the books. Then, when setting up the display, I put tent cards in front of the sections. "To be read with a cool drink." "Cup of tea and cookie read." "Travel section...to distant times, places, and species." This last label drew a number of readers to my recent sci-fi release, The Vessel, and resulted in a number of new customers.

Most important is the personal connection you make. Take time to talk, not just about your own books but about the customer/reader's favorite authors. Knowing a reader likes certain authors/genres can help you direct them to something similar in your own catalog.

I have two library events coming up next weekend. I can't wait to see how those turn out. Far different from the craft sale where the products are mixed, in a library you have an audience who are already there for the right reason ... reading.

I'd love to hear from readers on what you like to see at a book signing. What draws your interest? What scares you away? And authors, what works best for you?

Until next month, stay happy, stay healthy, stay well read. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Nancy



Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Birthdays and Special things

My birthday is this month. I tend to stretch the celebration out over a few days or weeks. Makes it more fun. The older I get the more I tend to enjoy the simple things in life. So I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things.
 

1. Moleskine Journals. There are many different styles, but my favorites are the thin 2 in a pack that are about 5 by 8 inches. They lay flat when you write and fit easily into a purse. I never leave home without one.
 

2. Lindt Chocolate. I’m a dark chocolate girl. I love the 85% cacao.
 

3. Tea. I love tea. I use various kinds, but rarely use loose leaf. I tend to go for tea bags for convenience sake. I know purists will shake their heads at me.
 

4. Wine. I’ve recently discovered Moscato and it’s my new favorite thing.
 

5. Bread. I know a lot of folks stay away from bread these days, but I love bread of all kinds, but especially 12 grain or ancient grains bread.


So, I’ll be marking another year on the calendar and enjoying some of my favorite things. I’ll most likely even treat myself to a mini birthday cake or a cupcake to mark the occasion.
 

This time of year we all get a little busier. If you’re looking for a smoking hot seasonal novella, you might want to check out The Gift of Shayla. This is a m/m/f ménage a trois that will heat up those cold nights.

 

The Gift of Shayla

Adam Lancaster has been in love with Rob McKeith—and attracted to Rob's wife, Shayla—for years, but he fears their friendship would be over if they knew the truth. So he's thrilled when his secret fantasy becomes reality and the couple offers him a very special gift: a sensual Christmas Eve in their bedroom...
 

TEASER:

“Adam.” There was an edge to Rob’s voice now. Adam knew his friend too well to think he was going to drop whatever was on his mind.

“Where’s Shayla?” He desperately tried to divert the conversation. It was strange he hadn’t seen her. She must be out somewhere, but he couldn’t imagine where she’d be. Not at eight o’clock in the evening on Christmas Eve.

When Rob didn’t answer, Adam finally turned his face toward him. His friend’s expression was more serious than he’d ever seen it. Shit. He picked up his glass and gulped down the rest. A waste of good scotch, for sure, but he needed the hit. Not that one drink would have much effect on him, but it was better than nothing. He needed something to dull the coming pain.

“I’ve seen how you look at me,” Rob began.

Adam closed his eyes and swallowed hard. The liquor he’d just drunk burned in his gut. He could still salvage this. He had to. The alternative didn’t bear considering.

He opened his eyes and chuckled. “Of course I look at you. I see you all the time.” There, that sounded casual enough.

“I’ve also seen how you look at Shayla.”
 

Buy Links:

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781426892233_the-gift-of-shayla.html
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-gift-of-shayla
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gift-of-shayla-nj-walters/1104327701

 
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
               


Visit me at:

Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/awakeningdesires/info
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

 

Monday, November 20, 2017

When a Writer Stops Writing



I've been writing for a very long time. I believe it started in middle school with short stories and poems. Then I got married, popped out a couple babies, moved out, got divorced, graduated college, then decided to write again.

I've spent the last six years writing off and on. I've even published a few books, then unpublished a few books, then finally left my two favorite novels published on Amazon. It's true what they say, "No one is more critical of you than you."

People ask me why I unpublished some stories and frankly it's because I didn't feel as they were up to par. My heart wasn't in those stories, not really. To really pour my heart and soul into a story it needs my undivided attention. Sure I've written before while having a day job but my day job then was a lot less demanding than it is now. I used to eat, sleep, and breathe my stories but now it's become harder and harder to dive back into that world.

So what's a writer to do when there's nothing to write? Study? Figure out the answers to life's biggest questions? Learn how to paint? Become a conspiracy theorist? Cook? Who knows?

What I do though is blog. Blogging has saved me a few times. Every time I feel that spark begin to light back up again but I don't have the time to dedicate to writing a full blown story I'll blog or write a little and move on. Life has wrapped it's hands around my throat and has taken control between the day job, the family, the house, and studying for my real estate license I'm spread completely thin. So blogging gives me that outlet I so desperately need.

Do I always know what to blog about? Hell no! As I'm typing right now every single word is finding it's way to the screen without much thought put behind it. What you see is what you get. But that's what I like about blogging. It doesn't have to be perfect, it doesn't have to be edited, it just has to be real. (Some editing may not be a bad idea but nevertheless you get the point.)

I also read. Again, when I can. I try to focus more on the shorter stories or novellas because as bad as it sounds I just don't have the time to dedicate to a full blown novel. Maybe one day I will or maybe during the holidays I'll cram in some reading time but right now I just don't have it unfortunately. I've been desperately wanting to read Colleen Hoover's new book 'Without Merit' but I haven't had a chance to crack open the first page. I've downloaded it though. ;-)

I've fallen in love with the Misadventure series. If you haven't heard of it please go here and look it up --->   Misadventures FB Page

The latest book in this series is Misadventures of a Valedictorian. I haven't read this one yet but the others are fantastic! They have a new book released every week and these stories are full of hotness!!

This is what I believe most writers do who find themselves unable to write. We blog, we read, we spend time on Facebook jealous of those who can still write, we find ourselves at book signings and events soaking in the sweet air of creativity, and we promote the authors that we love. Because that's what this community does for each other. 

Thanks for reading! If you are looking for me I'll be over here eating cake, drinking wine, and attempting to study for this damn real estate exam.



Hugs,
Amber

FACEBOOK: Facebook Link
Instagram: Instagram Link

Saturday, November 18, 2017

How I Survived Thanksgiving Dinner without Going to Jail

Well, it’s that time of the year again. Thanksgiving! The official beginning of the “holiday season.” I have a love-hate relationship with this particular holiday thanks to my wholly dysfunctional family and my obsession with creating the perfect gourmet dinner. Seriously, this is a hugely important meal for me. I start planning in August and shopping in October. The menu changes yearly and depends on my mood, my energy level, and my tolerance for family drama. We typically have six adults and four kids gathered around the table. Don’t get me wrong. I love my son and my nieces and nephews, but they could drive a saint to murder!

Since I’ve got an aversion to jail cells and straitjackets, I’ve come up with a few essentials that help keep the stress down and the cook (me) from poisoning the troublemakers. Take a look!

1. Lube: Slippery, flavorful, and... burn resistant? Well, yeah. I’m talking about butter here. What were you thinking of? Every turkey needs a good lube job. Mine comes out moist and delicious every time. My trick? I blend softened butter with fresh chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme, a little sea salt and cracked black pepper. I slip my fingers under the skin of the bird’s breasts and give her a slow, sexy butter massage before roasting. Every 30 mins or so, I reapply with a basting tool. My girl’s lubed from the inside out. Try it!

2. Batteries: Do not run out of these! You’ll kick yourself. Not for my bedroom—although you don’t want to run out there either! I’m talking about batteries to power my nifty little food thermometer. I’d be lost without it on Thanksgiving! DON’T trust the plastic popup thingy that’s stuck in the turkey. They don’t always work! All the lube in the world can’t save an overcooked turkey. A food thermometer is essential and hey, you can repurpose the batteries for, well, you know... those other important household tools!

3. Restraints: Handcuffs on Thanksgiving? Well, yeah. Maybe. Have you seen my kids??? Even more importantly, have you ever roasted a turkey without trussing it? Its stubby little legs just fall open like a horny, dateless middle-aged woman who’s just found herself trapped in an elevator with Thor! It’s sad really. Pathetic... Okay, so enough about me... Let’s get back to the turkey! I leave my bird its dignity by trussing with twine since my handcuffs keep falling off. Ooooh, maybe I could try little thumb cuffs this year?

4. Alcohol and drugs: In my house, these two things are absolutely ESSENTIAL to both the flavor of my dinner and my sanity... Note: I don’t recommend trussing the bird after too many glasses of wine. Bad things can happen. Also, don’t drink too much before making dessert. I once forgot to add sugar to the whipped cream in a big, glorious trifle. We don’t talk about that particular holiday anymore.

So, let’s get to the specifics, shall we? Booze first. Pinot Grigio goes into my mouth and into my gravy. It’s a must, must, must have in my house. Mmmm. Delish! Since I’m a big bourbon fan, bourbon finds its way into sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Sometimes, I add some to fresh whipped cream. Also my mouth. I add it there too. Depends on the amount of family drama and the number of arguing children.
Drugs? I bet you think I’m going to say something dramatic here! Sorry, but no. I confess I’m a Tylenol junkie though. By the end of this glorious, fun filled, family holiday, I want to crawl into bed with a bottle of Tylenol and a snuggly blanket. And Thor. I’d definitely like to crawl into bed with Thor. Hey, I might be a dateless, middle-aged woman, but I have impeccable taste in fantasy lovers.

5. Last, but not least, NAKED TWISTER: Say what? Made you look, didn’t I? I’ve always wanted to play that, but not with my relatives. Ewwww! All nakedness aside, Twister is an awesome game and kept my kiddos occupied so I never had to threaten them with handcuffs. Seriously, the Olerich household playroom is a Thanksgiving—and Christmas—miracle! Filled with Legos, air hockey, video games, and movies, banishing the kids to this room probably kept me from running down the street with that bottle of Pinot Grigio.

All kidding aside, the holiday season is a big stressor for a lot of people. There’s tons of pressure to shop and entertain and volunteer and cook and handcraft and party and, and, and... Well, you get the idea. How do mere mortals do it all? For me, it’s all about finding a balance and enjoying the things I love doing the most. Take a deep breath and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll be back on December 18th!

Want to keep in touch?

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Sierra Cartwright: Queen of Nice

I entered the romance world as a writer three years ago. Even before I was published, authors I met at conferences and writers groups were more than happy to give me advice. It is amazing to me how welcoming and supportive the romance community has been. I will not name names because I will surely leave someone out. However, I do need to talk about a woman who is so supportive and encouraging that she stands out even in this impressive group: Sierra Cartwright.

It's probably no coincidence that Sierra is a life coach. Her tweets and Facebook entries encourage her followers to find the best in themselves. Her photos are a celebration of the beauty of life. I met Sierra at the BDSM Writers Con, where she gave an uplifting keynote speech and taught workshops to improve your writing. She has been personally encouraging to me and my writing, and I know she does the same for others. All the time.

Sierra's stories are uplifting as well. She takes her characters on a journey where they explore the challenges of a power-exchange relationship that transforms their understanding of themselves and their partners. Her newest book out last Tuesday is called Double Trouble. Once again it was a one-click for me.

One love. One obsession. Double the trouble.

For three years, Daniel Armstrong has wanted the beautiful, fiery Bridget Kelly. But when he sees her at Houston's premier BDSM club and realizes she has an interest in submission, his determination reignites. A charity auction provides a means for him to possess her and do good at the same time. Who could resist? Focused solely on Bridget and the decadent delights he intends for her, he outbids everyone to claim her.

Helpless, trapped by the glare of a spotlight at an auction she never agreed to participate in, Bridget is stunned when bidding for a weekend with her goes higher and higher. She's frantic when she realizes the gorgeous, successful Daniel Armstrong has won her. For years, she's been attracted to the renowned heartbreaker, but she's kept him at a distance to protect herself.

Then one night she sees him at a BDSM club, and there's no doubt he recognizes her submissive tendencies. Now that the devastating Dom knows her naughty desires, she's doubly determined to avoid him.

When he claims her, she believes things can't get worse. The he introduces her to his identical twin, Jacob. Suddenly she's faced with not one but two men determined to make her every fantasy come true and take her to the heights of submission.


Come visit me on my website to learn more about me and my books and if you'd like, to sign up for my newsletter. I love to talk about food, so not only will I share news about my books and authors I like, I will share recipes and tips on food. Please join me at www.roseccarole.com

Website: www.roseccarole.com

Twitter:@roseccarole

Facebook www.facebook.com/rose.c.carole.73


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Buy it now from Amazon

I don't know about you, but when the weather starts to turn chilly and darkness descends upon us at 4:30, all I want to do is change into comfy PJs, curl up in bed, and read a steaming hot romance. For me, books are an escape from the real world for a short time. I love the feeling as I go about my business during the day of knowing I have a great novel waiting for me when everything is said and done. The diva curls up next to me, and sometimes the cat, too, right smack on one side of my pillow,  I inform the boy of my standard rule, "I don't do kids after 10pm. Nighty night," and I, deep breath, read. 
I leave you with an excerpt from my latest erotic romance, The Submissive Muse, a tale of second chance at love between two damaged people.
Enjoy!

She turned her back to him and began soaping up one of the wine glasses. He reached around and grabbed it from her hands, then threw it against the wall. It shattered into pieces.
She turned off the running water and faced him. "I'm going to start billing you for broken wine glasses. You broke another one the other night."
It was true, he had. After she pulled away from their kiss, he had smashed his glass against the wall. He had also overturned John's "sacred, off-limits" armchair in anger.
"Everything you do is my business. That was the deal." He stood a hair's length away, so close her perfume tickled his nose.
"We have no deal. What are you talking about?"
Shut up, Devan.
He blew out a long, slow breath in an attempt to calm himself.
"Because you take care of my horses, you think you also have a responsibility to take care of me?" Her voice quivered with emotion.
Yes, he did, but he couldn't tell her why."I can tell you when you're making a fool of yourself with a kid almost half your age."
"Screw you." She made a motion to leave, but he trapped her there with both his arms at her sides. "Let me go, Devan."
He wanted her so bad he could no longer fight it. If she didn't want him, he'd have to leave here for good, because the torture of denial was making him lose his mind.
"Tell me you want the college boy and I'll let you go."
She turned her face away from him. "No."

Devan grabbed ahold of her chin and twisted it around to face him. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you want him, and not me."Her eyes flashed with frustration while she stubbornly pressed her lips together. She attempted to flee again, but he held her by the shoulders. Her angry breaths flooded his face as she squirmed to get away. "Why are you fighting it? Isn't it obvious you want me as much as I want you?"

Tiffany N. York lives in SoCal with her spirited son, diva Chihuahua, an ever-changing number of cats, one screeching parakeet, and now the latest addition, a bunny who chews everything in sight. Visit her website at www.tiffanynyorkauthor.com

    

Monday, November 13, 2017

Decadent Divas looking for a few more DIVAS!!!

Right here on the FABULOUS Decadent Divas we're looking for a few more AMAZING authors to blog with us! The days we have available are listed below so if you'd like to share your awesome with the world just shoot me an email and I can pencil you in!!

6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 24, and 29th

Email me if you're interested at jenn @ jenniferkacey.com (just take out the spaces)!
MWAH!!


Decadently Yours,
Jennifer Kacey



http://www.jenniferkacey.com/books.html


Jennifer Kacey is a writer, mother, and business owner living with her miniman in Texas. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

I Love A Grumpy Alpha Male With A Soft Touch by Clare Dargin #RomanceNovel #Menage #MFM




There's nothing better than a gnarly, surly alpha male in a romance novel.  Mind you not a mean, bullying jerk but the kind of guy that is a barrel of inconsistencies.  He's a loner yet, he's surrounded by people who are completely loyal.  He keeps to himself yet he has a best friend he can't live without.  He's cantankerous and misunderstood but his sweetheart, his soul mate, gets him completely.  And the best part is that he gets his sweetheart totally too.  And he's protective and totally territorial when it comes to him or her. 

This is probably why I like writing and reading about a screwed up alpha male with a heart of gold. He's so much more fun. There's something about knowing there is hope even for the most messed up person in the world to find happiness and love.  It gives me the kind optimism that no pep talk in the world can do, it inspires me to believe that in the darkest of situations, loves light can shine through.

For instance, in my book Merry Chris Mas- Chris Poole and Chris Spinell have been struggling with PTSD since returning from the war in Afghanistan.  However, when they meet Jilly Reimers, they no longer see fate as an ominous dark cloud predicting a lifetime of loneliness.  In Jilly they see the promise of love and a bright future, full of happiness, passion and sensuality.  The only thing they have to do, along with her, is get past the baggage and fears they brought with them.

I'd categorized Chris Poole in the loner category.  He has a bunch of loyal friends who care for him but  he has a hard time connecting with them.  He can't seem to stop being boss long enough be a good friend.  He's done it before, he's just so screwed up now, he's lost his way.  

Chris Spinell is different.  He's a loner who is slightly moody and cantankerous but with an amazing heart.  He's lighthearted when he's around the right people but because of his PTSD, he is riddled with anxiety and night terrors that has shifted his view on relationships.  

Nevertheless, they all have hope that this time, Christmas will be different.  That's why they signed up for The Love Play Matchmaking Service.  The agency's motto is 'Whether for love or play we'll find the perfect match for you.'  

Jilly, Chris and Chris hope that this will apply to them.  And for the first time in their adult lives they will finally be able to have a 'Merry Chris Mas.'


Blurb



[Menage Amour: Erotic Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, HEA] 

Jilly Reimers wants love but can't find it. Chris Spinell is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan who suffers from PTSD and a haunting feeling that something is missing in his life. Chris Poole is also an Afghanistan war veteran is ready to break out of his shell but is unsure how. With Christmas just around the corner, they decide not to spend it alone. 

Believing The Love Play Matchmaking Service to be just what they need for a night of fun and passion, they sign up. But when the guys show up and see that they've been set up on a menage, the only one happy about it is Jilly. Their consultant, called an Eros, assures Jilly that the service has a perfect track record but she's certain they'll be the first ones to get their money back. 

Will they have a very merry Christmas? Or will the three spend yet another one alone? 

** A Siren Erotic Romance




STORY EXCERPT

Jilly idly twirled a lock of her hair as she gazed at the fire. The meal was good, a bit awkward, but all right. Now with Chris S. in the shower, she and Chris P., who’d freshened up after her, sat beside her. She hoped she’d get a chance to know him a little better, now that they were alone.

Unlike Chris S., Chris P. was quiet, more reserved. His warm smile could melt ice. They’d spoken a bit about his life in Australia and how he met the other Chris when they were on Diego Garcia, a tiny atoll in the Pacific. It was there he garnered a better perspective on life, friendships and love. She reasoned that war tended to do that to a person.

She looked at him again, admiring what she saw. He was gorgeous. If only she were a femme fatale like her friends. She pictured grabbing him by the scruff of his collar and planting a long seductive kiss on his pouty lips. Anything to ease the tension between her legs and the moisture dripping from her swollen pussy.

Golden and sun-kissed like a surfer, he had a look impossible to have around this time of year in Michigan, unless he spent countless hours in a tanning booth. But at the same time he didn’t look like the type who’d go to one. He seemed too rugged. She glanced at his short, flaxen hair, which he wore pulled back in a stubby tail. It accentuated his keen facial features. His physique, like that of a gladiator, made her want to whimper. Built like a brick wall without being too thick, he was three words—supple, etched, steel. And his Australian accent added to his raw sexiness.

Whereas Chris S. was the perfect picture type of the all-American, boy-next-door type, with light brown hair and sandy-colored tips and eyes so blue they looked like the color of tropical water. He reminded her of the high school captain of the football team who’d gone into the military and become a man, except he had a sensitive edge that permeated his being. While Chris P., who looked like he could take on a few guys at once, was more lighthearted and outgoing.

Either way, she knew she hit the jackpot because both guys were like something out of a magazine called Hot Guys “R” Us. They were a perfect ten. It was best Christmas gift anyone could have ever given her. She hoped a Chris Sandwich was definitely on the menu for the night. But how to get past the talking stage, she had no clue. She wondered if all of her Love Play’s match ups started like this.

Wearing some leggings and a cami, and he a T-shirt and shorts, she suddenly felt overdressed. The art of seduction was not something they taught in any of the schools she’d attended, and she sure as hell never picked up any pointers from her so-called “friends.” And her exes never gave her any encouragement in that department either.

This date should have come with instructions. I think I’m in trouble.

She let out a long sigh.

“Did you say something?” Chris P. asked, stirring from his long silence.

“I was just thinking how beautiful this place is,” she lied. What? How lame is that?

“It is. I’ve never been to a place quite like this.”

“Love Play has quite a reputation.”

“You’ve used it before?” He perked up, facing her.

Heat burned her cheeks. “No. It’s what I heard from some of their clients.”

“So have you been married?” he asked.

“No.”

“Neither have I. Never found anyone to get serious with,” he said, shrugging. “I don’t know. Maybe cupid’s arrow doesn’t work on me.”

“For me they’re defective. Or maybe his aim is bad,” she said, trying to suppress the memory of her ex-boyfriend.

“What do you mean?”

“My relationships, they never work out.” She shrugged her shoulders. “For whatever reason, they seem to choose my friends over me. Or it ends up that way once we get together.”

He shook his head. “Nah. They were bad blokes from the start. Believe me. I know. I’ve been around those types my entire life. The randier they are, the worse they will be. If a man wants you, he’ll stay.” His tone was soft, almost vulnerable.

“Maybe.”

“So tell me,” he said, turning to face her, “you ordered this hook up?”

Again, her face flushed. She imagined it turning its characteristic red when the blood rushed to her cheeks.

“Yes. But according to the guidelines, you would have either had to be open to it or requested it too. Right?”

He chuckled. “I see he also got the smart I asked for. Yes, I am open to a ménage.” His expression became serious. “Do you think me odd?”

“No. I’m glad we share that desire.”





ADULT EXCERPT

Chris S. slipped her undies over her round hips. They slid down her baby-like skin, exposing her shaved mound. More blood flowed to his dick, making whimper.

“God,” he said, fighting tears.

Through gritted his teeth and clenched his eyes, he forced himself to maintain control. It was getting to be damn near impossible. Everything about her was fucking outstanding. Lips, breasts, skin and pussy. He was ready to fill her pussy with his thick, hard dick.

He slid his finger into the folds of her wet interior. The thin crease surrounded by supple labia oozed moisture from her tight and tiny hole. He slid a finger inside her hole, and her taut muscles quivered at his touch.

“You want it?” he asked.

She moaned “yes” before being silenced by the other Chris’s mouth. He inched her legs apart. Moving in just right, he tasted her. Explosions went off in his brain. She was pure, simple, clean and honeyed. He wanted to mark her as his own. Delving his tongue in and out of her tight hole, he held her still, allowing her juices to saturate his mouth.

Lifting her legs, he opened her wider, curling her upward, burying his face in her mound. His breaths increased as his heart rate grew frantic. His hard dick, standing at full scale attention, threatened to bust a nut if he didn’t stop.

Pulling away, he set her down gently. “Got to go get a condom.”

The other Chris looked up, his eyes equally as dazed as he felt.

She swallowed, seeming breathless. “My bag, by the wall.”

The time for being cool had passed. Quicker than he’d wanted and less suave, he dashed toward it, finally seeing the stash. Grabbing the entire lot, along with a bottle of lubricating gel, he opened the box and pulled out two, handing one to Chris and keeping the other for himself. Setting it aside, he removed his shorts, exposing his aching dick to the room’s cool air. He grimaced as he slid the latex over his shaft. It hurt with a pain that would only be relieved by what Jilly had to offer. He squeezed the gel, which had the scent of strawberries, onto his palm. He fisted his hand and soaked his condom-wrapped rod with the smooth, thick liquid. The mere pressure of his hand gave him some relief, albeit short.

“Me first,” he said, climbing onto the bed.

Calming himself, he lay down beside her and turned her on her side. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close. He spread her legs apart as she tilted her pelvis back. She melded her body to his. There was so much of her he wanted, not only her body, but her soul, mind, and yes, even her heart.

He took a hand and placed himself at her entrance. Slowly he pushed inside. He grunted and made himself hold back, lest he spill at that moment.

She was so tight. No doubt about it. This was going to be a short run. Inch by inch, he slid inside of her, stopping at the root. His balls drew in tight. He shifted her close and moved in and out slowly. Each movement became stronger as his control slipped. He needed the release, the kind that would give his aching balls sweet relief. Back and forth his hips moved inside her. She wriggled and moaned in response. Their mouths met briefly, tongues swirling, causing his stomach and heart to flutter. He increased his thrusts. Finding his target, she keened her delight.

“Yes,” she moaned. “Don’t stop.”

She pushed her ass toward him.

“Baby, I’m going to come.”

“Come, honey. Come.”

He grunted, harder and harder. Sliding his hand down to her hard clit, he rubbed it as his panting increased. Pressure built up behind his eyes, his mind went blank as everything in the world seemed to fall away. He couldn’t stop. Harder and harder he pushed, holding her firm and tight.

With light speed, he cried out, “God!” His hips bucked upward while cum poured out of him.

Slightly dizzy, he held onto her before letting her go. “Are you all right?”

Her kiss eased the butterflies threatening to kill the moment. Sliding out of her, he sighed, relieved. He gazed into her eyes. Instantly he felt the completed connection he’d sensed along. She was the one. And he saw that she felt it too.


* * * *

Jilly recovered her breath as Chris P. gathered her up into his arms. His musky scent was so spicy and inviting. She buried her face in the crook between his shoulder and neck. She was ready.

“On your back,” he said, holding her.

She nodded.

“Tell me if I’m hurting you,” he said, whispering in her ear.

From her tall Adonis, she was ready to receive all he gave her. Trust welled up within her heart. She knew he wouldn’t hurt her.

Placing her on back like she weighed nothing but a feather, he positioned himself on top of her. A lock of his blond hair obscured his face. She opened her legs. She felt his solid, round tip prod her hole. Panting, he pushed inside of her, his raw strength causing her pussy to clench. Each muscle spasmed to accommodate his thick and meaty cock. She cried out along with him. He braced himself.



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Author Bio

Clare Dargin is an author of Science Fiction and Romance and has been writing stories all of her life before being published in 2007. She’s a great fan of the two genres and loves promoting them.

An educator by profession, she possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in English from a major mid-western university. She presently resides in the Midwest and she hopes to expand her writings to include non-fiction, historical romance, and contemporary novels.
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Author Links- 

Blogs- Leather, Lace and Alpha Males- https://karapaulandclare.blogspot.com/

The Embraced: Scribal Love- http://theembraced.blogspot.com