Saturday 28 February 2015

THE CRYPT OF MORBIUS: release day for Xavier. http://bit.ly/1wxcenA

THE CRYPT OF MORBIUS: It's release day:

IT'S RELEASE DAY

Isaac instantly becomes intrigued with a handsome man he notices across the room at the club. Turns out, this man has certainly noticed Isaac, and has been watching him the entire night. Too bad he's disappeared before Isaac could make a move.

For the next few weeks the man seems show up everywhere Isaac is, constantly watching him. The more he sees the mysterious stranger, the deeper his interest becomes. Oddly, every time Isaac makes a move toward the mystifying stranger, he vanishes from view, almost as if he were a ghost.

Xavier Kane has been searching for centuries for someone just like Isaac. Someone he could spend his life with, share his dreams with, and eventually, continue the bloodline. He sets off a little game of cat and mouse, designed to tempt Isaac into getting to know him. Xavier Kane isn’t an ordinary man, though, and he hides a big secret until the very end.

Will his deception be the end of Isaac and Xavier's budding love, or will Isaac give in to the promises made for love eternal.

What does the future hold for Isaac and Xavier?

Thursday 26 February 2015

Thursday Taster: Pandora 4

This is a story that has grown from a 200 word short I wrote over a year ago. I'm posting it on WattPad, so you can find it there as well. Be sure to check out all the other tastes on the blog.

She closed her eyes and wished for another answer.
Tabitha didn't grant her wish. “Death-sleep. Your life force will be so low, so trifling, no one should find you here. And if they sense a spark of life, the dragon should deter them from bothering to find it.”
“I know, foster-mother. You wouldn't ask me to do this if it weren't necessary.” She had been spelled with the Death-sleep before, only for moments before Tabitha breathed the cocoa mist into her, waking her again. She hadn't been able to dream, hadn't been able to rest. It was dark and empty and she felt time slide by keenly. She couldn't sense anything outside her mental prison. She didn't know Tabitha had breathed into her until her mind raced and her eyes opened.
She had done the same to Tabitha, proving she could work the powerful magic. She remembered how vulnerable her teacher had seemed, how little life she could sense in her. It was truly as though she were dead. Pandora and quickly crushed the cocoa in her teeth and breathed into Tabitha's mouth to wake her. Her teacher asked if Pandora had tried to wake her and Pandora admitted she hadn't.
“Foolish girl,” Tabitha had said. “How can you know the strength of the magic if you don't test it. I know you tried to break from the sleep.”
She had and had been utterly trapped. Now she was to be put into that dreadful slumber again.
“Is there anything outside that is stronger than my will to break it from within?” she asked.
Tabitha grinned, crooked teeth yellow. “No, I don't imagine there is.”
“How long am I to sleep?” she asked, feeling her throat tighten and her words pitch high, almost a squeak.
“Oh, child, I wish I didn't have to do this. It won't be long, I promise. I will return as quickly as I am able. Your mother shouldn't need me long.”
Trying to calm herself she nodded. “I'd best eat if I'm to sleep long.” Although the process slowed her bodily functions to a near standstill, it would still need some energy to maintain itself.
“Yes. I will make your favourites tonight,” Tabitha promised, her over-large lips warm with a smile.
When Tabitha left, Pandora turned to Magnificent. “You'll protect me? Watch me while I sleep?”
“Sssorwy,” the dragon said.
“I wish you could sleep with me. It would be better to have company. I'll go mad if I'm locked there more than day. A day! A whole day? I don't think I can do it.” She covered her face in her hands and looked up as a weight landed in her lap.
“Wuff,” the fox said, touching his cool nose to hers.
“I love you, too.”
The bear didn't try to speak, but hunched in front of her, obviously on guard. The hare hopped circles around all of them. He made squeaking noises as he did. “Atch, atch, atch.” He would watch.
“Thank you, all of you.” She hugged and petted each one in turn, then went to kitchen to see about helping Tabitha with dinner.

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Thunderclap - Help me spread the word?

I was introduced to this new form of promotion a few weeks ago and I wanted to try it out with the upcoming release of Slave. I'm hoping some of you, my followers, will help me via Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. It's very straight forward. You really just need to click the link to support someone. (It's a little more work on the creating end, but still pretty simple.) If you are someone looking forward to the release of Slave on March 15th, please help me spread the word. And, if you're a fellow author or just someone with a cause, leave a comment for your Thunderclap (or other form of promotion) and I'll definitely return the favour!


Review for Slave, 4 stars, from A.P. Bullard at Triskele Reviews. "The writing is incredibly fascinating, and draws the reader in from the start. The plot could not be further from predictable if she tried. Just when I think I know where it’s going, the whole thing takes a crazy turn."

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Tantalizing Tuesday - Done

Is it Tuesday again? I saw this picture and just couldn't turn it down. It does give away the ending, but so what! Check out more 200 word teasers by visiting our blog.

Denise walked proudly, defiantly. Her high heels clacked on the tile with a satisfying ring. She was out of here. Today she was walking out and not walking back.
She opened the door to Dave’s office with her resignation in hand. She wasn’t a bit surprised to find Linda, blouse half open, on the corner of his desk.
“Denise! Don’t you knock?”
“Not anymore,” she said with glee. She slapped the letter to his desk and turned to go.
“Wait, what?” Dave called, but he was too late. Her elevator, instead of being late as usual was right on time. The doors swung open just as she approached and she breezed through.
“Hi,” a quiet voice said inside. Denise looked over at the man she was sure she hadn’t seen before.
“Hi,” she said, not sparing him another glance.
“New here?” he asked.
“No, old here. Not here.”
“Not here,” he said, smiling more broadly. If Denise hadn’t caught his reflection in the mirror, she probably wouldn’t have felt so unsettled.
“Done for the day?” he asked.
“Done for a long while.”
“Good.” He put his hands on her hips. She was about to complain when the elevator dropped.

“Great.”

Monday 23 February 2015

Free stuff! Xavier from J.S. Morbius and J.D. Morgan. Releases February 28

Enter to WIN an eBook copy of "Xavier" by Amazon Bestselling Gay & Transgender Romance Author, J.S Morbius and Co-author, J.D. Morgan

Publication Date: February 28, 2015

Isaac instantly becomes intrigued with a handsome man he notices across the room at the club. Turns out, this man has certainly noticed Isaac, and has been watching him the entire night. Too bad he's disappeared before Isaac could make a move. 
For the next few weeks the man seems show up everywhere Isaac is, constantly watching him. The more he sees the mysterious stranger, the deeper his interest becomes. Oddly, every time Isaac makes a move toward the mystifying stranger, he vanishes from view, almost as if he were a ghost. 

Xavier Kane has been searching for centuries for someone just like Isaac. Someone he could spend his life with, share his dreams with, and eventually, continue the bloodline. He sets off a little game of cat and mouse, designed to tempt Isaac into getting to know him. Xavier Kane isn’t an ordinary man, though, and he hides a big secret until the very end. 

Will his deception be the end of Isaac and Xavier's budding love, or will Isaac give in to the promises made for love eternal?

What does the future hold for Isaac and Xavier? 

Enter This Rafflecopter Giveaway!


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Sunday 22 February 2015

Sunday Surprise - @RiptideBooks @AnahCrow @DianneFox @KariGregg @HeidiBelleau @LisaHenryonline @Author_CariZ @AuthorSEJakes @AmyMacLane @AnneTenino @GallagherWitt

Today I am featuring an LGBTQ-centered publisher. Riptide Publishing fills all needs from lesbian to trans, quick reads to epic novels, all written with style and meaty enough for lingering enjoyment. As usual, I'm going to focus on their most recent releases.

Rules to Live By is a compilation of four stories from six talented authors: Cari ZHeidi Belleau and Lisa HenryAnah Crow and Dianne Fox, and Anna Zabo. All four tackle power struggles, releasing control to gain control, risk and reward. Any BDSM readers should check this title out.

Riptide's Valentine's anthology is Lights, Camera, Cupid and it includes stories from SE Jakes, Amy Lane, Z.A. Maxfield, Anne Tenino and L.A. Witt. It is part of the Bluewater Bay group of stories. These are set in the Olympic peninsula that is stirred up the arrival of Hollywood on their quiet shores.

Kari Gregg has released Tame a Wild Human. Drugged, bound, and left as bait, Wyatt Redding is faced with a terrifying set of no-win scenarios. Best case: he survives the coming days as a werewolf pack’s plaything and returns to the city as a second-class citizen. Worst case: the wolves sate their lusts with Wyatt’s body, then send him home without their protection.What he doesn’t expect is to enjoying it or grow attached to his captor and pack Alpha, Cole.

Master Key is a novella from the duo Anah Crow and Dianne Fox. Marquis and Navin have it all—they’re hot, they’re young, they’re successful, and they’re crazy about each other. So why isn’t it working? They’re trapped by their insecurities, their work obligations, and their inability to actually talk to each other. Marquis makes a last ditch effort at reconciliation by offering Navin a chance to lock him up—in a cock cage. It’s their first try at kink, but no matter how hot it makes them, they quickly learn that spice in the bedroom is no substitute for honest communication.

This story, the honesty of it, really appeals to me, so I'm thrilled to share an excerpt.

He threw the car into gear and hoped for good traffic on the way to Navin’s place. He always went to Navin’s. Navin was the one who was home on time. Marquis was too unreliable. And when he thought about it like that, he had no idea why Navin had stayed with him this long.

If he didn’t stop fucking up, he was going to lose Navin. And he didn’t want to lose him—not today, not ever—so he had to get his shit together tonight, come up with something, some way to convince Navin that he was worth keeping around.

The whole drive there, he racked his brain for some kind of solution. He had to come up with something, some way to make this up to Navin. Some way that didn’t feel like he was taking advantage of someone he cared for more than anything else going in his life. Anything else but work.

Maybe the only thing to do now was to throw himself on Navin’s mercy entirely.

He grabbed his bag and briefcase, locked the car, and headed for the door. Hitting the doorbell, he put on his most charming smile and hoped it didn’t come off as anxious as he felt.

When Navin answered the door, he was looking sharp, if rumpled. Tie undone, white shirt open at the throat, tux jacket still on, black hair mussed as though he’d been running his hand through it. He was on the phone, speaking to someone in Hindi, maybe his mother. He stepped back and gestured for Marquis to come in.

God, he was pretty. When Marquis was with him, actually there with him, he couldn’t imagine anything being more important. If only he could get his dick or his brain—any part of him at all—to remind him how amazing Navin was when Navin wasn’t there.

I’m sorry, he mouthed, but Navin wasn’t looking at him. He was too busy on the phone.

Marquis set his bag and briefcase on the floor by the front closet and went through to the living room, dropped onto the couch, and let his head fall into his hands. Shit.

He rubbed his palms over his eyes again. He’d missed so many dates with Navin that, by all rights, he shouldn’t have a boyfriend anymore. He peered between his fingers at Navin, who was still on the phone. Maybe he didn’t.

The front door thumped shut, and Navin came into the living room, only to go to his desk and check something on his computer. Marquis didn’t know a lot of Hindi, much less Gujarati as he thought he was hearing now, but he knew the patter of Navin saying good-bye to someone. One of his uncles, Ajay Masa, it sounded like.

Navin tossed the phone down and snapped the computer shut.

“Hey,” he said, as though Marquis weren’t in the doghouse. He seemed indifferent to Marquis’s lateness—his total failure to even make an appearance at the party—which was worse in its way than anger. Not that Navin had ever really got angry as long as Marquis had known him. “Did you eat? I’ll get you something. You want some tea?”

“I had— Navin, wait.” Marquis surged to his feet, all his tiredness gone in the wake of Navin’s disinterest. He had to fix this. God, please, let him find a way to fix this.

He followed Navin into the kitchen and took his jacket from him as he shed it. Anything to help. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it to your event. Was it—” He couldn’t remember what it had been for. Christ, he was an asshole. He hung the jacket over the back of a chair. “How did it go?”

“Client project launch. Amrit got stoned with some bloggers. Mummy blew a fuse. Now she’s sending him to India to open a new set of offices for us. I don’t think she even gave him pocket money. That’ll keep him busy, finding the funds.” Navin pulled out a covered catering platter and began to put together a meal of sorts for Marquis. “I’ll have to take on his projects. I’ll have to do his hiring. Me, Marquis. Hiring people. I don’t have people. Amrit has people.” As the quick, efficient motion of his hands stopped, so did his words, but Marquis didn’t know what to say to fill the silence. After a painfully long moment, with his back still to Marquis, Navin said, “When you don’t show up, I never know whether to assume work is going well or badly.”

“It was—” He didn’t want to talk about work, not even enough to explain what had happened. Staring at the straight line of Navin’s spine, the curve of his bent head, Marquis could finally see how bad things had gotten: Navin had expected him to blow it. That was why he wasn’t mad. Marquis was as bad as Amrit. Talk about a low bar. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t even me. It was just . . . other people, you know? It won’t happen again. What can I do to make it up to you?”

“Don’t.” Navin held up a hand. “I’m not saying that to be difficult. I just don’t want to get into this cycle. I know you feel terrible, you always do. But it’s not enough to make you remember the next time. It’s better to just deal with what’s here than for me to make you do penance. The consequences are what they are.”

Don’t. Not enough. The consequences. Navin was pretending he was indifferent but underneath it was anger—hurt. One of these days, the consequences were going to be the end. He caught Navin’s hand and blurted, “Make me. Make me remember.”

Navin closed his eyes and sighed. “How am I supposed to do that? I can’t nag you—you’ll end up resenting me and it’ll be a disaster.” Exhaustion and disappointment seemed to drag at Navin, turning down his mouth and darkening his eyes. It twisted something in Marquis’s chest to see. “Let’s just work with what we have.”

“Then don’t nag me.” Marquis cupped Navin’s cheek in his free hand. At this rate, he was going to ruin this just because of who he was, which seemed excruciatingly unfair. He couldn’t see a way out right now, but he wasn’t going to let go, either. “Make me remember. I don’t know how. I just— Don’t let me forget. I don’t want to forget, Navin. I want you in my head. All the time.”

Navin opened his eyes, blinking slowly. “What am I supposed to do? Tattoo my name on your forehead? You’re not my prisoner. They don’t make a leash long enough to go between our offices. I can’t be with you all the time. I wish I could be, Marq.” Navin kissed him on the cheek, then the mouth, pressing against him. At least there was emotion in that kiss. Navin cared, even if he didn’t have any answers either. “It would be perfect. When you’re around, I feel real.”

“I’m here now, and I’m all yours.” The glimmer of hope was energizing. He was good in a crisis, thought well on his feet. This was a crisis if he’d ever had one. “Take me to bed. I’m not hungry. Just . . . Hell, tie me up. Keep me here, yours, all weekend long. Take my shoes, take my clothes. Take my phone.”

“I should have guessed that’s the only way to keep you from the office.” Navin tugged at Marquis’s shirt, eyebrows raised. “Strip. Give me your clothes.”

Marquis fumbled with the buttons, finally working enough of them free that he could drag the shirt off over his head. He dropped it in Navin’s hand, and his undershirt after. Anxiety sparked in him in spite of his arousal, and he didn’t know why. How could he screw up being naked?

“I’ll be putting these somewhere you can’t get them. And your phone. And computer.” Navin hid the shirts behind his back. He tilted his head. “I’ll think of something you can do for me to earn them back for a half hour at a time, though, if you get desperate.”

It was a miracle Marquis wasn’t more light-headed with all the blood rushing to his dick. It wasn’t as though he didn’t know this kind of thing turned him on. Every now and then, he’d allow himself to indulge in fantasies or porn about being controlled, and he’d get off so fast his head would spin.

Not that he’d ever admit it to anyone. Except he just had, hadn’t he? Suggesting Navin tie him up had been foolish, laying it all out there like that. He didn’t want to put Navin off with his fantasies.

This wasn’t a fantasy, though. This was real. This was Navin—Navin’s idea, not his.

He couldn’t get his pants off and into Navin’s hands fast enough.

Navin carefully folded everything as it came to him. He was always good at being organized. All of it went into Marquis’s bag, and then that and Marquis’s briefcase went into the hall closet. Marquis watched them go—his phone was in there, how was he going to make sure there were no disasters at the office if he didn’t have his phone?—with a pang of fear that left his hands clammy. Suddenly, what he’d suggested felt all too real, and he wasn’t sure it was such a good idea after all. Then Navin turned around.

“I feel better now that I know I’ve got you to myself.” Navin took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his gaze hungry. His arousal was very evident through the thin, fine fabric of his tuxedo slacks. Oh. That was so much better, knowing this turned Navin on as well. “Bed?”

Navin’s lips twisted with a sly smile that made Marquis’s heart pound like he’d run a marathon. All his worries were gone in a rush of lust. That wickedness on Navin’s face was a gift wrapped up in Navin’s buttoned-down exterior. Marquis nodded quickly, already backing toward the bedroom door.

“Bed,” he agreed breathlessly, and turned away.

Friday 20 February 2015

Cover reveal and pre-order for Blue Moon House Slave

Coming close on the heels of Gentleman, March 15th is the release date for the fourth Blue Moon House book, Slave. Will is easily the most frightening and the most violent of the vampires in Blue Moon House, and now we can learn why. Best of all, you can get it for only $0.99 if you pre-order. You can also find the original Blue Moon House for the same price.

If you want a sample, I have been posting Tasters on Thursdays for a while, including a new excerpt yesterday. You'll get a good idea  how far this book goes off the beaten path and down dark corridors.

I hope you'll also help me share this sale and release with others.

And here is another sample from Slave:

Bart stood in the doorway, leaning on the jamb. “You came back. I won’t hide my relief. My position might give me more opportunity to find other men like us, but it doesn’t make keeping them any easier.”
Will’s brow furrowed. “I don’t understand, sir.”
“And don’t 'sir' me. I’m not your master. Call me Bart.” He poured himself another drink. “Have enough people bowing and scraping as it is,” he muttered.
Will lifted his gaze. “Take off your shirt.” It was an instinct, but one he thought wasn’t far off. This man was used to having people obey him. Did he go to Nicholas to have a Master?
Bart set the tumbler down with a thump. Then he tore open his coat and waistcoat, spraying buttons across the floor. He followed it with savagely yanking his shirt over his head.
Will swallowed, unsure what he’d just stepped into. Bart let his hands fall to his sides, making the expanse of his chest that much more prominent.
“And your trousers.” Will’s voice jumped, his excitement getting the better of him. He’d been dreaming of this so long with no one to share the fantasy. He imagined Louis often, but kept a safe distance from his friend, bottling the frustration up. If Bart hadn’t invited him explicitly, he probably would still be frustrated. As soon as he uttered that first command, however, it was like a thousand tiny pinches, all the little annoyances, had come together into one edge, one piercing desire. This was what he needed. Doffing his short pants and stockings, Bart stood exposed, Will fell to his knees. The man’s penis was as perfect as he remembered. It was smaller now, flaccid, and Will took the opportunity to run his tongue inside the foreskin. The gap wasn’t there long. Bart grew quickly to fill that skin, growing past it. Will marveled, not for the first time, at the nature of this vital organ, one responsible for the first moment of life.
With all his daydreaming, Will knew better than to ignore the sack this time. He held Bart’s cock so he could suck his balls into his mouth, rolling them on his tongue.
It hardly seemed enough time had passed, even though Will felt a twinge in his jaw, but Bart was throbbing, ready to come. Will sucked him deep into his throat, curling his tongue to cup the thick liquid. Bart tasted better than Will remembered, if that were possible.
“Will, you look...” Bart didn’t find the words, but he stooped to unbutton Will’s shirt. His fingers fumbled in his rush. Will’s head nearly crashed into Bart’s as he sprang to his feet. He needed to release his breeches.
Bart gasped, covering his mouth as Will stroked himself. A drop was hanging from his exposed head. A second gasp was audible and Will’s head turned to the door.
“The game is up, Martha.”

Thursday 19 February 2015

Flasher Fiction Friday - Opiate

Lisa whimpered as she sat up. She hurt everywhere, worse below the waist than above. They didn’t want to damage her pretty face after all.
Reaching over her head, she probed the tender knot on the back. As she did her hands brushed red flowers twined there. She ripped them out savagely, throwing them amid the others in the field.
How could he do this? How could her father let them take her like this? For another shipment of opium. She rose unsteadily and followed the broken stems to the mansion where they kept her.

One day, he would pay.

Yes, dark today. The others are hopefully less so. You can find more pieces of 100 words based on this same picture by going to the Flasher Fiction Friday blog.

Thursday Tasters: Another taste from Slave

I'm taking a break out from Pandora to give you another taste from Slave. The full cover will be revealed tomorrow, but here's a sample of the cover and what's behind it. Be sure to check out all the other tasters by visiting the blog.

Will knocked on the door, casting cautious glances over his shoulder. He slouched a little lower, trying to be even less conspicuous.
“Will. Come in,” Bart answered, holding the door for him. “Martha, this is William, the boy I told you about.”
“Boy? He doesn’t look like a boy. How old are you?”
“Eighteen, ma’am”
“See, not a boy. Come on in, Will. Are you hungry? I think we have some supper left. Daisy will gather a plate for you.”
Will’s eyes rested for just a moment on the black girl in a maid’s dress. “No, thank you. I ate.”
Martha held her gloved hand out and Will took it, kissing her knuckles. “Pleasure, Ma’am,” he replied mechanically.
“Leave him be, Martha. You know he isn’t here to see you.” Bartholomew Brandon took Will’s hand from her and pulled him behind. Will saw gold gilt from all sides as they passed rooms to the door Bart opened. When he’d met Bart in Blue Moon House, he had never guessed the man was wealthy.
“Sir,” a second maid said, bobbing a curtsey and leaving the room.
“You didn’t want one of them to stay, did you? I don’t ask it of all of them, but some have been forthcoming.” Bart gestured at the woman leaving before pouring himself a glass of liquor.
“No, thank you.” Will stood beside Bart, utterly perplexed. He knew what he’d come here for, but he was uncertain how to proceed. “A drink?” Bart offered, turning over a second glass.
“No, thank you.”
“I’m sorry, Bartholomew. I know you wanted privacy, but well, I’m very curious about your young man.” Martha Brandon entered the parlor and took a seat in one of the chairs.
“Can’t get enough of seeing black ones, can you? There’s a reason I have no male slaves, Will, and she’s it.” He lifted the glass to his wife before pouring the last of the contents down his throat. “Shall I take charge?” He appraised Will. “Take off your shirt.”
Will cringed slightly, looking at the woman watching them. “I’d rather not.”
“You’re putting the boy off his game, darling. I told you he likes men.”
“I know, but I wanted to see.”
“Excuse me,” Will said, bowing and ducking out the door.
“Oh, wait, William. Wait, please.” Missus Brandon chased him down the hall. She grabbed onto his elbow and was nearly dragged when he didn’t stop immediately. Her squeal did what her hand hadn’t.
“Pardon,” he begged, bowing low again.
“I’m sorry, Will. I didn’t mean to frighten you off. Bart told me how long it has been since he first offered. It must have taken a lot of courage for you to come. I didn’t mean to test it. Please. Go back to the parlor.”

Don't forget the other great tastes on the blog and come back tomorrow to see the whole cover!

Wednesday 18 February 2015

Cover Reveal: Blue Moon House Slave

It's coming! Full cover on Friday.

#MidWeekTease - Blood, Sweat and Black Leather from @pablomichaels1

Today I want to share a piece of m/m fiction with you. It is written by Pablo Michaels, someone I hope you all put on your to-be-read lists. His latest release is Blood, Sweat and Black Leather, and it delivers. Pablo is a participant in Tantalizing Tuesdays, Thursday Tasters and the Daily Picspiration blogs. You can find delicious excerpts of his writing on his blog any time.

Now! On to the tease!

A gust of wind slapped Damien awake from his wandering thoughts. Jolted from his memory, he became abruptly aware of a tall, dark, masculine figure strolling on the top railing of the garden fence, illuminated by a beam of moonlight.
Balancing like a dancer, he gracefully walked toward Damien, his face hidden in the shadows. The unknown person crept closer to the deck, leaping from the fence and over the banister to stand next to him. Dressed in a black leather vest and pants, he stood tall and mighty. His face was concealed by a dark mask.
“Who are you?” Damien gasped in fear.
"You don’t recognize me?” he answered, his deep, soft voice enticing. “You lusted for me several years ago. I told you I wanted an older man. I let you go.”
“How did you walk on the fence like that?”
“It’s all a matter of balance.”
“Why don’t you drop your mask?” Damien’s teeth chattered slightly. “I don’t remember you or your voice.”

Who is that masked man?

Here is a little more about Pablo.
After living, working, and experiencing city life in San Francisco for twenty years, Pablo moved back to the rural home where he grew up to continue writing about the advent of gay liberation, the AIDS epidemic and life he observed and participated. Legally married to his loving husband after fifteen years, they enjoy sharing their love with other people from all backgrounds and beliefs.

I hope you enjoy Pablo's work and take in all the fantastic teasers this week.

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Cover Reveal: Blue Moon House Slave

So, you've seen the Blue Moon, here's another little window into this new volume! Full cover on Friday.

Blood, Sweat and Black Leather #LGBT #erotic @pablomichaels1

Although Damien’s robe was tied shut, he clasped his hands together in front of his crotch, attempting to conceal his erection. He could feel his dick bounce, stiffening at the sight of Gabriel.
“I see you’re still attracted to me. It’s a long story; I will tell you later. Tell me, are you still trying to live the life of Peter Pan?”
Damien tried to better conceal his arousal.
“Please don’t hide your goods. I like the looks of your erection.” 
       --An excerpt from Blood, Sweat and Black Leather by Pablo Michaels
Amazon Author’s Page
Website
Buy it now on Amazon for less than $3!

Here is one 5 star review:
“Sensuous and erotically seductive is the only way to describe this very creative love story. I immediately established an emotional connection with Damian who clearly lusts for love but is unsuccessful in rekindling his romance with…”

Tantalizing Tuesday - Blizzard

Cindy clutched her umbrella as the wind tried to tear it from her gloved hands. The handle slipped and she nearly lost hold of it.
Perhaps she should just let it go. It wasn’t helping her. The rain had turned to snow and the wind blew it straight into her face.
Cindy gritted her teeth, put her head down and into the wind and trudged on. She wouldn’t let anything keep her from this appointment. She’d been waiting weeks for Ms. Tuttle to see her. She might be late, but she wouldn’t miss it.
That worry made her look at her watch. She had five more minutes.
Moving her hands turned her umbrella to fill with wind again and this time it flew behind her, tumbling down the white path. Cindy cursed, but wasted no more time on it, plowing ahead through the blizzard.
The snow stopped abruptly when she reached the doorstep. Cindy blinked and looked around. Was there a fence or wall she had missed? Why was it so still here?
Looking up, she saw the brass knocker and fear made her belly flip.
“Come in, for God’s sake, and leave the cold out!”

Cindy turned the handle.

Don't stop here! Go to the blog and find more fascinating stories only 200 words long.

Monday 16 February 2015

Sunday 15 February 2015

Sunday Surprise: Rogue Phoenix Press @RoguePhoenixPre @MyWarWithHem @mandymia

Rogue Phoenix Press publishes a wide range of genera; everything from mysteries to fantasy to romance to horror. They tout themselves as representing excellence in publishing. I'll let you be the judge of that based on some of their latest releases. They mainly publish electronic books, but you can find a coveted paperback through print on demand.

The most recent release is from James Charles and has the enigmatic title My War with Hemingway. Personally, that alone made me curious. The story revolves around Zach, a young veteran, contemplating suicide after a horrific tour in Afghanistan. Ernest Hemingway appears and stops him. In college, he falls in love with Jessica,and her love stabilizes him, making Hemingway’s appearances become less frequent. When she doesn’t return to school after break, he confronts her father who tells him he is not to see her again. Alone, haunted by the wars, and with his friend Hemingway pestering him, he descends into alcoholism, naturally. With one of Zach’s army buddies, Jessica searches for him. But will they find him in time to save his life?

Miriam Khan has published several books with Rogue Phoenix including Seasons of Time. Seventeen-year old Lara Voight has no choice but to go to Spring Mills, Pennsylvania and stay with Gracen. Lara experiences a burning sensation that can only be soothed by a the phantom scent that is familiar but hard to recall. Lara learns that Penelope Le Rose was murdered at the mansion, which was once known as Montague house. Lara explores the story further, going as far as to find a portrait of Penelope who looks just like Lara. Finding Penelope’s diary, Lara becomes haunted by visions of a ghostly boy. The people in the diary resemble people Lara knows. Could one be Penelope's murder back to finish the job?

Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor and the Case of the Dark Lords Conspiracy is the long title of Dan Ehl's latest book, the third in the series. Jak Barley is ready for some down time. That is why Jak was not a bit amused to have a scruffy mage insist that he is to be one of a group of questers decreed in an ancient prophecy that must cross the icy Alf Mountains to foil the return of the Old Gods. To do so meant using a map all too heavily dotted with "Here Be…" warnings that read like an "Idiot's Guide to Monsters." Once gain Jak finds himself saying, "I hate adventures."

The sequel to Ten Yen True by Amanda Armstrong, Ten Yen Forever, is available now.  Caitlin, JJ, Paul, and Tommy need change for the better. When they each mysteriously receive one of four ten yen coins, none of them know or understand why or where their journey is about to take them. The lives of these four people, all of whom have need of one another to bring about healing and wholeness are now entwined, They are mysteriously helped by a Japanese monk. It is a story of hope, love, forgiveness and miracles, exploring the spiritual and psychological underpinnings of the main characters, demonstrating the interconnectedness of human beings.

The Gatekeepers Of Ky K.J. Dahlen features Immortals: Bastian, Gunner and Jori. They gain access to a forbidden portal located on the planet Ky and come to earth looking for the five pieces of an ancient magical Staff. Michael, working with Guardians from Ky, helps them track down pieces of the Staff before Bastian can find it. If Bastian finds all the pieces, he plans to take the Staff back to Ky. If he does that the Staff will destroy both Ky and Earth. Can Michael and the others stop him?
 by

In lieu of an excerpt this week I have the following video trailer for Gatekeeps of Ky! If you have a publisher that should be featured on Sunday Surprise, please leave me a comment.


Saturday 14 February 2015

Book Trailer Love Fest - Polls Open Now!

Voting begins . . . NOW!

Book Trailer Love Fest 2 
 Show your support of over 30 authors including USA Today bestsellers by voting in the first ever Book Trailer Love Fest. Watch the trailers, vote in the polls, and share the contest with your friends! The voting is live from February 15th to February 22nd. Winner will be selected on the February 23rd. This is a fun, free contest made to support all authors! So hop on over to booktrailerlovefest.com and get your vote on! Here is a list of authors participating in the contest:

USA TODAY Bestselling Authors:

Amazon Bestselling Authors:

Award Winning Authors:

Also featuring these fabulous authors:

Susan Laqueur
J.R. Smith
Angelica Dawson
Katherine Jean Pope
Everett Robert
Charity Tober
Tam Linsey
W K Pomeroy
Jordan Mierek
Elle Jacklee

My Bloody Valentine - Flash fiction

6.1 Oz. Red Glass Heart Bottle
6.1 Oz. Red Glass Heart Bottle
(clipped to 
polyvore.com)
Happy Valentine's Day! I wrote this piece for R.B. Wood's WordCount Podcast, but it didn't quite fit his theme for the show, so instead, I'm posting it here for everyone to read. And you want to hear me read it, just leave a comment. I'm happy to do that. ;) 
Those of you who have read Blue Moon House should remember Justin and Will.


Justin checked the stopper on the bottle as he pulled it from the fridge. The wax he’d poured over the cork was holding and inverting the bottle produced no leaks. Tucking it into his pocket, he pulled out his phone instead.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Buddy, he sent to his son Joseph.
You too, Dad.
Have fun.
We will.
Justin had expected his ex to leave the boy with him this weekend so she could have a romantic evening with her current squeeze. Most likely, he’d gotten stuck with his kids. That left Justin free to accept Will’s offer for the evening.
The phone went back into the pocket, clanking against the glass. Justin normally walked to Will’s, but he didn’t want to take that long. So he started up his worn down old Kia and trundled across town. He put his hand in his pocket once more, feeling the cool glass. Good, it hadn’t warmed up too much.
He didn’t knock on the door, opening it as he had many Fridays before. As it always did, the smell of the house bombarded him. It was kept clean, but the musky smell of sex never really left. He imagined it had seeped into wood and stone. Breathing deep, he walked slowly down the hall to Will’s room. It was empty, as it usually was. Justin removed the bottle, setting it on the armoire while he stripped down to skin. He folded it all and set it on the only empty shelf. After giving it another shake, he tucked the bottle under his shirt, right on top.
From there he ran his hand over the contents of the other shelves. First were manacles, chains, and thick rope. The rope was soft and silky, much warmer than the metal of the others. There were coils and coils of both. More than enough to string a man up any way he liked.
The next shelf was better. It was almost entirely metal with a few pieces of wood. Two wooden paddles lay beside vise grips, pliers, knives of various sizes and lengths. Justin picked up one of these, testing the edge. Frowning, he pulled out the stropping leather from the bottom of the armoire and used it, nodding in satisfaction when it split the skin of his thumb. He sucked at the wound while he put the knife away and tried the edge of another. It was in the process of sharpening the third blade that Will entered.
Justin set knife atop leather and dropped to his knees. “Master,” he said.
“Finish,” Will commanded, moving to stand behind Justin.
Justin rose smoothly and turned back to the knife. While he ran knife over leather, Will traced line after line on Justin’s skin.
“So many scars,” Will murmured, his black finger running down Justin’s pale pink bicep. “How many more will we add tonight?”
“As many as you wish, Master.” Justin replied.  Will continued to work around Justin’s body, spending a lot of time on his thighs. That was where Justin had cut himself a hundred times over in his youth and then through his failing marriage. It had been a relief to put his pain in the safe hands of Will. He would never cut too deep, never hurt Justin more than he could handle. They had reached that limit more than once over the last six years.
Finished with knife, he twisted slightly to see the large black man kissing up the inside of his thigh. Justin closed his eyes at the soft moist lips so close to his growing erection. Will ran his tongue along that scar, straight up the underside of his penis. It was one of the most recent and to do it safely, Will had trussed Justin up in all the chain and rope he could. Even then, there was a slight jag to the line where Justin had managed to wrench himself.
“I think, perhaps, none tonight.”
Justin’s heart sank slightly. Sex without pain was never as fulfilling to him.
Will must have noticed because he stood and glared at Justin. “You believe you know better?”
“No,” Justin answered, but it was petulant. A reflex reply, not the rapt obedience he usually showed.
“You do,” Will said, taking hold of Justin’s chin to look directly into the other man’s eyes. Will towered four inches over Justin and he was much more muscular. None of that mattered. After that gaze, Justin wouldn’t struggle anyway.
“No.” This time the word was said sweetly, with all his heart. He trusted Will with his life. Will did know better as he had proven in the past.
“Good.” Will kissed Justin, breaking it off before it grew into something more. He stepped around Justin to reach into the armoire. “Put your hands on the door.”
Justin tried to glimpse what Will was grabbing while turning to face the door. Two leather straps hung down from the frame over the back of the door. Slipping his hands through them he spread his fingers, palms flat on the wood.
Will kicked his legs apart and Justin spread his toes, planting his weight solidly into each foot, rooting himself to the floor. He had learned he needed that grounding.
The crack of the paddle wasn’t completely unexpected, but Justin screamed and jumped anyway. It might have been a knife or the stropping leather or any of several other items in the armoire, but it was one of the wooden paddles.
Heat flared in Justin’s ass and he sucked air through his teeth as he shifted his feet, grounding again. “Thank you,” he whispered when he had gathered his wits about him.
Will didn’t say anything, but the paddle connected again. This time Justin didn’t scream, but he grunted and pulled on the leather. His feet stayed grounded and he recovered more quickly even though the pain had increased significantly. “Thank you.”
Will didn’t stop there. After the sixth stroke and the sixth thank you, Will pressed himself against Justin’s back pushing him into the door. His black hand clasped Justin’s hard length before it was pinned. The other hand clenched Justin’s throat.
Justin groaned and surrendered his weight to Will. The constriction on his throat made him see stars, made him kick the door with his knee, made the blood rushing through him boil. The last thing before he passed out, he felt himself throbbing, erupting, and falling.
Justin blinked in the soft light. He looked directly into Will’s eyes, felt his hand on his back, stroking gently.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Will said.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Justin answered. “I brought you something.”
Will sat up. “What would you bring me?”
Justin didn’t feel quite well enough to rise. “It’s in the armoire, under my shirt.”
Will climbed off the bed and opened the armoire, pulling out the heart shaped glass bottle. He stared at it for a few seconds before breaking the wax seal and draining its contents in three gulps, eyes closed and savoring the flavor. Justin used all his will power to swing his legs over the bed and be standing next to Will when he opened his eyes.
“My bloody valentine,” Justin explained.

The vampire seized him in a hug. “Thank you.”

Thursday 12 February 2015

Thursday Taster: Pandora 3

What is troubling Tabitha and Pandora? Men. Read the entire first chapter on WattPad, or wait for another taste next week! Be sure to check out all the other tastes on the blog.

“So, men. That's why mother brought me here, where I would have only you for company.”
Tabitha smiled, her worn and crinkled face still ugly, but friendlier. “Precisely. Now, Magnificent is still young, but he will be your familiar from now on. He will stay with you.”
She smiled and touched the dragon again. His head was over hers, but only by a few hands. “How much more will he grow?” Pandora asked.
“He will have to live in the garden and outside the fortress. He will grow very large, very quickly. He is like you, adolescent. This is when his growth will be exponential, until he is nearly as large as the fortress itself.
Pandora frowned. She liked having Magnificent her size, or nearly her size. She ran a hand down his scales, careful of the edges that would cut her. More smoke curled from his nose, wreathing her in red tendrils.
“I understand. The others?” she asked looking to the doorway where the hare, the fox and the bear all stood, peeking.
Tabitha snorted. “It seems they plan to stay as well. They will guard further out while Magnificent has the building.” She looked into the dragon's purple eyes and Magnificent blinked and lowered her head. Tabitha slipped a metal chain over her neck that hung with a turquoise stone. “You are tied here now,” she told the dragon. “You will not be able to leave without taking Pandora with you. You understand.”
“Yes.” The words was rasping and hissing. Magnificent's mouth and throat weren't built for speaking, but like all the familiars, he was intelligent and had learned basic words if one knew how to listen for them.
“Why?” Pandora asked. “Why is he chained here?” she touched the metal and snapped her hand back. The lead felt poisonous to her. Magnificent's scales should protect him.
“I must go. You mother has need of me and I owe her more than merely your safety and education. While I am gone, this place will not be secure. Magnificent and the others,” she nodded to the familiars in the hall, “will have to suffice. There is one more thing I can do to protect you.”
Pandora closed her eyes and wished for another answer.

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Tantalizing Tuesday - Blurred

Greg rubbed his eyes and blinked. He should pull over, but Tony slept in the passenger seat and he couldn’t bear to wake him.
It had been a fantastic weekend. The smell of sweat and sex still permeated their clothes. Tony snored, nearly loud enough to drown out the radio. That was playing one of the many CDs they were bringing back from the festival.
He should have booked one more day off work. Tony, much more experience in the ways of such things, had done exactly that, but Greg had a hard enough time getting the day before off. There was no way he’d get another vacation day approved.
Greg yawned, his eyes squeezing shut and had to blink twice as hard when they opened again. There was fog coming in, but it wasn't that bad, was it? When did it get so thick?
Rubbing his eyes again, the image improved marginally, but the visibility was still awful.
Tony snorted and started, sitting up in a jerk.
“What?” he asked, then smiled sheepishly at Greg. “That was a pretty good dream.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, we– truck!”

Greg didn't see it then and couldn't see anything after. Tony guided him home.

I am really not happy with this piece. I hope I get to come back and work on it some more, but if I don't, forgive me for the slap job on this one. I promise something really good next time (hopefully I can deliver on that). There are more great shorts of 200 words. Just pop to the blog and read them all.

Monday 9 February 2015

Erotic #Romance Story Bundle - Don't miss this from @selenakitt @sommer_marsden @KikiHowell7 @AlisonTyler @skye_warren

Erotic Romance StoryBundle, Feb 4-26, 2015 with Selena Kitt, Sommer Marsden, Kiki Howell, Alison Tyler, and Skye Warren
Curator’s Message by Kiki Howell:

I’m a fan of each and every author who graciously agreed to be included in this Erotic Romance StoryBundle, and so I will admit to being a bit star-struck to have my stories published beside theirs. As you will read, I met each one through a series of intertwining, very fortunate events.
I’ve had the privilege to work with New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, Selena Kitt, since the beginning of my writing career. After first being published by her company, Excessica, I then began working for her in various aspects of the publishing industry. I consider myself very lucky to have learned so much from a writer as prolific as Selena, one of the best guilty pleasure authors out there with over a million books sold!
Through working for Selena, I had the blessing of meeting, Sommer Marsden. Over time, and little “water-cooler” chats via emails if you will, we've found ourselves alike in a multitude of ways. I now have the honor of calling her a good friend even though we've never met in person. Referred to as “unapologetic” by another author in this bundle, I couldn’t agree more with that description of her writing. Her stories are both profound and witty, sexy and fun with a myriad of characters from a to z, adventurous women to zombies, and back again.
Thanks to one of Sommer’s social media posts, I signed up to review one of Alison Tyler’s books, and I've been hooked by her writing ever since. A prolific writer of several stories and talented editor of many kinky anthologies, her works offer passion and heart along with vital doses of all things sexy. Just following her blog, appropriately titled, Trollop with a Laptop, is exquisite fun, a true indulgence.
It was also through Selena that I was recently introduced to New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, Skye Warren. And, though I’m just getting started into her dark romantic fiction, I can’t wait to indulge in more of her stories. Her work described with such words as “perversely tender” and “haunting and beautiful” I couldn’t agree more. I’ve found her stories to be both complex and raw, emotional and enticing.
I’m pleased with the wide array of genres represented by these authors and their stories in this bundle. While all erotic romance, you will be further tempted with subgenres like: contemporary and historical, paranormal/pagan and fairy tales, bondage and femdom, to name a few. Enjoy!
To purchase this bundle go to http://storybundle.com/ and click on Red Box at the top of the page that reads Erotic Romance.

EROTIC ROMANCE STORYBUNDLE INCLUDES:
MAIN BOOKS
Temptation by Selena Kitt - The innocent 1950s - a perfect backdrop for this "new adult" historical romance saga. What happens when you fall in love with your best friend's father?

Angry Sex by Sommer Marsden - When life turns stressful a girl needs release. Someone to help her work out her issues. Someone hot. Angry Sex...like therapy...but naked.

Torn Asunder by Kiki Howell - Fraught with scenes of explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.

The ESP Affair by Alison Tyler - A dream lover fulfills Connie's erotic desires in The ESP Affair. Confronted with proof of her infidelity, she embarks on a psychic journey.

On the Way Home by Skye Warren - Explore the dark side with this suspenseful new adult romance... It’s a simple trade—the passenger in seat 34B for my sister. But the sexy soldier is more than I can handle in all the best ways.

BONUS BOOKS
Modern Wicked Fairy Tales by Selena Kitt (The Complete Collection) - Do you love fairy tales? Then don't miss these happily ever afters! Get ALL EIGHT modern retellings of fairy tale classics--Alice, Beauty, Briar Rose, Goldilocks, Gretel, Rapunzel, Red, and Wendy

Bittersweet by Sommer Marsden (Novella) - Deacon James is more sinful than the candy he sells. Testing Rayka's every limit. Mentally, creatively, emotionally and yes--sexually.

Rituals by Kiki Howell (Novella) – When a Wiccan ritual opens her eyes to an old friend, Maddie’s first week with Ryan is a blur of knots and ropes until Maddie’s controlling ex-husband returns hell-bent on taking her back.

Alison on Top by Alison Tyler (Anthology) - Super hot, incredibly sexy and wonderfully delicious," Alison on Top fulfills your craving for smart femdom fiction with a romantic twist.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 8 February 2015

Cover Reveal! Check out A Thrill Seeking Relationship by Ray Sostre @anarchy0029


Title: A Thrill Seeking Relationship
Author: Ray Sostre
Release Date: March 4th, 2015
Published by: Bitten Press, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, MFM, FFM

*Synopsis*
Josh Trevelyan and Isabel Tavares are a thirty-something couple with a need to keep their relationship fun, adventurous, and naughty. When the two share a threesome with Isabel’s best friend, Lourdes Rivera, the two realized they found that special someone who would help fill the void, but would Lourdes consider being in a relationship with two people?
*Excerpt*
He then held out two fingers with Isabel’s flavor on them to Lourdes, “Here, taste her.”
Lourdes took his fingers in her mouth without hesitation. She rolled her eyes upward, sucking Isabel’s flavor into her mouth. When he pulled his fingers from her mouth, Lourdes leaned in and kissed him, sharing Isabel’s essence. He felt something warm and wet on the head of his shaft. He knew it was Isabel, but he didn’t look down.  He was busy making out with Lourdes. Needing to feel both of them licking and sucking him, he pulled away from Lourdes’s kiss and placed his hand on her shoulder, motioning for her to go down. “Taste me.”
He looked down at Lourdes and Isabel as they took turns taking him into their mouths. Isabel sucked and nibbled the tip while Lourdes slid her tongue along the underside of his girth then they would turn to each other and make out once more. This scene was too much to handle. He needed them naked.
“Fuck!  Let’s all get naked and go to the bedroom.”
Isabel looked up at Josh. “I agree.”
*Teasers*



*About Ray Sostre*


New York born, East Coast raised, and West Coast bound.

Writing erotica happened by accident in the summer of 2010.  That same year, he established a story submission site – AfterDark Online, a place for erotic authors.

He lives in Nevada with his long-time girlfriend, is an avid listener of electronica, and enjoys writing and publishing articles. He jokes: “I’m always looking for writing material.”


*Links*
Blog – Facebook – Twitter – TSU

Sunday Surprise - @Totally_Bound with @RosalieStanton @MiaWatts @SA_Welsh @WillaOkati @Kris_Norris @AsheBarker

Totally Bound caters to readers with a passion for sizzling stories, powerful plot lines and compelling characters. They aim to give a totally delicious escape to anyone who picks up one of their books. Here are some of their most recently released titles.

Flip Side of Sin by Rosalie Stanton is the third book in the Sinners and Saints series. Since her inaugural venture to Earth, Cassie, Virtue of Chastity, has been lost in a sea of doubt. All of Heaven knows how badly she botched her first job. So when the Almighty gives her a new job—one in Sin City—no one is more surprised than she. Ira, Sin of Wrath, requires only a drink, a cigarette, and a warm girl to keep him happy—which makes his new Vegas assignment a very welcome trip. Ira might be there to work, but that hardly means he won’t find time to play… And when he spies a gorgeous blonde wandering through a casino, he knows she’ll make the perfect playmate. Until, of course, he discovers she’s off limits—not to mention, the enemy.

Wrong Number Right Guy is the first in Mia WattsHollywood Hottie series. It has been re-edited and re-released by Totally Bound. Ryan Pierce is in town shooting the latest romantic action movie and attending all the right publicity parties. An easy laugh and real conversation, as a result of misdialling, surprises him and he doesn’t want the man to hang up. Dar’s gig as an extra gives him a chance to meet the guy on the set who he accidently called. Could the loping mega-star be his phone-a-friend?

Purrfect Protector is the first in the Shifter Protection Specialists Inc. series by S.A. Welsh.
Never play cat and mouse with a saber-tooth tiger.
Kale Andrews reluctantly agrees to have a bodyguard from Shifter Protection Specialists, Inc. following disturbing mail from an obsessed fan. The easy babysitting job Aleksi was promised quickly changes from strange mail to threatening deliveries, so Aleksi has to become creative to keep his protectee out of danger. Since he’s a saber-tooth tiger and naturally dominant, most people aren’t strong enough to be with him in a relationship or even as a friend. Yet Kale seems to calm his beast, simultaneously exciting the man in Aleksi.

St. Hawk's Medical is a new series from Willa Okati and kicks off with Take Heart. Dr. Brendan West, a dreamer and a doctor, knows there’s more to life than the job. His first step after finding a temporary job at St. Hawk’s is falling for kind-hearted gardener Evan—only to discover that Evan’s already taken by boisterous Griff. For his part, Griff sees this as more of an opportunity than a threat. He likes the good doc’s kind heart and clear eyes, and the way he sees it, their lonely doc needs them just as much, or more. With Evan on board, he sets to work bringing Brendan into a ménage relationship. Brendan knows he could fall hard for the odd couple, but the thing is—he’s not in St. Hawk’s for the long haul. He can’t bear to surrender his heart if he’s only going to leave it behind.


Centerfold by Kris Norris follows Detective Scarlet Reid, who has spent the past three months trying to make her alter ego, Ms. December, a ghost of Christmas past. Forced to become the sexy centerfold in a high-stakes undercover assignment, she is presented with a gruesome new case that has a disturbing trend—one that has placed Scarlet on a list of possible targets. With limited options, she’s going to have to resurrect Ms. December—and her old partnership—which means facing the one man who stole more than just a kiss. Federal Agent Roman Kinkaid's final assignment with Scarlet changed him, but he’s ready to make things right—only he’s not alone. His partner and lover, Special Agent Aiden Cross, is just as invested and determined as Roman is to claim Scarlet as theirs.
This is a re-release of Centerfold, which has been expanded.

Ashe Barker has released Chameleon, a chance meeting, two strangers whose paths cross—in the same place at the same time, yet a world apart.
When mining engineer Ethan Savage spots the cloaked, veiled woman riding a donkey in the Moroccan desert, he thinks she wouldn’t look out of place in Biblical times. They pass, nod, smile politely and go their separate ways. But moments later, she rescues him from his crashed car, the first words she utters make Ethan realize that appearances can be deceptive. Shifting effortlessly between her traditional roots in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and her professional life as the Totally Five Star hotel doctor, Fleur is a human chameleon. At first irritated then amused by the handsome stranger, Fleur knows the assumptions he’s made about her. As their paths cross once more at the luxurious hotel, she realizes he, too, is not all he seems.

And here is an excerpt from Chameleon!

Christ, it’s hot.
Ethan straightened. Scowling, he ran his fingers across his brow and flicked off the moisture. He leaned into his car to retrieve a liter bottle of water and took a long drink. The liquid was warm, but still wet enough to help—a little. He returned to stand at the front of his car, leaning over the large geological chart spread out across the bonnet. He studied the details on the map, resting his hands on the curling paper in an attempt to smooth it out, only to wince as his palms flattened on the scorching metal of the car. He stood up again, fast, shaking his hands and cursing the heat, the dust, the general desolation that was this place.
Forty degrees Celsius and rising, and still not nine in the morning. He had maybe an hour’s work to do here before he could head back to the blessed, air-conditioned cool of the Totally Five Star hotel in the center of Marrakesh but that was eight miles away to the north. Here, in the arid desert—in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains—was where his friend James Conroy had it in mind to construct his latest project. It was why Ethan found himself out in the already searing heat, parked in the dust at the side of the long road leading from Marrakesh to Tahnaout, boiling his nuts and squinting at the glowing metal of his hire car.
James was CEO of the Totally Five Star chain of hotels, internationally renowned playgrounds of the rich, the famous and just occasionally the infamous. The Marrakesh Totally Five Star was without doubt the best hotel in the city, arguably in the whole of Morocco. Constructed in the style of a series of Arabian riads, it offered its exclusive clients a rare blend of privacy and luxury, an oasis of Western efficiency set against the backdrop of exotic Eastern tranquility. The Totally Five Star was a slice of authentic Eastern promise, but the water ran hot, the electricity never failed and the newspapers were in English.
Despite all this, James wasn’t satisfied with it. He loved horses and saw no reason why his guests should be denied this fine Arabian tradition. But downtown Marrakesh was not the right location for an equestrian themed leisure spa. For this, James would need space—lots of space. Ethan looked around him, turning a full three hundred and sixty degrees. No shortage of space here. Flat, endless, timeless space, shimmering away to the horizons in every direction. James had acquired an option to purchase several thousand acres of scorching desert, intending to transform it into an annex to his opulent hotel chain, this time catering to horse lovers. There would be the usual other spa facilities too, of course—swimming pools, Turkish baths, massage, beauty and health treatments—all the pampering that money and an abundance of leisure time could make possible.
But only if Ethan said so. James needed Ethan to complete the geological survey and tell him if this site was suitable for what he had in mind. He needed to be sure there were no hidden deposits of toxic substances, no subterranean instability rendering the location unsuitable for a major development. So he’d called his old school friend, Ethan Savage, now heading up his own company specializing in geological surveys. Savage Geo was just the firm James required to start this ball rolling, to help him take the first steps in turning his dream into reality.
This is what had brought Ethan here. This was why he now found himself sweltering in the morning heat of the Moroccan desert, his eyes scrunched into tight creases behind his dark Ray-Bans as he peered at the charts before him, matching the diagrammatic representation to the reality of the actual contours and hollows of this barren landscape. He’d need to do some bore holes, sink some test probes to check what was actually going on below the surface, but so far, he’d seen nothing to cause him any real concerns. This scheme of James’ might just work. Though Christ only knew how James would manage to recreate the lush cool of the Totally Five Star out here, where the very air vibrated in the heat.
On that thought, Ethan straightened again and took another long drink. As he bent to place the bottle back in the car, something caught his eye. A glimmer, a slight tremble of motion in the distance. He squinted back along the road as it snaked away across the hillside, shading his eyes to focus. Something glinted, shimmered, right out there on the horizon. He walked around to the boot of his car, where his field equipment lay stowed, and opened it to grab his binoculars from his rucksack. He raised them to his eyes, adjusted the focus and blinked in surprise as the hazy vision solidified.
A head. A woman by the look of it, heavily cloaked, emerging slowly over the horizon. Her pace slow, sedate, rolling slightly. Ethan watched, puzzled, but soon understood the reason for the curious gait. Another head, this one gray with long ears pointing straight toward the heavens—a donkey. As they crested the hill, Ethan saw that the cloaked woman sat astride the animal, perfectly in tune with its leisurely pace as the beast ambled placidly along the ribbon of tarmac. Neither the woman nor her mount appeared to be in a hurry. As Ethan watched through his binoculars, a pair of shoulders appeared, also shrouded in a heavy cloak, the fabric enveloping her small figure. She didn’t appear to be guiding the donkey. She had tucked her hands inside the drapes of her clothing, perhaps for protection from the searing heat. Her feet, too, were swathed within the cloak. The ethnic details in the brightly colored fabric crystallized as he watched. He suspected the multihued woolen fabric to be hand-woven. When the pair came fully into view, Ethan could make out panniers swaying on either side of the beast, one with a small, rolled up carpet peeking from it.
As they made their slow, unruffled progress down the road toward where he stood, Ethan dropped the binoculars onto the passenger seat, preferring to watch them with the naked eye. He stared, unashamed, as they drew nearer, taking in every detail of this pair, so incongruous almost anywhere else yet so perfectly placed here in this unchanging landscape. Ethan strolled to the rear of his car, resting his hip against the boot. He made no pretense of disinterest, not so much as a passing nod. His fascination was total.

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