Sue Swift's Blog: Welcome Back, Suzie!, page 17

Happy Holidays, everyone!

The charming and generous Victoria Blisse has arranged another blog tour that celebrates Christmas because–who can get enough holiday merriment and joy! Certainly not me, and because the blog hop is about holiday themed, of course there’s a gift–a $50 voucher to All Romance Ebooks, where you can pick up a few of the titles you enjoy. You’re automatically entered when you leave a comment.

I’ve picked a scene from one of my best selling novels to share with you. Walk Like A Man was originally published by Foive Star in an expensive but lovely $25 hardcover edition. Now it’s available from Etopia Press at prices that are much more wallet-friendly–the ebook retails at all the usual places for $5.99.

Here’s the blurb:

Macho quarterback Jim Wellman meets his match in bright and sassy physical therapist Marti Solis, who goads him out of his wheelchair, pushing him to walk again. Unlike every other woman Jim has wanted, she refuses to jump into the sack with the celebrity athlete. Though attracted to his bedroom smile and rugged good looks, she’s intimidated by his fame and turned off by his arrogance.
Can Jim become the lover Marti needs? Can he learn to walk like a man?
Set in California’s beautiful Napa Valley, this multicultural romance delivers humor and pathos, sparkling dialogue, layered characters, a heroine to root for and a hero who’s pure fantasy.
And here’s a little snippet from deep in the book to sharpen your appetite. The set-up is that Jim and Marti jooked up and of course it was amazing But Jim, involved with his legal case against his team, blurted out to her that his attorney didn’twant them to see wach other while his case was active. Marti took this as rejection–who wouldn’t?–and ran.

Neither Jim’s nor Marti’s Christmas was especially merry. Here’s a bit about what Jim was doing and feeling over the holiday:

“A white Christmas!” Shawna exclaimed with satisfaction. From inside the warmth of the living room, Jim, his best friend, and his sister surveyed the snow-covered lawn, which sloped down to the icy pond. “Just what I wanted!”
Jim raised his brows. “We’ll see if you’re still happy with the snow tomorrow when we have to dig out the


Walk Like A Man

http://tinyurl.com/6mn6hr9

driveway.”
Shawna giggled as Carl led her to a sofa near the fire, which crackled merrily in the big stone hearth. Jim watched as his sister and his friend laughed and flirted by the Christmas tree, which towered near the fireplace in his stone, wood, and glass home deep in the forest. A flash of envy jabbed through his heart, as sharp as the scalpels that had ruined his leg and torn apart his career. Why not me? What’s wrong with me?
He turned away from the joyous scene in his living room and stared out the window at the falling snow.
A presence at his side made him start. “What’s wrong, son?”
He slipped his arm around his mother’s still-slim waist. Karen Wellman hadn’t had many opportunities to gain weight while running after three active children and working two jobs. Later, when her sons had become successful, she’d started to enjoy the benefits of their wealth. A personal trainer was only one of the goodies Jim and Jack had been able to provide their mom.
Karen brushed Jim’s hair off his forehead with a gentle hand. “That wasn’t a rhetorical question, dear.”
He smiled. “Sorry. I was thinking.”
“Don’t work too hard. It’s Christmas. It’s a time to be happy, not to brood. And you’ve been very broody lately.”
“I know.” He gazed at the fluffy white puffs floating down outside the window without really seeing them. “I miss a friend, that’s all.”
“That girl Shawna told me about—what was her name—Marti?”
“Yeah. I really blew it bad, Mom.”
“So go get her back. You’ve never had trouble getting a woman before.”
“This one’s different.”
“Good. You need different.”
The harsh note in his mother’s voice surprised Jim. “I thought you liked Glenda.”
“I liked Glenda, and Rachel, and Wanda, and Trudi, and Margo, and all the rest of them in the same way I like reading Style magazine. Amusing but hardly essential.”
“I miss Marti. You’d like her. She’s more like Newsweek. She’s got substance.”
His mother smiled. “So what are you doing to get this substantial woman back into your life?”
He waved his hands helplessly. “I’ve done everything I could think of! Phoned, sent letters and flowers—I’ve even gone out to Napa to try to see her a couple of times. I can’t catch up with her at work—she’d blow a fuse—but I’ve stopped by her house a couple of times. Somehow, she’s never there. Once I stayed in Napa all night. I guess she was out of town or something.
“I don’t know what else to do, Mom.” His voice cracked, embarrassing the heck out of him, but he’d never bothered to keep his feelings to himself, and didn’t try now.
“Does she love you?”
“Well, she said so, and she’s a very truthful person. I think she’s avoiding me because I hurt her so much. I can’t really blame her, ‘cause I’ve been such a jerk.”
“Why?”
“I knew she was . . . well . . . not shy, but cautious, like those deer out there.” He gestured to a pair of does who picked their way through the snow toward one of the piles of fodder he and Shawna had put out for them. After every few steps they lifted their graceful heads, scanning the terrain for any dangers that might lurk in the surrounding forest. In contrast to their wariness, blue jays brawled loudly at a nearby bird feeder.
“Spooked her, huh?”
“Yeah, really bad. Norm Whitehead told me to stop seeing Marti until the case is over, and, like a fool, I told her.”
Karen winced. “Well, you know what they say. Nothing good comes easy. And you’ve had it pretty easy till this year.”
“I know. I’ve been lucky. But right now, I feel as though my luck’s run out.”
“You’ll think of something. You’re very resourceful, son. It’s one of your best qualities.”

If you enjoyed what you read, please check out the book at any online outlet, including:

http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Like-a-Man-ebook/dp/B0087IOG0W/

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-walklikeaman-814090-149.html

Remember to leave a comment in order to be entered into the drawing

Happy reading!

Sue Swift/Suz deMello

My guest today is Stephanie Burkhart, whose Green Rose has garnered all sorts of praise:

5 Stars, Scorching Book Reviews

I don’t read much romantic fantasy, but this was so well structured and so lovely, I could not put it down.

Author Stephanie Burkhart

Stephenia Mcgee, Author “A Legacy of Lies”

Stephanie Burkhart weaves a delightful blend of action, intrigue and adventure into her fantasy romance, The Green Rose.

Regina Andrews, Author of “Destiny’s Designs”

“The Green Rose” reaches the reader on an emotional level that rings very true and very sincere.

5 Stars, Amazon Reader, Sherry Chancellor

I’ve read a lot of Ms. Burkhart’s books and this one is right up there at the top of my list. She nails the medieval time period and her characters are well-rounded and their conflicts are really well done.

5 Stars, Tami Dee, Author of “The Mists of Time” Series

Fantasy lovers will devour this story, and for those who have yet to try a fantasy romance; this is a story that will draw you into the realm and have you searching for more.

5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader

Even if you are not a reader of romance, fantasy, and action/adventure stories, Stephanie Burkhart’s incredible skill will keep you engaged and deeply interested. Give it a try; I recommend it.

  5 Stars, Sue Perkins, Author of “Dragon Flame”

Like fantasy and magic? Then The Green Rose is a must for you.

BLURB:

Eight hundred years ago on the continent of Gaia, war rocked the countries of N’Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock. The fearsome wyldebeasts of the black east threatened to destroy the known world. King Xeres of Daháka gathered the most powerful magicians of Gaia along with Queen Rhysia of N’Gasse, King Erik of Ravenrock, and Nyla, the High Priestess of Tapin at Komodo Field.

Daháka brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N’Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.

Using the green rose, the nobles and peoples of Gaia fought the wyldebeasts, led by the dark wizard, Augustin. Once the evil threat was defeated, the Eastern Wall was built along Ravenrock’s borders to keep the foul wyldebeasts out of Gaia. Ravenrock was given the responsibility of guarding the 50,000 kilometer granite barrier.

King Xeres feared those who harbored evil in their hearts would seek the green rose. He tasked three witches to guard the flower and sent them into the heart of Tagrassé Forest.

Now, hundreds of years later, the peace of Gaia is once again threatened.

Enjoy this excerpt:

The Green Rose

The flower sent heat spiraling down his arm and throughout his limbs, comforting him, yet urging him to find the touch he needed. Ivánstan drew in a breath. Yes, now would be the perfect time to show Sonia the rose.

Let her come to you.

Was the rose talking to him or was that his own thought? He paused near the adjoining door to her room, his heart beating a wild tattoo in his chest. He felt like he’d torn down a wall that guarded her heart when she began using “Ivan” instead of “Ivánstan,” but would she come to him now?

The rose heated in his hand and the golden flecks of dust that clung to the malachite petals sparkled. A wave of heat radiated out toward the door, then faded.

Was the rose reacting to him? His emotions? Seeking out Sonia and her feelings? Shaking off the rose’s influence, he went to the door and raised his hand to knock. He was a man, after all, and his patience couldn’t take much more. It was time he told Sonia exactly how he felt.

Let her come to you.

The thought slammed into him and he paused, lowering his hand and resting his forehead against the door. By Xeres, he ached for her, he hungered for her, he needed her, but Sonia must come to him. A silent minute passed as he warred with his head and heart. Sonia had fought her attraction since the day they met. She needed encouragement. Straightening his shoulders, he raised his hand to knock again.

Gentle tapping against the door broke the silence. It opened a fraction. “Ivan?” Sonia’s voice was soft, yet insistent.

He took a step backward, thrilled she had initiated this encounter. “I’m here. Come in.”

She walked into his room wearing a bathrobe over a thin chemise. The bathrobe was not tied and loosely hung over her curving figure. Her thick, chestnut hair glistened in the firelight. She smelled of lavender and violets. His muscles tensed as his manhood hardened. He cleared his throat, but held his ground.

She folded her hands before her, glanced toward the fire, then turned to face him. “I wanted to tell you good night.”

He held the rose by the stem and placed the soft petals next to her cheek. She closed her eyes briefly, inhaling its sweet scent.

“It’s soft and warm,” she said.

“Is that all?”

Book Trailer:

The Green Rose is available as an ebook only.

Buy it here:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-280/The-Green-Rose-Stephanie/Detail.bok

http://amzn.com/B007QUBU2E

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109853031

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegreenrose-769936-143.html

Find Stephanie on the web at:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Yes, you heard right! Lucy Felthouse’s erotic romance novella, Off the Shelf, is FREE on Amazon for a limited time.

From 11th – 15th July ONLY, you will be able to download this hot erotic romance to your Kindle without spending a penny.

Already convinced? Grab it here:

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/8yvmb8g

Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/82nsuas

Need more convincing? Here’s more about the book:

At 35, travel writer Annalise is fed up with insensitive comments about being left on the shelf. It’s not as if she doesn’t want a man, but her busy career doesn’t leave her much time for relationships. Sexy liaisons with passing acquaintances give Annalise physical satisfaction, but she needs more than that. She wants a man who will satisfy her mind as well as her body. But where will she find someone like that? It seems Annalise may be in luck when a new member of staff starts working in the bookshop at the airport she regularly travels through. Damien appears to tick all the boxes; he’s gorgeous, funny and intelligent, and he shares Annalise’s love of books and travel. The trouble is, Damien’s shy and Annalise is terrified of rejection. Can they overcome their fears and admit their feelings, or are they doomed to remain on the shelf?

And a saucy excerpt  (over age 18 only please) to get you going…

Pushing the ‘on’ button, Annalise moved the vibrator down between her parted legs and eased it inside her eager pussy. As the ears of the Rampant Rabbit slid into position on her clit, she groaned with pleasure and rolled her hips, desperate to get more delicious friction. Then she pressed another button on the toy’s control panel to ramp up the power another notch. As much as she’d prefer a slower build-up to her orgasm, she just didn’t have the time. She had to leave for the airport in a couple of hours, and she hadn’t even packed her case. A quick knee-trembler would have to suffice.

As the vibrator buzzed away between her thighs, Annalise closed her eyes and tried to empty her mind of anything but the pleasure she was experiencing. After a brief flirtation with the thought that she’d much prefer a hot man between her legs bringing her to orgasm, Annalise simply enjoyed the feeling of her impending climax. The busily-vibrating bunny ears pressed tightly against her sensitive flesh soon had her pussy fluttering. Then, without warning, Annalise was quickly yanked onto her pleasure plateau and immediately pushed off, leaving her writhing and shouting on the bed as a powerful orgasm overtook her body.

Off the Shelf

Annalise arched her back as waves of pleasure crashed over her, and her cunt clenched and grabbed at the toy buried deep inside. Her swollen clit throbbed, quickly becoming too sensitive for the unrelenting stimulation from the vibrator. Switching it off and pulling out, Annalise dropped the toy onto the mattress by her side and gave a satisfied moan as she rode out the remainder of her climax. Finally, when the twitches and spasms had abated and her heart rate and breathing were almost back to normal, Annalise grabbed the Rabbit and rolled across to the side of her bed where the toy box was kept. She made short but thorough work of cleaning it, then reluctantly put it in its case, popped it into the small bedside cupboard and shut the door.

Annalise hated leaving her favourite toy behind when she went away, but she just wasn’t brave enough to take it with her. She usually only took carry-on luggage, and the very thought of the distinctive shape of the Rampant Rabbit popping up on the screen of the airport scanners made her shudder. It would be bad enough for the staff to see it on their monitors, knowing what it was and giving her knowing looks; imagine what would happen if they decided to check inside her bags! She would want to curl up and die of embarrassment, she just knew it.

No, it was much better off staying here. She could make do with her right hand for a few days. Even better, she might even meet someone. Annalise smiled. She’d had some pretty steamy encounters on her travels. The desk clerk in Dubai, the gym manager in Turkey, the waiter in Corfu…

Annalise shook herself. This wasn’t the time to let her mind wander down that path and get herself all worked up. She had to go and get ready now. There’d be plenty of time for daydreaming later, when she was in long and boring queues, and on the flight.

So go on, what are you waiting for? Bag your copy quick, while it’s FREE! And if you like it, be sure to leave a review for others to read.

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/8yvmb8g

Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/82nsuas

*****

Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story – so she did. It went down a storm and she’s never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, Decadent Publishing, Evernight Publishing, House of Erotica, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Summerhouse Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour, Seducing the Myth, Smut by the Sea and Smut in the City. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

It’s my pleasure to participate in this blog hop with not one but two of my books. I do love jocks and have been labeled one myself. That must have been because I earned a 2d degree black belt and used to play ice hockey. These days, being older and smarter, I do yoga. But when I played hockey, I wrote a murder mystery with hot pro hockey players, Puckheads. I’ll give a digital copy away to a lucky commenter.

Here’s what it’s about:

How far would you go to win your lifelong dream?

When Zoë Whipple agrees to make a documentary about a hockey team’s season, she doesn’t sign on for scandal, crime and murder. But she discovers that players, rabid to win the championship, don’t let

Jocks in July

morality or the law stand in the way of their ambitions.

When a rookie dies from cardiac arrest, Zoë is saddened but not suspicious until another player, in the grip of ’roid rage, goes berserk on the ice and ends up in the hospital. Digging into the mess reveals illegal painkillers and steroid abuse among most of the team. Zoë, whose reputation for honest filmmaking is at stake, threatens to expose the scandals.

Is her new lover, team captain “Crash” Crasseau, responsible for the harassment and vandalism meant to scare her into silence? When Crasseau’s ex-wife is murdered and Zoë’s daughter is threatened, Zoë must choose between her career ambitions and her child’s safety.

Here’s an excerpt:

Puckheads

Excerpt from Chapter Ten

Fingers entwined, they walked back to the hotel together in the chilly November night. Daniel stopped at her door and held out his hand for the key. Zoë handed it to him.

He asked, “Do you want me tonight?”

She looked at his craggy, unpretty face, and said, “Yes, I do.”

He nodded and opened the door.

Her room was dark and cold with the close, dank scent of hotel rooms everywhere. Crasseau lit the bedside lamp. Without a word, he turned to her, opening his arms. In two quick strides, she went into his embrace, snuggling, allowing the warmth to turn to heat and passion.

He slid big hands into her hair and tilted her head so he could kiss her mouth with a patient thoroughness that left her breathless and hungry for him.

Denying her want had been a lie. Worse, it had been a waste of time. In the foolish belief that they’d have forever, she’d thrown away so much time that she could have spent with Paul. Now she swore to herself she’d never again make the same mistake.

She began to tug at Crash’s clothes and he at hers, leaving coats, scarves, hats in a pile on the floor.

Easing her onto the bed, Daniel knelt to take off her boots. “Are you sure about this, Zoë?” He didn’t know why he’d asked because he’d jump out the window if she said no, she wasn’t sure, and could he please leave while she decided?

A moment passed during which he died twenty deaths before she said, “Yes, I’m sure. If only to get you out of my system.” She gave him the kind of apologetic smile that girls give when they really aren’t sure.

He shoved aside his insecurity and laughed softly. “I’ll take you any way I can, but this is somewhat more than putting Part A into Slot B, eh?”

She went pink. Or was that from the chill? Then she whispered, “Yes, it is.”

Her boots off, he removed her socks and began to rub her cold, narrow feet.

Zoë gazed at Crasseau’s dark blond hair. The entire event had taken on an atmosphere of unreality. From the moment he’d whirled her out of her hotel room to experience Montreal on a November night, she’d been separated from her ordinary life.

The commitment she’d made crashed down on her. She was going to have sex with this man. She was going to let him strip her naked, take away her defenses, and then put a part of himself inside her.

Puckheads, romantic suspense from Ellora’s Cave

She began to shake, and he rose to embrace her trembling body. He kissed her, using lips and tongue and teeth until she shook not from fear but from pleasure.

“Take my clothes off, please, Zoë.”

That he’d said please meant everything. She tugged at his sweater, unbuttoned his shirt, unbuckled the odd belt he liked to wear. She ran the strip of badly tooled leather through her fingers and wanted to ask him about it, but decided to leave the question for a better time.

The zipper of his trousers rasped loudly in the room, quiet except for their harsh exhalations. Naked, he reached for her, holding her close again, kissing her mouth as though he never wished to stop. But she was ready to move on. She pulled away, and at the sudden hurt on his face, said, “Too hot,” and yanked her sweater over her head. She’d skipped a bra, and her breasts, now free, bobbed and swayed, crinkling at the tips in the cool air of the hotel room.

He tumbled her onto the bed and hauled at her jeans, getting them down to her knees before he buried his face in her muff. “Ahhh.” His sigh was that of a happy man.

“Do you like…”

He raised his head, eyes gleaming in the soft bedside light. “Oh yeah. I like. I like a lot.”

She laughed with relief, knowing that it would be all right, probably much better than all right. He tugged at the hems of each pant leg, taking off the jeans.

Her skin prickled. She flung the spread down to the foot of the bed and hauled at the sheets and blankets. Burrowing under the bedclothes, she reached for him.

They cuddled together in bed, letting body warmth fill the space before they began to make love.

She touched and explored and kissed. Crash’s body was a wonder. She couldn’t evade comparisons with Paul, lean and tanned, who’d been a Southern California beach boy before he’d attended med school. Crasseau was the opposite, pale and bulky, but shapely in an aggressive, male way. Learning his body would take more than one short night.

At the thought, she tensed. She hadn’t considered a continuing relationship with Daniel Crasseau. Did she want that?

He stroked her breasts, and asked, “What?”

“There is so…much of you.”

He laughed. “And so little of you, ma petite Zoë. I could eat you up.”

“Who’s stopping you?”

So he did, and when she was wet and quivering and satisfied, he pushed into her. She was deliciously tight, almost too snug, and he guessed that he was her first since her husband had died. He wanted her all the more but managed to control his savage urge to take her hard and long. He wouldn’t pound on this delicate creature. She’d honored him with her trust, and betrayal was unthinkable.

He held back, moving slowly inside her until she cried out again, clutching his shoulders with a pure, feminine greed.

Author Sue Swift

Then he let go and fell into the bliss of Zoë’s love.

Like what you read?

You can buy it at Ellora’s Cave, and at a reduced price of 99 cents! 

Happy reading!

If you want to continue the blog hop, go here for a list.

 And here’s a little about me.

Best-selling, award-winning author Sue Swift, a.k.a Suz deMello, has written over fifteen novels, plus several short stories and non-fiction articles. She writes in numerous genres including romance, mystery, paranormal, historical, contemporary comedy and erotica. She’s a freelance editor who’s worked for Total-E-Bound, Ai Press, Liquid Silver Books and Etopia Press. She also takes on private clients.
Her books have been favorably reviewed in PW, Kirkus and Booklist, attained the finals of the RITA and reached the top ten on a bestseller list.
A former trial attorney, she resides in northern California. Her passion is world travel, and she’s left the US over a dozen times, including stints working overseas for many months. Right now, she’s working on her next manuscript and planning her next trip.
Her blog is at http://www.fearlessfastpacedfiction.com. Find her reading picks @ReadThis4fun on Twitter, and befriend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SueSwift ). Her sites are at http://www.sue-swift.com and http://www.suzdemello.com.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Sue! And be sure to drop over to my blog, www.jasminehaynes.blogspot.com, for an excerpt of Sue’s Spy Game!

Let’s get right to the meat of my topic here. Have you ever been cheated on? Have you lived through the heartache? Did you stay and pretend you didn’t know? Did you forgive him or her? Or did you do something about it, gotten a little payback, exacted revenge?

And there’s the premise of Take Your Pleasure. Natalie catches her boyfriend, and there’s no mistaking what he’s doing! Unless you talk to him, of course. He’s got an excuse! Can you believe it? My husband would call me a plot spoiler if I told you what his paltry excuse was, so I won’t ruin that fun. But what is Natalie to do? If you ask her boss, Lincoln Masters, a little payback is in order. That’s what Take Your Pleasure is all about–payback, turning the tables. And having a whole lot of naughty fun while they’re doing it. But what if, in the process of chastising her fickle boyfriend, Natalie discovers that she likes a little bit of punishment from her boss?

Here’s a little excerpt of this naughty BDSM-lite story.

Take Your Pleasure

 Excerpt of Take Your Pleasure

Copyright 2012 Jasmine Haynes

Natalie wanted to gag. It had been such a shitty week. Mr. Masters was right about everything. She’d failed him miserably, made so many mistakes. He was a hard taskmaster, but she’d always measured up, always delivered more than required. Until last weekend, when she’d walked in on Van with that woman. Now she couldn’t stop replaying those images in her mind, and they seemed to overshadow everything else she was supposed to be doing on the job.

She’d been with Van for two years. At thirty years old, with her own home and a solid job, Natalie had even considered taking the next step with him, moving in together. How could he do that to her? And how could he do that with some horrible woman dressed head-to-toe in skintight leather?

 There wasn’t a single bulge on her lithe form.

 Natalie shuddered to think of her own body packed into all that leather. But the worst was the noises he’d made, the sighs, the moans, the cries, the groans of pleasure. He’d never sounded like that with Natalie, never gone utterly wild when she touched him. Not even in the beginning.

“Miss Beaumonde, are you listening to me?”

Oh God. “Of course, sir.” What had he said?

She certainly couldn’t tell Mr. Masters all her personal problems. First of all, she wouldn’t receive an ounce of sympathy. Second, he didn’t believe personal issues should ever get in the way of work. Honestly, neither did she.

He rounded the end of his desk and paced behind her in a semicircle. She didn’t dare turn her head to look at him despite the itch along her spine. You never wanted Mr. Masters at your back when he was pissed at you. Though when he was on your side, there was no greater ally.

“I’m very displeased, Miss Beaumonde, and, quite frankly, shocked.” His breath was at her ear. “This isn’t like you.”

She’d worked for the company for five years and as his executive assistant for a year. She’d always done an exceptional job for him.

“So…” Coming to rest beside her, he lowered his voice to an almost seductive pitch. With his tall form only in her peripheral vision, feeling him next to her rather than seeing him clearly enhanced the effect. His tone was like warm maple syrup drizzled down her spine and licked all the way back up. “You have a decision, my dear,” he finished softly.

She suppressed the urge to shiver. It wasn’t the thing to get turned on by your boss’s voice, especially when you were on the rebound from catching your boyfriend with another woman. “Yes, sir,” she whispered. “I’ll do whatever I can to make it up to you.”

“You most certainly will, Miss Beaumonde.” Facing her, he leaned back against his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. “Now here’s your choice.” He cocked an eyebrow. “You can tell me what issue has put your job second on your list of priorities.” After a pause, he added, “In detail.”

Oh no no no. She stared at the desktop rather than meet his gaze. Even now, remembering Van’s wild abandon and his total pleasure at the hands of another woman was demoralizing. Natalie had suddenly had it slammed in her face that she wasn’t woman enough for him. And she certainly couldn’t describe what she’d seen.

So, uh, no, not gonna tell Mr. Masters a thing.

“Or,” her boss went on inexorably when she said nothing, “you can bend over my desk, lift your skirt, and take the spanking you so richly deserve.”

Hmm, well, that sounds like Natalie’s getting the punishment, not her erstwhile boyfriend Van! Ah, but that will come later. I hope you enjoyed this little excerpt of Take Your Pleasure. Please visit my website, www.jasminehaynes.com, to learn more about all my books and read more excerpts. July brings us Smashwords summer/winter sale! You can try Double the Pleasure, Dead to the Max, and Revenge Sex for free! Just go to my Smashwords page: http://bit.ly/RcUiWd.

A little bit about me:

Jasmine Haynes, RITA finalist for Somebody’s Lover and two-time Holt Medallion and National Readers Choice Award winner, is the author of over 30 classy, erotic romance tales. Look for more in the West Coast series coming soon. She’s also the author of the award-winning Max Starr psychic mystery series, www.jbskully.com. And don’t miss her writing as Jennifer Skully, www.jenniferskully.com, KOD Daphne award-winning author, bringing you poignant tales peopled with hilarious characters that will make you laugh and make you cry. Visit her website at www.jasminehaynes.com and her blog at www.jasminehaynes.blogspot.com

My guest blogger today is erotic romance novelist LILY HARLEM who, with Natalie Dae, has written a fabulously filthy book.

Thanks so much for having me here today, Suz. I am going to chat a little about co-authoring which is something I’ve had the great pleasure of becoming involved in over the last year. My partner in erotic writings is Natalie Dae (also known as Emmy Ellis and Sarah Masters to name a few of her personas).

Natalie Dae and I have our first co-authored novel, That Filthy Book, available in print and e-book, published by Total-E-Bound.

How did it all start?

Well, we became friends as we have a mutual editor and got chatting on the loop. It wasn’t long before we realised that we lived within a few hours of one another which meant, at a UK writing event, we had the chance to meet up—enormous fun that included plenty of wine, tons of gossip and great entertainment!

By this point we had been beta reading each other’s work (Nat is also a whizz at anything arty so had helped me out with bits and pieces I was completely hopeless at), and we knew one another’s style pretty well.

One day, a month or so after finally meeting face-to-face, she sent me a first chapter. “I’m having a wobble,” she said. “Read this before I go any further and tell me if its complete poo.” I’m sure any authors reading this will know exactly what she meant. I certainly did!

Anyway, I read it and it wasn’t complete poo at all; it was bloody brilliant. Great characters, fab introspection, all in all a really wonderful set-up, but still she scratched her head, unsure of where to go with it, so I said, not wanting to waste any of her lovely words, “How about I write the next chapter?” The reply: “Go for it!”

So I did and it was raw, sexy—in fact, downright filthy! Nat loved it, and not only that, we both felt like we’d just put our characters on the biggest, most thrilling roller-coaster in the world and we were going to have to hang on for the seriously wild ride we’d sent them on.

We were off…

Writing together became a complete, chocolate-with-sprinkles indulgence. We would do a chapter each and pass it on, amazing ourselves at the twists and turns in the plot as we wrote. Of course, we had an idea of where we were going, but it was very loose. But that was the beauty of ‘the book’—it went where our characters wanted it to go.

One thing I found amazing was how we both knew the hero and heroine so well. There was never a time either of us questioned, “Would he/she do/say that?” Everything was seamless, the decisions they made, their actions—even if heart-stoppingly shocking—worked perfectly. Sometimes, at editing, I would read it back and think, “Who wrote that? Me or Nat?” Which must ultimately be a very good sign.

What did I learn?

Writing with someone not only talented but also with a beautiful vibrant use of the English language was wonderful. I learnt a lot as we wrote, experimented too, because it was safe to. Also there was never a ‘writer’s block moment’ or a ‘bugger, now what?’ because Nat knew the novel as well as me so it was only ever a quick question and it was flowing again. We bounced it off one another, quite literally.

That Filthy Book was actually written over just a few weeks; we got into a routine that suited us and the word count ramped up. It was then accepted by Total-E-Bound, and Nat, with her other head on as Head of Art at TEB did the amazing cover. I have to say, when she sent it to me I couldn’t stop looking at it. I blew it up to full screen and just stared

BDSM erotic romance

and stared and stared. I even got up in the middle of the night and stared again!

I knew we had the characters running parallel in our heads, like they were real people we both knew, but when I saw the images she’d created I was staggered by how she’d brought to life what was in my mind’s eye. Everything about Karen and Jacob was right. From their expressions, to their hair colour, physique, and the way Karen is just undoing Jacob’s shirt while they both look shifty. Perfection!!

I feel very privileged not to be only writing with Nat, but also able to call her my friend and confidant. And I hope in years to come, when we have many more co-author titles, we will be able to look back fondly on That Filthy Book and say “remember when?”

Thanks so much for letting me chatter today. Below are a few kind words said about That Filthy Book by reviewers and a little more information about the novel itself.

Fallen Angel Reviews :  This book is intense. I have never read such a hot, sexy, raw book. I loved it…I recommend that every woman read this book, because unless you experience it for yourself, I am not sure I can convey the emotion this book evokes. Read the book. You won’t be disappointed.

Beyond Romance:  …a steamy example of romantic erotica, with a sex scene in practically every chapter. However, what impressed me most about this book was the authors’ skill in conveying Karen’s doubts and insecurities…If you want to be convinced that there is indeed (super-hot!) sex after marriage, buy this filthy but delightful book.

Erotica For All:  …it’s incredibly kinky, dirty and totally lives up to its name. But it’s much more than that too – fabulously well written, engaging and heartwarming…So if you’re looking for a smokin’ hot read with lashings of romance and a beautiful relationship, then you should definitely check out That Filthy Book.

  Blurb:

Out of sight, out of mind. Or so I thought, but it turns out an old, dog-eared book with contents so filthy and so depraved that I’d been forced to hide it after reading, has sank deeper into my erotic subconscious than I’d ever imagined. Luckily though, Jacob is up for exploring the new side of me that has risen to the surface after all these years.

In a whirlwind of wanton adventures that push us to the limits of our sexuality, we begin to re-discover what it once was that had us screaming with pleasure and how to accept that nothing will ever be the same again between us.

Reader Advisory: This book contains bondage, BDSM and an element of dubious consent within a consensually acted out rape scenario.

  Excerpt From: That Filthy Book (18+):

It seemed Lady Luck had joined us for our journey, giving the green light for all our needs to be met only three days after my confession of what I really wanted him to do with that branch.

Jacob’s parents had asked if they could take the girls to a circus on Saturday night. It started at eight, didn’t finish until ten, so they’d suggested it was more sensible that they keep them until Sunday morning, possibly Sunday afternoon if the children fancied having a roast dinner with them at the local pub.

I was not about to turn that opportunity down, especially when Jacob had been hot for the idea of outside sex. In fact, he’d been more than up for it, and the excited glint in his eye when I’d held up the carefully stripped bark had sent a tremble to my very core. Something told me I’d hit another very dark and very sinful nerve of his.

But always one to think of others, Jacob had already promised to help a work colleague move house on the Saturday. I didn’t mind too much because it left me with an empty afternoon to prepare for our evening of fun. I started with a pamper accompanied by a glass of wine, treating myself to a cucumber face mask, sugar body scrub, shave—including my pussy—manicure and pedicure and finally a generous slathering of body butter.

It left me feeling tingly and smooth, as if my body was honed and prepared. The thought of my silky, clean skin and perfectly neat red nails out in the open, amongst dirt and leaves, with the sootiness of bark mould smudged randomly over my body had me panting with excitement. I could just imagine mud squelching around my toes and the creamy skin of my wrists worn red by ropes. And the image of my arse marked raw by the branch, well, that had me feeling like a sacrificial offering.

For I knew that this evening I would be handing myself over to nature, to Jacob, and to my own darkest desires. The bare bones of my soul were about to be revealed. No holds barred, no chance to hide. They were the very skeleton of me that only Jacob would ever set eyes on.

When the dipping sun sent lilac and crimson fingers darting over the horizon I was ready—more than ready. I’d had a light tea and another glass of wine, resisted the temptation to masturbate—just—and saved myself for my husband.

The front door opened with a whoosh, then shut with a resounding slam. I spun from the kitchen window where I’d been staring at the darkening copse.

The copse that was ready and waiting.

Heavy footsteps banged down the hall. Loud and resolute, the sound reverberated around my head.

This was it. There was no turning back.

I didn’t want to. Not for anything.

The door swung open, and there he stood, with his broad shoulders filling the frame and his head bowed slightly. He pulled his brows low and set his jaw. A small muscle flexed and unflexed in his cheek.

“Get down on your knees, bitch.”

I gasped at the completely thrilling sound of his bad man’s voice and folded my legs until my knees landed on the freshly swept lino. He was so feral, so dominant, not Jacob the protector, the carer. No, tonight I had Jacob the master, the taker, the giver of sinful pleasure.

Between one breath and the next he was in front of me, his groin level with my face and his hands on his hips. The scent of man and hard physical work washed over me, as well as perhaps a hint of a greasy spoon cafe where he’d no doubt been treated to pie and chips for the efforts of his day.

“Take out my cock.”

Buy links: 

Total-E-Bound http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1604

  Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/That-Filthy-Book-ebook/dp/B008G6RYF4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341137488&sr=8-2&keywords=that+filthy+book

  Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/That-Filthy-Book-ebook/dp/B008G6RYF4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341221078&sr=8-2

  All Romance eBooks – http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thatfilthybook-857334-147.html

  Author Bios:

Natalie Dae is a multi-published author in three pen names writing several genres. She lives with her husband, children, and three cats in an English village. She writes full time and is also a cover artist and blog designer. In another life she was an editor. Her other pen names are Sarah Masters and Charley Oweson. Website: www.emmyellis.com

Lily Harlem is an award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance and writes for Total-E-Bound, Ellora’s Cave and Xcite as well as featuring in numerous UK and US anthologies. She lives in the UK and since giving up a career in nursing adores indulging a decidedly naughty side of her personality by writing ultra-sexy stories. Website: www.lilyharlem.com

A hot new novella from Lisa Fox.

A Matter of Lust from Ellora’s Cave

 

I can hear you now: “A hot cover,” you say, “But what’s it about?”

Trask is a lust demon on the hunt for a playmate, a human exceptional enough to sate some of his ravenous hunger. When he finds Rena, he knows that she is the one he must have. He makes it his business to seduce her.

 
Rena is immediately drawn to Trask. She could easily fall for the dangerously sexy bad boy who makes her scream every time he makes her come, but the problem with bad boys is that they’re actually bad. They break girls’ hearts and hers has been broken too many times already. One more crack might shatter it forever.
 
Trask claims Rena for his own, but she needs more than just sizzling sex. She wants to trust him, but can they ever share anything more than lust?

An Excerpt From: A MATTER OF LUST

Copyright © LISA FOX, 2012

All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One

The deep, melodic trance music vibrated through Trask’s body as he prowled the crowded dance floor. He was hungry, so very, very hungry, and the time had come for him to find a willing partner for the night. Any one of the mortals undulating around him would have sufficed, but so far none of them appealed to him. The need gnawed at his insides, but he waited, searching for the one. Over his long years among the humans, he’d learned that it always paid to be a little bit discriminating. It made the feast so much more gratifying.

He sidestepped around a young woman, his shoulder accidentally brushing against hers. He felt her body temperature rise as he passed, the lust that had been simmering just below the surface swelling to a fevered pitch within her. She grabbed her companion and kissed him ferociously, shamelessly rubbing herself against him. She wasn’t the only one affected by his presence either. Potent waves of raw sexual energy radiated from him, infecting the air around him, threatening to turn the club into one giant orgy. Trask smiled at the thought.

He cruised the dance floor, reveling in the exquisite thrill of his hunt. Human lust was such a decadent treat, so very different from the desperate lust of the damned in hell, and it filled this ordinarily dull world with brilliant light and added depth to the darkest shadows. He could feel it oozing from the dancers, the men and the women, sweating and panting, touching and grinding, their bodies writhing in time with the music. Tension built in his groin and he welcomed the pure, straining delight.

He stopped suddenly, the prickling at the base of his spine alerting him to the presence of another demon nearby. Not a lust demon like himself, but something similar. Pride maybe, or perhaps wrath? He couldn’t quite get a fix on it. He waited, wondering if it was going to make contact. Often other demons haunting and hunting the human realm wanted to meet, to plot and plan and scheme, to “raise some hell” or whatever, but he got the impression that it was occupied with something else entirely. Which was just fine with him. He’d never been the social sort.

The music changed and a thumping bass beat poured out of the speakers. Trask shook off the psychic residue of the other and worked his way toward the bar. He ordered a bourbon on the rocks and leaned back, happily absorbing the intoxicating atmosphere while scanning the crowd for his potential playmate.

His gaze fell upon a woman on the edge of the dance floor in a short, black dress that hugged every curve of her luscious body. Her violently dyed red hair was piled high on her head and sexy tendrils escaped to frame her heart-shaped face. There was a hint of rosy flush on her smooth, round cheeks and the way her hips swayed to the music made his cock stir.

Trask placed his drink aside and unconsciously ran his tongue over his teeth as he glided toward her. She was tall, probably close to six feet in her heels, but he still had to lean down to whisper close to her ear. “Hello,” he purred, breathing in her clean scent of shampoo and roses and woman.

She turned slowly toward him, her gaze roaming over his face, his body, and he got the distinct impression that she was mentally undressing him. He certainly hoped she was. She obviously liked what she saw because a smile blossomed on her glossy, pink lips. “Hi.”

The instant, piercing sexual tension between them made his blood surge. He reached out with a fine strand of psychic energy and lightly dipped into her primal core. Trask hissed as desire coiled in his groin. She was sweet ambrosia, a succulent feast just waiting to happen and his cock ached to sink inside her, to make her come again and again while he fed on all that glorious lust. “You are very beautiful,” he said, savoring the tiny taste of her fire.

“Uh-huh,” she said, mischief and humor making her eyes sparkle. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

Trask laughed. He liked this woman. “I think I might be in love with you,” he said, beginning the game. It was a line that had worked many times before—the humans always seemed enchanted and amused by the concept, but it was a hollow sentiment, something meant to elicit a grin and nothing more. But as the words left his mouth, they felt different this time, almost as if they had…weight.

“Are you sure it’s love you feel?” she asked, a smile dancing along the corners of her mouth. Her eyes flicked down to his crotch. “Or something else entirely?”

“Now I know I’m in love,” he replied, the lust coursing through his veins. She was perfect. Fun. Bold. Smoking hot. And she was going to be his. All night long. He reached out and traced the curve of her cheek with his index finger. Her skin was flawless, warm and silky. “What’s your name?”

She paused and an odd, little smile formed on her lips. “Does it matter?”

Normally it wouldn’t matter—in fact, there was no reason why it should matter, but for some reason it did matter. It mattered a lot. “Yes.”

Her smile changed, softened, and Trask was awestruck by just how simply beautiful she was. “Rena. My name is Rena.”

“Rena.” He liked the way it rolled off his tongue.

“And what about you?” she asked, leaning closer to him. He looked straight down into her very ample cleavage and took his time enjoying that magnificent view. His fingers itched to caress that soft skin, to feel the weight of her full, round breasts in his hands. “Do you have a name? Or should I just call you the sexy Darkman of my dreams?”

“I do like the sound of that.” He wondered if his presence was affecting her, making her more daring than she’d normally be or if this was just her nature. He had the power to inspire humans to say and do outrageous things simply by standing beside them. His gaze touched on her flamboyant red hair and he thought—hoped—that it was her and not a consequence of his influence. “But Trask is so much shorter and to the point.”

“Trask,” she said, and he had to admit, he liked the way his name sounded on her lips. He couldn’t wait to hear her scream it. Her eyes trailed over him, her gaze a provocative caress that sent hot, tingling ripples down his spine. “So, now that you’ve declared your love, what happens next?”

“Oh, you know, the usual.” He caught hold of a loose strand of her hair and twined it around his fingers. The tension between them rocketed up a few notches and he inhaled the essence of her arousal, breathing it deep into his body, relishing the flavor of her. “A whirlwind romance, storybook marriage, honeymoon in Paris.”

“Followed swiftly by a quickie divorce in Mexico, right?”

Her voice was tinged with unmistakable venom and the bitterness sliced through the hazy, plush cloud of their lust. Startled by the mental slap in the face, Trask dropped his hand back to his side. Darkness deepened around him as anger settled in. He did not like this turn of events at all. “What makes you think I’d do anything quick with you?”

“I see,” she said, and he watched her features soften as her mood shifted. Humans were so extraordinarily complex. He didn’t think he’d ever understand their ability to feel so much, so quickly and thoroughly, even when those emotions were completely contradictory. Demons were defined by their desires, embodiments of the thing they hungered after. There was never a reason for a demon to feel anything more than his driving need. Everything else just got in the way of the goal.

Her bitterness ebbed away, gone almost as quickly as it had come, and she favored him with a dazzling, flirtatious smile. “You’re a slow-and-steady kind of guy then?”

“Oh yes,” he said, returning her grin. “And I always win in the end.”

She laughed, a lovely, musical sound that tugged at his insides. She leaned into him, a whisper of space between them and he could feel the heat of her body on his skin. “Hmm,” she said, and bit down on her lower lip. Her fingers flitted over his collarbone. “I do like confidence.”

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Then you’re definitely going to like me.”

BUY LINK:  http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10190-a-matter-of-lust.aspx

 

About the Author:

World-renowned neurosurgeon, jet fighter pilot, secret member of American royalty, seducer of legions of beautiful, outrageously sexy angels and demons and vampires and werewolves and the occasional pirate, Lisa Fox has done it all…in her own mind. In reality, she can generally be found at her desk with a cup of coffee close at hand. Or maybe a martini. It really depends on the day.

Feedback, comments, opinions, words of wisdom, chocolate cake and the addresses of super hot men are always appreciated and encouraged. Please feel free to contact Lisa any time.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lisafoxromance.com

Twitter: @LisaFoxRomance

 

 

 

 

 

 

My guest today is not a single author but a group. Edited by Victoria Blisse, this collection of erotic tales features Sara York, Elyzabeth Va Ley, AJ Jarrett, Meg Wesley and Julie Lynn Hayes.

Here’s what it’s about:

Sometimes true love is reluctant to blossom and needs a little bit of coaxing. But a strong will and a heart filled with determination will triumph every time! The authors of the Bigger Briefs present to you these m/f tales of lovers who just need a gentle prod to push them into the relationship they’ve been yearning for.

Here’s an excerpt from Just One Dateby AJ Jarrett:

Reluctant Romance

Lori very carefully re-folded the twenty and put it safely in her pocket. She didn’t want to run the chance of smearing the numbers any more than they already were.

Confidence fueled her steps as she checked on the last of her customers. It wasn’t her imagination. Julian really was checking her out. But for what? He was a sophisticated looking guy, what could he possibly want with her? Probably looking for an easy lay.

Her heart sank a little at that notion. Nothing ever came easy in her life and it was no use getting her hopes set too high that Julian really liked her. All she could offer was love, and sometimes that just wasn’t enough.

* * * *

The twenty dollar bill propped up against her bedside lamp taunted her. Every time she saw it she was tempted to call, but she hadn’t. The fear of disappointment was just too high. By not calling Julian, the fantasy of the unknown wouldn’t be crushed if he did turn out to be a slimy bastard who only wanted one thing.

It had been three days since she saw Julian. He hadn’t tried to contact her and that was telling in itself . Had he truly wanted to get to know her, then he would have called the pizzeria or stopped by. But he hadn’t.

The crowd was light for a Tuesday evening. She tended to her tables in a mundane fashion. Just going through the motions until she could go back to her apartment and stare at the stupid twenty again. At a set of numbers she would never ever have the courage to call.

It was fifteen minutes to closing when the bell chimed on the front door. She didn’t have the energy to shout a greeting or tell them they’d be closing soon. One of the other waitresses could handle it.

At a light tap on her shoulder, she clasped her chest in fear as she spun around. Her mouth fell open; Julian stood in front of her, a shocked expression on his face, his hands held up in the air.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Just as her heartbeat had started to fall back to a normal rhythm, it spiked again. The object of her desire stood right in front of her, his upper lip curled into a very enticing grin.

Reluctant Romance: Guys and Girls is available here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008D4PL5E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B008D4PL5E&linkCode=as2&tag=lucyfelthouse-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B008D4PL5E

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008D4PL5E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lucyfelt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008D4PL5E

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-reluctantromanceguysandgirls-836958-144.html

http://1placeforromance.com/erotica/reluctant-romance-guys-and-girls/prod_8074.html

 

Happy reading!

The amazing Victoria Blisse has arranged a Blisse Kiss by the Sea  Summer Snog tour for us, so I’m calling this post the Snog by the Sea, presented especially in honour of the summer solstice.


Snog by the Sea 2012

This kiss is from Spy Game, forthcoming in digital format from Etopia Press. I don’t have the new cover yet, so you’ll have to make do with the cover from the hardcover version which was published by Five Star a few years ago.
In Spy Game, fledgling agent Ani Sharif has finally been assigned to her first undercover mission—to seduce software tycoon Richard Rexford, known as the fearsome T-Rex of Silicon Valley. He’s suspected of selling software secrets to the Chinese. Ani must succeed at her first assignment, but will handsome, clever Richard uncover her secrets and seize her heart?
And here’s your sexy seaside snog:
“Time for act two,” Richard said.
Ani dragged in a breath. “Act two? What’s that?”
He went to the closet and removed a paisley-printed robe. Patterned in red and blue, it looked like silk. After shrugging it on and belting it, he extracted something else.
Something long and silken.
Twisted silk cords, the kind she’d seen tying back heavy brocade curtains. These were a dark, metallic gray.
Like chains.
He turned. The cords dangled from his fingers. He smiled.
Her cheeky mood evaporated. Her heart thudded against her chest wall, a wild bird desperate to escape the cage. But she didn’t move.
“Come with me.”
She reached for her sweater.
“No,” he said. “Just as you are. Naked.”
“Outside? You’re kidding, right?” She searched his face.
He grinned. “Outside. Come along, now.”

Spy Game from Five Star. New version SOON from Etopia Press!

Remembering her agreement, she gulped and followed him topside. Out on deck, Ani discovered that Richard was right. No other boats were in sight. Land was a narrow brownish strip on the eastern horizon. The only sounds were waves slapping against the boat’s hull, the cries of seabirds, and his breaths, puffing warm against her nape.
Despite their isolation, she felt unbearably exposed, her naked vulnerability heightened. The spicy sea breeze stiffened her nipples and slid over the tender skin inside her thighs, caressing her body with cool, flowing fingers. But the sunshine had pooled and warmed the wooden decks, including…
Including a padded lounge chair, draped with quilts, set in the middle of the deck.
Richard sat on the lounge and reached for her.
She resisted. “You want to—”
“Yep.”
“Out…out here?” She gestured at the open ocean.
“You got it.” He pulled her onto his lap. His erection poked out of the slit in the robe, jabbing her in the thigh. He adjusted so it slipped between her legs. She sighed and shifted, wanting him against the sweetest spot.
“This is weird,” she said. “I feel as though someone could come along at any time.”
“True enough. That’s part of the fun of it. Anyone could come along at any time, but right now, it’s just you, me, and the sea gulls.”
Reaching around her, he looped one end of the cord around her wrist, then pulled it behind her back. He captured the other. He tugged the silken rope tight and tied her wrists together in some elaborate manner; a sailor’s knot, she supposed. He’d left plenty of rope, using it to loosely wrap her forearms together.
The position arched her back, causing her breasts to thrust out, exposed and available. He took their unspoken invitation, cupping them with skilled fingers. The heat from the sun melded with the warmth of his hands.
“I don’t want anyone seeing me like this.”
“I’m seeing you. Is that all right?”
“Ye-es.”
“You don’t sound convinced.”
“I’m not.”
“Too bad. You’re mine now. Ever since I saw you with that chain around your ankle I wanted you this way.” His whisper was husky, rough, sexy.
He nuzzled her neck, and she thought she’d come apart from want. She leaned against his silk-clad chest, trying to breathe.
Richard’s big palms covered her aching breasts and she moaned, wanting him with a desperation she didn’t understand. He left her breasts and grabbed fistfuls of her hair, drawing her head back so he could cover her mouth with nibbling kisses that heightened her craving for completion.
“Richard, oh, Richard, please, please…”
He laid a row of tiny bites along her jaw and down her neck. “What? Please, what?”
“You know what. Please.”
“Tell me what you want,” he growled into her throat.
“I can’t say it! You know I can’t.” Ani’s mind blanked.
“Say it.”
She gabbled something in Arabic.
“In English, sweetheart.” He feathered his lips along her neck, soothing where he’d savaged.

Sue Swift/Suz deMello

“Inside me. Please.” She squirmed on his lap, seeking his entry.
With a tug, he loosened the cords binding her; they fell away, dropping onto the deck. “Turn around, honey, and face me.”
Oh, no. She’d have to look into those laser-bright eyes, the ones that saw her secret desires. But she couldn’t refuse, could she?
He’d untied her bonds, so she wasn’t bound with anything but her word, and her love. 
Learn more about my books at my sites and at my Amazon pages,
https://www.amazon.com/author/sueswift
 https://www.amazon.com/author/suzdemello
Happy reading!

She got me! That is, Victoria Blisse tagged me to participate in the Lucky Seven blog challenge, open only to writers. Here’s how it works: You go to your work in progress, head to page 7 or 77, count down 7 lines, then post the next seven sentences, no matter what they are.

So here’s a selection from Desire in Tartan, the sequel to Temptation in Tartan. It takes place just after the hero and the heroine have become handfasted.

It’s gonna be a hot wedding night!

“Stand up and take off your clothes.” His voice had taken on a shard of steel running through it.

“What?”

“Ye heard me. Take off your clothes, every stitch. You’ve done a great wrong, me wife, and ye’ll be punished for it.”

She stared at him open-mouthed.