Friday, September 14, 2012

Goldie Lockwood from Goldie and the Three Bears




What’s your favorite color?  Red
What type of vehicle do you drive? A drive an old Ford Focus.
Describe yourself to me.  I’m a were-bear half breed with no magical powers.  Still as mating time approaches I’m feeling extra out of sorts.  It’s so bad that I slink off to my grandsires old fishing cabin to get away.
How would your mate describe you?  As if I’d ever get a mate.  Being a nonentity in my clan means I’m dateless. 
What really moves you, or touches you to the soul?  Kindness.  My family even though most of them don’t accept me.
What's the one thing you have always wanted to do but couldn't? What would happen if you did do it? I’ve wanted to have a normal life and a normal romance.  I’m not sure what I’d do if it happened.  Probably goof it up.
Describe your ideal mate. A great sense of humor, a strong sensual touch, and a caring heart.  A non-were mate who can accept me and make me melt in his arms.
What are you most afraid of? Something bad happening to someone I love.  Being alone and unfulfilled for the rest of my life.
What's the most important thing in your life? My family.  The possibility of finding love.
What do you consider your special talent? I’m a great listener and I’m very loyal.
How did you meet the hero/heroine?  I crashed his house when I ran away from invaders and he found me sleeping in his bed. 
Was it love at first sight or did it develop slowly?  I would say it was lust and suspicion at first sight.
What did you like/dislike about him/her when you first met?  I liked his hot eyes, his easy smile, the sexy way he walked.  If I was honest I more than liked them.  He had me captivated then he kissed me and took my breath away.
If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?
Love.  Acceptance.  And Normality.

In this trio of sizzling Torrid Twisted Tales Honey Jans turns the traditional fairy tales on their ears. Take a little time to find out if Red Riding Hood can handle the big bad wolf, Cindy can captivate her prince charming, and what Goldie does with her Three Bears?

About the Author:
Honey Jans lives in a small Midwestern town with her husband and true inspiration. She is a born romantic with an extraordinarily vivid, yet kinky, imagination. Honey loves writing erotica and hopes that her stories add a little spice to her readers lives.

Excerpt:
Her lips tingled as he gazed masterfully down at her in the moonlight and her nipples budded in the cool night air. She instinctively leaned toward him, creaming, as a sexual energy field snapped between them.
“Who do you belong to, bad girl?” he asked, a sardonic smile curving his handsome face.
“You,” she cried out as he slid a hand down the front of her naked body, slowly over her breasts, grazing her nipples until she sucked in a tremulous breath, and his hand slid lower to boldly cup her weeping sex. Everything inside her tightened as he held her in his big, work-roughened, warm hand. She was unable to deny him anything and in exchange he gave her everything. He expertly squeezed her mound, rubbing her clit as he did, and she came with a cry as he held her safe…
Squeak…
Honey Lockwood woke with a snort, sleepily discombobulated but knowing instantly she wasn’t alone. Chills went through her as she lifted her head off the overheated laptop keyboard and peered through the golden fringe of her curls that had saddled her with the nickname Goldilocks. The dark recesses of her grandsire’s lakeside lair were full of harmless shadows. So why was she shivering? And what had made that noise? It couldn’t be the one of the Sundowners—roving bands of Werebear males in search of mates. Besides she was immune from the virgin hunt, being a dud DNA wise. Never had she been so happy to be a throwback to the mundane part of her family.
The mating season only served to reinforce her decision to start her own business, leave the clan, and make her life in the human world. If she never saw a macho Werebear again it would suit her just fine. She’d realized how out of her depth she was when she’d caught her sometime beau Geoff on his knees pleasuring her Werebear fem cousin, Joelle. The humiliation was enough to make her break away. She’d known then and there that she had to get out. Of course, if she’d been a true blood, she might have found out what it was like to get properly laid.
Instead of being in on the mate hunt, she’d come to this remote cabin alone to regroup before heading off to Chicago and her new life next week. Here she could work on her business plan in private. She’d always had an affinity for numbers, something she and Geoff had once had in common before the mating fever had hit him and he’d lost all sense of reality. Heck, she hadn’t even told her family where she was going, not that they cared. She’d fobbed Grandsire off with an explanation that she was off on a singles cruise with her mortal friend, Darla, and he’d been visibly relieved that she was out of the picture. His reaction more than anything emphasized that she had to go back to real life and forget about her clan.
Squeak…
A loose floorboard squeaked in the kitchen again, bringing her wandering thoughts back to danger in a nanosecond. Chills ran up her spine as a sensation of a dark murky aura sent out tentacles toward her and with it came a gasp worthy top note of musky cologne. Damn, the thug had to have bathed in it. Eyes watering she knew that trouble was on the move, toward her. Her growing ability to read auras, a real non talent in the Wereworld, was getting stronger. But she rejected the notion that she was cracking up, as Joelle had claimed.
She was as sane as anyone else and she knew she had to move. Unfortunately her purse, containing her mace, cell phone, and car keys, was in the kitchen where he was. She didn’t know how she was certain her nemesis was a he. But considering her luck with men, it had to be some male mortal thug out to do her harm. Probably some mundane out to rob the place although there wasn’t much to steal. A blast of crisp night air against her back made her shiver and reminded her that she’d left the patio door open in a last ditch effort to air out the musty fishing shack. If she could quietly make it out the door, she’d stand a chance.

Holding her breath, she eased out of her chair and tugged open the patio door’s screen, wincing when it squeaked. Damn, if she lived through this night she was coming back with a big oil can and oiling the shit out of these hinges. Something crashed in the vicinity of the kitchen and her heart leapt to her throat. Time to get the hell out.
With a gasp she ran for the safety of the dark woods. It had to be well after midnight and not a creature was stirring, except her. Her crunching footsteps sounded thunderous as she made it to the tree line. She sagged against a tree breathless as the darkness cloaked her. At least whoever had broken into the shack wasn’t chasing her. Standing there shaking and feeling like an idiot she wondered if she’d dreamt it after all. No tentacles of evil chased her, not even a mouse sneezed. Maybe her vivid imagination had been working overtime after all. She had been feeling strange lately as her thirtieth birthday approached.
She turned to peer back at the cabin. All the lights were still blazing and just the sight of the light calmed her fears. Given her fear of the dark, she’d brought plenty of nightlights. Everything seemed peaceful. Her belongings, including her brand new laptop were inside. Could she just abandon them because of a bad dream?
A shot rang out smacking into the tree above her head, splintering the wood. She dropped like a rock, biting back a scream, her arm burning like fire. Oh my heavens, I didn’t imagine it! Then the cabin lights were doused all at once and she knew she was in trouble deep. Fear made her scramble to her feet and run deep into the pitch-dark woods as the overpowering stench of musk pursued her.
Half an hour later she crested a rise and saw a big lakeside cabin, its light ablaze in the valley below. Lights! Tears of relief sprang to her eyes. Never had a sight seemed more welcoming. She raced toward the house, tripped, tearing the strap on one of her sandals, and hobbled up onto the porch. Breathless, she looked for a doorbell. Not seeing one, she banged on the solid wood door then reached for the doorknob. The minute she touched it her palm tingled and she distinctly heard the lock open before it swung open on well-oiled hinges.
Startled, she stood there rubbing her heated palm for a moment as she looked inside the seemingly empty house. Then a rainbow of pleasant auras seemed to bid her into the house. Stunned by her good fortune, she rushed into the house and slammed the door behind her, sagging back against it trembling. As she stood there glancing around the well-appointed but seemingly vacant lodge, a strange feeling of lethargy came over her. The strange auras rubbed against her skin making her tingle. Damn, maybe this was a delayed reaction to shock. She absolutely refused to feel auras on top of seeing them. She couldn’t deny the feeling of coming home, but this place was posh compared to her grandsire’s rustic compound that she’d grown up on.
As she’d noted from outside, all the lights were on. A fire blazed in the fireplace and something savory simmered in the vicinity of the kitchen. Her stomach grumbled in response, as she hadn’t eaten since morning. Nobody seemed to be home. As a matter of fact the place had a vacant feel, as if it were waiting for its occupants. She rolled her eyes at her vivid imagination and ventured into the empty room looking for a phone.

“Hello,” she called out, hearing her tense voice echo through the empty lodge.
Suck it up, Goldilocks, nobody’s home so you’ll just have to save yourself. She took a step forward and damned near broke her neck when she tripped over her broken sandal again. With a growl she kicked off the damned things. Then she walked into the living room looking in vain for a phone. Almost out on her feet, she plopped wearily into a huge leather wing chair by the fireplace, smirking when her feet didn’t touch the floor. The story of The Three Bears came to mind. This had to be papa bear’s chair. The only other furniture in the room were two more leather recliners just as deep, confirming her guess that this was a man cave. Maybe the boys had gone out on a beer run. Some help they’d be.
Fighting her urge to just cuddle up in the chair and go to sleep, she surged to her feet. She had to find a phone…save herself…and get some crazy housebreaker busted. She followed her nose and the delicious smells toward the kitchen. Seemed like a logical place for a phone and she was hungry.
She stopped at the doorway. No phone, but a crock pot on the counter simmered away with what smelled like chili drawing her toward it. Her stomach grumbled again forcefully reminding her that she’d missed dinner. Her mouth watering, she gazed at the three bowls set out next to the crock pot. Shades of The Three Bears again, making her grin. Well, the other Goldilocks had helped herself to some porridge, maybe it was a sign that she should too.
Before she could censor herself she ladled herself a portion of the chili and sat down at the kitchen nook before she fell down. She needed to eat and she’d pay for the chili when she got her purse back. She took a bite of the spicy concoction, blowing on it when it was too hot, stirring it till it cooled down, and then greedily eating it all when it was just right.
Sitting back, replete, she looked down at her messy clothes and winced. Yikes! She was covered in dirt and leaves from her flight through the woods and tumble down the hill. And there were a few telltale drops of chili on her white blouse. The boys would probably think she was crazy looking this way. Hell, she’d be lucky not to get shot at again. She needed to clean up fast.
She stood up on wobbly legs and started down the hall in search of either a bathroom or a phone whichever came first. Her footsteps faltered when she glanced into the messy den. Up till now everything in this place had been neat as a pin. She smiled when she saw the papers strewn on the oak desktop and tumbling onto the floor. This looked like her office after she’d been on one of her creative streaks.
Then the sound of swirling water caught her attention. Could it possibly be a hot tub? Just the thought made her yearn for warmth. She padded down the hall toward the sound and stepped out into what she could only call a spa. There was a deep Jacuzzi tub and even a sauna. Now this was roughing it in the woods. She gazed longingly at the tub. It was almost calling her name. Should she? A bottle of jasmine bath oil sat on the edge of the tub. Maybe one of the boys had a lover. She didn’t know why that thought bothered her more than the prospect of stealing someone’s bath. Pushing back those thoughts she poured in the bath oil, stripped, and got in. Sinking down in the water she eased back and closed her eyes with a groan as all her sore muscles tightened a moment before going loose. Drifting away, she sank down in the water, pressure melting away. A few minutes later she woke up in a hurry, coming up sputtering. Damn, she was dead on her feet.
With a wince, she pulled herself out of the tub, her cuts stinging anew. She toweled off and glanced at her trashed clothes, her nose wrinkling. For nothing on earth would she put them back on until she sponged them clean, but she was too tired. Instead she reached for the white terry cloth robe hanging on the back of the door. It was miles too big for her but it was warm and enveloping and she snuggled into it like a security blanket. It smelled of sandalwood and man, obviously a big man, one who could protect her. If only!
Half-asleep, she staggered out of the steamy bathroom into the frigid hallway and shivered, her teeth chattering. Well, hell, she was really out on her feet, maybe in shock. She had to get warm, fast. She headed toward the bedrooms like a guided missile. She’d have a little lie down to regain her equilibrium.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Book Spotlight-Senator Mine by Kerry Adrienne


Eleanor’s dream of a romantic tour of Italy shatters when her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her in Pompeii. Determined to enjoy the once in a lifetime vacation, she enlists the 1NS service. She continues her trip, stopping to buy a small golden signet in a mysterious antiquities shop in Rome. 
Darius, a hard-working Senator in Ancient Rome, is puzzled by the Sibyl’s words: You will not find love in your lifetime. Hoping to find a measure of happiness, he agrees to the Sibyl’s quest. In the olive grove, he spots Eleanor, a barbarian wearing his stolen senator’s ring.
A night spent together may be just what they both need to break down the columns of time that stand between them.

Excerpt:
“What is it?” She moved closer to examine the object he held.
“A senator’s ring from the time of Augustus.” He waved the item with a flourish. “A rare and beautiful find, for a deserving young woman.”
The golden circle sparkled in the half-light like the wedding band that shone in her dreams. She tried to control her sharp intake of breath.
“A rather personal memento, wouldn’t you say?”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Indeed.”
“Which senator?” Gorgeous. What a find. Was it legal to take it out of the country? Surely it held historical significance.
“Yes, it can be exported,” the shopkeeper said. “We don’t know who owned the signet, as many records of the Senate at that time were lost, but it has been cleared by the Antiquities Commission.”
She hadn’t mentioned exporting it aloud. Had he read her mind? No, that wasn’t possible. She squirmed. Nothing about the shop or its contents felt normal. One thing was certain. The ring was amazing. And perfect.
“What does the engraving say?” she asked.
“Darius.”
She drew in a quick breath, as a gasp of warm air breezed across her neck, making the hairs stand. She shuddered. I’ve been watching too many old movies.
“As common as the name was at the time, no senators named Darius are on any rolls.” The shopkeeper pushed it closer to her face. “And Madame Eve recommends it. What do you say?”
“How much?” Eleanor whispered.
“Ah.” The shopkeeper grinned. “What price would you pay for a little ring that will change your life forever?”

Druid, Mine
Anya’s wish for a normal date—away from the old man she is caretaker for—comes true in unexpected ways when she finds herself whisked to an ancient Irish stone circle on solstice eve.
Carrick’s decision to follow the path to become an Ovate druid has not come lightly, and he plans to spend the solstice eve in meditation unless fairies or evil spirits disrupt the circle. When a feisty girl walks right up to the fire, more than sparks fly.
They each seek healing and a connection, but the darkness of summer is short, and once the solstice sun breaks through the circle at dawn, the magic of the night will be over. Even Madame Eve can’t stop the day from rising.


Excerpt:
Maybe I’m the first person Madame Eve can’t find a match for. And how was it any better than just picking someone up from one of the dozen bars along the street?
Bile filled her throat. Being caretaker for the old man had filled her days but left her empty inside. I’m lonely. I need this 1Night Stand. She stifled a sob. Crying wouldn’t help anything. She had chosen her path knowing full well what the consequences would be. Maybe she hadn’t foreseen how deeply alone she’d feel, but she’d known what she was getting into, work-wise. She used to be a risk taker, impulsive and willing to try new things. Why was she so willing to settle for security now?
The town’s few buildings rose in shadowed relief in the dusky twilight around the city center like tall stones. Guardians, perhaps. Behind them lay the mountains, the wild unknown. She sat straight and leaned into the faint spray from the fountain. The cool mist spread across the back of her arms. Closing her eyes, she lifted her long hair so the moisture could reach the back of her neck.
“Aine?”
Anya dropped her hair.
“Hello?” No one.
“Aine. Let’s go.” The voice floated on drops of water and fell through the air.
“What?” No one was near.
“I’m here.” The voice settled softly like dew on her skin. The air wavered over the fountain and the water slowed.
I only had one beer.
“Come. He awaits.”
For the briefest moment, a golden light eclipsed the edge of Anya’s vision then darkness slid over her.

About the Author:
Kerry holds a BA in English: Writing and Editing with a minor in Classical Studies from NC State University. She has extensive freelance editing experience, and teaches various fiction writing classes at a local college. She is an Associate Editor with Entangled Publishing. In addition to editing, Kerry writes science fiction, romantic fantasy, and paranormal romance.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Book Spotlight-Go with the Flo


Nineties girl Florence Spring joined Avon to find her Edward Scissorhands but instead needs to rescue his porno alter ego.

When Florence notices her eccentric ex-boyfriend, Eddie, isn't putting on his usual show in the front window on Friday night she decides to investigate.  She asks her best friend, Nelson Tyler, to help but he seems more interested in seducing Florence than in finding her personal flasher. Florence has no idea when she embarks on the adventure she will accidentally shoot an undercover policeman, or that her actions will lead to Nelson's kidnapping.  Now with two men missing she has no choice but to continue and thwart the plans of a psychotic soon to be divorcee.  She needs to rescue Nelson because life without him is unbearable, especially since she's discovered his long sensitive fingers are far more erotic than scissorhands.

About the Author:
Born and bred in the UK, my whole life was turned on its head when, at the tender age of eighteen, I met and fell instantly in love with my darling husband.  I knew the minute I met him I was going to marry him and, fortunately, he came to the same conclusion less than six months later.
My husband has shown me the world, starting by bringing me to Australia.  The country we now call home, and where we have raised our two boys. It didn’t take me long to turn native, becoming a citizen and dropping the British accent. However, our wanderlust didn’t stop there. We have moved from state to state, always ready for a new adventure.  We have also visited  many destinations around the world.
My stories reflect my love for travel and exotic locations, along with my quirky British sense of humor. Well, you can’t give up all of your heritage now can you?

Excerpt:
Florence Spring trudged down another empty street. A bag full of lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, and all manner of items designed to make a girl of the nineties a sight to behold, swung from her shoulder. The tote banged against her hip, aggravating an already aching bruise. Even though drizzle soaked her face, she resisted the urge to wipe it off. She knew it was her duty to represent the products she sold to the best of her ability. The handbook for sales 101 read, better to appear damp, than smudged.
This wasn’t how she’d envisioned life as an Avon representative. Where was her dark castle? Her mysterious hero? When would she find a beautiful man with a penchant for leather and rubber? She joined up to find her Edward Scissorhands. The closest she’d come was his porno alter ego, Edward Penishands.
If Eddie Cain wiggled his dick in his front room window one more time as she walked past, she would take the gold-handled nail scissors, on special this week for two dollars with any order over twenty dollars, and snip the little worm off. Bad enough she’d gone out with him once—once, and only once. The relationship had been doomed from the start. After his mother died, Eddie became most odd. Their one date had confirmed her belief that he was strange.
Snuggled together upstairs at the back of the number forty-six bus, he had whispered that he would like to handcuff her to his bed and whip her with a riding crop. She hadn’t even had a chance to answer before he let out a low moan and spontaneously ejaculated, leaving a noticeable stain on the front of his gray gabardine pants. She’d graciously lent him her jacket to carry in front of him as they climbed from the bus and entered the movie theatre. When he unzipped his fly and pulled the worm free at the first on-screen kiss, she excused herself and fled. She never did ask for her jacket back. It was her favorite too, genuine faux leather and fur. Never mind. She doubted even the dry cleaners would have been able to get the spunk stain out.
Cautiously, she approached number ninety-two Stoffer Street. The curtains hung open, however the front window stood bare. Eddie appeared to be out. She checked her watch. Bang on time. Eight p.m. as usual. She passed by every Friday night. He lived on the most direct route from her allotted sales patch to Nelson’s house. Eddie always waited for her. This time of the year he was usually silhouetted by the living room light. He’d never missed an opportunity to wiggle his wanger at her before. As much as she hated to admit it, she missed the little bugger; the wanger, not Eddie. She needed a good laugh after the dismal sales she usually mustered and Eddie always managed to add some element of humor to the whole sordid show. If only he learned to do the comedy act without the nudity he could take his show on the road. Of course, he could take it on the road with the striptease if he wanted to appeal to a whole other audience.
Truth be told, seeing him semi-naked once a week was, she suspected, the closest either of them had come to dating lately. If only she could find her prince charming, all dark, mysterious and quiet. She had a thing for silent movies. Everyone knew men of few words were sexy. You could imagine all sorts going on in their heads. Plans to show you the world, slay dragons, and win your heart. No one wanted to deal with the truth of them wondering if your boobs were real or if you had tissues stuffed in your bra, or calculating how long it would take them to wrestle you out of your underwear.
With a shrug, Florence tugged her jacket collar up in a feeble attempt to protect herself from the steady precipitation. She hated winter. Every year her mother reminisced about her childhood in England, telling Florence about the huge family Christmases they had which broke up the long cold months. Nothing happened in winter in New South Wales. Florence only had her mother’s secondhand memories of chocolate box celebrations. Although, Grandma Wilson did her best to break up the monotony of endless gray days with her Christmas in June party. Florence recalled the last outrageous family event only six weeks ago. What had that been beneath the mistletoe with Nelson? She shivered, even though she wasn’t cold. She needed to push that memory right out of her head before she reached her destination.
With a dismissive toss of her head, just in case he was watching, she left Eddie to his own sordid devices and continued on her way—her ego a little deflated. Even the local flasher had lost interest.
She turned the corner and a feeling of contentment swept over her. Her best friend Nelson’s home was her bolt-hole from reality, away from her parents and the madness at her house. The small, rundown, two-bed town house might look in need of TLC to some. To her it stood out as an oasis in a horrible sales jungle. A lamp lit vision shrouded in mist. The tiny house was a cottage by the sea, a cozy little shack in the woods, anything her imagination fancied.
Not bothering to knock, she turned the handle and stepped inside. A blast of motor oil and male musky-scented air greeted her, along with Nelson’s cat, Killer. She lifted the undersized ginger fur ball to her face and rubbed him against her cheek, giggling at his loud purr. He waited for her every week, as did Nelson. She always popped in to warm up before he escorted her home.
A shout came from the kitchen. “That you, Squirt?”
She put the cat down and dropped her heavy bag on the side table. After tugging off her sodden woolen gloves and damp jacket, she tossed them on the banister to dry.
“Yeah, it’s only me.”
She secured the front door so Killer couldn’t escape, and sauntered the length of the threadbare carpeted hallway, glancing at the shiny new bolt and padlock on the basement door. She stopped on the threshold of the kitchen and stared at the vision before her.
Nelson glanced up from where he was kneeling on the floor. His eyes were hidden by his tousled dark hair. A huge grin spread across his face. “Hot chocolate’s by the stove.”
She stared at the red and polished chrome monster currently taking up half the floor space. “What are you doing?”

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Book Spotlight-Micah's Blessing by C. L. Williams


There must be another way.
Pastor Micah Daniels has grown weary with his well-doing, even worse he’s losing faith in what God has for his life. The only solution Micah can see is to step down from his position as pastor of Revival Tabernacle. Maybe some time away from the parish can restore his ailing heart.
Lord, please help me. I can’t keep living like this.
Delilah Rivers utters this plea as she stares at a handful of pills. Despondent at the shambles her life has become, Delilah tries one final tactic before ending her life, she goes to church.
What God hath joined together...
Micah is the last man she expects to treat her with care and respect. His compassion and understanding move her as nothing else can. God wouldn’t send a humble, devout man to cherish someone like her. Her past is sordid, her flaws many, but will she be able accept a better way to love and be the blessing Micah needs her to be?

Excerpt

“Excuse me? Were you just singing?”
She met a pair of warm brown eyes and froze. Her heart sank and pounded all at the same time. It was him. He was so much more handsome up close. She moistened her dry lips by pressing them together and tried to think of an answer, but being this near to a man whom she’d fantasized, lusted after, especially a man of God, was just too much. Even his scent, a subtle blend of spice and man, tempted her.
No! Don’t think like that. She peered at the floor, only to be reminded she was wearing jeans and a tank top in his church.
As if sensing her discomfort, he said, “What you have on is fine. All are welcome here.”
She snapped her attention to his face and read sincerity in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to mess up the rehearsal!” she blurted. “I just got caught up.”
He smiled. “So that was you singing?”
She nodded. His easy manner untangled the knot of unease in the pit of her stomach. If she still believed in fairytales, she could fall for a guy like him. She ruthlessly squashed the sentiment. Good men like Micah Daniels didn’t want loose women like her. “I-uh, yes. I should be going.” She moved toward the front door.
“Why?”
The questioned stopped her. She swung back to face him. “I don’t belong here.”
“Why do you think that?”
Why did she think that? Had he taken a good look at her? Her eyes narrowed, searching his face for any type of deception. All she found was open curiosity, as if he genuinely wanted to know why she didn’t feel she belonged in the building. She drifted her gaze over his athletic form. He was tall, taller than she’d expected. Today he wore a black and green short-sleeved polo. The cotton stretched over his broad chest and was tucked into the waistband of his well-worn jeans. The denim molded to his powerful thighs and... She jerked her focus back to his face. She couldn’t allow her thoughts to follow the same path her eyes traveled. His face seemed like a safe alternative, with its firm lips and square jaw, but what drew her attention the most were his eyes. She could get lost in the caramel depths, so expressive and caring. Why had she never bothered to see him up close?
“Do you always avoid a direct question?”
A nervous laugh slipped out. She’d been staring at him, just staring like some love-struck teenager. What was wrong with her? “Are you always like this?”
He shrugged. “My congregation tells me I am. Has someone said something to you to make you feel like you don’t belong?”
She caught the slight edge in his voice and couldn’t stop a grateful smile from creasing her lips. He was ready to do battle on her behalf. All she had to do was say the word.
“No, everyone has been really kind to me,” she said and realized she meant it.
“Have you enjoyed the services you’ve attended?”
“I have. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been coming. When I do, I feel like my life makes sense. I feel at peace.” She wanted to stop talking, but the words tumbled out. There was something about him that made her want to talk. “And things haven’t made sense in a very long time.”
He guided her to a nearby chair. She glanced around. They were still in full-view of anyone who cared to look. It eased some of her anxiety about being with him. He wasn’t trying to get her alone. She settled into the chair, and he sat in the one across from her.
“I’m glad you were able to find a small measure of solace at this church. I hope you keep coming.”
“I would like that,” she murmured. “I would really like that.”
He extended his hand. “Micah Daniels,” he said with a self-deprecating smile. “I will claim being pastor of this humble temple.”
She chuckled. “Delilah Rivers.” Her small hand was engulfed in his. When a sudden jolt of electricity flashed up her arm, she swallowed. She sat there, holding his hand, not wanting to break the contact.
She was unprepared for the spark of excitement or the ripple of awareness dancing along her palm and up her arm as her hand settled in his. She forgot where they were and savored the strength of his grip. A cymbal crash from the sanctuary, shattering the connection.
 Micah coughed and was slow releasing her hand. “Sorry, I—your skin is very soft.”
Heat tinged her cheeks at the compliment. With him no longer holding her hand, Delilah had no choice but to place it in her lap. 
He widened his eyes as realization struck. “Oh, I didn’t mean...well, I did...but...”
She chuckled at his obvious faux pas. He shifted in his chair, a sheepish grin on his lips. If she didn’t know any better, she almost believed he was flirting with her. She brushed a curl behind her ear.
“Are pastors supposed to flirt?” she teased. “I didn’t think they were.”
He had the grace to blush. “Was I? I truly apologize.” He stood.

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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Book Spotlight-Finding Baby J by Lorraine Nelson


One lonely woman, a doctor afraid of commitment... Will finding Baby J help them find each other?

Shana Davis knows what it's like to be unloved and unwanted. Her childhood involved being shuffled from one foster home to the next. One night, as her shift at Mercy hospital comes to an end, she hears a forlorn, mewling sound and finds a newborn baby boy left in a dumpster. The abandoned baby appeals to her soft heart and her immediate attachment to the child—dubbed Baby J—leads to her spending a lot of time in the Maternity Ward in the company of the handsome Dr. Daniels.
Dr. Kagan Daniels is heart-sore and commitment-shy due to his failed marriage and past experiences with selfish, cold-hearted women. But he sees a gentle, caring soul in Shana and is drawn to her. Despite his reservations, he realizes he wants to get to know her better and finds excuses to spend time in her company.
Having always wanted to be a daddy, Kagan adopts Baby J. As he and Shana grow closer, Shana feels she's found her own private heaven. She has Baby J and the man of her dreams. What more could a woman want?
But a conniving woman, a manipulative mother, and a man from Shana's past threaten to come between them. Will the lies spewed by others separate them forever? Or can their love win out over all?

Kagan held her hand as he guided her into the house. They walked through to the foyer to ascend the magnificent staircase leading to the second story. Once there, he preceded her into his personal suite of rooms. The main area had a bay of windows opening out unto a balcony. The view overlooked the back lawn and gardens then meandered down to the river where a boathouse and dock were just visible in the moonlight. 
"Your home has such beautiful views."
"Nothing compares to the beauty of you. I especially like looking at you as I undress you, exposing that gorgeous body, one piece of clothing at a time." 
He matched his words with action, starting with her sweater, looped casually around her shoulders. Then turned her into his arms for a deep, passion-filled kiss. She felt that melting sensation that happened every time he kissed her. Her insides fluttered and took wing then settled into a delicious knot of anticipation. She stroked her hands down his chest and felt the ripple of firm muscle, enjoying the opportunity to explore his body more fully. Her inhibitions completely deserted her. Though he hadn't said the words, she felt he was making a commitment to them and not just playing the field. 
He led her to the bed where he continued to strip her bare. Night had fully descended, moonlight reflecting off the water, illuminating the room enough so they could see each other. 
Her hands were busy with the buttons on his shirt, shaking so much from anticipation they refused to work properly. In her haste, she ripped the remaining ones free and delighted in running her fingers through the coarse chest hair; the texture so different that when she rubbed her breasts against him, the tingles went straight to her groin. Heavenly days! The sensations this man evoked in her were rocking her world.
Naked at last, they fell to the bed in a jumble of arms and legs, laughing, kissing, and caressing each other. She'd never thought of sex as fun, only as a necessity to consummate a relationship, but this sense of sharing and bonding between them filled her with a glorious awakening of her power as a woman. She delighted in arousing him, of being able to turn him on with the merest look or touch, as he did her.
Soon, all playfulness disappeared in the passion of the moment as their bodies joined together, working toward a common goal, that of pleasuring each other to fulfillment.

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