An Alpha's Path

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

Hi! Thank you so much for having me! I’m a twenty-something chemistry instructor by day and a paranormal romance reader by night. I live in New England with my hubby and two kittens – who seem to take up much of my time.  When I’m not with them, I’m writing the stories that just won’t go away. And I love it.

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

Oh, if you only knew me. I own over 5,000 books. I’m slightly addicted.  I read anything romance really, contemporary, historical, paranormal, sci-fi, ménage, western etc. Pretty much anything. As long as there is a happy ending – I am happy.

I have too many favorite authors, to my great joy, to pick just one. So I will name an author I’ve read this week LOL. I just read a story by Shayla Black and I really like her. I really get into her character building – plus they are hot!

But I do have so many other authors that I love. 

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I’m still learning how to do that. If I can’t get myself to sit and write something that I don’t consider drivel, then I go to my critique group and help with them, talk with my critique partner, or read a book. That usually gets my writing juices going. 

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Hubby and I still haven’t gone on our honeymoon for some reason – so we are planning next summer to take a tour of Greece. I went there as a teenager and miss the crystal blue waters.

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

At this point, action scenes. I see them in my head, and know what I want them to do, but sometimes my words just seem like you should know what I’m thinking LOL. But I’m getting better at that. At least I hope. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

Hmm…Melanie got to live her dreams – and she’s met Kade. I think that is pretty much a win-win.

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

Reading. I read as much as I can and don’t feel bad about it. Even if you have things to do – step back and read a book. Bury yourself in it and enjoy it.

Thank you so much for having me today!

Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she's to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date - a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she's to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – be he is more than what he appears and Melanie's analytical mind goes into overdrive.

Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?

Kade could only imagine how she would look with her pale, creamy, skin against his darker, bronze skin. Watching her lashes brush her cheeks as she glanced down at her barely touched meal he knew he wanted to kiss any fears or anxiety she carried away.

Mate? I think it’s time to go upstairs. Don’t you?

He couldn’t agree more with his wolf. But he didn’t want to rush her. No matter what happened tonight, they would be going upstairs – that was a guarantee. What they did once they arrived however – was up to the woman in front of him.

“You look as if you have the same appetite as me.” At the sound of his voice, her head popped up from whatever deep thoughts she was thinking. “What do you say we take a walk around the property?”

“Oh, okay. I guess I am just not that hungry tonight.” She smiled sheepishly as she set down her fork and any pretense of enjoying her food.

“Let’s go then, the check taken care of, so we can take our time tonight.”

She smiled timidly again and grabbed her wrap and black, beaded bag. He fluidly rose from his seat and offered her his hand/

“Where would you like to walk to?” Kade, again, toned down his wolf and waited for Melanie’s reply.

“Our room?”

Her face was still stunning with the shade of beet red it became at her surprising, yet not unwelcome, announcement.

His wolf growled in agreement and preened for attention.

He gave her a smile that promised sinful and wicked deeds.

“That sounds like an outstanding idea, Melanie.”

Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first book in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens. 

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website and Blog / Facebook Author Page / Facebook Friend

Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan

A Moment with Jorja Lovett

Tell the readers a little about yourself.

My name is Jorja Lovett and I live in rain-drenched Ireland. My way of keeping warm is to write steamy love stories with a paranormal twist. Pyramid of Passion, is my debut novella with Breathless Press.

As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I love reading and I probably buy books like some women buy shoes. I don't have a particular author I prefer, if it's a good story I'll read it! And the hotter the better!

How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

My muse can be a stubborn so-and-so at times and I need a little time out when this happens. A long drive in the countryside can usually tease him out ;)

If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

Right now, I would settle for a private island with no distractions and peace to get on with writing. I love the sound of the sea, it's very relaxing, so I think somewhere on the beach with my own cabana boy would suit me just fine.

What is the hardest thing for you to write?

A lot of my stories have a historical element to them, and while I enjoy writing the scenes, all that research to get there is hard work!

If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

I definitely like the idea of having Rosie Carter's life, my heroine in Pyramid of Passion. Who wouldn't want to be transported back to Egypt for fantastic sex with a well-endowed warrior?!?

The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

A long bubble bath is my way of indulging in some quality 'me' time. Preferably with chocolate and a hot partner…

What do you like to write about the most? The least?

The first kiss. I love the build-up of sexual tension and I do like to tease before the main event.

I don't enjoy writing sad scenes. Of course, every now and then we have to torture our characters but I always like a happy ending.

Thanks for having me today. I'll leave you with a little teaser Of Pyramid of Passion…enjoy!

Blurb

Rosie Carter starts her night shift at the museum by finding her secret crush, security guard Nick, screwing a redhead in the office. Running from her attraction to him, she distracts herself with the newly acquired Ancient Egyptian exhibit. The Gold of Valor catches her eye--a pendant bestowed on Pharaoh's soldier, Edifu. Its mystical powers transport her into the bedroom of the man himself who thinks she's a gift from the gods and worships her with his mouth, his tongue...
 
She discovers the joy of sex and a new found confidence with her hunky warrior and she's caught between her fantasy life and dull reality. When Nick starts to show his true feelings towards her, Rosie has to decide what it is she really wants.

Excerpt

"Hmm. Your strange attire would indeed appear ineffective armor for the Goddess of War. If you are not the Goddess herself and she has not sent you, then perhaps Qadesh? Such a gift from the Goddess of sexual pleasure would surely increase a mortal's prowess on the battlefield tenfold." He drew a thick fingertip from the hollow of her throat to the zipper on her smock. Rosie had gone from Goddess to sex toy in one fell swoop.

That channel of need Nick's earlier performance opened up now swelled within her at another's touch. Adrenaline buzzed through her eradicating rational thought and she clung to facts where she could find them. "You're a soldier?" she asked.

"Yes. In King Rameses' Army." He rasped the zipper up and down in wonder, exposing and covering her goose-pimpled skin until she wanted to rip the damn thing off herself.

When she set aside the pleasures of her flesh for a moment, the importance of his words filtered into her brain. His obsession with the simple metal fastener of her top coupled with the exotic dreamscape forced her to ask the question, "What is your name?"

"Edifu." With one final tug, he unzipped her uniform and pushed it from her shoulders.

Okay! If, somehow this whacky set-up could possibly be real, was she really ready to leap into bed with the first Ancient Egyptian soldier to try it on with her?

Large hands cupped her breasts through the white cotton of her bra. When he bent to kiss her full on the mouth, she gave herself over to the moment. If, on the other hand, this was all fantasy, why deny herself a starring role?

"By the Gods, you are a true beauty." His husky voice on her lips commanded a rush of liquid desire to flood south.

How long since a man paid me a compliment? Kissed me with such reverence? Too long. She returned the passionate kiss with interest; let her hands explore the broad expanse of warrior chest available to her.

The humidity of the night combined with the radiating heat between their responsive bodies, soon became too much to bear. Besides, she couldn't wait until Eddie here figured out the complexities of the modern bra clasp. Under his lust-filled watch, Rosie divested from the remainder of her clothes.

He took a step closer and she shivered in his shadow. Masterful male fingers palmed her uncovered breasts, his sun-kissed skin in relief against her porcelain complexion, and stroked a thumb across her nipple. It stood to attention and he rewarded it by sealing his mouth around the pink tip. Gasps of delight seeped from her when he suckled and his tongue joined in the courtship.

Powerful arms lifted her and carried her over to the bed to lay her on the virginal white linen sheets. Totally at his mercy, she was enjoying every sinful second. For however brief a spell, she would revel in her womanhood and experience this man with pure abandon.

She reached for his granite-hard cock. He caught her searching hand and pinned it to the bed above her head. With a sensual smile he started a slow descent along her body, marking a path with a trail of wet kisses. Starting with her mouth, he moved down the center of her body, diverting only to pay homage to one unattended breast. Goddess or not, soldier boy seemed intent on worshipping her.

Pyramid of Passion is available to buy now http://www.breathlesspress.com/pyramid-passion

You can contact Jorja on Twitter @jorjalovett

On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100003120391259

Or visit her blog http://jorja-lovett.blogspot.com/

Celebrate Good Times...

Oh yeah. I'm giving away a $15 GC to celebrate the release of Decadent Seconds. Winner's choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble or ARe. All you have to do is leave a comment to any of my tours.

Come on. I know you want a little extra spending cash.

I'm at Kacey Hammell's today and
Liv Rancourt's tomorrow.

Stop by and leave me a comment for extra chances to win.

Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic!

Decadent Seconds Release and Giveaway

Release day is always fun.  So here is a look at my latest release, a short story, Decadent Seconds. Read on to the end for a chance at a giveaway!

As a caterer, Darling gets to witness some of life’s happiest moments, but yearns for a marriage proposal of her own. After years of waiting on her beloved to pop the question, she gives up on ever having a happy ending of her own and severs the relationship. When she learns she’s pregnant, she has no choice but to face her child’s father on a daily basis as well as the love and attraction she has for him.

Darryl Manning always believed Darling would be his forever. After all he didn’t need a piece of paper to show her how much he loved her, but when she leaves him to pursue her dream of owning a catering company and raising his son, he may have to rethink his views on marriage. That is if he wants a second chance at family.

Oh and here's an excerpt.

Drunken laughter floated just above the thrumming bass line of Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Way, competing with the steady buzz of conversation. Soft pastel strobe lights flickered through the muted illumination. Darlene Williams, or “Darling” as she was known to friends and associates, surveyed the banquet hall full of guests.

She heaved a sigh as she glimpsed a swirl of ivory on the dance floor. For one wistful moment, where fairytales glowed bright and rosy, she imagined her own wedding. Her fairytale didn’t have a happy ending. She sighed again. Or a beginning.

A familiar face bobbed in the crowd, and her breath hitched. Twice he tried to take her picture, and she was determined he wouldn’t succeed. His gaze found hers, and her heartbeat matched the pounding bass line. He turned away, and she focused on a set of broad, muscular shoulders. She could spend hours smoothing her hands over his brawn. When he found her again, the corners of his mouth creased, and a familiar tingle crackled through her veins.

Just once she’d like to not react when she saw him. Despite the warmth knocking at the wall of her heart, Darling followed his movements to a group of similarly clad women. When they clustered around him, he raised his Nikon to his rugged face.

She loved his face, all angles and planes, and all that sharpness melted away when he smiled. Sadness and longing wiggled through a crack in her wall and squeezed her heart. They weren’t meant to be. Still she stared after him, envying the way he leaned close to one woman and lowered his camera. He gave a nod before moving away. When he passed beneath a wall sconce, the warm glow gave his smooth brown skin the fine sheen of melted chocolate. He should’ve been out of place in his black polo shirt and khaki slacks as he moved among the tuxedoes and long dresses, but his sexy smirk and camera made things easy.

The discordant clash of a body colliding with cymbals and snare drum drew Darling’s attention toward the dais next to the dance floor. A glassy-eyed young man in a tux tried to untangle his limbs from the instrument without spilling his drink. Succeeding, he then lurched onto the crowded dance floor and crashed into a couple of dancers. She shook her head when he sprawled on the floor, still trying to drink from the glass in his hand.

Not her problem. Darling regarded the decimated buffet, the food reduced to crumbs and half-dried globs of gravy—this was her problem. Swiping sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, she lifted her gaze again, this time scanning the room for the tall, sexy photographer. He was now taking pictures of the drunk on the floor. Good, she didn’t want to run into him or his camera again. Turning, she hefted the silver chafer by the handles and placed it on the rolling cart behind her.

She reached for the next chafer, moving the serving spoon aside when strong hands seized her shoulders. The spoon slipped from her grasp, splattering white sauce on her black slacks, before settling on the floor. A sensuous chuckle tickled her ear, sending warmth scurrying through her veins, and puckering her nipples. Yanking free, she spun around to glare into dark chocolate eyes. She shoved the owner of those eyes and straightened her clothes. He laughed softly, his gaze drifting leisurely over her white chef’s coat and work pants.

Darryl Manning, the sexy photographer, grabbed her hand and gently tapped the thick bandage wrapped around her index finger. “What did you do to your finger?” She tugged her hand from his grasp, wincing when she smacked the digit on the chafer. “I cut it.” She bent to retrieve the spoon from the floor, straightened, and placed the utensil in a gray plastic tub.

Darling wiped her hands on a towel. Darryl folded well-toned arms across his broad chest, the black knit shirt he wore strained to accommodate the expansion of muscle. She stifled a groan and the urge to run her fingers along the bulging biceps and perfect pecs. Why did her body pick today to rebel? “I don’t have time for this now,” she snapped, “What do you have time for?” His rich baritone conjured nights of hot, steamy sex and decadent morning afters. He lifted his camera, with a sexy smirk. “Maybe a photo or two?”

She resisted the seductive note in his voice and placed her hand on the lens. “I’m working.”

“And I’m not, just finished.” He stepped closer, the heat of his body instantly warming hers. Darling tilted her head back to maintain eye contact.

She studied his face, waiting for the familiar ache and longing to subside. It didn’t. Being this close to him, surrounded by his scent, a little soap and a whole lot of male, made her yearn to be in his arms, to feel his full lips against hers. What was she doing? She couldn’t think about him, about them. She moved away. Not today.

Don't forget to get your copy today.

Whispers

Amazon

ARe

And just to keep things interesting I'm holding a contest. I'm visiting Kacey Hammell Kreations on Monday and Tuesday I'm over at Liv Rancourt's. Pop in and leave a comment for a chance to win as $15 GC.  Leave a comment, including your email address at any or all of my stops. I'll announce the winner on Sunday Feb. 5.

Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic! 

Embraced with Rebecca Royce

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

As a teenager, I would hide in my room to read my favorite romance novels when I was supposed to be doing my homework. I hope, these days, that my parents think it was worth it.

I am the mother of three adorable boys and I am fortunate to be married to my best friend. We live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

I am in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and try to use all of these elements in my writing. I've been told I'm a little bloodthirsty so I hope that when you read my work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. I love to write series because I love to see characters develop over time and it always makes me happy to see my favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In my world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I read constantly. Anything I can get my hands on.  Nalini Singh is probably my favorite author. She makes me want to be a better writer.  

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I read something or I write something else. I just make the Muse move on. 

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

I have always wanted to go to St. Lucia. 

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

When I first started out, it was the sex scenes. Now, it’s a case by case basis. Every story has its own challenges. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

Oh…I don’t know. No one in the Conditioned world.  It’s too disturbing.  But I do love that they find absolute true love so maybe Seven then. 

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

I love really really good food.  And I love Broadway shows. I think those are my two indulgences.

Blurb:

Benedicte Lavelle is a single father raising two small daughters. When his neighbors put him in charge of handling the haunting that plagues their neighborhood, he has no choice but to use disreputable means in order to bring in a Conditioned ghost hunter to help with their problem. He doesn’t expect to be drawn to the young woman who arrives at his house in chains. He doesn’t expect to have his entire life thrown into upheaval when she is snatched away.

Conditioned prisoner Seven-Two-Four has never had a name. She cannot read, and is scheduled to die as soon as she is returned to the Institution. The Conditioned are not considered human, but Seven can see ghost energy and she can love Ben like no one ever has before.

When fate takes Seven from Ben’s arms, can he move on and find a new purpose in life or will he be forever trapped by the need to rescue those like his lost love?

Website/Facebook/Twitter

Book Spotlight-Whips and Wax

Marie's day starts out fine when a hot delivery man brings her a new leather corset. After giving him a hot glimpse of her body she can't resist trying it on and masturbating in it along with the matching leather thong. Neil comes home early and catches her in the act and the long hard punishment begins. 

After four forced orgasms its down to the dungeon, tied up, no control, Sir whips his kitten and follows with hot wax play, ending with the rough hard session they both enjoy. 

Follow the whole hot story in Whips and Wax, culminating in the perfect end, the collar, Sirs kitten is truly Owned!

Website / Facebook / Facebook Fan Page / Twitter / Goodreads

Hump Day Inspiration

Tomorrow, Jan. 26, I'm hanging out at The Romance Studios promoting my book Breaking Delia's Rules. I'd appreciate seeing some friendly faces. I almost didn't write this post, but what better way for inspiration to hit than ogling sexy men. Well men in leather or with tattoos. What do you think?

I'm not normally into leather, but I was inspired. 

Tattoos anyone?

Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic

A Moment with Cassandra Carr

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

My name is Cassandra Carr, and I’m a multi-published writer of erotic romance. My debut novel, Talk to Me, released in March 2011, and then Head Games, book 1 of the Buffalo Intimidators series, came out in November 2011. Additionally, Caught was released in mid-December 2011. It was a busy year for me!

I live in the Western New York area with my husband and young daughter and I’m bit of a hockey freak. Go Sabres!

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I think it’s hugely important that authors continue to read! I do take time to read almost every day. I read a lot in my genre, and I really like Cherise Sinclair, Maya Banks, Scarlett Parrish, Cat Grant, Viki Lyn – oh geez, the list goes on and on.

In non-erotic romance I love Lisa Kleypas and Jennifer Crusie.

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

Sometimes I don’t. If it’s really bad I’ll give myself a break of a few days, but I always go back to it. Other times I just kind of sit down and plow through. Usually once I start writing the words come.

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

If I could go to Europe for a month with my hubby I could die happy. I’ve been to Italy (without him) and he’s been to France (without me), but being able to take a nice, big block of time and just wander all over Europe would be divine!

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

Endings! Readers will probably crack up when they hear this, but since I’m a pantser, I oftentimes am writing along and kind of say, “This looks like a good place for The End.” Seriously.

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

Oh man. I love my heroes, so I’d probably want to be one of them. I’m going to go with Drew Milan, my hero from Talk to Me. He’s a filthy stinking rich retired hockey player who has a talk show on sports radio for four hours on weekdays. He has a big apartment overlooking Manhattan, uses a car service to get to and from work. That doesn’t sound like a bad life…

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

I indulge my addiction to Pepsi, lol. But on the romantic side? Wow, I’m not sure. I think I would have to say I indulge my love for books.

Leo Laporte and Scott Schaeffer are teammates on the ice and roommates off it who also share women. They’ve been coming into Kelly Chase’s bistro after games for months, and they know they want her. As the attraction grows, the men realize they want more than a one-night stand - they want forever.
Kelly’s not so sure. Yes, she wants both men. But a permanent ménage relationship? That’s taking giving her heart away to a whole new level, and a chance she’s hesitant to take. Then Leo is injured and Scott’s on the trading block, and she realizes this may be her only shot at true, everlasting love.
There are so many questions swirling around inside Kelly’s head. Can she believe in Leo and Scott’s love? And will her business and her reputation survive once people find out she’s with two men?

Twitter/Website/Facebook

Top 20 Love Songs

Hi, everyone!

I’m Shadonna, author of An Unexpected Bride, a romantic comedy about Emma Wiggins who is about to marry her heart-stopping, gorgeous boss, CEO Evan Fletcher in seven days. Only he doesn’t know about it yet! Since An Unexpected Bride centers around the theme of dream weddings, I thought I’d compile a list some of the most romantic songs for weddings (in no particular order). Check this list out: 

1. At Last by Etta James
2. When I Fall in Love by Nat King Cole
3. The Power of Love by Celine Dion
4. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? By Elton John
5. Eternal Flame by The Bangles
6. This I Promise You by ‘NSYNC
7. You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
8. Here and Now by Luther Vandross
9. All My Life by K-Ci & Jojo
10. Have I Told You Lately? By Rod Stewart
11. On Bended Knee by Boys II Men
12. A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
13. Thank You (For Loving Me) Bon Jovi
14. Everything I Do (I Do it For You) by Brian Adams
15. We Belong Together by Mariah Carey
16. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
17. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
18. Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley
19. Always by Atlantic Starr
20. Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

Hope you enjoyed the list. I thought I’d leave you with a synopsis of An Unexpected Bride. Enjoy. 

Desperate to fulfill her ailing grandfather’s last wish to see her settle down and get married, Emma Wiggins, a 30-year-old, career-focused executive tells him a little white lie on his deathbed that she is in fact engaged--to her boss, deliciously handsome and emotionally unavailable, Evan Fletcher.
The situation takes an unexpected turn when her grandfather's condition improves slightly and to her shock, he goes ahead and arranges a wedding ceremony at his hospital bedside before he passes on. Now, all Emma has to do is convince unsuspecting, commitment-phobic Evan to tie the knot with her in seven days. Can love blossom in the most unlikely situation? 

Website / Twitter

Friday Fiction

The hardest thing for me to do has been to review someone else's work. I've always loved to read and being a writer has deterred that passion. However I have a greater appreciation for what a writer goes through to go from idea to publication and then sending the work to receive someone's opinion.
This is my opinion. It doesn't mean I'm right, but it is how I felt after I read the story. So here are two reviews for authors whom I believe are very talented. You should definitely give them a try if you like a little steam with your plot.

First up is Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe. I believe this is Book One in the Hot Bods Series. Available from Beachwalk Press

Here's the Blurb

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he’d wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn’t heard from him since.

The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn’t have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn’t stay away any longer. 

Skylar’s determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he’s just as determined to win her back. Although it won’t be easy, he’s up to the challenge, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal. 

Content Warning: Explicit Sex

The conflict between Drew and Skylar definitely kept me hooked to my Kindle. I wanted to see how they were going to resolve their issues. I may have cheered a little after the alley scene. Mean aren’t I? But from that moment I knew there was going to be some great chemistry and bad feelings the couple needed to work through.

As you can guess I was really rooting for Drew. I sympathized with the guy, he had to face fear of his feelings, fear of commitment before he could admit the truth. I wanted him to overcome and get the girl in the end. And there were a couple of times I found myself going “awwwww.”

Skylar was a little different, she was cool, but I wanted to tell her a couple of times to “man up.” Especially toward the end, but that’s just me. Keep in mind I live in a houseful of men and they’ve corrupted me over the years. :-) Do I think she was wrong for the way she reacted? A little overdramatic, maybe. Was Drew wrong for his actions? That’s just bad form. Now whether or not he made things right, well you’ll have to find out for yourself.

Also, I loved the dialogue between the characters, it kept things moving. The story read a little slow in some areas and one word in particular sent me running for my dictionary. But, all in all Fool Me Once was a decent read and I can’t wait to see more from this author.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tara via Facebook. I didn't expect to finish her story so soon, but I'm glad I did.

A Facebook Affair by Tara Chevrestt and available through Breathless Press

Here's the Blurb.

When Kelly and Brandon rediscover each other on Facebook after twenty years apart, it sparks an attraction that even distance can't extinguish. Do they truly have a future, or is this just a Facebook affair?

Kelly Littleton takes the plunge and finally joins Facebook to socialize without the limits that her hearing impairment gives her. On a whim, she looks up a childhood friend. In sending him that first message, she ignites the memories of a crush from twenty years ago. But will they turn into the flames of romance, or end up the ashes of a Facebook affair?

Brandon Hopkins has a lot on his plate. A recent divorce, a pregnant sister, and now, he realizes he's in love with a woman who lives states away. Can he overcome the boundaries of internet romance to make this desire turn into something real, or will adversity and distance be their undoing?

I LOVED this story. Once I started reading it was hard to put down. Kelly is hearing impaired. She relies on hearing aids and reading lips to navigate in the world. She’s not your average heroine and I adored her.

She didn’t make excuses, she didn’t hide who she was, but embraced what she could and couldn’t do. Kelly lived an active and full life. She had a job, an apartment, friends and getting a glimpse into her life and the prejudices she faced on a daily basis was priceless.

There was one point in the story when Brandon asked Kelly what she liked to do. Going to a movie theater wasn’t high on her list, one because not all theaters offer closed captioning, and snuggled on the couch is the best way to view a movie. I totally agree. I’m visually impaired and only see maybe 50% of any movie I view in the theater and I only go because it makes my family happy.

I loved the flashbacks. Without them I don’t think the story would’ve been as rich and in-depth as it was. Reading the glimpses into her childhood days allowed the reader to see the three people who impacted her the most. Brandon, Lindsay and Caitlin.

Lindsay and Caitlin. Give me a moment because there were a few times I found myself fussing at my Kindle. Nope I did not like those two little girls. They were mean and selfish and I lumped then in the same category as the Evil Queen from Once Upon a Time. Those two little girls were the epitome of children can be so cruel. How dare these girls tease and torture Kelly. Yeah I know these were just characters in a book, but I’ve met children AND adults just like them. More than likely you have too.

There was a saving grace. Brandon. *sigh* Even as a little boy he was sweet to Kelly. He would eat with her, play games and made her school life a bit more bearable. He accepted her for who she was.

Reading how the romance unfolded between these two, beginning with Facebook messages, was so romantic. Thinking about the story and the love, just makes me melt. There’s one scene in particular that just brings tears to my eyes. Kelly and Brandon have their first physical date. The restaurant is dimly lit and candles are at every table, it’s too dark for her to read Brandon’s lips. He moves the candle closer so she can see him. If I wasn’t in love with the character before I was at that moment.

This was a truly enjoyable story. I just loved the characters and I couldn’t read fast enough to get to the end. Actually I hated to see the story end. The mix of what it’s like to have a physical disability, the struggles one can face and people who are willing to treat the individual as a person was great.

Reading this evoked a lot of emotions because I could relate. I’m visually impaired and it’s amazing to see how many people are uncomfortable with someone who is different, like the condition is contagious or something. Go figure.

So if you haven’t picked up your copy of A Facebook Affair, go ahead buy a copy. This is a wonderful steamy story full of passion and romance.