Silent Night Seduction

Wouldn’t you like to be kidnapped for the holidays? 

Are you getting ready for the holidays? Counting down how many days you have before you need to be ready for Santa? Are the kid’s wish lists so ridiculous that you don’t even know where to start? Or your holiday guest list runs a mile long? Or no one understands that you are Santa Claus?

I’d say run away…

Or better yet…Get kidnapped! 

That’s what happened to Lily McCormick. Her brother Shane kidnaps her and sticks her on a plane to Alaska. Now what would a cowgirl from Texas know about snow and freezing temperatures?

Obviously, not a whole lot with her cowboy boots and denim skirts…in the cold? To Lily, she’s landed in Winter Wonderland Hell. 

It gets even worse when she finds out that her ex-husband is there for a one-night stand set up by a famous matchmaking service. What’s a girl to do but make it into a more memorable holiday?

At least she’s able to avoid the mall…unlike some of us. Avoid the disaster at the grocery stores or arguing with some fat woman over some cashmere scarf. Maybe we should all just hop on a plane and go to Alaska. Too cold?

Where would you want to be kidnapped to for the holidays? 

Silent Night’s Seduction

Blurb:

Stubborn and proud cowgirl, Lily McCormick, is finally coming to terms with her quiet life on her parent’s ranch, until her older brother, as payback, signs her up for 1NightStand. Kidnapped and forced onto a plane to a foreign location, she faces the dreaded cold and an unwanted tryst, until her ex-husband appears before her…as her date.

New York City District Attorney, Rafe Martinez, would do anything to get his ex-wife back, even if it meant taking drastic measures to pretend he was there for another woman. When jealousy and rage surfaces and Lily’s tough demeanor wanes, desire and lust sparks their once powerful connection as truths unfold. Will Rafe convince her to return to him or push her further away from giving their love a second chance? 

Excerpt:

A curse erupted into the room. “You came here for a one-night stand?”

The rage in her tone lightened his heart. If she could be angry with him then she must care for him still. Pouring himself a drink, he took his time answering. “Actually, more than that.” He turned around. “It’s three days before Christmas. I hope to spend the whole time with my date and escort her to the ball on Christmas Eve.”

Lily’s mouth dropped open then closed. “Well, good for you. But let me ask you, where is your date?”

Rafe frowned. “You know, that’s a good question. Why and how are you in my room?”

“This is my room!”

He stilled, praying she wouldn’t see through him. “That can’t be. I specifically requested a brunette as my date.”

Lily sputtered. “You—you cad!”

“This must be a mistake.” He went over to the chair he’d occupied earlier and pulled his phone out of his coat pocket. “I’ll email Madame Eve and get this straightened out. Worse comes to worst, you can go request a different room.”

An outraged gasp sounded behind him. “Why do I have to be the one to leave?”

He whirled around and gave her what he hoped was a convincing bewildered look. “Unless…you’re my date?”

She paused. “Hell no.” 

Website: http://clarissayip.com

Shy tomboy Jenna Faulkner has been in love her whole life—with her best friend. Except he’s marrying the wrong woman, and he doesn’t know it yet. But she’s determined to save him.

Instead of the normal bachelor party, Jenna decides to throw a different type of gathering…with just her. Alone. Will Cade finally come to his senses and see Jenna for more than a friend, or has she ruined their friendship once and for all?

Releasing December 23rd

Sarah Westfall is on a mission. Living the mundane life of a near spinster school teacher and sick of her parents throwing eligible men at her, she is determined to get over her crush on her best friend’s brother. She wants a prince and wouldn’t settle for less. What better way than a 1Night Stand?

Evan Hunt needs to figure out his enemy’s game plan. Chasing his nemesis to Las Vegas and signing up for Madame Eve’s service and masquerade, he never expected the woman he’s desired for years to appear before him…as his princess. 

When their attraction fires the night, the inevitable happens. Her prince isn’t as charming as she’s hoped, but he does save her from trouble. Would he be willing to fulfill her fantasies also?

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Sunday Seduction

I've got a lot going on this week. Not some many interviews, but I'm gearing up for a couple of contests...oh and a chat at Coffee Time Romance and More.

So here's the deal blog hop pics/links are on the left hand side of the screen. Leave a comment WITH your email addy to be entered for a goodie bag during the Stuff Your Stocking Blog Hop and For Kacey's Birthday Bash the prize is a GC of winner's choice.

In the mean time enjoy a Sunday Seduction.



I just want to see how far the tattoo goes.

Yep. I says that about sums up a Sunday Seduction. Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic.

A Moment with Liv Rancourt

I'm please to have fellow Still Moments author Liv Rancourt visiting on Decadent Decisions. So without let me step aside and let her share her story.

Thanks, Lynn, for the opportunity to tell your readers about my short story, “The Santa Drag” that appears in Christmas Treats: Santa’s Nice List from Still Moments Publishing.

Things aren’t always what they seem, and this shopping mall Santa has a secret that only the love of her life can  reveal.

When Lynn and I were setting up this guest appearance, she mentioned that her blog often featured adult content, and asked if I was okay with that. I told her that yeah, I’d been following her posts and knew what was up. I should probably have warned her of something in return. While I might enjoy reading “adult content”, when it comes to my own writing, I’m definitely a PG-rated girl.

I think it stems from a formative event that happened when I was in high school. I was standing in the alto section of the school choir, and though I have no memory of the preceding conversation, I do very clearly remember the blond girl next to me leaning over and whispering, “Those who talk about it don’t do it.” 

She said it with such authority and yet with such an air of ennui that I knew she spoke the truth. Ever since, I’ve been afraid of talking about sex, lest someone mistake me for the kind of geek who never gets any. Actually, for years I was exactly that kind of geek, but that’s another blog post. These days, when I get ready to write a love scene, I sit at the laptop, shake out my fingers, and get ready to unleash my inner….Girl Scout.

Which is how “The Santa Drag” ended up on Santa’s Nice List. It tells the story of Mack, a Seattle-area actress who takes a job playing Santa because it’s the only thing she can find that’ll pay the rent. She is mightily dismayed one Saturday afternoon when a certain semi-famous actor shows up with kids in tow, to have pictures taken with Santa. Is she a good enough actress to fool Joe McBride, the only guy she ever really loved? You’ll have to check out Christmas Treats: Santa’s Nice List to find out.

Santa's Nice List

Don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased as punch to be on the Nice List, and can’t wait to read the other Nice stories. I’m also very much looking forward to Santa’s Naughty List, too, because I can tell from what I’ve seen on Lynn’s blog that you ladies are writing it and reading it and living it with class and enthusiasm.  Peace,

Liv

Liv Rancourt is a writer of speculative fiction and romance. She lives in Seattle with her husband, two teenagers, two cats and one wayward puppy. Writing stories that have happy endings is a good way to balance her hospital job, and she is thrilled with the release of The Santa Drag, her first short story with Still Moments Publishing. Liv can be found on-line at her Website , her Blog or on Facebook. 

A Moment with Shara Lanel

Tell the readers a little about yourself.

Thanks for having me here today! Let’s see…I’m a doggy mom, a regular mom, and a wife, who doesn’t cook very well and sucks at housecleaning. Therefore I write. That, after much revising, I can do. I’m the author of eight novels and several short stories and novellas, all of them the super sexy kind. My abode is in Richmond, Virginia, and I’ve been enjoying the seventy degree weather in December.

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 tend to read the most fiction in between projects and stick to non-fiction/research when I’m in the middle of something. I feel guilty reading a novel for hours when I’m supposed to be writing one.  You might consider my house a library if you examined the contents of every room—books everywhere. From romances to mysteries to sci-fi and fantasy. I can’t narrow it down to one favorite, but I’ve been reading a lot of Agatha Christie lately, some Gena Showalter and Heather Graham. And Doctor Who books.

How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

When I get stuck in a manuscript, usually about chapter three, I spend some time reading up on whatever subject(s) I’m working with, whether it be werewolves or Wicca or the original settlers of Western NY. I think this loosens “ze little gray cells” so I can write again. One thing that really motivated me this fall was attending the Writers Police Academy. The ride-along I did with one of the sheriff’s deputies inspired the hero I’m working on right now.

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

Perhaps some place like the French Riviera. It strikes me as a place where you can enjoy the luxury of the past and present.  Enjoy the feel of suntan lotion slowly rubbed over my back by a man who’s particularly muscular and tan, dress up and cheer him on at a suave casino, listen to boats rocking and water lapping through the open window of our room in an Old World hotel. 

What is the hardest thing for you to write?

The middle.  I usually get stuck at the end of chapter three, get going again, get stuck a few chapters later, etc. Since I write by the seat of my pants, I never know what’s going to happen next in my books, which can really hinder getting to The End. But every time I outline I get bored and never want to finish the book. Catch-22.

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

Hmm, I think I would enjoy being Casey in Telekinetic Kisses, because I’ve always thought moving things with my mind would be cool. Plus she gets to hang out in a Mexican resort with sexy Agent Parker Nelson protecting her from bullets…and herself. Of course, I probably wouldn’t enjoy being kidnapped by bad guys or hidden and smuggled across the border, but it would certainly liven up things.

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

I love going to this little fondue restaurant not far from our house. A little wine, soft lighting, and chocolate fondue…perfect.

Contact:

http://www.sharalanel.com (my web site)

http://www.facebook.com/sharalanel (Facebook)

http://twitter.com/sharalanel (Twitter)

Email: shara@sharalanel.com

BLAME IT ON THE NIGHT

Blurb: 

Human/werewolf relations were forbidden. Guy’s father had made that clear years ago, but Guy had come very close to disobeying with naïve, teenage Olivia. He’d barely kept his body under control, as he’d held her during her first shocking orgasm. Years later, on edge with anger, grief, and the pull of the moon, Guy knows she’s the last person he needs near him.

Olivia is overcome with humiliation at the mere thought of seeing Guy again, though he’s starred in all of her fantasies over the past several years, but she refuses to leave his doorstep until he answers her questions about her missing sister and the dead body found on his property. Problem is, he’s ordering her to leave while blocking the door, telling her to get lost while pinning her between his hard body and the table, saying he doesn’t know what he’s doing while his every touch takes Olivia closer to heaven.

Sometimes forbidden love is worth the risk, but sometimes it leads to revenge and murder.

Buy link: http://www.loose-id.com/Blame-it-on-the-Night.aspx

EXCERPT:

John leaped, remaining in human form—mostly. His eyes shifted, and his claws grew. He flexed his fingers, then scraped his claws across Guy’s shoulder. He barely felt the cuts, and the skin healed immediately, unlike his shirt. Guy maneuvered the fight farther from Olivia and made one more jab at diplomacy. “Look, take me and say the human wasn’t with me. She’s flying home tonight, and we’ll never see her again. I’ll put her on the damn plane myself.”

John tapped his finger, with its long, curving nail, against his chin, leaving specks of Guy’s blood on his face. “Do you have something to offer me?”

“Whatever you want.”

“I want her.”

Guy shook his head. “The point of the deal is for her to go home safely.”

“I will agree to that if I can have her first. I have to admit, my view earlier gave me a raging hard-on.” He licked his lips and his chin and Guy’s blood, reminding Guy of a lizard. “Is she tight?”

*  *  *

Olivia had sawed through one strand of rope, which gave her hand more maneuverability but didn’t loosen the rest as she’d hoped. She was freaking out on every level possible, one of which kept telling her to wake the hell up from this nightmare. The languid feeling that came from having a strong orgasm had given way to surging adrenaline—she realized she was in the presence of monsters.

“What are you?” she whispered. Guy glanced at her, apology in his eyes, but John struck his stomach, and he bent forward. The fight was on, with each man—or whatever the hell they were—striking and evading at lightning-fast speed. They crossed the entire room in the space of one blink. She could ignore the “human” reference—maybe this guy was a Trekkie—but the eyes were too much. They hadn’t gone back to normal in an instant, the way she’d seen Guy’s do. Then his nails had grown, thickened, curved. Her imagination just wasn’t that good; this had to be real.

Which meant Guy was a monster too.

Chief? She’d bet Mr. Chelan filled that role, which explained why Guy and Nootau acted so oddly around him. She nearly dropped the knife—that meant Nootau was supernatural too! Was everyone she’d grown up with not what they seemed? She’d trusted Guy—for the most part—and thought he was helping her and Amy. What if he or someone he knew was committing these murders and had her sister?

Finally she cut through the strand that allowed the rest of the rope to loosen. By now Guy’s eyes were those of a feral animal. Light scratches on Guy’s cheek healed in seconds, but deep gashes on his shoulder and ribs oozed blood, soaking his shirt—enough blood that Olivia felt light-headed from the sight. Guy swiped John’s thigh with his nails, leaving four deep, red gashes. John howled, backed up, then leaped, arms forward. Guy fell to the concrete floor, on top of him, a wolf—a huge black wolf with its mouth open, fangs at the ready.

Guy’s sorrowful gaze met Olivia’s for one second before he too turned into a wolf. The animals were both graceful and savage. Guy’s fur was brown with a silver underlay, but dark slashes crossed his face, a bandit’s mask created by black fur. The eyes that had looked so scary in his human face—well, they still looked scary—were handsome and intelligent now. They reflected the dim lighting in the basement and seemed to glow.

Bittersweet or Santa's Helper

I'd like to take a moment to welcome fellow Rose Laura Browning to Decadent Decisions. She brings two new must have releases to share today.

Thanks you so much for the opportunity to visit with your readers today.

On the list of good problems to have: being able to promote the release of two different books in the very same week. Did I intend for this to happen? Not hardly. While I signed contracts for the two at about the same time, one was a holiday novella and the other a full-length novel. Naturally, I knew Santa’s Helper would be available in November or December, but I didn’t figure Bittersweet would release until 2012. After all, most of my other full-length manuscripts had taken from ten to twelve months to release once I’d signed.

Then I got the news. Bittersweet, from Lyrical Press, had a release date of December 5 and Santa’s Helper, from the Wild Rose Press, released December 7. 

That’s the challenge of working with more than one publisher at a time. It’s not like they’re consulting each other’s publications schedules. Is she crazy, you say? Wait, it gets worse.

Like many writers, the self-publishing bug bit me as well. I’ve published three vampire romances since July—all 80k words or more.

My family wonders who that crazed woman bent over the computer keyboard is. I can no longer read the letter “A” on my keyboard. I’ve worn it off. 

Now, before you think that I am the world’s fastest writer, typist, editor, I must admit that I have this …let me call it “woodpile” of stories on the flash drive that holds my life. That’s because I wrote and wrote and wrote until my husband finally said, “Publish some of that, or find a different hobby. You’re hogging the computer.”

With so many characters still clamoring for stories, I decided to publish. Bittersweet was one of the stories living on my flash drive, so are the vampire novels. Santa’s Helper came to me over time, but I just finally put it together after Christmas 2010. 

If there is one common theme in what I write, I suppose I would have to say it deals with the issue of trust. To me, this is the pivot around which any relationship is built. In a love relationship, it’s critical because you have to put yourself on the line for another person to accept or reject. That’s not easy for any of us. If we’ve had that trust thrown back at us—it’s even more difficult.

Chris and Anna struggle with that in Bittersweet because of their shared past.

Merry has her own baggage in Santa’s Helper that makes it hard for her to trust Jack.

Here are samples of both stories.

From Bittersweet:

“Are you… Is the baby through…uh, nursing? Bart’s waking, and none too happy.”

The impatience was back in his voice, and it hit her the wrong way. Anna stood. The weariness of the long day was catching up with her, and she lost patience as well. As much as she wished to keep him at a distance, sometimes options ran out. “I can’t juggle him and my daughter. If you’ll hold Becca for a minute, I’ll get him settled and in his stall.”

Chris looked almost as if she had instructed--“here, take this large, poisonous snake and give it mouth to mouth.” To give him credit, he recovered in an instant and held out his arms, uncertainty plain on his face. 

“There you go.” She left him standing in the middle of the office, a nervous, almost frightened look on his face. Serves you right, Anna thought with a small spark of vindictive satisfaction as she walked away. The only thing that would make it better would be for Becca to either spit up or poop, both things she excelled at doing. Imagining such a scenario made Anna smile.

From Santa’s Helper:

A black Bentley. She swallowed when they stopped next to it and he opened the passenger door for her. His lifestyle was so beyond her reach. She stared at him as she got in, and suddenly everything closed in on her. 

“Wait. Jack. I can’t do this. I’m a divorced mom working three jobs just trying to keep the rent paid and food on the table for my son. I’ve never been in a Bentley in my life, and I suspect the boots you have on cost more than I spend on groceries in a month! Just…forget it. Go find someone who’s in your league. I’m not.”

She started to duck out from under his arm, but he stopped her.

“Don’t, Merry. Don’t go. I’m not the kind of guy who wants to see a pedigree before he takes a woman out. And I wouldn’t be interested in a woman who wanted that. Don’t shut me out because I’ve been successful. I sure as hell didn’t start that way. Give me a chance.”

He stroked a strand of hair back off her face. “You’ve been kind to me. I want to do the same for you. When I saw you arrive tonight, you looked upset. Let me give you something; let me ease whatever burden’s bothering you.” His voice lowered until it was just a whisper on the winter wind. “Please.”

You can find my books in the following locations:

Santa’s Helper – The Wile Rose Press, Barnes and Noble, Amazon 

Bittersweet – Lyrical press, Barnes and Noble, Amazon 

You’ll find me at www.laurabrowningbooks.blogspot.com or www.laurabrowningbooks.com

on twitter: @laurabrowning4

On Facebook: Laura browning and Laura browning, author

I’d love to hear from you, and I’ve really enjoyed the chance to tell you about two stories I’m so excited to see published!