Cover Reveal: Saving His Mate

Coming June 21! Saving His Mate (The Year of Hears 2)

Lance devoted his life to serving a vampire, Elizabella, until the day she committed suicide. These tragic events bring another vampire, Tavok, into his life. Though Lance knows immediately that he and Tavok belong together, he wonders if he deserves to find love while still so overcome by grief.

Tavok can hardly control himself when he meets Lance, his fated mate. Tavok knows Lance needs time to grieve, and he does his best to wait. Everything is perfect when they finally make love, but then Kadlin, Elizabella’s twin, arrives and makes no secret of his desire to possess Lance. Kadlin disappeared years ago after aligning himself with a demon, and Tavok will do anything to keep him away from Lance.

When Kadlin spirits Lance away to the demon realm, Tavok is racing against time to save his mate before Kadlin does something that will separate the two lovers forever.

New Release: Kiss at Dawn

 My newest m/m short is now available!

James got his fill of domineering behavior in his last relationship, so he immediately shies away when he meets Hikaru, who makes his interest aggressively clear from the start. While James can’t deny that he wants Hikaru, he can’t push past his issues and relax around him.

Hikaru isn’t going to take no for an answer because he can see the undeniable desire in James’ eyes. An erotic encounter after work confirms that they both want the same thing and know exactly how to give it to each other. When Hikaru meets—and is threatened by— James’ ex-boyfriend, he begins to understand why James can’t open up completely. Now his priority is not only protecting James but also showing him how fulfilling complete surrender can be ... with the right person.

Buy Links

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Torrid Books

Amazon

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Excerpt:

 

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James lay spent and content in Hikaru’s arms that evening. He could almost forget what had caused them to spend the day together. After showering and eating, they’d settled in the living room with a couple of movies, both of them dozing off near the end of the second one. The cut on his hand throbbed a little every now and then, but it hadn’t really caused him any problems. He ran his palm over Hikaru’s chest as he listened to his steady breathing. When his phone rang, he felt so at ease and relaxed he reached for it and answered it without even checking who it was.

“Hello?”

“So are you going to work tomorrow, or are you just gonna stay there and keep letting him fuck you?”

James stiffened, his breath catching in his throat. He looked at Hikaru, whose eyes had snapped open. The man who had looked so gentle moments earlier looked deadly now.

“How did you get this number?” James asked. As much as he wanted to hang up on Peter, he wanted an answer to that question. He needed to know which of his friends could no longer be trusted.

Peter laughed. “Not all of our friends are on your side, you know. It wasn’t that hard.”

James struggled to straighten up, but it was hard with only one hand free. Hikaru helped him sit up on the couch, but then he extended his hand for the phone. His determined look made James hesitate. Did he hang up or let Hikaru talk to Peter? Would that make things better or worse?

“James, are you there? You suckin’ his dick or what?”

“Peter, just shut up! We are done! I never want to see you again. I’m sorry you can’t stand me being with someone else, but that is not my problem.”

Peter didn’t react at first. “He must have you pretty hot. You never talked to me like that before. So what’s he been doin’ to you? Big, dumb brute like that must be hung.”

James opened his mouth, but he was so angry he couldn’t form words. Hikaru put his hand on the phone and looked into James’ eyes with determined pleading. After a slight nod from James, Hikaru took the phone.

“I could hear your whiney voice loud and clear, asshole, and I’m not happy with any of the things I heard.”

James moved away, not wanting to hear Peter’s voice anymore. He paced in front of the window, looking outside for Peter’s car. He didn’t see it, but he still closed the blinds and drew the curtains completely shut.

“I don’t give a fuck what you say about me, but you say that—or anything like it—when we’re face to face, and I will give you the beating of your life.”

Hikaru’s tone sent a chill down James’ spine. Why was this happening? Why was his chance at happiness being contaminated this way?

“You just hear me. You show up within fifty feet of the store, and I call the cops.” He hung up and threw the phone against the cushion beside him, causing it to bounce a couple of feet in the air.

James rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes downcast, but then he looked up. “He’s stupid, but he does take us calling the cops seriously. He won’t cause problems at the store.”

“I don’t give a fuck about the store. I’m worried about you. This guy’s a sadistic perv!” Hikaru stood and tried to put his arms around James.

James wiggled away, but Hikaru wouldn’t let him get away completely. He held both of James’ wrists and just stood there until James looked at him. “I won’t let him hurt you anymore.”

“It’s not your problem.”

“It is.” He pushed James’ hands behind his back and held them there, pressing close. “He needs to learn that you’re my boyfriend now.”

“Am I?” James asked, wanting to tease Hikaru, craving nothing more than getting lost in the moment. He felt so safe in his embrace.

Hikaru nuzzled against his neck and licked his ear. “Yes.” After releasing a long sigh, he pulled back. “We’re in this together, completely. No more apologies or regrets, just us working together to figure it out.”

Hikaru pulled him back over to the couch. “And right now, I think we have time for one more of these delightful and life-affirming horror movies before bed.”

James sat down and playfully eyed Hikaru as though he were offended. “I like horror. It’s as much of an escape as any other genre.”

“I wasn’t knockin’ it.”

James took a deep breath. The next few days, or even weeks, might be hard, but Hikaru made him feel like he could handle it. “Okay, then.” He shifted on the couch to look at the middle DVD shelf. “Chainsaws or tentacles?”

“We got anything with both?”

James smiled because he knew Hikaru was trying to be funny, and then he triumphantly pulled down The Maniac from Swampy Manor. “We do indeed.”

Hikaru’s eyes went wide, but then he laughed. “Glad I asked.”

James popped the DVD in. “Glad you’re here.” He turned the light off and snuggled down into the cushions and Hikaru’s arms. When Hikaru leaned over and kissed the top of his head, he was finally able to relax completely again.

New Release: Tasting Cherry Blossoms (m/m)

The first volume in my brand new m/m series, The Year of Hearts, is here! Tasting Cherry Blossoms is the story of Ettore (whose name rhymes with "story" :-) and his mate Simon. Ettore had been roaming around in my brain for a long time without a story, in much the same way he's been without his mate in this book. I am just as happy to finally tell his story as he is to find Simon in the opening scene of the tale. Keep reading to find out more about Ettore and Simon and their world.

****

Welcome to Valladora, a world where vampires rule and everyone dreams of being destined to be a vampire's mate.

Well, most everyone...

Simon is content being a servant and doesn't like for attention of any kind to be focused on him. When he finds out he is destined to be Ettore's mate, he can't wrap his brain around the idea, even though he knows very well that his destiny is written in his blood. Vampires are never wrong about this connection, but Simon still can't believe something so wondrous could be meant for someone as ordinary as him.

Ettore doesn't find Simon ordinary in any way and actually finds his humility endearing. At the same time, he wants Simon to get over all of this so they can be together. I've dismissed and discarded many characters over the years, but I never scratched Ettore's name off my list. Ettore is most definitely an alpha, but in a more quiet and steadfast way. He won't take no for an answer, but he shows patience--and makes all the right moves--instead of forcing his reluctant lover to submit, and this is my favorite part of their story.

****

 

Blurb:

Simon has never feared the vampires who rule Valladora, yet he feels stunned and apprehensive when he meets Lord Ettore. The handsome vampire almost immediately declares that Simon is his mate, and though he knows he should feel honored, Simon can’t help resisting something that sounds impossible.

Ettore is overjoyed at finally finding his mate, even if the beautiful young man proves reluctant. Ettore is patient, enjoying the slow seduction despite his desire for Simon to give himself completely and stop holding back. When Simon disappears without a trace, Ettore doesn’t know if he should blame his political enemies or Simon’s reluctance to accept his love.

No matter what, Ettore is going to find Simon and bring him home. He knows their love is meant to be and will not rest until Simon is back in his arms, willingly offering both his blood and his heart.

****

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
Bookstrand
Rainbow Ebooks 

Here's a little snippet from the opening scene:

Simon shifted position on the ground again, but he went tumbling forward when some dirt and rocks gave way under his right foot. His hand came down on the shears he’d been using, and he jerked to the side, clutching his hand. When the throbbing subsided a little, he looked down at his slashed palm. Blood dripped from his hand. He winced when he flexed his fingers, and then he started to rise to his feet.

A shadow fell across him, and a chill swept up his spine when he looked up to see who had approached. The man was several inches taller than he was, with broad shoulders and long white hair. His irises held no color, but as he lowered his gaze to Simon’s hand, they went crimson.

One of his master’s guests. One of the vampires.

“Are you all right?” the man asked.

“Yes, though I’ve cut myself.” Simon knew what he had to do. He was a servant, and his own master served this vampire. He would be punished severely if he did not offer his blood to him. He would never be forced, but it would be viewed as the rudest of affronts. Taking a humble and submissive pose, he moved to kneel on one knee and offered his bleeding hand to the vampire. “Please, I would be honored.”

Simon could not hide his surprise when the vampire gathered his flowing golden robes and mirrored Simon’s position on the ground. He took Simon’s hand and smiled, and Simon gasped at the warmth of his fingers. Weren’t vampires cold to the touch? Simon lowered his gaze. He knew very little about vampires aside from what other servants said, so he had no idea what might be considered offensive.

“Please look at me.”

Simon lifted his head easily enough, the vampire’s touch and words calming him.

“Your blood smells wonderful.” The vampire lowered his tongue to Simon’s hand and lapped at the blood pooling in his palm. Simon couldn’t tear his gaze away anymore than he could ignore the sensations running through his body. His cock hardened when the vampire licked the wound and healed it. And he looked at Simon the entire time. He licked every inch of Simon’s hand to get all of the blood, and when he was finished he held Simon’s palm against his face.

“What is your name?” the vampire whispered.

“Simon.” He had a hard time keeping his voice steady, especially as his erection didn’t flag immediately.

“I’m Ettore.” He kissed Simon’s palm and rose to his feet, drawing Simon with him. “And I have never tasted blood like yours before.”

Simon didn’t know how to respond. He lowered his eyes and managed to say, “I am glad it pleased you.”

Ettore took him by the chin and made him look up. “Stop lowering your gaze that way.”

Wasn’t that what he was supposed to do? “I am a servant.”

“Not for long. I am going to speak with your master right now.”

The vampire’s words killed the last bit of the desire that had been surging in his cock. “What? My lord, what have I done?”

Ettore smiled, looking at Simon as though his behavior amused him somehow. “How old are you?”

“Twenty-two.”

“You knew it was proper to offer me your blood, yet you don’t seem to know much about vampires.” He inched closer and stroked Simon’s cheek. “The fact that I asked for your name and gave you mine in this intimate setting is significant, as is the fact that your blood pleased me so much. You are not in trouble.” He dropped a kiss against Simon’s lower lip. “You are my mate.”

Simon didn’t even have time to react to the unexpected kiss. When he heard the word mate, he felt the bottom drop out of his stomach as blood rushed in his ears. He couldn’t have heard right—and he couldn’t be this vampire’s mate! They were both men, so how could they mate? The vampire could turn him, but they could not mate. Also, he knew the vampires his master served were part of the royal family, so heirs were essential, no matter how many other family members might be ahead of Ettore in line for the crown.

Ettore brought him back to reality by pulling him into his arms. Simon looked up, holding to the vampire’s upper arms to steady himself.

“You are adorable,” Ettore said. “I’ve waited over two hundred years to find you, and I could not be happier. Stop looking so stunned.”

“Two hundred years?” Simon whispered, amazed he could even make his voice respond that much.

“My parents were beginning to worry, and my older siblings all tease me, but now they shall stop their teasing. I have finally found you.”

“I’m a man.”

Ettore laughed. “Yes, I know that, and now I understand why I prefer men in my bed. My fated one is a man. I suspected, but I did not want to assume.”

“We cannot mate. We’re … we simply can’t!”

Ettore’s eyes darkened again, almost going black this time. “Are you that innocent? I shall enjoy educating you.”

Simon began to shake, gripping Ettore more fiercely. “I don’t understand. You must be mistaken.”

Cover Reveal: Tasting Cherry Blossoms

Here is my cover for Tasting Cherry Blossoms, book 1 in The Year of Hearts.

 

Simon has never feared the vampires who rule Valladora, yet he feels stunned and apprehensive when he meets Lord Ettore. The handsome vampire almost immediately declares that Simon is his mate, and though he knows he should feel honored, Simon can’t help resisting something that sounds impossible.

Ettore is overjoyed at finally finding his mate, even if the beautiful young man proves reluctant. Ettore is patient, enjoying the slow seduction despite his desire for Simon to give himself completely and stop holding back. When Simon disappears without a trace, Ettore doesn’t know if he should blame his political enemies or Simon’s reluctance to accept his love.

No matter what, Ettore is going to find Simon and bring him home. He knows their love is meant to be and will not rest until Simon is back in his arms, willingly offering both his blood and his heart.

Kastil Eavenshade: Talbot's Seduction

Please welcome Kastile Eavenshade and her latest release, Talbot's Seduction, the prequel to Talbot's Ploy (both of which I had the honor of editing).

~*~*~

Talbot's Seduction was something that had to be written. Not only to show how Talbot Sauvageot's journey in finding the man he wants to spend the rest of his days with but to show why he'd turned into the man he was in Talbot's Ploy. Besides, the character tugged and pulled on my muse. When your muse is a sucker for the hot and sexy, it doesn't take much.

 

So I made the prequel, only lamenting that the idea didn't come first. Regardless, I did my best to show the internal struggles Talbot went through not only to avoid disappointing his family but to find the peace that eluded him. He could either accept his want for the flesh of man or lead a very unhappy life in the arms of a woman he would never satisfy. Rogues truly come in all shapes and sizes. 

~*~*~

Blurb: Talbot Sauvageot is a young Lord living in Paris, France, in search of anything but the duties of his station. He spends his time drinking and whoring, his memory of the last evening always a blur. When he is tricked by his betrothed’s father, Talbot realizes his heart beats not for the velvety folds of a woman but the hardened shaft of a man. Now he must find a balance in a world that condemns a man to death should he dabble in sodomy. His desires are unleashed tenfold when his Friend Tyeis shares his same interests in a bedmate.

Warning: m/m sex, multiple partners, forced seduction, sex toys, spanking, public exhibition, rimming

Excerpt:

 His gaze wandered to the window, and he strode over. The scenery hadn't changed much. Frolicking in the pool below had turned into a festive event. Many more students—including Tyeis—dove into the crystal water. Clothes lay scattered on the marble tile surrounding the area. Talbot's cock stirred at the sight, and he stepped back.

Back in Paris, when his father treated him to a maison, Talbot had been unwilling to shed his clothes in front of Delphine. She had instructed him on pleasing a woman after their flight from her brothel, but he'd felt clumsy and awkward. She praised his skill, vowing to have her girls spread the word of his prowess. His trust in Delphine came with no reservations. Their need for secrecy was mutual.

His need grew in his breeches, and Talbot turned his parents’ picture face down. What he was about to partake in was the very reason his father took him to the maison over and over again. The heat rose in his cheeks as he peered out the window again, his eyes fixed on the majestic beauty of the chiseled specimens below.

Talbot's head hung low for the wicked images circling in his head but he couldn't deny his want. His manhood sprang out of his breeches as the laces unfurled. "Forgive me, Father," he murmured. His fingers grasped his throbbing member, sliding along the shaft. The more he honed in on the nakedness below, the thickness grew within his gliding palm. His forehead pressed against the glass as his breathing grew heavy. Heady illusions of his fellow brethren wrapping their lips around his girth excited him more. Talbot's scrotum contracted and the pressure built.

The click and turn of his door had Talbot scrambling to cover his erect cock. At full mast, its size could not be contained in his pants. He reached for the coverlet on the bed to mask his state. Perspiration ran down his cheeks, and his embarrassment grew.

Professuer LaVigne stood in the doorway. Without a word, he closed the door behind him and walked over to Talbot. He yanked away the blanket, and Talbot desperately tried to hide his engorged cock behind his hands.

"Remove your hands, Talbot."

"Monsieur, s'il vous plait." Talbot could not met his eyes nor tame his cock.

"Now or should I write your father on your behavior?"

As if touching an open flame, Talbot snatched away his hands. "I will not happen again, Professuer. I swear."

"I doubt that." LaVigne snorted. His finger thrust under Talbot's chin, forcing him to gaze into the eyes of his teacher. "Pray tell, Talbot, what was your inspiration for such acts?"

Talbot's eyes betrayed him, casting a glance over at the window. His chest seized, the fear of his lust being discovered chilling his skin.

LaVigne half-smiled and adjusted the front of Talbot's waistcoat before dancing his fingers lower. Talbot's eyes widened as his teacher stroked the underside of his hardened manhood.

"Your tastes are sinful, Talbot, and should you be caught, your parent's shame will be the last of your worries." LaVigne continued his deviation. "May I suggest you wait until night consumes the land for such indulgences and, if it pleases you, my door is open to relieve you of your guilt." He swiped the liquid from the purple tip and suckled it from his finger.

Talbot trembled, the shock of his teacher's bold actions unnerving him. LaVigne could never know his act quickened Talbot's breath.

"It is wrong," Talbot said, yet his cock did not agree with his words. He'd dabbled with an older man once before, and it ended in death for the Comte. He could not entertain that thought again.

"Only if one gets caught. Be careful, Talbot, and I will show you how to keep you and whatever lover you choose safe. Even in Paris." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a card. It fluttered onto Talbot's bed. LaVigne left, a smirk on his face.

Talbot shifted his shaft into his pants and laced them in haste. His hand wiped away the sweat still pouring from his brow. Far away from his home, Talbot shivered from his arousing encounter with LaVigne. His cock begged for release yet, and the temptation to seek out his teacher after dark called to him.

Talbot shook his head. He could not give in to his carnal lust. It was not the right of the world. His secret needed to be buried below, never to be acted upon again. He had left Paris behind but the sin he washed himself in followed close.

BUY LINKS:
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Add to your Goodreads tbr pile.

New Release: Switch Him Up

My latest m/m story is now available! :-)

 

Blurb:

Alec couldn’t be more surprised when the “burglar” he swings a baseball bat toward turns out to be Christian, the lover who walked out on him six months ago. He never imagined Christian would come back, but secretly his heart had continued to hope all that time.

Christian returns to Alec, ready to face the consequences of his rash actions and deal with all of the issues he still has with trust in relationships. He can feel that Alec wants him, but Alec makes it clear he’s tired of being the pushover in their relationship. Christian struggles not to be possessive and dominating, while Alec learns how erotic it can be to make another submit to his will. Can Christian learn to submit completely, or will he lose everything because he can’t let go and trust his lover?

Excerpt:

Alec froze when he heard a key slip into the front door of his apartment. Silence followed, but then the key turned very slowly, as if the person didn’t want to be heard. Silence again. He checked the bedside clock, which showed two minutes until midnight. Did some drunk person have the wrong apartment? Maybe he’d only imagined hearing the locking pins give way. He threw his book aside and jumped out of bed when he heard the knob turn and the door creak open. His hand found the baseball bat that always rested next to his bed, and he advanced slowly. If he could be as quiet as the intruder, he might stand a chance. Standing at only five-nine and weighing maybe one hundred and eighty pounds, Alec usually backed down from any physical conflict, but what choice did he have? He wasn’t going to hide in a closet while someone robbed him. His cell phone was charging in the kitchen, so he couldn’t even call for help from where he was. He had to try to stop the intruder himself.

As Alec tiptoed down the hall, the intruder came into sight. The guy was over six feet tall, broad-shouldered, and well muscled from what Alec could see. Why was he simply standing in the middle of the living room? Letting his eyes adjust to the dark? A chill went through Alec. Or had the burglar heard someone in the apartment and tensed for a fight? Alec took his chance and swung the bat at the man’s head, gasping in surprise when the guy whirled around and stopped the bat with one hand. Alec stumbled back and dropped the bat, fear gripping him. He wasn’t worried this guy would rob him, but he had every reason to believe the man would break his heart. Again.

“Alec?”

The whispered word caused Alec to draw in a sharp breath, but for a moment he couldn’t get his lips to move. He slid down the wall, unable to stand any longer as his legs shook.

“Alec, are you hurt?”

A lamp came on, and Alec looked up into Christian’s deep blue eyes as the man knelt beside him. Alec shook his head.

“You look awful,” Christian said, reaching out to touch Alec.

Alec slapped his hand away and found his voice as anger surged within him. “How would you look if your lover walked out on you because of a misunderstanding? How do you think you’d look after six months of silence and anguish?”

Christian’s normally unreadable expression cracked a bit as he hung his head. “I came back because I found out it was a misunderstanding. I’m sorry.”

Alec struck out and hit Christian on the shoulder, hardly budging him even an inch. “You’re sorry? That’s a pile of shit. I told you it was a misunderstanding the day it happened. I left you hundreds of messages! I scoured this city and couldn’t find you!”

“I went home and stayed with my grandmother. Got a job and didn’t look back.” Christian raised his head. “I didn’t want to be in the city without you.”

“So you were just going to come in here and slip into bed with me? Seriously?” He waited for an answer as they searched each other’s faces. He would never admit that such a plan would likely have worked, that he probably would have willingly gone into Christian’s arms and forgiven him. He had to stay strong. As long as they didn’t touch, Alec believed he would be able to resist.

“No. I was going to sleep here on the couch and wake you up with breakfast. The first of many apologies.”

“You’ve got a lot of those to make. Our friends, Dr. Frances, your landlady. I took all your shit and stored it because I felt bad for her. She couldn’t bring herself to get rid of it. Yeah, she was always a bit weird, but she’s a sweet old lady, and you had her worrying herself sick. Things were insane in the department, and everyone had to jump in and do your work until we found another assistant. I had to teach your freshman labs. Doctor Frances was very disappointed because you were always his favorite grad student, which of course made you his favorite employee after graduation. Everyone was scared and wanted to call the cops, but we knew they’d just laugh at us.” Alec took a breath and glared at Christian. “And honestly, I can’t see why you’d want me back at all. You obviously have a pretty fucking low opinion of me, given what you assumed.”

Alec struggled to his feet and started down the hall, but Christian grabbed his arm. Alec tried to pull away, but as always Christian was much too strong. “Let me go,” he whispered.

“No.” Christian yanked Alec back to the floor and pinned him beneath him. “Just listen.”

Alec could hardly breathe as he lay trapped beneath Christian’s amazing hard body. Christian had straddled him and pinned his hands over his head. Alec couldn’t take Christian being so close, and he soon worried his cock would give him away. He hated being so weak, hated still being in love with the man who had nearly destroyed him.

Buy Links:
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All Romance eBooks
Rainbow Ebooks

Vivian Kees: Dashing Doctor, Pregnant Nurse

Please welcome Vivian Kees and her latest release, Dashing Doctor, Pregnant Nurse.

Passion, love, and a shocking secret… 

Janine Croft never thought her affair with the dashing Dr. Kyle Van Peter would turn into anything more than it was. After all, it wasn’t supposed to be anything serious, right? But when a sudden unexpected bump in the road derails everything she’s known in her otherwise routine life, the once practical nurse must face her newfound reality which may or may not include the man who’s seen to her every need both physically and emotionally during the past few months.

When did things change between them? Kyle Van Peter can’t help but question Janine’s motives when she suddenly dumps him without warning. Normally things like this didn’t bother the handsome doctor, but the sassy and extremely sexy nurse has already stirred something deep inside of him that can’t be extinguished that easily. He demands answers that only she can give him. 

Excerpt:

“Kyle, you have no reason to be sorry. I made a huge error in my better judgment. I should never have bombarded you like that. It was neither the time, nor place. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“It’s just that … it surprised the heck out of me. I honestly thought that things were good between us. I know we had set limits and stuff, but I felt we were headed somewhere more serious. Then when you told me it was over, that we were over.” He turned to her, and reached out to grasp her hands. “I thought we had something special.”

His hands. Janine looked down at them. They were large compared to hers. His fingers were long and thick. They were healing hands. They were hands that had loved her, and caressed the most intimate parts of her body. She thought back to the last time they’d made love. God, it had been delicious.

There had been nothing particularly different about it. Sex with Kyle was always fantastic. Yet, she could still remember how he had felt next to her in bed afterwards, spooning her from the back. His warmth permeated throughout her body as his arms curled around her waist until his hands settled on her belly. He’d unknowingly cradled their unborn child who at the time had been still unknown to her too.

Janine shook. “It isn’t like that, Kyle. I do feel for you.”

“Then what’s the problem?” he asked. A look of utter confusion crossed his handsome face. “I’m at a loss, here Janine.” He cast her a forlorn look.

So many things ran through her head. Too many memories and conflicting emotions filled her. She did care for Kyle, but a baby? She couldn’t begin to fathom how this would change both their lives.

He moved closer and leaned into her. His breath felt hot against her neck. “You must feel something for me?” he whispered, as one strong hand moved up to caress her cheek. “Remember that weekend at the lake?”

She did. How could she ever forget?

“We connected on a deeper level.” His hand moved to the back of her neck. This was a very sensitive spot for her, and he was well aware of that fact. Just feeling his fingers sliding across her skin and their tips delicately brushing was enough to cause her to groan.  She did her best to stifle her unwanted reaction. He knew how to push her buttons, and did so in every way imaginable.

She must have looked horrid to him, sitting there in her flannels, her hair askew and her breath… Well, she just hoped it wasn’t too offensive. And then mid-thought, he did it. With one hand firmly planted firmly under her chin, he guided her to his lips.

He tasted like coffee and mint. “We shouldn’t,” she murmured. “We ended this earlier today. We’re over.”

“No.” Kyle placed one finger against her lips. “You ended it. And right now your kiss tells me that you might have second thoughts. You have feelings for me, Janine, and I for you.”

He wasn’t altogether wrong. She did feel for him. But exactly what it was she wasn’t sure. “Kyle, I’m confused. I don’t know what I think or feel anymore. I like you.  I really do, but I don’t think that extends anywhere beyond friendship.”

“We were always friends,” he answered. His fingers fumbled with the top button of her pajama top. She gently pushed them away.

“This isn’t going to happen.” And when he tried to kiss her again, Janine turned her head from him. “I think you should leave, now.”

“Janine,” he started, his voice pleading. “Please don’t push me away like that.”

“I’m not pushing, Kyle.” She stood in front of him with both hands planted firm on her hips. “But I can’t go against my feelings simply to make you feel better.” She was determined to stand her ground.

“Okay.” Kyle stood and walked out of the living room and down the hall towards the front door. She followed. He turned before exiting. “I won’t force myself on you. I hope we can at least remain professional at work.” He was gone with only his scent lingering in the air to remind her that he’d been there.

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing 

Amazon 

All Romance eBooks 

Bookstrand 

 

Evernight's Book Boyfriend Blog Hop!

Book Boyfriends...

They can be strong and sexy, dark and dangerous, rebellious and reckless or cute and quirky. We love to fall in love with these irresistible heroes and Evernight Publishing

 has them all!

The authors of Evernight invite you to a Speed Date challenge. Their cowboys, Doms, detectives, millionaires, royalty, vampires, soldiers, shifters, even steam-powered heroes are waiting to meet you on each author website. 50 heroes in 7 days! Are you up for the challenge?

Pull up a chair and get to know every single one. I’d love to introduce you to my hero...

Blurb:

Victoria cannot even muster a smile on her wedding day. Her groom is handsome, titled, and wealthy, and her marriage will save her family from financial ruin, but she is still saddened when she contemplates the long, loveless years ahead of her.

Bastian never intended to marry, but he gives in to his father’s scheme because the more he thinks about the bride, the more he wants to capture her heart. He sweeps her into his arms at the reception, determined to make her smile and laugh, though he only manages to make her blush and stare at him incredulously.

Was he wrong to believe he could turn a marriage of convenience into a love match? Or does another man already hold the heart of his reluctant bride?

When Claiming His Bride begins, Bastian and Victoria have just been married. Victoria can't understand why Bastian isn't as bothered by the arrangement as she is. The bonus scene below is a sneak peek of the moment Bastian realized an arranged marriage might not be so bad...

 *~*~*

Bastian glared at his father. “I made my feelings about this marriage very clear. Isabella is a vain shrew, and she’ll drive me mad. I would have been happier with the sweet, pretty sister.”

“Would you? Truly?” the Earl asked with an odd smile.

Bastian blinked. Victoria was indeed sweet and pretty, but Bastian didn’t want to get married at all. He’d brought Victoria into his arguments since returning from Italy three days earlier more to convince his father of Isabella’s faults and flaws by the contrast. “I understand arranging a marriage without the bride being too involved, but to make a contract behind the groom’s back when he can do nothing to stop it is absurd!”

“Bastian, we have an urgent appointment and must leave soon. Please answer the question.”

“What?”

The Earl laughed. “Do you want Victoria or not?”

“Victoria?” What? Was his father truly considering this? He liked Victoria very much, but if he ever made any woman his bride he’d be the one to ask her.

“Yes. God above must have known you would try to rebel in this way. In short, Isabella is in the family way and being shipped off to Wales. The Baron is desperate for you to marry Victoria instead, and we’re going to their home to seal the deal this very moment.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Yes. Victoria will make a good wife. She’s far more submissive, and she has a dignified air her sister did indeed lack. She agreed quite readily and happily, her father said.”

She wanted him? Many women had wanted his money, and his cock, but none of them had ever wanted him for a husband. Too possessive, more than one woman had said. He’d been resigned to bachelorhood for years now. He sighed. He’d been making plans for weeks now to run away before the wedding. However, running away from a shrew was very different from leaving a very kind and gentle girl at the altar. Victoria would be humiliated and hurt, and she might never marry, given her sister’s scandal and her father’s financial distress.

“She’s probably just being dutiful,” Bastian finally said.

“Perhaps, but that makes me want her for your wife even more. God knows you never do your duty willingly. Now come along. We can’t be late.”

Bastian followed, but he said nothing else until the carriage pulled up outside the Baron’s home.

“Give me a few minutes, father. I need to collect my thoughts, unless you want me snarling at people.”

The Earl laughed. “Take a look up at that window. That will stop your snarling.”

Bastian watched his father walk up the steps, and then he leaned forward a bit. Victoria stood in a second story window, half her face obscured by a lacy curtain. Her gaze didn’t waiver, which he thought rather bold, but then he realized she couldn’t see into the carriage. He took advantage of this fact and studied her. Pretty. Sweet. Yes, those words did fit her well. She began to fidget with the lace, and he realized she must be waiting for him to emerge. He did so, but as soon as he lifted his head, she was gone.

His escape could still be made. He could be on his way to Canada before his father ever found him. Church bells sounded in the distance, and he imagined himself standing at the altar and watching Victoria walk down the aisle. A smile spread over his face. With one more glance at the empty window, he strode up the steps. His previous plans had been ruined, but new ones were already forming in his mind.

Buy Links:

 Evernight Publishing

Amazon

All Romance eBooks

Bookstrand

*~*~*

What’s up for grabs?

•           One lucky hopper will win a KINDLE PAPERWHITE eREADER sponsored by Evernight Publishing.

•           Every book blogger/reviewer site is giving away one free eBook from Evernight (winner’s choice of any eBook from Evernight Publishing).

•           Plus, each author offers their own unique prize! So visit each blog hop stop for a host of fabulous prizes to win.

How to enter?

This book is set in 1897. Bastian thinks it is no big deal for wedding plans to be made without consulting the bride, but he thinks it is ridiculous that his father arranged for him to marry while he was out of the country. What are your thoughts? Just answer this question. Your answer does not have to be long or complex. Be sure you leave the answer and your email address in the comments below to be eligible to win a prize. The prize for this blog is a $10 Amazon gift card.

Keep hopping to the next author or blogger. After you’ve met each hero click here to vote for your favorite book boyfriend. You’ll earn an extra grand prize entry!

You’re one step closer to meeting your next Book Boyfriend...

New Release: At His Lord's Command

At His Lord's Command, my historical m/m/m, is now available.

This novella did not start out as a menage, but when Sebastian opened the door to let Damon into Lord Leyden's house, I couldn't resist the idea. :-) A little snippet of that scene can be found below.

Blurb:

Damon is in a desperate situation, and he’s willing to submit to the whims of a handsome lord to free himself…

Lord Leyden wants a new lover, someone perfect for him and his longtime companion Sebastian…

Sebastian is willing to accept this new lover into their bed, but before long he has reason to question why he has stayed at Leyden’s side for so long…

Will these three men find fulfillment? Or will one of them leave and take with him all the happiness they found together?

Excerpt:

Damon nodded to the driver and watched the carriage roll away. The wind blew several strands of blond hair across his face as he looked at the gate before him. He approached the access door in the middle of the left side and fitted the key he’d been given into the lock. He couldn’t help but pause after he stepped inside. The white marble structure shone in the sun as if someone had polished the entire structure. The house was beautiful, far too beautiful to be hidden by such a high stone wall, but he could understand the need for privacy. He locked the door and pocketed the key.

Lord Alfric Leyden. A viscount and the only son of the very exacting and intimidating Earl of Withington. Damon had known all along the man he’d been meeting was a real lord, but knowing who he actually was made Damon apprehensive now. He’d put his life in this man’s hands and entrusted his entire future to him. What if Leyden grew tired of him? Damon had been assured that all the rumors about Leyden were true, the most prominent one being that the father and son did not speak because Leyden had refused to ever marry and produce heirs. Yet Damon couldn’t help wondering if Leyden might change his mind when he inherited his father’s title.

He rang at the door and waited. Soon he heard approaching footsteps. Whoever was coming to the door seemed to be walking slowly on purpose, the steps echoing off what sounded like marble. A tall, pale man with jet-black hair and severe eyes opened the door. Damon felt like he was back in the schoolroom as the stern man pushed his spectacles up on his nose. But then a very sensual, knowing smile spread across his lips as he assessed Damon. After a moment, he stepped aside and gestured for Damon, who couldn’t manage to make himself speak, to enter.

“I’m Sebastian.” He closed the door. “And I am in charge here, as far as the house is concerned. His Lordship employs two cooks, two maids, a gardener, and a driver. All of them will obey you, unless it contradicts an order from me. You will obey me, unless my orders contradict those of Lord Leyden, but I can guarantee that will never happen. We both want the same thing. Always.”

He put his foot on the bottom step and motioned for Damon to follow him. As they climbed the stairs, he continued, “I attend to all of Lord Leyden’s needs, though now you’ll be here to help with many of them.”

Damon stared at the man’s back, wishing he could see his face. So Lord Leyden had been involved with this man? Were they still involved? Or had he misunderstood? Was Sebastian saying he would be taking over duties around the house? Sebastian obviously served as Lord Leyden’s manservant, but perhaps Damon would fill that roll now. At least he had some training, though he would have liked being told before his arrival.

Sebastian opened a door and ushered Damon in. “This is your bedroom. It connects to Lord Leyden’s through the dressing room there. My bedroom is across the hall.”

Damon couldn’t stop his eyebrows from lifting.

Sebastian laughed as he closed the door. “The other servants stay in the servant’s wing. I do not.”

“I see.” He couldn’t help feeling like he was being toyed with.

“Shy, aren’t you?” Sebastian drew closer. “Perhaps we should become better acquainted before Leyden returns.”

“I’d be willing to bet you already know quite a bit about me.”

“Yes, Leyden has told me a great deal. That’s what you’ll call him in private. Leyden. If anyone other than me is present, it is Lord Leyden or my lord, unless we tell you otherwise. All right?”

“All right.”

“We may be unconventional, but certain standards must be maintained.”

“Unconventional. That’s one way to put it.”

Sebastian took hold of Damon’s chin. “Are you ashamed of what you are?”

“What do you mean?”

“Hiding your desires to protect yourself is one thing. Reviling yourself for them is very different.”

“No. I’m not ashamed. But I am cautious. If they’d send Oscar Wilde to jail for two years, what do you think they’d do to a nobody like me?”

Sebastian caressed Damon’s cheek. “You like Oscar Wilde’s works?”

“Yes.” He pulled away from Sebastian’s touch as gently as he could. “Did you suspect I wouldn’t even be able to read?”

“I had no idea what to expect. Leyden only told me how good you were, how much he wanted you.”

Damon forced himself to ask the question pounding in his brain. “Are we rivals? I knew you would know about me and Leyden, but I had no idea you were…like us.”

“I don’t want to be rivals, though it could be fun in its way.” Sebastian ran his fingers into Damon’s hair and pulled Damon’s head back to force him to look up into his eyes. “Or perhaps you’d like it if we were rivals for your affection.”

Damon tried to steady his breathing, not wanting Sebastian to see how his nearness affected him, but the hint of a smile on Sebastian’s face told him it was useless.

Buy Links:
Torrid Books
Bookstrand
Amazon
All Romance eBooks

Cover Reveal: Kiss at Dawn

I have another m/m coming from Torrid Books in June. :-)

James got his fill of domineering behavior in his last relationship, so he immediately shies away when he meets Hikaru, who makes his interest aggressively clear from the start. While James can’t deny that he wants Hikaru, he can’t push past his issues and relax around him.

Hikaru isn’t going to take no for an answer because he can see the undeniable desire in James’ eyes. An erotic encounter after work confirms that they both want the same thing and know exactly how to give it to each other. When Hikaru meets—and is threatened by— James’ ex-boyfriend, he begins to understand why James can’t open up completely. Now his priority is not only protecting James but also showing him how fulfilling complete surrender can be with the right person.