New Release: With the Boys in the Band (MMF)

With the Boys in the Band, my MMF contemporary with a paranormal twist, is now available!

 

Working as an assistant for the metal band Serration is Alicia’s dream gig—a far cry from the cubicle she abandoned at her old job. She promised herself she wouldn’t become starstruck, but the band’s frontman, Vince, proves very hard to ignore. She manages to resist him on a daily basis, but soon she finds herself thinking about the keyboardist, Emerson, all the time.

The two men’s closeness confuses her a little, and Vince’s promiscuous reputation makes her wary, but when Emerson invites her to Vince’s summer house for a week-long getaway, she jumps at the chance. A single day in such close quarters convinces Alicia of one thing: these two men want each other as much as they want her. Will they only see each other as rivals, or will they give in and let her lure them both to her bed and her very willing arms?

Excerpt:

Vince made his way down the stairs quickly and flung the front door open. A smile came to his face as Emerson and Alicia stepped out of the car and turned toward him in unison, both of them pushing their hair out of their faces in an equally synchronized gesture. As he smiled and locked eyes with Alicia, a mixture of lust and jealousy swirled inside him. He would love to get her in his bed, but he was far more interested in getting Emerson there instead. Knowing the two people before him were likely to sleep together soon, and picturing what it would be like, made him ache in a way he didn’t fully understand, even as it turned him on a little. When he switched his gaze to Emerson, the other man’s guarded expression made Vince’s smile fade.

“How was the drive?” Vince asked.

“Good. No traffic.” He moved around to the back of the car to retrieve the bags.

Vince came forward to help. “I had a guest room made up. Across the hall from yours.”

“Put my stuff there. Give her my room,” he said, keeping his voice low.

Vince hesitated, but then he picked up two of Emerson’s bags. “Okay.” He glanced back to Alicia, who was admiring the house and walking away from them. “Will it even matter?” he added playfully, nudging Emerson’s leg with his knee.

Emerson’s frustration showed in the firm set of his mouth and the white-knuckled grip he had on the bags. “Her having the choice matters. My room is nicer, so put her there. I’ll tell her it’s mine if she asks, but I’d rather not make a big deal out of it.” He sighed and brushed past Vince. “I’m not like you, Vince.”

I wish you were. Vince didn’t even try to hide his emotions as he watched the retreating form of the man he loved. He took two deep breaths and reined it all in, however, before turning to Alicia.

“You like it?”

She nodded. “It looks familiar.”

He motioned for her to follow him inside. “It’s vaguely based on a famous house in Cologny in Switzerland.” When they reached the foyer, he pointed to a montage of pictures on the wall between two windows. “The Villa Diodati.”

“Ah. The Frankenstein house. Yeah, I saw it in a documentary on the novel. Who designed this one?”

“I did, a little. Someone who knew what he was doing did the actual designing, but the idea was mine. We went back and forth for weeks to get it exactly the way I wanted it. I plan to eventually sell my other place in the city and live here all the time.”

“It’s a lovely setting.” Her eyes took in everything as she turned slowly.

“I love being here. I hope you feel welcome. Let me know if you need anything.”

Emerson coughed, and Vince looked up at the landing. “Coming, darling.” Smiling broadly at Emerson’s scowl, he gestured for Alicia to go before him up the stairs.

She shook her head as she did so. “You guys are here to relax. Don’t get him all pissed off the first day.”

“You think it pisses him off?”

She looked very thoughtful as they slowly made their way up. Had they talked about him in the car? Or had she simply noticed how much Vince teased him? He hardly knew any other way of showing affection, and he wanted to show Emerson so much affection it drove him half mad some days.

“Maybe a little. He really cares about you.”

Vince’s heart sped for a moment. Had he said that or had she come to the conclusion herself? “I love him more than I love anyone else in the world.”

They both stopped after the words had tumbled out. He tried to say something else, but she beat him to it.

“Then listen to him. He’s worried about you. He loves you, too.”

What did that mean? Before he could ask, Emerson came down the hall and took his own bags from Vince. “Thank you,” he said curtly. Turning to Alicia, he said, “I’ll show you yours. Hope you like it.”

Alicia gave Vince a sweet smile before walking away. He leaned against a pillar, his stomach churning. Emerson was worried about him. His mind whirled with all the different ways he could interpret that. He glanced down the hall and their eyes locked, the other man giving him a questioning look. Vince smiled and nodded, and Emerson put his bags down in the hall and then followed Alicia into the room he usually occupied. Vince tore down the stairs, needing some fresh air and a good, long run.

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New Release: Taming His Beast (m/m/m paranormal romance)

Taming His Beast is now available at Evernight Publishing. I played with this idea for months but never sat down to actually write it. As I continued reading, writing, and editing more m/m books, the plot started to come together in my head. Once I decided it would definitely be a vampire and shifter story, I had what I needed to bring these three men together.

Blurb:

Tristan’s life as a vampire is simple enough when he and his familiar John go out for a drink one night. However, he didn’t count on running into Rory, a guy he shared a steamy kiss with at a party, and he definitely did not plan on John and Rory being attacked by a vampire-werewolf hybrid sent by Tristan’s vengeful brother. Both men are infected, and both men turn, one into a vampire and the other into a werewolf. The attractions, and conflicts, between the three men make sparks fly as they try to learn more about what has happened, but Tristan’s brother has little desire to help them. Tristan was born a supernatural being, but how will Rory and John adjust? And in the end, will both men be open-minded enough to accept the love they could both enjoy with Tristan?

Excerpt: (Warning: explicit content, NC-17)

“I met Tristan at a party, too,” John said. “I was too shy to talk to him even after I had caught him looking at me several times. I’d only had one boyfriend, and we hadn’t gone beyond a few groping kisses. The sexual power I felt from Tristan blew me away.”

“I still feel it from him. I guess.” Rory let out a ragged, frustrated sigh. “Maybe it’s because you’re a vampire now. Maybe it’s that, not something special about Tristan. I reacted to him because he’s hot and a vampire.”

“That could be it,” John said, amazed at how disappointed he felt.

Rory gave him a half smile. “You don’t get what I’m getting at? I was attracted to him because he’s a vampire—maybe—but now that you two are on even footing you’re the one I want.”

“That’s flattering, but it still probably has something to do with that hybrid biting us.”

Rory ran his thumb over John’s lower lip as he cupped his cheek. “You sounded so disappointed a moment ago. If Tristan really won’t care, why can’t we share something? Whether we touch once or ten times, will he care?”

“He is starting to get jealous. A little.” John pressed Rory’s hand to his cheek, kissing the palm.

“You like that. I can feel it.”

John hesitated. How could he deny it? Hearing Tristan say he didn’t like Rory coming between them had turned him on. Tristan asking him to promise nothing would change between them had made him feel like things were changing in a way. “It’s nice to hear him say how much he needs me, too.”

“And right now, I need you.” Rory pulled him in for a gentle but searching kiss.

John reached over and stroked Rory’s cock, making him moan softly. When they parted, John said, “You made a fine point earlier. I would have died if he’d denied me.” The weight of Rory’s cock resting in his palm felt good. Being the dominant one, the one with the power, felt even better. He’d never felt so desired with anyone before.

Rory moaned again and took John’s face in his hands. He feathered soft kisses over his lips. “I’ve never been with a guy before. I kissed a friend I liked, then Tristan.” He moved one hand down and slipped his fingers around John’s cock again.

John pulled him closer as his fingers tightened and stroked with more insistence. “You could have fooled me.” Their kisses became more urgent. The desire he felt coming off of Rory intoxicated him. Was this how Tristan felt that first time they touched? Rory fumbled with his robe trying to untie it. Finally John helped him and pulled it off. Within seconds, Rory was on his knees stroking John’s cock.

“You don’t have to,” John whispered as he focused on him.

But Rory’s face showed how much he wanted to. He licked the tip, then swirled his tongue around the head. Lifting it, he ran his tongue down the underside before taking it in his mouth to suck. He was slow and gentle, and John arched against his mouth. The need for blood began to build as Rory sucked. The bloodlust had only floated in the back of his mind until now, but Rory’s touch made it burn in his veins. For a few moments he guided Rory’s movements, but then he pushed him back. Watching Rory kneel on the floor and start to stroke himself, his eyes never leaving John’s bobbing cock, made John growl low in his throat.

Rory’s hand stilled, and his eyes jerked up in surprise, but that faded as John took him by the shoulders, pulled him back onto the bed and jerked his boxers off. He pushed Rory to the middle of the bed, running his hands up and down Rory’s body. When he felt Rory tremble, he stopped and said, “Don’t be afraid of me.”

“Never.” The word carried such tenderness and trust that John simply stared into Rory’s eyes for several moments. Then he spread Rory’s legs.

“This is what I love. I think you’ll enjoy it.” He took Rory’s cock into his mouth and sucked steadily as he massaged his balls. Rory reached down to rub his shoulders and run his fingers through John’s hair. When John released him, he ran one fang over his thigh. He looked up at Rory, who propped himself on his elbows to watch. John did it again, letting his fang cut deeper, and then he began to suck as his left hand pumped Rory’s cock.

“God, I can’t believe it,” Rory said, undulating his hips on the bed beneath John.

John sucked harder, overwhelmed by how good Rory tasted. His own blood rushed in his ears as the vital fluid that tasted like honey, wine, and spices flowed into his mouth. When the full euphoria hit John, he jerked back and then laved the wound to heal it. John felt half-drunk as he took Rory’s cock back into his mouth and sucked him.

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New Release: Moon Eyes (R-rated excerpt)

My new shifter romance, Moon Eyes, is available now! Check out a steamy (R-rated) excerpt below.

Abby plans an intimate surprise party for her friend Jeffrey, hoping their friendship is about to blossom into something more. She didn’t plan on almost being attacked by a black panther at his cabin, but when Jeffrey comes to her rescue at the last moment, she doesn’t question the good luck or the heightened emotions that land her in his arms that night. But when she wants to call the authorities, he informs her that she has nothing to fear because the beast that frightened her so is actually the man who just spent a whole night making love to her. Can she believe this amazing story? And if so, does this sexy beast only want her body, or has he cast his eyes on her heart as well?

And here's where to get it: Evernight Publishing, BookStrand, All Romance eBooks, Amazon

Excerpt:

She felt the tremors begin. Could he really make her come so quickly? The tension building deep inside her told her he could. He sucked harder, and then gently bit the swollen nub. She came, her eyes widening as it happened. She gasped and bucked as his mouth locked onto her and furthered her bliss. The pleasure spiraled through her as his tongue stroked her clit over and over again. Pain mixed with pleasure as he did this, and she loved it.

“God, Jeffrey, how did you do that?” she asked as his mouth moved lower.

He spread her nether lips and ran his tongue inside her, ignoring her question. Two fingers entered her, exploring and teasing. She arched off the bed. He stood and shed his own jeans, and she sat up to look at him. She took in his powerful form, but her eyes soon focused on his cock. Dipping forward, she licked the tip, stealing the drop of liquid that lingered there.

He took hold of her head and brought her mouth back to his shaft, rubbing it across her lips. She opened her mouth and took it in.

“Perfect,” he whispered. He rocked back and forth and stroked in and out of her mouth.

She sucked hard and then relaxed, using her tongue to tease him. He pumped harder, then stilled and pulled away.

“Lie back,” he said.

She did so, but she kept her eyes on him. He yanked a drawer open and fumbled with a box of condoms. She licked her lips, relishing his musky taste as she watched him sheath himself. As he moved back on top of her, looking so masculine and sensual, she laughed with delight.

“When I planned all this, I was hoping for a kiss,” she said.

He fingered her slick entrance, smiling as he teased his thumb over her clit. “Were you?”

She nodded, looking deep into his blue eyes. She had never noticed the yellow flecks before, and she liked them.

He brought his mouth down onto hers very gently as he slid into her. His thick cock stretched her to her limits, but he had her so wet he slid in to the hilt without much more resistance. Sucking her lower lip between his teeth, he thrust once.

New Release: Somewhere Only We Know (MM)

My first MM with Evernight Publishing is now available!

Five years ago, Sam pushed Gabriel away because he couldn’t face his own fears about being openly gay in his small hometown. He had another secret too, but he believed no one could help him, not even Gabriel. He took actions that broke Gabriel’s heart, and his own, but then tragedy unexpectedly freed him from the need for secrecy. And Gabriel returned.

Gabriel told himself he only wanted to comfort Sam, but in his heart he knew he wanted more. He wanted answers, and he wanted Sam’s love. Just as Gabriel is convincing Sam they can be happy together, events force Sam to reveal all his secrets to his family. These revelations cause all the disharmony Sam always feared, and Gabriel can only hope that this time Sam will realize their love is worth fighting for.

To read an excerpt, click here.

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Dark Shadows: A Review (with spoilers)

First, a word of caution, IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS. IT CONTAINS SPOILERS.

My love of Dark Shadows was something that grew over a period of years. I watched it on VHS as a child and as a teenager, and eventually I got to watch the entire run starting on DVD in 2001. I saw a few episodes of the 1991 version when it originally aired, but still had to wait for DVD release to fully appreciate it as well. I won’t bore readers further in this post, but if you want to know more about my fascination with the series, click here.

For better or worse, I can best sum up my feelings by saying that though I didn’t love it, I likewise didn’t hate it.

My main issue was with Angelique. Eva Green is wonderful, but this version of Angelique was hard to take seriously. I wasn’t afraid of her, and I didn’t see her as much of a threat at any point in the film. 

The original Angelique portrayed by the still gorgeous Lara Parker scared me half to death. I hated Reverend Trask with a vengeance, but I was cheering him on when he exorcised her. Angelique was pure evil. Her character did become more enjoyable as they made her more complex, but no matter what incarnation she was in, she was frightening. Lysette Anthony was equally terrifying in 1991.

This Angelique (called Angie through most of the film, and doesn’t that tell you something right off?) was just too cute and hip and quirky. I disliked her, but I didn’t hate her and want her to get what was coming to her. I really liked some of the special effects with her at the end of the film as she crumbled and offered her shattering heart to Barnabas, but her death left me shrugging and murmuring, “whatever.”

I also had issues with Julia Hoffman. In the series, Julia and Barnabas began as enemies and then eventually bonded. I always loved their incredibly complicated relationship. Their relationship in this film was one dimensional and quite frankly just plain silly. I almost wish they’d just cut her out altogether after seeing what was done with her incredibly rich and intelligent character.

And dear Barnabas. I adore Johnny Depp, and his take was interesting, but it left me totally flat. Watching Jonathan Frid flub a line and look straight at the teleprompter while a boom mic hovered overhead, flies circled the actors, and a crew member stepped into shot proved more moving, IMHO. I absolutely adored Jonathan Frid and the sincere humanity and emotion he brought to Barnabas. Lots of things can save a show from being cancelled, but how often does an actor do it single-handedly? 

I liked Ben Cross a lot in the 1991 version, and I even enjoyed the clips I have seen of Alec Newman as Barnabas in the 2004 pilot that was not picked up.

But now onto the positive. I absolutely adored the opening scenes from the 18th century up through Vicki’s train ride into Collinsport. Beautiful scenes. The opening credit were fabulous and definitely gave me hope.

Michelle Pfieffer made my day as Elizabeth. I really thought she was spot on. And Jonny Lee Miller could pass for Louis Edmonds’ son any day of the week with those facial expressions. I liked what they did with Carolyn, up until the very end of the movie. I loved her moodiness and general attitude. Willie had me laughing at times, but mostly he blended into the background. Poor David and Victoria got very little screen time, but I liked what I saw. And Josette's ghost came close to making me feel like I was watching an actual episode of Dark Shadows.

Jonathan Frid’s cameo, unfortunately, was so brief it was easy to miss. My husband literally did miss it. However, it was heartwarming to see some of my favorite people on the big screen. I’m hoping for some deleted footage on the DVD. (Yes, I am going to buy it, if that colors my opinion one way or another for anyone.)

The ending was a bit of a mess. Just too much going on, to me, especially considering how slow the rest of the film was. I was very disappointed that, given all the allusions to David’s mother, more was not done with her. When I saw David confront Angelique surrounded by fire and talking about his mother, I was expecting Laura Collins the immortal Phoenix, not a watery ghost. And Carolyn suddenly wolfing out? I just didn’t see the point. Special effects were amazing though, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Collinwood came to life in the finale, but still not an impressive ending.

All things considered though, I was smiling at the end when Barnabas and Josette finally, for once, get a happily ever after there at the bottom of Widow’s Hill. We spoke with a fan who grew up watching the show as we left the theater, and she said she was “finally satisfied” on that point too.

So, there it is. One fan’s opinion, take it or leave it. *cue the Robert Cobert music*

RIP: Jonathan Frid, My Favorite Vampire

I love vampires. I haven't written about them much since 2010, but I still love them. This love did not grow after reading Bram Stoker or Anne Rice as a teenager. It started in 1989 when I found Dark Shadows on VHS at the public library.

For more of my thoughts on its influence, check out my blog from last June here.

I was deeply saddened to hear about Jonathan Frid's passing last week, and following so soon after the passing of Davy Jones. Two of the most important figures from my childhood are now gone. Right now, I'm deeply entrenched in the Leviathan storyline, and watched episodes 962-964 last night.

If I have one comfort, it is that Dark Shadows will live on. It is not going anywhere any time soon. It was the first soap opera to ever achieve syndication after going off the air. It was one of the very first t.v. shows to have its full run released on VHS, then DVD. It was also the first show the Sci Fi channel bought when the channel started (long before it became SyFy).

House of Dark Shadows and Night of Dark Shadows didn't do very well in theaters. The 1991 revival with Ben Cross only got one season. The 2004 pilot with Alec Newman did not get picked up by the WB. And then of course we lost Dan Curtis, but even that couldn't stop Dark Shadows. The characters are amazing and always will be, and the fans are equally amazing. And no matter what the Tim Burton film is like on May 11, Dark Shadows will live on.

Need further proof? How many cancelled 1960s shows have brand new comics coming out right now?

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We will all miss Jonathan Frid, but Barnabas Collins will live forever.

New Release: BE MY BAD BOY

BE MY BAD BOY has been released!

Peter wants a second chance with the woman who rejected him for being too tame in their initial courtship. Katie can’t believe he’s the exciting lover she fantasizes about finding. She only sees him as her sweet friend from work. She has no idea he was controlling his true desires in an attempt to win her heart before claiming her body. They’re both going to a costume party, and he intends on seducing her there. If she wants a bad boy, he’ll give her a masked stranger who can’t keep his skilled hands off her, a mystery man who somehow knows exactly how to please her. But once he’s lured her into his wicked embrace and fulfilled her fantasy, how will she react to the truth? Will she accept his love and delight in his erotic game, or will she despise him for tricking her and send him away forever?

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