Friday, June 28, 2013

The Serpent in the Stone - new Paranormal Romance


The Gifted Series

Sara Markham is used to secrets. She has two of her own: her paranormal powers, and her father's unsolved murder twenty years ago. The first is a secret she can't divulge, and the other she yearns to unravel.

When her archaeology firm is tapped to excavate a ruin in Shetland, Sara accepts eagerly, hoping it will help solve the mystery of her father's death. But she doesn't anticipate Ian Waverly, a wildlife biologist whose questions worry her even as his rugged magnetism fascinates her. Ian's more connected to her gifts than she knows, and far more than he wants to admit.

Enemies on sight, Ian and Sara struggle to fight the attraction that blazes between them. But when they are confronted with a decades-old web of lies and corruption, they discover the truth: only together can they heal the heartaches brought by the very darkest of secrets.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 324
Word Count: 81572
978-1-61217-816-5 Paperback
978-1-61217-817-2 Digital

Excerpt:

“How did you get telekinesis?” Ian demanded.

“It’s not like they hand it out in stores!” said Sara. “It just happened one day. I didn’t know what it was, and I was too scared to tell my parents. I was afraid of it for a long time.”

“And now you’re not.”

His flat, blunt words stabbed at her heart. He might as well have slapped her down into a seat in an interrogation room. They traded stares. “Yeah. Now I’m not.”

“When did your father die? How did he die?”

Her thoughts flew to the amulet in Ian’s pocket. “What has any of this got to do with my father?”

“Maybe nothing. Could be more. This stuff might be genetic.”

Icy dread crawled across her skin. This time, she did hug herself. “I’m done talking to you.”

Quick as lightning, he reached forward and snatched the boat keys from the ignition. “This necklace has to be important if you’re willing to risk being shot to fix it, Sara. That’s not even going there about you risking me being shot at. You’re not getting it back until you talk.”

She felt naked. Worse than she had at the inlet. Then, she’d seen desire in his eyes.

Now, she saw only hatred. “This isn’t about me,” she said, startled. “It’s about you.”

“Never mind me,” he snapped.

“What is it?” she asked. “What happened to you?”

“How did your father die?”


Pain and betrayal surged anew through every cell in her body, and that little girl from twenty years ago gave a silent wail of outrage. “He. Was. Murdered.”

New romance free on Kindle! Limited time offer


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Fairy Dust Interview

Join me for a fun interview at http://twrpblackrose.blogspot.com/

All about Fairy Dust and my writing. Go to my blog at http://carol-carolsinkspot.blogspot.com between July 1 and 10, and comment to win a copy of Bloody Murder or Privy to Murder.

Letters and Lace - new Contemporary Romance


The Ronan's Harbor Series

A chance meeting at a beachside pub...
A sultry dance with a stranger...
A brazen kiss...
Not a good way to meet your enemy.

Trouble arrives special delivery when divorced innkeeper Sarah Grayson receives a letter of complaint against the renovation of her Jersey shore inn for her daughter's wedding. At a town meeting, she's stunned to learn her adversary is none other than the stranger from the dance floor, Benny Benedetto.

Benny should've known better than to buy property with his brother. Now he has to protect his investment without letting his attraction to Sarah get in the way. When she begins receiving threatening letters, all fingers point to Benny--but he has his own hunch.

Determined to solve the mystery, Benny and Sarah search for the writer's identity together. But the undeniable passion they unveil proves that sometimes while chasing one desire, the heart's compass leads another way.

Rating: Sensual
Page Count: 298
Word Count: 72245
978-1-61217-862-2 Paperback
978-1-61217-863-9 Digital

Excerpt:

“Well, come on then.” Gigi placed her glass on the bar. “Twirl me around till I tell you to stop.”

They left Sarah alone with the boiler-maker from Essex County that was currently wreaking havoc with her nerve-endings. Again, they stood in silence, more awkward now that Gigi had left. She didn’t know what to do with her eyes or her hands. How long could she stare at her dwindling drink?

“Dance with me.” It was a soft, gentle statement without hint of question.

She looked up. Shadows hit the angles of his face in such a way that the mysterious appearance he’d worn earlier had morphed into a smokiness that billowed to her. The vapor seeped into and through her being.

Hesitation flooded her brain, but her body was a different story. Charges of glee spread through her veins, roaring in beat with the music. There was a war going on inside her, but one faction had all the power and she knew it.


Gulping the last of her drink, she handed him the empty glass and looked him dead in the eye. “Sure.”

Friday, June 21, 2013

Trouble in Nirvana - New Contemporary Romance


Betrayed by her fiance, freelance musician Primrose Pretty escapes to Nirvana, her brother Danny's rural Australian commune. Although determined to live the simple life, Primrose finds the primitive conditions and slack attitude of the "residents" stressful. Her awkward relationship with her brother creates even more problems and reopens family wounds she'd sought to heal. Danny, with secrets of his own, wishes interfering Primrose would leave.

Tom Fairbrother, owner of the flourishing property next door, offers an attractive alternative to the commune. After a passionate night with him, Primrose is confused. Is he merely a distraction, or is what she feels real and everlasting?

Primrose seems to reciprocate Tom's attraction but flirting is one thing and he knows a high maintenance, single minded, inflexible city woman is not a long term prospect as a hardworking farmer's wife.

With no future to offer her, how can he ask her to stay?

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 284
Word Count: 71239
978-1-61217-774-8 Paperback
978-1-61217-775-5 Digital

Excerpt:

“You from the city?” His eyes flashed over her bare shoulders and neck.

“Yes. Why?” Awkward under his scrutiny, Primrose slid in to the car and clicked her seatbelt. Sexy? Definitely. Friendly? No.

“What are you going there for?”

“Visiting my brother.” No response. He just stood there waiting, looking at her assets as though she were a piece of livestock until she felt compelled to add, “And I need a break from...things.”

For the first time he smiled but it was really more of a scoffing little snort. “Hope you’ve got other shoes.”

Her jaw clenched, relaxed. She licked her lips and took her sunglasses from the ledge in the dashboard. “Is it the next driveway on this side of the road?”

“Yes. About three k's. Called Nirvana.” This time his lips tightened as though trying to stifle a laugh. “There’s a peace sign on the gate post.” He made peace sign sound synonymous with swastika.

“Thank you. I’m sorry I bothered you. Goodbye.” She started the engine. He closed the door and stepped back as she swung the Golf in a circle. Her sweaty hands slid on the wheel so she nearly ran over the dog. It put on a little spurt of speed to get out of range.


When she looked in the rearview mirror he was staring after her, hands on hips, partially obscured by whirling white dust. No way would she show her face here again. He’d laugh that mocking, scornful laugh. Attractive he may be and if he smiled and wasn’t so patronising she might well melt at his feet. But! Didn’t think a city girl could manage on a farm? Dismissed her as useless based on her shoes? Country yokel!

Embrace the Darkness - new Paranormal Romance!


An experimental vaccine gives vampire Gerard Delaroche hope for the first time in two centuries--until two people are brutally murdered, and he suspects a conspiracy between vampires and mortals. To solve the crime, he must put his trust in a beautiful detective. But is former soldier and MP turned detective, Amber Buckley, a threat to his existence? Or the answer to his prayers?

Amber Buckley and her partner are assigned to do follow up interviews in the Lifeblood of America slayings. Amber believes she and Reid are just new eyes on a cold case. That is, until she meets Gerard Delaroche. Something about him teases long-buried memories Amber would rather not chase. However, the two join together, falling into more than resolution of a murder case. It seems Amber has some dark secrets of her own.

To find their way into the light, Amber and Gerard must first EMBRACE THE DARKNESS.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 364
Word Count: 87655
978-1-61217-818-9 Paperback
978-1-61217-819-6 Digital

Excerpt:

Maybe he was wearing Kevlar. But wouldn’t Kevlar show through that tight-fitting shirt?

Perhaps not. But there had to be a logical explanation.

Ignoring the warning bells clanging inside her skull, she shoved the Glock back in its holster and reached for the beer she’d deposited on the counter. She took another long, hard pull on the bottle, hoping to douse irrational thoughts.

Gerard inhaled sharply. His eyes devoured her.

Despite renewed fear, she managed to set the bottle back on the counter without dropping it.

He’s not a vampire. He’s not a vampire. He’s not a vampire.

“I’d give anything to drink beer again,” he said in a reverent voice.

Amber nearly laughed out loud. Her shoulders sagged. Gerard Delaroche wasn’t a vampire, and he didn’t want to drink her blood. He wanted a beer. Like a normal guy.

Hell, he probably was normal. She was the one off her rocker.

“Want one?” She forced herself to meet his intense stare.

He smiled. “Can’t. Vampire. Remember?”

Like that was something a girl could forget. It wasn’t every day a hot guy claimed to be a vampire.

Hell, maybe he was a vampire. The man could stop bullets with his chest.


He took a hesitant step closer. She stiffened and took another cautious swallow of beer. He stopped three feet away. Good. Sexy and crazy was a dangerous combination.

Gull Harbor - New Fantasy Romance



When Claire Linden's job sends her to the sleepy town of Gull Harbor, she never expects to encounter her ex-boyfriend. As a medium, the prospect of tackling a haunted house is less daunting than seeing Max Baron again. Throughout their passionate college relationship, he promised to love her forever. Then, without explanation, he abandoned her on graduation day.

Max never intended to break Claire's heart--a cruel ultimatum forced him to disappear from her life. While he's shocked to find her in Gull Harbor, he isn't surprised by the bitter resentment she feels for him...or the fiery attraction that remains between them.

Claire is determined to rid her temporary home of its aggressive ghost, but Max soon realizes she's facing a danger beyond the paranormal. When Claire risks everything to help a desperate spirit, Max must race to save her--before another tragedy tears them apart forever.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 268
Word Count: 66181
978-1-61217-836-3 Paperback
978-1-61217-837-0 Digital

Excerpt:

She shook her head vigorously. “I can’t spend your money to do my job. That makes no sense.”

“It’s not about that, Claire. It’s about keeping you safe.” He closed the distance between them, setting off alarm bells in the back of her mind.

Squaring her shoulders, she took a deep breath. “I realize you’re trying to help me, and I appreciate that. But what gives you the right to worry about my safety?”

“I don’t need the right.” He stood over her, and she took a step backwards, bumping up against his desk. His words shouldn’t have sounded menacing, but for some reason, they did. She nodded weakly.

“I am going to keep you safe, Claire,” he said, his eyes flashing. He reached out and stroked her arm.

A shiver ran through her, and she gripped the edge of the desk for support. “Okay,” she breathed. Every nerve in her body was calling for him. She closed her eyes as his hands moved up to cradle her head.


His mouth seized hers, and her lips responded urgently. She lost herself in the kiss, her fingers weaving themselves around his neck and tangling in his hair. His hands moved to her waist, and she gasped as he hoisted her up on the desk.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Free this week on Amazon Kindle!


An Accidental Kiss - New Contemporary Romance



Dearly Beloved

Single mom Marcy Garrett yearns for a soul mate but finds it difficult to trust people. The victim of several blind dates gone horribly wrong, she reluctantly agrees to yet another, with a well-known author.

Western writer Frank Anderson isn't looking for love. Since his wife died six years ago, all he wants is to be left alone with his solitary plans for the future. To make his sister happy, he agrees to meet Marcy, but he has every intention of telling her he's not interested in a relationship.

After a surprisingly enjoyable evening, fate intervenes as they say goodbye. Can one unplanned kiss on a magical snowy night melt Frank's lonely heart and overcome Marcy's doubts?

Rating: Sensual
Page Count: 52
Word Count: 12563
978-1-61217-771-7 Digital

Excerpt:

As she shoved open the heavy, dragon-guarded double doors of the Jade Wok, Marcy glanced nervously around the lobby. She wasn’t nervous that he wouldn’t turn up—she felt absolutely sure that Frank Anderson wasn’t the kind of man who would stand a woman up. He just hadn’t arrived yet. She was nervous about what might happen after he did turn up.

A waiter looked at her, one eyebrow raised.

“I’m waiting for someone, he should be here any minute—” As if on cue, the doors behind her opened, letting in a rush of chilly night air.

Marcy turned, and her breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t so much that he was good-looking, his features were too rough and irregular for that—it was more a matter of his presence, his tallness, the grave intensity of his dark blue gaze. He had thick, ruffled graying hair and he ran his hands through it as if annoyed.

“Marcy Garrett?”

For a moment, she was too flummoxed to even know her own name but managed to nod. “You must be Frank!” she blurted, inwardly cringing at how stupid she sounded.

They were shown to a table and handed menus. He glanced around.

“It’s nice in here, isn’t it?” she gabbled. “The decor is very restrained for a Chinese restaurant—of course all the dragons and what have you are fun—but the food is really something special, and the service is great. I always come here on my birthday. They have a take-out menu, too.”


Shut up, shut up, she thought, and felt herself flush bright red.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Cry Against the Wind- new historical from Fleeta Cunningham



Santa Rita Series

Audrey Anderson needs help. A troubled young woman has accused her father, a high school counselor, of rape. Audrey is determined to uncover the truth. She needs Hal Lindstom. But they have history. Getting involved with "The Viking" as he's known in the legal world, could save her father...and break her heart.

Hal made the mistake of losing Audrey when he chose to pursue his career rather than follow his heart. But he's learned to fight for truth, including getting Audrey to admit she still cares. It will take all he has, but he's determined to find the evidence to clear Audrey's father and uncover the passion between them to win her love.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 356
Word Count: 96202
978-1-61217-778-6 Paperback
978-1-61217-779-3 Digital

Excerpt:

“I…I don’t…” Audrey began.

“Socialize with clients? But I was a friend before I was a client.” The smile behind his beard flashed. “And I really need your advice. Besides, I’d like to know more about the town and what goes on here. It would be the best arrangement for me. Can’t you manage dinner?”

Everything about the bronze giant with the russet beard urged her to accept. Audrey remembered their numerous confidential chats and the camaraderie of her college days. She’d looked forward to her tedious hours in the library because of his companionship. It made professional sense to renew their previous friendship. Hal Lindstrom would be a good client to add to her business, and without her his library could be in terrible shape before he realized it.

“I’d enjoy it,” she answered at last.


“It’s a date.” He listened a minute as the lilt of a familiar tune filled the hall. “Give me this waltz.

Rain Is A Love Song - New Romantic Suspense



The Red Hand Conspiracy, Book Two

What should be a wonderful trip to Paris turns menacing when Gwen Morningstar's daughter is kidnapped by The Red Hand terrorist group. Fortunately, Jean-Luc LeFevre of France's Counterterrorism Unit is there to rescue her little girl. Gwen is grateful, but her need to apprehend the abductors must override any desire she feels for the handsome agent with his own brand of justice...and danger.

Jean-Luc is not pleased when Gwen, a crime scene photographer with just enough training to get them killed, is assigned to work with him. Not only does she take too many risks, she drives him to distraction.

As Gwen and Jean-Luc track the terrorists, their feelings for each other grow as fast as the danger. Jean-Luc is determined to protect Gwen and her daughter, but the sinister grasp of The Red Hand is strong and far-reaching. It will take more than love to keep them all safe.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 392
Word Count: 97363
978-1-61217-765-6 Paperback
978-1-61217-766-3 Digital

Excerpt:

Jean-Luc backed a very angry Gwen against the wall of the elevator. He didn’t care if fellow passengers overheard what he had to say. “You make me so damned mad.” Turquoise eyes snapped at him. “You and your American female aggressiveness.”

“A...aggressiveness?” Her eyes narrowed and her hand slapped his chest. Bracelets jangled. “Look, you arrogant Frenchman. You will not tell me what to do or how to take care of my daughter.”

“I will keep you both safe, by damn.”

“I can protect myself and my daughter, buster.” She hiked her chin and gave him a major dose of attitude.

How he’d like to conquer her, bend her to his will. He grabbed her shoulders and pressed against her. Even in his anger, he noted how good she felt. His gaze drifted down to her parted lips. She was affected, too; angry, but turned on.


“I will tell you what I damn well please, you bossy, brassy woman.” Was his head lowering? No. Hell no. Surely he wasn’t intent on kissing her. Not again. Not when she drove him freakin’ nuts. Suddenly his lips made contact, crushing hers and driving all rational thoughts from his mind.

Vertigo - New Romantic Suspense!


When attorney Blake Cartwright abandons a successful career to turn a dilapidated lighthouse into an inn, everybody thinks she's gone a little bit crazy. After witnessing a body fall from the tower, Blake wonders if they might be right. According to local legend, the spirit of a former keeper's wife lures women to their deaths in the icy water below. Has Blake witnessed a suicide, seen a ghost--or is she just seeing things?

Declan Hunter, the mysterious man she hires to help with renovations, doesn't help matters. The man with the Navy SEAL physique claims to be nothing more than a local handyman, but Blake's instincts warn her not to trust him. As the mystery deepens, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous labyrinth of secrets, lies, and murder. But the most serious danger of all may be falling for a man determined to leave her.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 270
Word Count: 71860
978-1-61217-811-0 Paperback
978-1-61217-812-7 Digital

Excerpt:

“How did you get in?” Blake asked.

Declan held up a tiny black object. “Skeleton key.”

Well, at least that explained how he opened the door earlier. She stepped into the living room, still holding the flashlight. Bad enough that he deliberately flouted her command to leave. Even worse that he did it when she looked about as sexy as a ratty gym towel. She knew she wasn’t sizzling hot like Jenna, but she at least wanted him to regret losing her a little bit. “So I tell you I never want to see you again and you break into my house?”

He nodded. “Guilty as charged, counselor.”

“I should call the sheriff on you.”

“Maybe you should.” He deposited the key into his shirt pocket. “Anything might happen. Only I don’t recall you having a phone.”

She indicated the darkened kitchen with a tilt of her head. “As of today I do. I had one installed before I left this morning,” she lied, willing herself not to look away from him.

He gestured toward the entryway magnanimously. “Don’t let me stop you then.”

Was he calling her bluff? Or just playing with her, like a cat pawing a very angry mouse? “Of course, if I did call the sheriff he’d probably hang up on me.”

“He’s not a fan,” Declan agreed, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.


Should she order him out a second time? Turn around and rush back upstairs? She knew the absolute worst thing she could do was to go on standing there looking into his dark eyes. Like staring at a cobra.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Rogue's Revenge-New Contemporary Romance


Youthful dreams of romance shattered, Allison Armstrong is a hard-nosed businesswoman with no illusions of happily ever after for her future. Then her grandfather's will leaves her bound in a property settlement to the very man who destroyed her teenage fantasies. She has no interest in the remote land and wants to sell it off. Yet with all the legal resources at her disposal, Allison can't escape the web of the will's provisions.

Heath Oakes was just a skinny teenager from the city the last time he saw Allison. Now he's just as determined to maintain the estate as a natural preserve as Allison is to get rid of it to developers. Hoping to alter her opinion, he shanghais her into a canoe voyage through the wild, pristine beauty of the area.

Will the beauty of untouched wilderness help her heart remember the sweetness of stolen teenage kisses?

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 206
Word Count: 51915
978-1-61217-791-5 Digital

Excerpt:

“I’ve shanghaied you.” He put aside his paddle, picked up the canteen, and took a swallow before recapping it.

“Kidnapped, you mean.” Outrage surmounted all her previous emotions.

“No, shanghaied.” He plunged his paddle deep, sending the canoe to the right to avoid a rock. “You’ll be working your passage.”

“Oh, I don’t think so. And for future reference, what did you do while I was out cold?” she raged.

“Loaded you into a sleeping bag and this canoe.” He kept his eyes focused over her head, at the river beyond. “Check your clothes if you’re concerned. I’ve never been turned on by an inebriated woman.”

“I was not inebriated, you backstreet slim. Ouch!” Her outburst brought on a pounding ache above her eyes. She caught her head between her hands. “Take me back to the Lodge right now! Otherwise, I’ll have you charged with kidnapping!”

“Really? I’m shaking in my boots. You’ll feel better after you’ve had a couple of aspirin and some lunch.”

“Don’t you dare laugh at me!” She clenched her fists and sucked in her lips. “I’m deadly serious!”

“Well, then, that’s too bad. Because I can’t take you back. We’re a good six miles downriver from the Lodge, deep into roadless wilderness, and with the force of the freshet that’s pushing us, a superhero couldn’t paddle us back upstream.” He dipped his paddle deep and nosed the canoe to the left.


“Hang on,” he ordered. “We’re heading into rapids.”

Night Stars and Mourning Doves- New Contemporary Romance


Dearly Beloved Series

Elyse Monroe may be her sister's maid of honor, but that doesn't mean she has to follow the bride's example and fall in love. Battle-scarred and weary from previous relationships, she has no desire to take a chance on another--no matter how many hints her little sister drops about the best man.

Devastating life events have taken a toll on Eric Matthews. After losing his wife and unborn daughter, he's come home to heal. Serving as best man at his kid brother's wedding is the only relationship he cares to contemplate--no matter how attractive the maid of honor.

Thrown together again and again by wedding duties, Elyse and Eric reluctantly agree to explore a possible relationship--only to have their casual date turn into a glorious night of passion. Can two hearts, convinced a happily ever after will never happen, recognize love when it finds them?

Rating: Sensual
Page Count: 111
Word Count: 26808
978-1-61217-797-7 Digital

Excerpt:

“I have to tell you, Eric Matthews, you are not what I expected.”

“Not sure how to take that. You always prejudge people before you get to know them?”

“Just those I think may have the chance to impact my life.”

“Impact in a good way or bad?”

“Makes no difference.”

He put his hands on either side of her, effectively trapping her between the wall behind and his body in front. “It always makes a difference.”

“Your mother talked to me about you a little. You’re just not how she described you.”

“My mother’s been saying for weeks I needed to get out.”

“Is that why you called me? For your mother?”

“Not a chance.”

There was no opportunity for further discussion as his mouth reclaimed hers. On one part surprise and three parts delight her arms wrapped around his neck, hands clutching his hair as she, not Eric brought their kiss to another level.

As always with this man, heat emanated from the places he touched her. Except tonight after what they shared, the sensation was different.

“I want to make love to you, Elyse. I don’t want to wade through the formalities.” The words came out short and urgent.

Her reply was firm and breathless. “Every book on dating etiquette is telling me how wrong this is.”

His hands gently cupped her face as his lips tasted hers. “You need to quit reading.”


“I definitely need to quit reading.”

Friday, June 07, 2013

The Last Execution - New Romantic Suspense!



To survive, she must put the past behind her. To love, she must learn to trust.

Homicide detective Leigh McBride's first assignment with the FBI brings her face-to-face with a past she's tried hard to forget. And when her temporary partner, a cynical ex-marine, lights a fire in her she thought long-extinguished, her darkest secret is threatened.

Scarred both physically and emotionally, Special Agent J. T. Noble is a man of few words. He prefers to keep people at a distance--until he meets Leigh. He's attracted to her strength and drawn in by her secrecy. But in their line of work, secrets can be deadly.

When the killer they are hunting aims his vigilante justice at Leigh's past assailant, the fine line between right and wrong blurs. To heal the past--and find their future together--Leigh and J. T. must learn that only through trust and forgiveness can love grow.

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 392
Word Count: 95556
978-1-61217-754-0 Paperback
978-1-61217-755-7 Digital

Excerpt:

Special Agent J.T. Noble glanced over his shoulder, and damned if heaven on two feet wasn’t walking straight toward him. He feasted from her feet all the way up to luscious lips and—ouch—an icy glare.

“Noble.” Special Agent in Charge Casey Granger’s all-business tone broke into J.T.’s thoughts. “Stop scowling. You’ll scare the new liaison.” He waved his hand in the direction of their visitor. “Bring her here. We need to get started.”

“I don’t scowl,” J.T. grumbled as he moved across the office to intercept her.

With her long stride, she’d already crossed the bulk of the FBI’s office space. Her head was held high, and her blond hair pulled back into a tight knot. Fuzzy curls, which had escaped the bondage, hung at random around her neck and face. The low-heeled shoes and weapon on her hip projected the image of a serious, no-bullshit kind of woman, quite a contrast with her face, which conjured up images of his grandmother’s porcelain dolls.


Her sea-blue gaze scanned from his feet to the top of his head. She got points for not flinching when she reached his face. One of her eyebrows went up at the same time her shoulder shrugged her dismissal. He liked her right-back-at-you attitude. She’d inspected, rejected, and put him in his place all in one easy motion.

Accidents Make the Heart Grow Fonder - New Romantic Comedy


Sabrina Eckhart is losing it. Oasis, the restaurant she manages, is getting battered by a trendy newcomer, and with everyone looking to her for ideas, you could say she's under a little pressure. But wait, that's not all. Her evil landlady has given her until the end of the month to vacate her crummy apartment. And her thirtieth birthday is looming, reminding her of the milestones she's missed. No wonder she's distracted and driving off the rails...down the sidewalk, and nearly running over the man with amazing glutes.

Jackson Murphy is an avid jogger, and the local television station's scrumptious news director--if he can keep the job. Unfortunately, he has one year to resuscitate their wheezing news department or the owners are going to pull the plug. His hands are already full even without Sabrina dropping into them. The last thing he needs is to be involved with a publicity stunt.

The road to love is bumpy. It'll take all of Cupid's arrows, and a lot of interference from friends, for these two to win the Dating Game.

Rating: Sensual
Page Count: 422
Word Count: 98372
978-1-61217-780-9 Paperback
978-1-61217-781-6 Digital

Excerpt:

“Don’t move,” he whispered.

Sabrina’s eyes went wide as he bent down and brushed her lips with his.

It was electric—a buzz that sizzled the entire length of Jackson’s body. All he meant to do was satisfy his curiosity, perhaps give her a little reassurance, but now that plan was blown to hell. His hands flattened on the wall on either side of her and he felt himself pulled into her like she was gravity itself dragging him down.

Sabrina’s head bounced against the wall as her chin went up, but she hardly noticed because his lips were sealed over hers, pulling, drawing hers out, and sapping her of coherent thought. She had to grip the bar behind her to keep her promise not to move because her hands wanted his ass, bad. It was a relief when the door slid open to the cool garage. Her knees were on the verge of giving out. She’d never been left so dazed by a simple kiss before—never. How could something so restrained pack such a mind-blowing wallop?

Jackson drew back and stared at her in surprise. “Um,” he said and moved away, loosening his tie so he could breathe.

“Yeah,” she agreed and walked out on wobbly legs.


Heading to his car, she felt like she should be straightening her clothing or something, but there was no reason. He hadn’t even messed up her hair, and you couldn’t exactly kiss off your lipstick if you never put any on. So why did she feel like she’d just been thoroughly laid?

In the Arms of an Earl - New Historical Romance


Composer Frederick Blakeney lost his hand in the war against Napoleon and has given up on finding someone who will love him as he is. Jane Brooke, an insecure spinster, dreams of meeting her true love and being swept away from a mundane life. A chance encounter and their love of music bring them together. Life is perfect until Frederick inherits an earldom and its responsibilities, throwing them into the intrigues of the Ton and the cruel manipulations of his meddling sister-in-law.

When mistrust and gossip tear them apart, Jane discovers the truth too late. Can they confront their doubts and follow their hearts to claim the love they deserve?

Regency
Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 394
Word Count: 98915
978-1-61217-806-6 Paperback
978-1-61217-807-3 Digital

Excerpt:

“I pity Mr. Parker that his kiss was not more…inspiring and memorable.”

She didn’t know if he was teasing but laughed a little despite her remembered shame. “If his was the ideal of what a kiss ought to be, I don’t think I’ve missed much.”

The thrum of his pulse raced from his fingers to hers.

“And how was this infamous kiss performed?”

The fading sunlight gave her cover from his gaze. “It was…all over the place. His lips felt like a scurrying mouse, and I was the cheese.”

His rich laugh filled the air. “Show me.”

Without hesitation, she lifted his hand and imitated the kiss as best she could, though the first touch of his skin against her lips jolted her senses. Suddenly embarrassed, she released his hand and twisted her fingers in her skirt.

“It was like that.”

The amused look left his eyes.


“This is how it should have been,” he murmured.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Free on Kindle!


Back Where You Belong - New Western Contemporary Romance


Honky Tonk Hearts

While shooting pool at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, rancher Tyler Desmond takes an errant dart in the neck. Ready to retaliate, he's instead captivated by the blonde who threw it. Tyler isn't interested in opening his heart, so why does he kiss the verbal buzz saw? Just to shut her up?

As a teenager, Lacy LaRoche had a secret crush on Tyler. When the dart brings them face-to-face, all she can do is chatter--until he kisses her. But Lacy didn't come back to Texas to fall in love. She's hiding another secret: her roommate surreptitiously videotaped Lacy undressing and posted it on the internet.

When Tyler's daughter is bullied at school, Lacy must reveal the truth and face the emotional damage of cyberbullying. Over-protective of his daughter--and his heart--Tyler must learn to trust again. Can two scarred hearts find their way back to where they belong?

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 161
Word Count: 40584
978-1-61217-815-8 Digital

Excerpt:

“I don’t know why I’m like this around you. I don’t like it one bit.”

“I’m not overly fond of it either.” He took the tube from her hand and removed the cap. “When my ex-wife left me, I swore I was through with women. Nothing but pain comes from them.” He rubbed ointment over his burn as he talked. “Pain and a quick grope under the table.” He smirked when he handed her back the Neosporin.

“Now, that was a mistake, just like all the other things that’s happened.”

His eyes twinkled and he chuckled. “You’re like a walking blonde catastrophe. I figure you owe me.”

“What? What do I owe you?”

He took her chin between his thumb and fingers and drew her face closer. “A kiss. One that will right my world again, ’cause it’s been out of kilter since the first one at the Lonesome Steer. I’m beginning to think that dart had some kind of poison on it to put me under your spell.”

“That’s nonsense.”

His gentle kisses over her eyes and cheeks erased her tears.

“No more crying, only smiles. You’ve got a smile that warms my heart.”

“I do?” No one had ever told her that before.

Large hands settled at her waist, and little by little he inclined his head to hers, his voice barely a whisper. “Oh, yeah.” Then his lips made contact and nuked every cell of her being.


Oh. My. God.