Krystal Shannan Features - The Couple by Harlie Williams @marika67 #romance #cblspromos

PLEASE WELCOME HARLIE WILLIAMS!

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I’m a married woman with a fabulous husband and we have a 2^nd grade son.  I’m a stay at home mom, too.  I live in East Texas now but was born in Oklahoma and raised in Dallas, Texas.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance?

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?  

Since I’ve only written one book, I actually enjoyed the editing process.  I wasn’t as bad as I thought, so going into edits was fun.  It wasn’t ripped to shreds.  

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?  

My inspiration actually came from the television show Modern Family, specially Phil and Claire.  The characters however were based on my cousin and her husband.

Blurb

A woman has one thing on her mind tonight…sex. Dirty, sweaty, kinky sex with a cowboy. With her man gone more than he is at home, she needs the release.

After being away for two weeks, a cowboy goes looking for someone to play with for the night. Being away is part of the job but not having someone to come home to is hurting his soul. Feeling disconnected in his love life, the red head will be perfect.

Once they meet, can one night of pure passion led to more than just a one night stand for either of them? Communication is the key to every relationship. Can these two find a way to connect emotionally or are they destined for heartache.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations (including BDSM/light bondage) and adult language and may be considered offense to some readers.

Excerpt

“What’s a girl like you doing at a bar like this?” he asked.

Her voice was a purr, like a cat well satisfied with its stolen pitcher of cream. “I’m looking for someone special.”

Hoping that she meant him he asked, “Did you find him yet?”

“Maybe.” The glint in her eye told him he was definitely in the running.  However, I’m not looking to hook up with just any old cowboy.  He must be able to go the full eight seconds and come back for more.”  She eyed him from head to toe.  “Think you can handle that?”

Oh, I can most definitely handle you sweetheart.

Not wanting to seem too eager he replied, “I’m not sure but I’m willing to try.”

“Do or do not.  There is no try.”  He struggled not to let his grin escape.  The fact that she was trying to seduce him made his dick twitch.

“Let’s just say I’m looking to burn off some pent up frustration. A little excess energy.  And I’ve got plenty to burn.”

The way she shivered at his words, he knew he almost had her.  He winked as she licked her crimson lips and blew out a small breath.  Damn what this woman is doing to him. 

He pushed her knees apart with his left leg and was rewarded with the amazing scent of her arousal.  The knowledge she was wet for him had him close to going off in his jeans. 

Houston, we have lift-off!

“Why don’t you have a seat cowboy and we’ll talk about it.”

She gasped when he shocked her with a brush of his lips against hers; fighting with everything he had not to deepen the kiss. 

Patience, patience.

He would play her game for the moment but sooner or later, she would be his.  Tied up and begging for more. 

He asked her, “Now about that eight second ride?”

☀

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?  

What is the plot and outline that you speak of?  I know NOTHING about plotting and outlining.  LOL!  Actually I wrote this story in about two weeks.  

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?  

The Couple was rejected for an anthology back in October 2011.  I cried and put it away for a couple of months.  My husband dared me to submit it again and so I polished it up, had it critiqued to death and then I pitched it to Muse It Up.  Lea, the publisher loved it and offered me a contract a week later.  The whole process from rejection to contract was almost a year to the day.

Do you have another book in the works?  

Actually I have two in the works.  One is a contemporary set in small town Oklahoma and a romantic suspense with a paranormal thread woven in that is set in Chicago.

Where do you dream of going on vacation?  Ireland, New Zealand and Hawaii

Boxers or Briefs?  Boxer Briefs

Cookies or cake?  Cookies

Pizza or hamburger?   Depends on where I am.  

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?  Beer or a rum and Coke.  Not a big wine drinker.

(Hero/Heroine Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?  Hero---damn she filled out that barstool quite nicely.  Heroine---All I could think of was how his jeans would look around his ankles.  *giggles*

The Couple

by Harlie Williams

Contemporary Romance

Published by MuseitUp Publishing

Release Date: December 28, 2012

Heat Level: Steamy

Word Count: 3,200

Buy Links

MuseitUp Publishing: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=636&category_id=64&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Couple-ebook/dp/B00ATHPGJO/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thecouple-1025984-172.html

BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-couple

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268920

Grand Prize of a $25 GC; secondary prize of 3 eBook copies of "The Couple" (1 each to 3 winners). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Mar 6. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Click Here for other Stops!

About the Author

I’m just a city girl living in a small East Texas town. As a child, I devoured books but writing a book was never in the equation. Teaching literature to high school students was my goal. After being in a corporate cube for over 25 years, I’m a stay at home mom. I started writing as a dare and here I am. I’m married to my own hero and a mother to an awesome son. He has no idea that his momma wrote a book. He just knows that momma spends a lot of time on the computer.

Connect with Harlie Williams

Website: www.harliewilliams.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marika67

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harlie-Williams-Writer/224885394212458

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marikaweber25

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/BriansMom

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marika-weber/36/a20/a63

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Krystal Shannan Features - Garden of Sorrow by Dale Mayer @dalemayer #cblspromos #suspense #pnr

Garden of Sorrow (Psychic Visions #4)

by Dale Mayer

Paranormal Romantic Suspense

Published by Valley Publishing (Indie)

Release Date: December 3, 2012

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 330 pages

Available at…

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Psychic-paranormal-romantic-suspense-ebook/dp/B00AHPRNNU/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/garden-of-sorrow-dale-mayer/1113947068

Blurb

Her world is in chaos. His world is in order. She wants to help the innocent. He wants to catch the guilty. But someone is trying to make sure that neither gets what they want.

Alexis Gordon has spent the last year trying to get over the loss of her sister. Then she goes to work on a normal day...and reality as she knows it...disappears.

Detective Kevin Sutherland, armed with his own psychic abilities, recognizes her gift and calls in his friend Stefan Kronos, a psychic artist and law enforcement consultant, to help her develop her skills. But Kevin has never seen anything like this case - a killer with a personal vendetta to stop Alexis from finding out more about him...and his long dead victims.

The killer can be stopped. He must be stopped. But he's planning on surviving...even after death.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:

"Ouch." A thin stream of red oozed up from her mud-covered fingers. Whatever that thing was, it had scratched her palm. She stared at the surrounding puddle. Where had it gone? There, beside her right foot. Alexis leaned over for a closer look. 

It couldn't be.

Several voices called down to her. She ignored them, and tugged the muddy piece free. Blowing away several strands of hair blocking her view, she swished the item around in the rainwater and managed to clean off most of the dirt. 

Small, white and with a distinctive shape, it resembled a bone. More like several tiny bones barely connected by stiff mud. And oh, God… It looked like…a finger! 

Ice settled into her spine. She held a finger. 

A tiny finger. 

A child's finger, still wearing a toy ring.

Her fingers tightened around the bones. Her insides warred to keep the precious item safe while another part of her wanted to throw it far away from her.

Then something changed. 

Dizziness and nausea fought for supremacy as her vision blurred. Disoriented, she wavered as the ditch before her suddenly lengthened and narrowed, morphing into an interior hallway.

Alexis froze, her horrified gaze locked on the changing scene.

Dear God, what was going on? Her mind raced to sort out the change. How had the dirt bank turned to gray paint? And the sewer smell smothered by heavy cooking odors? Fried chicken? 

Where was she? 

Alexis stared down the hallway. A young child, caught inside this peculiar scenario, stumbled toward her with both hands clasped over her ears. Tears streamed down her young face, and her t-shirt was inches above the dirty shorts. Bruises decorated her lower legs, and well…dirt covered the rest of her. As if she'd recently been playing in a dirt pile. Alexis tried to run to her, to hug her tight, to protect her…only to find she couldn't move. Her feet were paralyzed in place. Terror filled her heart.  

She opened her mouth to scream. No sound came out.

Run. The scream seared through her mind.

Dimly in the background, loud crashes and yelling could be heard, as if someone gave chase. Fear of retribution accentuated every step the distraught child took. The sound and tone distorted.

Alexis shuddered. Tears clogged her throat and pain choked her heart. 

"Alexis. Alex? Alex!"

Scott's alarmed voice pulled at her from outside the vision that held her transfixed. Caught between two realities, Alexis jerked toward Scott, the object dropping from her fingers.

Instantly, the hallway disappeared. 

It was if a vacuum sucked the dirt walls back into place, with a rush so powerful it forced Alexis to lean forward. Then as if caught in a giant rubber band, the force suddenly released, to throw her into reverse. She flew backwards and landed, once again, on her butt in the middle of the large puddle. 

Her gut screamed and bile tried to escape her throat. She shuddered. What the hell had just happened? She swallowed convulsively, willing her breakfast to stay down. Tremors started at her toes and rattled up her spine. 

"Alexis, damn it. Answer me!" Scott demanded.

"I – I'm fine." Was that croaking her voice? The finger... Where was it? More than a little daunted by the prospect of touching it again, she remained seated and eyed the surrounding mud. 

There. 

It rested on the muddy surface…waiting for her.

Eerie. She hated to touch it again, the last experience too horrific to repeat. She reached for it, but her fingers shook so badly she stopped. Yet, she couldn't force herself to leave it behind. Compromising, she pulled a tissue from her pocket and gingerly picked it up. 

The size bothered her. The vague image of the running child from a few moments ago slammed back. Ruthlessly, she pushed the vision out of her mind. She couldn't even begin to analyze what had happened. It had been way too weird. Alexis focused on what was important right this moment. Where there was a finger…

She studied the high expanse of dirt wall. She dimly remembered digging her fingers into the bank on her downward tumble. But how high up had that been? The ditch stood eight to ten feet deep.

"Here's the ladder, Alexis," Scott said as Mike, another coworker arrived with the ladder. Scott held the long metal structure several feet off to the side. 

"No!" she motioned. "Please, bring it over here. Where I fell in."

Scott shrugged and the two moved the ladder to the right spot. 

Alexis struggled to position it the best she could near her original flight path. Once the ladder was secured, she moved upward, one rung at a time. At each new level, she stopped and searched. The bone had to have come from somewhere. 

"Oh, for the love of God. Alexis, what are you doing?" Scott peered over the ladder at her.

Alexis didn't answer. What could she say? Three, maybe four feet from the top, a speck of white caught her eye. Reaching between the ladder rungs, she gently brushed some of the dirt away. Another bone, possibly another finger. Vomit lined her throat. She rested her forehead against the steel frame of the ladder for a long moment.

"Scott?" Her hands squeezed the ladder tight. She kept her voice low.

"Yes, beautiful. What's going on?" He crouched down for a better look, but he was at the wrong angle. 

"Are there any police close by?" She cleared her throat, tears suddenly clogging her throat. Willing him to not ask her any questions. "If not, go get one – now."

Startled, Scott stared at her for a brief moment before disappearing from sight, his heavy footsteps fading rapidly. Mike held the ladder steady. Alexis rested her head against a rung, and waited with her arm wrapped around one side of the ladder. The steel dug into her forehead as she realized something important.

This wasn't just a ditch. This was a grave. 

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars--BEST of the Psychic Visions Books

“I've been a fan of this series ever since I read Tuesday's Child. The whole concept of psychics who work alongside police and rescuers and use their talents to tap into victims and killers really grabbed me. Because of their psychic abilities, these people are special and yet are often outsiders to society, trying to fit in. This is #4 (I think) in the series, and it's the best so far. with one, platonic with the other--no menages in this book!) and endearing. If you've read the earlier books, you'll remember Stefan and he's more central in this story. I rate it as a Must Read.”--Amy Atwell "Getting To The Heart of the Story"

5.0 out of 5 stars--Fantastic!!

“Wow! Dale Mayer has done it again. I've read this whole series and it is exceptional. This is the fourth book in the series (I hope there will be many more) and I think it's the best one yet. I love a book that pulls you in and this one definitely does that. Be prepared to read it from cover to cover in one sitting. A definite MUST read.”--BizzyBee

5.0 out of 5 stars--Dale Does IT Again! Another Page Turner

“I've been a student of intuitive development for ten years, and this book could be an instruction manual - boldly going where no one has gone before. Great plot. Great suspense. The characters are realistic. The crime is real. The author's compassion for humanity shows through in this page turning novel. I didn't want it to end. I WANT MORE. Gimme more!”--Angelika Love "A Love"

Prize is 15 eBook copies of "Garden of Sorrow" (1 each to 15 winners). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Feb 4. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Enter to win by commenting and through the rafflecopter below.

Visit her other stops here! 

About the Author

Dale Mayer is a prolific multi-published writer. She's best known for her Psychic Visions series. Besides her romantic suspense/thrillers, Dale also writes paranormal romance and crossover young adult books in several different genres.  To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series . All her books are available in print format as well.

Connect with Dale Mayer:

Website: http://www.dalemayer.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dalemayer

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author

BOOKS BY DALE MAYER

Psychic Visions Series

Tuesday's Child (Book 1)

Hide'n Go Seek (Book 2)

Maddy's Floor (Book 3)

Garden of Sorrow (Book 4)

Single Title Romantic Suspense/thrillers

Touched by Death

Novellas

It's a Dog's Life (Romantic Comedy)

Young Adult Books

In Cassie's Corner

Dangerous Designs (Designs, Book 1)

Deadly Designs (Designs, Book 2)

Vampire in Denial (Blood Ties, Book 1)

Vampire in Distress (Blood Ties, Book 2)

Gem Stone (Gemma Stone Mysteries, Book 1)

Non-Fiction Books

Career Essentials: The Resume

Career Essentials: The Cover Letter

Career Essentials: The Interview

Career Essentials: 3 in 1

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Krystal Shannan Features - Demons in Disguise by Diane Thorne - Give@way

Demons in Disguise

Playful Demons 2

Heather is attracted to her two coworkers, Chris and Nick. Their toned bodies, charm, and flirtations deepen her desire for them. Overwhelmed with lust, she jokingly states she’d sell her soul to be with them. When they ask her out on a date, she wonders if they have more than a friendly interest in her.

Anthony and Dominick are two sex-hungry demons who enjoy bringing innocents to Hell. They particularly love to collect and play with women.

They respond to Heather's call, and disguised as her two coworkers, they fulfill her wildest fantasies.

Chris and Nick admit they want to explore a relationship with her. Heather considers it until they deny having sex with her the night before. Anthony and Dom show up later and reveal the truth. In a strange turn of events, she will have to decide if she wants an eternity filled with playful sex in Hell, or a chance with two men who care for her.

ISBN: 9781622420575

Length: 33,467 words

ePub pages:

Formats: pdf, epub, mobi

Price: $4.99

Heat Level: Sextreme

Genres: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Menage a Trois/Quatre,

Paranormal

Siren-Bookstrand:

http://www.bookstrand.com/demons-in-disguise

Excerpt:

Anthony had heard the call first. He and Dom had been drinking at The Morning After bar in

Hell when Heather had said those sweet words every demon loves to hear. He slammed his glass

on the counter, grabbed Dom, and teleported both of them to Heather’s desk. They stood behind

her, invisible to all, watching and listening to her talk to her friend and the two men she wanted

to take to her bed. Other demons had popped in, but as soon as they saw Dom and Anthony, they

vanished. With the decreased amount of new demons arriving, word had to be spreading that

Anthony had claimed this innocent.

“This is an easy one. She just wants sex with two men,” Dominick said.

“Can you fucking believe it? She gave up her soul for a ménage a trois. What is it with women

today?”

“Perhaps the better question is what’s wrong with the men?”

Anthony chuckled at his longtime friend. “True. The men are nothing like us. They don’t tie their

women up, spank them, play with their pussies, or fuck them in every position possible. They

don’t make them scream.”

“Because they’re not real men. From what I’ve seen, men today hump their women once and

then fall asleep. I’m not surprised we’re getting such easy jobs. These females are horny as the

devil himself.”

“It’s sad, Dom. Such beautiful women are missing out.”

“It is. But just think, we can give women what they want and then bring them to Hell where

they’ll have to serve us. More workers. More slaves. More freebies. It’s a win-win situation.”

A grin spread across Anthony’s face at the thought of so many women in Hell. Yes, they would

greatly perk up the place. For the last couple of years, the atmosphere down south had been dull.

Few humans had sold their souls, which forced many establishments to shut down or reduce

operating hours. Over the centuries, it was common to go through a dry spell for a while. Then

business would pick up. In the last few months, the tide had shifted some and more souls

populated Hell. Soon, businesses could flourish.

“How close are you to retirement?” Dom asked.

Anthony shook his head, and his sandy-blond strands fell forward over his shoulders. “I don’t

know. I don’t track my points.”

Each soul delivered meant a demon earned points, which counted toward retirement. Anthony

cared little about the point system. And unlike Dom, he lacked motivation to be a slave driver.

Sure, Anthony took pride in his job and delivered plenty of souls to Hell. But he simply wanted

to enjoy women—taste them, bite them, fuck them senseless, and hear them scream. If he had a

flaw, it was his craving for women. Sometimes he’d pass on jobs if a man had called. And if a

freebie occupied Anthony’s time during an innocent’s call, he had no problem waiting for the

next one. And there would be another at some point. Until then, he’d enjoy his time with the

female beauties in his grasp.

“You planning to work forever?” Dom asked.

“If it means more women to fuck in the flesh, hell yes. Freebies are nice, but there’s nothing like

fresh, living pussy.”

Dom slapped his hand on Anthony’s back. “You’re a fine man and demon. Your cock always

seems to find the best women. I’m glad you’re my friend.”

“It’s a dirty job which I’m proud to do for eternity.”

“I’m sure you are.” Dom chuckled. “Have you considered how to consummate the deal?”

“Yes, I’ve already devised a plan.” Anthony stiffened. “I will need your help. Let’s have a few

drinks and discuss it. I’m confident word has spread one of us has claimed this innocent.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Anthony placed his hand on Dom’s shoulder. Together, they teleported to Damnation Alley in

Hell. Demons chatting and laughing walked along the street. Music from one of the clubs

attracted a line of demons and damned souls. Another mass crowded in front of the theatre where

Little Nicky, The Serpent and the Rainbow, and several hard-core porno movies were playing.

“I’m glad to see they changed the movie selections,” Anthony said as they went around the

waiting crowd.

“I ran into Alicia not too long ago, and she wanted to see a comedy. It appears she got her wish.”

“I don’t mind the X-rated movies, personally. They never bore me.”

Anthony slowed as they passed a new sex-toy shop. The clear glass door showed sexy clothes

hanging from walls and toys on rack displays. Young men and women with packaged items in

their hands waited to check out.

The Italian quickened his pace to catch up with Dom. “I’m glad to see we have new businesses.”

“Better days are coming, without any doubt.”

Giveaway is an eBook copy of "Demons in Disguise". Contest is tour-wide and open internationally. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Ends Dec 25.

Enter in the rafflecopter below!

Click Here for Other Tour Stops

Author Biography:

Diane is a lifetime lover of the paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy. Her mind

constantly wanders into other worlds full of dark and mysterious creatures.

Vampires, werewolves, demons, and other supernatural creatures are her

friends. A few bite, others tempt, and some are hot as hell. Reader beware:

She is not responsible for any titillation, increased temperatures, hormonal

stirrings, or unusual bite marks. Besides writing, Diane enjoys sunny days,

strong coffee in the morning, traveling, shopping with her daughter,

laughter, and red wine. She dislikes taxes, slow drivers, cold weather, and

cranky people.

Where to find Diane Thorne:

http://www.dianethorne.com

http://twitter.com/DThorne_author

http://www.facebook.com/DianeThorneAuthor

http://www.goodreads.com/dianethorne

Other books by Diane:

Demon in Disguise (Playful Demons 1)

The Deadly Stripper (Sexy & Damned 1)

The Complicated Stripper (Sexy & Damned 2)

Destined for Love (release date 1/7/2013)

Nikki's Story (Sisters of Lonewood 1, release date 11/27/2012)

Kate's Story (Sisters of Lonewood 2, release date Jan. 2013)

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Krystal Shannan Features - My Favorite Fantasy: Tripled by Bethany Michaels

My Favorite Fantasy: Tripled

by Bethany Michaels

Published by Dragonfly Press Books

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Contains Light Bondage, Menage (M/F/M)

Heat Level: Sizzling

Approx. Word Count: 20,000

Available at:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/My-Favorite-Fantasy-Tripled-ebook/dp/B00A5TFZBA/

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-favorite-fantasy-bethany-michaels/1113782610

ARe - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-myfavoritefantasytripled-996208-146.html

Kobo - http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/My-Favorite-Fantasy-Tripled/book-l11zOIrPJkij3uC47s0xHA/page1.html?s=T890gEbhi0G0fo7PpO-QLQ&r=3

Blurb:

London and Nick have been friends since college but when Nick moves in with London during renovations to his own apartment, things quickly start to become less than platonic. Just as London is starting to see the upside to this new development, she meets the perfect guy for her, Collin, an artist at the art gallery where she works.

Nick is her best friend, her confidant, the one person on Earth she can just be herself with. But Collin feeds her intellect, her artistic side, her soul.  Once she’s finally tasted each of them, London knows she has to choose, but cannot decide which man she can live without. Luckily Nick and Collin have it all figured out and are determined to show London that two are always better than one.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in a very small town in Indiana and have always loved to read and write. I now live in Nashville, TN with my husband and kids. I love the outdoors and volunteer with my kids’ scout troops.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance?

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

I’ve always written stories and considered myself a writer, but I didn’t get serious about writing until after the birth of my twins when I had four kids under four years of age at home. I needed some mental space of my own and that’s when I started writing with the intent to publish. 

Romance was the only choice, really. I’ve read romance since I was in sixth grade or so. I studied literature in college and enjoy reading other types of books but romance is my first love.

The best part about being a writer is being able to just get lost in my own imagination. I love making up characters and settings and writing about their fictional love lives. It’s fun! I also have met a lot of writing friends who understand the quirky nature of writers and just “get” me like no other group of friends really can.

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?

“My Favorite Fantasy” is a series of novellas I’m doing. Each is a stand-alone story and explores a different fantasy. My current release, Tripled, is about a girl who is attracted to two very different guys. One is her best friend, the other a sexy stranger she meets in the art gallery here she works. Here’s an excerpt from Tripled:

“That’s it. Hold it.”

He started clicking pictures. “Drop your head just a fraction,” he said and then clicked a few more pictures. “Ok, now try your hand on your hip. Bend your knee slightly to cover your sex from this angle,” he said. Collin was smiling, apparently getting the shots he wanted. “You are a natural. Comfortable being in the nude.”

“I like being naked,” I said and it was the truth. Since Nick had been staying with me I’d had to remember to take a robe to wear after I got out of the shower.

“Thank goddess,” he said, echoing my earlier statement. He clicked pictures until the slip started to dry and crack on my skin and then he walked over to me. His eyes were wild, dark and I knew that now he  had more on his mind than just artistic fervor.

“You’re beautiful.” Collin’s voice was husky, which could only mean good things.

“You said that.” I lowered my arms and dropped the grapes.

“I know. I just can’t believe you’re here and you’ve posed for me and you’re naked.”

Collin used his thumb to tease my bottom lip and I couldn’t resist flicking my tongue out in blatant invitation. “It’s a fantasy come to life.”

“Well come and get it, then.”

He dipped his head and kissed me. Sensation blossomed where our skin met. Warmth spread from my mouth to my breasts and lower to lick at my naked sex.

I snaked a hand through his hair and stepped closer. I wanted to feel his hard body against mine. Its strength, its warmth, everything. 

He pulled me close and the sensation of his abs beneath my hands was every bit as good as I thought it would be. “For an artist, you have an amazing body,” I said when I could breathe. “Good enough to paint.”

“Nothing compared to yours,” he said. “I love your curves and the way the light turns your skin almost luminescent.”

I picked up the bucket of slip he’d left next to the shoot and held it up. “Your turn.”

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I used to consider myself a straight-up plotter, but the more I write the more I make up as I go along. When I get an idea for a story, I sit down and write sort of a rough synopsis of the story and loosely plan out the chapters so that I know the pacing is right for the length of the story I’m planning. But once I start to write, things sometimes change. When I have enough on paper that I begin to “know” my characters, the conflicts can change as well as the major story points. By about 1/3 of the way through, I have a good handle on the story and rewrite my synopsis and outline. I don’t have a lot of writing time so having an outline to remind me where I’m going really helps.

Can you tell us about the process of getting your first book published?

I first sold a novella to Red Sage Publishing for one if their Secrets anthologies of erotic romance. I’d read several of their books, had heard good things about them and decided to pitch my novella at RWA national conference. The pitch went OK and they asked for a partial. I got an email one morning about 2 a.m. offering me a contract and was absolutely thrilled. Of course, who was I going to call at 2 in the morning and squeal with? I had to wait until daybreak to tell my family and friends. 

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?

Just do it and keep doing it. You’ll learn more working through the first draft of your first book than you would in 100 writing craft books. The first thing you’ll learn was that it’s a lot harder than you thought it would be! The second is that you’ll love it more that you thought you would. You’re not going to get everything right the first time, so keep at it and you’ll keep improving with each story.

The most important thing I’ve learned, especially with small presses, is to make sure you read and understand your contract. If you don’t know what something means, ask a writing friend or someone from your writing group before you sign. Decide what’s important to you and don’t be afraid to ask for changes to the contract. Even if you have an agent, you should know what you’re signing. There is no one who has a bigger investment in your career than you, so you have to take care of the business side of writing as well as the creative one. 

Do you have another book in the works?

Of course! My new release, Tripled, is the second of the “My Favorite Fantasy” series of sexy novellas I’m writing. The third, Exposed, will be available in January.

What do you like to do in your free time, besides read and write of course?

I love the outdoors and spend a lot of time outside hiking, camping and just sitting. I also volunteer with my kids’ scout troops and love movies.

Where do you dream of going on vacation? 

Either somewhere in the wilderness, like the wilds of Alaska or somewhere really luxurious where everything is taken care of for you.

Boxers or Briefs? boxers

Cookies or cake? cookies

Pizza or hamburger? Pizza

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Mixed drink, but nothing with rum

About the Author:

Bethany Michaels grew up in a small Indiana farm town, which gave her lots of time to indulge her love for reading and writing.  She currently lives outside Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and children.

Bethany is the author of over a dozen short stories, novellas and novels. She writes hot sexy love stories for several publishers including Red Sage, Whispers and Siren and is working on some independent titles as well. She earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Nomination for her novel, Nashville Heat and is a member of Romance Writers of America, Music City Romance Writers and Indiana Romance Writers of America.

When not at work on her next book or catching up the laundry or dishes, Bethany enjoys watching movies, hiking, reading, travelling and volunteering with her kids’ scout troops. She is trying to enjoy snacking on vegetables and using the treadmill rather than snacking on potato chips and using the television, but isn’t quite there yet.

Visit Bethany online at:

Website - http://www.bethanymichaels.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/bethany.michaels

Twitter - http://twitter.com/BMichaelsAuthor

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/bmichaelsauthor/

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Krystal Shannan Features - Dare by Kacey Hammell

Dare

by Kacey Hammell

Published by Evernight Publishing

Published on September 12, 2012

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 25,000 words

Available at:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | ARe | OmniLit | Bookstrand

Blurb:

**An aRe Bestseller!**

Legal secretary, Olivia Warner enjoys being single and, aside from her closest gal pals, usually keeps to herself. But the night of her thirty-fourth birthday, she and her friends spend a fun-filled evening at a local bar where her friends dare her to approach a man, and spend the night with him. Olivia's not one to turn down a dare, especially from her old college pals. She only hopes the man in question is in for some good conversation, because that is all she'll give him. 

Darren “Dare” Shalvis has given up on women. He's tired of being chased for his money, good looks, and prowess in bed. He prefers to meet a woman who, for once, wants nothing more from him than mere conversation. If only the woman asking him to spend the night with her wasn’t his favorite legal secretary.

Accepting a dare has never been so tempting…

Excerpt:

Olivia burst out laughing without reservation.

Dare had heard it a lot tonight and the evening couldn’t be going any better.

Before taking separate cars from Countess, they’d agreed to meet back at her place for a late dinner. She had the job to pick up Chinese food while he had run his own errand.

When he’d walked her to her car and mentioned the need to stop at the drugstore, he saw her turn scarlet even in the dark. It was refreshing to find a woman who didn’t come on strong and found the slightest flirtation blush-worthy. He didn’t know many women like her.

The urge to kiss her nearly choked him. Yet before he could act, she’d whispered goodbye and hidden in her car. But the night was still young and he planned to take full advantage of the fact.

Once settled at her place, they instantly dived into their food.

He watched her smile between bites, and fought the impulse to take her lips with his. Olivia didn’t have Angie Jolie lips but they were still lush and fuller—cherry red and wet—than most women’s.

As she pushed more food into her mouth, her lips wrapped around her fork—she’d given up trying to master chopsticks, which they’d both found hilarious—Dare imagined her mouth around his cock as she sucked him deep over and over again.

“You know, chopsticks are dangerous.” Olivia’s voice brought him from his musings.

“Dangerous? I’m not sure about that, but if you say so.”

After he watched her struggle with them for fifteen minutes, Dare agreed to some extent. She was very different from other women he knew. Some never relaxed enough to laugh at themselves the way she did. Most were self-conscious and obnoxious.

But the more Olivia tried, the worse her coordination became and the more they cackled about it. Dare couldn’t recall a time when he’d had such a great time with a woman. Olivia was easy to be around. He also hadn’t felt so laid-back in ages. Most dates were full of tension and what-ifs. But with her, perhaps their honesty and knowing what the night held put them both at ease.

Dare knew she was a bit nervous, but the underlying sexual tension was electric. There was still a calm atmosphere as minutes ticked by. He was happy with that but wished he’d taken the initiative before now and asked her out. He really enjoyed her company.

“Yes, dangerous. Twice now, I’ve nearly poked my eye out with those things.”

He held up his own chopsticks, having mastered the craft years ago. He eyeballed the unintimidating weapon and then scrutinized her, brows raised. She looked serious. He had to hold in a laugh. “Perhaps you’re not feeling them.”

She frowned. “Feeling them? They’re in my hand, Dare, how can I not be feel them?”

Pleased she now used his nickname—it had never sounded so sweet—he shook his head. “No I mean, feel them. Hold them gentle, yet firm. Let your fingers slide against them like a caress.”

He lifted his hand higher, slid his fingers gently, and moved the chopsticks with grace and ease.

Dare watched her gaze darken as it followed his movements, and her cheeks flushed. He never thought showing a woman how to use chopsticks would be arousing, but desire was clear in her gaze.

She couldn’t have any idea just how hot she looked when turned on. His cock thickened. His pants grew uncomfortable and tightened over his burgeoning erection.

Shifting on the couch, he set the box of chow mein and his sticks on the coffee table, and leaned toward her.

“Olivia,” he whispered.

She stared into his eyes. The deep green of hers deepened, and her breath quickened. “Yes?”

He took the box of chicken fried rice from her hand, set it on the table, his gaze never leaving hers. He cupped her cheek, drew her closer to him, their lips an inch apart. “Do you know how many times, how long, I’ve wanted to kiss you?”

“Hmm,” came her incoherent reply. Dare didn’t need further encouragement.

Lowering his head quickly, his lips rubbed hers, left and right, sweet caresses that kicked his blood pressure into high.

He had never tasted anything sweeter. Her mouth held a hint of mint from the tea she’d made earlier.  He would always associate the flavor with her. And he wanted more of it.

His tongue traced the seam of her lips. He nudged her backward until she lay against the couch. He shifted closer and lounged next to her.

Her fingers tangled in his hair, and she tugged him closer still as her tongue swept his mouth.

Dare groaned. Sexually aggressive women were a turn on, always had been, but with her the excitement went up a notch. Her hesitancy mixed with aggressiveness was more than pleasing. This woman could turn a man inside out. Her touch and taste were addictive and sweet.

If Dare wasn’t careful he’d fall for her…hard.

Review:

5 Stars - http://whippedcream2.blogspot.ca/2012/10/dare-by-kacey-hammell.html?zx=948f593b6f963d73

“Although at first glance DARE might seem like your typical romance novel (quiet girl meets rich hunk), it’s not. The reason for this is the way Ms. Hammell depicts her characters…author’s description set an image of such natural ease between them that I felt from the beginning that they were perfect for each other…behind the hot sex Kacey Hammell throws in a mystery, which surprisingly comes to play an important role in the development of the characters' relationship…DARE was a quick, extremely enjoyable read for any moment of the day, if you dare get hot and bothered at any time.”--Bittersweet at LASR

About the Author:

The Writer: Canadian author, Kacey Hammell is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes mainly in the Contemporary Erotic/Romantic Suspense genres.  She is a true romantic at heart.

The Wife and Mom: Born, raised and still living in her hometown in Ontario, Canada, Kacey found true love with her husband.  As a Mom of three, Kacey has made certain that each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right.

Readers can learn more about my books/contact me via …

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Prize is 1 eBook from Kacey’s backlist (winner’s choice). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Dec 18. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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