#ThursThreads - Week 72 - Winners

Week 72 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write. And I'm delighted to see new writers stopping by. Great thanks go to Scott Nova for reading the stories.

Entries:

• Kimberly Gould | @Kimmydonn
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Charley S | @charley_001
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Rebecca R Kovar | @RRKovar
• Dr. Magoo | @drmagoo
• The Imaginator | @theimaginator20
• Lizzie Koch | @lizzie_loodles
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux

Scott says: This was really awesome to do, I enjoyed the stories a lot! :)

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil

Scott says: I liked the mystery of what exactly was going on with the male's mind and his alter ego. That was very intriguing to me.

Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
Scott says: Cara's story...Well that's brutally obvious for me, it's about Lycans :) and just the way it was written sounded like it would be a kickass story so far.

Silver James | @SilverJames_
Scott says: Silver James' story was interesting because of how the brunette got the upper hand on the blonde because Roman was one of "hers" and if felt as if she was his controller. Which sounded really cool.
 

Week 72 Winner

Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux

Scott says: I loved this story of the human assassin getting the upper hand on the vampire. I love the vampire mythos as much as the next person, but it is great to see the humans winning the epic battle that always continues till the end of time.

Job's Done

Jen spat blood and tested the links that chained her to the chair. She made a show of running her tongue over her teeth to test their looseness. She looked up to her captor who readied to deliver a second blow.

“You will die tonight,” the vampire spat. The creature made a show of descending her fangs. Jen rolled her eyes.

“Sophie? You know,” Jen said casually, “That trapping me in my own home was a bad idea right?”

“I will feast on your blood. Tomorrow, I’ll bring your corpse to master as a prize,” Sophie purred as she rocked Jen’s body with another punch.

“Your Master?” Jen wheezed as she glanced as the clock and the shuttered windows. “Venari? That’s what this is all about?” Blood dribbling from her nose, she laughed weakly. “Jeez. You’re just jealous! Wow! Look lady, he came to my house to order a hit not hit on me.”

“You’re an assassin?” Sophie asked with a laugh. “A puny human like you?”

Jen joined her in laughter as she watched the clock. A faint alarm went off in another room. Jen continued to laugh as the shutters opened automatically and daylight poured into the room. She giggled as the vampire went up in flames.

Jen twisted her wrist and slipped out of the chains. Getting up, she wiped her nose on her sleeve and dug her cellphone from her purse at the front door. She dialed quickly and smiled when the line connected.

“It’s done.”

Congratulations Theresa, Sheilagh, Cara, and Silver! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 72

 

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked and the second year of #ThursThreads flash fiction. So let's get started. It's Thursday again, and what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 72 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:

• The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
• The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• Incorporate the prompt as written anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
• Post your story in the comments section of this post
• Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
• The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
• The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)

How it benefits you:

• You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
• You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
• Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 72:

Cover model, IT guru, and Hot Mojave Knight, Scott Nova.

Scott Nova by Linda Greene

Scott on Facebook

Scott on Twitter

Scott on Google Plus
Scott on Hot Mojave Knights

So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“You’re just jealous.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! :)

Snippet Sunday - Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin - Practical Magic

 

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked and Happy Memorial Day! Say a prayer for the men and women serving in the military, and offer thanks for their great service. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. Currently, the snippets are from my latest release, and while they aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering a snippet from my latest release available now entitled Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin. In this snippet, which is a little longer than usual, Isabelle has returned from visiting her best friend Marie just as Jonarrion comes downstairs. She offers him breakfast with a side of coquette. This is from Jon's POV.

“Tea would be lovely.” He strode over to where she stood, sitting down in her proffered chair. He heard her inhale sharply before she leaned past him to grab the cleaning rag. Her action put her chest in close proximity to his nose, and he stole a look at the mounds of her breasts held tight in her bodice.

Jonarrion stifled a groan as she pulled back from him, accidentally brushing his hand where it rested on the table. The small touch set him on fire, but she didn’t seem to notice as she stood back and asked him something else.

“‘Tis hot and fresh this morn.”

“Sorry?” Had she just offered him her womanly charms?

“The bread is hot and fresh. We also have sweet rolls.”

“Oh.”

I think his focus needs focus. Work it, Isabelle! ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, SJ Maylee, Goran Zidar, Gem Sivad, and A.S. Fenichel.

If you're interested in Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin, here is the cover and blurb:

Sacrificial virgins are so sixteenth century, but unless Isabelle finds a man to take her innocence, she’ll likely be next.

For Isabelle Andersen, being a virgin in a dragon-plagued Scottish village is dangerous. Potentially the next dragon sacrifice, Isabelle’s only solution is to lose her innocence, and fast. All she needs is one handsome stranger she can coax into bed, but Lochmore Cott doesn’t get much in the way of visitors.

Jonarrion Swiftwind has sworn off virgins. The last time he took one to his bed, his family paid the price for his lust at the hands of her demon-possessed father. He’s made it his mission to destroy all demons. Nothing distracts him from killing this demon until lovely Isabelle offers him tea. And her virginity.

Just one night of passion makes Jon realize he doesn’t want to let the independent beauty go. But will Isabelle accept him when she discovers the only real dragon in her village… is him?

Author Spotlight and New Release - Rebecca Brochu

 

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have to opportunity to spotlight multipublished author Rebecca Brochu. Her newest book, Alpha's Ardor released this week from Evernight Publishing. Woot! :D Rebecca has generously offered a hot excerpt for you to enjoy. Understand that this is M/M romance, so if that's not your cup of tea, please exit stage left now. :)

But first, the Blurb for The Alpha's Ardor:

Declan Adair and his twin brother Lachlan are wolf shifters with no home or pack and a dark past that makes them hated by other weres. Hunted and forced to separate, Declan finds himself chased north and straight into Flathead, a large sprawling territory that is home to a single massive pack.

Unsure and more afraid than he wants to admit, Declan’s situation is only made worse by his undeniable attraction to the Flathead pack’s alpha, Law.

Law is everything an alpha should be: powerful, controlled, and surprisingly enough to Declan—kind. And when Law seems to want Declan just as much as Declan wants Law, it’s unbelievable. With a past full of hurt and the knowledge that the only one he can trust is his twin, Declan is torn between the way he knows the world works and the possibility that the alpha’s ardor might just be real.

Be Warned: m/m sex, knotting

EXCERPT:

Declan froze for a long moment, but when Law moved to pull away, regret heavy on his face, he surged up off the ground, wrapped his arms around Law’s neck and pulled him back down into a bruising kiss.

Law was the one to gentle it, the one to pull back an inch or so despite Declan’s attempts to keep him close and to sweep his tongue lightly across the seam of Declan’s lips. Declan parted them instantly, eagerly, and met the slick, hot slide of Law’s tongue with his own. Law’s stubble rasped against Declan’s face, and he knew the skin there would be rubbed raw if it kept up, but he didn’t care. The feel of it, the slight rasping itch of it, sent heat spiraling through him, made him buck his hips up and into Law’s. The move caused their cocks, both bare and beginning to thicken, to rub together in a way that made Law groan low in his throat and press down against Declan harder.

Declan spread his legs wider in response, let Law settle down against him completely even as he whined low in the back of his throat. Law shushed him with gentle sweeps of his tongue as he ran long fingered hands through Declan’s disheveled hair. Their hips rocked against each other rhythmically as they kissed and a mix of sweat and pre-cum slicked the way for their cocks sliding against one another in the growing dampness between them.

Declan felt the coil in his gut begin to tighten, felt the heat of it in the base of his spine, and he could tell from the way Law’s hips were beginning to falter that he was close too. Declan couldn’t suppress the sharp bolt of fear that flared through him in that instance. Once this happened there would be no going back. Law tensed and froze on top of him and when he broke the kiss they were currently wrapped up in, Declan could see the confusion and concern in his face clearly.

“Little wolf?” Law questioned him softly, gently.

“Will this be alright? Will this be enough for us to be in the pack?” Declan blurted the words out and knew instantly that he’d said the wrong thing from the way Law’s face went dark and his shoulders rigid.

“What the hell are you talking about, Declan?” His voice was hard and surprisingly cold. Declan shivered slightly and wished he could curl in on himself, wished he wasn’t so vulnerable and open the way he was nestled underneath Law’s hard body.

If you'd like to read more of The Alpha's Ardor, you can find it at:
Evernight Publishing

For Rebecca Brochu:

I am proud to say that I live in a small town in North Carolina, surrounded by fields and fresh air. Naturally I spend most of my days crouched in front of a keyboard or curled up with a book.
 

As an avid video game and anime enthusiast, it is an understatement to say that I have a vivid imagination. With a collection of games, dvd's, and books that number too many to count I am often neck deep in some fantasy world.

I am also the proud owner of two haughty cats and one encouraging dog.

I first stepped into writing through the dangerous world of fanfiction. If not for the wonderful people that I met there I would have never had the courage to submit my first novella. I truly do owe it all to the readers.
 
You can find her here:
http://rbrochu.blogspot.com/
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Goodreads

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Snippet Sunday - Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin - Best Friend's Advice

 

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. Currently, the snippets are from my latest release, and while they aren't consecutive, they are in order within the story. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Today, I'm offering a snippet from my latest release available now entitled Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin. In this snippet, which is a little longer than usual, Isabelle is visiting her best friend Marie, the village baker. Marie is French and a little more worldly than the other ladies of the village. Isabelle speaks first.

“He’s glorious, Marie. He has eyes so blue they could be chunks o’ the sky, and he’s tall—taller than Angus MacLeod. He’s broader than a draft horse, and the muscles in his legs make me go shivery.”

“And wet, I would guess.” Marie chortled. “If he is this big, perhaps he also has the stamina of a draft horse, too, eh?” She wiggled her elegant eyebrows, and Isabelle blushed again. “Have you talked to this man yet?”

“No, not about my virginity, if that’s what you’re askin’.” Isabelle squirmed in her seat. “I don’t ken what to say to him. It is not as if I can just walk up to him and say, ‘Pardon my question, Master Swift, but could you do me the favor of takin’ me to bed so I don’t have to die for the village?’ Aye, that would go over very well, I should think.”

“Ah, my sweet Belle. It is not in how you speak, but in how your body talks, oui?”

I love Marie. She has such a practical way of looking at things. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Sarah Ballance, SJ Maylee, Goran Zidar, Karla Doyle, and A.S. Fenichel.

If you're interested in Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin, here is the cover and blurb:

Sacrificial virgins are so sixteenth century, but unless Isabelle finds a man to take her innocence, she’ll likely be next.

For Isabelle Andersen, being a virgin in a dragon-plagued Scottish village is dangerous. Potentially the next dragon sacrifice, Isabelle’s only solution is to lose her innocence, and fast. All she needs is one handsome stranger she can coax into bed, but Lochmore Cott doesn’t get much in the way of visitors.

Jonarrion Swiftwind has sworn off virgins. The last time he took one to his bed, his family paid the price for his lust at the hands of her demon-possessed father. He’s made it his mission to destroy all demons. Nothing distracts him from killing this demon until lovely Isabelle offers him tea. And her virginity.

Just one night of passion makes Jon realize he doesn’t want to let the independent beauty go. But will Isabelle accept him when she discovers the only real dragon in her village… is him?

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Saturday Souvenirs: Sunshine Blogger Award - 2013

Happy Saturday Souvenirs! I received the Sunshine Award this week from a fellow flashfiction author Sheilagh Lee. It's an honor to be included in her list and I'm happy to share it with all of you.

As per the rules listed below, here are my answers for the Q & A questions…

Favorite Color: Burgundy - the color of sunsets, dragonfyre, and dried blood ;)

Favorite Animal: Coyote

Favorite Number: "5" - its lucky in that it matches my fingers and toes. :D

Favorite Non-alcoholic Drink: Coffee - hands down. No question.

Facebook or Twitter: Facebook for me. I like the ease of interaction and photo sharing.

Your Passion: Hmm, other than writing? That would have to be paleontology. I dig up dead things and identify them down to species by studying teeth left in the fossil record.

Giving or getting presents: Giving, unless it’s books, chocolate…or coffee.

Favorite Day: Autumn Equinox - when the days are still warm, but the nights are cool and the world smells like "October" even though it's still September. BTW "October" smells like leaves baking in the sun, pumpkin spices, and crisp mornings. ;)

Favorite Flowers: Geraniums for color, gardenias for scent.

Now to spread the wealth. All of the bloggers I've chosen are supportive, talented, and friendly bloggers, writers, and authors who are worth following/friending and getting to know.

Hennessee Andrews - @hennesseeandrew
Sandra Bunino - @SandraBunino
Randi Alexander - @Randi_Alexander
Gem Sivad - @Gemsivad
Sage Marlowe - @SageMarlowe
Theresa Breaux - @theresabreaux
Cara Michaels - @caramichaels
SJ Maylee - @SJMaylee
Sarah Ballance - @SarahBallance
J. Whitworth Hazzard - @Zombiemechanics
Daniel Swensen - @surlymuse
Teresa Cypher - @Teresa_Willow

If you want to join in the fun, and continue the process, the rules are to:

(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.

(2) Complete the Q&A below in your blog post.

(3) Pass on the award to 10-12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 71 - Winners

 

Week 71 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who came to write yesterday. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write. And I'm delighted to see new writers stopping by. Great thanks go to Betsy Kimmel for reading the stories.

Entries:

• Kayla West | @bookwormattack
• Ryan Strohman | @rastrohman
• @LupusAnthropos
• Doris O'Connor | @mamaD8
• Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
• Shyla Colt | @ShylaColt
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Susan Hayes | @capricia13
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Loodles
• Lynne Hunt | @HayAddict
• Sandra Bunino | @SandraBunino
• Rebecca R Kovar | @RRKovar
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
• The Imaginator | @theimaginator20
• Teresa Cypher | @teresa_willow
• James Marshall | @JMwandering
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Dr. Magoo | @drmagoo
• Iris St. Clair | @iris_st_clair

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Ryan Strohman | @rastrohman

Betsy says: Good twist at the end- wonder why Molly is in the Psych Ward?

Doris O'Connor | @mamaD8
Betsy says: Like the ending- good cliff hanger – who is the guy with the fangs? Who was person snarling? What will happen? And will Rissa become a strong female character? There are hints that she could be... More please.

Lynne Hunt | @HayAddict
Betsy says: Dead Whale. Good cliff hanger- I want more to find out what is happening. Makes me think- there are implied messages that have to be inferred to understand the dialog
 

Week 71 Winner

Rebecca R Kovar | @RRKovar

Betsy says: I can hear the contrite brother and the angry brother. The angry brother is very good at enumerating the points in good detail while the contrite brother tries to interject defenses. The dialog sounds like two brothers- nice capture of the one. I liked the reference to strong women and our intelligence. The piece as a funny ending if the angry brother talking to an officer about shooting the contrite brother in the rump and I want to know more about the guy in the bathtub. It was well written with dialog that pulled me along and left me wanting more. Nice!

Confession

“Is there something wrong?”

I ticked off salient points. “We’re in Las Vegas, which in and of itself was an abominable decision. You hit on possibly the only woman in the bar who shouldn’t go anywhere with you, much less to your room for a quickie. Which you did after losing your part of the travel fund attempting to impress her.”

He interrupted. “She has a name.”

I opened my arms. “Look at all the fucks I don’t give. Why? Because you didn’t check to see if her name came with a ‘missus’ in front of it before you played tonsil hockey by the elevators!”

“She wasn’t wearing a ring.” A weak protest, best ignored.

“No, she was dripping with diamonds, including sewn into her goddamned dress. Was that not a clue?”

“Sexist of you. She could have bought those herself.”

I snorted. “Women are generally smart enough to invest their money elsewhere, because they know how to show themselves off with more class and less danger. Jewels are bought by their very well-connected husbands, should they be lucky enough – or un – to have such.”

“You’re just jealous.”

I took a deep breath.
Two.
Didn’t help.
Another.
Little better.
I let it out slowly.

“No, you fucking moron. I’m pissed off that you put me in this situation.”

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

****

And that, officer, is why I shot my brother in the ass. I did not, however, shoot the guy in the bathtub. I just borrowed his gun.

Congratulations Two Time Winner Rebecca, Ryan, Doris, and Lynne! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 71

 

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked and the second year of #ThursThreads flash fiction. So let's get started. It's Thursday again, and what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 71 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:

• The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
• The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• Incorporate the prompt as written anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
• Post your story in the comments section of this post
• Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
• The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
• The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)

How it benefits you:

• You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
• You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
• Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 71:

Bibliophile, teacher, and hot biker chick, Betsy Kimmel.

So now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Is there something wrong?”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck! :)

Sinful Sirens Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the Sinful Sirens Giveaway Hop hosted by Under the Covers Book Blog. Ready for some hot summer reading? Now you have over 150 chances to win books and goodies from authors and bloggers. Woot!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet (since you have so many other folks to visit) and give you a little, hot excerpt from my newest release, Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin, a bestseller in M/F romance on Bookstrand.com.

Here's the blurb:

Sacrificial virgins are so sixteenth century, but unless Isabelle finds a man to take her innocence, she’ll likely be next.

For Isabelle Andersen, being a virgin in a dragon-plagued Scottish village is dangerous. Potentially the next dragon sacrifice, Isabelle’s only solution is to lose her innocence, and fast. All she needs is one handsome stranger she can coax into bed, but Lochmore Cott doesn’t get much in the way of visitors.

Jonarrion Swiftwind has sworn off virgins. The last time he took one to his bed, his family paid the price for his lust at the hands of her demon-possessed father. He’s made it his mission to destroy all demons. Nothing distracts him from killing this demon until lovely Isabelle offers him tea. And her virginity.

Just one night of passion makes Jon realize he doesn’t want to let the independent beauty go. But will Isabelle accept him when she discovers the only real dragon in her village… is him?

Excerpt:

He tried to smile around the heat of her satin skin against his hand, but he feared it came out more of a grimace. She swallowed hard and squeezed his hand, and he resisted the need to bury his nose in the sweet flesh of her neck.

He had to be a gentleman. When have I ever been a gentleman?

“Peace, Isabelle. I only wanted you to be sure of your resolve.” He stroked her cheek with his free hand and smiled. “And you may call me Jon.”

“Right, then. Jon. Shall we get started?” She rose and grasped the laces of her cincher in tight fingers.

“Easy, lassie.” He stood and held her hands still, the tension humming through her. “There’s no need to rush this.” He drew her back to the bed and sat down. “Come. Sit between my legs and let me help you relax.”

“Between your… Isn’t that where your—” She gestured at his tenting kilt and blushed.

“My what, Isabelle?”

“You know.” The red spilled down her throat and flushed her bosom. He wondered if it carried on straight to her pussy. “Your manly bits.”

He wanted to laugh at her choice of words, but he didn’t wish to anger her. “There are many names associated with my ‘manly bits,’ but it’s most commonly called a ‘cock,’ and yes, that’s where I carry it.”

“Cock.” She repeated the word in her husky voice, and his said anatomy flexed with her attention. “Does it have a mind of its own, then?”

“What?” Where had she learned such things as a virgin?

“Well, it just moved.” She gestured at his groin, and he resisted the urge to cover it with his hand.

He let out a startled laugh. “Actually, my dear, it often responds when called by name, and you said it so well. It couldn’t help but take notice.”

A mischievous smile curled her lips and damn near curled his toes. “Cock.”

True to form, his dick flexed again and his arousal swelled. Her sassy confidence grabbed far more than her sweet innocence. She’d fought years of tradition within this human community to come to his room, and now added some wanton wench into the mix. Sweet Goddess, this might be better than he’d expected.

“That’s exactly how to say it, lassie.” Her smile shot straight to his balls. “Now then, let’s take off that cincher so you may relax, and you can learn the feel of my body.” And I can enjoy yours.

He reached for her laces, but she pulled back a little. “I can get them.”

“I’m sure you can, Isabelle, but it’s more fun if I do. Will you permit me?” Jonarrion stared into her beautiful eyes and waited for her decision. She bit her lip again, and he had to bite his tongue to keep from moaning. Hellwinds, she’s sexy.

“Very well, Jon.” Isabelle sidled closer, and he inhaled her woman’s scent.

She had a wild, earthy scent like a rainy spring forest, or the shores of a windswept loch. Blended with it were the more mundane scents of cooking oils, fresh bread, and ale. His heart ached with nostalgia for home, and he closed his eyes, imagining her tending his hearth. How does she smell so good?

“Are you well, Jon?”

He opened his eyes to realize he’d pressed his cheek against her belly as he held her hips. What was wrong with him? He’d never lost track of his actions with a lover before. He glanced up at her and smiled. At least she hadn’t shoved him away.

“Aye, better than well. Intoxicated.”

He loosened her laces and released her breasts, the full globes bouncing gently under her chemise as he pulled away her stays. His mouth watered, but he kept his eyes on hers and settled his hands on her hips.

“You’re lovely, Isabelle.”

She snorted softly. “Right.”

“’Tis true, sweets. See what you do to me.” He drew one of her hands down to his kilt and tried not to thrust into her palm. “I don’t grow this hard unless I find a lassie beautiful.” He scooted back a little and patted the bed between his legs. “Come. Sit.”

“Are you sure I won’t hurt you with such a malady?”

“Malady?” He laughed. “Nay, lassie, it doesn’t pain me to be hard.” Unless it’s all night long. “You sitting here will only bring me pleasure.” He patted the bed again.

She turned slowly, and he enjoyed the swell of her arse in her skirt, but he especially enjoyed it when it settled against his rigid shaft. They sighed at the same time, and he couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her waist.

“Ah, that’s lovely, Isabelle.”

“You’re so warm.” She snuggled back against his chest, and he tightened his hold on her.

Why did she feel so good there? He brushed her hair aside and dipped his head, trailing small kisses across her neck and shoulders. She gasped and stiffened with the brush of his lips on her skin, and he paused, inhaling her delicious scent.

“What are you doing, Jon?”

“I’m kissing you, sweet Belle. Is there something amiss?” Other than his raging cockstand and his unusual lack of control.

“Nay, not amiss. Just…strange.”

“Strange, how?” He slid his fingers over her shoulder and across her collarbones, reveling in the smoothness there.

“I feel strange, as if everything is tight and loose all at once.” She shivered when his hand dipped lower and cupped her breast.

“Are you well, Isabelle?”

She inhaled and nodded sharply, gathering up her courage.

“I’m fine.”

He dropped his hand to her waist again, rubbing in small circles. “We can take this slower if you need to.”

“Och, nay. ’Tis better to get it over with.” She straightened her shoulders and waited as if facing her execution.

“I don’t want to get it over with, Isabelle.” He pushed a strand of auburn hair behind her ear and turned her head to meet his gaze. “This might be a business transaction to you, but it still should be pleasant. If you find it too distasteful, we can stop.”

“Nay, not distasteful.” She turned and knelt between his knees, her arms resting on his thighs. “Just strange and…and I don’t know what to do. I feel useless.” She dropped her chin. “I haven’t learned the art of being with a man—not that I wished to. Oh bother!” She sat back on her heels and wrapped her arms around her waist, pushing those lovely breasts up until he wanted to shove his cock between their full embrace.

“What do you wish to do, Isabelle?”

“Lose my virginity, o’ course.”

“But?” Jonarrion reached out to tip her chin up so he could meet her eyes. “What else?”

“How do you know there’s aught else?”

He drew his thumb across her full lower lip, and his cock twitched at her gasp. “Because you strike me as a woman who takes pride in your abilities to accomplish your tasks. What more do you wish to accomplish?”

Isabelle sighed and smoothed the fabric of her skirt. “I wish I knew how to pleasure you.”

Exquisite joy and pleasure surged through his chest at her courage. Done. “Ah, my sweet Belle, then you have succeeded already.”

How would you like a sexy guy to teach you about being a sexual goddess? I think I see a few hands out there waving and voices screaming "I volunteer!" :D

Since this is a giveaway hop, I'm offering a PDF copy of Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin to one lucky commenter who follows my blog and answers this question: If you'd been able to choose anyone, either living or fictional, with whom to lose your virginity, who would you have chosen at the time?

The giveaway runs from Midnight Pacific Time on May 15 to 11:59 pm Pacific May 20th and is open internationally. You must be 18 years or older to win and please void where prohibited. Be sure to leave a valid email address or Twitter handle in your answer so I can contact you if you win.

Don't forget to visit all the other blogs on the hop - over 150 chances to win! Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Backlist and Excerpts from Rhonda L. Print

Good morning, welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have the honor to host Rhonda L. Print on my blog and she's offering you little snippets of her backlist with excerpts. Keep a sharp eye out because some of them have free samples you can read. I met Rhonda at Arizona Dreamin' in 2012 and she graciously offered me an interview and place on her blog. So take a gander at her backlist - I see several I'd like to read. :)

NIGHTWALKER: A LEAH WOLFE SINS NOVEL – www.LSBooks.com Read a free sample at www.RhondaLPrint.com

Blurb:

Leah Wolfe has retired from serious police work in favor of seeking a normal life. Her unique, yet not fully discovered supernatural abilities allow her to speak to the souls of the dead, providing vital information in the search for their killers. Her abilities have also cost her almost everyone she has ever loved including her mother, who abandoned her to fend for herself on the streets, and, most recently, her ex-fiancé Joaquín Wildhorse, Chief Detective of the Native American Reservation Police Department. But when Joaquín’s new lover is found brutally murdered on the reservation, he turns to Leah for help. The hunt for a vicious killer leads Leah to sexy Ian Nightwalker and Leah is unable to walk away from the case that may cost her her most guarded possession of all. Her heart.

Excerpt:

Ian took my hand and led me to a glass-enclosed atrium. Stars glittered above me through the glass ceiling and the desert outside was backdropped by the mountain range. A jetted spa that trickled a waterfall into a large swimming pool illuminated the room. Palm trees surrounded the edge of the spa providing privacy. Wow.

“It’s like an oasis in the desert.” I spoke softly so as not to disturb the natural peace in the room. Like talking in a library.

Ian walked over to a large stone bench and sat down. He pulled his shirt over his head revealing his pale skin and muscles hidden beneath. I silently gasped and felt a wave of desire heat my body. Each muscle flexed and tensed as he moved to kick off his boots then pulled his socks over his feet. As he bent and exposed his back I couldn’t help but admire the breadth of his broad shoulders, my eyes following his spine down to his narrowing back and waist. His wavy black hair fell over his face and I was left with a view of his neck. I had the sudden urge to run my tongue along his exposed neckline to his kissable mouth. I wanted to run my hands over the strong shoulders and let them slowly caress a path down his chest and along the expanse of his stomach tracing the trail of soft, dark hair that led from his naval and disappeared under the denim of his jeans. I wanted to feel his hands fist in my hair as I explored his body.

I shook myself out of the thought.

My face blazed red as I saw Ian’s eyes bored into mine, the look of passion on his face that a man gets when knows your interested in more than just conversation.

THE ORDER OF CHAOS: A LEAH WOLFE SINS NOVEL – www.LSBooks.com Read a free sample at www.RhondaLPrint.com

Blurb:

All Leah Wolfe wants to do is master her ability to speak with the souls of the dead, protect her beloved town, and forget about the two men who betrayed her. But with the leader of the vampire council on his way to town and the threat of Chaos hanging over the heads of everyone she loves, getting what she wants may not be as easy as she thought.

JUSTIFIED: A LEAH WOLFE SINS NOVEL – www.LSBooks.com Read a free sample at www.RhondaLPrint.com

Blurb:

Things go very wrong, very fast when a federal agent is caught between her vampire lover, the leader of the pack, and a murderer intent on killing those she loves. Is stepping outside the law to stop a killer justified, or will it end her career in SINS?

Excerpt:

He turned me around and melted me with a look that skimmed me from the top of my head to the toes of the stiletto heels that I still wore. I started to kick the shoes off but he stopped me. “Leave those on.” His voice grew deeper, sultry.

I did a little spin that would make any runway model proud. He grabbed me and tossed me onto the bed while we laughed. “Yes, definitely keep the shoes on.”

“You owe me.” I reminded him.

He stripped off my jeans and flipped me onto my stomach. He began caressing my neck, my shoulders, then further south; alternating between gentle sweeps of his hands and a firmer kneading motion that sprang Goosebumps from my body. I felt the bra strap come undone before his hands slid to the flimsy piece of elastic of my panties. His fingers trailed them down my legs until he removed them completely. Then those magic fingers began caressing their way up my legs, teasing the tender skin on the back of my knees and inner thighs. I heard the Velcro of my holster tear away and felt the weight of my pistol lift off my waist. “Nightstand.” He murmured knowing that I felt more secure if I knew where my weapons were. Then his mouth blazed molten lava on my thighs and I forgot all about weapons.

GUARDIAN – www.LSBooks.com Read a free sample at www.RhondaLPrint.com

Blurb:

Two worlds are about to collide. Claire is going to learn about a past she never knew existed and Roman is about to come out of the shadows and face the woman he has secretly protected for years. With danger all around, will love be enough to save them?

Excerpt:

"I have been sure of many things in my life that were not real, Roman," she whispered. "I have watched you come into Bookworms for months and wondered what if would feel like to wrap myself around you." She traced a finger along his jaw. "I want to find out."

He covered her mouth with his. The kiss was all need and surrender.

Roman shifted and rolled so he hovered above her. She was more stunning than any of the angels he had met through the ages and she was about to become his.

Claire wrapped her hands around his head and pulled his mouth back to hers. His lips roamed over her cheek, her chin, feathering kisses down her neck, each kiss igniting a tiny spark between them. She arched into him for more and he felt her surrender.

He swirled his tongue over the nipple of her breast until she cried out. Roman gave her other breast equal attention before he moved lower, his tongue searing a trail of heat toward her navel.

Roman slid his hand between her thighs and his body throbbed when he found her wet and eager. He slipped one finger in her and watched with a delighted smile when his name escaped her lips on a sigh. He looked into her eyes, glazed over with ecstasy as he gently stroked her. He put his mouth back to her body and slid his tongue around her navel. He withdrew his hand and his body hardened even more when she gave a cry of protest.

He was hard to the point of pain yet he had to have a taste of her, a taste from the pearl that lay between her legs.

He let his mouth trail lower and feasted on her, his tongue dipping and stroking, swirling around the treasure that was now his.

PHOENIX: A LEAH WOLFE SINS NOVEL – May 6, 2013 www.LSBooks.com

Blurb:

Leah Wolfe of the Supernatural Investigations of Non-human Species—SINS for short—is learning to control her necromancer skills while balancing her life as a federal agent and fiancée to the Marquis of the vampire world, Ian Nightwalker.

When her godson is kidnapped and the kidnapper offers to trade the boy for Leah, she doesn’t hesitate.

Leah finds herself in the lair of Phoenix, a former Marquis bent on avenging the death of his lover. He is also a scientist who is using DNA from various species with the hopes of creating an army of Supernaturals.

Leah must stop Phoenix, save those he has tampered with, and get back to Ian.

But first, she must save herself.

Excerpt:

Shifting, I trailed my mouth down his neck, teasing his chest and then sliding lower, where I confirmed that Ian was, indeed, naked, hard, and eager for me. Ian lowered his lips to mine and our tongues tangled together. Short, slow licks quickly smoldered into white-hot desire as we made love to each other’s bodies with our lips and tongues.

He pushed me away from him and I released him with a reluctant groan until he flipped me on my back and wrapped my legs around his shoulders. With his eyes fixed on mine, he slid his tongue out and gave me one long, torturing lick. I gasped, and he flashed me that crooked smile of his and did it again.

“I love to watch your eyes glaze over in ecstasy while I devour you, my love,” he crooned before tasting me once again.

I fisted my hands into the silky strands of his hair and lost all sense of sanity as he tormented my body with long, slow swirls of his skillful tongue. When I thought I could take no more, he slipped his tongue inside me and suckled on my center until I could only see white bursts of pleasure through my closed eyelids. My head thrashed from side to side. His pace relaxed and the slower he slid in and out of me, the more intense the pleasure became that shuddered through me until my body burst with rapture and insanity all at once. I screamed his name with my release, but Ian kept his mouth in place, drinking down my pleasure—as if it were the blood he existed upon.

BIO

Rhonda L. Print, the Author of several published paranormal romance novels, has 20 years of experience as a romance reader.  Her work includes the five star reviewed novel Nightwalker, A Leah Wolfe SINS Novel, The Order of Chaos, Justified and Guardian .  Her latest release, PHOENIX will be available in May, 2013.

Born and raised in the Midwest, she relocated to the desert southwest and lives her husband who is the love of her life and best friend, and their three children.

She loves to hear from her readers. You can leave a comment and read the first chapter of all of her published books free by clicking on the cover picture at www.RhondaLPrint.com  Her books are available for purchase at www.LSBooks.com

Guest post by Sage Marlowe - First Anniversary Blog Tour & Giveaway

Hello and welcome to the latest stop of my 1st Anniversary Blog Tour & Giveaway.

One year has passed since my successful debut novel, Sub-Mission, was released on May 14, 2012. A lot has happened during those twelve months. I’m taking the chance to look back and tell you a bit about the background of the books I’ve published, but also about things that happened in my life or that are on my mind. There’s one stop for every book, and of course, there are prizes waiting for you, because as always, good things for me mean good things for you, my dear friends and readers. Please read the “Giveaway” section below for details.

Today, I’d like to talk to you about vampires. Some of you may know that the first ever book I’ve written is a vampire novel. The reason I wrote it was basically that I didn’t like the way vampires were portrayed in most of the stories—books and films—available at the time, so I decided to write them the way I wanted them. After all, one of the biggest merits of being a writer is having the chance to write yourself the story that you want to read. But while this novel has yet to be published, my Muse presented me with the idea for another story—Newborn.

Like that first, unpublished novel, Newborn features vampires that are more to my personal taste than most, but like many vampire stories, this one has a wonderfully evil antagonist, an element I don’t usually use in my stories. As I tend to make most of my characters’ conflicts internal ones, Josh and especially Parker have some emotional issues to deal with. Imagine you meet someone who captures your heart only to find that there is something about them that goes against one of your deepest convictions. Imagine you fall in love with a person who represents everything you detest. Would you dare to let love win and overcome all obstacles or would your pain and anger kill off affection? In other words, if what you love the most and what you hate the most become the same, which emotion will win? This is the tag line for Newborn, and here’s the blurb:

Newborn

Parker Rowe has hated vampires with a passion ever since his family was murdered by a gang of malicious vampires, and he has been trying to hunt down the culprits for years.

A promising clue leads him into a small, secluded town where he meets Josh Summers. Sweet and innocent, Josh is as much out of place in Parker’s world of revenge and violence as he is in his own narrow-minded community, but he can give Parker the peace of mind he craves. When the vampires Parker is chasing use Josh to deliver a very special message, Parker finds himself facing the ultimate dilemma. If what he loves and what he hates the most become the same, which emotion will win?

While Parker struggles to accept the changes his lover goes through, he comes closer than ever to detecting the truth about his family’s deaths—but then his own life takes a dramatic turn…

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A796SOG

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A796SOG

Amazon Ca: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00A796SOG

Bookstrand: www.bookstrand.com/newborn

Giveaway—Here’s what you can win:

#1 - Sage’s Goodie Package:

Contains a signed copy of Sub-Culture, a set of signed book cover photographs and some surprise goodies to spoil you

#2 - Create a character

Here’s your chance to create your very own fictional character that will be featured in one of my next books. The winner gets to pick the name and distinct features like hair / eye colour, height and a few personality quirks of a hero (male characters only, and please keep it doable…). Depending on the specification, I will either include him in a current WIP or use him as inspiration for a brand new story. The winner will also receive a free e-copy of this story once it’s published.

How to enter:

Leave a comment in the comment section asking to be entered in the giveaway. The winner will be picked at random and announced on my blog on May 20th. Multiple entries are allowed and will increase your chances to win. For additional terms and conditions, please go to http://www.sage-marlowe.com/p/contests.html

You can find the full tour schedule here: http://www.sage-marlowe.com/p/blog-tour-may-2013.html  

About Sage Marlowe

Sage is a multi-published author of MM erotic romance novels and novellas and loves exploring the flavours of gay erotic fiction.

A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.

Contact and buy links

Sage’s website & blog: www.sage-marlowe.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sage.marlowe0

e-mail: marlowe.sage@yahoo.co.uk

Twitter: @SageMarlowe

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

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/sagemarlowe

For all books published with Total-E-Bound, go to: http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=224

For all books published with Siren-BookStrand, go to: www.bookstrand.com/sage-marlowe