Mid Week Tease: The Bone Flute - Just a Little Help

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

I'm working on a new paranormal romantic suspense set in Las Vegas, entitled The Bone Flute. In this unedited snippet, Jozsef Kiraly is the ghost cursed into the bone flute. Being in an office with a PA blaring over his head makes him duck and reassess. Until he meets someone who can see him.

Frowning, Jozsef rose from his crouch and tried to determine where he’d been awakened. It seemed to be a work place, but the people dressed oddly and worked in no way he’d ever seen before. They sat in their boxes, tapping at the black boards, and speaking into the little black corded contraptions.

He shook his head in bewilderment.

What were they doing?

“Hello, can I help you?”

Jozsef turned once more and his mouth dried to ash.

The woman standing behind him had straight brown hair with golden highlights that hung to her shoulders and curled inward at the ends, framing her face. Her hazel eyes looked at him frankly, though one of her elegant winged brows arched upwards as she took in his appearance.

His gaze dropped lower and took in her full breasts pushing out the bodice of her tight dark green flowered blouse. His body reacted to the sight of her nipples poking against the thin material, although they didn’t appear to be hard.

She cleared her throat and raised both her eyebrows as she waited for his response.

“Forgive me, my lady, I seem to be lost. Perhaps you can help me.”

“Lost?” She scanned him again. “Uh-huh. Okay. Were you on your way to some sort of Renaissance festival or something?” She gestured at him, encompassing his clothes in a way that suggested she thought he looked odd.

He looked down at himself in concern. Had he stained this clothing? Was he naked?

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
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Mayday Book Party hosted by #MFRWorg on May 1st.

It's Time to Party!

hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers (#MFRWorg)

JOIN ME & over a dozen other authors on MAY 1st as we share excerpts from our contemporary romances. With all heat levels represented, there's something for everyone. Join in on the hourly contests and win prizes. This is a party you do not want to miss and it's going on all day on May 1st.

Confirmed Participating Authors INCLUDE:

Victoria Barbour - Vicki Batman - Paloma Beck - Gemma Brocato - Lisa Carlisle - Carly Carson - Margie Church - Karen Cino - Wendy Lynn Clark - Margo Bond Collins - Kandie Delley - Emerald - Candance Gold - Lily Harlem - Susan Jaymes - Mona Karel - Patricia Kiyono - Adriana Kraft - Jan Meredith - Siobhan Muir - Martha O'Sullivan - Skylin O'Thomas - Victoria Pinder - Irene Preston - Jana Richards - Christi Williams - Sabrina York

CLICK HERE to Attend!

Watch for me at 7 pm Pacific/10 pm Eastern. I'll be sharing my book, The Beltane Witch. And I'll be offering a $10 Amazon Gift Card in my contest. Hope to see you there. Are you ready for Beltane?

Snippet Sunday - Bronco's Rough Ride - Lucky Break

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Bronco's Rough Ride, a military romantic suspense set in Las Vegas. It's a prequel to The Navy's Ghost, set 10 years earlier. No paranormal critters in this one, though there's plenty of kick-ass adventure and hot sex. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Bronco has finally been given relief (if you want the money shot, you'll have to grab a copy ;) ) and now he's thanking his lucky stars when they discover a hopeful sign to the end of his captivity.

John shuddered with the pleasure, wondering how he’d gotten so damn lucky. Lucky to meet Lindsey Jarvis, and unlucky to be unable to move or reciprocate. SEALs were all about getting the job done and done well, but he could only lay there and take what she gave him. He hated his inability to pleasure such a sexy, sultry woman.

“Mmm-mmm, I’ve said it before, but you’re tasty, John.” She licked her lips and Bronco wanted to wiggle like a puppy again. What was so damn sexy about a woman enjoying his cum? “I know you came, but did you enjoy it?”

He blinked twice and moaned, the sound actually reaching her ears. They both paused and hope filled Lindsey’s expression.

“I heard you this time. Do you think the drugs are wearing off?”

See, I knew sex was good for something. :D There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

If you're interested in more from Bronco's Rough Ride, here's the blurb:

What happens in Vegas, stays in the heart...

Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews only meant to stay one night in Vegas for a little R&R before resuming his duties as a US Navy SEAL in Coronado. But someone slips him a mickey in the bar and he finds himself in Madame LeBeau's sex trade. As the product. Doped up on ketamine to keep him docile, Bronco has no choice but to let it ride.

Detective Lindsey Jarvis has been undercover in LeBeau's sex slave racket for two years and she almost has enough evidence to take it down. Between abduction, prostitution, and murder, she has LeBeau by the short hairs. All she needs is a "product". John is the perfect witness if she can get him out before the drugs shut down his heart. Then she'll be free to start a normal life.

Lindsey doesn't count on her overwhelming attraction for Bronco or her need to see him through detox. But she's a cop in Vegas and he's a Navy SEAL, two lifestyles with too much unpredictability to maintain a relationship. Neither have time for more than one wild rough ride, and what happens in Vegas, stays. Forever.

It's now available at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, and All Romance eBooks. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

#ThursThreads - Week 117 - Winners

Week 117 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. 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 for helping me celebrate these years of flash. It was also wonderful to have some new folks stop by. Welcome! Great thanks to Katie Salidas for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Cari Oleskewicz | @carilynn72
• Leslynne L'amour | @UndeadNether
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Sandy Lane | @sandyquill
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio

Katie says: Wow! Let me just start by saying, “Kudos to you all.” There were some really fun reads this week. Thank you so much for calling me in to judge. I had a great time reading tonight!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke

Katie says: Beautiful imagery of the setting sun, raw emotions, and anticipation. You painted a lovely picture that lets the reader really connect with the character.

M.T. Decker | @mishmhem

Katie says: What a delightfully evil twist you threw in at the end. Those are always so much fun.

Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio

Katie says: You made me connect with the character and really feel her disappointment. Lovely little details like the office flirtation just add fuel to the ending blow!

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Katie says: Chilling finish to a thrilling short! Lots of raw emotion you can really feel when reading.

Week 117 Winner

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill

Katie says: Your story struck such a chord with me that I was still imagining the horror of it hours later. You evoked such raw feeling, such anxiety, absolute fear that I (a mother of three) was in tears by the end. And, you did it all in less than 250 words!

“You could call 9-1-1,” Shawn reminded her sensibly. His tone reassured her that his centrally located booster seat—he was four and a half years old and still needed one—had kept him pretty safe during the accident.

She tried to chuckle, but the effort hurt. “I could, but I don’t know where my phone is.”

“Oh.”

Her mind tried to untangle itself, to prioritize.

“Mom?”

“Can you get out of your booster?”

Two clicks. “Hey! I can!” Then, “Ow! Mommy! That hurt!”

She tried desperately to turn to smile at him. “Good job! Okay, you need to be very careful and—“

“What’s that smell?”

Her heart stopped. Gas. Ruptured fuel line? “Honey?” Her voice was strained. “Do your best to get out through that window, there.”

“Broken glass, Mommy,” he complained, crying and perhaps realizing more than a little boy should ever have to know.

“I know. Try, baby. I know there’s a fire truck on the way and you can watch for it, okay?” The car creaked and scrunched a little. “Hurry!”

“But what about you, Mommy?”

“I’m coming, honey. You go.” The smell of gas was really strong, now, and she was trying to undo her seatbelt to get free. “Go on.”

He slid, crying about his hand on the glass. “Mommy!”

“Go on. Find the other driver!”

He ran, but she could still hear him. “Mommy!”

“Be right there.”

“Mommy!”

Metal sparked against metal.

“Mommy!”

Congratulations Sandi, Olivia, MT, Louisa, and Josh! 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 117

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today, so get your flash ready. Writing a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 117 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? You're welcome to join the FB #ThursThreads group where we'll do events and make announcements. 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 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 117:

Vampire wrangler, Supermom, and paranormal romance author, Katie Salidas.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Be right there.”

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!

Mid Week Tease - The Bone Flute - Hot Awakening

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

I'm working on a new paranormal romantic suspense set in Las Vegas, entitled The Bone Flute. In this unedited snippet, Jozsef Kiraly is the ghost cursed into the bone flute, which used to be his left leg. Creepy, yes? Just check out what happens when a "magic user" examines the flute.

Jozsef awakened from wherever he went between these encounters to the erotic feeling of someone running their fingertips over his leg. Even before he’d fully materialized, he realized the hands belonged to someone feminine and old enough to know what she was doing.

Magical energy crackled and pulsed around him, seductively pulling him into the world. Pleasure built within him as the hands slid over his inner thigh then up to his hip, grazing the sides of his scrotum. Arousal shivered through him, hardening his cock into a pillar of stone between his legs.

Holy God, who is this woman?

He couldn’t even see her yet, but that was no fault of the magic. His eyes were closed as he savored every erotic touch and caress. He groaned and shifted, but the hands didn’t let go or stop.

Pleasure wrapped around him, building his arousal higher and higher until he couldn’t stop the orgasm cascading through him. Bright lights filled his vision behind his closed lids and overwhelming bliss consumed him, shooting him amongst the stars.

As he slowly spiraled down from the heavens, he reflected he’d never experienced a better orgasm, even at the hands of another magic practitioner, and he opened his eyes.

The sight that met his vision left a lot to be desired.

Everything was gray. Gray carpet, gray chair, gray desk, gray walls on three sides making some sort of kiosk. The only brightly colored object appeared to be a moving picture on the desk framed in black with a strange flat black board holding what appeared to be white letters on little scales set before it. A nondescript black lump with geometric groves in its top end sat beside the board on a square pad with the picture of the nighttime heavens on it.

Papers, some in stacks and some spread all over in an incomprehensible jumble, covered the surface of the desk. The box containing his femur flute sat on top of some handwritten notes, but the woman who’d been touching him had disappeared.

By all the saints, where am I now?

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
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Snippet Sunday - Bronco's Rough Ride - In the Mind of the Beholder

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked and Happy Easter for those who celebrate. Have you dyed your eggs? Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Bronco's Rough Ride, a military romantic suspense set in Las Vegas. It's a prequel to The Navy's Ghost, set 10 years earlier. No paranormal critters in this one, though there's plenty of kick-ass adventure and hot sex. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Bronco is bored and trying to find something that will occupy his mind while he sits doing nothing. He uses his very powerful imagination to envision Lindsey's presence in the cell with him.

In his head, he moaned as the soft wet sounds of her lips on his shaft reached his ears. The dark cell fell away and he imagined himself lying on a California beach with Lindsey’s sun-soaked hair over his lap. His cock flexed and his orgasm burned in his balls as the waves hissed on the shore and the sea birds cried overhead.

Lindsey’s silken fingers brushed the hairs at his groin and John raced for the pinnacle of his release, his heart thundering for the finish. Only the sound of the bolts turning in the door and the squeak of the hinges blew apart his fantasy and he jerked his eyes open. His cock flexed in protest and his breath sawed in his chest as the door swung inward. Fuck, talk about lousy timing.

To his surprise, the subject of his fantasy appeared and offered him a sweet smile, her gaze zeroing in on his stiff shaft. Lindsey licked her lips and some of John’s earlier arousal returned. If he could’ve wiggled like a happy puppy, his body would’ve shimmied in its restraints.

That's either the worst timing or the best. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

If you're interested in more from Bronco's Rough Ride, here's the blurb:

What happens in Vegas, stays in the heart...

Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews only meant to stay one night in Vegas for a little R&R before resuming his duties as a US Navy SEAL in Coronado. But someone slips him a mickey in the bar and he finds himself in Madame LeBeau's sex trade. As the product. Doped up on ketamine to keep him docile, Bronco has no choice but to let it ride.

Detective Lindsey Jarvis has been undercover in LeBeau's sex slave racket for two years and she almost has enough evidence to take it down. Between abduction, prostitution, and murder, she has LeBeau by the short hairs. All she needs is a "product". John is the perfect witness if she can get him out before the drugs shut down his heart. Then she'll be free to start a normal life.

Lindsey doesn't count on her overwhelming attraction for Bronco or her need to see him through detox. But she's a cop in Vegas and he's a Navy SEAL, two lifestyles with too much unpredictability to maintain a relationship. Neither have time for more than one wild rough ride, and what happens in Vegas, stays. Forever.

It's now available at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, and All Romance eBooks. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

#ThursThreads - Week 116 - Winners

Week 116 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. 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 for helping me celebrate these years of flash. It was also wonderful to have some new folks stop by. Welcome! Great thanks to Cassandre Dayne for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• Jessica West | @West1Jess
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
• Sandy Lane | @sandyquill
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke

Cassandre says: Poignant piece - a true reflection of life as we all feel, but are often times not willing to face.

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Cassandre says: The piece is beautiful in a sensory vision of words, one that guides us into another time, another place.

David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig

Cassandre says: I immediately felt a passionate connection, a grasp of the incredible show. This one I want more of.

Week 116 Winner

Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio

Cassandre says: I felt the fear, the quiet apprehension. I could almost hear the rattled breathing. The phrase was used in such a way that left me chills.

The vein in her neck pulsed as she glanced around the darkened corners of the room. Alone, the feeling of being watched persisted.

A spider-web of sensation tingled against the back of her neck, and Kayla screamed, swiping at her bare skin. Nothing.

Marcus promised he’d meet her here at the abandoned house, but he promised a lot of things. Rarely, did they come true. After dating for two years, she should know better. Her heart ached, already knowing the decision needed to be made.

A creek of footsteps echoed outside in the hallway. The sound grew louder as the unseen individual got closer. Half an hour late; it was about time he arrived. She held still, waiting for him to enter with his excuses.

The doorknob rattled, and stilled. A huge thud pounded against the closed door, and another.

“Is that you, Marcus?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

Somehow, she knew it wasn’t. Whatever waited on the other side wanted her, and if she opened the door, it would have her.

In her back pocket, her phone buzzed with a text message.

“Just parked. Be right there.”

Her finger hovered over the keyboard, thinking of the last time he’d hit her, the blood filling her mouth, tart against her tongue. The threats to kill her if she ever left.

The old wood door creaked and strained against the frustrated onslaught.

She turned off her phone, and slid it back into her pocket.

“We’ll see about that.”

Congratulations Louisa, Olivia, Silver, and David! 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 116

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today, so get your flash ready. Writing a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 116 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? You're welcome to join the FB #ThursThreads group where we'll do events and make announcements. 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 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 116:

Radio show host, domestic discipline diva, and erotic romance author, Cassandre Dayne.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“We’ll see about that.”

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!

Cover Reveal! The Breakup Artist by Nichole Severn

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a very special event. My friend Nichole Severn, a romantic suspense author who knows Las Vegas better than I do, has asked me to help show off her gorgeous new cover art for her upcoming release, The Breakup Artist from Beyond the Page Publishing.

This is a novella length romantic suspense and knowing Nichole, should have you at the edge of your seat. :)

Here's the blurb:

Demi Shepherd is going to jail.

As a professional heartbreaker, she’s been charged with the murder of one of her clients. She can’t explain how fifty thousand dollars ended up in her bank account, how her fingerprints were found on the murder weapon and who called in an anonymous tip labeling her as the murderer. Determined to clear her name and find out who uprooted her life, Demi goes on the run and turns to the least likely of allies: the man she believes set her up for murder.

Jack Austin is Demi’s only chance of clearing her name, but as an undercover organized crime agent, whose only goal is to bring down the organization laundering money through one of Vegas’ casinos, he’s not willing to risk his life or career for her. That is until Demi shows her innocence.

With former clients and victims on her trail and unknown shooters finding her every step of the way, Demi fights for her life and her damaged heart, but will Jack protect either?

About Nichole

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada where she spent most days at her grandmother’s house watching X-Men, Married with Children and The Simpsons, Nichole Severn migrated to the Salt Lake City valley to live life as scandalous romance author.

She graduated with a degree in psychology from Utah Valley University, which stemmed from her obsession with serial killers, and received her bachelors in English Literature from Nevada State. Over the years, she’s experimented with selling jewelry, insurance, and clothing, but now she just sells books. The serial killer obsession has toned down…a little.

She resides with her very supportive and patient, husband in Utah, where she constantly injures herself running, rock climbing, and snowboarding.

And to keep up with Nichole, you can find her here:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Goodreads
Amazon

Thanks for stopping by. Keep an eye out for The Breakup Artist, coming April 23rd 2014. Happy reading. :)

Mid Week Tease - The Bone Flute - Inheritance

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

I'm working on a new paranormal romantic suspense set in Las Vegas, entitled The Bone Flute. In this unedited snippet, Rain Szep is the resident paleontologist for the Bureau of Land Management in Las Vegas. She's just found out her paternal grandmother has died and left her a fortune. With a catch.

“When did she die?” Rain asked lamely.

“Three weeks ago,” Mr. Stienmeyer replied without elaborating. “At the reading of her will, it was stipulated that her three grandchildren from her first son Reginald Szép each receive a small trust fund of fifty thousand–”

Rain choked. “Dollars?”

“Yes, dollars, only to be awarded after the occasion of legitimate marriage,” he went on with a little frown at her interruption. “In addition to your monetary inheritance, your grandmother also handed down this antique wooden box and its contents to you because, and I quote, ‘She’ll know what to do with the damn thing and she’s into that sort of stuff.’”

Rain couldn’t imagine what her grandmother was talking about since she’d never met her as an adult. Grandmother Szép had decidedly not been part of their lives, even as children. Rain glanced at the box and tried to figure out the cryptic message as Mr. Stienmeyer opened his briefcase and pulled out some papers. He set them on the table and indicated where she needed to sign for her inheritance. Considering she wasn’t likely to get married anytime soon, it wasn’t much.

He gathered the papers and put them back into his briefcase, promising to send her copies for her records. Then he shook her hand and walked out of the Public Room, leaving her alone with the big table and the stained wooden box.

Clara Newton, the main Public Room greeter, walked up next to Rain and peered down her flared nose at the box on the table. Her full lips pursed and a small line appeared between her chocolate brown eyes as she cocked her head to one side.

“Did I hear that right? You get fifty grand if you get married? Otherwise, all you get from your granny is this box?” she scoffed with sympathetic surprise.

“Sounds like it,” Rain agreed as she looked at the older black woman.

“What’s in it?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, open it, honey. You got my curiosity up.”

Rain turned the box and looked at the seam between the lid and the base. There were three ornate latches; two on the ends and one in the middle of the long side opposite the hinges. They opened easily with a flick of her fingers and she lifted the lid.

Inside the box, nestled in faded red satin, lay what looked like a flute. It was longer than her thigh from hip to knee and had eight air holes carved in regular intervals down its length. Intricate scrolling designs resembling an ancient language etched the shaft between the air holes, disappearing around the back of the flute hidden in the satin. The ‘mouth-piece’ of the flute showed where material had been removed and the barrel twisted along its length.

Rain recognized the material as bone immediately and unease flitted up her spine. Dear God, is that a human femur?

“Wow,” Clara breathed.

“Yeah.”

“Is that a flute?”

“Yes, I think so.”

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...

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Snippet Sunday - Bronco's Rough Ride - Ground Rules

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Bronco's Rough Ride, a military romantic suspense set in Las Vegas. It's a prequel to The Navy's Ghost, set 10 years earlier. No paranormal critters in this one, though there's plenty of kick-ass adventure and hot sex. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Detective Lindsey Jarvis is meeting with her handler as she goes running in this snippet. They're discussing "John" and what Lindsey will need to get him out. Courtney, the handler, speaks first.

“Navy, got it. Do you know how long he’s been in the ring?”

Lindsey shook her head and waited until they ran past another jogger going the opposite direction. The city had started to wake up and the park would be full soon. They jogged for a few minutes in silence.

“Not long. I’d say they picked him up last weekend. They hadn’t shaved him by the time I saw him.”

Courtney frowned. “They shave the men?”

“Yeah, it’s for the media brainwashing. Everyone wants a romance novel cover model these days, and those guys are bare except on their heads.”

“Jesus.” Courtney’s hands tightened into fists. “Okay, I’ll check on CPO JH Andrews and let his CO know what’s going on. You know they might send someone to come get him.”

“Tell them to leave it alone. I got this and I’ll get him out. If they storm the walls guns blazing, I’ll lose two years’ worth of work.” Lindsey gritted her teeth. “I can’t let that happen.”

I agree completely with Courtney. They shouldn't be shaved. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

If you're interested in more from Bronco's Rough Ride, here's the blurb:

What happens in Vegas, stays in the heart...

Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews only meant to stay one night in Vegas for a little R&R before resuming his duties as a US Navy SEAL in Coronado. But someone slips him a mickey in the bar and he finds himself in Madame LeBeau's sex trade. As the product. Doped up on ketamine to keep him docile, Bronco has no choice but to let it ride.

Detective Lindsey Jarvis has been undercover in LeBeau's sex slave racket for two years and she almost has enough evidence to take it down. Between abduction, prostitution, and murder, she has LeBeau by the short hairs. All she needs is a "product". John is the perfect witness if she can get him out before the drugs shut down his heart. Then she'll be free to start a normal life.

Lindsey doesn't count on her overwhelming attraction for Bronco or her need to see him through detox. But she's a cop in Vegas and he's a Navy SEAL, two lifestyles with too much unpredictability to maintain a relationship. Neither have time for more than one wild rough ride, and what happens in Vegas, stays. Forever.

It's now available at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, and All Romance eBooks. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

#ThursThreads - Week 115 - Winners

Week 115 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales and a great turnout. 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 for helping me celebrate these years of flash. It was also wonderful to have some new folks stop by. Welcome! Great thanks to Cat Johnson for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Fran Vallone | @francinevallone
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Sandy Lane | @@sandyquill
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon 
• Warren C. Bennett | @warrencbennett
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
• David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011

Cat says: Sets the tone and the scene nicely. It leaves the reader wanting to know why he’s on the planet alone.

Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio

Cat says: The high level of action was good. The reader figures out very fast what these characters are and that their joining is significant.

Fran Vallone | @francinevallone

Cat says: Paints a vivid and heart wrenching picture.

Sandy Lane | @sandyquill

Cat says: This story elicits emotion. It left me wondering why they kill him, does he know he will be killed, and is this protocol in his world?

Week 115 Winner

Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM

Camera shy: Hunter Frost

Cat says: I loved how the author set the scene and engaged all the reader’s senses. We saw, smelled and felt the old saloon as the Point-of-View character. All the information was fed to us as he experienced it, rather than in an info dump via a long description-only narrative. We also know immediately who is doing the thinking, what he’s feeling, and it leaves us wanting more. We want to know what will happen next with the mysterious stranger?

Years of tobacco smoke and stale liquor assaulted my senses as I heaved open the wooden door of the old saloon and entered. Modern times did away with the batwing doors from the Westerns I’d watch as a kid. A shame, really. It was much harder to imagine a crook in his ten gallon hat, jangling spurs, and twin pistols pulling open a cumbersome door like this before escaping on his horse. The lawmen would’ve always won the day. And where would be the fun in that?

As a “law man” myself, I’d rather have a challenge. But that’s me. And those were the movies. This saloon was real – real enough to be a historical landmark in the small town of Branch where I worked.

Complete with honest-to-goodness cowboys, too.

At the end of the brass-edged bar stood one I’d never seen before - with a mop of disheveled, midnight black hair, trim hips, and an ass that filled out his faded Levi’s enough to make my heart pound.

“Who’s the new guy?” I asked Paul, who played bouncer on nights like these.

Paul’s eyes followed my gaze to the sculpted back of said man, who chose that moment to turn and catch me mid-stare. I smiled at his chiseled features and he slowly turned back, seemingly unimpressed.

Interesting.

“Name’s Russ from what I hear,” Paul said. “And he runs alone.”

“We’ll see about that.” I removed my hat, polished my badge, and made my way over with a grin.

Congratulations Two Time Winner Hunter, Anna, Louisa, Fran, and Sandy! 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 115

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. Did you miss me last week? It was a tough time, but hey, it's Thursday today, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week 115 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? You're welcome to join the FB #ThursThreads group where we'll do events and make announcements. 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 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 115:

Corset enthusiast, promo whore extraordinaire, and erotic romance author, Cat Johnson.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“He runs alone.”

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!

Mid Week Tease: Bronco's Rough Ride - Enjoying the Game

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

Authors: this is a great opportunity to spotlight a few lines or even a paragraph or two from a new release or backlisted title. Readers: you get to sample some delicious snippets! We’ll do our best to tease, titillate and tantalize you into the weekend.

My Mid Week Tease is from my newest release Bronco's Rough Ride, the prequel to The Navy's Ghost. Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews is just trying to get from Virginia to California to resume his duty as a Navy SEAL for Team 9, Bravo Squad. But someone slips drugs into his drink and he winds up tied to a slab in a cell somewhere. Detective Lindsey Jarvis is undercover as the Black Widow of Vegas in Madame LeBeau's reverse sex ring and she's determined to make sure she gets him out. She just has to show everyone how good they are together, including him. We're in his POV here.

John's heart thundered and his breath shuddered in his chest as the euphoria washed across his senses. Considering how immobile he was, she’d given him the best damn orgasm he’d had in weeks.

“Umm, you taste divine, John. Like vanilla cream.”

The husky satisfaction in her voice made him snap his eyes open and his cock flexed as she licked his cum off her palm with long slow swipes of her tongue. Fuckin’ A, did she just lick her hand? John had never seen a woman appear to enjoy cum so much and the pleasure from her apparent enjoyment warmed his entire chest.

She licked and savored her entire hand’s worth of cum like a tasty treat and offered him a satisfied smile. He still couldn’t move, but the scent of her arousal perfumed the room and delight rose in his chest unbidden. Damn, at least I made her wet. That was fuckin’ sexy.

When she’d finished cleaning her hand, Lindsey patted his thigh and gave him a happy smile.

“Very good, John. I think you’ll do nicely.” She sauntered to his shoulders and dipped her head beside his as if to kiss him.

Oh, yes please. I’ll take a kiss, ma’am.

“Thank you, Chief Petty Officer. I’ll arrange to have you brought to my suite and we’ll get you out of here as soon as possible.” Her whispers brushed his ear and some of his pleasure drained away. He was still a prisoner, but she’d managed, with one small hand and some soft moans, to make him forget his circumstances for a few moments.

Lindsey tilted her head to meet his gaze and said aloud. “You’re very good, John. And you’re mine from now on. Do you understand?”

He blinked twice and some part of him couldn’t be happier belonging to her. And when I get a chance, I’ll show her.

Bronco's Rough Ride is now available at Smashwords, Amazon, All Romance eBooks, and B&N. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

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Snippet Sunday - Bronco's Rough Ride - The Game Heats Up

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. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Bronco's Rough Ride, a military romantic suspense set in Las Vegas. It's a prequel to The Navy's Ghost, set 10 years earlier. No paranormal critters in this one, though there's plenty of kick-ass adventure and hot sex. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

Detective Lindsey Jarvis is undercover as Mistress Jenna Black in Madame LeBeau's sex-trade and John is her new toy. But now the game's heating up and Lindsey is admiring his goods...

He’d never prayed to get a hard-on.

“Ah, see, I knew you had strength and virility when I first saw you, John.” Lindsey stroked his filling shaft with one hand and slid the other up his belly. “All this hair. Ummm. So sexy and masculine. My poor husband never measured up to this.”

She tilted her head as her hand dropped to roll his balls in her fingers. “He was all about the in and out with a quick swig of alcohol to give him courage. I bet you’ve never been quick about that or needed the drink to get you going.”

Damn, this woman might be the first to make him blow his load way too quick.

I love when Lindsey shows her steel. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

If you're interested in more from Bronco's Rough Ride, here's the blurb:

What happens in Vegas, stays in the heart...

Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews only meant to stay one night in Vegas for a little R&R before resuming his duties as a US Navy SEAL in Coronado. But someone slips him a mickey in the bar and he finds himself in Madame LeBeau's sex trade. As the product. Doped up on ketamine to keep him docile, Bronco has no choice but to let it ride.

Detective Lindsey Jarvis has been undercover in LeBeau's sex slave racket for two years and she almost has enough evidence to take it down. Between abduction, prostitution, and murder, she has LeBeau by the short hairs. All she needs is a "product". John is the perfect witness if she can get him out before the drugs shut down his heart. Then she'll be free to start a normal life.

Lindsey doesn't count on her overwhelming attraction for Bronco or her need to see him through detox. But she's a cop in Vegas and he's a Navy SEAL, two lifestyles with too much unpredictability to maintain a relationship. Neither have time for more than one wild rough ride, and what happens in Vegas, stays. Forever.

It's now available at Smashwords, Amazon, and All Romance eBooks. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)