Snippet Sunday - Christmas ICE Magic - Surviving the Loss

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 Christmas novella, Christmas I.C.E. Magic, a paranormal romance set in the mountains northeast of Las Vegas. It's one of four stories in the Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge Anthology, and it's only sale for only $0.99. And in a few weeks, the sequel to Christmas ICE Magic is coming out. If you missed last week's snippet of Bronco's Rough Ride, you can read it HERE.

In this snippet, Lily Sinclair is struggling to find peace after the death of her twin brother two years earlier. This Christmas she's going extreme camping, seeking the magic she used to feel when her brother was alive.

A gust of snowflake-laden wind snapped Lily back to the present and she scanned the white world ahead. Though she knew the sun hadn’t set yet, the world lay swaddled in snowy twilight and the determined survivalist in her warned she’d have to build some sort of shelter soon. Her legs told her the ground climbed, but her eyes couldn’t detect features in the winter expanse.

Everything smelled wet, cold, and fresh, and her weather sense warned of a larger, heavier storm approaching. Linus had often teased her about her “weather witchiness,” but he’d always listened to her gut feelings when it came to storms.

Except that one night. Why didn’t you listen to me then, Linus?

Because she hadn’t been there. She’d been hiking in Snowy Mountains of Australia that Christmas with her Wild Women Travel group. Linus had only been going out to pick up groceries for Christmas Eve dinner—something as mundane as butter or eggs. Friends told her the roads had been slick with black ice and the stupid asshole who’d hit him where he waited at a red light had been so drunk, he’d survived the ensuing crash with only broken leg. Linus had died on impact, and Lily struggled to live with the broken heart.

Hindsight is always 20/20. 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 Christmas ICE Magic, here's the blurb for the Anthology:

At the Crescent Moon Lodge, anything is possible and Christmas wishes come in the most unusual packages.

Christmas I.C.E. Magic – By Siobhan Muir
For Lily Sinclair, Christmas means sorrow and loss since the death of her twin brother. The magic is gone and she only wants to see her brother one more time. As an Ice Demon Zachary Snow is used to rescuing people in winter, but he’d never rescued anyone like Lily. Now he must convince her the magic she wants is in life itself.

A Howling Yuletide –By Shannan Albright

Fleur Delecourt knew her Christmas holiday was doomed from the start. Not only did she hate the cold and snow, but also she found herself saddled with a ski instructor, courtesy of a friend’s twisted sense of humor. Werewolf Rory Furr left Scotland to find a life and pack of his own. What he was not prepared for was finding his mate in the form of a petite redhead who tests both his self-control and patience.

Bon Appetite from the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant-By R.M. Sotera
Executive chef vampire Michael Stake loves his job at the Lunar Eclipse Restaurant. Although food critics do not visit often, he welcomes world-renown critic Penelope Rothchild to his establishment. That’s when all hell breaks loose. World-renown food critic Penelope Rothchild looks forward to her new assignment in Las Vegas. Christmas in the West, what could possibly go wrong? Everything. But it’s all in the name of the perfect meal.

Boo Christmas – By Johanna Riley
All Elvira "Elle" Grant wanted for Christmas was to get out from under her famous paranormal investigator parents' shadow. But being a medium she's always haunted by their profession. Thanks to a contest win, she gets the chance to do her own paranormal investigating during Christmas at the beautiful Crescent Moon Lodge near Las Vegas, Nevada. With hunky (albeit dead!) Casper Van Beau’s help. Can Elle get over her own insecurities long enough to open up to the possibilities of eternal love?

Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge is only $0.99 at Amazon, All Romance, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Pick up your copy and get swept away for Christmas. And keep an eye out for Cloudburst Ice Magic coming July 20th 2014!

#ThursThreads - Week 125 - Winners

Week 125 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 Joe Burke for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Yusuf Toropov | @LiteraryJihadi
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• L. T. Dalin | @ChessnySilth
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM

Joe says: I have to applaud everyone that took the time to post. They were so much fun to read.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

 

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball

Joe says: I enjoyed how life-like their story was. It was almost a tie with Kel and Hunter.

Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011

Joe says: I loved how there was so much said in so little.

Week 125 Winner

Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM

Camera shy: Hunter Frost

Joe says: The story something that kept the reader involved. It made the reader feel apart of it. Meaning that the reader to apply this to any walk of life. Being man on man, female on female, or man on women. One could relate to this story.

“If we’re going to work together you can’t keep looking at me like that.” Jax wiped his brow, his tanned chest glistening in the sun as he stopped shoveling.

“What—“ Mike’s voice cracked. Smooth, Mike. Real smooth. He cleared his throat. “Um…what do you mean?” He didn’t think Jax would notice.

Jax smiled and leaned toward him. He smelled like earth and sweat and…

“Your eyes say you want to bend me over that tree trunk over there and have your way with me.”

God! How the heck did he--? “Don’t be ridiculous. My eyes aren’t saying anything,“ Mike replied, but the tremble in his voice dashed any semblance of conviction he might have had.

“No?” Jax tossed the shovel aside and came at him, making Mike backpedal until he hit the solid barrier of the retaining wall. Jax flattened his palms on either side of Mike’s head and pressed in close. So close Mike could feel Jax’s sweat through his clothes. Shit, that’s nice.

“I’m sorry! I’ll try to keep my eyes from saying such vulgar things.” Mike squeezed his eyes shut.

Small puffs of hot air caressed Mike’s cheek as Jax chuckled. “I should have said, if we’re going to work together you can’t keep looking at me like that and not DO anything about it.”

Mike’s eyes flew open to see Jax’s eyes crinkle at the corners. “Fuck…” Mike whispered before covering Jax’s mouth with his.

Congratulations Three Time Winner Hunter, Kelly, and Anna! 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 125

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 125 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. One new thing: We now start at 7 am MOUNTAIN TIME. 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 8 PM Mountain 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 125:

Dog lover, Flagstaff native, and police academy candidate, Joe Burke.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“What do you mean?”

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 - Guest of Ether

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 crept downstairs, looking for her ghostly visitor, and when she can't find him, thinks she's home-free. Or ghost-free as the case may be.

“Huh,” she grunted with cautious satisfaction. Maybe he’s gone. Maybe he hadn’t existed in the first place and I dreamed the whole thing.

Rain tiptoed down the stairs, listening and looking for any movement other than Rimshot. She opened the blinds and moved cautiously toward the other rooms, creeping through the archway to the family room and kitchen. No one sat on her futon couch or at the kitchen table, though the box rested on its surface where she’d left it. The man who’d frightened her the night before was nowhere to be seen. Sunshine flooded through the windows of the breakfast nook and the sliding glass door to the backyard, warming the space and settling her nerves.

Rain let her breath out in a sigh, suddenly realizing she’d held it. She snorted with contempt for herself and shook her head, striding quickly to the coffee maker to brew her favorite libation.

“Coffee,” she growled under her breath. “Must have coffee.”

She damn near dropped everything when she heard someone tapping on the glass of her closed backyard door. Turning around, her heart climbed up into her throat as she peered through the glass.

Jozsef stood there, his knuckles against the barrier. Damn, he was bigger than she remembered. She didn’t want to let him in, though a small part of her brain reminded her he was at least being polite. If he’s really a ghost, what’s a little sheet of glass gonna do to stop him coming in?

Rain hesitated, wondering if she could keep him out if she didn’t invite him in.

That’s vampires, stupid, and he’s already been in the house. Just let him in and see what he wants.

She walked to the door and flipped the locking mechanism, sliding the door open.

“So you’re really here.”

“Yes.”

“What do you want?”

“May I come in?”

At least he asked this time.

She let out a deep sigh. “Yes.”

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 - Every Last Drop

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 current 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.

This is the last snippet from Bronco's Rough Ride I'll be posting. Next week I'll have something new for you. :) Lindsey managed to get John dressed and down to the club. He has the use of his body back, but he's unstable and appears drunk. They're almost home free until they run across one of Lindsey's acquaintances in the Club. The snippet is a bit longer than usual as a farewell. But you can get the whole book at the links near the blurb. We're in John's POV.

“Ms. Black, I see you’ve gotten a new boy toy to play with.”

John released Lindsey as they swung around to face an elegantly dressed woman in crimson seated at the bar. The other woman scanned John from head to toe with lascivious interest and he let his features go slack with exaggerated drunkenness. Something about her perusal soured his stomach.

“Yes, I found him here at the Club. I’m looking forward to seeing what all he can do.” Lindsey’s shoulders straightened and she ran a hand possessively over John’s chest. She wrapped her fist around his tie and tugged on him until he looked her in the eyes. “And you’re going to do everything I ask you, aren’t you, Mr. Smith?”

John swayed as he nodded dumbly. “Uh-huh. Yeah.”

“Good boy.” Lindsey turned her gaze back to the woman in red. “Where’s your toy, Lady Katy?”

The other woman shrugged with a negligent toss of her head. “Oh, it expired recently. I’m waiting for a new replacement.” Her gaze fixed on John and she licked her lips, her eyes full of avarice. “Do let me know how this one works out for you. I might want to take him for a spin if there’s anything left when you’re done.”

Lindsey’s laughed chilled John to the bone. “You know I don’t leave leftovers. I use every. Last. Drop.”

Sounds like time's up. ;) 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. :)

Recipe for Romance - Get Back In Touch

Good morning! Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. I write a bi-monthly spot (first and third Saturdays of the month) called Recipe for Romance to give you ideas of how to make your own love life a little more romantic. Just in time for Saturday night, yes?

Being a writer, I tend to spend long hours alone in my head with my imaginary friends (who always seem to need something). It can be exhausting and stressful (when I have a deadline), and sometimes lonely. Humans are one species that tend to be tactile (touchy-feely) and physical human contact is very important for maintaining romantic relationships. If you like to be touched, there's something relaxing and romantic to have your lover(s)'s hands on your body. Even a touch as small as the back of the fingers against your arm can have therapeutic effects.

Source: How To Use Olive Oil

 
RECIPE FOR ROMANCE
Comfortable place to sit or recline
One (or more) loved-one
Any time you can become completely relaxed
Warm room to relax muscles
Soft towel or sheets
Massage oils (optional)
Clothing (optional)
Tools such as feather, brushes, ribbons (optional)

Assemble the ingredients and relax. Touching is one of the easiest and best ways to reconnect with your lover. And it doesn't have to be hard, rough, or deep touch. Some of the most relaxing and beneficial touching is light brushes against the skin with your fingers or a tool, like a feather, brush, or ribbon. Lying against your lover and trailing your fingers over her/his skin is an easy way to reconnect and renew your love. Gentle massage to loosen some of the muscles is wonderful, too. There are several books on sensual massage out there with suggestions and directions on how to touch your lover. As always, clothing is optional.

Alterations to Recipe:
For those who don't have easily corresponding schedules, or have extreme parenting, you can substitute with a smaller massage on individual body parts. You can massage your lover's hands, feet, or shoulders while watching TV or monitoring a sporting or liberal arts event. Even a little touch allows you to reconnect with your lover(s) and keeps them aware of your interest and attention. Rub their shoulders, massage their palms and fingers, or trail your fingers over their forearms. Every touch reminds them of your interest and love, and can release endorphins to relax them and you.

Mix and serve immediately. Feeds the souls of two or more. :)

Have you found an easy and relaxing massage technique? Aspiring cooks want to know! :)

**What's a Recipe for Romance? I've heard a lot of women (in particular) read romance to find a little excitement and romance in their lives when maybe their current relationships aren't nearly as romantic. Wouldn't you love to have someone set out some romantic moments for you to celebrate your love? Don't wait for someone else to do it. You can try it yourself, for yourself, or for your loved one, and you can use things you have around the house or are easy to get at the local stores. Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant to be romantic.

#ThursThreads - Week 124 - Winners

Week 124 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 Dianne Hartsock 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
• Alice Wilson | @Ali_OMalley
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
• Nellie Batz | @solimond

Dianne says: Thanks again Siobhan for letting me participate. There was something I enjoyed in every story and it was very hard not to choose all of them as winners. Keep up the good work everyone!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

  Cate Derham| @Cate_Derham

Dianne says: A very interesting storyline. A prison break, magic, a snarky side-kick. Hopefully Ejan makes it! But I think Sorin can handle anything thrown her way. Would love to know what happens next.

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Dianne says: A well-written piece. Love the characters, the feisty heroine, the stone cold predator who'll make her his pet. Wonder just how far she'll go for this client of hers. Must be someone very important to her.  *winks* I wouldn't mind a glimpse inside that club…

Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir

Dianne says: This story has me intrigued. We've learned a little about Ms. Stanton, her staff likes her better than her father. We also know she's missing and the rescue group is very determined to bring her back from wherever she's been taken.  They're military but unidentified as yet. Wonder what happens when they reach 'the site'.

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball

Dianne says: This story scared the life out of me! Well written, nicely paced, and I shared in that father's fear as his daughter walked the beam. I don't think I could have stayed as calm as he did, though. I probably would have gotten sick on the grass. Excellent flash.

Week 124 Winner

Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke

Dianne says: Sci Spanks is a great story, well written, full of emotion.  I love the way we're drawn right into Kylla's self-doubt and hopes and can cheer with her when Mel gives her the answer she's longed for. I'd like to read more about these two.

If only she had half of the wit her lifelong friend had, she’d prove herself the best of leaders. If only the Fates would’ve saw fit to make them one person, and not two.

When the worst of the tempest passed, Kylla pushed back and stared into her friend’s eyes, finding them glassy with tears. She’d known those moss green eyes a lifetime.

“What am I to you, Mel?” she asked.

Mel blinked then wiped her tears away. “What do you mean?”

“If I am not your leader, then am I only your friend?” Kylla dared to reach up and swipe away one last trail of wetness on Mel’s satiny cheek. “Will I ever be only a friend?”

The blur of stars filled her peripheral vision as she watched the play of emotion over Mel’s face. Confusion, and then the dawn of understanding. What if she’d make a terrible mistake—this couldn’t end well.

Would their friendship survive if the answer was indeed yes? Could Kylla ever survive without her solid other half should Mel turn her away? Leaders should be strong, and with Mel at her side, they’d take back their solar system from the Master. Kylla knew without her to balance her own shortcomings, not only would she crumble, but so would her people.

“Let this be my answer,” Mel said, barely above a breath. Her velvet lips were on hers, their kiss sweet, long, and incredible. A kiss to seal a shared lifetime of love.

Congratulations Winner Olivia, Cate, Silver, and Kelly.! 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 124

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 124 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. One new thing: We now start at 7 am MOUNTAIN TIME. 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 8 PM Mountain 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 124:

Floral designer, rainfall writer, and M/M romance author, Dianne Hartsock.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“This couldn’t end well.”

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 - Facing the Consequences

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 made Rain understand he's a ghost and she bolted from him. Now it's the next morning and she's not sure if she dreamed the night before.

Rain woke with a start and held perfectly still, listening as hard as she could. Only her breath sawing in her chest and the blood rushing through her veins filled her hearing. She held her breath and listened some more, but nothing other than the usual house sounds met her ears.

That, and Rimshot’s scratching and yowling at her locked bedroom door.

She threw back the covers on her bed, but paused when she realized she still wore the clothes from the day before. She frowned, reviewing the memories from the day.

She remembered the lawyer who’d given her the box with the bone flute and the man who appeared in her cubicle afterwards. She’d thought him handsome in a primal way. Yeah, until he showed up in my kitchen. And pushed her up against her counter.

To hell with rape fantasies. Especially with a ghost. Come on. Ghost?

The memory of everything sailing through him returned.

Oh, my God. Cold dread hit her stomach. There’s a ghost in my house. She’d run for her room last night and hid inside. Smart. As if ghosts can’t come through doors. Idiot.

She was starving and her cat would break down the door if she didn’t get up. Thank God his litter box sat in the laundry room.

She approached the door cautiously and took a deep breath before she slowly unlocked it and pulled it open. Rimshot growled an impatient sound and pushed it wide enough to get his body through, heading for the bathroom and his food bowl without waiting for her sense of security to return.

“Good morning to you, too.”

She scanned her loft. The open room sat empty and still. She listened carefully for any sounds indicating someone moved around her house, but only silence met her ears. Part of her wanted to go downstairs and check to be sure all was empty, but she’d seen too many horror movies to do that yet.

“Shower first, investigation after I’m dressed and ready to face the consequences.”

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 - Hauling SEAL

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 current 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.

Lindsey managed to get John dressed and onto her back, but 200 lbs of dead weight man is still difficult to move. We're in Lindsey's POV.

When his weight settled onto her back, she grunted and her knees protested, but none of her joints buckled. Score one for me. Despite the small victory, carrying John, even the few feet to the door of the room proved difficult. Lifting each limb became an exercise in stable placement. If she didn’t get the balance right, she’d end up flat on the floor with him holding her down.

Lindsey paused at the bedroom door and leaned against the jamb, catching her breath. Holy shit, how the hell am I going to make it across the whole suite?

“Man, you’re heavy, Bronco. Let me just catch my breath.”

“Take…your…time. Getting…stronger.”

“Good.”

Crawling to the door took every bit of strength she had and her slinky dress didn’t make the best man-hauling clothes. John gathered control with every passing minute and she had to get them out of here before the orderlies came back to administer another dose of the drug. The sense of urgency gave her the extra endurance to make it to the entryway.

 

Sounds like time's up. ;) 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 123 - Winners

Week 123 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 Clary Carey for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Rebecca Kovar | @RRKovar
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
• Charley Descoteaux | @CharleyDescote
• Kayla West | @bookwormattack
• M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon
• Lizzie Bella | @chatmor

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel

Clary says: I'm intrigued by the Hutton House and the story behind it. I'm really into the paranormal (which can be blamed on a number of homes with haunts...). I want to know why the house was essentially a dusty time capsule. I was left with a number of questions I want answers to...

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill

Clary says: I was left just royally curious as to what really went down between Becca and Drew, as well as how it would all pan out. What would happen with Becca's relationship with the bride? What about Drew? So many questions left unanswered....give me more.

Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
Clarys says: "Yet we're so screwed we're gonna need a DeWalt to get us out of this." That line had me rolling. The picture of the character just standing there with a Dewalt in one hand and the other on the hip came to mind. It's like I could see the character then say "Come hell or high water, we're getting out of this some way, some how, no matter how screwed we are." I can't wait to see where this WIP goes.

M.T. Decker | @mishmhem

Clary says: Reading through this one, I could just imagine myself as Cassia. I some times have two left feet and I'm pretty sure that if I was in that situation, the same thing would happen to me. I could see it all playing out in front of me as I read it, chuckling at what I felt was snark at the end. Snark is good.

Week 123 Winner

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Clary says: I felt like I was fly on the wall during this "drinking game." I laughed at the banter back and forth between Cord and Jolie but my heart broke as Jolie let out the emotions from her draining day. But I was left asking a lot of questions. Why did she not tell him about CJ? Why did Cord let her go? I was mess of emotions. Happy, sad, confused. I want more.

Doing Jell-o shots came under the heading “Very Bad Idea.” The fact Cord was matching Jolie shot for shot with tequila qualified him as a finalist for Dumbass of the Year. When he’d picked her up after work, she’d been in a mood so here they sat at the bar waiting for their table before he could shovel some food into her. Preferably food with lots of carbs to absorb the alcohol.

“Drinking game.”

Cord attempted to follow her non sequitur. “Drinking game?”

“Yes. Let’s play.” She tossed off another shot. “Things you wish you hadn’t done.”

This couldn’t end well. “Jolie, you need to eat.”

“I’ll start. Going to nursing school.” She banged her glass to get the bartender’s attention. “Your turn.”

Leaving you. But he couldn’t admit that out loud. “Suggesting we get a drink first.”

“Oh, pooh. Doesn’t count. Thiss issh serioush.” She gulped her shot, wiped her lips with the back of her hand. “I killded a kid.”

And there was the source of her behavior. “Jolie—”

“Don’t Jolie me. A little girl died in the ER today. We couldn’t save her.”

“That’s a whole lot different from you—”

“I couldn’t save her, Cord.” Tears leaked down her cheeks.

“C’mon, sunshine. Let’s go home.” He tossed money on the bar and urged her to stand.

“Noth telling you.” Diamond-glazed eyes stared up at him. “My biggesth regreth. Noth telling you about CJ.”

“Mine’s walking away from you.” There. It was said. Truth at last.

Congratulations EIGHT TIME WINNER Silver, Sheilagh, Sandi, and M.T.! 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 123

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 123 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. One new thing: We now start at 7 am MOUNTAIN TIME. 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 8 PM Mountain 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 123:

Photographer, mom, Newfie lover, and sports aficionado, Clary Carey.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Things you wish you hadn't done.”

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 - Cast Not the First Stone or Salt Shaker

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 and Rain try to have a normal conversation where he suggests she's a witch with magical abilities. She asks him if he's talking about "double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble" sort of witches. This is in his POV.

“I don’t know.” Her turn of phrase seemed odd. “I’m not a magic user myself, but somehow the curse is linked to them. Your power is great. Greater than all the others I’ve seen.” He shook his head, trying not to remember the feeling of her hands on his leg. His cock jumped at the chance to remind him of the pleasure.

He fisted his hand and slammed it into his thigh to distract himself. Rain jumped and leaned back away from him even though the cupboards stood between them. She stared at him a moment longer, waiting to see if he did anything before she spoke.

“Are you saying I’m a witch?” Her voice sounded cautious.

Jozsef shrugged as his body calmed down. “I can only guess that is true since I’m here, speaking with you.”

“How does speaking with you me make me a witch?”

Now came the hard part. “Because I’m a ghost.”

“What?”

“I’m a ghost. A spirit, a shade. Choose your own word.”

She stared at him for a long time, her expression wary. Tension stiffened her body, but at least her tears had dried.

“You’re a ghost.”

“Yes.”

“Liar.” Her voice was flat, angry.

“What?”

“Liar. You lying, crazy sonofabitch! Get the fuck outta my house!” She hurled her words at him, her eyes blazing with her fury. “Get out. Get out. GET OUT.”

She picked up something on the counter behind her and flung it at him. The salt shaker flew through him, his body no longer solid with the distance between them. Another object sailed through him to clatter on the tile floor behind him.

It took Rain several seconds to realize none of the objects hit him. When her awareness understood, her fury melted into breathless confusion, and fear entered her gaze once more.

“You were solid. How can you be a ghost? Ghosts aren’t solid or real.”

“Oh, I assure you, my lady, ghosts are real.” Jozsef brandished a half-smile. “We don’t always wish to be seen or felt. Like when you’re throwing things at me. I’d rather not feel your missiles.”

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 - Walking Luggage Cart

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 current 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.

Lindsey managed to get John dressed, but 200 lbs of dead weight man is still difficult to move and she has to be creative. Think outside the box. We're in Lindsey's POV.

She didn’t think she could do a fireman’s carry with him. He’s too big and heavy for that. And he didn’t have the strength or control for staggering beside her yet. She could drag him, but she’d never get him to his feet at the door.

Lindsey glanced down at his lovely golden eyes and swore he raised a curious eyebrow at her. How else could she move him? Too bad I don’t have a luggage cart. Luggage…lugging…

“Okay, this is going to be weird.” Lindsey turned her back to John and knelt on the floor. “I’m going to wear you to the door.”

“Mmmpf?” His question puffed into the hair at her nape.

“Yeah, like a cloak.” She draped his arms over her shoulders. “You ready?”

Looks like she's getting a new addition to her wardrobe. ;) 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 122 - Winners

Week 122 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 George Varhalmi for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (poem)
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Anne Odom | @AFOdom
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (prose)
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Jalisa Blackman | @J_M_Blackman
• Lizzie Bella
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel

George says: Remarkable story, very touching. Great imagery of the memory.

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball

George says: I hear and see the hope Eliza has but sadden when she realizes that there is no one there for her.

Lizzie Bella

George says: An “archaeological” dig in an abandoned cemetery, right. She seems a little gullible to buy that one especially since she has nothing with her to use. The cliffhanger was good, hoped for a little more. Guessing she was the next inhabitant of the cemetery.

Week 122 Winner

Jalisa Blackman | @J_M_Blackman

George says: Talk about a leap of faith. Love the tension especially towards the end. Some say death is the beginning, but I don’t think that is likely over here.

There are certain times in your life when you genuinely believe you will die. Most people only experience this a few times in their life--that freezing of the blood, the jittery electric shock to the temples.

It's really quite hard to describe the black hole that grows in your stomach as adrenaline poisons your senses, forcing the world into a clarity that is violent.

In that shining haze of pinprick existence, you think about a lot of things. It's almost always a mosaic of images, a light show of seemingly acid-washed memories. People you loved. Your favorite places and the rare peace they brought you. Things you wish you hadn't done. Like the thing that has you doubting the length of your mortality. You'll think: if I survive this, I'll never do anything like it again.

And if you're most people--you'll mean it.

But if you're anything like the people I hang out with, you'll barely give it another thought.

So, as I stood on the rail of a bridge above rushing water, I thought, I'll never do this again.

Then, Black Claw agents went streaming overhead, stolen objects in hand. And my friends dove from the bridge. Two of them shot straight back into the air, flying their first nature on the planet their from. Another friend sliced into the water and was a rocket beneath the surface. I, on the other hand, had help from a friend. Well, a suit.

"Let's do this." The suit flared to life.

Congratulations Winner Jalisa, Sheilagh, Kelly, and Lizzie! 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! :)