#ThursThreads - Week 143 - Winners

Week 143 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Kirsten Blacketer | @kirblacketer
• Brad O'Neill | @AntonioAngelo21
• Warren C Bennett | @warrencbennett
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Eden Connor | @EdenConnor
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Susanne Matthews | @jandsmatt
• Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon
• Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
• Josh Peters | @josbgosh
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Even Sultry | @EvenSultry

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Siobhan says: Ever the fan of girl-kicks-ass, I really liked the way this tale was set up. At first it seems he's rescuing her, and to some extent he is. But in reality he's merely bringing her the tools for her own escape and she certainly can hold her own. When you give a woman a knife... ;)

Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL

Siobhan says: As a mother, pedophiles piss me off to no end and having one caught, even in fiction, warms my heart. Despite the subject matter, the tale was well written and the ambiance of the situation came through clearly. Nicely done.

Eden Connor | @EdenConnor

Siobhan says: Most of the stories had a dark connotation to them, but this one was sultry, sexy, and humorous. I loved that the narrator enjoyed the idea of the sex toy so much he was willing to call his boss for more work to pay for it. LOL Awesome.

Week 143 Winner

Kirsten Blacketer | @kirblacketer

Siobhan says: What I loved most about this story was the overall menace of the rescuer, and then the spark of recognition. I was sucked in by the ambiance and accents in just the few words chosen. I also liked what was done with the man who thought peddling women a viable career. Nicely done.

Henry frowned at the tall man as he shoved the hooded captive forward. He bit back the sharp retort that bubbled up from his conscience.

"Here she is, sir." The man handed him the chain connected to the shackles around her wrists.

"I pray you haven't damaged the merchandise," Henry said with an air of authority.

"Oi, she's still in good condition. That I guarantee." The man's wide smile revealed a hole where his two front teeth should have been.

Henry reached up to draw back the hood when the man interjected.

"Not until I've had my money, guv."

"I'd like to see what I'm buying." He took an intimidating step forward.

The man shrank back. "Alright, alright, have a look then."

He flipped the hood back. Her dark eyes met his through her matted black hair. A flicker of recognition dawned in their inky depths. As his fingers tipped her chin up, her hair fell back from her face revealing a large purple bruise along her cheek and consuming her eye. Henry sighed and dropped his hand.

"She fought us. Twas nothing I could do about that shiner." The man backed up as Henry approached him. He gave him a coin and then turned to walk away, leading the woman with the chain.

"Thank you kindly, guv. Nice doing business with you."

Henry reached his carriage and turned to the man standing beside it holding a cane. "Take care of him."

A scream split the silent night. Henry grinned.

Congratulations Winner Kirsten, Josh, Miranda, and Eden! 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! :)

5 Questions of a Historical and Erotic Romance Author: A.S. Fenichel

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Today I have the honor of hosting historical romance author A.S. Fenichel with her newest release, Wishing Game! I met A.S. on Six Sentence Sunday when she shared her snippets of her Mayan Destiny series. She had me hooked with her storytelling and hints of magic. I’m absolutely delighted to have her here on my blog.

Welcome, A.S. Thank you so much for being with me today.

A.S. : I’m delighted to be here, Siobhan. You were so wonderful to ask me.

What started you on the path to becoming a romance author and what did you do before that?

A.S.: My mother always said I was Pollyanna. I always believed everything would be all right as a child. I still do. I guess my way of insuring the Pollyanna attitude can continue, is to write books that must end in a “happily ever after”. For me, if the story doesn’t end in an HEA then it’s not over yet.

Though I was only published in 2011, I’ve been writing for about twenty years. So before I was published I had a day job. I worked in Customer Service and Logistics for years and then finished off my business career as an IT specialist for the SAP ERP software program.

Congratulations on your release of Wishing Game. Introduce us to the main characters and premise of your story.

A.S. : Thank you. I’m really excited about Wishing Game. This is my second published Regency historical romance. 

Lady Mary Barrow is about to lose everything when her ailing father dies unless she marries before that sad day. Mary gives the impression of a really practical young lady, but she continues to refuse offers of marriage. She makes a wish for a solution to her problems.

Avery is a distant cousin who is the next in line to inherit. He is wealthy in his own right and riddled with guilt for his part in Mary’s ruination. Having been contacted by the old earl and a solicitor, he comes to the estate in hopes of being of service.

Did something in particular inspire this story?

A.S. : Ellora’s Cave had a Regency book call for submissions. I love the idea of two people living within circumstances that should rip them apart and feed into a mutual hatred. Then you thrust them together and see what happens.

Wishing Game is a Blush romance from Ellora’s Cave, a departure from most of your other books. Why did you choose to write this sweeter romance?

A.S. : As I said, EC “called” for sweet historical. I wrote Christmas Bliss for the 2012 Christmas season and I loved writing that sweet book with all the rules and customs of the Regency ton. I do love writing erotic romance as well, but there’s something about the innocence of a cotillion story that I will always go back to. It’s a nice departure and a challenge to create a warm and engaging romantic story without the use of sex or graphic language.

What other projects are on the horizon for you that we’re likely to see?

A.S. : I hope you’ll see them all. ;) I just finished the second book of a series that began with Kane’s Bounty. It’s a paranormal erotic romance about psychics in law enforcement. I’m pretty sure the series will be called “Psychic Mates”. Joshua’s Mistake is book two and will come out this spring. I’m under contract with Ellora’s Cave to write two more for that series and I’m nearly finished with book three, Training Rain. I hope it will hit the virtual book shelves in the late summer 2014.

I have more going on that I can’t really talk about yet. I can say, I just agreed to write a big paranormal historical romance series. I expect to see the first book available summer 2014. As soon as all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, I will be shouting it from the highest mountaintops.

Thank you for joining me today, A.S., and we look forward to all your upcoming releases!

A.S. : It’s been my pleasure to join you, Siobhan. Thank you very much.

If you’d like a copy of Wishing Game, you can find it at:

Ellora’s Cave  Amazon    BN

And be sure to check out Ms. Fenichel’s other releases. Ellora’s Cave  Amazon    BN

Ms. Fenichel is gracious offering an ecopy of Wishing Game to one lucky commenter. Leave her a comment and a valid email address or Twitter handle. The giveaway is open internationally and goes from Monday March 10 2014 to 8:00 pm Pacific time Wednesday March 12.

You can find Ms. Fenichel at:

http://www.asfenichel.net/

http://asfenichel.net/blog/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5154640.A_S_Fenichel

https://twitter.com/asfenichel

https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel

https://plus.google.com/113195747154467378107/posts

http://pinterest.com/asfenichel/boards/

An Excerpt From: Wishing Game

Copyright © A.S. FENICHEL, 2014

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

It would be easier to hate Avery Townsend, if he weren’t so damned nice. And why did he have to have those arresting, amber eyes? They reminded her of a painting she’d seen of a lion. She couldn’t tell if he was about to devour her or cuddle her as if she was one of the barn cats. 

Why was he encouraging her to marry? If she had a husband, he would have no inheritance. “My cousin would marry me if I wished it. He and I are very close, more like brother and sister.” 

He made a sour face. “I suppose it is not a very appealing prospect to marry a man you think of as a brother.”

“No. However, if I were smart I would do it anyway.”

He frowned. Could it be he really was worried he would lose the lands and house? The tea arrived and she did not ask the incredibly forward question. Once the maid had left the parlor, Mary poured the tea. 

“You could stay here, cousin.”

Her heart thumped wildly. “What, in this house, after my father is gone and you are the owner?” 

He did not look up from his cup. “Yes.”

“As what, exactly, Mr. Townsend?”

His strange eyes lifted and his gaze settled on hers. She had no idea what the man was thinking. “Exactly as you are now, if you choose. I shall not put you out of your home.”

“And where will you be, cousin?” She used the familiarity he requested but bit out the word so there was no doubt of her distaste. 

He stood up and moved toward the window. The rain continued to pour down. “I shall not trouble you much more than to stop and check the accounts from time to time.”

Her entire body grew hot with rage. Her voice rose in both volume and pitch. “Am I to be your mistress? Do you think me so desperate?” 

His neck grew red. When he spoke there was no doubt, she had angered him. “You misunderstand me, madam.”

She stood up and carefully placed her tea on the table. “Do I? How will it be proper in any way for me to live in this house after you take possession? It’s already scandalous that you are here before my aunt arrives.”

“It is your house.” His voice rose over hers. 

She took a step forward, refusing to be intimidated by any man. “No, sir. That is where you are wrong. When my father dies, you have the happy luck to be the heir to Heartshorn. If I stayed, the neighborhood would be aghast.” She took a deep breath. “I hope you will keep the staff on. I would hate to see them out of work after serving the Earl of Westbridge most of their lives.”

He crossed to her and stood towering over her with only inches separating them. His eyes flashed with danger, but she held her ground. Her heart raced and fear rushed to every nerve. Had she gone too far? She must learn to control her temper and stay her wicked mouth. 

She thought he might strike her, but his hand came up and touched her cheek with a gentleness she wouldn’t have equated with the man or the situation. She watched his Adam’s apple bounce several times. His mouth opened and closed and his eyes flicked from her mouth to her eyes. 

Mary could not have moved if the roof had caved in on her. She was in a trance.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment and when they opened, she could see his temper was quelled. “Forgive me, cousin.”

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.

5 Questions of a Historical Erotic Romance Author, Kate Pearce, and a #Giveaway

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked and Happy New Year 2014! Today I have the honor of hosting historical erotic romance author Kate Pearce with her newest release, The Sinners Club! I’ve known Kate since I happened to pick up her sci-fi erotic romance Planet Mail in a used bookstore. She had me hooked and I branched out to her Madame Helene’s Pleasure House series. I’m absolutely delighted to have her here on my blog.

Welcome, Kate. Thank you so much for being with me today.

Nice to be here!

What started you on the path to becoming an erotic romance author and what did you do before that?

I had a brief career in finance and then became a full-time mother to three boys. When we relocated to the USA I had the opportunity to do something I’d always wanted to do-write a book. At first I thought I wanted to write historical fiction, but I sucked at it. Then I read some romance novels and realized I’d found my people! I came very close to being published several times with the historical romances I was writing, but it was very frustrating.

One day, I sat down and wrote something so filthy and dirty that I hid it because I’d scared myself. LOL. That turned into Eden’s Pleasure, which was 27K words, and erotic Regency in first person. All no no’s for traditional publishing, Luckily Ellora’s Cave was publishing just that kind of thing, and snapped it up in 2005. I realized I had a talent for writing the very steamy and erotic and I never looked back.

Congratulations on your release of The Sinners Club. Introduce us to the main characters and premise of your story.

The Sinners Cub is a spin off of the House of Pleasure series, which was getting way too bogged down in itself for my liking and felt too complicated to keep writing. I wanted to write something in the same time period, which had a slightly different feel to it. With this in mind, as I attempted to close out the House of Pleasure series, I was simultaneously trying to introduce some new characters who would take on the new series. It was like spinning twenty plates at once, and I wouldn’t recommend it, LOL.

So the Sinners starts with Jack Lennox, who is Violet Lennox’s twin, investigating his potential inheritance. Once I’d set that up, I was able to focus on writing a good bawdy tale with plenty of sex and mystery entwined. The Sinners Club is a place where ex-spies and those who have served their country in an undercover capacity can meet and receive protection. It’s an interesting mix of men and women of all classes and political persuasions.

Book two, Tempting a Sinner is already finished and stars the elusive Benedict Lord Keyes. I haven’t started writing book three yet, but I do know who the hero will be. J

Throughout your novels, you’ve often written very strong heroines, women who don’t need men to help them despite the social mores of the time. Where did your inspiration for Mary Lennox come from?

Mary Lennox is another survivor in the same mold as Helene from the House of Pleasure. She’s done everything necessary to survive and isn’t ashamed of what she’s done-until she meets Jack Lennox and things start to unravel.

How has living in the US expanded on your view of history?

Well, it’s been interesting seeing the other side of the story when my kids bring history books home. I tend to find myself saying, "Actually, it wasn’t quite like that” and giving them the Brit version of the story, which they really don’t want to know. LOL

What other projects are on the horizon for you that we’re likely to see?

I’m writing book three of the Sinners, which will be fun. I’m also going to be publishing some novellas with eKensington, which are about Val and Peter from Simply Sexual and Sinful. I described them to my editor as Regency-angst filled New Adult, but they definitely aren’t for teens. LOL They are prequels dealing with Val and Peter’s return to England from years in a Turkish brothel at the age of eighteen. They examine some of the sources of conflict that emerge in the Simply books. I loved writing them.

I’m also self-publishing a few things such as more classic Regency historicals and erotic Science Fiction romance which I write purely for my own enjoyment.

I’m also writing mysteries as Catherine Lloyd, which are cozy Regencies set in a small English village. Death Comes to the Village came out in November 2013 and the second will come out in November 2014.

Thank you for joining me today, Kate, and we look forward to all your upcoming releases!

Thank you!

Kate is graciously offering a copy (either ebook or print) of The Sinner's Club, please leave a valid email address or Twitter handle when you answer this question: What is your favorite historical time period? The giveaway is open to US residents only and closes Friday Jan 3 2014 at 11 pm Pacific time. You must be 18+ years old to win.

If you’d like a copy of The Sinners Club and can't wait for the giveaway, you can find it at:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sinners-Club-ebook/dp/B00DV1ITB2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sinners-club-kate-pearce/1115132068?ean=9780758290175

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-sinners-club

And be sure to check out Ms. Pearces’s other releases.

I’m just going to give you the website because there are just too many links to add LOL

Http://www.katepearce.com

You can find Kate at:
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

EXCERPT from The Sinner's Club:

The Sinners Club @Kate Pearce 2013

Jack took off his hat and advanced toward the diminutive lady who reclined on the couch. She gave a little cry of distress and struggled to rise. It was Jack who reached her first and tenderly assisted her to sit up. He found himself looking into a pair of big brown eyes filled with a hint of wide-eyed terror and a suggestion of tears. Her face was heart shaped and framed with artfully arranged golden curls.

“Oh my, have you come to throw me from my house in my condition?”

Jack forced his gaze from the beauty of her face, down over her fabulous bosom and finally to the swell of her belly clearly outlined against the black silk of her high waisted gown.

“Ma’am?”

She clasped his hand in hers. “It’s true, isn’t it?”

Jack carefully disengaged himself from her frantic grasp and stepped back. “I have no idea whom I’m addressing, ma’am. Perhaps I should start by making myself known to you. I’m--”

“We know who you are.” The male sibling interrupted Jack and came to stand by his sister’s side. ”You’re an imposter.”

Jack fought down an absurd desire to laugh. “I assure you, I am not. My name is John Smith.”

“Then you are not the scoundrel who claims to be the new earl?” the woman whispered.

He bowed. “Didn’t Mr. Ferrers tell you? I am the private secretary of the man who expects to be the next earl. May I respectfully inquire who you are?”

The lady glanced at her brother and exhaled. “Oh love, it’s not as bad as we feared at all! I’m sure Mr. Smith is a reasonable man, and will soon understand why his employer is mistaken in his beliefs.” She smiled brilliantly up at Jack. “Your employer cannot possibly be the new earl.” Her hand curved over her belly.

“I’m not sure I understand, ma’am.”

“I am the current, or should I say, dowager, Countess of Storr, and my child is not yet born.” She raised her chin. “Your master cannot possibly claim the title until my child is delivered. And if it is a boy, as I believe it will be, then the title will never be your employers.”

Jack abruptly sat down.

“You are the Countess?”

“The Dowager Countess.” She opened her eyes wide at him. “Obviously.”

“The Lennox family solicitors made no mention of the last earl being married.”

She bit her luscious lower lip. “I suspect that was Jasper’s little joke. He was known to be rather secretive about such things.” She reached out a hand to the auburn-haired man standing beside her. “My brother Simon, has been a rock in this time of trial. I am so lucky to have him.”

Simon’s face softened as he looked down at his sister. Jack took stock of the tall redheaded man and the petite blonde woman. They didn’t look at all alike, but there was an obvious bond of affection between them. And why was he worrying about that when there were other more important things to concern him? Like the fate of his inheritance? He hardened his resolve. He’d be damned if he’d let it slip away again.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway! :)

Mid Week Tease - Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin - Needing a Man

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for this week's 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 Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin. Isabelle Andersen needs a man, bad. But not for the normal things a good Scottish lass needs. She needs him to take her virginity to save her from the Dragon Sacrifice practiced by her village. The problem is, the men in her village won't touch her with a three meter pike. Isabelle just needs one handsome stranger. Tonight is her lucky night.

Isabelle damn near dropped the pottery flagon she’d cleaned when the stranger stepped inside her father’s tavern.

Glory be! I have never seen such a beautiful man.

He stood tall, even taller than Angus MacLeod, the blacksmith’s son who stood at exactly six feet. Dark-brown hair hung, braided at his temples, with the rest pulled back to the base of his neck with a leather thong. Brilliant blue eyes the color of lupine flowers looked out beneath dark, arching brows and long lashes. His neatly trimmed beard framed a generous mouth beneath a slightly flattened nose that looked as if it had been damaged in a fight and healed incorrectly.

Isabelle trembled with his intangible power, reveling in the sight of his masculine beauty. His rugged features made him look mysterious and dangerous, sending a feminine pulse straight to her womb. If ever a man existed to whom her virginity should be given, this was him.

Oh, aye, and now all you have to do is ask him. Her gaze swept down his body as he pulled his plaid off his head and surveyed the great room. William MacLeod, the only elder still left in the Careless Wench, stood talking with her father, and the stranger strode toward them with the sinuous grace of a warrior. He reminded Isabelle of the stories she’d heard about William Wallace of old. The sword sticking up over his left shoulder and the chainmail shirt confirmed it, but so did the way he moved.

She sighed a little as he gave her a view of his broad back, and she had the odd urge to see if it was as heavily muscled and powerful as she guessed.

Bloody hell, lass. Focus on what you’re doing.

Get your non-standard virgin fix here:

Amazon \ Bookstrand \ Barnes&Noble \ Kobobooks

Mid Week Tease: Jonarrion's Claim

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for this week's 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 Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin. Jonarrion has caught up with the fleeing Isabelle and laid claim to her. This bit is for folks 18+, just FYI. :)

Her body reacted to his kiss before her mind knew what was going on. Fury and frustration shifted into needy desire, and she gave in to his kiss. Lustful fire burned through her veins as his tongue thrust into her mouth and caressed hers. She realized the hard object pressing against her lower body was not a dagger, but the hard ridge of his cock straining against his leather braies. She squirmed against him, but whether to get away or to get closer, she didn’t care.

Isabelle pushed against his hard chest, but Jon didn’t budge. His tongue licked her lips before he nipped them playfully, and she growled at him. He growled back and grabbed her hands, forcing them up over her head. He pressed his body against hers, pinning her to the wall with his weight. A combination of trepidation and excitement flared as she struggled to get away, but he held her fast.

Her nipples hardened against the flat planes of his chest, and she squirmed to relieve the aching tightness. Bloody hell, she swore she’d drown in the surge of the emotions he elicited from her. Lust, pleasure, fear, anger, frustration, desperation, and need washed over her as he clasped both her wrists in one hand. Isabelle jerked on her arms, and arousal flared at the ease with which he held her bound with a single hand.

Get your hot dragon fix here:

Amazon \ Bookstrand \ Barnes&Noble \ Kobobooks

Snippet Sunday - Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin - Talk Dirty to Me

 

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 the last snippet from my latest release available now on Amazon entitled Not a Dragon's Standard Virgin. Next week I'll have something new to tempt you with, so enjoy this last little bit. ;) In this snippet, which is a little longer because it's the last, Jonarrion has agreed to Isabelle's request and she's learning him for the first time. This is from Jon's POV and he's the first to speak.

“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.”

Anyone else hear Poison singing "Talk dirty to me"? ;) 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, 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?