Author Spotlight: Mellanie Szereto, Contemporary Romance Author and Giveaway

Good morning. Today I have to opportunity to introduce multipublished author Mellanie Szereto. I found Mellanie on Facebook when I realized her name means "Love" in Hungarian. We started talking about geology and cooking Chicken Paprikas. Which brings me to Mellanie's new release, Love Served Hot. Flynn Hastings is getting back in the kitchen and Lilith Montgomery is just the person to show him what's cookin'. Mellanie has generously offered an excerpt and a giveaway for you to enjoy.

But first, the Blurb for Love Served Hot:

As acting director of her uncle’s retirement village, Lilith Montgomery must hire a chef for the new restaurant. She’s interviewed several candidates, but instantly decides on the sexy Irishman whose culinary creations give her foodgasms. Her rotten luck with relationships makes her determined to resist her attraction to him, even if it means sneaking into the kitchen at night for a taste of his delectable entrées.

Flynn Hastings is finally getting his life back on track after a year of anger and guilt over his sister’s death. He’s returned home to be near his family and has found the perfect job—with one small problem. His boss makes him want to cook in more than the kitchen. Putting aside his hard and fast rule about mixing business with pleasure, he sets his sights on Lilith, hoping their budding friendship turns out to be more than a flash in the pan.

EXCERPT of Love Served Hot:

A glance toward the dark dining room brought him up short as he strolled past. Light filtered onto the carpet from beneath the serving door to the kitchen and through the porthole window.

Had he forgotten to flip off the switch when he left earlier?

He’d been distracted enough.

He backtracked down the hallway to the other entrance. As he lifted his hand to push the door open, a noise came from the other side.

Was that a moan?

Geesh. Please don’t tell me old people are having sex in my kitchen.

And why do I smell tomatoes and basil?

Hesitant about whether or not to enter, he strained to hear another sound.

“More. I want more.”

Was that Lilith’s voice? Did she have a guy in there with her?

Not if I can help it!

He shoved the door open and stepped into the room, shading his eyes against the brightness. A squeak brought his attention straight to the woman in question, her face half hidden behind a tipped-up carryout box. Only her wide green eyes were fully visible. She lowered the container, revealing flushed cheeks and a dab of red sauce on her chin.

He strode into the kitchen, grabbing a towel on his way to the sexiest female he’d ever met. Wiping away the drop of sauce, he bit the inside of his lip to hold in a combination of lust and amusement.

She liked his food.

No, she loves my food.

The week of not showing up for meals in the restaurant had nothing to do with his cooking.

Was she avoiding him because she wanted him as much as he wanted her?

Hope built in his chest—and lower.

Her gaze skittered away from him. “I was hungry. I didn’t have time to eat supper. You said I could help myself whenever…”

He took the licked-clean box from her to set it on the counter. “I did, and you can. Did you enjoy it?”

She nodded slowly, the tip of her pink tongue snaking out to lick the corner of her mouth. “It was delicious.”

The sensual action could’ve been involuntary, but it sent an electrical charge straight to his dick, either way.

Was she delicious too?

The need to know proved too much, and he leaned in closer for his own taste. Sounds like those she’d made deserved to be induced by something a hell of lot more interesting than campanelle and ports.

Soft, full lips met his, stealing his sanity and making his heart race. She raked her fingers through his hair, tugging him against her full breasts as her tongue slipped between his teeth.

Wrapping his arms around her, he held her in place, letting the mixture of spices from the entrée and the sweet flavor of Lilith feed his hunger. He rubbed his tongue over hers, relieved to finally be able to kiss her. Barely keeping a tight rein on his reaction, he rocked his hips forward, rubbing his erection against her hip. Damn, but he wanted to be inside her.

I need to be inside her.

Her hand closed over his butt, guiding him away from her hips and to her center. She arched against him, and a growl escaped him.

Mellanie is graciously offering a $10 Amazon gift card to one luck commenter who answers this question: What is your favorite holiday treat? Please leave a valid email address or twitter handle for us to contact you if you win. The giveaway goes until 11:59 pm Pacific time on Wednesday, Dec. 11 2013 and you must be 18 years or older to win. Please void where prohibited.

If you'd like to read more of Love Served Hot right now, you can find it at:
Smashwords
Amazon
All Romance eBooks
B&N

Mellanie's newest release is Love Served Hot, the first book in the Love on the Menu series. Look for Red Hot Pepper and Hot Tamale Nights in the coming months, as well as the short erotic novel series, Love on the Menu…With Extra Spice!

For Mellanie Szereto

When her fingers aren't attached to her keyboard, Mellanie Szereto enjoys hiking, Pilates, cooking, gardening, and researching for her stories. Many times, the research partners with her other hobbies, taking her from the Hocking Hills region in Ohio to the Colorado Rockies or the Adirondacks of New York. Sometimes, the trip is no farther than her garden for ingredients and her kitchen to test recipes for her latest steamy tale. Mellanie makes her home in rural Indiana with her husband of twenty-seven years, their two children, and two cats. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Indiana Romance Writers of America, Hearts Through History Romance Writers, and PASIC.

You can find her here:
http://www.mellanieszereto.com
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Goodreads

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight: Cynthia Vespia, Suspense and Fantasy Author

Good morning. Today I have to opportunity to introduce multipublished author Cynthia Vespia. I met Cynthia at the Las Vegas Romance Writers Jobapalooza when she came to give a talk about writing authentic fight scenes. Not only is she funny and personable, she had some very good and practical advice for writing scenes involving physical violence. No, you can't run the 100-meter dash after you've been gut-punched unless you're a Navy SEAL, and if you've done the punching, you're gonna feel the strain the next day, badly. Which brings me to Cynthia's new release, Lucky Sevens. As it turns out, Luca Lucazi just happens to be a former Navy SEAL and knows all about fighting. Cynthia has generously offered an excerpt for you to enjoy.

But first, the Blurb for Lucky Sevens:

Luca “Lucky” Luchazi is a man who lives for the job, until the job starts to threaten his life. A former Navy Seal, Lucky is ideal as the head of security for Lucky Sevens Casino. But when major names at the casino start falling victim to deadly and suspicious "accidents" Lucky must fight his way through a cast of eccentric characters only Las Vegas could spawn, and his own battle with alcoholism, before his lover Brooklyn - the sweethearted stripper - becomes the next victim. But when Lucky faces off with illusionist Christopher King, endowed with real magic powers, will his luck finally run out?

Excerpt:

Copyright © 2013 Cynthia Vespia

All rights reserved.

Predict, prevent and protect. The same words he’d learned as a Navy SEAL bled over into his job as head of security very well. But as Luca “Lucky” Luchazi stared down at the body of his friend and former mentor Charles Vega he didn’t feel as though he’d honored those words at all.

More than a dozen police vehicles converged on the scene. The black and whites of Las Vegas Metro were scattered everywhere. Their flashing light bars washed everything in red drowning out the mix of neon colors that came from the casinos neighboring Lucky Sevens.

Charles had come to Vegas in its infancy and built his empire from scratch. Even while the others came crashing down to make way for the new mega resorts with their elaborate designs and theme park style attractions, Lucky Sevens remained standing as one of the last legendary casinos on The Strip.

Lucky had always admired the old man for remaining true to his ideals even when the casino was taking a pounding in the pocket book. Now he was nothing more than a sack of meat splattered all over the sidewalk.

Personnel from the county coroner's office had also responded to the scene, but not soon enough. The vision of good old Charlie lying with his robe open exposing his wobbly bits to the world, and lying in a pool of his own blood, would haunt Lucky for the rest of his days. Even now as they draped him in plastic and wrapped him up tight for his last ride all Lucky could see was the blood. He’d witnessed his fair share of death during war but this time it was different. This was Charlie. He’d been like a second father to Lucky ever since he set foot in sin city. So when he overheard two Metro officers disrespecting Charles’ death with their blown out theories Lucky set them straight. 

“Hey ease up,” Lucky said walking in between the two officers. “I never thought you were the type to spread gossip, Mel.”

Lucky had known Mel Harrison for many years. They'd done favors for each other multiple times. Harrison was the only guy on Metro that Lucky held any respect for. He'd always assumed the feeling had been mutual.

“Sorry Lucky, I know how much Charlie meant to you.” Harrison motioned to his partner. “Get the coroner over here to finish up.”

Harrison put a reassuring hand on Lucky's shoulder and the two officers went on about their business. Lucky let them walk. He let them scrape Charles Vega off the sidewalk like road kill. He just stood there as a blast of hot wind rolled in off the desert and struck him like a blow dryer on high speed.

Damn weather had turned on a dime. What were they calling it? El Nino? Something Spanish – go figure. Name somewhat brought to mind hot sand beaches and girls in Brazilian cut thongs.

There would be questions about Charlie's death, inquiries, maybe accusations but then they’d put everything to bed wrapped in a nice little bow. To the police, the papers, and the tourists (who even now posed for pictures in front of a real life Las Vegas crime scene) it would all be dusted off as just another gambling related suicide.

For Lucky the question would gnaw at his insides for eternity.

How could he have let this happen?

If you'd like to read more of Lucky Sevens, you can find it at:
Smashwords
Amazon
B&N

For Cynthia Vespia:

Cynthia Vespia, "The Original Cyn," has a background as a certified personal trainer; licensed private security guard; award winning video editor, and graphic designer. But the creative outlet of novel writing has always remained her first love.

Today Cynthia continues to write character driven suspense and fantasy novels. With a plot pace to stir the adrenaline and keep the pages turning, Cyn likes to refer to her novels as "Real life situations that you could find yourself in but hope to God you never do." In her spare time she enjoys reading, movies that involve a strong plot/characters, and keeping active through various forms of martial arts and fitness.

You can find her here:
http://www.CynthiaVespia.com
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Goodreads

On Amazon

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight and New Release from Annalise Walker

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have the opportunity to spotlight multipublished author J. Annas Walker. Her debut release Spectral Radiance is out and she's offered an excerpt for you to enjoy.

BLURB

Jody and Austin Pressman have been down on their luck, but things are starting to look up. A new job in a new town might just be the fresh start they're looking for, or it could mean their end. The derelict old house came at a reasonable price, but will the shadows give them peace? What binds a soul to the place of death? Is there any hope of breaking free?

STORY EXCERPT

The rain came down as if someone had opened a tap. One second there was nothing. The next, it looked like a picture of monsoon rains in a scientific magazine. More thunder rumbled overhead.

Stepping inside, she found large white sheets draped over the furniture. The lightning made them look like B-movie ghosts hovering just inside the door. Feeling around on the wall, she found the old-fashioned, push button switch. She pressed the bottom button.

The lights came on but flickered a bit. Clearly, the outside wasn’t the only thing neglected about the house. Dusty fixtures lit up the front room. At the far end, a small hearth sat empty, save a small scrap of charred wood. A small office area connected to the wrap-around porch, allowing guests to conduct farm business without entering the family’s living area. Narrow, steep stairs led up to the second floor. Cobwebs covered the simple newel posts. Beside the stairs, a dark hallway led to what Jody assumed was the kitchen.

She ventured farther in, raking her hands along the wall, hoping to find more switches. Lightning flashed, illuminating the entire kitchen. Something dark darted across the open doorway.

Jody’s stomach clenched tight. Living in a haunted house definitely made the bottom of her wish list. She hesitated, reaching her hand around the door jamb just enough to feel for the switch. The button sank with a heavy click, turning on the simple, bare bulb hanging from an insulated wire over a large rectangular table.

If you'd like to find out more about Spectral Radiance, you can find it here:
Amazon
Smashwords

For Annalise Walker:

Annalise Walker grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Here she spent many hours listening to traditional folktales. From this came her love of writing. After attending UNC-Charlotte, Annalise continued writing by night. These days she lives with her husband, two sons, and her very self-important cat.

Annalise's favorite authors include Laurell K. Hamilton, Darynda Jones, Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, and Stephen King.

You can find her here:
Website
On Facebook
On Twitter

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight and New Release with Author Avery Gale

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have to opportunity to spotlight multipublished author, Avery Gale. Her newest book, Perfect Picture releases today from Siren Publishing. Woot! :D She has generously offered a sweet excerpt for you to enjoy. :)

But first, the Blurb for Perfect Picture:

Noah Drummond left Iliana Red Cloud’s bed in the middle of the night to help a group of kidnapped young women. He didn’t return to Colorado, fearing his love for Ilaina would target the woman who became an international modeling sensation.

Now they have both returned to their small hometown in Colorado, and he intends to win back her trust and her heart. When Ilaina hears Alex and Zach Lamont asking Noah for his help rescuing the young daughter of a fallen fellow soldier, she volunteers her help.

Ilaina is tired of being sheltered and coddled. She wants to prove to Noah and her three older brothers that she is a woman worthy of their respect. Her confidence has been hard won. Years of dealing with stalkers and the media have hardened Ilaina in ways even she doesn’t like anymore. Can Noah protect her from the dangers that dance at the fringes of their mission and reclaim their future together?

EXCERPT:

“Cara, everything about you fills me, your body pressed against mine, the smell of citrus and sage that surrounds you, and the soft sighs you make when you let yourself become lost in the moment. Come home with me when your family’s celebration ends. Let me show you what I wanted to share with you the night I was called away.” He felt her stiffen just before he spoke again. “I want to talk to you, please listen to what I have to say.”

Noah pulled back just enough that he could look into her obsidian eyes. They reflected so much uncertainty that he wondered if she would agree. When she simply nodded, his knees nearly buckled in relief. He’d traveled for almost thirty-six straight hours in order to get here for this celebration. He had known she would be here because it was an important occasion for her family. And understanding the significance of reestablishing their relationship when she was with her family was critical because the people she loved would be the key to the success or failure of his plan.

“Thank you cara. There is one more song I want you to listen to as we move around the floor. Listen to the words and think about the possibilities. Some of John Denver’s music has become cliché and that’s a shame because he had an understanding of the human spirit’s fragility that most people never grasp.” He’d chosen two songs and had asked the DJ to dedicate this second one to all the people celebrating love tonight. As the man spoke the words over the loud speakers Noah kissed Ilaina on the forehead and pulled her against his chest and slid his hand to that sensitive spot just above her ass and pressed her against his hard cock. “Perhaps Love” wafted through the air and he heard women throughout the room let out a collective sigh, so obviously he wasn’t the only one who appreciated the depth of the song’s meaning.

“Let the words settle over you as you take them in to your heart, cara. And look at the other couples on the floor. See how they understand the strength to be found in overcoming the obstacles life throws in love’s path. They have all endured and flourished because their commitment to each other has seen them through.”

If you'd like to read more of Perfect Picture, it releases today at:
Siren Publishing

If you'd like to read the other stories in the Shadowdance Club Series:
Shadowdance Club by Avery Gale

For Avery Gale:

After a long series of jobs that never seemed “quite right” I wrote a short story for a cousin who was “bored” and discovered my niche.  My imagination has always been a bit “over the top” and most of my friends and family are grateful I’ve finally found a way to channel that energy positively.

When I’m not writing I’m helping out family or working in the yard. I love to travel, but haven’t gotten to do much of that lately…so I’m hoping to plan a little winter get-away this next year.

Perfect Picture is the seventh book in The ShadowDance Club series.  Readers who loved Trace & Tori will love this story even more!

I love meeting readers and since I live in a rural location, I rely on social media for those opportunities. 

 
You can find her here:
Website
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Goodreads

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight and New Release from Shannan Albright

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have to opportunity to spotlight multipublished author and good friend, Shannan Albright. Her newest book, Dark Hunter releases this week from Evernight Publishing. Woot! :D Shannan was the one who told me to publish my stories and got me started on this road. She has generously offered a hot excerpt for you to enjoy. :)

But first, the Blurb for Dark Hunter:

Vampire Mari Ankamunan struggles to pick up the pieces of her life after her bar The Asp becomes a war zone between the Enforcers and members of the Preservation Society, who want all dark breeds wiped out. The sudden appearance of the only man she ever loved brings her world to a crashing halt, for she witnessed his brutal murder two thousand years ago.

Navar’s spoken oaths to his Sire cost him Mari. Torn from her side by the sidhe queen, he is her Hunter, delivering justice for crimes against the breeds. Now freed he returns to his lover's side only to be caught in a dark plot where Mari is targeted for death.

The stakes are high, can they uncover a deadly plot against the Enforcers or will Navar lose Mari, forever by an assassin’s hand?

EXCERPT:

“I will do everything in my power to protect her, even lay down my life if it comes to that.” Navar’s words rang in the still air, spoken as an oath.

“Marcus will be relieved to find out Mari is well protected. I know after the incident with the Preservation Society, he has been concerned for her safety. Someday you must tell me how you secured your release.”

Mari blinked at the two men, feeling left out of the loop in the XY-chromosome chat. Males. Can’t live without them and can’t kill them. Irritation spiked into the red zone, her patience threadbare for the bullshit. Placing her diminutive self between the two towering males, she gave them both a fearless glare and fisted her hands on her hips.

All conversation stopped as they stared down at her with surprise. Good, now she had their attention. “I’ve been alive since the time of Cleopatra. I didn’t survive all those centuries by being a fucking weak female. I can fight, strategize, and I damn well have enough intellect in this ‘girly’ brain to figure out what I need to do to save my own hide, thank you very much. Now, if you don’t mind talking to me, not about me, it would be appreciated and might save your ball sacs from relocating somewhere north on your body. Are we clear, boys?”

Adrian threw his head back and roared a large rolling laugh that reverberated throughout the room. She blinked in surprise. She’d never once seen any enforcer laugh. Sure, they smiled, chuckled, and even smirked, but never laughed. She found it…disconcerting.

“Point taken. You will have your hands full with this little hellion, hunter. I don’t envy you.”

“Little hellion indeed. Yet well worth the extra trouble,” Navar agreed, his pale eyes darkening with hunger. 

If you'd like to read more of Dark Hunter, it releases July 17th at:
Evernight Publishing

If you'd like to read the other two stories in the Dark Breeds Enforcers Series:
Dark Passion Rising
Passion's Flight

For Shannan Albright:

Growing up I was called the dreamer of the family, something not always thought of as a positive thing. As a child, I would draw and build stories around my pictures, so writing was a natural extension for me. Recently a family member told me that from now on she would encourage those dreamers she knew. Stating “with hard work and focus dreams can come true. Shannan Albright is proof that dreaming can be a positive thing.”

When not writing I spend my time between oil painting and reading. I love writing paranormal, urban fantasy, historical and fantasy romances because of the world building and rich characters I feel a connection to. I’m drawn to dark, edgy heroes and heroines overcoming impossible odds internal and external.

I’m a "hopeful" Romantic who believes a healthy relationship built on respect and a strong partnership is the key to a happy ever after.

 
You can find her here:
Website
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Goodreads
On Linkedin

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight and New Release - Rebecca Brochu

 

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

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

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

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

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

Be Warned: m/m sex, knotting

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Rebecca Brochu:

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

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

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

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

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight and New Release - Jess Buffett

 

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have to opportunity to spotlight multipublished author Jess Buffett. Her newest book, Always Been You released last week. Woot! :D Jess has generously offered an excerpt for you to enjoy and it sounds like a sweet story. Take a peek.

But first, the Blurb for Always Been You:

Seth Hall returns to his hometown for the first time in eleven years. Now a father of two, he vows not to let his past intervene when he sets up a happy, stable life for them. That is, until Jared, the boy who had broken his heart all those years ago, turns up wanting a chance with him.

Jared Stewart thought he had lost his only chance to be with Seth. When Seth finally comes home, Jared makes it his mission to catch Seth once and for all but unfortunately not everyone wants that to happen.

Will they be finally able to make a life for themselves together? Or will they be torn apart again, by people they thought they could trust?

EXCERPT:

"Is this our home now, daddy?"

Staring down at his five-year-old daughter, Seth Hall nodded. "Yeah, Ally. This is it."

This was it. Newport, New Hampshire. It was the home of maple sugar, apple orchards, and his oldest memories. He hadn't been back here since he'd left for college a little over eleven years ago. It was the beginning of summer break and both his children would be starting school at the end of it, which would give him just enough time to have the bakery up and running again.

Taking their hands, he walked Lucas and Ally up the pebble path to the front door of their new house. It was a conventional ranch-style home, with a second floor holding a fourth bedroom and another room large enough that he had turned it into a game's room—another place for him to hide in addition to the study. The first floor contained most everything else including the three bedrooms and the living area. The spacious kitchen gave Seth the creative space he needed for what Luc called his ‘baking explosions’. There was also a small nook area to sit at for meals. If Seth was honest with himself, he could hardly see them having a meal in the formal dining room unless they had others over; it wasn't their thing. Of all the thing he loved about their new house, the yard had to be near the top of the list. It was bigger than most of the yards on the street and he knew the kids were excited about it; they hadn't had one in New York.

His parents, Bart and Sally Hall, had been great helping him find a house and finalizing everything, including setting up the house so it was ready when they arrived; it probably helped it was on the same street as theirs, not that he was complaining. He was all for having a support network close by. Seth had seen the house already when he and the children had come for a short visit two weeks earlier. He figured staying at the new house on that visit would give the kids a chance to get used to the place before the move.

Stepping into the house, he crouched down, looking at Ally and Lucas. With a tired sigh he said, "You guys know where everything is, so why don't you start getting ready for bed."

"Aww, do we have to?" a chorus rang out.

"It's getting late and it's been a long trip. I'll tell you what. How about if you're good, instead of going into the bakery with me tomorrow, you can stay and play with Nan and Pop? " When all else fails... bribery.

Luc and Ally raced to their rooms on peals of laughter. Seth wasn't sure if he should take that personally. He shook his head at his children, thinking that they never ceased to amaze him. They showed bravery and resilience with everything—not that they didn't struggle at times, as well. The moments when Lucas would go silent were the worst. Sometimes, late at night, Lucas would come in needing to be held, and if Seth admitted it, he needed to held sometimes too.

Pulling his phone out, Seth called his mom as he paced the room.

"Hello," his mom answered.

"Hey, Mom. I just thought you'd like to know we got here in one piece."

"Oh, honey, I'm glad you made it safe and sound. How are the little ones?" she asked.

"They're good. Just getting ready for bed," Seth replied. "Listen, I was wondering if it was too much trouble for you to take the kids tomorrow? It seems they would rather hang out with you guys than with me at the bakery. Go figure."

"Of course, we'd love that. Actually, I'm glad you called. I know your bakery isn't fully set up yet, but I know someone who wanted some treats done. I thought since you would want to start making a name for yourself..." his mom trailed off, knowing he wouldn't say no.

"You're right," Seth chuckled.

"I usually am," she responded.

"So dad tells me." He laughed at his mother's antics, regardless of the truth behind them. "So, who is it and what's it for?"

"Well, do you remember Isabelle Stewart? She's getting married and is having an engagement party."

Seth stilled, a knot the size of a melon forming in his stomach. Oh yeah. He remembered Isabelle. What was more important, he remembered her brother, Jared. The thing about Jared was, he was the 'all-American boy' all small towns seemed to have. He had it all. Jared was tall and broad-shouldered with blond hair and jade-colored eyes. Even his skin appeared to have been permanently bronzed from the sun, due to his position on the football team. Go Tigers!

Jared had always been good to him, which sometimes made it worse. While others would bully him, whether it was his looks or he was gay, Jared was kind. He defended Seth even against his own teammates. They worshiped Jared too much to say anything against Seth, at least in front of him. The problem was, Jared wasn't always there.

"Yeah. I remember," Seth replied weakly. "Just tell her I'll be at the bakery tomorrow. She can come by then."

"Excellent. I will. See you tomorrow, sweetheart."

Hanging up the phone, Seth fell back on to the lounge, still not believing what had just happened. He'd not even been back home for an hour and Jared Stewart was already affecting him. He kept reminding himself that it was a meeting with Isabelle, not Jared. That didn't seem to help. Seth knew from his parents that Jared had moved back here after he graduated from college. He had apparently gone into Law, just like his father—and was reportedly as good, if not better, at it.

Seth knew that he would have to see him eventually; he'd only hoped to put it off for a little longer.

Jared had been everything to him. Against all odds, they had become close friends, sharing secrets, fears, hopes and dreams. He remembered the way Jared used to give him gentle touches. His friend had been a noticeably tactile person, very affectionate to all—with an arm over the shoulder, a hand stroke on the arm, all designed to remind Seth of what he couldn't have. At one time Seth thought Jared felt the same. God, how wrong he had been. Instead, his heart had been shattered and Seth lost the his only real friend. Sometimes, all these years later, he could still hear the taunts thrown at him as he ran from that party. God, I felt pathetic.

Being the only gay kid around had been difficult in a semi-small town and that's why it had just been so painful coming back. Seth was tall but skinny, with raven-black hair that clashed against his pale skin and plain brown eyes that were too big for his face. He was one of those kids who just screamed please, kick my ass. Life in New York was easier to handle. That is, it had been easier until recently. The last two years he'd raised Ally and her older brother, Lucas, by himself. While they were biologically his after he'd donated to help his friends conceive, Seth was never supposed to be the one to raise them. Their parents, Shawn and Jane, had died in a senseless shooting that almost took him as well. He brought up a hand to his chest, trying to ease the ache that seemed permanently settled there since the incident.

A tugging at his other hand dragged Seth out of his memories, and he realized Lucas and Ally stood in front of him, ready for bedtime. "Let's go, munchkins. Hit the sack. We have a big day tomorrow." Taking their hands, he put his children to bed. He had to focus on them now—not something from the past like Jared that didn't matter anymore. At least, that's what he told himself.

If you'd like to read more of Always Been You, you can find it at:
Silver Publishing

For Jess Buffett:

Hmmm, what can I say about myself...I was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. I married my high school sweetheart and we live on the Central Coast with our two children. I am absolutely a hopeless romantic who loves stories about true love that sizzle with a happy ending (which is probably a good thing given what I write). I'm a huge fan of M/M and M/F romance—anything with hunky men in all their glory, whether they be Shifters, Vampires, Cowboys, or the boy next door. I'm a firm believer in soul mates, happily ever afters, and in love at first sight, but that sometimes people need a second or a third for the brain to catch up.

You can find her here:
http://JessBuffett.wordpress.com
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Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight and New Release - Katie Salidas

 

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked! Today I have to opportunity to spotlight multipublished author Katie Salidas. Her newest book, Dark Salvation releases today. Woot! :D Katie has generously offered an excerpt for you to enjoy. No, really. No foolin'!

But first, the Blurb for Dark Salvation:

A gathering storm of violence is on the horizon. Whispered threats of the Acta Sanctorum’s return have the supernatural world abuzz. Only recently aware of the other world hidden behind our own, Kitara Vanders has barely scratched the surface of what being supernatural truly means. A special woman in her own right, she possesses unique telepathic abilities, gifts that have recently come under the scrutiny of the Acta Sanctorum, a fanatical organization whose mission is to cleanse the world of anything supernatural. Targeted and marked for death, Kitara’s only hope lies with the lethally seductive yet emotionally scarred warrior Nicholas.

Knowing full well the atrocities of which the Acta Sanctorum is capable, Nicholas is all too eager for the battle to begin. Fueled by pain and rage from the loss of his mate, he’s itching for a fight, but one thing stands in his way: Kitara, a beautiful dark-haired woman with unique psychic abilities and an unusual link to the Saints. Despite his resolve to remain focused on his mission, a purely physical relationship binds them together in a way neither of them expected. And when her life hangs in the balance, Nicholas finds his own is teetering on the edge too.

EXCERPT:

Kitara glanced down to the ring on her finger. The small band of gold with channel-set diamonds and sapphires had only adorned her finger for six months. She remembered the day Jeremy got down on one knee and proposed. He’d told her he was the luckiest man alive to have found her and that he’d do everything in his power to take care of her.

How could all that have changed in such a short time? What had the Saints done to turn his affections? For that matter, what other lies had the Saints told Jeremy?

After becoming a Saint, Jeremy had said vampires and all other supernatural beings were depraved creatures. That had been the start of the end for their relationship. She’d been labeled one of the unnatural creatures for the way she prayed under the light of the full moon.

She’d believed that other creatures could be evil, but not her. She wasn’t a witch or anything like that. And vampires, sure, they would most certainly be on the list of bad things. But now that she’d met one, she wasn’t so sure she agreed with that assessment any more.

Despite his abrasive attitude, that vampire – Nicholas – had showed more humanity than the jerk she’d met at the bar the previous night. He’d saved her not once, but twice, albeit in the most aggravating way possible. He hadn’t tried to bite her either. Though now that she thought about it, his mental attack on her at the club might have been exactly the kind of thing Jeremy had warned her about. Thankfully she’d been able to ward him off. The echo of a headache still remained, a subtle reminder that if she chose to fight a mental attack, she could do it. She’d just need to make sure she could find a safe place to weather the aftereffects.

Perhaps not all Jeremy had told her had been true, but there were kernels of truth there that had her questioning everything she had known.

Vampires were real. She’d just met one in the flesh. And though she hated to admit it, his flesh wasn’t all that bad either. She’d expected to see sallow skin and a gaunt frame, something out of Nosferatu. Maybe even some crazy looking fangs. Nicholas was nothing like that. Despite his abrasive attitude, he was attractive and muscular, his dusky blue eyes were mesmerizing, and his teeth… sharp, but very discreet. She’d only really gotten a good glance at them when he smiled. And though it made her stomach turn at the idea of what he did with those fangs, she felt a twinge of excitement seeing them. A small thought crept into her mind. What would it feel like to be bitten? As soon as the thought took form, she pushed it away. That was exactly the kind of thing that invited trouble. She’d already had plenty of that.

The reality of this new information was unsettling. Vampires were obviously real. Witches were real. Jeremy had accused her of that more times than she could count. And if all of what Nicholas had said was true, and the Saints were killing all things unnatural, then she was a target herself.

That couldn’t be right. No. There was no way Jeremy, the same man who once filled the entire room with candles and red rose petals, could kill her in cold blood.

If you'd like to read more of Dark Salvation, you can find it at:
Smashwords
Amazon
Amazon UK
B&N
Kobo

For Katie Salidas:

Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkin off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons.  She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime…

And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write. And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…

Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.

You can find her here:
http://www.katiesalidas.com
On Facebook
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On Amazon

Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Author Spotlight - Shyla Colt

Good morning, dear readers. I have the great pleasure to have Shyla Colt, multipublished paranormal erotic romance author, on my blog. Today she's showcasing her upcoming release, Cursed, and she's generously offered a excerpt for you to enjoy. This is M/F erotic romance, so if you're under 18, please skip to the bottom of this post and leave a comment for Shyla.

Now the BLURB for Cursed:

It’s common knowledge the Edgeworth men are unlucky in love.  Great, great, grandpa bought them a one way ticket to heart break when he romanced the local witch’s daughter, took her money and disappeared off into the sunset. Ashamed the Voiles moved away, until now. As the eldest son, it’s up to him to persuade the women to remove the curse.  He realizes quickly he wants to keep, Avalyn Voiles for himself.  Now he just needs to make her believe his affections are real and overcome decades of bad blood...

Avalyn’s spent her whole life hearing her grandmother bad mouth the Edgeworth family. So, the last thing she expects when she returns to Baxter, was for the witty, charming, sexy Colton to be her perfect match.  Should she take a chance on love and risk history repeating itself?

And here's an EXCERPT from Cursed to whet your appetite for more:

She came to stand in front of him with her hands linked behind her back. She titled her head to the side and peered up at him from beneath long black lashes.

“I’ve spent the past month miserable because of a past I had nothing to do with. I’m done with that.”

He held his breath, afraid he might have misunderstood.

Her gaze met his, and her dark eyes were filled with an intense longing he knew would be mirrored in his own. His thoughts had centered on this woman day in and day out. Even now his hands itched to wind themselves in her hair as he pulled her body to rest against his own. He swallowed. The sound seemed to echo in the quiet room as he waited for her next move. Avalyn stepped closer.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is…” Her voice was a whisper of silk, low and sensual. It washed over him. She trailed the tips of two fingers from his clavicle to his chest, where she spread her palm over his heart. He lowered his lids to half-mast as arousal began to weave its wicked spell. “I’m done with that.” She leaned in closer; her body rubbed against his, burning him through the material of his clothing as she went on her tiptoes. Full lips brushed grazed his Adam’s apple, and he gasped when her tongue darted out to flicker over his pulse point.

“Tasty. I knew you would be.” Her breath was warm as it swirled over the wet path she’d created moments before, making it tingle. His head spun. How had he gone from aggressor to this? His cock hardened and strained against the zipper of his jeans. He was about three seconds from taking her on his desk.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I want.”

Her husky voice made his eyebrows shoot up toward the ceiling. Had she just read his mind?

“No, I read your eyes. I want every ounce of the lust I see in those pretty green orbs, Colton. I’ve been celibate a long time. I’m ready to be filled, ridden, and wrung out to dry. Do you think you can do that?”

Was she serious?

“Don’t worry, this isn’t a trap. You’ll find I say what I mean.”

A trail of goose bumps broke out over his body as she rocked her hips into his and nipped at his bottom lip. He groaned. Shouldn’t they talk? She issued another sharp bite. The soothing feel of her slippery tongue knocked all rational thought from his mind.

Fuck it.

He bent over to grab her thighs, and she wrapped her slender legs around his waist. Her nails scrapped across his scalp, and he grunted when she gave a light tug on his hair. “Damn, your hair is softer than I imagined it would be. It’s like red satin.”

“Isn’t that supposed to be my line?” he asked.

She laughed, a raspy sound that made his stomach quiver. “Oh, I’m an equal opportunity kind of girl.”

“God, you’re sexy.”

“Mhmm, the feeling is mutual.”

She nipped at his neck, and her nails dug into his shoulders. He hissed. The pleasurable pain made the tip of his dick harden further and leak. Damn, she’d made him wet!

“Are you trying to mark me, woman?”

“I like everyone to know when something’s mine.” She rotated her hips and purred low in her throat.

“Is that what I am?”

“Oh, yes, I think that’s what you’ve from the moment we first met.”

He opened his mouth to protest, but the rotation of her hips strangled his words in a choke hold.

“Don’t worry, Coly, the possession works both ways.”

The whispered words made something inside him snap. The need to claim what was his goaded him into action. He spun them around, bent over, and swiped the desk with his right arm. Paperwork, pens, and folders flew through the air, landing helter-skelter around the room. He placed Avalyn’s body onto the desk with a soft thud. A mewl left her lips, and she arched her back. It was obvious she enjoyed the roughness. Her eyes opened. A sinful spark smoldered in her fathomless eyes.

“Don’t worry, I won’t break.”

He placed his forearms on either side of her head and leaned down to taste her lips. She was like a shot of espresso, sweet and exhilarating. He tilted his head to deepen their lip-lock. Their tongues wrestled for dominance. The back and forth power play had him more turned on than he’d ever been in his life. He’d never imagined things could be this way. They came apart to suck down air, and she pushed against his chest.

“Naked, now.”

Her commanding tone made him growl. The rumble echoed in his chest. He stood and began to unbutton his flannel shirt as she shed her tank top. He pulled the flannel off and ripped the white T-shirt underneath it. Her breasts were firm and high with large, milk chocolate-colored nipples that called him in like a homing beacon. Unable to resist their siren’s call, he walked over to the desk, pulled her to the edge, and feasted. He sucked a hard pebble into his mouth and massaged the other. She arched her back like a cat, and he knew he’d hit an erroneous zone. She roamed his body with her, scorching his skin as she explored

Sharp nails sunk into his flesh, and he bit down on her nipple. She released a squeal that made his chest swell with pride. He wanted to please this woman more than he’d ever wanted to do anything else. He pulled back a few minutes later, eager to taste more of her skin. She was a fire in his blood, in his very veins. He could only extinguish the flames by having every part of her. He kissed his way down her firm stomach and paused at the button of her jeans.

“Oh, don’t stop now. It’s just getting good.”

Shyla Colt lives in southern California with her marine husband and two tiny tots. When she's not teaching Abc's , running errands , or headed to the park she writes full time and works a job in the publishing industry. As you can tell, she thinks sleep is over rated. Her goal is to bring you erotic romance full of characters that feel real, plots that make you, think and happily ever after endings that show you the true power of love.

You can find her at:
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Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)