Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Backup

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, 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.

Today I'm offering snippets from my new release A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series. Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve and Bethany, from Take the Reins, is talking to Sedgewick about friendship and backup.

"Hey, Sedgewick. How are you feeling tonight?"

Bethany stopped beside his window and gave him a warm smile.

"I'm feeling better tonight, Master Healer. Thank you."

"Oh, you can call me Bethany. It's Christmas Eve. No need to stand on ceremony tonight." She tilted her head with a small frown. "Are you having trouble sleeping? Is the pain bothering you?"

"No, Ma—Bethany." He grimaced at his slip. "I heard you singing."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it had been that loud. I just get into the spirit of the season and lose track of where I am." She shook her head. "I should remember to be quieter."

"No, no, it was beautiful. Peaceful and yet wistful. Are the songs from your home?"

"The Christmas tunes? Yes. Things we used to sing as kids. We'd go caroling from house to house when my mother—my dam was alive." The Master Healer smiled as she set a lit candle down on the windowsill. "It was damn cold, but the singing kept us warm and there was always hot cider or cocoa waiting for us when we got home."

"That sounds like a pleasant memory." He grimaced as his shoulder twinged. "Full of magic."

"It's a magical time of year."

Sedgewick snorted and shook his head. "Not magical, just harder. Colder. Darker."

"That's why we have candles and cheery fires, and after the solstice, the days get longer again." Bethany gave him an understanding smile. "But it can be a lonely time without loved ones." She sighed a little. "I miss my brother most of all."

Sedgewick heard the sorrow in her voice. "Has your brother returned to the Goddess?"

"What? Oh, no. At least, not that I've heard." She shook her head. "I just don't get to see him much, and now, not at all."

"Why is that, Master Healer?"

"He's a soldier, a fairly elite one, and he's always off saving the world. It's impossible to know if he'll be home for Christmas, and most of the time he's deployed somewhere exotic." She snorted with amusement. "The lucky jerk usually gets to go somewhere warm in the southern hemisphere.” But her smile fell away. “Unfortunately, he doesn't get to have fun there. He's a sniper." She paused. "Do you know what a sniper is?"

Sedgewick frowned and shook his head. "I'm not familiar with the term."

Bethany bit her bottom lip in thought. "He's really sneaky and quiet, and usually takes the enemy out by long range...bow shots. He's too far away for them to see him."

"That doesn't seem like an honorable way to fight."

Bethany nodded. "No, but it's a good way to keep his team safe and to facilitate rescue operations. He's their backup." She smiled a little. "Still, I send prayers up each year to keep him safe. I'm his backup."

Available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

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

**RELEASE DAY** - A Centaur's Solstice Wish

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the release of A Centaur's Solstice Wish, book 2 in the Rifts series. I'm so thrilled with the release of this tale because it came out of nowhere and insisted it be written. I don't normally write Christmas/Holiday tales, but Sedgewick and Ronin marched into my world and hung out until I could get their story down. Here's the blurb:

When making wishes on the Hunter’s star...

It will take more than wishes to improve Sedgewick Icetrotter’s Solstice. After being sent to the infirmary, again, for dislocating his shoulder while stringing his bow, he figures he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to impress the centaur he loves. Until Corporal Ronin Creekjumper brings in two injured centaurs suffering from unusual insect bites, and Sedgewick knows how to treat them.

Ronin can’t believe his good luck when Sedgewick saves his men. It also gives him a chance to do more than light candles for his injured friend. Ronin takes the chance and invites Sedgewick to spend the Solistice holiday together. Just the two of them.

And a pack of hungry dire wolves who’d like to put Sedgewick on the menu. Who says Solstice can’t be exciting?

A Centaur's Solstice Wish is available now at Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords
And should be on Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Books soon. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite for more:

Ronin had never been so glad to see his injured soldier in his life. Sedgewick Icetrotter constituted one of the worst soldiers he'd ever trained, but he'd shown determination and persistence despite his setbacks. When he'd dislocated his left shoulder trying to string a bow, Ronin had seen the defeat in the younger centaur's face along with the pain. Ronin's heart ached for him, but he'd kept his words to himself. No need to compound his shame.

Now Sedgewick stepped forward, arm in a sling, with more confidence Ronin than had ever seen him display, and some of his tension melted away. By the Goddess, let him be able to do this. Ronin rarely prayed, but he wanted the best for Sedgewick. The man had a gentleness and beauty Ronin had never seen in any other centaur, and some part of him wanted to preserve that. It would be ruined by fighting and war.

"What do we do, Sedgewick?" Bethany fixed her green-brown gaze on the buckskin stallion. "Do you know what caused the welts?"

"Yes, Master Bethany. They're called winter lace stars and they have a bad toxin that shuts down the organs if there are enough of them." Sedgewick ran his hands lightly over the welts on Navarro's arm and the man groaned. "We're going to have to make an antidotal salve and smooth it over each of them."

"Do you know what goes into the salve?"

"Yes. My granddam taught me." He grimaced and wouldn't meet Ronin's gaze. "The problem is I can't make it with only one arm."

 Ronin gripped Sedgewick's shoulder. "I'll help you. Just tell me what you need done and I can be your extra hands."

Both Bethany and Sedgewick gaped at Ronin for a moment. Hellfire, he'd surprised himself with the outburst, but he wouldn't go back on his offer. His men needed him and he'd do anything he could. And if you're really honest with yourself, you'd admit you want to spend a little time with Sedgewick.

Bethany was the first to recover. "Thank you, Corporal. That will be very helpful." She nodded to the injured men. "First, I'll need you to get these men stripped so we can see the extent of the damage."

Ronin stuffed his disappointment behind a sharp nod. "Will do."

"Good. Sedgewick, please show me what you need and let's get started."

While Ronin helped the other soldiers to undress Navarro and Colver, he kept Sedgewick in sight as the buckskin directed Bethany in a soft but sure voice. The men moaned when they lifted their shirts and armor, and he cringed in sympathy. Great, swollen welts spread across their backs from skull to tail, disfiguring them in red sores.

Medicinal scents accompanied the grind of a pestle against a mortar bowl, and Ronin turned just as Bethany called for him.

"Can you please grind this while I prepare the salve base, Corporal?"

"Yes, of course, Master Healer."

Ronin took the pestle as the human woman gave him a friendly smile and he tried to smile back, but Sedgewick's presence beside him made it difficult. Oh, for the love of Epona, I should be able to do one simple task. He bent to it, putting his strength and focus into the action of grinding the medicinal herbs. He almost jumped when someone laid a hand on his forearm.

"Firmly, but gently, Corporal. Marble isn't as good as the herbs for healing." Sedgewick's voice held amusement as well as warmth.

Heat blossomed across Ronin's cheeks and chest. "Forgive me, Sedgewick. My concern is with my men."

Sedgewick lost his smile and nodded, releasing Ronin. "Of course, Corporal. But if you grind them too much, they lose potency." Sedgewick nodded to the mortar. "I think they're ready. Bring them to the fire, please."

Ronin regretted his words immediately and cursed himself for a nervous fool, but dutifully followed the buckskin soldier and swept the crushed herbs into a pot of boiling water. Sedgewick nodded and stirred them with a soothing rhythm, his good arm flexing in ways that set Ronin's heart galloping. Sweet Goddess, what I'd give to feel his arms around me.

Ronin mentally balked at the uncharacteristically tender thoughts and shook his head. "Must you keep stirring?" The question came out harsh, but Sedgewick smiled.

"Yes. It's necessary to boil them down to their essences." He shrugged. "Long work, but worth the effort."

He stood beside Sedgewick, watching him stir the pot of herbs in a companionable silence. His motions added a level of comfort to Ronin's world, an unusual sensation, and one he'd sorely missed. It reminded him of times spent with his dam while just a wee colt, when she'd ruffled his hair and told him he'd someday find a mare of his own to stable.

Ronin mentally shook his head. Despite his mother's prediction, he'd never been interested in mares or mating. His focus had been on the military life with his brothers-in-arms. He'd striven to be the best soldier and leader to those who depended on him. It had been all he needed.

Until now.

A Centaur’s Solstice Wish

Copyright © 2015 Siobhan Muir

All Rights Reserved

In case you're wondering, this is a sweet male/male fantasy romance, fantasy because it involves centaurs. Can't get more fantasy than that, although they'd argue we're the mythical beasts. If you're looking for male/female romance, the first book in this series, Take the Reins, is on sale this week for only a dollar at Smashwords (Code: XE38G) and All Romance eBooks.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

Mid Week Tease - Take the Reins - COUOs

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year, literally, 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.

Today I'm offering snippets from my new release Take the Reins, a fantasy romance, and Book 1 in the Rifts series. Bethany Stanton is missing and her father is bringing in a special branch of the Army to find her. Major McMacken has accepted the job, but now he has to determine what he has to look forward to.

Mack leaned over the maps on the grand oak table in the library with First Sergeant Circe Bryant and scowled. They had to be close to two hundred years old with scrolling along the edges and calligraphy naming the different landmarks on the estate. Ornate drawings filled the compass rose and the corners of the maps, depicting the wind directions.

“This is the most recent map you have of the estate?”

“Yes. They haven’t needed to be updated because the estate hasn’t changed that much.” Coolidge pointed to what looked like a miniature compass rose in the middle of the map. “That’s the site where the strange energy signatures come from. Nothing electronic works near there now.”

“Now?” Bryant raised an elegant eyebrow. “Has that changed?”

Coolidge nodded. “The place has been a ruin. No one thought much about it until a Stealth pilot picked up some weird readings while doing a routine training run. We managed to shut down the scuttlebutt, but as soon as we could, we had folks out here to investigate.”

“But you didn’t tell Ms. Stanton.” Mack couldn’t hold back his derision.

“No, Major. Like I said, everyone avoided the place. There was no reason to tell anyone about it until we knew more.”

“I’m thinking you’re regretting that line of thought right about now.” Bryant shook her head as she dragged her finger over the map. “How are you planning on going in, Major? Do you think we’re going to be facing COUOs out there?”

“Coo-ohs?” Coolidge wrinkled his forehead, not the most attractive expression on a man with a large one.

“Creatures of Unusual Origins.” Mack fixed Coolidge with a hard stare. “Will we?”

Coolidge swallowed hard. “There’s an acronym for that?”

“Yep.” Bryant clenched her jaw and Mack suspected she bit her tongue to avoid saying more. She didn’t suffer fools. “So will we encounter anything odd out there?”

“No, Ms. Bryant. We haven’t seen anything.”

“It’s Staff Sergeant Bryant, and how often have you been out to the site?”

“My apologies, Sergeant.” Coolidge gave her a brief smile. “I’ve only been out there once.”

And this was the guy I’m supposed to drag with me on this mission?

Mack forced the growl out of his voice. “Where did your intel on this site come from?”

“From the grounds keepers. They haven’t reported anything unusual except their cell phones now won’t work out there.”

Mack shared a look with Bryant. “You verified we can’t get close with electronics?”

“Yes, sir. All our usual toys stopped being accurate within three hundred yards.”

Take the Reins, available everywhere now.

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Meeting the Lead Mare

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense out now. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Bethany is meeting the Lead Mare of the centaur village. It's not going so well, for either of them.

The female centaur stepped closer, a frown creasing her brow. While her face remained unlined, crow’s feet at the edges of her eyes marked her experience. A circlet of gold rested in her hair portraying her status as lead mare to the general’s harem.

“To what do I owe the dubious honor of your presence, human? Have I angered the general so much he sends me a mythical beast?”

The smooth, feminine voice dripped with sarcasm, and a matching scowl conveyed her disdain. Lordy, now I have a bitch of a woman to deal with, bless her heart.

Bethany gritted her teeth. “Trust me, Lead Mare, if the idiots outside would let me, I’d be gone in a heartbeat.”

Okay, not the most diplomatic, but certainly honest.

“Do you insult us, human?” Her nostrils flared and she rested her hand on a wicked dagger belted to her human waist.

Deep breath, you’re on her turf.

Diplomacy can be hard to come by. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors 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 Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to Take the Reins, available everywhere now:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Double Headed Infinity Snake

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense out now. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Mack has taken his team the the site on the senator's estate and they've found something interesting, something they've seen before.

“Yeah. Looks a lot like some of the midair rifts we found.” Bryant glanced at the flagging, a frown creasing her brow. “What I don’t get is why the readings are so much lower here.”

“I think it’s because it’s stable. Given the look of the place, I suspect this one has been here a long time.”

“That makes sense. Check this out.” Bryant led him through some of the underbrush to the southwest corner of the circular stone paving and pointed to a carving in the rock.

Mack crouched to get a closer look. “Is that the Aztec double headed infinity snake you saw carved in that pylon at the edge of Angel Falls in Venezuela?”

“Yes, sir. And in the Giant’s Graveyard on the Oregon coast.”

“How the hell did it get all the way out here in Kentucky?” He scanned the site again as he rose to his feet.

“Think someone from the west coast stepped through one there and came back out here, sir?”

Mack's stomach lurched. “Good question, Bryant. Here’s a couple more. If that’s the case, where do you go when you step through? Do they connect to each other or do they lead somewhere else entirely?”

The game is afoot! ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors 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 Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to Take the Reins, available everywhere now:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

Mid Week Tease - Take the Reins - Something Abnormal

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino. It will release on Friday this week!!

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.

Today I'm offering snippets from my new release Take the Reins, a fantasy romance, and Book 1 in the Rifts series. Bethany Stanton is missing and her father is bringing in a special branch of the Army to find her. Except he'll have to convince Major McMacken that it's really worth his time and his team.

Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken stood at parade rest while he stared at the man behind a large mahogany desk. “I’m sorry, sir. Can you repeat that?”

“I want you and your team to investigate the disappearance of my daughter, Bethany.” Senator James William Stanton of Kentucky met Mack’s gaze with utter conviction. His lackey, John Coolidge, stood to one side and nodded vigorously.

“Isn’t this a job for the FBI rather than the Army, sir?”

The senator didn’t quite sneer, but his lip twitched and his chin rose. “If I had any confidence in the FBI or their ability to tackle this problem, Major, I’d have called them. But the uniqueness of this event necessitates the use of a far more capable force.”

Mack digested the enigmatic statement and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his gut. As part of the Army’s Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit or SNAIFU, it was his job to investigate the weird events encountered by the military. And one damn letter off from SNAFU which is where we find ourselves most of the time.

“Are you saying there’s something abnormal going on with your daughter, Senator?”

“I wouldn’t say abnormal—”

“Yes.” Stanton didn’t flinch as he cut off his protégé’s hedging response.

Coolidge could be the poster child for Yes Men International. He reeked of smarmy charm and weaselly support. Mack kept his expression from curling into a scowl from sheer willpower.

“I see. Why do you think that, sir?”

Stanton opened his mouth to say more when someone knocked at the door and pushed it open.

“Excuse me, sir.” An older woman hesitated on the threshold, her expression troubled.

Senator Stanton glared at his secretary. “What is it, Rosalie? Can’t you see I’m in the middle of a debriefing?”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.” She held up a creamy note folded in half. “But it’s something I thought you needed to see immediately.”

Stanton gestured for the note impatiently, but turned his attention back to Mack. “Recent discoveries on my estate suggest there’s more going on than a simple case of Bethany running away. Originally, I thought she’d left the estate by conventional means, but my security guards had no record of her leaving by the front gate.” Stanton paused, nodded, and waved at the secretary. “Thank you, Rosalie. That will be all.”

“Yes, sir.” The secretary scurried out of the office and closed the door behind her. The senator didn’t even watch her leave.

“It’s been nearly three days, and since she didn’t run crying to any of her less appropriate friends, I assume something else has happened. It wasn’t until this morning I was informed she’d taken her horse as she is known to do when in a fit of distemper.” He glanced at his smarmy protégé. “She and John are to be married this year before the election and it’s vital she’s home in time.”

Damn, can this guy be any more of an asshole?

Take the Reins, available everywhere now.

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

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

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Domestic Solutions

Welcome to the Snippet Sunday on the Weird, the Wild, and the Wicked. Thank you so much for visiting. If you choose to comment today, I really appreciate it. The snippets are from my upcoming release, Take the Reins, Book 1 in the Rifts series, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense out now. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Bethany finds out what General Warrick wants her to do to earn her keep in the village

“I see.” Warrick crossed his arms over his chest and dropped his chin. “So you know military men, horses, and, being female, how to talk to other females, yes?”

Warning bells went off in the back of her head, but she nodded slowly. “Yes, I guess.”

“Let’s do this, you shall speak to my Lead Mare about her recent recalcitrance, and that of the other mares in my harem, and I shall allow you to live unfettered in the village with our people.”

“Wait, what?” Bethany gaped. “I don’t understand. I have to talk to whom about what?”

“My Lead Mare, Idrissa Plainsrunner, the mother of my son, and the most stubborn female ever to gallop across the grasslands.” Affection underlay his irritation. “She has been unhappy and I cannot find what it is to change this, so you shall do it for me.”

So the other shoe has dropped. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors 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 Sarah Wesson.

Here's the blurb to Take the Reins, available everywhere now:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…

Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Smashwords

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

**RELEASE DAY** Take the Reins, Fantasy Romance

Woohoo! Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for the release of Take the Reins, a fantasy romance. It's not as hot as my earlier titles, but it's packed full of adventure and action.

Here's the blurb:

Social change is normal for a senator’s daughter, but affecting gender politics in centaurs wasn’t on Bethany’s agenda.

All Bethany Stanton needed was time away to think. She never imagined a walk with her horse might lead her so far from home. When she steps through a rift between worlds at an old archaeological site, she realizes she has bigger problems than marriage to the man of her nightmares. Like a herd of centaurs with distressing views on gender equality and “mythical” humans.

As part of the Supernatural Anomalies Investigative Field Unit, Major Stephen “Mack” McMacken has seen and done more weird stuff than written in a science fiction novel. When called in to track down a U.S. Senator’s missing daughter, Mack figures it’s more a case of runaway rich girl than supernatural mystery. Until his team finds the portal and he’s nearly torched by a dying phoenix.

In a world ruled by mythical beasts, Mack and Bethany find themselves on trial for endangering the centaur village. With the only escape route they know gone, working together to establish their innocence might prove easier than avoiding seductive Sirens and ravenous native beasts.

And then there’s the not-so-simple matter of finding a way back home…

Right now, Take the Reins is available on Amazon, Smashwords and All Romance eBooks.
Coming soon to Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Books.

Excerpt:

The lilting notes of a flute pulled Bethany’s head up and she scanned the world around her. Something moved from the trees behind her and her jaw dropped as she stared, abashed. A satyr, a real benighted satyr skipped into the clearing before her, playing a reed pipe. Great curling horns of a Dall’s sheep sprouted from his head and a thick pelt of dark hair covered his legs as he danced. The music wove a haunting melody around her and some of her concerns faded into the background.

“Why so sad, dear lady?” He paused before her and offered her a coaxing smile. “Perhaps I can play your sorrows away.”

Bethany wondered if she’d been worrying too much. What were her problems, anyway? She couldn’t quite remember and the music in the satyr’s voice lulled away her stress. A thick, warm balm flooded over her and she sighed with relief. His smile broadened.

“Come with me. I shall grant you all that you desire.”

What did she desire, again? Peace, pleasure, and relaxation. She found herself nodding and leaned toward him, reaching for the hand he offered. The smile darkened with sensual promise.

Before she could touch his fingers, a loud report broke the silence and the satyr jerked his hand back with a snarl. Blood dripped from a ragged wound in his palm and his face warped into a nasty sneer with sharp teeth protruding through his lips. Bethany gasped and scrambled backwards behind the log, panic surging through her. The satyr bolted away into the trees with a bleating complaint.

Dear God, that sounded like a gun shot.

Bethany shook her head, trying to clear the fog drenching her thoughts. She searched the woods around her, her heart thudding in her throat. A voice told her she should run back toward the centaur camp, but given the satyr, running blind anywhere seemed just as stupid as sitting still. At least she’d see what came at her in the clearing.

Bethany waited and listened hard, letting her eyes unfocus to catch any movement from the forest. Nothing came to her senses. The satyr’s passage had faded into the distance and only the wind through the trees broke the tense silence.

Then the shrubs to her left stood up.

Bethany yelped and lurched to her feet, backing away from the odd creature. Bipedal and binocular, it towered over her by a good eight inches and wore all black. She scanned the body cataloging all the items she recognized.

Combat boots laced up to the shins. Black canvas cargo pants with millions of pockets. Batman-like utility belt with odd implements, including a gun holster complete with protruding pistol butt. A black vest resembling Kevlar covered the broad chest and black and brown face paint obscured the skin around piercing blue eyes the color of a Kentucky summer sky.

Those eyes took in her appearance with the same frank appraisal she’d offered then scanned the forest behind her. She swore the creature looked human, male, and from her own world as he stepped closer.

“Bethany Stanton?”

Bethany blinked. That sounds like American English.

“Yes?”

“I’m Major Stephen McMacken, US Army. I’m here to take you home.”

“What?”

The eyes snapped to her face. “Major Stephen McMacken, US Army.”

“Yeah, I got that part. What are you doing here?”

Frustration tightened the lips in the blackened face. “I’m here to rescue you.”

Bethany gaped. “Where did you come from? How did you get here?”

“We came from Kentucky. Your father sent us.”

“Us?”

“Do you think we could leave the twenty questions until after we get out of here?” The eyes flicked toward the trees again as a low rumble hit their ears. No doubt the centaurs had heard the gun shot clearly in the still morning air. While they weren’t close, sound carried easily across the grasslands and they’d soon have centaurian company.

Bethany stared at the tense man and tried to make up her mind. He said he’d come to take her home, but he’d also said her father had sent him. Guess it’s time to make my decision, like it or not. But she hesitated. How the hell had Major McMacken gotten here? Was the doorway between the worlds still open?

“Wait, how did you get here, exactly, Major? Is the rift still open?”

“I came through the archaeological site two nights ago.” He took a step toward her. “As far as I know it’s still open. So let’s get going before it closes, shall we?”

“That’s impossible. I have it on good authority it closed. Three weeks ago.”

“Don’t know what to tell you other than I came through two days ago and it’s time we get back home. So let’s go.”

Bethany sat on the log and crossed her arms over her chest. “I think you should relax a little. You said my father sent you?”

“Let’s go, Ms. Stanton. I’ll explain on the way.” The major reached for her, but she scooted out of reach.

“No.”

“What?” The blue gaze zeroed in on her.

“No, I’m not going back with you. Tell my father you didn’t find me or you found pieces of my body, I don’t really care. But at the moment, I’m not going back to Kentucky. And most likely, neither are you.”

“Dammit, Ms. Stanton, I don’t have time for this.”

Bethany snorted. “Honey, I suspect you have more time than you know. Looks like you’re stuck here like I am.”

Again, Take the Reins is available on, Amazon, Smashwords and All Romance eBooks. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

New Release - In the Blind by S.J. Maylee

Thank you so much for having me. I’m thrilled to be here talking about my new release, IN THE BLIND. It’s the first book in my new series, CLUB BLIND. The concept is simple and erotic. You won’t be able to see at Club Blind, but you’ll be able to feel, bringing you to new heights of pleasure. When the eyes are blind, it’s amazing what the heart can see.

Today, I’m sharing five things about IN THE BLIND.

1.     Rob, the hero is a much sought after Application Developer. He loves to dominate and he’s crushing on our heroine. He’s thought about her daily. Not only was she easy to talk to, but she has the most beautiful brown eyes, something his best friend hears about constantly.

2.     Jane, the heroine is struggling to lift her recruiting business to the next level. Rob, the guy she met a couple months ago will be perfect for the latest job opening she’s trying to fill and she hopes he’s right for her too. She’s been brave in her professional life and now she’s determined to go after the man she wants, but she can’t seem to find her way.

3.     Club Blind may be a new series, but its stories will interweave with my Love Projects series. In fact, this first book has many clues about my next Love Projects story.

4.     In the Blind is a story within a story. You’ll get to follow Rob and Jane on their path while they get a second chance to find the love their needs are craving.

5.     In the Blind is a hot read. It starts with our heroine having blind passionate sex and ends with … oh, I can’t tell you that, but it’s delicious.

There are a few things to get you acquainted with IN THE BLIND. I hope you get a chance to read it and that you love it like I do. Thank you so much for having me here today. I love talking about my stories.

In the Blind (Club Blind #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Genre: Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Published: October 15, 2014

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-77233-066-3

Goodreads

IN THE BLIND Blurb:

Jane thinks she’s ready to take the risks her business and love life desperately need. Rob’s still punishing himself for a broken relationship that wasn’t meant to last. When the pair let an opportunity pass them by, fate steps in and throws them back together.

An evening of pitch black unrestrained passion at Club Blind opens her eyes to life’s possibilities. Now, if they don’t fight past their personal demons, they might never truly discover what they need most. If they can open their hearts, it might lead them directly to each other where they can discover their truth. If not, they may forever stay in the blind.

Where you can find IN THE BLIND:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon | All Romance eBooks | BookStrand

IN THE BLIND Excerpt:

The door continued to open every few minutes. Finally, the woman in front of Jane was taken away. She could see nothing past the door besides black. Until the door closed, she continued gazing into the darkness. How would the loss of sight change the experience? Would she feel more? What would he feel like? Nerves shook through her limbs, and sweat tickled her palms.

The door opened, and she stood straight as a statue. This was crazy. She searched for pockets in her robe. When she found none, she swallowed back a curse.

The escort stopped in front of her. “Are you having second thoughts?” He shifted the goggles higher on his forehead.

“Maybe.”

“Would you like to step back and wait to go or ...” He stepped back and cracked the door open. “Sometimes it helps to hear the sounds of the other participants.”

She closed her eyes and took in the moans and let her mind drift to what her body would feel like to make her make those kinds of sounds.

“I don’t want to pressure you. Tell me what you want.”

“Thank you.” She opened her eyes and took a step towards him. The only way was forward. “I’m ready.”

“Good for you.” He reached out and took hold of her hand. “Come on, I’ll take you to the lucky one, for tonight.” He winked and tugged her forward.

Once the door closed behind them, Jane was surrounded by unending black. She looked around, but there was nothing, no end to the darkness. A nervous shiver danced along her spine, followed by thoughts of haunted houses. What would she find around the next corner? Her escort tugged her forward, bringing her back to the night's purpose.

She needed to remember why she was here. She needed to live in the moment. There was a good chance she was about to touch the man who would give her release.

They slowed, turned a corner, and after a couple more steps they stopped. She swallowed the lump in her throat when her escort placed her hand into another’s.

“Enjoy.” He squeezed her shoulder, and she sensed his presence leave the space.

A pull on her hand forced her feet forward a couple of steps. She stopped just as abruptly when she bumped into a hard chest—the man of the hour. This man would touch her soon, but he wasn’t yet. He was only holding her hand. Her breasts moved with her uneven breathing, and her nipples scraped against his chest.

Why wasn’t he touching her? Was he nervous, too, or having second thoughts? She reached up in curiosity to make sure he wasn’t wearing a pair of night-vision goggles, but only found soft hair. She followed the section of hair to above his shoulder and continued onto smooth skin and around his shoulder to his bicep thick with muscle. Her heart thumped, and her breath quickened as moisture covered her needy pussy.

She breathed deeply, taking in his delicious musky scent. Her hand wandered to his chest and found more of the same, firm skin rounding over firm muscles. A warm hand landed over hers and held her hand tight to his chest. A nose tickled her ear.

“Do you like?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

“I’d like to explore you now, okay?”

“Yes, please.”

She pushed out the breath she held and worked to breathe normally. His hand landed softly on her cheek, fingertips caressed her chin, and then up to her temple. The gentle touches raised a long sleeping yearning within her, and she leaned into his touch.

His thumb swept across her bottom lip. Curiosity wore away her reserve, and she let her tongue reach out and taste his fingers. One digit pushed into her mouth, and she sucked lightly, enjoying his clean taste.

The finger left her mouth, a second of waiting, and then his mouth crushed down on hers. His lips were firm and demanding, feeding her hunger. He ran his fingers through her hair, and then his warm wet tongue swept through her mouth. Back and forth, deep, then gentle, their tongues dueled. She explored more of him as her need to know him intimately soared.

His touch lingered around her shoulders and down her sides. When he found her ass, he kneaded the globes. The kiss ended as abruptly as it started, leaving her wanting.

She heard nothing but the driving rhythm of the music, each track feeding right into another. The current song enchanted her, and her hips swayed. No one could see her, so there was no reason for self-conscious thoughts. The brilliance of the club hit her with full force. It didn’t matter who she was or who he was. Tonight, they celebrated life and the pleasures they could bring their bodies. Everyone deserved pleasure. Even her.

S.J. MAYLEE Bio:

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook Page | Google+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

GIVEAWAY:

SJ’s giving away one $20 Amazon gift card and two swag packs (book covers, bookmark, pen, zipper pull, and handmade beaded keychain or purse charm with book cover charm). TO ENTER: answer the question on this blog post and then click on the rafflecopter. QUESTION: Many believe blindness can increase your other senses. What do you think it would be like to be in a pitch black club like Club Blind? a Rafflecopter giveaway