Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Jedi Mind Trick

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, The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand, a science-fiction/fantasy romance serial. Book 1 in the Ivory Road Serial. This new story will be released on this Monday, February 23, 2015.Woot!

In this snippet, Iliana, a Hollywood actress, finds herself somewhere she doesn't expect. And now she has company. She doesn't know how she got there or where there is, but she just wants time to figure everything out. Unfortunately, the company has other plans, and the wrong name.

Crowe paused, cocking his head and Iliana froze. He scanned the space where she’d been crouching with a sharp look.

Please don’t see me. Please don’t see me.

She resisted the urge to close her eyes as she hunkered down under a ground palm. God, I hope there are no scorpions using this as a home. The man named Crowe crouched and met her eyes, a frown creasing his brows.

“Kyra? Is that you?”

Iliana supposed it was too late to do the Jedi mind trick—this is not the woman you’re looking for—but she definitely didn’t own the name he called. She shook her head and he grimaced.

“Please, Kyra, we need your help. My colleagues won’t do you harm.”

Busted! ;) 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 for The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand:

The adventure of Ivory’s lifetime might just be the death of her…

When it comes to make believe, A-list actress Ivory is a professional. But when a desert hike takes her across a dimensional rift, her real-life self, Iliana Rory, must separate fantasy from reality. The man she swears is the costar in her next movie might share the same surname and appearance, but there are no sets in this Mr. Crowe’s world, no props, and no director to yell “cut” before blood is spilled.

With a fortune in stolen treasure and the forces of the Knalish army hot on their trail, Brandon Crowe and his partner, Ahmad, must cross a desert neither of them knows well. Mistaken for their guide, Iliana seizes any chance to stay ahead of the army and survive in this new world.

Adventure straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster might be on Iliana’s bucket-list, but she never dreamed there’d be the real possibility of death when the end credits roll. A Walk in the Sand is the first story in the four part serial recounting Iliana’s journey along the Ivory Road.

Mid Week Tease - A Walk in the Sand - Playing Games

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 upcoming release A Walk in the Sand, an action/adventure sci-fi/fantasy with romantic elements, and Book 1 in the The Ivory Road serial. Iliana Rory is just trying to have a vacation from her life as a Hollywood actress. She never intended on having to deal with her upcoming costar or stepping in to alternate universes. This is into the second chapter, to read a snippet earlier in the tale, click HERE.

“You're not going to stop playing, are you, Mr. Crowe?” Iliana shook her head. “Fine. Play your little game, but I’m done. I don't need this and I'm outta here.” She swung onto the gray horse and settled her weight in the stirrup-less saddle. She turned the animal’s head toward a gap in the trees and urged the horse into a trot.

“By all the Gods!” he shouted in frustration at her back.

“I told you women were faithless.”

Ahmad’s voice made her fury burn brighter, but she’d dealt with trolls in Hollywood. This guy was only a run-of-the-mill heckler. The gray horse lengthened its strides as they passed the edge of the oasis, and she did her best to ignore the corpse, still lying in the glaring sun. If it really is a dead body and not a dummy.

She stopped the horse and tried to decide which way to go. All directions looked pretty much the same. Well done, now you’re out here alone with no idea which direction is west. At least she now had a horse. Iliana glanced down to the sand below to try to determine which way their shadow pointed. She frowned. Had she gotten here in the morning or afternoon?

“I don’t think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”

 She froze and looked around. No one stood near her. She sat alone on the horse.

The horse huffed an indignant sigh and turned his head to eye her.

Iliana swallowed hard. “Did you say something?”

“Yes, I said, I don't think he’s accustomed to being spoken to like that.”

The voice echoed in her ears, but the horse’s lips had remained still. That’s it. I’ve gotten sunstroke. “I’m going crazy.”

“That remains to be seen, but we’re still having this conversation anyway.” The gray snorted and tossed his head.

“Is this some sort of cosmic joke? Horses can’t talk.” She snapped her mouth shut and shook her head. “And now I’m arguing with an animal.”

 “Only because you can’t seem to accept I can speak, and well enough for you to understand, young lady.”

Iliana scrubbed her hands over her face. “No, no, no. This isn’t possible. There is no magic in the world except what Hollywood conjures. I must be dreaming this. I’m on a solo hike in New Mexico, minding my own business. This is just a dream from sun-stroke…” She glanced around uncertainly. “Except the sand is golden and Taggart Crowe has shown up.”

“The man you left behind is named Brandon Crowe and you’re in the Karobis Desert, which is in the country of Knalland.” The horse stretched a leg forward and rubbed the side of his muzzle against his knee. “The continent on which this desert stretches is called Absentia.”

A Walk in the Sand comes out February 23, 2015.

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

Snippet Sunday - A Walk in the Sand - Company Incoming and **COVER REVEAL**

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, The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand, a science-fiction/fantasy romance serial. Book 1 in the Ivory Road Serial. This new story will be released on Monday, February 23, 2015.

In this snippet, Iliana, a Hollywood actress, finds herself somewhere she doesn't expect. She's supposed to be hiking across the White Sands National Monument. The problem is the sand is golden now, her sunglasses are missing, and there are a whole lot more people than she expected to see in her neck of the dunes.

A low rumble across the sandy wastes caught her attention. She squinted against the glare and focused on a growing plume of dust. People on horseback raced toward her over the dunes, dressed in the same clothing style as her own costume. They whipped their horses into a full gallop even though it was the hottest part of the day.

“Oh, shit.”

None of the riders looked particularly friendly and their path would take them right over the top of her. Unless she got out of the way. There’s an idea.

Iliana spun and tripped over something at her feet. She landed hard in an undignified heap next to the large object on the ground. She scanned the yielding lump and her stomach sank. A body lay staring at the sky, the face still covered in black silk.

“Oh, my God!”

I don't think she's in New Mexico anymore. ;) 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.

**COVER REVEAL**

Here's the tentative blurb for The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand:

When it comes to finding love, Ivory is out of this world…

Iliana Vanessa Rory was just trying to find some peace before she had to start her next filming project. As one of Hollywood’s A-listed actors, Ivory doesn’t get much alone time. But when she steps across a dimensional boundary, she gets far more company than she intended in the form of a guy she swears is her upcoming costar, Mr. Crowe.

Turns out Brandon Crowe isn’t who she thinks he is, but on that they’re even. He needs her to show him the way across the desert and he’s a whole lot of trouble. Between an advancing army, ruthless creditors, and betrayal of trust, Brandon might be more than Iliana can handle. Fortunately, she has a talking horse to keep her company. But really, she just wants to make it to Australia to start filming on Monday.

A Walk in the Sand is the first story in a four part serial of Iliana’s journey.

Mid Week Tease - A Centaur's Solstice Wish - Stranger in a Familiar Land

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 upcoming release A Centaur's Solstice Wish, a sweet M/M fantasy romance, and Book 2 in the Rifts series. The book will be out on Jan. 26, 2015! Sedgewick is in the infirmary on Christmas Eve and Bethany, from Take the Reins, is singing.

Sedgewick rolled to his hooves and rearranged the sling holding his left arm. The shoulder still ached like he'd been stabbed, but at least standing up and walking no longer hurt. He stretched gingerly, extending each hind leg then each foreleg before walking into the community hall. Mare Bethany McMacken, the Master Healer of the Cedarfell herd moved from window to window, stringing garlands of pine boughs. She tied them to each post with red ribbons, singing more about snow and holidays.

Sedgewick stopped and watched her progress, his heart swelling with both joy and sorrow at her singing. She'd found her mate, her love, and her calling despite the disadvantage of being human. Until she'd come through the rift in the dryad lands, he'd never seen a human and always thought them fictional creatures. But she'd not only proved real, she managed to become one of their best healers and a valued member of the herd in spite of her strangeness.

He envied her. I'm still strange even though I'm a centaur.

He wanted to find his mate, his love, and his purpose, but he couldn't seem to make anything work. He made a lousy warrior, had very little skill at weapon maintenance, and the one person he loved appeared well beyond his reach. So far out he may as well be in a different world. But therein lay the problem. While he hadn't made any overtures toward anyone, he'd never found any mares who caught his eye. A mare would be far easier.

He leaned against the windowsill with his good arm and stared out at the wintery night and the softly falling snow. The other members of the original cohort were out there on patrol, shivering their tails off. He liked mares, thought of them as good friends and members of the community, but none of them had ever made him burn with need.

Not like Ronin.

Corporal Ronin Creekjumper with his dark skin, fierce blue eyes, and his dark auburn hair worn long in a thick braid down his back. Sedgewick shivered. The man epitomized beauty with broad shoulders framing a heavily-muscled hairy chest and belly. Sedgewick had often fantasized about Ronin while bathing or tending his herb garden, often getting lost in the daydream to the detriment of his time management. He'd tried to emulate the corporal with his easy strength and agility, but he possessed no soldiering skills, hence why he'd dislocated his shoulder when stringing a bow.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. If you want to read more from other authors, click the link and enjoy...
My list got screwed up to so to find the other blogs today, stop by Sandra Bunino's blog for the full list.

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Dragons, Werewolves, Vampires, oh my.

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 and will be out December 10, 2014. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Bethany finds herself talking to the head honcho in the centaur village. He lets her know there might be more to this world than she previously thought. She's the first one to speak.

"What do you call the places on either side of the portal?"

"Worlds."

Bethany shook her head. "Of course."

"If you know of these dimensions and portals, why did you step through one and not stay in your own world?"

"Because in my world they're fiction." Bethany threw her hands out from her sides. "They only exist in the imaginations of science fiction authors and storytellers. Hell, all y'all are straight out of a fairytale. Next you're gonna tell me there are gryphons and goblins I should watch out for."

The centaur shook his head. "The gryphons died out long ago and the goblins keep to themselves in their own kingdom."

"Right. Of course. What about dragons, werewolves, or vampires? Am I gonna find some o' them?" Might as well go for broke.

"No. The dragons chose to stay in the human world according to legend. And vampires are a human based species. Surely you've met a few?"

Bethany barked a laugh. "Not even close. They don't exist." She shook her head again. "Like you."

"I exist, I assure you."

Bethany resisted the temptation to poke him in his chestnut side just to make sure. "That's what I said to your captain when he claimed I was a myth."

Sounds like she's getting an education in this side of the Rift. ;) 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 December 10, 2014:

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…

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Hogtied and Carried

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, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense and will be out December 10, 2014. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, Bethany is dealing with an overbearing centaur who's pretty sure she's mythical. Bethany agrees. She has no idea where she is, but she gets up close and personal with a Greek myth, whether she likes it or not.

“You will come with me or you will be hogtied and carried.”

“Not today.” She reached out and twisted one of his nipples like she’d done to her older brother as kids.

He yelped and released her. Bethany scrambled out of reach and bolted for the trees. She’d never outrun him, but she bet dollars to doughnuts they couldn’t climb. Yay for being related to apes! She dodged the bigger bodies, and shot for the nearest Maple looking trunk. Leaping for the lowest branch, she prayed her grip would hold and no one caught her ankles.

Shouts and hoof beats clattered after her as her hands hit the wood and she dragged herself up into the leafy canopy. She’d hit the second set of branches when an angry squeal made her turn and her gaze fixed on the wicked barb of a notched arrow.

“You will get down now."

"No." Bethany shook her head.

"You will come down or I will shoot you down. Any questions?”

Bethany swallowed bile. “Not at the moment, no.”

Bethany's no fool. She knows about compound bows. ;) 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 December 10, 2014:

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…

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Twilight Zone

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, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense and will be out December 10, 2014. You can read last week's snippet HERE.

In this snippet, the Senator Stanton's daughter Bethany is missing. Bethany agrees. She has no idea where she is, but she gets up close and personal with a Greek myth, whether she likes it or not.

The centaur’s scowl only deepened. He bent at what would be a human waist, leaning on his spear and stuck his nose no more than six inches from hers.

“What are you?”

Bethany gaped at the bearded face before her. She hadn’t expected his voice to be so musical or smooth when coupled with such a harsh visage. “I…”

“What are you? Druid? Gorgon?”

Bethany drew back. “Wait, what? No, I’m human.”

Deep brown eyes scanned her face, the scowl never leaving his features. “Humans are a myth.”

The words were so absurd, Bethany laughed. “I’ve stepped into the Twilight Zone.”

He snorted just like a horse would and straightened. “I do not know what that is or what you are, but you should not be here. Get up.”

Bethany scrambled to her feet and glanced over the centaur’s—shoulder? Back?―toward the maple, hoping to find Killian unharmed. If she could just get to him she might be able to get away. But while four-legged creatures filled the archaeological site, none of them sported a “simple” horse head.

Jeez, it’s like the leftovers from The Godfather.

Sounds like the senator is playin' fast and loose with his daughter's life. ;) 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 December 10, 2014:

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…

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Snippet Sunday - Take the Reins - Multiple Worlds

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, a fantasy adventure with romantic elements. This story is connected to my SEALs romantic suspense and should be out later this month.

In this snippet, the Senator Stanton's daughter Bethany is missing. Bethany is the younger sister to CPO Kevin Stanton of Beta Squad, my SEALs team. Senator Stanton has asked a special group in the Army to take on this mission and Major McMacken has basically told him he's not interested and walked out.

"We can't." Coolidge glanced around to be sure no one else overheard. Mack damn near rollled his eyes at the man's furtive motions. "Please come back into the office. I'll explain everything."

"No, Mr. Coolidge. That won't be necessary. We're done here."

"Please, Major, I beg you. Bethany isn't here... in this world."

Mack raised eyebrows. "We got multiple worlds now, Mr. Coolidge?"

Again, the smarmy man glanced around. "Come back to the office."

Despite Mack's better judgment, his curiosity prodded him to follow the wealthy weasel back to Stanton's office. Coolidge knocked and Stanton let him in, a satisfied smile curling his thin lips.

"I see you've come to your senses, Major."

"No, sir, I've come for explanations. If there really isn't one, then I'll be on my way. See, just like you, I have places to be and people to kill."

The senator gave him a flat look. "I've killed no one in my career, Major."

"That remains to be seen, Senator. You did say your daughter's missing and you won't give me the necessary information to find her. I'm thinkin' that's signing her death warrant."

Sounds like the senator is playin' fast and loose with his daughter's life. ;) 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.

Thanks for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Snippet Sunday - Cloudburst Ice Magic - Careful What You Wish For

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 Cloudburst novella, Cloudburst Ice Magic, a paranormal romance sequel to Christmas I.C.E. Magic in the Happy Holidays from the Crescent Moon Lodge Anthology. Cloudburst Ice Magic releases on Monday, August 11, 2014. Tomorrow! You can catch the first snippet HERE and an exclusive excerpt HERE.

In this snippet, Lily Sinclair has a new job as Search and Rescue at the Cloudburst Resort and she and her partner Randy are stuck out in an ice shelter. The blizzard has socked them in and no help is coming. Everyone has gone to bed and she's keeping watch over the stove, lighting it periodically to keep heat in the shelter.

God, Zach, please get the text. She closed her eyes and imagined him standing in his ice cave wearing nothing but a grin in his natural form. His beauty never failed to excite her and a fierce yearning to see him again burned through her chest. I miss you and love you.

The truth came hard. She sat in an ice shelter hoping nothing crashed down on them and she finally admitted she loved him.

Way to go, Lil. He’s not here to tell, is he? Her brother’s voice mocked her gently. She wished her phone had juice so she could text Zach. Classy. Say it in a text.

“Fine.” Her whisper barely disturbed Randy’s snores. “Then send Zach to me out here in the Rockies and I’ll tell him in person.”

Careful what you wish for, Lil.

She snorted. “As long as we’re wishing, I’d like Zach to move to Colorado and be my permanent partner in everything, including SAR.” Hell, she’d settle for just seeing him again.

What's that saying, Spit in one hand, and wishes in the other... ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Charley Descoteaux, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

If you're interested in more from Cloudburst Ice Magic, here's the blurb:

Avalanches may bring down more than snow…

Working for the Search and Rescue team at the Cloudburst Resort in Colorado, Lily Sinclair figures she’ll do all the rescuing from now on. When hikers are caught in a spring blizzard, Lily and her partner head into the storm. Cut off from communication and facing deadly conditions, Lily fears she’ll never see her Ice Demon lover before death claims them.

Zach Snow encouraged Lily move to Cloudburst to grow and learn, but missed her every day of their months apart. His plans of moving to Colorado get pushed up when he receives her text explaining her situation, and saying goodbye. He must negotiate with the local Ice Demon clan to work in their territory to rescue Lily and the hikers before the Spring Fling blizzard kills them. But he’s running out of time.

Between the amorous hiker hitting on Zach, Lily’s self-doubts, and an avalanche bearing down on them, Zach and Lily must rediscover the love they first kindled in a Christmas ice cave, and create their own Cloudburst ice magic.

Cloudburst Ice Magic will be available at Amazon, All Romance, and Smashwords on August 11th 2014.

Cover Reveal! The Breakup Artist by Nichole Severn

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

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

Here's the blurb:

Demi Shepherd is going to jail.

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

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

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

About Nichole

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

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

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

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

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

#BookHooks - Bronco's Rough Ride - Daddy Issues

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a new year of Wednesday Book Hooks hosted by MFRW Blog.

Readers: you get to sample some fantastic snippets! We’ll do our best to hook you into the depths of our books.

My Book hook is from my upcoming release Bronco's Rough Ride, the prequel to The Navy's Ghost. Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews is just trying to get from Virginia to California to resume his duty as a Navy SEAL for Team 9, Bravo Squad. But someone slips drugs into his drink and he winds up tied to a slab in a cell somewhere. Detective Lindsey Jarvis is undercover as the Black Widow of Vegas in Madame LeBeau's reverse sex ring and she'll be damned before she loses Bronco.

Lindsey Jarvis let her gaze rest on the monitors of the bound man and forced her expression to remain serene. Outrage burned through her veins at the treatment of men in general, but specifically this serviceman from one of the armed forces. The bitch must have slipped him a real Mickey to bring him down. Even in modern day 2004, sometimes the oldest tricks worked best for manipulation of the strong.

“I want him. He reminds me of my father.” Thank God the man looked nothing like her father. Let the creepy madam think she had daddy issues. “But he’s much better built than the old man and I’d like to see how muscles like that feel.”

Bronco's Rough Ride will be available everywhere on March 21, 2014!

BLURB:

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

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

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

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

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Snippet Sunday - Bronco's Rough Ride - Bound and Silent

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

Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews is stuck in a cell somewhere in Vegas and he can't move his body at all. Two women come into the cell and are talking over him like he's a product. The older-looking of the two is trying to get the financial sponsorship from the one named Aislynn.

Aislynn nodded. “And who is this?”

“This is one of our latest acquisitions.”

“Acquisitions?” She raised an elegant eyebrow. “You don’t appreciate the male of the species?”

“On the contrary. I highly appreciate them.” The older woman leaned close, the cloying scent of her perfume swamping John’s nose. “Especially when they’re docile and immobile. The best man is bound and silent, am I right?”

Oh, that woman is diabolical. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

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

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

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

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

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

The release date is March 21 and it will be available at Smashwords, Amazon, and All Romance eBooks. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Mid Week Tease - Bronco's Rough Ride - Securing the Product

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

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

My Mid Week Tease is from my upcoming release Bronco's Rough Ride, the prequel to The Navy's Ghost. Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews is just trying to get from Virginia to California to resume his duty as a Navy SEAL for Team 9, Bravo Squad. But someone slips drugs into his drink and he winds up tied to a slab in a cell somewhere. Detective Lindsey Jarvis is undercover as the Black Widow of Vegas in Madame LeBeau's reverse sex ring and she'll be damned before she loses Bronco.

“Are you sure you wish that one? So few have been interested in him because he’s short and hairy.” Madame LeBeau grimaced as she scanned the man’s docile body. “We thought of shaving him, but there is just so much of it.”

Lindsey Jarvis let her gaze rest on the monitors of the bound man and forced her expression to remain serene. Outrage burned through her veins at the treatment of men in general, but specifically this serviceman from one of the armed forces. The bitch must have slipped him a real Mickey to bring him down. Even in modern day 2004, sometimes the oldest tricks worked best for manipulation of the strong.

“I want him. He reminds me of my father.” Thank God the man looked nothing like her father. Let the creepy madam think she had daddy issues. “But he’s much better built than the old man and I’d like to see how muscles like that feel.” That at least was true. Her last boyfriend had had the muscles of a marshmallow.

Of course, the last time she’d had a boyfriend was two years ago, when she’d first started this undercover assignment for the Las Vegas Metro PD. She currently played the part of the “not quite grieving” widow of a doctor who’d died under mysterious circumstances just to get into this room with Madame LeBeau. Two years of deep undercover work took its toll on real life relationships.

“What is his name?”

“You can give him whatever name you wish, Ms. Black. Our products are easily modified for your pleasure.”

God, the smile on LeBeau’s face soured Lindsey’s stomach. “Yes, well, it’s easier to keep his attention when you have a name. 

“Ah, I see.” Madame LeBeau gave her a faint, but knowing smile. “I think we can accommodate you.” She glanced down at her computer screen, clicking with the mouse. “His name is John.”

Bronco's Rough Ride will be available everywhere on March 21, 2014!

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Snippet Sunday - Bronco's Rough Ride - Beware Free Gifts

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

Chief Petty Officer John "Bronco" Andrews is on a PCS - Permanent Change of Station - to Coronado and stops in Vegas for one night of kicking back before he drives in the next day. He knows something's up with the slinky woman at the bar. He's the first one to speak.

“No, I’m here for the night.”

“Of course, he is.” The Asian woman purred as she leaned closer. “I can make your stay even better.”

Hooker alert. He eyed her lovely attributes swathed in demure gold silk and gave her his best non-committal smile.

“Well, honey, that’s a mighty fine offer, but I’m just a poor military boy, and your kind of company, while appreciated, might be a bit much for me.” His hand closed around the new glass of beer the bartender handed to him. He raised his eyebrows and she shrugged with a grimace.

“Sorry, old habits of pouring out the bottle.”

“It’s fine. It’s got a decent head on it.”

“I give great head.” The hooker winked as he drank his beer.

John laughed. “I bet you do, honey. But I still think you should find someone who’d truly appreciate your talents.”

She cozied up to him with a knowing smirk. “I bet I could make you appreciate it. Come on. On the house.”

That was his first clue something had shifted toward FUBAR. The scents of the beer and her bubblegum perfume overwhelmed his nose and his head swam as if he’d downed a fifth of tequila. She pulled him toward her as he swayed, but he locked his spine and pushed away from the bar.

FUBAR is right. Nothing comes for free in Vegas. ;) There are several great authors on the Weekend Writing Warrior list and in the Snippet Sunday Facebook group. A few of my favorites are Anastasia Vitsky, SJ Maylee, Gem Sivad, Goran Zidar, Zee Monodee, Veronica Scott, and Karla Doyle.

If you're interested in more from Bronco's Rough Ride, here's the tentative blurb (cover reveal tomorrow!):

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

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

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

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

The release date is March 21 and it will be available at Smashwords, Amazon, and All Romance eBooks. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy reading. :)

Cover Reveal! Cup of Sugar by Karla Doyle

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for a very special event. My friend Karla Doyle, an erotic romance author who infuses her books with humor, has asked me to help show off her gorgeous new cover art for her upcoming release, Cup of Sugar.

This is the first book in her new Close to Home series and it's bound to be good. Karla's books will make you laugh, and remind you there are still great things in the world. :)

Here's the blurb:

After several failed relationships, Nia has one rule—don’t date neighbors. Simple, except the guy next door is single, handsome, and not inclined to close his blinds while naked. When her car dies, Conn takes “being neighborly” to a new level by offering a ride to her long-distance destination. Nia has resisted his looks and charm for months. Surely she can handle a few hours in his truck…

For months, Conn has blatantly put himself on display, hoping his pretty blonde neighbor would tire of secretly watching and come knock on his door for a cup of sugar—or more. No such luck—until an unusual opportunity arises. After a six-hour drive turns into a sweet-and-sexy weekend, Conn wants more than neighborly status with Nia. To get it, he must convince her to break the rule protecting her heart—by putting his on the line.

You can find Cup of Sugar on Goodreads and you can add it to your "want to read" shelf.
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And to keep up with Karla, you can find her here:
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EXCERPT

Well, look at that—Nia’s little Chevy, its lights on, but not running. Perfect timing.

Conn pulled into his side of the joined driveway and parked beside her car. For the eight months since she’d moved in next door, the twenty-four feet of asphalt separating their houses had been almost impassable. Whenever he got close to crossing the distance, something or somebody got in the way. A time-consuming sideline job he couldn’t afford to pass up. Phone calls from his family that he had to answer. His pissed-off ex-girlfriend dropping by to unleash her rage. Yeah, that last one had particularly sucked. 

The times he’d had the opportunity to speak to Nia, she’d blushed throughout their brief, casual conversations, bolting as soon as she had the chance. Polite, neighborly waving seemed to be her preferred method of communication. 

But he’d caught her looking his way. Many times. The pretty blonde’s ability to fry his circuits with her stolen glances had had Conn on high alert for months. Hell, he’d purposely put himself on display—doing all kinds of things—hoping she’d get tired of secretly watching and come knocking on his door. She never did.

He wasn’t one for making New Year’s resolutions, but this opportunity called for one. Tonight, he resolved that Nia wouldn’t get away so easily.

His steel-toed boots hit the snow-covered ground. Not much accumulation yet, but the forecast called for six inches before the calendar rolled over at midnight. He’d shovel it before it piled up, then again later, when it quit coming down. He’d do Nia’s side of the driveway too, as he did whenever she didn’t beat him to the job. She was a petite thing, but never shied away from property maintenance. Such as climbing a ladder to clean out the eaves troughs—which she’d done wearing cut-off jean shorts and a pale-pink, body-hugging tank top. Best day in all of August, that one.

He left the shopping bags in the back of his truck and cut between their vehicles. The groceries could wait a few. Spotlights mounted on Nia’s backyard pergola illuminated most of the driveway. She hadn’t started her engine, nor had she gotten out of the car. Intentionally avoiding him? If so, about time he found out why. 

He bent and peered through the window, giving a light rap on the glass as he did. “Hey, neighbor.”

Her muffled “hello” was as soft as Conn imagined her skin and hair would be—if she ever let him close enough to find out. Her gloved hands gripped the hell out of the steering wheel. The keys dangled from the ignition. Small clouds formed and dissipated as she breathed the cold air. She darted another glance at him, but didn’t move.

“Everything okay, Nia?”

Her shoulders slumped and a larger puff of fog left her lips. “My car won’t start.”

Chalk this one up as a late Christmas present from the universe. He motioned at the passenger door. She nodded in response, so he opened it, stuck his head and shoulders inside. “I’m at your service. I can jump you or give you a ride.”

She squeaked—actually squeaked—and the frost melted from her expression. Oh, she was still pink in the cheeks, the color just didn’t look cold-weather-induced. Maybe this New Year’s Eve wouldn’t completely suck after all.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep an eye out for Cup of Sugar. Happy reading. :)

Mid Week Tease - The Navy's Ghost - A Brand New Nickname

Welcome to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked for this week's Mid Week Tease hosted by Sandra Bunino.

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

My Mid Week Tease is from my upcoming release The Navy's Ghost. Ensign Christiana Brickman woke up in the hospital with a broken and torn leg. She's out of the SEALs, but she's always worried about her squad. Fortunately, the men are just as concerned with her.

“Did you catch them all, sir?” Crushing the terrorist cell would improve her mood.

“Yes. Bravo Squad went in at 1900 the day you returned to Coronado.” The lt. commander lost his smile, but fierce triumph glowed in his eyes. Hooyah, they’d gotten the bastards. She nodded her gratitude, but her gut clenched with loss. She’d been left behind already.

“Glad to hear it, sir. Would you pass on my congrats to the squad, sir?”

“Will do, Ensign.” A half-smile curled his lips. “They also took your nickname for the Squad.”

“My nickname, sir?” Chris blinked.

“Bravo Squad does it mo’betta?” He chuckled at her blank stare. “They shortened it to Beta Squad, because they’re second to none.”

Chris gaped at her CO. “Did I really say that, sir?”

“Yes, Ensign. Under the influence of morphine. I have multiple reports.” He raised an eyebrow. “You don’t remember?”

“No, sir.”

“They’ve adapted it out of honor and affection for you, Brickman.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

“They are all looking forward to seeing you.”

“Thank you, sir.” Chris didn’t really want them to see her like this.

They lapsed into silence again. What more was there to say? The squad had vanquished the terrorist cell and only she’d sustained injuries. At least as far as she knew.

“Was anyone else wounded in the latest op?”

“No, Ensign. The squad came through without a scratch this time.”

This time. Chris tried not to take it personally, but the phrase stuck in her mind.

The Navy's Ghost will be available on Smashwords, ARe, and Amazon on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013