Month: February 2020

New in Paperback! Besotted by Madison Michael

Besotted

The Beguiling Bachelors, Book 4

By Madison Michael

♥♥♥GiveAway ♥♥♥

Madison is celebrating the paperback release of Besotted with one incredible giveaway. She is offering 16 books, that’s right 16 paperback books to 16 lucky readers! Readers out of the US will receive an ebook. Enter with the Rafflecopter below. You have a chance to enter everyday so be sure to follow along with us on the tour. You may find all the tour locations here http://bit.ly/2OSlZcl

About Besotted:
 
He Promised Forever, then Walked Away. Now he wants her back.
 
Tyler’s Winthrop, rich, handsome, elusive sees his moment to win Regan Howe slipping through his fingers. He has remained on the outskirts of Regan’s life since high school, reluctant to reveal his true past and expose her to danger. Despite their obvious attraction, Tyler has remained her friend and protector, keeping Regan at arm’s length for her own safety,
 
Regan Howe, won her coveted CEO position through hard work and a willingness to buck family tradition. Now, Brandon Hockney, a handsome US Senator with his eye on the White House, wants her to give it up, along with her home, friends and family for a move to DC and marriage to him.
 
Regan wants a family but is she prepared to leave all she loves, including the alluring Tyler Winthrop. Regan has waited twenty years for Tyler to commit. He once promised her forever, then he destroyed her trust and her hopes for a future together. Still, she cannot break the ties between them.
 
When Regan tests the waters with Brandon, Tyler is tapped as acting CEO, throwing the pair together, and forcing both to make a choice. Is this the end or their one last chance at love? Battling overwhelming odds and a racing clock, will Tyler be forced to release his one true love to find happiness with another man? How can he when he’s besotted?
 
As the danger mounts for Tyler,, can he wrestle free of his past and lure Regan away from her Senator? Join our handsome hero as he attempts to win back his love in this exciting and steamy page turner, the fourth of the sexy, contemporary Beguiling Bachelor romance series.

 Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Amazon Buy Link

 
Excerpt from Besotted:
Regan was just too damn alluring in that dress for him to accept that he couldn’t have her if he wanted her.
 
He was an idiot. He should have told her years ago. He should have told everyone. Despite the tongue- lashing he was silently giving himself, Tyler was certainly no fool. “The professor” to his friends, he was generally serious and professional. He had the smarts necessary to obtain both an MBA and a law degree, and he was now CEO of LHRE and on hiatus from one of the fastest growing tech companies in the country. He kept his cool in general, but again and again he behaved like an idiot around Regan.
 
Since that damn frog almost thirty years ago, he had loved no one but Regan. Sometimes they made it work together, like in high school, but most times not. His feelings were unchanged, but something always stopped him from declaring his love and asking her to do the same. This time it was something insurmountable.
 
And yet Tyler couldn’t stay away. He was the proverbial moth to the flame, flirting with disaster every time he flirted with her. He had promised to stay away, to keep her safe,but the attraction was undeniable. Yep, prize idiot.
 
Returning to the ballroom after the latest threats, Tyler briefly considered sharing the conversation, coming clean with Regan and perhaps moving their relationship forward. He was at a fork in the road but remained silent, Tyler knew he was on the wrong path but couldn’t summon the will to fix it. Not only were his problems unsolvable, but she was involved with Brandon. Tyler felt hopeless.
He was preoccupied just as Regan accused, but Tyler tried to give Regan the attention she deserved. He failed miserably until Regan suggested they just leave. That got his attention. Who knew when he would hold her in his arms again.
 
“Come dance with me again. It would be a crime to waste that dress.”
 
Encircling Regan in his arms, his body responded to her nearness, even as his mind worried over the earlier texts. He was unaware of his hand stroking her back, fingers lightly skimming over her bare skin. He wasn’t thinking clearly when he pulled her close or when he dropped kisses on her hair. He wasn’t paying attention, just acting on instinct, Regan was responding, her breath growing uneven, her hands clinging to his shoulders.
 

The Beguiling Bachelors Series are all available in Paperback now!

 

Bedazzled (Book 1):
Amazon Buy Link
Bedazzled is on Kindle Unlimited 


Beholden (Book 2)
Amazon Buy Link
Beholden is on Kindle Unlimited


Bedeviled (Book 3)
Amazon Buy Link
Bedeviled is now on Kindle Unlimited

About Madison Michael:
Madison Michael is an indie publisher, blogger and the author of the Beguiling Bachelor Series as well as the novella Desire & Dessert, from her sizzling B&B Billionaire Bachelor series.
 
A Chicago native and hopeless romantic, Maddy was raised on Chicago culture, fairy tales, great literature and swashbuckling movies. Maddy employs that history, writing steamy contemporary romance novels set against the sumptuous backdrop of Chicago’s elite society.
 
After receiving a BA in Journalism from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago, Madison abandoned her writing to find her way in the corporate business world. Daughter of a librarian, it was inevitable that she would return to the world of books.
 
Maddy writes from high above Chicago where she can stare at its gorgeous skyline or the shores of Lake Michigan surrounded by feline assistants. When she is not writing, Maddy can be found lost in a book, fighting for the rights of the mentally ill or dining on Chicago’s famous cuisine. Hot dogs and pizza, anyone?
.
Madison’s Social Links:
 

New Release! Vegas Babes: The Complete Series by Lisabet Sarai

Vegas Babes Boxed Set by Lisabet Sarai

Trust the ladies of Las Vegas to show you a good time.

About the Series

Meet the Vegas Babes—lusty ladies eager for new carnal adventures. Technically virginal Francesca celebrates her wedding eve with a scandalous performance at a Vegas strip club. Classy Ivy League grad Laura discovers her inner slut with the help of an entire Scottish rugby team. Red-headed Annie and her well-hung accountant hubby provide a sex-drenched Sin City education for their gorgeous coed neighbors. Pure, untouched Patricia wages a guerrilla campaign against kink but finds herself captive in a Dom’s web of desire.

Then there’s hot mama Chantal, elegant Domme Professor Inez, bossy MILF Giulia, voluptuous she-male Rosa, dirty little old lady Althea —you don’t have to be sweet young thing to be a babe! Venture into a world of exuberant sexual excess and open-minded romance, where no fantasy is too wild to explore and everyone gets a thrilling, sticky happy ending.

This boxed set collects the complete five book Vegas Babes series, and includes a lively introduction by Larry Archer, creator of The Fox’s Den.

Vegas Babes Complete Set by Lisabet Sarai

Hot Brides in Vegas

Never underestimate the power of a horny bride.

Francesca Torelli’s tycoon father is throwing a lavish Las Vegas wedding for his only child. Her fiancé Jake and his buddies set out to explore the fleshpots of Sin City. Meanwhile, Fran and her bridesmaids are stuck at the resort under the watchful eye of her stern Aunt Giulia. Frustrated, the young women hatch a plan to escape their chaperone and have some fun of their own at The Fox’s Den.

More Brides in Vegas

Tying the knot — with no strings attached!

Annie and Ted are getting married, and they’ve invited all their friends from The Fox’s Den Amateur Night to the party. Taking over a vintage eighties motel with a courtyard and pool for their private function, the bride and groom expect a certain amount of carnal excess. Still, nobody’s prepared for the sexual free-for-all that breaks loose. As the wedding guests act out their secret fantasies, they push the limits of both lust and love. Finally arriving at the altar, after an exhausting, arousing twenty four hours, Annie and Ted realize that tying the knot doesn’t have to mean tying themselves down.

Sin City Sweethearts

Welcome to Las Vegas—leave your inhibitions at the city limits.

Annie and Ted are typical newlyweds—just a bit more open-minded about sex than most couples. When a pair of gorgeous, innocent undergraduates moves in to the apartment downstairs, Ted and Annie decide to educate the sisters about the carnal delights of Sin City. Marcie and Maddy prove to be apt pupils, eager to indulge their voracious appetites with an ever-widening circle of intimate partners.

Valentine’s Visit: Four-way Friend Swap

Jake and Fran and Ted and Annie celebrate Valentine’s Day—Vegas style!

When Jake and Fran are invited to Las Vegas spend Valentine’s weekend with Jake’s old friend Ted and his curvaceous ginger-haired wife, they’re not sure what to expect. The last time they saw Ted and Annie, at the Vegas couple’s pre-wedding stag party, the four of them had ended up in bed together. But maybe that was just a fluke. There’s only one way to find out.

Babes in Bondage

It’s 9 PM in Vegas. Do you know your safe word?

When an anti-porn terrorist group shuts down the Sin City Fetish Fair, Larry Archer offers The Fox’s Den as an alternative venue. Plans for the Den’s first Kink Night quickly take shape.

Virginal Patricia Hastings leads the Anti-Porn Brigade in their fight against filth. She’s determined to destroy the anything-but-vanilla strip club – if only she can resist her own secret craving for surrender.

Buy Links

Kinky Literature:
https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/6569-vegas-babes-the-complete-series/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0852RXW6X

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0852RXW6X

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0852RXW6X

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0852RXW6X

Online Excerpt

https://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-babes-get-kinky-newrelease-giveaway.html

Vegas Babes Complete Set by Lisabet Sarai

Introduction

I Didn’t Plan It This Way

Conventional wisdom and statistics suggest that books in a series tend to sell better than standalone titles. This makes sense; once an author gets readers hooked on a fictional world or a set of characters, they’ll buy new series volumes because they want more of what they enjoyed before. You only have to convince a reader once, rather than woo them anew for every book.

Nevertheless, until recently, I haven’t had much success writing a series or even a sequel. I’ve tried. I’ve left some plot points unresolved. I’ve pondered my secondary characters. I’ve even outlined a series or two. I found I just couldn’t do it.

Somehow, when I’d finally typed “The End”, I felt that I didn’t have more to say. My characters had achieved their HEA, the conflicts had mostly been resolved, it was time to move on to something different.

Then, back in 2017, as something of a lark (and egged on by my colleague Larry Archer), I decided to try writing stroke erotica. I wrote Hot Brides in Vegas in record time (for me…). To my great surprise, almost as soon as the book came out, I had ideas for a sequel. The characters in Hot Brides wanted more time to play. Plus I had so enjoyed the no-holds-barred, over-the-top fun of writing the first book, I wanted to do it again. So I wrote a second volume of what I decided to call the“Vegas Babes” series, More Brides in Vegas. More Brides takes place about six months after Hot Brides. There’s an overlap in characters and setting with the first book. More important, it’s equally outrageous in its action—if not more so! That’s one problem with a series. You’ve got to maintain the intensity, to hold the reader’s attention. To be honest, I think I managed quite well in this regard.

Next came Vegas Babes 3, Sin City Sweethearts. The book follows the previous one in time and reprises some of the same characters (including some cameo appearances from Book 1). It’s longer than the first two (guess I had more ideas!), but it’s as wild, as hot and as funny.

Every time I thought I was done, the inspiration kept flowing. Wanting a release for Valentine’s Day, 2019, I wrote Vegas Babes 4, Valentine’s Visit, in less than two weeks. As appropriate for the holiday, it’s a bit more romantic than the previous volumes, but with both FF and MM scenes (as well as a four-way mènage) it might well be the most sexually adventurous volume in the series. Well, at least until I brought out Babes in Bondage, which offers paddlings, spankings, shibari, nipple clamps and lots of other kinky stuff…

Anyway, I think I’m finally done with the babes… at least done enough to pull the whole series into a single boxed set, a lusciously long saga of sexual excess. The book hits the shelves on the 29th of February. I hope you’ll check it out.

Meanwhile, now that I’ve figured out how to write a series, I’ve started working on a new one!

Excerpts

From Hot Brides in Vegas

The panel separating them from the driver slid open. Margaret grinned at them. “So, where to, ladies?”

“Um—I’m not sure. Do you have any suggestions?” Francesca had been so focused on getting free of their chaperone, she hadn’t really thought about what she’d do if she succeeded.

“I’ve got an idea,” said Chantal. She dug a folded sheet of paper from her purse. “I saw this on the activities bulletin board at the resort.”

“‘Amateur Night at The Fox’s Den’.” Laura peered over Chantal’s shoulder to read the poster. “What’s The Fox’s Den?”

“Classiest strip club in the city,” the driver answered. “Larry Archer—the proprietor—has turned the Den into a legend.”

“What do you mean, a legend?” asked Francesca.

“Well, they’ve got the most gorgeous girls, the most generous drinks, the best sound system and the most friendly atmosphere you’ll find anywhere,” said Margaret. “At the same time, you never know what’ll happen at Larry’s place. I’ve seen some wild things at the Den!”

“You’d visit a strip club? Do you go with your husband?” Francesca tried to get her mind around the notion that a former vice cop would enjoy a titty bar.

“No husband for me.” The driver’s smile grew broader. “I go to watch the ladies, just like everyone else.”

Francesca was silent, trying to digest this notion.

“So do you know anything about this Amateur Night thing?” Laura asked.

“Sure. Every couple of months, Larry opens the stage to anyone who wants to give stripping a try. It’s great fun, a huge turn on for everyone involved. Plus there are great prizes.”

“A thousand dollars for first place,” Chantal read. “Second and third are five hundred and three hundred respectively. That’s definitely generous.”

“Larry can afford it. Each contestant performs, then audience chooses the winners,” said Margaret. She gave the women in the back seat a once-over. “I have to say, all three of you would be big hits at the Den.”

Something about Margaret’s frank admiration set up a tingling between Francesca’s thighs. She loved to dance, everything from swing to salsa. What would it be like to be up on stage, dancing for an audience of horny men? And horny women, she reminded herself. She squirmed on the leather seat of the limo, her sundress becoming distinctly damp. She’d never had any sexual experience with a woman, but she did occasionally have fantasies. Not that she’d ever shared that fact with anyone, not even her best friends.

“Let’s do it,” said Laura. “We may never get another chance!”

From Sin City Sweethearts

“Come on in! We’ve been waiting for you.” Annie threw the door open wide.

“Are we late?” Maddy asked.

“No, not at all—we’ve just been looking forward to having you.”

Marcie was glad she’d dressed up, because the hostess looked stunning. Their ginger-haired neighbor wore an ankle-length Japanese-style kimono in shimmering silk with an abstract blue and white pattern. The sensuous garment clung to her body as she moved, accentuating her curves. She’d piled her curls on the top of her head, securing them with jeweled chopsticks, and put on a bit of make-up to suggest a geisha vibe. Marcie approved. Clearly their neighbor had a sense of style.
Marcie was wearing one of her own designs, a strapless sheath in a restrained tropical print, cut on a bias so that it fit like a second skin. The dress made her look older, she thought, more sophisticated. Of course she couldn’t wear a bra underneath, but really, she didn’t need one.

She’d even persuaded Maddy to put on a skirt. Okay, it was a denim skirt, and her sister’s scoop-necked cotton top had a lot in common with a tee shirt, but getting her twin out of her usual jeans or shorts was a small victory.

Noticing that their hostess and host were both barefoot, she slipped out of her high-heeled sandals as she entered.

“Madeleine, Marcella—so nice to see you again!” Ted stepped forward to take envelop her hand in his much larger one. His costume suggested something from a martial arts studio. It was all white, a pair of loose-fitting pants and a wrap-around top that partly bared his muscled chest. With his tousled black hair and sexy five o’clock shadow, he looked every bit the action hero.

“Please—we’re Maddy and Marcie to our friends,” she corrected, meeting Ted’s warm smile with one of her own.

“And we really hope you guys are going to be our friends,” Maddy added. “We don’t know anyone here in Las Vegas.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” said Annie. “I’m sure you’ll be very popular once the semester starts.” Marcie wondered briefly about the conspiratorial look that passed between the older woman and her husband. “And we have friends who’d love to meet you.”

“That would be awesome,” said Maddy. She glanced around the apartment. “What a cute place!”

“It’s a bit small for two.” Annie gestured at the cushions scattered around the coffee table. “Not to mention for four. Hope you don’t mind a bit of informality.”

Maddy chuckled as she folded her legs and seated herself on the floor. “Compared to our apartment, this is a palace.”

“Still, we’re grateful to have found someplace we can afford, so close to campus,” Marcie added as she settled across her sister, tucking her legs beneath her and leaning her back against the sofa. “And Miranda and Joel seem wonderful.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Ted threaded his way among the bodies on the floor to go answer. Their pony-tailed landlord stood on the deck outside, holding a plate piled high with fragrant cookies.

“Hi, Joel,” said Ted. “We’d ask you in, but I think we’re at capacity!”

“Never mind. Miranda heard you were having a little party and baked these for you. Her specialty, organic oatmeal raisin, fresh out of the oven.”

“Mmm— they smell fantastic. Thanks!”

“Our pleasure. Hope you all enjoy them.” He nodded at their guests. “Hi, girls! Have a fine evening.”

Marcie flashed him a smile. He was probably as old as her grandpa, but there was something about him that made her feel warm and tingly inside. He must have been really sexy when he was young, she thought.

About Lisabet

Lisabet SaraiLisabet Sarai became addicted to words at an early age. She began reading when she was four. She wrote her first story at five years old and her first poem at seven. Since then, she has written plays, tutorials, scholarly articles, marketing brochures, software specifications, self-help books, press releases, a five-hundred page dissertation, and lots of erotica and erotic romance – over one hundred titles, and counting, in nearly every sub-genre—paranormal, scifi, ménage, BDSM, GLBT, and more. Regardless of the genre, every one of her stories illustrates her motto: Imagination is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

You’ll find information and excerpts from all Lisabet’s books on her website (http://www.lisabetsarai.com/books.html), along with more than fifty free stories and lots more. At her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com), she shares her philosophy and her news and hosts lots of other great authors. She’s also on Goodreads, Pinterest, and Twitter. Join her VIP email list here: https://btn.ymlp.com/xgjjhmhugmgh

Dieting for summertime #MFRWauthor

DietingI am of the firm opinion that D-I-E-T is a 4-letter word. It can make strong women gasp and weak women wilt. It stirs more feelings between the sexes as other, more sexual words do not. Such as, Gender A resents the feeling that they have to diet to please Gender B, and Gender B feels some guilt for the desire to see Gender A in skimpy bathing suits that might require—yes—a diet.

Was that clear as mud?

It’s no secret that women frequently suffer from some form of body shame. Even women who aren’t overweight often feel that they are and attempt to whittle away at however many calories or carbs they consume each day. But no time engenders this activity more than the months before summer. I believe that’s because of the aforementioned bathing suit dilemma.

Because my dad was in the Navy, we lived for a good number of yearsBikini and dieting near the water. Nine years in Virginia Beach during my pre-teen and teen years meant that my mother and I spent March, April, and May eating lots of carrots and celery sticks. Neither of us wanted to be odd girl out when we hit the beaches—not that I did all that often with my Irish, burn-don’t-tan complexion. But still, I wanted to look the part. I can attest to the fact that dieting for summer is a stupid way to live your life, and fortunately, I gave it up many years ago.

My advice? Eat healthfully all the time. That doesn’t mean to do without calories or carbs. It means to eat what your body needs, not what some magazine tells you to. It means to be comfortable with your body, even if you’re a few pounds (not fifty or a hundred pounds) over what the charts say you should be. Dieting stringently for a few weeks or months rarely has any lasting positive results—just the opposite, strangely—whereas consistently eating healthfully will.

What do you think?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist: old letters put the lie to Sara’s life. Now, mending her past mistakes while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers 

Not so cute meet #MFRWHooks

This is a blog hop. Be sure to check the link at the bottom to see posts from other authors!

Only a Good Man Will Do by Dee S. KnightBlurb:
Seriously ambitious man seeks woman to encourage his goals, support his (hopeful) position as Headmaster of Westover Academy, and be purer than Caesar’s wife. Good luck with that!

Daniel Goodman is a man on a mission. He aims to become headmaster of Westover Academy. For that he needs a particular, special woman to help him set high standards. Into his cut and dried life of moral and upright behavior, comes Eve Star, formerly one of Europe’s foremost exotic dancers. Her life is anything but cut and dried, black and white. Daniel is drawn to her like a kid to chocolate. Nothing good can come of this attraction. Or can it? He is after all, a good man.

Buy link:
Amazon Kindle Unlimited

MFRW Book HooksExcerpt:
“Michael is upstairs.” She pushed open the screen door and held it for them, giving Daniel his first clear view of her.

He knew right away that one look wouldn’t be nearly enough. She was gorgeous. Her casual stance and even more casual Levis and long-sleeved tee shirt showed she wasn’t working to impress. White sneakers covered her feet below the faded jeans.

At least five feet ten inches tall, she was also slender. Chestnut colored hair wildly cascaded over her shoulders and her eyes were the shade of melted chocolate. He’d been so wrong earlier. If the woman had one bit of makeup on, he’d gnaw on Jeffrey’s lacrosse stick. And yet, her eyes stood out like beacons in her face. He didn’t dare let his gaze linger on her breasts or hips for fear of forgetting why he was there. There was nothing was more appealing in a woman than natural good looks, or less appealing in a man than ogling.

“You should be in bed,” she said to Jeffrey then cast a glare at Daniel as though he was negligent for bringing the child out into the night. Which, of course, he was.

He’d noticed her voice on the phone, and now the low warmth of it washed over him again. Good God. If he closed his eyes and listened to this woman talk he’d have a hard-on in no time.

Better not close his eyes.

“He was in bed until I received a call from you. I want to see Michael.”

“Follow me.” She let them enter the vestibule, then closed the door and locked it. Another closed door faced them and stairs rose to their right. That’s where she led Daniel and Torrington.

It was then, even with Jeffrey on the steps between them, that Daniel noticed the curve of her ass and the sway of her hips with each step.

Well, damn! Daniel was following the Lady in Red!

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Giveaway! Fun facts about Earthbound by Melora Johnson

Earthbound by melora Johnson

Welcome, Melora!

Hi, and thanks for hosting me here today! I thought I’d hit some light points related to Earthbound because it can be a little on the sad side to start and dark at times throughout. I mean, a hidden talent and an horrific incident put Ally on a trajectory for a very lonely life. That all changes when Matthew Scott Blake comes calling. He’s going to put a whole new spin on things, not necessarily for the better.

In a different time and place, Ally might have feared being tried as a witch. Even today she might be considered a freak. She’s been hiding her talent, in part, because of this. A hundred years ago, she’d certainly have been considered a spinster, single at age thirty-two, and she wouldn’t have been able to be a veterinarian. She might have been considered a healer but probably a witch.

For that reason, I can see some people being offended by this book or just not appreciating it. (Mostly the same people who have trouble with Harry Potter.) As a librarian, I always say that there is a book for every reader and a reader for every book, but not every book is for every reader. I’ve already had feedback from some people already saying that they really did enjoy it, and I enjoyed writing it.

I think these books would fit very comfortably in with works by the likes of Darynda Jones, Kim Harrison, Neil Gaiman, Katherine Howe, Jim Butcher, and other fantasy writers in the urban fantasy or paranormal romance vein.

In fact, one of my favorite readers is Neil Gaiman but I don’t think his voice would be right for an audio version of this book. If I were able to choose who would read this book, I’d go with a female voice for the most part, but with a slightly darker tone to their voice. Lorelei King is a fantastic voice actress who did the audio for Darynda Jones’ Charlie Davidson series, among others. I’d either go for her or someone like her.

I might even try reading it myself, though I’m a little bit intimidated by the idea. I do read for others at writer’s group for other people and I’ve had a couple people in the past ask me about reading their books, but I didn’t have the time to figure out the technical aspects at that point. Right now, I’m enjoying reading my daughter The Chronicles of Narnia at night.

If this book had a soundtrack, it would probably include things like “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, “Payphone” by Maroon 5, “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth, and maybe the old hymn, the Prayer of Saint Francis.

One silly little fact about the book is that Ally and Matt play rummy to distract her from an unpleasant situation because my husband and I play a few hands of rummy most nights.

I’ve also started sharing some recipes on my blog because many readers enjoy a recipe from a book. While they often aren’t of my own devising, sometimes they’re things that I’ve changed up from someone else’s blog. In the book, Matt makes Ally pumpkin pancakes one morning, and that’s something that I’ve made in our home many mornings. The last time I tried, however, I accidentally pulled peach butter out of the freezer instead of frozen pumpkin. Oops. They were quite tasty, if a little sweeter than normal. (If anyone is interested, I posted the recipe on my Facebook page and my blog. The original doesn’t seem to be online anymore.)

I’d recommend Earthbound to anyone who wants a fun, fast-paced story with a bit of food for thought, romance, action, demons, and some real relationships.

I’ve already started writing the next book, Firebound, from the perspective of Jen, Ally’s best friend, and I’m having a marvelous time at it. I only hope people enjoy reading the books half as much as I enjoy writing them.

If you do give it a try, please let me know how you like it! Thanks.

Earthbound by Melora JohnsonBlurb:
Her healing touch could start a fire.

Ally Reynolds is a veterinarian specializing in raptor rehabilitation in New Hampshire. Other than one horrific incident in her childhood and a little extra “spark” for healing in her hands, both of which she has kept secret from even her best friend, her life has been singularly boring. It has also been extremely lonely. Ally longs for someone to share her life with, but how can she trust anyone with her secret?

Matthew Blake, an ornithologist at Cornell University, calls Ally, asking for her help with an injured raptor. Matthew grew up in New Zealand and has lived around the world. He has read about Ally’s high success rates in raptor rehabilitation and suspects there is more to it than is generally known.

Matthew has some secrets of his own; he is a demon hunter. He suspects Ally’s healing powers could benefit him. He wants her to join him and thinks they’d make a great team.

Can Ally trust him or is he just using her? Matthew definitely has more secrets, and some of them are about Ally.

Earthbound excerpt:
The next day, at the wildlife health center, I did what I’ve always done so successfully—avoided what made me uncomfortable. There were lots of people around, and Shelly was more than happy to keep an eye on us when Matt did pop in for a few minutes. I went to lunch in the cafeteria, then I worked with Rick some more, helping him with tests and treatments for other animals in the clinic. It felt good to give my input and have it appreciated.

“So, will you and Matt be joining us tonight at the staff mixer?” he asked. “The hotel on campus where it’s being held is quite nice.”

I peered up from the microscope I was using to study a blood sample from a barn owl with rodenticide poisoning. “Oh? No, he didn’t mention it. I don’t expect to see Matt tonight.”

His eyes widened behind his glasses. “Oh, well then… I mean, there’s a staff mixer, dinner and dancing at the hotel ballroom. Would you like to go with me?”

“I didn’t really bring anything appropriate to wear with me.” A flutter of panic tingled through my head. What the hell? Nobody had asked me out in months, and then two guys in twenty-four hours were paying me attention? I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already four in the afternoon; I didn’t have time to shop for a dress in a city I didn’t know. Yup, perfect excuse.

“Sorry.” I smiled apologetically.

Rick flushed, nodding vigorously. “Oh, sure, I understand. You didn’t come prepared for a formal dance.” Shelly appeared at my elbow, beaming. “I have something you can borrow,” she offered.

I stared at her, wide-eyed, not having heard her come in. I suspected her offer had more to do with throwing me at any living male other than Matt, than of any desire to help me. We were of a similar build even though she was a couple inches taller, and it could work. Damnitall.

“I have a really pretty blue dress you can wear,” Shelly continued, her eyes widening.

I looked over at Rick. His posture was rigid. It must have taken a lot for him to work up the nerve to even ask me. I couldn’t have done it. He was a nice guy. It might be good to get my toes wet in the dating pool with someone like him, and, frankly, I was as anxious to steer clear of Doctor Matthew Scott Blake as Shelly was to keep him away from me.

“Thanks, I appreciate the offer,” I said to Shelly then turned back to Rick. “I accept your invitation.”

Something akin to lasers bore into the back of my neck, then Matt’s voice came from behind me, “What invitation would that be?”

Buy Links:

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Apple
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Nook

Author Bio:
Melora Johnson is a poet and novelist living in Upstate New York with her husband, daughter, a black cat, and quite a few chickens. Her most recent published work includes A Sanctuary Built of Words: Poems of Peace, Grief, and Passion, and publication in The Sexuality Poems from Foothills Publishing. She also runs a large and thriving writer’s group for adults. Of course, into every life a little rain must fall as well as the occasional tornado, but you’ll find that amply covered in her writing. Find out more about Melora and her writing:
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Charity Sunday: St. Jude’s

Charity SundayHow Charity Sunday works: for every comment made on this blog post, I will donate money to the charity named. The same promise is made for every blog site listed in the group–click the Linky Links link at the bottom of this post to see the list of participants and read/comment on any of them to see a donation go to that blogger’s charity. We’re all different! Thanks for your help and your participation!

St. Jude's and Danny ThomasThis month I’d like to talk about St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, founded by singer/comedian, Danny Thomas, and located in Memphis, TN. I have always associated St. Jude’s with pediatric cancer, but after a little research found that they treat other catastrophic diseases in children, too. I also recently learned that donations also cover travel, housing, and food—huge costs for families whose children are far from home to receive the specialized care they need.

I know about part of this personally, in that my parents always had to travel a long distance when I was in the Shrine Hospitals. In addition to the trip, staying for any length of time was all extra, and my folks did not have much money. Getting help with travel, food, and housing is a tremendous thing.
In addition to the good work St. Jude’s does, I appreciate the amount of each dollar donated goes to the hospital and its work—82 cents of every dollar. That’s a great percentage of return that has earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator!

I don’t have children, so I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to have a child in great need. But I have written characters with children, and I hope I’ve imbued some sense of the love between child and parent, especially between single parent Sara Richards and her daughter Paula in Burning Bridges. My mom always knows when something is wrong just by hearing my voice, and I gave that same talent to Sara. Must be a “mother” thing! 😉

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ring of the landline. “Good morning. Beauty by Beaufort.”

“Mom?”

With only one word spoken Sara knew something was wrong. “Good morning, sweetheart. Aren’t you at work?”

“No, I took a sick day.”

Sara’s brow creased with worry. “Paula, what’s wrong?”

Her daughter’s voice caught. “Mom, I feel so silly but I had to talk to you. I was cleaning up the apartment last night and I found an acceptance letter from Northwestern for Dan.”

“Northwestern? That’s in…uh, it’s in—”

“Chicago.”

“But I thought he was going to attend law school at South Carolina, in Columbia.” Sara took a breath. “Chicago is a very long way. Did Dan say he wanted to go?”

“I didn’t tell him I found the letter, but I know he does.”

“Oh, Paula. How do you feel?”

Paula’s tone tightened as though she held back tears. “I don’t want to go. Mom, he’s had the letter for two or three days I think, and he hasn’t said a word.”

“Maybe he’s thought about it and decided to turn them down.”

“I don’t think so. He talked about it months ago, about how great the Northwestern program is. I got upset that he was looking into a school that far away, and he hasn’t brought it up since. But I know he hasn’t forgotten.”

“So, you’re not certain he’s chosen Northwestern. The law school at Carolina is excellent, too.”

“I know, and so does Dan. But lately he’s been restless. I think he wants a change.” Her voice broke. “I think he wants a change in more than where he attends school.”

Sara couldn’t contain a soft gasp. “Paula! Has he said anything, done anything?”

“No, but for the past few weeks he’s been really quiet. Oh, I don’t mean he acts mad or nasty, he just seems…uncomfortable around me. And the fact remains that he didn’t tell me about the acceptance from Northwestern. I only found it because it fell out of a book when I was dusting.”

“You have to talk to him. Believe me, I know the dangers of not communicating when things don’t seem right.” The bell over the front door rang and Sara stood to see who was entering. She was surprised to see her mother, but a quick glance at her watch showed that the morning was nearly gone. “Do you want to come home this weekend?”

“No, but thanks.” Paula gave a nervous laugh. “I’m half afraid if I leave for any length of time, I’ll come home to find him packed and gone. You know, he hasn’t proposed. He hasn’t even suggested I go with him to Chicago.”

Sara lowered her voice. “Honey, I’m so sorry. But Dan loves you. You need to talk to him, let him know how you feel.”

Her mother entered the office and set a bag from Bay Street Deli on the desk. “Paula?” she mouthed. Sara nodded. “Let me say hello to her.” Her mother held her hand out for the receiver.

“Paula, your grandmother is here and wants to say hi. But call me tonight, will you?”

“Sure. I feel better just telling someone about what’s going on. I love you, Mama.”

Hot tears stung the backs of Sara’s eyes, a reaction she experienced whenever Paula reverted to Mama. “I love you, too, pumpkin.” She handed the phone to her mother.

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The first FALSE: False Memory by Meli Raine

False Memory by Meli RainesFREE First in Series throughout February.

She’s faking her amnesia to fool a very real killer.

It all started with the bereavement flowers with my name on them.

Not the best way to wake up, right? I work in a flower shop. I know a funeral arrangement when I see one.

I know a killer when I see one, too. And one is standing in my hospital room right now, straight behind the man who saved my life.

I can’t tell anyone the truth, because that’s the fastest way to really die. So I do the next best thing. I “lose” my memory.

I fake my amnesia.

Pretending not to remember a brutal attempted murder has its perks. The killer is backing down, spending less time around me, loosening the noose.

The less I claim to recall, the more my rescuer, Duff, works to help me “remember.” I hate lying to him.

But he doesn’t understand that my memory is dangerous. To me. And to him.

Fooling everyone isn’t easy. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Except it’s starting to look like I’ve been fooling myself.

In more ways than one.

The False Trilogy includes False Hope and False Start.

Buy Links:

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/false-memory/id1387687477
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/false-memory-false-1
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/false-memory-meli-raine/1132505173?ean=2940161244715
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meli_Raine_False_Memory_False_1?id=MnuiDwAAQBAJ
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/False-Memory-1-Meli-Raine-ebook/dp/B07V9Y48KQ/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.com/False-Memory-1-Meli-Raine-ebook/dp/B07V9Y48KQ/
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/False-Memory-1-Meli-Raine-ebook/dp/B07V9Y48KQ/
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/False-Memory-1-Meli-Raine-ebook/dp/B07V9Y48KQ/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40405827-false-memory
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/false-memory-by-meli-raine

Audio narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt available on Audible Escape.

Audible: https://www.amazon.com/False-Memory-Book-1/dp/B07VXRJLP8/
Amazon Audio: https://www.amazon.com/False-Memory-Book-1/dp/B07VXRJLP8/
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/false-memory-false-book-1-unabridged/id1475182605

False Memory by Meli Raines

Excerpt:
Blink.

I open my eyes. It’s light.

“Can you believe it, Lily?” a woman says to me. “It looks like Bosworth is going to win! When people ask you who the president is, you’re going to have to remember the new one. President Harwell Bosworth. Of course, we won’t know for sure until late tonight, but I’ll keep you posted. I’ll keep you posted, sweetie,” she says as she adjusts the IV in my right arm, the one that burns whenever they start a new bag of medicine.

“When the doctor asks you who the president is, you’ll have the right answer. I know you will. I don’t care how long you’ve been like this. The doctors are wrong. Plenty of people have come out of this after more than a year. I know you’re going to be one of them. My Lily is a fighter.”

She squeezes my hand.

I almost squeeze back. Almost. So close.

I look to the left. A dark man. No–dark clothes. Dark hair. Pale skin peeking out under it all. Someone has something on my head and tape pulls at the corner of my eye. Blinking is harder. It hurts, like someone weakened the tender skin under my eyes. I close my eyes.

Open them.

“Hey there, Lily,” a nurse says. I try to look over at her but can’t. Eyes hurt.

Close eyes.

Open them.

The man.

Oh, God, I know that man.

False Memory by Meli RainesAuthor Bio:

Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them. Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://meliraine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meliraine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meli-raine
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13536295.Meli_Raine
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/beV0gf

Reviews and Endorsements for Meli Raine Books:

“The first book in the False trilogy is a psychological thriller worthy of Hitchcock, keeping you guessing until the very end.” — Apple Books Editors

“…intrigue and dark humor on display in this thriller…”

While the immediate—and more compelling—tension in Raine’s (A Shameless Little Bet, 2018, etc.) heart-pumping series opener comes from Lily’s constant proximity to her would-be killer, the action takes place against a backdrop of secret government scandals. The “screwed-up D.C.-insider scandal,” as it is clumsily summarized early on, is pleasingly twisty…

Fortunately, Lily’s voice is captivating, wry, and tough enough to sell this thriller. The novel ends with a cliffhanger that startles, if only because readers will have become so attached to Lily. — Kirkus Reviews

“Fresh, riveting, and thrumming with emotion and romantic suspense, False Memory is absolutely unputdownable. You need this book!” – New York Times bestselling author Meghan March

“I accidentally lost a day to this trilogy! It is unputdownable. Apparently I’m on a dark-and-twisty binge, and this book is addictive.” — USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen (review for Harmless series)

Writer Marketing ServicesFreebie blitz organized by Writer Marketing Services.

Sometimes I read (gulp!) non-fiction #MFRWauthor

Yes, when I read something outside my comfort zone, it is likely to be non-fiction. Why is non-fiction kind of weird for me to read? Because I love romance, thrillers, police and FBI procedurals, legal mysteries, all things that spur emotion. And let’s face it, most non-fiction doesn’t really make your heart jump or adrenaline spike. Or the heart go pitter-patter. But once in a while I do pick up a non-fiction book. But only when the subject matter really (really, really) appeals to me.

Examples? American Caesar (William Manchester) was a biography of a complicated Douglas Macarthur. I’d always wondered what the truth was between him and President Truman and why Macarthur’s men loved him in WWI and seemed to hate him in WWII. Flags of our Fathers (James Iwo JimaBradley) told the story of the U.S. Marines at Iwo Jima. This was a hard book to read at times, but my father-in-law fought in the Pacific as did my great-uncle, so I thought it was important. Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller (Burke Davis) tells the story of the Marine Corps legend. My father-in-law was a Marine and you say the words Chesty Puller and practically every Marine in the room stands to attention. I wanted to know why.

Do you detect a theme? 😉 I’ve read a few other non-fictions recently, like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot) and Undaunted Courage (Stephen Ambrose). I have to admit, though, I only read them because of the book club I belonged to.

I might be a slug for falling back into reading what I like, when makes me smile, and what makes my heart feel mushy. I probably am a slug for “giving in,” and not trying to develop my mind more. But you know what? I don’t care. I read for relaxation and fun. No apologies, even though I sorta feel like I should…

What do you read that’s outside your comfort zone?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist: old letters put the lie to Sara’s life. Now, mending her past mistakes while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

NEW! The Woman Behind the Mirror by Jan Selbourne

The Woman Behind the Mirror by Jan Selbourne

A shining STAR out of a constellation of 5-star books!

Book: The Woman Behind the Mirror
Author: Jan Selbourne
Release date: Feb 17, 2020

Buy links: EBook Kindle Unlimited
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon AUS
Universal link

Price: $2.99
Pages: 360

Blurb:
Betrothed by her father to a man twice her age, Sarah Forsythe does the unthinkable—she escapes her arranged marriage and runs away with the son of a Methodist minister. Not to Gretna Green, to colonial America—the New World. For Sarah, a “new world” of broken promises, abandonment, poverty and shame. Around her, the American Revolution is quickly developing and the siege of Boston worsens by the day. As British soldiers seek out traitors and treason, a desperate Sarah breaks open a safe looking for cash. Instead, she finds a box holding Bank of England documents. Through willpower, bitter determination, and lying through her teeth, Sarah manages to make her way home to England. What she doesn’t know is that two men follow, and they will do anything to claim those documents.

Bank investigator Neil McAlister faces an almost impossible task—to determine the true owner of the documents by deciding who is lying. Most of all, as danger creeps ever closer, he needs to know who wants the secretive, beautiful Sarah dead.

The Woman Behind the Mirror by Jan Selbourne

Excerpt:
Legs shaking, Sarah walked downstairs to face her furious father and white-faced mother.

“I cannot believe your wilfulness, your complete lack of propriety,” her father said icily. “You deliberately encouraged”—he frowned at her mother—“what was his name?”

“David Langford.”

“You encouraged this penniless nobody behind my back, knowing I have approved and accepted Mr Gerald Whitehead’s offer of marriage.”

“Papa, Mr Whitehead is over forty years old!”

“A mature man of independent means with homes in Norfolk and London. Now sadly widowed, he needs the comfort of a wife and mother to his children.”

Sarah’s fingers clenched. “His children are almost my age.”

Her mother spoke. “Albert dear, I do think Sarah and Mr Whitehead should be given more time to become better acquainted.”

Her father pointed his finger at her mother. “I hold you responsible for giving the girl far too much freedom. I can only pray Mr Whitehead does not hear of this shameful cavorting while he’s attending to business affairs.”

“I was not cavorting with David,” Sarah said hotly. “We met at the church fair when mama presented prizes for the best puddings. We were never alone, not even when Eliza and I showed David and Freddie the country dances because the Methodists don’t approve.”

Her father’s eyes had turned slate grey, filling her with fear.

“I am sorry papa. I will do whatever you bid.” She held her breath waiting for a hand across her face or worse.

“You will not leave this house until the banns are read.” Albert Forsythe strode from the room, slamming the door behind him.

Her mother touched her arm. “You have made papa very angry.”

Sarah’s eyes met her mothers. “If he beats me again, I will leave, David or no David.”

“Sarah! You are under-age and cannot defy papa. You know it is his fervent wish to see you and your brothers well set up.”

 “You mean Peter’s commission and Robert’s year in London will cost papa a lot of money. Mr Whitehead’s offer of marriage relieves him of more financial burden.”

Her mother’s mouth fell open. “That is a dreadful thing to say.”

“Mama, please, Mr Whitehead is ugly, and I cannot bear him near me.”

“Your father will provide a generous dowry,” her mother said quietly. “Do not defy him or we all suffer.”

“Yes mama, excuse me mama,” Sarah’s eyes blurred as she climbed the stairs again to her bedchamber. Closing the door, she sat at her dressing table and as she stared at her reflection her resolve grew. A glance at the closed door and she sharpened a quill and began to write. Signing the note S, she rang for her maid.

“Go to the Methodist manse. This letter must be handed to Mr David Langford and no one else.”

“Yes miss. I will, miss.”

Sarah put two shillings in her hand. “Not a word to anyone and you may have the rest of the day off.”

The maid blinked at half a week’s pay in her hand. “Thank you miss.”

When the door closed, Sarah’s knees turned to water. They’d talked about it, they’d held hands while declaring their love for each other, and now it was a frightening reality. She sat by the window as the minutes turned into one hour, then another hour and then her heart thudded in her chest. David, wearing a cloak and hat pulled low over his forehead rode past the front gates and placed a small sprig of leaves on the railing. He’d received her message.

The Woman Behind the Mirror by Jan Selbourne

Review:
A shining STAR in a constellation of 5-star books!

Selbourne’s book carried her heroine from a privileged background in England to the American colonies at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. During Boston’s siege, Sarah Forsyth’s life changes from the dreams of a young girl to horror, pain, and betrayal. A desperate theft in the night sets off a string of events that will threaten her life even as she fights her way back to England—and right into the attention of Neil McAllister, the fraud investigator for the Back of England. Can strength, determination, and yes, lying through her teeth, bring Sarah through?

I loved this book from the very beginning! Ms. Selbourne has written a strong woman who lets nothing stop her in her goal to return home from the horror and disappointment that was America. Then…she comes up against a solid barrier that requires even more strength than Sarah has. She’s lucky that Neil McAllister is there to force her onward! Neil is a hero I adored! He and his family are some of the characters that take you right back to 1776! Selbourne’s usual historical accuracy make the book a joy to read. You won’t regret picking up The Woman Behind the Mirror is you enjoy historical suspense and romance! Highly recommended!

The Author:
Jan Selbourne was born and educated in Melbourne, Australia and her love of literature and history began as soon as she learned to read and hold a pen. After graduating from a Melbourne Business College her career began in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting, working in Victoria, Queensland and the United Kingdom. On the point of retiring, she changed course to work as secretary of a large NSW historical society. Now retired Jan is enjoying her love of travelling and literature. She has two children, a stray live in cat and lives near Maitland, New South Wales

Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com/JanSelbourne/index.html
Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JanSelbourne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661584.Jan_Selbourne?from_search=true
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Selbourne/e/B0184OSZ6E/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/

Men (and women) in uniform #MFRWHooks

Naval Maneuvers by Dee S. KnightBlurb from Naval Maneuvers:
Men and women of the armed forces experience lust and love pretty much like everyone else. Except, well, there is that uniform. And the hard-to-resist attraction of “duty, honor, service” as a man might apply them to a woman’s pleasure. All things considered, romance among the military is a pretty sexy, compelling force for which you’d better be armed, whether Weighing Anchor and moving forward into desire, Dropping Anchor and staying put for passion, or setting a course for renewed love with Anchor Home. Explore the world of love and the military and see just how hot Naval Maneuvers can be.

Book Hooks MFRW

Buy link: Amazon KU

Excerpt:
Naval Maneuvers by Dee S. KnightShe cleared her throat. Finally concentrating on the map he held she asked, “Where are we again?” Jeez. The thing had to have every trail in the area on it. Even with this map, she’d be just as lost.

He studied the paper for a few seconds and then folded it so he could use one hand to hold it. With the other he pointed. “We’re here. I’d say if you head back west about a mile and then turn north you’ll run right into the campground.” Sure enough, right under his finger was a mark for Paradise Valley Campground. “About four miles should do it.”

“Four miles?”

“Done in?” He smiled and in the dappled sunlight his eyes twinkled and his straight teeth seemed blindingly white. He was good looking enough to be a model. An underwear model. Yeah, her mind’s eye pictured him in only underwear. She licked her lips.

Unfortunately, in her current state—more hair pulled loose from her ponytail than still in it, Redskins ball cap half on, half off, scratches on her arms and legs, and probably smears of grime from where she’d wiped sweat off her face—she must look more like a reject from Deliverance.

“I’ve been out since about ten and I’m not used to these mountains. I usually do my running on flat ground.”

“Did you have plenty of water with you and something to eat?”

“Water, yes. But only a cup of trail mix.”

He raised his brows until the right brow disappeared under the shock of hair on his forehead. “Where do you normally run?”

“Around D.C.”

“Ah. Where there’s a coffee shop every few blocks.”

Just because she was lost was no friggin’ cause for him to patronize her. “I normally run ten to fifteen miles a day with nary a coffee break. This is just my first time here, and I’m not quite used to the ups and downs.”

“They do call them ‘mountains.'”

And they do call them assholes. Shocks of sexual electricity and hyper-attraction did not excuse a man from being a dick. “You’re right. So right. Thanks for the help. I’ll be on my way now.” After consulting her compass once more she started west, the thought of four miles draining what was left of her energy. But she could do it. Four miles was nothing. Nothing. She did more than that every day of the week.

A branch knocked the cap off her head just as a vine caught her leg and she fell, sliding on her butt into a shallow ravine. Her hair clung to her neck and face. She pulled strands out of her mouth, off her forehead and back behind her ears. When had she last been this hot, sweaty, and just plain exhausted? Maintains one, Carie zero.

Leaves rustled behind her and over her head. “You can make the four miles,” he called down to her. “I don’t have any doubts about it. Or you can walk half a mile to the road and I’ll drive you.”

Half a mile? There’s a friggin’ road half a mile away? Why didn’t he point that out on his little Boy Scout map?

Sighing, she dragged herself to her feet and started up the five yards of hillside that looked more like a mountain. When she was close to the top, he extended his hand. She took it and another spark sizzled up her arm, across her shoulder, and zipped south. Good God! He was like a sexual magnetic pole. If she pointed her compass at him, the needle would snap right to S-E-X.

Naval Maneuvers by Dee S. KNight

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