Author: Dee S.

Sci-fi gay romance! The H-Gene by Lisabet Sarai

New Release!The H-Gene by Lisabet Sarai
The H-Gene:
After the Plague Book 1
By Lisabet Sarai

When love is forbidden, the whole world’s a prison.

Blurb
Dylan Moore will do anything for freedom. Seven years ago, a gay plague spread to heterosexuals, killing millions and sparking brutal anti-gay riots. The Guardians rounded up men who tested positive for the homogene and imprisoned them in remote quarantine centers like desolate Camp Malheur. Since then, Dylan has hacked the camp’s security systems and hoarded spare bits of electronics, seeking some way to escape. He has concluded the human guards are the only weakness in the facility’s defenses.

Camp guard Rafe Cowell is H-negative. He figures the lust he feels watching prisoner 3218 masturbate on the surveillance cameras must be due to his loneliness and isolation. When he finally meets the young queer, he discovers that Dylan is brilliant, brave, sexy as hell — and claims to be in love with Rafe. Despite his qualms, Rafe finds he can’t resist the other man’s charm. By the time Dylan asks for his help in escaping, Rafe cares too much for Dylan to refuse.

Dylan’s plan goes awry and Rafe comes to his rescue. Soon they’re both fugitives, fleeing from militant survivalists, murderous androids, homophobic ideologues and a powerful man who wants Dylan as his sexual toy. Hiding in the Plague-ravaged city of Sanfran, Dylan and Rafe learn there’s far more than their own safety at stake. Can they help prevent the deaths of millions more people? And can Rafe trust the love of a man who deliberately seduced him in order to escape from quarantine?

Note: This novel was previously released by Pride Publishing under the title Quarantine. It has been revised and re-edited for this release.

Buy Links

Kinky Literature – https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/7233-the-hgene-after-the-plague-book-1/
Amazon  US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVNK6NL
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CVNK6NL
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1032512
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-h-gene-lisabet-sarai/1137338272?ean=2940164186050
Kobo –  https://www.kobo.com/th/en/ebook/the-h-gene

Add on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54529211-the-h-gene

Online Excerpt
https://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2020/07/new-release-and-giveaway-gayromance.html

The H-Gene by Lisabet Sarai

Excerpt:
The fact was, no one really knew who the Guardians were. At the height of the Plague, thousands had been dying daily. The streets stank from the smoke of burning bodies and torched buildings. Crazed mobs had roamed the cities, looking for the “carriers” they blamed for the death of their loved ones. The fact that gays had been dying twice as fast as straights hadn’t stopped them.

Then the Robbies had marched in, a small army, with Tasers and tear gas. At first, some people had screamed about an alien invasion. Within hours, the messages began coming from “the Guardians of American Greatness”, urging people to be calm, promising to contain the scourge of the perverts. Gradually, the chaos had subsided.

Dylan vividly remembered being dragged to the testing center by a pair of robots. They’d smashed in the door of the Castro District apartment he’d shared with his lover. Miguel’s body had been sprawled on their bed, his coffee-colored skin riddled with the oozing sores that were the Plague’s mark. Dylan had been crouched on the floor, crying and rocking back and forth, while explosions shook the building and sirens wailed.

He hadn’t put up any fight. What would have been the use? Miguel was dead. The world was in flames. He’d been seventeen.

But he was ready to fight now. He’d do whatever was necessary to get out of this hell. Dylan reached into the basin of the chemical toilet, feeling around the inside rim. The slimy plastoceramic surface made his skin crawl. Ammonia fumes burned his nostrils. He grinned as his fingers found the item he sought. Detaching the object from the hook he’d installed, he brought out an oblong about the size of a cig pack.

He unwrapped the protective plastic and switched on the controller. The organic LCD screen glowed pale blue. He’d lifted it from a discarded microwave oven. His fingers danced over the keyboard, composing his message. The interface was crude but adequate for his needs.

Closing his eyes, he brought up an image of the brawny black guard who was his target. What would work best? He didn’t know much about Rafe—he hadn’t been able to hack the guy’s dossier. He could read boredom and frustration in the man’s strong, regular features. He knew from their first encounter that Rafe had a temper. Yet Dylan also sensed a streak of decency. Most of the human guards at Malheur were supposed to be

The H-Gene by Lisabet Sarai

About Lisabet
Lisabet 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

Best price, all the way! #MFRWauthor

Buying a carJack and I have only bought two new cars in our nearly 50 years together. But whether we buy new or used, we aren’t “brand” buyers. I know people who would only buy a Ford or Chevy, but we’re equal opportunity buyers. If the car is right and the price is right, we’ll bite. Frankly, I don’t care who built the car I buy. I want it to go from point A to point B with the minimum of trouble and discomfort. If it does that, I’m happy.

The two new cars we bought were a Datsuns (later Nissan). That was 1984, I think. We kept that new Datsun over 13 years, and it was still running well enough for a man to buy for his daughter to drive back and forth to college.

The other new car was a Jeep Eagle. A friend of ours in Kansas City said he had test driven one while visiting his parents in Florida. He raved about it. Because he wanted to go and see one at the Jeep lot in KC, we went along out of curiosity.

We all went for a test drive, and I drove first. We’d been truckers, remember, so I wasn’t afraid to put the car to the test. We found an empty parking lot. I took it into tight curves, did a sharp U-turn, hit the gas and then hit the brakes hard, went slightly off pavement and then back on. The salesman paled with the first hard stop, but Jack assured him I knew what I was doing. The car performed flawlessly. Plus, it had a small exterior that hid a very roomy interior.

We went back to Virginia for a visit, just for kicks stopped by the Jeep Buying a new cardealership in Richmond. When we returned to KC it was with a brand new Jeep Eagle. They didn’t make many of them or for very long, more’s the pity. We loved our Eagle, and only gave it up when we moved to San Francisco and having a car—any car—was so very impractical.

Other than those two cars, we’ve owned a Ford, two other Jeeps, a Volkswagen, a Chevy van, and a Subaru. Jack’s normal way of buying a car is to find a local very small dealer, or to ask a dealer about a decent car they had taken in on trade but hadn’t spent the time or money to repair or clean up. That’s how we got the Subaru, and it turned out to be a great car.

As in anything, brand doesn’t guarantee quality. Only quality guarantees quality, and you can get that with a brand or not. Have you developed a brand loyalty for vehicles?

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

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Ambition vs Love #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:
Kindle Unlimited

MFRW Book HooksExcerpt:
Daniel stopped at an open doorway and watched Eve cuddle a snuffling child on her lap.

“It’s okay, my darling, I’m here.”

Quickly, the child stopped stirring and Eve placed him back in bed.
“Mama loves her baby,” she said in a low voice.

Daniel stepped uninvited into the room and walked to the dresser. A framed photo of a smiling dark-haired man caught his eye. “Your husband?” He studied the photo.

“Timmy’s father.” She brushed the boy’s hair from his forehead and then came to stand beside Daniel.

She fidgeted, shifting her weight from foot to foot. “Let’s go. He’s asleep now.”

Something about the photo wasn’t right. The man looked familiar, maybe an actor or… In a flash of disbelief, he removed the backing from the frame.

“Wait—” She reached out, but too late to keep Daniel from seeing the printing at the bottom of the folded page indicating the frame was sized four by six and cost nine-ninety-five. God damn. She had kept the picture that came with the frame to show Timothy his “father.” What kind of woman was this?

There was no sign a man lived there, but Sydney had said she was a widow. She was definitely raising her boy alone. But why not display a real photo of Timmy’s father, her husband? For some reason, maybe because he couldn’t imagine a guy stupid enough to let Eve Star go, he’d bet she’d never been married.

First, she stripped and now this. She was hiding something. Maybe a great deal, and none of it good.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

New release! Dare to Hope by Madison Michael

Dare to Hope
Double Dare Romance Series (Book 1)
By Madison Michael
 
♥♥GiveAway♥♥
Maddy is offering a few great prizes. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter! You may enter each day for a chance to win so be sure to follow along with us on the New Release Tour.
 

About Dare to Hope: 

She’s Betting on Love and the Stakes are High

 The “Crazy Eights,” eight women who have been friends for 30 years, have a powerful connection yet rarely see each other. At a pivotal time in their lives, they create a way to remedy this predicament, an audacious dare contrived to bring them together for weddings – each participant must get married within twelve months. The stakes are high. Win the bet and lose your heart; or lose the bet and perform a personally mortifying task.

 In the first of their stories, we meet Eliana, beautiful and brilliant, but starting over, focused on her career, not on some foolhardy dare. Longing for a family but recently divorced and on her own, Eliana sets her sights on a new job, a new home and accepting her single, childless status. Independent and determined, she has no idea that in less than six months she will both win and lose her heart’s desire.

 Jeremy Klein, genius engineer and inventor, is also making life changes. He’s sold his startup to a major medical device company, becoming President and CEO, and a billionaire before he is forty. Although he’s gun-shy about the dating game, Jeremy knows it’s time to apply his smarts, sex appeal and new-found success to finding true love.

 When Eliana meets Jeremy, they bond quickly. The couple has so much in common and a chemistry that sizzles. Winning Eliana feels like a fantasy come true to Jeremy. Their attraction is immediate and electrifying, and a one-night stand morphs into planning a future. But plans change. On track to wedded bliss, baby and all, Jeremy and Eliana are derailed by accusations that threaten their relationship, Eliana’s career and Jeremy’s future as CEO.

 Spies, lies, allegations and misunderstandings abound, threatening to destroy their happiness. That is, until those “Crazy Eights” get involved, scheming and manipulating to win Eliana her happily ever after. Can a group of determined friends help Eliana and Jeremy hold onto love?

 In the tradition of The Beguiling Bachelor Series, Madison Michael creates a romance series about independent and sassy women, sexy and successful men, true love, and lasting friendships.

 Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

 Buy Links:

An Excerpt from Dare to Hope:

His grin was devastating up close – wide and welcoming, with a hint of naughtiness and the promise of shared pleasures. But it was his eyes, deep coffee brown and fringed with long dark lashes that were his best feature; piercing, intelligent and inquisitive eyes, trained on her.
Please, God, Eliana prayed quickly, do not let this man be the new sales manager. It would be lamentable if she had to keep him at arm’s length. He was the first man Eliana had felt drawn to since Nico. If she was honest with herself, he was the first man she had ever felt this attracted to so immediately. It was enough to make her believe in love at first sight or fate.
“Hi,” he stepped closer, ignoring the empty stool beside her to halt just inside her personal space. Usually, Eliana would have reflexively backed up, but she savored his closeness, the power emanating from his presence. Even in this stuffy bar, he smelled good – fresh, like soap and good whiskey. And up close, his eyes were more magical – a hint of gold dancing in their depths.
“Hi,” she responded on a breath, letting the single word hang there for a moment before adding “You aren’t in sales, are you?”
“Nope.” If he thought it was a strange conversation starter, he kept it to himself. “Engineering and design, although I have dabbled in sales. I could be in sales for you,” he offered in a voice smooth as brandy, redolent with sexual promise and a hint of curiosity. She laughed at his offer. “Are you in sales?”
“Yes, I am. I was thinking of what a crime it would be if you turned out to be my new boss. I’m meeting him tomorrow.”
“Jeremy,” he responded, extending his hand to shake hers. “Not in sales. Is your boss named Jeremy?”
“Thankfully, not.” Eliana extended her hand, savoring the moment as Jeremy wrapped his long fingers around hers. She noticed there was no wedding band as she admired the strength and length of his fingers, the fine hairs on the back of his hand, and his grip – warm and dry. His skin was soft over fine bone and healthy muscle. Everything about him captivated her. “Eliana.”
Jeremy seemed in no hurry to release her hand, but after several beats too long for politeness, Eliana pulled hers from his. “Is this seat taken?” he asked, already sitting down, not thinking twice about it. “Or perhaps that table against the wall? I am anxious to learn why you don’t know who you work with, Eliana.”
Eliana laughed and watched as Jeremy’s breath stopped. His every emotion was transparent, especially the desire flaming in his eyes right now. A passion she reciprocated. Wholeheartedly. She couldn’t remember such an instantaneous attraction. But with Jeremy, she felt electricity and lust move through her entire body, just from the touch of his hand and the sound of her name spoken in his rich baritone.
“Eliana,” he rolled the word around his mouth as if tasting a fine wine. “What a lovely name.” Eliana panties dampened. He was just saying words, but their underlying promise was undeniable. She wanted to be alone with him. She wanted to be naked with him. And all she knew was his first name.
Eliana nodded toward the table, questioning her sanity. She was sure about what this man wanted, but after only minutes, her body governed her head. Jeremy spoke briefly with the bartender, passed him a fifty like it was a single, and motioned for her to lead the way to the empty table. Before they had settled in their chairs, both had fresh drinks. Earlier, the bartender had responded to her beauty with decent service and half-hearted flirting, but he reacted with alacrity to the big tip.
“So, spill,” Jeremy directed, leaning forward on his elbows and putting his mouth dangerously close to hers. Just a few inches, Eliana imagined, and they could be kissing. “I am dying to hear your story. I want to know absolutely everything about you.” The way he lingered on the word ‘everything’ made Eliana wetter still. Oh man, she was in way over her head.
 ~♥~♥~♥~♥~
 

Meet Madison Michael:

Madison Michael loves to binge news, movies, books, Oreos and romance – reading romance novels, writing romantic stories, watching Rom-Coms over and over. Maddy has spent her self-isolation fretting about the health of her friends and neighbors and catching up on TV programs from ten years ago. Hunkered down with her cat, Gracie, and a Zoom life-line to the world, she is wondering how people date and social distance, how much junk food she can consume in a day and why Gracie only wants to play when Maddy needs to work.

 Oh, and Madison is also hard at work on the rest of the Double Dare Romance series. Watch for more of the series in Autumn and Winter, 2020.

Madison’s Social Links:

All Caught up on Madison’s Books?
The Beguiling Bachelor Series – 
Four Successful, Sexy Men meet their matches – and how!
The B&B Billionaire Books – Second Chance at Love stories set in small town America
Standalone Stories – from Sweet Time Travel to Sexy May-September Romance
(available only when you sign up to be an Insider)

New Lisabet Sarai release! (Erotica, MILF–Over 18, please)

The Slut Strikes Back by Lisabet Sarai

Anyone is fair game!

The Slut Strikes Back
Triple-X MILF Erotica, Happy Ending
27,000 words, 81 pages
Smashwords and Amazon KDP

Blurb

“Find someone else to satisfy your needs.”

When her husband complains about her constant sexual demands, MILF Lauren Gordon is shocked and hurt – and determined to act on his instructions.

Lauren has never strayed outside the bounds of her marriage, but now that she has permission, she unleashes her voracious libido on her gorgeous girlfriend next door, the UPS delivery man, and anyone else who strikes her fancy.

Her husband called her a slut in order to shame her. Lauren wears the title with pride. When he comes home to find her gang banging her son’s buddies from the college wrestling team, he realizes he’s made a huge mistake. He wants his slutty wife back. But once you’ve freed the genie, you can’t put it back in the bottle.

If you love wild adventures of wanton women, you’ll love The Slut Strikes Back.

Online Excerpt

https://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2020/07/my-latest-erotic-romp-is-available-for.html

The Slut Strikes Back by Lisabet Sarai

Excerpt

They huddled together, laughing and chatting, obviously good friends. She couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but the lovely, rolling cadence of their speech made her shiver. Shades of Michael Caine and Sean Connery! She’d always found an English accent devastatingly sexy. She squirmed on her leather seat, aware that her minuscule silken panties were well on their way to being soaked.

Nikki set down their single malts, in sparkling crystal glasses. Lauren couldn’t see how much of a tip they gave her, but her broad smile suggested they’d been magnanimous. Crossing one leg over the other, Lauren gave the barkeeper a come-hither gesture. “Another daiquiri, please,” she called.

The two men gazed in her direction, seeming to notice her for the first time. The dark one’s eyebrows shot up as he took in her generous curves, trim thighs and shapely calves. The red-head gave her a wolfish grin. She reached for her glass to drain the last bit of tartness, knowing that the gesture made her breasts shift under her form-fitting dress. Then she leaned over to fiddle with the buckle on her shoe, giving them both a clear view of her sun-tanned cleavage.

None of this was calculated. She wasn’t consciously trying to turn them on. They were watching her; it seemed natural to put on a bit of a show.

The shorter guy waved at Nikki. “Add her drink to our bill, please,” he said, staring straight into Lauren’s eyes.

She liked his boldness. “Why, thank you!” Slipping off her stool, she made her way down the bar, swinging her hips and flipping her long hair back over her shoulder. She settled her butt on the tall chair next to the man with glasses and set her purse on the polished wood surface. “That’s very kind of you.”

“It’s our pleasure.” The dark-haired member of the pair held out his hand. “I’m James.” He had big hands and a powerful grip.

Lauren couldn’t help wondering if he was big everywhere. The erotic potential of this encounter was already clear to her. Her mind running fast-forward, she saw herself sandwiched between these two delightful males. Her pulse jumped and new moisture dampened her already sodden thong.

“Lauren,” she replied, then stopped herself. Should she be using a false name? But why bother? Elliott had called her a slut, and he’d been right. She wasn’t ashamed of who she was. Far from it.

The shorter man licked his lips. “Phillip Worthington,” he said. “At your service.”

She liked that notion. Her vigorous nod caused her unfettered breasts to bounce. Their eyes followed every movement. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I gather you’re visiting LA.”

“We’re here for the IPI conference,” James replied, obviously struggling to look at her face rather than her tits. “Indie Publishers International.”

“Oh! You’re authors?” Brains as well as beauty!

“Phil’s the author.”

“Mysteries and thrillers, mostly,” Phillip added. “As P.J. Worthington.”

“I own a small press in London,” James continued. “Haversham Books. But I don’t imagine you’ve ever heard of us.” He drained his Scotch and signaled to Nikki. “Another round, please.”

“Meanwhile, why don’t you sit between us, Lauren?”  Phillip suggested. “That way we can share you.”

Even with the subdued lighting, Lauren caught the devilish twinkle in his eye. “Lovely idea,” she agreed. They shuffled about, until the two Englishmen bracketed her chair. She gazed from one handsome man to the other, then lifted her third cocktail. “Cheers!”

The Slut Strikes Back by Lisabet SaraiBuy Links

Kinky Literature – https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/8791-the-slut-strikes-back-milf-erotica/

Amazon  US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CFRJSTM

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CFRJSTM

Smashwords –  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1031285

Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-slut-strikes-back-lisabet-sarai/1137303515?ean=2940164132507

Kobo –  https://www.kobo.com/th/en/ebook/the-slut-strikes-back-milf-erotica

Add on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54428619-the-slut-strikes-back

The Slut Strikes Back by Lisabet Sarai

WARNING: X-rated Snippet

“Leave me alone.” Her quavering voice sounded unconvincing even to her own ears.

“You sure that’s what you want?”  When he released her wrists, her arms fell limply to her sides. A sudden pinch to one nipple kindled a fierce bolt of pleasure-pain. “Me, I think you want something else.” Grabbing her hand once more, he pulled it under his apron and curled her palm over his rock-solid erection. “I think this is what you want.”

He felt huge, so massively swollen she wondered how he’d ever get his zipper down. Saliva gathered in her mouth. She licked her dry lips.

“Give it a squeeze,” he ordered, his voice lower and more seductive. “That’s all for you, babe. You want it?”

No, she wanted to assert. What came out of her mouth was a whimper of need.

The Slut Strikes Back by Lisabet Sarai

About Lisabet

Lisabet 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

Daisy play–Love Me, Lust Me Not by Brittany Boykin

Love Me, Lust Me Not by Brittany BoykinLove Me, Lust Me Not

Blurb:
Enjoy this must-read romance novel based in the heart of New York City as you walk with Beverly through a whirlwind of emotions. It’s amazingly intriguing and full to the brim with tons of drama, sex, and betrayal. Who does she fall for? Is it love? Is it lust? What about her crazy business partner? Is he going to ruin her life and their business all at once? Her best friend Sheila is a hoot and a half as well, but can she keep her nose out of Bev’s love life? So many unanswered questions! So little time!

Excerpt:
“Good Morning,” I say shyly as I press floor twenty-five.

“Good Morning, Bev,” Davis says as he reaches across me to press floor thirty-two.

I don’t know what angel died and fell from Heaven, but my heart sings every single time I see this dark, handsome, Armani suited, green-eyed, married hunk. Yes, sadly, he’s married, so untouchable. A girl can dream, though, right?

It takes everything in me not to inhale the delicious fragrance of Davis’ expensive cologne as the elevator starts to move. Oh my gosh, he knows my freaking name! WAIT! Did he just say my nickname? Davis is the only man on this Earth who can bring my giddy, little girl, high school thoughts back into play just by standing by my side. And, oh, what he would look like naked! I stand there, awkwardly, face flushed, as we wait for the elevator to reach my destination.

Praying my knees hold me up right just a little longer, the elevator bell finally dings at my floor. “See you, Davis,” I mutter shakily as I step out of the elevator into the bright reception area.

Buy links:
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089RB3L3N
IBooks App Link: https://books.apple.com/us/book/love-me-lust-me-not/id1517244923
Nook e-book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-me-lust-me-not-brittany-boykin/1137146217?ean=9781735013404
Author Website: https://bboykin.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrittanyboykin

Love Me, Lust Me Not by Brittany Boykin

Let’s Meet Brittany:

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
BB: Honestly, I just sat down and started typing. Every time my best friend read a chapter and anxiously awaited the next one, she would beg me to tell her what was going to happen. I literally had no clue, though. So, my answer was always I don’t know yet. Then, the next day I would start typing again it would all just come to me.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
BB: I had to research a lot of setting information. The book is set in New York City and I have never been. I know risky, but it was fun! I also had to research some NYC law and court system information. One of my characters gets themselves into some trouble, and I wanted the punishment and process to be realistic.

NA: What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?
BB: I want my readers to know that you can find your true love. You do not have to put up with being treated poorly in any aspect of your life. You are worthy, and you should NEVER settle. Live life, have fun and everything will fall into place when you least expect it to!

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
BB: I do have a day job and I still currently work full-time. I also am currently going to school for my bachelors in accounting. I could not do any of this without my supportive husband and my amazing kids, though. I know: busy, busy.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
BB: Honestly, boredom. I quit smoking about 6 months ago and I needed something to keep my busy. I got a random idea for the main characters and the plot and just started typing away. My best friend and dad read the first chapter and thought it was just amazing, so I kept going. I don’t think I would have been able to finish without them!

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
BB: Everyone seems to be supportive so far. I am not sure how my mom will react when she actually reads the book, though. Disclaimer: there are curse words and sexy scenes.

NA: Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write? Action, dialogue, sex?
BB: Action and description. I can see it in my head but putting it to paper is hard. I probably rewrote certain settings/scenes 4 or 5 times because I kept rereading it and thinking that is not how it was in my head. Dialogue is the easiest, I think.

NA: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
BB: Spend time with my husband and kids. We are usually at sporting events regularly, but thanks to COVID, sports were mostly canceled. We have been going to the lake a lot now that it is hot. We love to go out on the boat and fish. We also love to go camping. In fact, I did my first round of edits sitting outside a cabin at a picnic table at a lake in Texas while camping with my family.

NA: What are your top three favorite books of all time?
BB: My all-time favorite series hands down is Harry Potter. I could read it over and over and never get tired of it. I know I am going to get some hate for this one, but I also LOVE the Twilight series. Then, I think it would have to be the Hunger Games. How did I get caught up writing a romance novel? LOL.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the morning?
BB: UGH. Work. I just want to write all day. HAHA. Maybe one day I can be a full-time author. That is the dream anyways. For now, I will keep my day job and daydream.

NA: What errand/chore do you despise the most?
BB: DISHES. They are the devil! I hate the icky feeling of gross soggy food. EW. Thank goodness my husband hates laundry. We traded – he does dishes, I do laundry. He is forever my soulmate.

NA: What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
BB: JK Rowling of course. I would love to pick her brain. I have so many questions!

NA: What are you working on now?
BB: Book two of course. I need help naming it, though. I don’t think I picked a very good title for a series… Love Me, Lust Me Not 2 seems so LAME! Any contenders want to help name book two? Send me a message on Facebook with your ideas!

How can we find out more??

Britanny BoykinBrittany Boykin is a down home Texas gal, born and raised! She loves to play with her 3 beautiful children and hang out with her amazing husband. She was born in Waco, Texas and grew up in Dallas most of her life. She moved back to Waco eventually and ended up graduating high school from Bruceville-Eddy. She is currently attending college to get her Bachelor’s in Accounting. Brittany has always loved business and has been in the business world most of her career.

Brittany has many hobbies and her kids keep her busy. But when she is not busy doing kids activities, you can find her with a coffee and a book in her hand. Brittany has a newfound love for writing. She is a romance author and just published her first book. Follow her blog for excerpts from the book and to learn more about her day to day life! If you love a good romance novel, then stick around for Brittany’s book release to be announced this year! Don’t forget to follow her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter for all of the latest updates!

Facebook link: www.facebook.com/authorbrittanyboykin

Twitter link: www.twitter.com/AuthorBoykin

Website: www.bboykin.com

Book Links: www.bboykin.com/order-books/

Re-reading—a rarity #MFRWauthor

I love (love, LOVE!) reading. Some books haven’t been really great, but a lot have been. So many stories have occupied my mind long after reading them, for the characters or the lyrical writing or something I can’t quite put my finger on. But it’s not very often I go back and re-read them. In fact, off the top of my head, I can only think of two books I’ve re-read. Well, four I guess, but three are of the same series.

The first I thought about was Diane Gabaldon’s Outlander. I did love that book! The romance was strong, the historical aspect was interesting, and then (of course!) there was James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser. He’s what kept calling me back, not Claire, the witch, with her nose in the air. I also re-read books 2 and 3, when a friend and I decided to read the entire series. I still have not read the final book (is there an actual final book out?) because I don’t want Jamie to die. I was ready for Claire to die by the end of book 4, to tell the truth, but that’s neither here nor there.

The other book that came to mind is one by Emma Holly called The Demon’s Daughter. I absolutely lost myself in that book!! I really like Emma Holly’s writing style, but then she wove a tight, exciting sci fi/fantasy adventure romance that kept me glued to the book from start to finish. In fact…I kinda want to read it again now.

I just finished reading Ed Hoornaert’s The Saint of Quarantine Island, and I think it has the quality of a book I could read again. There’s so much happening and so many quirks and twists that I think I could discover things the second time around that I might have missed the first. I really enjoyed it!

And I could also re-read Jan Selbourne’s Perilous Love (or Behind the Clouds if you prefer a cover without the naked chest!) In that book, Jan wrote a real love story—more than a romance—and set it against the opening chords of WWI. It is very exciting, and she brought the romance out slowly but surely. Wonderful book!!

Which books have you re-read?

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

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist
One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

There’s magic in the air #MFRWHooks

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

Your Desire by Dee S. Knight
Blurb:
Your Desire. A mysterious shop appears in town for one reason: to bring the spice of passion and the thrill of love to one special person. Magic is in more than the item purchased—it’s in the heart of the buyer, often hidden, usually surprising. And after enchantment takes hold? The store fades from sight and memory, only to reappear somewhere else. Maybe in your town….

Buy link:
Kindle Unlimited

MFRW Book HooksExcerpt:
Allison Hayes berated herself for the millionth time as she hurried up the street. Spending her lunch hour shopping wasn’t her greatest desire, but she had little choice.

Why had she agreed to help at the reunion yet again? Hadn’t she been masochistic enough when they’d celebrated being out of high school five years? She’d handled all of the arrangements then. And when the tenth anniversary arrived, hadn’t she accepted the tasks of tracking down everyone in their class, bringing in the entertainment and setting up the welcome dinner?

As the third reunion approached, she’d determined to stay out of it. Yet here she was, sucked in again. At least this time she only had responsibility for handling the welcome table for the mix-and-mingle dinner on Saturday. The opening ceremonies, as it were.

“And I think that will be the extent of my appearances, too,” she mumbled. Why emphasize the chasm that existed between her and her classmates one more time?

The first reunion hadn’t been so bad in that respect. Everyone either had recently graduated from college or was trying to establish their place in the world in some way. She’d felt on equal footing. At the next, she had been among the few who weren’t married, one of only a handful who hadn’t left the Lexington area. This year, she knew she would be almost alone in her single status. Probably a few of her classmates had been divorced and remarried, even, sampling two or three times what she hadn’t known at all. She would feel odd and provincial, still being unmarried and never having left their small hometown.

Walking with purpose down Main Street, she headed for the Belk’s department store. The reunion committee, in its infinite wisdom, had decided to make the introductory party a retro theme.

“So much more fun,” her friend Mary had explained on the phone last week.

“Fun? But I don’t have anything I can wear to a retro party. I’m not even sure what retro clothes are,” Allison had complained.

“Sure you do. Now look, Allison, you must be there. I’m really counting on you. It’ll be fun, you’ll see. Have your hair styled in a flip and find an old bridesmaid’s dress somewhere. Somehow they always look like they’re from the fifties.” With that bit of sage advice she’d hung up to take care of some child-related disaster in the making.

So here Allison was, on her lunch hour and only a few days before the event, trying to find something that filled the requirements. Tugging on the door to Belk’s, she saw the sign posted on the glass: “Closed due to broken pipe. Please visit us again later this week.”

“Great.” Heaving a deep sigh, she wondered where else she could find the kind of dress she needed, in—she glanced at her watch—thirty minutes. Nowhere. She groaned knowing she’d now have to do more shopping than could be handled in a lunch break.

Viewing her reflection in the glass, she noted the lines of fatigue already there, and the week wasn’t over yet. Leaving her plain face starkly exposed, her brown hair was pulled back in a bun, its luster normally hidden under a nurse’s cap. She looked tidy and efficient in the white uniform. But she hurt from the hours on her feet combined with the walk uptown, making her lean to the right in order to take weight off her left leg. The ache added to her weary expression. The last thing she needed was to go shopping.

“Damn!” She hadn’t wanted to go to the reunion in the first place and now she had to rearrange her schedule in order to find a dress she really didn’t want to buy. She turned to trudge back up the street toward the hospital.

Suddenly, a noise caught her attention and she glanced up to find the source, a sign hanging over the sidewalk, squeaking on its hinges. Your Desire, the sign said in fine script. Vintage Clothing. An arrow pointed up the alley where Allison saw another, smaller sign hanging over a doorway. Puzzled, she looked up and down the street. She’d never noticed this sign before. She hadn’t especially noticed this alley, to tell the truth. Vintage Clothing.

“What do I have to lose?” she murmured, dragging herself up the alleyway.

Pushing open the door, she experienced a rush of anticipation, a tingle up her spine. She walked into a store surprisingly different than what she’d expected. From the outside, the storefront appeared tiny. Inside, shelves and racks spaced on each wall extended far into the back, making the shop very deep. She supposed because the windows fronted the alley, the natural light that filled the space seemed filtered, creating a hazy, gauzy ambience.

She stepped farther inside. Background music was loud enough to be heard but not overwhelming. A song by a swing band ended and a Hit Parade ballad by Perry Como began. To her left she saw a Victorian wedding gown hanging on the wall. To her right, a flapper era dress, complete with fringe and sequins. Surely these were reproductions. No one store could have such a wide range of exquisite originals.

“May I help you?”

She started, slapping her hand to her chest. “Oh, I didn’t see you.” The man standing beside her looked like someone she thought she should know. An actor or something. That was it! One of those old actors. What was his name…?

He smiled and she forgot to remember.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

Seeing stories as a journey: Amber Polo

Every Story Is a Journey

The Pharaoh and the Librarian by Amber PoloAfter writing for twenty years and publishing eight books, I finally figured out my brand—journeys. A road trip across country, a trip back in time, or a peek into a character’s mind, words take us on journeys. We don’t always know where we’ll end up, but sometimes we sit back and enjoy the journey.

The Pharaoh and the Librarian started as a prequel to a series. I rewrote. And rewrote. Along the way I asked for critiques. Editors said many nice things and some things I ignored. I sent the last version to my dream editor through Reedsy. She told me the same things. And finally I listened. She said the manuscript had an intriguing theme and series of events with an episodic life story kind of feel. And that it wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

I told her that her comments mirrored my life as well as my writing and, if I hadn’t been so shocked at the revelation, it would be funny. Yes! Intriguing theme? Series of events? Check. If I drew a map of my life it would be a maze of cross country travels. Yet episodic worked for me. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Looking back, I see each of my books as a journey. I even included some maps to help the reader follow along. Recovered, the third in my shapeshifter librarian series, my favorite and the most episodic, featured villains chasing my protagonists across the country. Looking even further back, my first romance novel “Hearts in the Vortex,” had a traveling-around-Sedona episodic feel.

So what’s next? It’s time for me to pull out a manuscript that’s as close to autobiographical as I’ll ever write. And, no surprise, my protagonists jump all over the country living episodic lives. Over a 20 year period they stop at many of the places I loved on my own cross country adventures, not knowing the other is also there. (Yes, I do believe in coincidences.)

What’s most fun about a journey? Sharing the beloved places with friends and readers. Hope readers will join my two Egyptian girls and their journeys to a new world.

The Pharaoh and the Librarian by Amber PoloBlurb:

What if Cleopatra faked her death and escaped on a pirate ship? While her sister sailed for Wales with the most valuable ancient books from her Library of Alexandria? And they both landed in an imagined new world filled with crypto-creatures and historical humans?

Trekking to the desert of 1st century New Mexico, Cleo from the Yucatan and Alex from Nova Scotia, they’d need bravery and help from friends and lovers to evade inner demons and determined villains across an uncharted wilderness.

Alternate history- Fantasy-Romance – Adventure!

Map: The Pharaoh and the Librarian by Amber PoloExcerpt:

When Alex emerged from her hut the next morning, Dylan lay in wait. She looked up into his glowering countenance. “What do you want?”

“My sister told me you plan to accompany your books on the voyage? She must be mistaken.”

“She is correct. That is my plan.”

“Are you mad?”

She shrugged and walked on, facing forward, ignoring the giant Druid at her heels. “Perhaps.”

“Alexandria, wait. The journey is long and dangerous. And very cold.”

“So be it.” She kept walking.

He grasped her arm and made her stop and face him. “I’m not talking about ordinary danger. Entire ships do not survive the three-month ocean journey. The crossing is treacherous. Filled with hardships. A ship is no place for a woman.”

Her body stiffened. “No place for a woman! You told me Viking women captain ships.”

“You are no Viking.” He stepped back and rubbed his head.

Her face reddened. “I am Alexandria Ptolemy of Egypt. I will accompany the most valuable library in the world to its new home. If you refuse to go, then stay.” Alex turned on her heel and marched to the caves to continue preparations for the journey. She might not be as courageous as Cleo, but she could be as stubborn.

***

Months later, Alex furrowed her brows against the bitter cold wind. If this was what Vikings called spring, they were truly mad. The ships she’d purchased with Egyptian gold had arrived. Her library, now well-protected inside shells and sealed in skins, was packed into their holds. And, with word that the ice had cleared from their chosen route, Dylan and the Viking captain Skrymir, a giant man with a mustache curled like the horns of a wild mountain sheep, were ready to sail.

Gwynne led them, blue cape furling, to the standing stones for a Druid ceremony. Alex smiled, for the Druid queen no longer appeared ferocious. Her friend’s blue-stained face was lined with kindness and concern.

“Are you determined to make this voyage, dear daughter of the pyramids?”

Alex nodded. “I must go with my books to see them to a safe land.”

“Dylan is an adventurer, but a good sailor and navigator. Many have trusted their lives to him.”

“My library is more important than my life.”

Gwynne embraced Alex. “I have enjoyed your company and wished for you to stay here in Wales, but I understand your dedication. I, along with my librarians, will fight off the Roman wolves as long as we can, so none will know you have left. We have our swords, shields, and magic caldrons. My second, Boudicca, is most formidable. And Y Draid Goch, our Red Dragon, defends Wales.”

Alex held her friend tight. She would miss the Druid Ovate. She’d learned much from her and spent many days with books and tea of lemon balm and peppermint, and many evenings with mead and stories.

Gwynne’s eyes closed. “I have seen a vision. Your books safe in a valley where you will build a new library.”

“Thank you. I will do my best to make that happen.” As comforting as Gwynne’s vision had been, fear of the unknown filled Alex’s heart. Cleo had often called Alex an obsessive introvert who shunned life. Now she must prove Cleo’s words wrong.

Gwynne stepped to Alex and removed Alex’s cape. Then with a flourish took off her own blue cape and placed it over Alex’s shoulders. “May this keep you warm and safe with Druid magic.”

Alex felt the weight of the cape like a comfort and her eyes teared with gratitude. Through the blur she saw Gwynne point to the sky. She looked up and saw a crimson flash soar over the standing stones, then circle back. Flames burst from the dragon’s jaws. It flapped its sharp forked tail. The people below cheered.

“There is one more gift.” Gwynne waved Dylan to her side. “Come to the Circle.”

Alex and Dylan followed Gwynne to the center of the standing stones.

Gwynne’s eyes shone with tears as she took Alex’s left hand and placed it in Dylan’s right. “Alexandria of Alexandria, daughter of Pharaohs, I give you my most precious gift, my brother Dylan, Prince of the Anglesey Druids, and Lord of Ynys Môn.”

Alex’s mouth opened letting in a gulp of frigid air. “What do you mean?”

Dylan squeezed her hand. “My sister is giving me to you.”

Gwynne smiled. “My brother understands it will be a long and dangerous voyage. With Dylan as your husband, you will have protection.”

“No,” Alex protested, attempting to pull her hand back from Dylan’s warm grasp. “This cannot be. I have vowed never to wed.” She looked into Dylan’s sea-blue eyes. “Tell your sister she is mad.”

Dylan held Alex’s hand fast. “I bow to the authority of my Druid queen. Gwynne, make haste with the ritual. My bride and I sail with the tide.”

Alex opened her mouth to protest but only a very un-royal sputter escaped.

With that, Gwynne spoke quickly in the dialect Alex had not yet mastered, and in minutes Dylan had transferred a gold ring from his finger to hers and clasped her in a warm embrace. She stood stunned when Gwynne ordered, “Now circle the stones. Then all will be complete.”

Dylan’s voice was gentle. “Come with me three times around the stone circle and it shall be done. I promise you shall not regret what my sister has decreed.”

 Available: Amazon print and ebook

Bio:

Amber PoloAmber Polo, constantly asking “What if…?” has a hard time writing in one genre. Best known for The Shapeshifters’ Library urban fantasy series which asked what if librarian dog-shifters faced book-burning werewolves, she shares her love of libraries and fascination with creatures and places, real and not-so-real, in The Pharaoh and the Librarian.

Author of award-winning fantasies and Arizona romances, Amber relaxes stressed writers and readers. Her book, Relaxing the Writer offers a catalog of suggestions and simple exercises while her calming CDs help almost anyone relax and find restful sleep.  Heads in the Clouds won Best Romance in the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards and her essay “Trick or Treat” won the national Story Circle Network Susan Wittig Albert LifeWriting Competition.

To learn more about Amber and her books, find her at:

Website and Blog

Facebook Author Page

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

Wrong place, wrong time, right woman #MFRWsteam

This is a blog hop! Please see the end of the post for the link to other
steamy excerpts!

Only a Good Man Will Do by Dee S. KnightBlurb for Only a Good Man Will Do:
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:
KU

Excerpt:
Daniel couldn’t wait to get Eve to the bedroom. When he heard the click of MFRW Steamthe lock, it was as though they’d pushed the world away and existed alone in that island of an apartment.

What are you doing? Are you out of your fucking mind? He was where he shouldn’t be and with a woman he shouldn’t be. And he didn’t give a damn.

He backed her against the door. “Take off your clothes.”

Locking onto his eyes, she started unbuttoning her blouse. She must be as crazy as he. If he said the wrong word at the Academy, her son would be out, yet she—

“Wait a minute. Swear you aren’t doing this to keep your son in school.”

Eve’s eyes narrowed then widened. “Are you using his position at Westover as a threat?”

“Hell, no.”

“I want you as much as you want me. That’s the only reason I let you in this apartment.”

Satisfied, he nodded. She loosened the last button and let her blouse fall to the floor. Still watching his eyes, she reached behind and unhooked her bra. Her breasts were large, but not overly so. He cupped one. The stiffened peak of her nipple scraped his palm as he massaged her. He removed his hand and raised his eyes back to hers.

She unzipped and unsnapped her jeans. He crowded her but in a great stripper move, she slithered down the door, pushing her jeans and panties with her. On her haunches in front of him, she unbuckled his belt. He reached in his pocket for the rubber he’d brought and let her free his cock as she pulled down his trousers and briefs.

Her breath was hot on him, and her tongue like a branding iron striking across the crown, licking up his pre-cum and dipping into the tiny slit as though digging for more. Her mouth surrounded the head of his cock, hot and wet and so inviting. He closed his eyes and pushed forward, letting the heat envelope him, burn him. He withdrew and the cold air on his tender flesh sent a shiver through him, a shiver she sensed because she surged forward, covering him in heat again. When she pulled back, she wrapped her warm hand around his exposed rod. His cock twitched, gliding like a snake into the recesses of her mouth, sliding ever so slightly past the mouth of her throat. His balls tightened, so ready to let go. Daniel pulled back.

“Here,” he said, handing her the condom. It took her no time to apply it, then, unbelievably, she stood in the tiny space he allowed.

This time, Daniel crouched before her, removing her shoes and slipping the jeans over her feet. He parted her legs and licked his way from ankle to thigh. Her skin smoothed over his cheek, a length of silk leading to the apex, an amazing thatch of soft curls. He nuzzled and her aroma overtook him, the warm, musk scent making his dick pulse with need. With a groan, she widened her stance. He parted her lower lips and studied her. Already, dew drops of her essence glistened along her lips and the entrance to her pussy. His tongue lapped it up, stroking a path to her clit.

“Oh, God!” She slapped her hands against the door.

She was wet enough, especially after his brief exploration. Another time he’d take more care. Right now, he only wanted to feel her around him, to be lost in her touch, her scent, her woman’s heat that could bring the strongest man to his knees.

He stood and lifted her over him. “Are you ready?” His voice was hoarse, the taste of her still on his tongue spurring his desire and emptying him of all reason.

“More than ready.”

In a single stroke he drove into her. She cried out.

“Did I hurt you?”

She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, pulling him as close as he could get. His hands kneaded her ass. Her hips undulated, grinding into him.

“Harder,” she whispered in his ear.

“Oh, God,” he moaned. Feeling like a man of iron, he pounded her back against the door. Someone had started another song in the bar below and the steady bass beat a feral rhythm to which he stroked. Steel sheathed in liquid fire, he drove in and pulled out. In and out, in and out, to the beat from below, to the pounding of his heart, to the grunts of pleasure Eve made while he hammered her to the door.

And then his balls clenched against her butt and he came, hard, strong, for what felt like forever. At the same moment, Eve moaned, holding him tight while her muscles clamped, seeking to trap him deep within. No problem there. He was deep and long and right where he wanted to be. She was tight and strong and hard around him.

They stood there until he had nothing left to give and the ripples of her orgasm died away. His mouth sought hers, drinking and sipping and nuzzling. For the first time, he noticed her hands tangled in his hair. Her tongue invaded his mouth, taking command in a way he found arousing. Incredibly, his heart sped and his breathing quickened. Damn, he couldn’t wait to have her again.

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…