Author: Dee S.

Slaves to Desire by Eli Gilić

Slaves to Desire by Eli Gilic

Slaves to Desire by Eli Gilić (@GilicEli)
Published by Sinful Press (@SinfulPress)
Just 99c/p Throughout October!

Slaves to Desire by Eli Gilić is a unique, beautifully written erotic short story collection that deftly weaves fact and fiction. Originally published in Serbian, Sinful Press is over the moon to present the English language version of this amazing collection in both digital and print. To celebrate, we are making the ebook version available for just 99p/99c throughout October.

Blurb:

Charles Baudelaire, Rasputin, Anna Karenina, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Ophelia, Fyodor Dostoevsky, George Sand, Frederic Chopin, Vincent Van Gogh, Antonin Artaud, Maria Izquierdo, James Joyce, Federico Garcia Lorka, Salvador Dali.

Can Rasputin find redemption through the sins of others? What awaits Anna Karenina on the other side? Does passion still flow through the veins of the lovers from Verona? Can Hamlet and Ophelia escape their fate? Is Van Gogh’s loneliness a blessing or a curse? And can Dali dispel Lorca’s fear.

Eli Gilić deftly weaves fact and fiction to bring some of the world’s great writers, literary characters, artists and composers to life as they reach the heights of passion and the depths of despair in this mesmerising erotic short story collection.

Sales links:
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Excerpt from ‘Lovers in the Land of Peyote’ (María Izquierdo and Antonin Artaud), Slaves to Desire:

They brought him half-dead on a donkey, took him to his room, laid his feverish body on the bed and left me alone with him. I was terror-stricken as I listened to his frantic screams and incoherent ravings about virgins and donkeys. I wiped his burning forehead for hours and tried to reach him. He writhed, flailed his arms and legs, and I had to avoid blows carefully.

My strength was dissolving when Antonin suddenly stilled. I feared the worst, but he opened his eyes. Delirium had passed. His eyes were bright and curious. Such relief overcame me that I kissed him without thinking. I poured all the love that was burning in my heart into that kiss. I realised what I had done only when he returned my kiss. But there was no reason for anxiety because Antonin was overcome by desire just like me. He kissed me feverishly, as if to compensate for all the months of restraint. A surge of happiness flooded me. I quickly took off my robe and pulled Antonin’s pants down his legs.

Antonin just looked at me with mild disbelief. Fearing that he would pull away and say that we shouldn’t, I quickly settled above him before he had a chance to object. I had to feel him at least once. I think my heart would have broken if I didn’t manoeuvre him into me.

I looked him in the eye as I slowly descended on his hard manhood, choking from inexplicable joy. It seemed like I was becoming whole because he was filling me. I lacked something essential before Antonin entered my life just as my body had missed something vital before I felt him inside me. When I came down completely, I stilled to interpret his look. But I saw nothing except great love and total abandonment. As if to encourage me, Antonin grabbed me by the hips and began lifting and lowering me. I started moving and together we found the rhythm of lovers. Our bodies moved as if of their own will, as if saying something to each other with those feverish movements. Movements as old as the world, yet completely new, full of mysterious meaning known only to us. Faster, feverishly, marvellously coordinated as if our bodies had already done that in another world and time and we were only repeating what was carved in our hearts and bodies.

Antonin was moaning uncontrollably while rapidly raising his pelvis to meet my frenzied descents. Strangled sounds were escaping my throat, my insides were tightening from pleasure. The pressure was becoming unbearable, almost agonising. And then a miraculous burst, spasms that brought immense delight. The relief was so strong that I collapsed on him. Antonin hugged me tightly and jerked a few more times before freezing and crying out.

I sat up and showered his face with kisses, crying and laughing at the same time, mad from the rush of giddy joy.

Author Bio:
Eli Gilić is a writer and translator from Serbia who has spent much of her career translating best-selling novels for the Serbian market. She has also penned an erotic cookbook called Eat, Tease and Please.

Eli lives near a forest in Serbia with her three four-legged friends, and she spends her free time growing organic food, climbing mountains and jumping from waterfalls.

Slaves to Desire is her first short story collection, and it was originally published by Laguna, the biggest publisher in Serbia, before being translated into English for Sinful Press.

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More magic, more spills, more Halloween Thrills!

Halloween Thrills by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie KeckEarlier in the week Nomad Authors let you know about a new anthology by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie Keck, Halloween Magic. Here’s the follow-up book, Halloween Thrills!

Halloween Thrills is the second anthology of Halloween stories written by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie Keck. All three stories take place in Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, a town where ordinary and extraordinary people live their unique lives in harmony.

Blurb:
Halloween Thrills
Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, Book 2

The magic of Halloween continues in Forget-Me-Not, Oregon. Halloween Thrills contains three stories for Halloween about witches, their magic, and finding love with classic “monsters.”

Halloween Thrills--Devin GovaereThe Patchwork Man
Beauty is more than the sum of its parts…

When her magic vanishes, conjuring witch Daisy Summers loses the most important part of herself. She refuses to accept that she’s destined to be normal. After a fatal crash, Haven Knight is looking for a place to hide. Haven would give anything just to be normal. But who needs normal when they can have extraordinary?

All Wrapped UpHalloween Thrills--Maggie McBay
One shrouded in mystery, one searching for answers…

As Keeper of the Archives, air witch Nia Curtis finds herself all too often wrapped up in the things of old and romanticizing about times long gone. Desmond Cole is a man who, long ago, fell into a dire situation. Now there’s hope he’s found the one woman who can unravel his past. Together, they discover that only love can truly bind.

Halloween Thrills--Laurie KeckThe Wild One
He’s ready for a silver bullet. She’s ready for a mate.

Kathryn “Ryn” Deeds possesses the blood of werewolf hunters in her veins. When a werewolf shows up in the Savage Woods, it’s Ryn’s job to keep her community safe. Ryker James is a man destined to turn into a raging beast—and Ryn’s chosen mate.
Will she be able to save him before the moon destroys what is left of his humanity?

Excerpt:
Prologue
The New Home

The refugees who had fled from their homes in the east thrived in the village of Forget-Me-Not. With the freedom to pursue their livelihoods, the ability to trust their fellows, and the peace that allowed them to live in harmony against such a lovely backdrop, each citizen worked hard, cared for one another, and looked forward to a bright and promising future.
The swishing of skirts through the long grass caught Silas’ attention as Constance Curtis came to stand beside him. “It’s beautiful here.”

“Indeed it is. How goes construction on your lighthouse?” Master Deeds asked.

“Master Summers has it in hand. He feels we should be operational within a fortnight.” She laughed. “Even conjuring has its limitations at times.”

“I look forward to sending the fishing boats out,” he said, “but we need to know they will find their way home.”

Constance sighed. “Home. I feel happiness in my heart just saying the word.”

“As do we all,” he said with a smile. “And the windmill?”

“I have created a diagram for Ariana Hargrove. With her affinity to the air, and with Master Summers’ aid, I have no doubt it will be spinning within a week.”

“That is indeed good news. I have spoken with the Great Leader and his shaman, Po’laklie. They have agreed quite readily to aid us with food for the winter and gift us with seeds. Our earth elementals can nurture them in the sun houses throughout the cold months, and with their skills, I hold no doubts we will soon be able to repay them in kind. And Richard?” His voice held tenderness as he spoke of his younger friend and fellow Conclave member. “How is he bearing the strain of creating a new community?”

Constance laughed. “The man does not sleep. He enjoys this, Master Deeds. His power grows stronger every day with the freedom to create.”

Silas Deeds raked his gaze over the cottages, the cobblestone streets, and the wagons and equipment Richard had created for their use. “He has done well. We owe him much. The man will soon need a chance to recoup his strength and spend time with his wife. Let us hope there are soon more Summers conjurers to add to our home.” He winked at Constance.

He let his glances linger on the children playing merrily in the fields and the women who watched them with fondness as they washed their clothing in the River Strong. He touched upon the farm animals they had transported across the vast expanse, milling in the grasses, growing fat and healthy. The men were engaged in conversation as they worked to make their community a real home, and each looked hale and hardy.

“And you, Constance? How are you here in this new place?”

“I am well beyond my hopes, Master Deeds. My family is very happy here.”

“Grandmother!” A young woman ran toward them across the field. She heaved a breath as she came up short, laughing as Master Deeds reached out to catch her.

“What is it, Grace?”

“Master Summers needs you. Something about…the cradle?” A rosy blush spread over her face.

“Aye, my darling,” Constance said with a smile, “but not that kind of cradle. The cradle that will hold the candles for illumination.”

Master Deeds tried to meet Grace’s eyes, but she successfully avoided him.

“Grace dear, how is life with your new husband?”

“Very well, Master Deeds,” she replied, blushing furiously.

“You will soon be adding a new citizen to our roster?”

Grace’s mouth dropped open. “How did you…”

“It shows in your eyes, my dear. Your happiness, your devotion to your husband, his devotion to you. When one finds her True Intended, it is hard to maintain a secret.” He grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. “And thoroughly unnecessary. Share your good news with the others. We will celebrate tonight.”

Grace picked up her skirts and ran toward her husband, waving madly. He caught her in his arms and spun her around.

Silas watched her as Constance followed her granddaughter with her loving gaze. He had never felt more content in his life, and he knew, in this place, contentment would be felt by all.

For many, many years.

Buy link:

Author Bios:

Devin Govaere is a freelance editor and fiction writer. She has published over a dozen novels and fourteen novellas, writing under her own name as well as several pseudonyms. She lives in North Carolina and can be contacted at dgovaere@gmail.com.

Maggie McBay enjoys writing paranormal stories filled with romance and suspense. She has published several novels and novellas, writing under her own name as well as several pseudonyms. Touched with a bit of wanderlust, she’s lived in several states over the years and looks forward to traveling in the near future. You can contact Maggie at maggiemcbay@gmail.com.

Laurie Keck lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She frequently visits the beach with her two small dogs and enjoys quiet time in natural surroundings. As much as Laurie enjoys the ocean, she is equally at home amidst the forest and mountains. She loves nature and wildlife. Her passion is writing stories about true love and fantasy.

Author links:

Devin
Maggie
Laurie

Halloween Thrills by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie Keck

An interview with Janet Lane Walters and Forgotten Dreams

Please welcome Janet Lane Walters and her book, Forgotten Dreams!

Forgotten Dreams by Janet Lane Walters

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
JLW: The idea for Forgotten Dreams was an interesting journey. Since all the heroines in the series have a Cancer birthday and the heroes are of different times. The time had arrived for a Leo hero. After reading a bit about the Leo man in a variety of astrology books I own, I decided since he is fire, he needed action and since he was a Leo, he would like the spotlight. Thus the hero was born. The heroine and he were friends and had spun dreams of forever when they were teens. My question became what would happen if he’d forgotten those dreams and came to a time when he wanted them back.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
JLW: Much of the research was in my astrology books and also my background as a nurse. Had some fun looking up how bone fractures could be treated and also thought of patients I’d known and their treatment. I looked at a lot about action figures and happen to be a fan of that kind of movies.

NA: What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?
JLW: That love lost can be regained but it takes work and understanding.

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
JLW: Years ago, I was a nurse and worked on an orthopedic unit. I’ve been retired for thirty years and have been writing steadily since then.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
JLW: Years ago, I had pneumonia and had to take two weeks from work. Being bored, I read. My sister-in-law sent me a bag of books. Most were medical romances. There were only a few good ones. Most of the writers knew little about hospitals and medicine. I wondered if I could write a better book. That brought back memories of my teenage scribblings on books I never finished writing. I began with short stories since they seemed easier. One day an editor told me my short story sounded like the synopsis for a book and I began the process of learning how to tell stories in my imagination into books.

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
JLW: My father was my biggest fan and he pushed my books to everyone he met. My first books where hardback and ones sold mostly to libraries. His pushing his daughter’s writing I believe was responsible for receiving money beyond the initial payment. My husband thinks of my writing as an obsession he doesn’t want to cure. He’s a psychiatrist. My children and grandchildren are proud but only one granddaughter is a real fan. As for friends, these days most of my friends are fellow writers. They are a great bunch and we encourage each other and even buy each other’s books.

NA: Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
JLW: Absolutely plan my books ahead of time. Now I don’t have a written outline, just a sketch of what I want to be in the book and then I divide into chapters. Usually two people chapters with viewpoints from hero and heroine. Once this is done, I start to write and here it’s where the plan takes me. I’m a plotter.

NA: Do you have quirky writing habits?
JLW: Not really quirky to me but I write my rough draft and usually two more with pen and paper and type them into the computer adding notes as I type. I write faster than I type.

NA: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
JLW: When I’m not writing, I spend time critiquing other people’s writings, watching crime shows and the Cooking Channel and reading. I also care for a semi-invalid husband and sometimes do a bit of housework.

NA: Why did you choose the shirt you have on?
JLW: I pulled the first thing from the drawer and put it on.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?
JLW: Time to get moving. Will be a busy day.

NA: What errand/chore do you despise the most?
JLW: Grocery shopping. Not so much the shopping as the putting things away when I arrive home. Folding laundry comes in as a close second.

NA: What are you working on now?
JLW: Lines of Fire Challenged – the second book in a romance fantasy trilogy.

NA: What advice would you give to beginning writers?
JLW: Keep writing. The more you write the easier it becomes.

Forgotten Dreams

Blurb:

Chad Morgan is tired of his Hollywood life and his role as action hero, Storm. He’s ignoring the contracts for two more movies in the franchise. He wants to take a different direction and make a movie of his friend’s book. He has bought the rights. But his agent and the studio want more Storm. His personal life is also bouncing from one woman to another. His thoughts have turned to Emma Grassi, the woman he left behind in his quest for fame. He decides to return to Fern Lake and speak to his friend and renew his friendship with Emma.

Emma is now a nurse practitioner sharing an office with her doctor friend. She has waited for Chad to return and has decided this isn’t going to happen. She’s decided to confront him and put an end to the dream she has remembered and he has forgotten. Life takes a twist when Chad ‘s auto accident on the outskirts of Fern Lake bring them together. She wants out. He wants in.

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Bio:

Janet Lane WaltersJanet Lane Walters has been published for fifty years. Not in a continuous stream as she returned to work as a nurse to help when children reached college age. She lives in the scenic Hudson River valley. She writes romances, contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy. She also has a cluster of cozy mysteries, and a suspense. Among her writings are also poetry and short stories and non-fiction. She worked as a ghost writer for a few years. She is an award winning author and her non-fiction book Becoming Your Own Critique Partner written with Jane Toombs won an EPIC Award.

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Just in time for the spookiest night! Halloween Magic

Halloween Magic by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay and Laurie KeckNomad Authors welcomes one of Dee’s favorite author friends, Devin Govaere, and her two writing companions, Maggie McBay and Laurie Keck, and their really great book for Halloween–Halloween Magic. Halloween Magic is an anthology of three stories taking place in Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, a town where ordinary and extraordinary people live their unique lives in harmony.

NA: Hi, Devin. How did you come up with the idea for your book?
DG: My co-authors and I love the small-town, romantic vibe that comes from watching the Hallmark Channel, but we also love quirky and interesting characters that live outside the norm. So creating a small town with paranormal residents was intriguing to us. Since Halloween is coming, we decided to each write a story using a classic Halloween theme.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
DG: When deciding where to place our town, we read articles and perused pictures to determine which “vibe” most connected to our ideas. We all agreed and chose Oregon and then created our town on a rather isolated peninsula. My story, Just Another Scarecrow Love Story, is contemporary, so it didn’t require research. However, my male character is a miner from the nineteenth century, so in order to get a feel for the life he might have led, I read a bit about early mining practices. The research never makes it into the story, but it gave me a sense of who he is.

NA: A fun fact about writing your book.
DG: I’ve always been intrigued by scarecrows. They’re solitary creatures who reflect how lonely life can be at times. I wanted to write a story about a scarecrow who is much more than clothes filled with stuffing. I wanted my scarecrow to find a happily ever after.

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
DG: I am a full-time freelance editor and write between projects. I’m lucky, however, to work from home, so my schedule is my own.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
DG: I tinkered with writing throughout my life, particularly during those awkward junior high years. Then I got sidelined by “having a life,” which included dating as a teen and young adult and then getting married and having kids. One night I was watching TV with the kids, had an idea, got out a spiral notebook, and just started writing a story. It was much too long, and even after I edited it, it was much too long. But I loved it.

NA: The biggest surprise you had after becoming a writer.
DG: I’d always thought I was a decent writer. My teachers had told me so, and I never had any trouble communicating. It came easily to me. However, when I started writing fiction (after being a voracious reader all my life), I realized there was so much to the craft I didn’t know. Sometimes understanding concepts, such as staying within a point of view, hovered just beyond my grasp. When that finally clicked, it hit me like a sledgehammer and I wondered how I’d not seen it the whole time.

NA: Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
DG: I only have a vague sense of where the story is going, possibly a couple of sentences of an idea. It might start with just a small exchange between characters, but once I have an understanding of who those characters will become, I just start writing and see where it goes.

NA: Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write? Action, dialogue, sex?
DG: Sex for sure. I’ve written all sorts of stories and books under my own name and various others. I love developing the characters, giving them dialogue, and choreographing their behaviors and actions, but when sex is required (which it often is, depending on the publisher), I had a habit of typing “Insert Sex Scene Here” just so I could move on and not lose my momentum. Consequently, even when I was finished and happy with the completed product, I wasn’t done yet. That’s a big reason why we’ve written our Forget-Me-Not stories as clean romances with just a hint of closed-door activities. When I type “the end,” I know I’m truly finished.

NA: What are your top three favorite books of all time?
DG: The Stand by Stephen King, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice, Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel. All three of these books not only entertained me but opened new worlds and possibilities to me.

NA: Why did you choose the shirt you have on?
DG: It was lying at the bottom of the bed waiting for me. I have several stages of being dressed during the day. The first stage is just to get Daisy, our dachshund, outside.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?
DG: “Where’s Daisy?” Daisy sleeps in the bed, but she likes to move around, so unless I feel her pressed against me, I don’t know if she’s scooted to the other side of the bed or is lying under the covers at the bottom. It only takes a moment to find her, because when the alarm goes off, she’s right there.

NA: What errand/chore do you despise the most?
DG: I hate grocery shopping and putting things away. Put things in the cart, take things out of the cart to put on the conveyer, put them back into the cart to carry to the car, put them in the trunk, unload everything and pile it all onto the counter, and then wonder where I’m going to put everything. It seemingly takes forever.

NA: What are you working on now?
DG: My co-authors and I have just finished Halloween Thrills, another anthology of Halloween stories, set to be released on October 13, and we’re currently writing the third anthology, Winter Tales, coming out on November 20.

NA: What sort of reader would enjoy this book?
DG: Any reader who lives for a happily ever after, who yearns for a touch of magic in their life, and who loves stories that blend paranormal elements with humor, a bit of mystery, and healthy, loving relationships would enjoy this book. We think the combination of the three stories offers something for everyone, and we hope you enjoy them.

Halloween Magic

Blurb:
Halloween Magic
Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, Book 1

Welcome to Forget-Me-Not, Oregon, a magical place filled with magical people. A place that’s most special just around Halloween, when the boundary between worlds thins and all things are possible.

Halloween Magic--Devin GovaereJust Another Scarecrow Love Story
Love Doesn’t Care if You’re Real…

Annabella Paxton, earth witch and single parent, lives on her apple orchard with her three-year-old daughter, Melanie. During the annual Halloween Scarecrow Trail event, Mellie helps to create their exhibit and names her scarecrow Carter, pretending he’s real. It’s all just a little girl’s imagination, right?

Kiss the SunHalloween Magic--Maggie McBay
She kissed the sun but found love in the darkness.

In the midst of Halloween festivities, visitor Rowan McKenna expected to find a variety of witches, ghosts, vampires, and other traditional monsters. She just didn’t expect to fall in love with one.

Halloween Magic--Laurie KeckHarmonious Haunt
Alone, he made music. Together, they made magic.

As entertainment director for Forget-Me-Not, Fallon James receives her dream assignment—meeting the one man who has entertained her with his music for most of her life. The question is, will they share a harmonious visit, or will they fall into one of life’s traps, leaving a haunting like no other?

Excerpt:

Prologue
Across the Vast Expanse—1695

Three long years, after a grueling journey across landscapes that defied imagination, the Conclave Elders stood at the top of a high cliff, staring at the peninsula below, a spit of land that dared to exist within the immense sea that ravaged its shores. Rings of islands lay in the distance, and rivers, both small and large, meandered through the visible land as far as the eye could see until it became a field of deep blue. How far that sea stretched they couldn’t begin to know.

It was the farthest they could possibly go in their quest for freedom without worrying about their physical survival. If they couldn’t find safe harbor here, there would be no place for them.

But this place felt right.

The salt air spread a welcoming, familiar balm over their faces. The deep, musky scents of the forest at their backs filled them with a sense of home. The endless expanse of the ocean reminded them of another on the eastern side of continent, and that peninsula offered them a sanctuary, a seclusion to live their lives and create a community filled with harmony and peace and…magic.

The eldest of the Conclave, a warlock most powerful named Silas Deeds, leaned down and plucked a small flower from a field of blue.

“I know this flower. I’ve seen it many places in Europe, but I learned of it in the Germanic region. They called it vergissmeinnicht.”

“What does it mean, Master Deeds?” asked Constance Curtis.

“Forget-Me-Not,” Silas said with a smile.

“Such a small thing for such large aspirations,” Constance said.

“And yet, look how it blossoms here. It fairly covers the ground, holding fast and true to the land.” He glanced at the peninsula below. “We can be like this small flower. We can hold fast and true.”

“There are others here,” Richard Summers said. “We saw so many on the journey, and the smoke we’ve seen drifting through the trees and along the riverbanks indicates there are many already living here.”

Silas nodded. “We can share this land. We can offer friendship and peace, and with time, the people already here may grow to accept us, dare I say to truly like us? We can offer them so much in exchange for their fellowship. And if a relationship with them stays firm, we can form a community nestled within theirs. Our families will have a secure haven to grow and build and learn.”

“It is an honorable wish for the future,” Constance said. “Do you think the possibility exists that we could find acceptance and fellowship here?”

Silas sighed. “It can be no worse than the places we’ve left behind, my dear friend.”

“You speak true,” Richard said.

“We come with open hearts, with open minds,” Silas said, “and it is a sorry people who fails to recognize honest and goodhearted intent.”

“Others have,” Richard said.

Silas glanced at his friend. “And we have left them behind.” He twirled the small blossom in his fingers. “Forget me not… We will never forget what has happened to some of our fellows, but we will move on and forge ahead, holding their memories strong in our hearts. These small flowers give us a sign that even the weakest, even the smallest can have strength, and, my stalwart friends, our group is anything but weak. We will make our home here.”

And they settled onto the beautiful peninsula they called Forget-Me-Not.

Buy links:
Amazon

Halloween Magic by Devin Govaere, Maggie McBay, and Laurie KeckAuthor Bios:

Devin Govaere is a freelance editor and fiction writer. She has published over a dozen novels and fourteen novellas, writing under her own name as well as several pseudonyms. She lives in North Carolina and can be contacted at dgovaere@gmail.com.

Maggie McBay enjoys writing paranormal stories filled with romance and suspense. She has published several novels and novellas, writing under her own name as well as several pseudonyms. Touched with a bit of wanderlust, she’s lived in several states over the years and looks forward to traveling in the near future. You can contact Maggie at maggiemcbay@gmail.com.

Laurie Keck lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She frequently visits the beach with her two small dogs and enjoys quiet time in natural surroundings. As much as Laurie enjoys the ocean, she is equally at home amidst the forest and mountains. She loves nature and wildlife. Her passion is writing stories about true love and fantasy.

Author links:

Devin
Maggie
Laurie

5 Writing rituals for success #MFRWauthor

Writing books is not magicWhen I first saw the topic for the week, writing rituals, I had to stop and think. I don’t have any writing rituals. I know that writing a book takes work—it’s not magic (darn it!). But I have trouble thinking of it as a job to do every day. I’ve let my dreams fizzle without intending to. Anyway, because I have no writing rituals of my own, I looked up the topic and found this great article in a 2015 HuffPost article.

Author Jennifer Blanchard has created a killer process made of routine and ritual that keeps her focused and creative. I like her points! I’m going to try to work her ideas into my day…and maybe finish that stupid book I’ve been halfheartedly working on for a year. Here is what Jennifer does for herself:

  • Write before I do anything else (Routine). Write before you do anything else—put your writing first. It’s important. Treat it as such, like John does. See? He starts every day writing. I like that routine, John!

Start your day writing

  • Write five days a week at least (Routine). Everyone needs a break. Pick a day or two where you don’t write or don’t write as much, but success requires action. Be sure to write every other day!
  • Release fears, doubts, and excuses (Ritual). Our topic a couple of weeks ago was how fear is our greatest enemy. Jennifer recommends an action—write down your fears, your self-doubts, and excuses that allow you to justify not writing, and burn them. Let them go. They’re holding you back.
  • Acting “as if” (Ritual). This explanation struck me between the eyes. Hubby has said so many times that I get up to the edge of making my Writing as an important businesswriting matter and then I back off. Jennifer asks in this point, if you were a bestselling author, would you put your writing “off all the time or would you site down every day and write?” Wow. I really want to follow through on this point!
  • Amping up your mindset (Ritual). Simply put, believe in yourself. Don’t let preconceived notions about what you can or can’t do keep you from achieving your writing goals. Jennifer suggests making two columns on a piece of paper. On the left, list negative notions about being a successful writer. On the right, list the counter thought to the negative. Then adopt the ideas on the right. For me, I would list the self-doubt on the left that I can never measure up to friends of mine who are authors. On the right I need to say that I can be the best writer I can be. Then I need to adopt that notion. Affirmations work!

All in all, I found this article right when I needed it. I’m sending Jennifer a thank you note! 😉 We all need aids to reach our goals for writing. Jennifer’s process starts with routine and then uses the positive thinking that comes with the rituals. Find a routine that works for you. Then make the affirmations and believe them. What do you have to lose?

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

Dee
Mystic Desire: A collection of supernatural tales sure to keep you up at night, peering into the shadows! Or just wide awake, reading.
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

A personal review of Mystic Desire

Mystic Desire A Supernatural Anthology

As a member in the Mystic Desire anthology, I’m not able to post a review of the book online, so I thought I’d do it here in my blog. Please believe me when I say these mini-reviews are objective and honest. I wouldn’t steer you wrong!

When I received my copy of Mystic Desire last week, I pretty much tore into it. For more than a month I had been commenting on blog sites with my fellow anthology authors about how much I couldn’t wait to read their stories, and finally, I had the chance when the book released on October 1. Overall, I give the book a 5-star rating. Each story fulfilled its task of bringing magic/the supernatural/paranormal qualities to life. And each focused on romance in different ways. I mean, there were 14 stories and they were all very different. I loved that! Very often in an anthology there are stories I’m not fond of, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed each and every one of these. It’s really a great book!

Of course I’m skipping commentary on my own stories included in the book, An Awareness of Evil and Life Saving (written as Anne Krist). But here are my thoughts on the rest.

Unconditional Lust – Breanna Hayes
If you’ve read Alice Renaud’s merman stories, you’ve seen the gentler, kinder side of the mer-world. Breanna shows us a different view, and it is compelling. Muruch, leader of mermen and mermaids has learned to avoid contact with humankind—except to wreck ships so his kind can eat the flesh of the doomed sailors. When he is captured and a human woman saves his life, he wants her for himself. I loved this rougher view of the sub-sea world, and found it strangely arousing, too. Great side effect!

The Sweetest Magic of All by Alice RenaudThe Sweetest Magic of All – Alice Renaud
And speaking of getting a little aroused, Alice’s adorable witch uses the spell to find a magical amulet that’s lost. Instead of the amulet, Sapphire “finds” a sexy warlock who is willing to help her out. Poor girl! When they travel back in time, it’s May Eve, the night filled with lust dust, and witches and their partners are taking advantage all through the forest. When Saffy and her warlock joined in, I felt a little tingle of magic myself!

Bewitching the Wolf – Zia Westfield
Brodie, a Scottish werewolf visits a B&B with the goal of avenging his Bewitching the Wolf by Zia Westfielduncle’s mysterious death. He knows the guilty party is there at the B&B but he doesn’t know that the inn is spelled with magic by the owner, a witch. Alice has a dream of running the B&B with rooms that treat guests to a fantasy that matches the room’s theme—adventure, spa, etc. Each night Brodie has a dream matching the room’s theme, each day he’s moved to another room. His dreams all end with a gorgeous woman, and of course, each room leads him directly to Alice. This was a cute story with an imaginative twist. And Brodie’s uncle? So many things are not what they seem!

Calling All Angels – Lora Logan
I absolutely loved this story! Elijah and his brothers are earth-bound angels, dedicated for centuries to fighting demons. When he senses a call that danger is in the area, he and his team rush to dispatch the evil. Then he meets his new neighbor and things change. When he’s with her, he doesn’t hear his brother’s call to arms. He hears only her soft whispers. Bottom line, does he give up his calling—his reason for being—or the girl? I know you’ll like this story as much as I did!

Dream Catcher by Callie Carmen in Mystic DesireDream Catcher – Callie Carmen
So, so good! Many years ago, a Native American shaman put a spell on two dream catchers, one with an owl feather and the other with an eagle feather. They were given to a couple with the admonition that as long as the dream catchers stayed together, their owners would, too. In present day, a woman buys a dream catcher in an antique shop. She dreams of a man for whom she feels a strong attraction. Too bad he’s not real. Or is he? Turns out, her gorgeous new neighbor has recently visited that same antique shop. Can you guess what he bought? Callie Carmen tells a great story, weaving myth and the desire for true love. And I really liked it.

Love from the Mist – Patricia Elliott
Like all of us do at some point, Jace Warden wants to escape a family get together. This family event Is when his brother plans to announce his engagement, however. Jace knows it’s selfish not to attend, but he still boards a flight to the far side of the world. Trouble is, he doesn’t make it. Instead, he finds himself the only survivor of a crash on a remote island. All. Alone. Or so he thinks. Can love find its true mate even on a tiny speck in the middle of a huge ocean? You’ll want to read this surprising tale to find out.

Love that Binds – Carol Schoenig
Carol has an interesting story about how love sustains not only us but the earth itself. Bullied and then shunned, Ianthee is accused of being a witch. When Caleb, the only person who had ever taken her side, disappears without a trace, she feels totally alone. Their hometown is barren and dying…until something magical happens. Love. An ending filled with hope!

Love’s Ghost – R.M. Olivia
Love’s Ghost is kind of a sad story but one we all know if we’ve experienced real love. One or the other partner is eventually taken. The one left behind must find a way to go forward. In this story, the partners have one last chance to feel, to love in the physical sense before their final parting. But the message is clear: love doesn’t have to end. There can be others to help fill the void. Happiness is not a finite thing. I really liked the joyful message implicit in this story.

Through the Veil – Jan Selbourne
I loved Jan’s story! I’ve always been a sucker for a good reincarnation story, Through the Veil by Jan Selbournethough. Ever wonder why things don’t go perfectly in life? Why nothing seems to fit? That’s how Rachel Finlay feels until she discovers photos in the house of her recently passed aunt. Then a thought niggles and tickles. Maybe there’s a reason things don’t fit in this time. Maybe it’s because of events in a past time. Love it!!

The Mortal Vampire – Suzanne Smith
Another great story I loved! I’ve never read about a vampire who’s so tickled pink with who and what he is, and yet can come across as so vulnerable and confused. Suzanne has penned the perfect vampire hero, to my mind. And the ending is a wonderful surprise!

Love Knows No Apocalypse – Patricia Elliott
A zombie apocalypse has Samantha Wheeler tied up in knots. Or maybe that’s her feelings for Steve Jones. Either way, she might have found better conditions for falling in love than in a storm, surrounded by the undead. When the chips are down, does she give in and possibly (quite possibly) die with her guy or does she leave him and take her chance for survival? How she arrives at her decision is a kicker. Patricia’s superior writing makes believers of us!

The Anniversary – Richard Savage
The only male in the book turns out one of the most romantic stories while exploring the relationship between a Dom and his submissive. That’s fascinating stuff on its own, but even that gets overshadowed by the extent of the deep, true love between Evelyn and Peter. And even more, the deep love shared between Evelyn and her husband, James. (Yes, I said husband!) I was truly touched by the emotion in this story.

Mystic Desire A Supernatural AnthologySo that’s my evaluation of Mystic Desire. You can see why I give the book 5-stars—the writing is superb, the stories are varied, imaginative, very romantic, and yes, a little spooky, too. I’m recommending this to family and friends! And to you!!

Last, be on the lookout for a big surprise announcement around mid-October. The authors of the anthology are giving away a really great prize to someone lucky. And there will be a takeover on Halloween where even more prizes will be handed out. Stay tuned!

Buy Mystic Desire:
Amazon
Universal buy link

The Viscount’s Pet: Kryssie Fortune’s newest book!

The Viscount's Pet by Kryssie Fortune

Blurb:
When her brother tries to force her into a marriage with a detestable baron, Julianna Halstead flees the family estate she has helped manage since the death of her parents. But as she makes her escape late at night, Juliana’s carelessness nearly results in her being trampled by a galloping horse, and the steed’s handsome rider takes it upon himself to correct her right then and there.

Though having her bottom bared and soundly spanked on the side of the road leaves Juliana blushing crimson, the punishment arouses her intensely and her body’s helpless response cannot be hidden. To make matters worse, the gentleman over whose lap she was so firmly chastised turns out to be none other than Viscount Stonehurst, someone she has known since childhood.

When Stonehurst learns of Juliana’s predicament, he decides to make her his bride. She will be no ordinary wife, however. She will be something much more shameful. But even as she is leashed, collared, and put on display in a cage wearing only a tail, then brought out to be used in ways no proper lady should enjoy, will Juliana come to love her new life as the viscount’s pet?

Publisher’s Note: The Viscount’s Pet is a stand-alone novel which shares the Regency-era setting of Wickedly Used and His Innocent Bride. It includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Buy links:
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AU

OR READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Excerpt:

The horse and rider appeared from nowhere.

Julianna sidestepped and dropped her bag. Her ankle twisted beneath her, and she tumbled to the ground. When the horseman tugged hard at the reins, the coal-black stallion reared, its forelegs pawed the air. She screamed and closed her eyes. Curled into a ball, she waited for its ebony hooves to pulverize her.

The rider swore, the horse whickering as it planted its feet in the dirt by her face. Tiny dust clouds rose from the road. She coughed and crablike, she scuttled to the fallen oak at the edge of the copse. The bracken smelled earthy, and the thick foliage cushioned her bruised ribs.
Her heart beat overtime when the horseman dismounted and stalked toward her. Wearing a black greatcoat and muffler, he towered over her. Grabbing her wrist, he hauled her upright.

Even in the evening twilight, his hair shone the same blue-black as a raven’s wing. His features were familiar, but she had no idea why. One glance at his steeply angled eyebrows and she wondered if he was the devil come to claim her.

Her brother would have grabbed her shoulders and shaken her until her head ached. That or hurled vile insults at her. Instead, the dark horseman’s eyes twinkled with good humor. She couldn’t decide if they were midnight blue or ebony black. Their mysterious depths and sloping eyebrows gave him a demonic air.

His high cheekbones were so sharp Michelangelo could have chiseled them from marble. There was a cleft in his square chin that she wanted to stroke. His broad, kissable lips made her want to lick and taste, but they were set in a stern, disapproving frown. If he smiled, his dark charisma would mesmerize any nocturnal creatures. Bats, foxes, and badgers would flock to his side.

His utter masculinity sent shudders along her spine. Devilish and terrifying, he emanated menace and danger. She should be shaking in fear, but he sparked wicked longings in her soul.

Untouched and innocent, she hated how her nipples pearled and damp heat creamed between her legs. She needed his lips pressed against hers and his hands on her body. For a woman who’d sworn never to marry, that scared her more than his fury. If not for his tight grip on her shoulders, she’d have run off into the night.

Her pulse still raced, but she buried her fear beneath a haughty manner. “Unhand me, sir. I’m late as it is.”

Rather than let go of her arm, he tugged her closer. He smelled of citrus fruits and freshly gathered mint. When her gaze meshed with his, lightning bolts sizzled between them. Head bent, he moved toward her. She puckered her lips in anticipation.

Blinking, he straightened abruptly. “I could have killed you, you little fool.”

Disappointment crushed her soul. Her ribs ached from Kit’s assault and her ankle throbbed from her fall. Sniffing back tears, she thought of her mother’s pampered cat and tried to out-stare him. “My apologies, sir. I should have been paying attention, not daydreaming along in the twilight. Since neither of us is hurt, we can go on our own ways.”

“Not until you’ve learned your lesson,” he snapped.
Pulling free from his hold, she rubbed her wrist. Nervous, she retreated toward her portmanteau, ready to grab it and run. Shooting forward, he hoisted her over his shoulder. The undignified position made her ribs throb. His hand splayed over her rear end, caressing and stroking it as he pinned her in place.

Five steps and he’d carried her back to the tree trunk. Once settled on it, he thrust her over his knee. “Naughty little girls who risk their lives deserve a spanking. And I’m just the man to give it to you.”

Some interesting facts about Kryssie Fortune!

Social Media links:
Website http://kryssiefortune.wixsite.com/kryssie
Blog http://kryssiefortune.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter https://twitter.com/KryssieFortune
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KryssieFortune
Pinterest http://bit.ly/1OGFnjc
Goodreads http://bit.ly/2kxqabJ
Amazon Author Page http://amzn.to/2hA0ZVO

Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Definitely energize. I get bad tempered if I don’t do something to inch my writing forward every day.

Ballpoint or fountain pen?
Ball point. I write in a notebook, type up, then read it through before moving on to the next chapter.

What time of the day is best for you as a writer?
Anywhere, anytime. If I have a free moment I put pen to paper. A lot of my early writing was done on the bus on the way and from work.

Who are three of your favorite authors?
Kresley Cole, Georgette Heyer, and currently J.S. Scott. The last one changes but I’ve loved the other two for years. ,

Which book – of all the books you’ve written – do you like the best?
Always the one I’m working on. I’m proud of Taken as Theirs because it was my first book to hit the top ten on it’s category. I love regency romance, and I love my latest very hot Regency romance. Georgette Heyer would be turning in her grave.

How do you research your locations?
Internet and visits. A lot of my books are set in Yorkshire, England. That’s my home county. For my Westhorpe Ridge series, I hounded friends in North Carolina to check details. For my current WIP I visited Lindisfarne in Northumberland to scout the island. (Any excuse for a weekend break with my husband.)

Research Discoveries #MFRWauthor

ResearchGenerally, I love doing research for books. Since I write contemporary romance (mostly), I usually only have to research towns where my characters live, street names and store locations and such, if I’m trying to keep it real. But I have written few historical romances, too, and for those, research becomes a little harder. And more interesting in a lot of ways.

Take for example a WIP time travel book. The time/location is 1903, North Carolina Outer Banks, right when the Wright brothers were testing out their flying skills. One of the things I learned was that the Outer Banks held very independent views about the world than the rest of North Carolina, possibly because of the amount of trading ships that came by. They were exposed to broader viewpoints. During the Civil War, they were not especially all excited to fight for the South, and the North found a safe port there. Slavery—only profitable on large farms with people-intensive crops like tobacco and cotton—was not carried on much on those narrow strips of land jutting out into the ocean. I didn’t know most of that before I started researching my book.

In another book, I was able to gaze at maps of San Francisco to plan where IResearch on the Internet wanted my heroine to live. I love maps and they are one of the things I research for most books.

The trouble with research is that it’s very easy to get sidetracked. You start looking up what the pioneers ate on the trek west, find out they ate rabbit, and suddenly find yourself reading about Beatrix Potter and her animals. Especially when researching online, it’s difficult to stay focused. In a library, with actual books, I used to be careful looking for particular Library researchpoints. I still was easily distracted but not to where three clicks on a screen can take me to different universes, not just a small digression. Still, what did we do before the Internet?? I wouldn’t go back…

Is research been fun for you? Or is it a chore?

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

Dee
Mystic Desire: A collection of supernatural tales sure to keep you up at night, peering into the shadows! Or just wide awake, reading.
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Out Now—Eyes Wide Open – MMF BDSM Erotic Romance by Lucy Felthouse

Eyes Wide Open by Lucy Felthouse

(@cw1985) #menage #BDSM #MMF

Blurb:

A chance meeting opens Fiona’s eyes to some very sexy possibilities.

Recent graduate Fiona Gillespie is stuck working in a grimy pub in London’s East End, and living in a horrid flat. It’s only while she figures out what she wants to do career-wise, but that’s easier said than done.

When she sees an advertisement for a job at a plush Mayfair hotel, she jumps at the chance. Determination and a spot of luck land Fiona her dream role—and it comes with accommodation included.

Her job and living situation sorted, things are on the up. Unfortunately, her personal life is lacklustre. It doesn’t bother her, though—not until she meets businessmen James and Logan, and her head is well and truly turned.

When a misunderstanding leads Fiona to James and Logan’s sumptuous top-floor hotel suite, she has no idea what she’s about to uncover. Her imagination runs wild, but not wild enough to get to the truth—James and Logan are a couple, and they’re into some seriously intriguing activities.

Fascinated, she launches herself into a whole new world with the two men. But is this just physical, or is their arrangement set to become something more?

*Eyes Wide Open has been re-released with a stunning new cover and has been re-edited.

Universal link: http://books2read.com/eyeswideopenV2

*****

Lucy Felthouse's Eyes Wide Open

Excerpt:

Continuing to surreptitiously peer at the men over the rim of her glass, it hit her that this was the first time in months she’d looked at a man with interest, much less two men—and at the same time! She was ready to snatch her gaze away if one of them happened to glance at her, but it wasn’t surprising the pair had attracted her attention.

The tailored business suits would draw the eye even on someone unremarkable. But on these two, the fine clothing was practically an orgasm for the gaze. They sat opposite each other, and their angle to her meant she had a view of both their profiles—lucky her.

The one to her right had very dark, almost black hair, with a bit of a curl to it, a long straight nose, a trimmed goatee and, if she wasn’t mistaken, deep blue eyes. It was hard to tell for sure from this distance and perspective.
The one on her left had lighter, shorter hair, stubble that by some magical feat still looked smart, and the most sinful lips she’d ever set eyes on. And speaking of eyes, she thought perhaps his were green. What she wouldn’t give to go and check both of them out close up, preferably naked.

Shocked at her own sudden lustful thoughts, she inhaled more than drank another sip of the juice. Unfortunately, it hit her throat all wrong and she almost slammed the glass down as she started to cough. She tried so hard to suppress the cough, eager not to draw attention to herself, that she made it worse. Snatching up the thick linen serviette from the table, she held it to her mouth as she spluttered in a most embarrassing manner, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. By now, she was sure the whole damn restaurant was staring at her, and she wished the tablecloths reached the floor, like the ones in the restaurant upstairs, so she could hide under the table until she regained her composure.

Swallowing repeatedly to try to soothe her irritated throat, she gasped as a gentle hand laid on her shoulder, which set her off all over again.

“Oh God,” came a voice. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you jump. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. See if I could help.”

Unable to speak, Fiona waved a hand to try to signal that she’d be okay, but unless the guy was a mind reader, he’d have no luck figuring that out. Blinking through the tears that marred her vision, her urge to hide underneath the table grew stronger. Christ, it was only the hottie with the blue eyes. And, if she wasn’t mistaken, his sexy friend with the green eyes was also hovering close by, concern etched into his handsome features.

Managing to drag in a breath, she huffed out, “Thank you.”

Just then, Jeremy arrived with a carafe of water, complete with ice, and poured her a glassful. “Here you go, Fiona. Drink this. Are you all right? Anything else I can get you?”

She picked up the glass and took a tiny sip of the freezing cold liquid, hoping it wouldn’t make her cough again. She seemed to have got a handle on it, though her now-sore throat wasn’t at all happy with her. After taking several more tiny sips, she let out a sigh of relief—it seemed her mortifying coughing bout was over. Then she moved on to bigger gulps, buying herself some time to think of something witty to say, anything to convince the three men looking at her that she wasn’t some kind of imbecile who couldn’t even manage a glass of juice without choking.

Unfortunately, her creative brain, which had been on fire up until she’d started lusting over the hotties, had taken its leave. So she decided to opt for the truth. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. My juice just went down the wrong way, that’s all. I’m fine, really. I’ll just finish my drink and be on my way. Thank you for the water, Jeremy.” She aimed a weak smile in his direction.

Blue Eyes turned to Jeremy. “Yeah, thanks, buddy. If you need to get on, we’ll keep an eye on her for a bit, make sure she’s okay. Don’t worry.”

A little warily, Jeremy looked at the two men, then at Fiona. “Are you going to be all right, Fiona? Do you need me to call someone and let them know you’ll be late or anything?”

She shook her head. “Honestly, Jeremy, I’ll be fine. It was just a coughing fit, that’s all. No lasting damage, except maybe to my makeup. And no, nobody will be missing me yet. It’s fine. Thank you so much, though.”

“Just give me a wave if you need me,” he said, backing away.

“Will do.”

With that, he morphed from concerned acquaintance into efficient waiter in an instant and went back to looking after his tables and the patrons frequenting them.

Knowing she’d now have to address the two men who’d caused her blush-worthy incident in the first place, she took yet another huge gulp of the icy water, then dabbed at her face with the serviette. Putting it down, she turned to Blue Eyes, who still stood by her side, but had removed his hand from her shoulder, with a wide smile.

“I’m so sorry,” she said again. “Please excuse the state of me, I’m sure I must look terrible. Thank you so much, both of you, for coming to check on me, but I’m really fine. No Heimlich manoeuvre required. I’ll just finish my drink… drinks… and be on my way. Please feel free to go back to your meeting.”

Green Eyes stepped a little closer. “You look just fine, sweetheart, except for being a little flushed, but that’s no bad thing.” He shot an almost imperceptible glance at Blue Eyes, and Fiona had to wonder if she’d imagined it. And if not, what on earth did he mean by that, anyway?

“Yes,” his friend chipped in, moving around so that he, too, could look at her face. “You look great. We’ll be just over there if you need us, all right? Don’t you hesitate to call out or wave, okay?”

Fiona wished they’d stop making such a fuss. But they were just being polite, she supposed. So, fixing the smile back on her face, she said, “Thank you. And I will. I promise.”

She waited until they’d retaken their seats before she started to make preparations for leaving hers. She didn’t want to dash off straight away as that might concern them further and send Jeremy into a tizzy, so she acted as coolly and calmly as possible, finishing the water, then the juice, as she continued making notes on her tablet. Finally, feeling able to leave without raising any eyebrows, she got up and collected her things.

Her movement attracted the attention of Blue Eyes and Green Eyes, and she gave them both a smile and a nod before moving off. She didn’t see Jeremy, who must have been in the kitchen collecting something, so she made a mental note to thank him when she next saw him. That was the downside to posh material serviettes and electronic devices—it meant there was no paper or pen handy to scrawl him a little note with.

She wasn’t quite ready to head back to the PR & Marketing Suite yet, at least not until she’d fixed her no doubt ruined makeup—which would raise a few eyebrows and spawn some questions—so she decided she’d dash up to her room for a few minutes and sort herself out.

After pressing the button for the elevator, she swiped through some of the photos she’d taken on the tablet as she waited for it to arrive. A couple of minutes later, the car arrived with a ping and a swish of doors. She stepped in, pressed the number for her floor and moved back. Just as the doors began closing, she realised the table the two men had been sitting at was visible from her position.

They were still there, and she was glad no one could see or hear her reaction as she looked at them, only to find two pairs of very arresting eyes looking right back at her—with interest.

And, as her view of them grew narrower and narrower until only a sliver was left, Blue Eyes flashed her a positively wicked grin just before he disappeared altogether.

Clinging onto the brass handrail behind her to steady herself, Fiona willed herself to get a grip. She’d been having a really good day, right up until those two had somehow awakened her hormones and made her bloody fruit juice go down wrong. And the way they’d clearly been watching her… and that smile! Shaking her head, she wanted desperately to believe they were some kind of dodgy perverts who frequented hotel restaurants to prey on lone young women, but common sense and cold, hard facts told her that wasn’t the case.

For one, what had they done? Offered help, and concern. That was all. What had they gained? Nothing, except maybe peace of mind in knowing she was okay. Her tablet and phone were still in her possession, so they weren’t thieves. Dodgy folk didn’t spend time in The Portmannow Hotel. It just didn’t happen.

So if they weren’t dodgy perverts and were just two relatively young businessmen, why had they been watching her like that? Their expressions, the looks in their eyes, indicated something altogether different from innocent concern for her wellbeing. The smile Blue Eyes had thrown her had been nothing short of sinful. Lustful, even. One Lucifer himself would have been proud of.

God, was it possible that they… found her attractive?

*****

Eyes Wide Open by Lucy Felthouse

Author Bio:
Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller), The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight and The Heiress’s Harem series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 170 publications to her name. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Join her Facebook group for exclusive cover reveals, sneak peeks and more! Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. Subscribe to her newsletter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/lfnewsletter

Release blitz organised by Writer Marketing Services.

Writer Marketing

Happy Epilogues #MFRWauthor

EpilogueI like epilogues. I write a lot of epilogues, too, probably because I like to read them. To me, they finish the book. It’s all well and good to have Heroine A say how much she loves Hero A and vice versa, but I like to see that Heroine A actually ends up with Hero A and not accidentally with Hero B. Did they marry? Have a passel of kids? Move to Timbuktu? Inquiring minds want to know. And that’s what an epilogue does for me.

The only negative I can see in an epilogue is if a reader likes to finish the book in their own imagination instead of having everything spelled out. They would be the kind of people who would like that movie trend a whileHappily Ever After back where two endings were written and which happened was up to the viewer. Or the kind who want to envision their own version of the castle Cinderella and Prince Charming lived in—was it a condo on the beach at Malibu or more like the Biltmore House in North Carolina? When it comes to ending a romance, I prefer to know. I do enough imagining about stuff, like what I’m making for dinner—actual food or reservations. I don’t need to wonder about Cinderella’s living conditions. Give me a good epilogue any time!

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

Dee
Mystic Desire: A collection of supernatural tales sure to keep you up at night, peering into the shadows! Or just wide awake, reading.
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers