Monthly Archives: November 2014
What I am Thankful For
It’s Thanksgiving, a time to think about what we’re thankful for. Let me share a few things I am thankful for not just on Thanksgiving but every day (not in any particular order).
First of all, I am thankful for my husband Brian. It takes the patience of a saint to live with me. He believes in every crazy ass scheme I come up with whether it’s a new book or a new tattoo. He loves me despite every pissy fit I throw or every mistake I make. I love him with all my heart.
In the same vein, I am thankful for my kids. Three very different personalities, three very unique and incredible people. I’m blessed to be their mom.
I am thankful for my parents. They believe in me, support me and make me feel like a rockstar. Plus they are always there when I need them. I am also grateful for my brother and his family, my parents-in-law and all my siblings-in-law for your love and support.
I am thankful for my readers. You guys let me do what I love. For that I will love you forever.
This year I am thankful to be here to type this. Not many people know that in September I spent five days in the hospital fighting for my life. I am thankful for the medical personnel at Mercy Medical Center who helped me heal.
I am thankful for two men I will let remain nameless but know who they are. It hasn’t even been a year and we’ve been through a lot, boys. Thank you. You’ve been there for all the moments of self doubt. You’ve let me go bat crap crazy. You’ve given me strength to stand, to get to where I am. Despite everything that has happened, the good and the bad, I will always be grateful for both of you.
I am thankful for my sisters in violence (wow, that doesn’t sound nice does it?). We’ve done more than train together. We’ve talked. We’ve cried. We’ve laughed. A lot. You are all some of the most incredible women I’ve ever met. Thanks for putting up with me.
I have said this more than I can count but I won’t ever stop saying it. I am thankful for my second family at Hard Drive MMA. I have gone through many years feeling like the square peg trying to fit in the round hole. Finally I feel like I belong. Not to mention, I am probably in the best shape of my life. So to my brothers and sisters – thank you with all my heart. I am proud to be part of this family.
I am thankful to my publishers, Secret Cravings and Beau Coup, and everyone involved with these two incredible companies. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me a voice.
I am thankful for two groups I have had the honor to work with – the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association and Operation First Response. They do incredible work and have made me feel like part of their family. Thank you.
Thank you to my family and friends both new and you poor suckers who have dealt with me for this long. You are the sunshine in my day.
There are so many other things to be grateful for in my life, way too numerous to count. I am truly blessed to live my dream and be loved by so many.
Have a Happy, Safe and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Tuesday Tales – Stuffed
Hey everyone! It’s time for Tuesday Tales! We’re back with my Steampunk Romance. Gideon just enlisted Edgar’s help. What will Emma think? Let’s find out!
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Gideon slipped into the townhouse, softly shutting the door behind him. He talked longer with Edgar than he anticipated. It had been way too long since he spent time with his friend. Possibly he had arrived home before…
The soft clearing of a throat announced the worst. Emma was already awake. He turned to find her sitting naked in his favorite overtuffed chair. The sight sent him into a burning need for her.
“I thought we were going to defeat Katarina together,” she pouted.
Gideon knelt before the chair and took her hands in his. It took all the self control he possessed to not part her knees and kiss his way up her thigh. “Love, I just went to meet with Edgar. I asked him to get information for us on Katarina and the repairs on the humidor.”
“I still should have gone with you.”
“Katarina knows you are not dead. She has men prowling all over London who have orders to end your life if they see you.”
“I’m not afraid of them.”
Gideon parted her knees to draw her closer. He cupped her face in his hands. “I am. These men killed Sophia, my wife. My sweet, I love you more than I ever did her and she possessed my heart. If they took your life it would end mine. Do you understand?”
She nodded against his fingers. Her fingers rose to his and caressed them. A wicked smile slowly crept to her lips as she pressed herself against him. “And your plans for the rest of the day, dearest?”
Gideon ran the pad of his thumb against her bottom lip, tugging her mouth apart. He gazed at her hungrily. “You. You are my plans the rest of my day. Me deep inside you starting with this chair and ending in my bed.”
Emma could barely let go a gasp before Gideon enveloped her lips in a deep, devouring kiss.
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Tuesday Tales – Stark
Hey everyone! It’s time for Tuesday Tales! We’re back with Gideon and Emma in my Steampunk Romance. Will Edgar help Gideon? Let’s find out!
And don’t forget to check out the other incredible authors of Tuesday Tales!!
Gideon couldn’t help but notice the stark change in Edgar’s demeanor. The man who was once jovial was now just as serious as he. “What is it, Gideon?” Edgar questioned.
“Katarina Hellwig is the one responsible for Sophia’s death and Toby’s disappearance. She sent Sophia’s lover and Toby’s true father to do the deed. However I learned this after I turned the humidor I built to kill General Hellwig over to the bitch.”
Edgar muffled his gasp as the revelation. “What do you need of me?”
“I need you to find out when Katarina is going to present the humidor to the General. I am sure she is planning a elaborate affair when she does. I have disabled it but I am sure she is having it repaired as we speak.”
Edgar cocked an eyebrow at him. “How do you know all this?”
“I heard it from the Viper’s lips myself. I went to the mansion to confront Emma only to heard Katarina’s confession to use the humidor to not only kill her husband but to trap me into being her lover in the process.”
Edgar’s lips pressed into a thin, thoughtful line. “I know a few butlers and maids in the Hellwig mansion, none of which hold any affection for their mistress. I will ask around for the status of the humidor’s repairs and the impending presentation.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Gideon breathed. He picked up his ale and took a sip, startling and spilling a little of the brew as he felt Edgar’s elbow in his ribs. Edgar’s mischievous grin was back as he babbled on about the weather and the new Zeppelin christened into the queen’s navy. Gideon grinned in response as he mopped the ale from his shirt. The waiting for an answer would all but kill him. But he would do whatever it took to keep Emma and himself safe.
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Lydia Michaels is visiting my blog today!!
Today Lydia Michaels is visiting my blog! Welcome, Lydia!
Title: As Tears Go By {McCullough Mountain 6}
Series: McCullough Mountain
Author: Lydia Michaels
Genre: Romance
Heat Level: Romance (4 Flames/erotic)
Book Length: 116,816 words; 352 pages
Date of Publication: November 18, 2014
Blurb
Sometimes love speaks without a word and throws the world into color.
Braydon McCullough has spent his life searching for the perfect woman. When a shy beauty propositions him, he assumes he’s found her. Blindsided by their chemistry, his life takes a bewildering turn when she vanishes as quickly as she appeared.
Becca Stevens can’t afford to take risks, but when persuaded by friends to commemorate her divorce by approaching a gorgeous stranger in a bar, common sense abandons her. After an unforgettable night of passion, she panics, running back to her methodical life, promising never to be so reckless again. That is until her Braydon unexpectedly tracks her down.
Braydon’s unwelcome persistence is a complication to Becca’s already challenging life. As a single mother of a son living with autism, she has no room for personal affairs. Braydon’s determination tempts to show Becca how vibrant life can be if she’d only dare to dream again.
Author Bio
Award winning author, Lydia Michaels, writes all forms of hot romance. She presses the bounds of love and surprises readers just when they assume they have her stories figured out. From Amish vampyres, to wild Irishmen, to broken heroes, and heroines no man can match, Lydia takes readers on an emotional journey of the heart, mind, and soul with every story she pens. Her books are intellectual, erotic, haunting, always centered on love.
Lydia Michaels’ work has been nominated for Best New Adult 2014, Best Contemporary Romance 2014. She has been featured in USA Today, RT Magazine, and has won Honorable Mention for her McCullough Mountain series at the 2014 Rone Awards. She was also voted Best of Bucks 2014!
Lydia Michaels loves to hear from readers! She can be contacted by email at Lydia@LydiaMichaels.org
Excerpt from As Tears Go By
“Have mercy. I love watching your mouth work.”
Dropping her chin and tossing the plate on her desk, she scowled. “That lasted all of two seconds.”
“Well, that’s not what any man wants to hear. Go on. Finish eating. I’ll behave.”
“Will you?”
“I suppose. But it won’t be easy. I should be rewarded for my efforts.”
“I’ll be sure to pass along my praise to your boss.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that. We just broke up.”
Her mouth paused mid-bite. “You dated your boss?”
He shrugged and dug through the box of takeout. “Dated isn’t the right term. We…satisfied each other for a time.”
The sudden jealousy snaking through her was completely inappropriate and uncalled for. “Like…she was your booty call?”
He unwrapped another eggroll. “More like I was hers.”
“What’s the difference?” What kind of man sleeps with the boss? One, it was unethical. Two, the woman was about twenty years older than Braydon—weren’t men supposed to be superficial about that sort of thing? And three, the idea of Braydon with that beautiful, dark skinned, willowy CEO made Becca really covetous and insecure about her own shortcomings. Not characteristically territorial, her bitterness was unsettling.
“The difference is, she called the shots.”
Becca frowned. “You mean you only came over when she suggested it?”
“No. More along the lines of I only came when she permitted it.”
“What?” She hadn’t meant to rudely blurt her shock, but… What?
This was the same man that had dominated her body the other night, owned the boardroom the other morning. She simply couldn’t imagine him acting subservient in any way, even to an impressive woman like Miranda.
Braydon shrugged. “We had a different sort of relationship, but it worked…for a while. When it no longer suited both our needs, it ended. We’re still friends.”
Her mind went over everything she knew about Braydon. He wasn’t a softy. He definitely had an intimidating presence, nothing short of capable. As a matter of fact, he had a distinct air of authority about him, something a man didn’t acquire, but was born with. Imagining him being bossed around by a woman like Miranda Robinson simply didn’t make sense.
“To each his own, I guess.” And if he was the sort of guy who only entertained a relationship “when it suited”, all the more reason to steer clear of him.
Braydon paused and cocked his head to the side. “Really? I didn’t expect judgment from a woman who had sex as infrequently as cicadas over the past decade.”
Her mouth snapped shut. The humiliating truth of his words stung even if he was only teasing. She resented his knowledge regarding her personal past. “That’s not nice. And for your information, I had sex more than once every seven years and I’d appreciate it if you’d butt out of my personal business.”
He chuckled and went back to eating. “You know,” he said, almost contemplatively. “I have no problem with taking control. The dynamic Miranda and I shared was unique. I liked pleasing her and she enjoyed asserting herself. You shouldn’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
Tried what? Bossing him around or allowing him to take control? Both were unlikely. She already had enough people to decide for and whenever people tried to tell her how to live her life she tended to get uppity. With no time for dating she had even less time to contemplate fetish dynamics. All she’d hoped for in life was a typical marriage and family. Captain Kinky over there was again proving way out of her league.
She really didn’t need to think about this. “I don’t think so.”
“Could be fun.”
Unwelcome memories of their encounter flooded her mind. He was probably right, it could be fun, but she couldn’t allow things to go that far—no matter how much her body wanted it. Shifting her weight, her legs crossed in an attempt to relieve some of the unexpected tension building inside of her. Flutters of excitement teased her lower belly as pressure built.
She needed to focus. Finished with her pizza, she dropped the crust on the plate and wiped her mouth with a napkin, making sure there wasn’t any grease on her chin.
When she looked at Braydon, his easy manner evaporated. “What the hell happened to your face?”
“What?” Her hand fluttered to her jaw.
“Did somebody hit you?” He stood and rounded her desk, not giving her a chance to brace for his nearness.
Crap. She must have accidentally wiped away her concealer. Quickly reaching for her purse, she said, “It’s nothing. I bumped—”
Her words cut off as he gently cupped her jaw and turned her face. His eyes were hard as he scowled at the bruise. “How did this happen?”
“I told you. I bumped—”
“You said you had to see your ex yesterday. Did that son of a bitch do this to your face?”
Fury radiated from him, completely contradicting the gentle way he held her chin as he examined her.
“No. Kevin would never hit me. It’s nothing. Really. Just drop it.”
Braydon’s gaze roamed over her body. His strong hand picked up her wrist and turned her arm. “What are these marks from?”
Feeling cornered, she snatched her arm back. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I assure you it’s misplaced.” She grabbed her purse and stood, hating how exposed he made her feel. “I have an appointment. Thanks for lunch. I’ll send the paperwork over to Mr. Dillard’s assistant when I get back. You should have it by Thursday at the latest.”
He didn’t look pleased, but that wasn’t her problem. Taking the long way to the door so she didn’t have to get close to him again, she fled her office. She held her breath as she raced to the elevators and didn’t exhale until she was safely tucked inside and rushing toward the ground.
Buy Links:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Lydia-Michaels/e/B0071ZV41G
B&N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lydia-michaels
iBooks:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lydia-michaels/id577453828?mt=11
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?query=Lydia%20Michaels&fcsearchfield=Author
ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Lydia+Michaels
Flossie Benton Rogers is visiting my blog today!!
Today, I am honored to have Flossie Benton Rogers on my blog talking about her new release!! Welcome, Flossie!
And don’t forget to enter her contest by clicking here… a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tricia, thank you for featuring Lord of Fire today!
Lord of Fire – Wytchfae 5
Blurb: When The Hawk meets his Wytchfae, the result is spontaneous combustion.
Garnet McAnna chases the demon responsible for attacking and enslaving innocent fae familiars. She never expected to run headlong into a mesmerizing stranger known as The Hawk. Nor did she anticipate the way his masculine power kindles a womanly flame within her.
Exiled from an elite warrior’s brigade, Lord of Fire Gabriel Hawk guards his heart and his solitude. He wants nothing to do with the world of men or the realm of fae. Then a beautiful Wytchfae bursts into his life, stirring desire and sparking need. Garnet is on a dangerous mission, and he can’t let her face the evil alone. What else can he do but fight beside her? When she disappears, he raises hell to find her. Will he be too late? Will darkness conquer this couple or will love burn their souls into one?
First Line Teaser: She’d catch the demon tonight if it killed her.
Memorable Quote: “Garnet McAnna, you’re the hottest woman in thirteen worlds.”
Excerpt:
With his excellent peripheral vision, The Hawk perused the woman sipping coffee at his kitchen table. He couldn’t ignore her loveliness. Nor the effect she had on him. Even with torn clothes and smudges on her face, Garnet was beautiful and desirable. Her amber iridescent eyes that reminded him of fine cognac, a luscious mouth that pouted at him more often than not, and a small frame but stacked upstairs just the way he liked.
And especially the long dark hair tumbling across her shoulders. It gleamed like rich silk, and he wondered how it would feel tangled in his fingers. His groin tightened.
Whoa. Dial it back a couple of notches.
This woman had things on her mind. Plus she was obviously dead tired. She wasn’t interested in a quick lay.
He gritted his teeth. He had merely been too long without a woman. And he had neither time nor patience for do-gooders with a mission.
Determined to put lascivious thoughts from his mind, he turned toward a small array of bottles on the counter. The whiskey’s rich aroma soothed him as he uncorked the bottle and poured a dram. Its fire went straight to his belly, reminding him he was better off alone and uninvolved.
He held up the bottle in her direction. “Irish?”
For answer, she nodded and extended her coffee cup, her fine eyes shining.
As if pulled by a string, he moved to pour a splash.
After sampling it, she ran the tip of her tongue over her lips.
The sensual sight made him want to capture them with his own and sip their fullness. He knew the nectar would be hot and sweet.
Video Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTifE-174mE
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1nzt1Bs
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://bit.ly/1FKwWBu
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wytchfae-5-flossie-benton-rogers/1120627377?ean=2940046361803
Bookstrand http://www.bookstrand.com/wytchfae-5-lord-of-fire
All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-wytchfae5lordoffire-1654243-149.html
Author Bio:
Flossie Benton Rogers is the author of the Wytchfae paranormal romance series. She is Sagittarius with a Libra ascendant and Taurus moon, or a 5th generation Floridian and freedom loving mystic. She pursues her passion for mythology by writing romances about mysterious magical beings. A former teacher and library director, she enjoys spending her time with family and friends, and seeking out new stories to uplift and entertain.
Connect with Flossie:
Website: http://flossiebentonrogers.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FlossieBentonRogersAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FrostFyre
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/Wytchfae
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/flossiebentonrogers
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553203.Flossie_Benton_Rogers
Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/flossiebentonrogers
Thanks for stopping by!
New and Improved Heartland (Black Irish #2) Trailer!
I have redone the trailer for Heartland (Black Irish #2)! Check it out!!
Have I mentioned that Trial by Fire (Black Irish #4) is coming out in December??? It is!!
Tuesday Tales – Picture Prompt
Hey everyone! Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week is a picture prompt. This week we’re stepping away from Emma and Gideon. Instead we are stopping by to visit Max Thomas in the Hard Drive Series prequel, Hard Drive. Let’s take a look at Max again before Breaking the Cycle!
Don’t forget to stop by the other blogs of the incredible Tuesday Tales authors!!
Max ran along the back country road, the thumping rhythm of Eminem in his earbuds keeping time to the pace of his stride. He hated running but he had to cut weight and keep his endurance at its peak. And being out here in the middle of nowhere Minnesota gave him time to think.
He turned at the edge of the lake and journeyed down the asphalt highway past the old farmhouse the MMA team used to have bonfires when he started. The grass was growing tall around the weathered structure. The lake lent the perfect background to the scene. Someday, he would live somewhere like this with his wife and children when he was done with his MMA career.
Max sighed. His career. He already had three agents call him wanting to represent him after his first profession fight. They made offers to him that blew his mind. They also brought nothing but confusion. Was he ready for the big time? He only had four fights. Only one of them was pro. He had plans for his future, plans that included owning his own gym and making a difference in someone’s health. Was he ready to give that all up to be a fighter full time?
Tori was no help. All she talked about was what offer he would take. When he asked her to stop, to change the topic to something else, she continued on like she never heard him. He loved her and he knew she only wanted the best for him. But sometimes he just needed a break to let his mind rest. And he needed her in his arms without the constant chatter of his future in MMA. Maybe he would just have to silence her lips with a lot of hot kissing tonight.
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Tuesday Tales – Flower
Hi everyone! Welcome to Tuesday Tales. We are still with Gideon and Emma in my untitled Steampunk romance. Last week we caught them in an intimate moment. How will they stop Katarina from using the humidor to kill General Hellwig? Let’s find out!
Don’t forget to check out the other awesome authors of Tuesday Tales!
The winter wind whipped around Gideon’s legs as he trudged down the vacant street. He tugged his coat closer to his face to block out the chill.
Glancing around at his surroundings, he noticed the barren trees, the frost covered ground, the empty flowerpots perched on the steps of the houses.
This particular lane in London had to be majestic in color during the summer. Not that Gideon knew. He kept himself locked away from the world. A small cloud huffed from his lips. This summer he would have to get outside and enjoy the beauty.
He shook the chill from himself as he stepped into the tavern. There was hardly a soul in it. Most folks didn’t frequent this establishment so early in the morning. It made finding the man he was looking for easier. With a grin, Gideon weaved among the tables and dropped onto an empty wooden stool at the bar.
“A little early in the day for an ale, don’t you think?” Edgar grumbled.
“I would think you would be happy I left my house on my own accord,” Gideon chuckled.
“I do admit that surprises me. Look at you. You’re a new man. It’s almost as if you’ve been keeping a woman in your bed.”
Gideon shot Edgar a devious grin. Edgar slapped the wooden plank that served as the counter of the bar. “I can’t believe this! Is it that little beauty Emma?”
“A gentleman never shares who he has spent his night with. However, I can tell you she’ll be furious if she knows I’m here so we need to make this quick. I need a favor of you.”
“Barely stick you head out and you’re already under the thumb of a woman,” Edgar laughed.
“This is no laughing matter,” Gideon snapped, suddenly serious. “There is more than one life at stake. That includes Emma’s. And mine.”
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Inside This Writer's Mind 