As many of you know, I am a military wife. I am also a military brat and grandbrat. Both grandfathers served in WW II and my father and both his brothers served during Vietnam, my father the only one who made it a career.
This is a special day to me, as is Memorial Day since we honor those who served. But, on Veteran's Day, we can actually thank those who served or are serving. It has been a tough few years for the military in the US. Times have been lean, deployments have been overwhelming, and families are falling apart. But, I know in my heart we will come out even stronger from this experience.
I have always felt very comfortable in the military environment. I used to hang out with my father, work the open houses (when there were no vendors and all military folk handling things), and generally know my way around Sheppard like the back of my hand. So, when Les talked of going into the military, I felt more than comfortable in the new environment. Granted, it was a huge shift from being the brat to being the wife, and today's military isn't what it once was. But it is what I know and what I love, even if I did have a rough adjustment, because a child can never understand the sacrifice of either parent when one is in the military. (or both)
We will never know how many sacrifices men and women have made or will make on behalf of our country. There are things that some will not share, nor should they have to. But, they sacrifice and I think make this country a better place. I don't just mean the wars. Our armed forces have been there in fire, flood and famine and they have never failed to rise to the call. They do so many things on so many levels, that I don't know where we would be without their service.
So if you know a vet or AD member, I ask that you thank them in some way. Maybe not today, but sometime down the road they may need your help. Donate blood, donate to the USO, or maybe to another organization that helps our military. Help out at the local VA Hospital.
Also, if you get a chance, take some time to watch Taking Chance. It is a true story of one Marine's journey as he accompanied the body of a young Marine back to his home town. No political slant and the Marine in question helped with movie.I wonderful story shows just how just one life lost, even for someone the Marine didn't know, can affect so many.
And to our veterans and active duty out there, a thank you from me. Your sacrifice was always too great, your journey too long, but for many, you are the guiding light that keeps us safe. For that, I will always be thankful.
This is a special day to me, as is Memorial Day since we honor those who served. But, on Veteran's Day, we can actually thank those who served or are serving. It has been a tough few years for the military in the US. Times have been lean, deployments have been overwhelming, and families are falling apart. But, I know in my heart we will come out even stronger from this experience.
I have always felt very comfortable in the military environment. I used to hang out with my father, work the open houses (when there were no vendors and all military folk handling things), and generally know my way around Sheppard like the back of my hand. So, when Les talked of going into the military, I felt more than comfortable in the new environment. Granted, it was a huge shift from being the brat to being the wife, and today's military isn't what it once was. But it is what I know and what I love, even if I did have a rough adjustment, because a child can never understand the sacrifice of either parent when one is in the military. (or both)
We will never know how many sacrifices men and women have made or will make on behalf of our country. There are things that some will not share, nor should they have to. But, they sacrifice and I think make this country a better place. I don't just mean the wars. Our armed forces have been there in fire, flood and famine and they have never failed to rise to the call. They do so many things on so many levels, that I don't know where we would be without their service.
So if you know a vet or AD member, I ask that you thank them in some way. Maybe not today, but sometime down the road they may need your help. Donate blood, donate to the USO, or maybe to another organization that helps our military. Help out at the local VA Hospital.
Also, if you get a chance, take some time to watch Taking Chance. It is a true story of one Marine's journey as he accompanied the body of a young Marine back to his home town. No political slant and the Marine in question helped with movie.I wonderful story shows just how just one life lost, even for someone the Marine didn't know, can affect so many.
And to our veterans and active duty out there, a thank you from me. Your sacrifice was always too great, your journey too long, but for many, you are the guiding light that keeps us safe. For that, I will always be thankful.
Hey, everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I am running a newsletter contest for a chance at a free ebook reader:) It runs until Jan 3rd, and I will announce the winner on Jan 4th, my birthday. Here are the particulars:
Join Melissa's Newsletter by Jan 3rd, 2010 midnight (eastern) and you get your name in the hat for a Sony Pocket Reader. Also, you will get a choice of five of my books in download to start you off! You get your name in the hat for each month you are a member, one for November and one for December. Two other winners will win 25 dollar Gift Certificates from Books on Board. You must join the newsletter, not email Melissa. One entry per person. If you sign up with multiple email addys you will be disqualified from this contest and all others Melissa runs for the next year.
Good luck, everyone!
Join Melissa's Newsletter by Jan 3rd, 2010 midnight (eastern) and you get your name in the hat for a Sony Pocket Reader. Also, you will get a choice of five of my books in download to start you off! You get your name in the hat for each month you are a member, one for November and one for December. Two other winners will win 25 dollar Gift Certificates from Books on Board. You must join the newsletter, not email Melissa. One entry per person. If you sign up with multiple email addys you will be disqualified from this contest and all others Melissa runs for the next year.
Good luck, everyone!
The Journey continues. I've been very bad about posting of late, but the journey has kept me incredibly busy!
ARC or Advance Readers Copies
I've always made my own, printed them landscape and they're set up like an open book you might hold. I always used comb bindings for them. I'd created some and was mailing them out to various reviewers and booksellers. THEN it happened, I got REAL ARCs from Berkley it was SOOOO cool. So now I've been sending them out to different folks, hoping they'll read and review/recommend Kismet to others.
Book Two of the Order of the Sicari Series
The book is turned in and we've given it a name. Now that sounds almost like I gave birth doesn't. Well if it had been a live birth, it could be equated to birthing a 10pd baby WITHOUT an epidural. *sigh* Anyway, the book is called Assassin's Heart. I got to pick it this time, but that's because I presented a logical argument for it.
Oh, and I just realized, I never posted my most AWESOMENESS! cover for book 1 in the Order of the Sicari. The hero has BEN AFLECK's jaw! Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy.
Advertising
I am getting knee deep in promo now as well as ordering advertising. Not solely for Kismet though as most people might think. I'm working on trying to get advertising for next fall in the RWR, and I just scheduled a full page ad (jointly with the wonderful Emma Wilds) for this coming May. Not to mention the other advertising I've been organizing that's starting to reach out to next Sep and Oct. The bucks are starting to add up, but at least it's a tax write off. With the economy the way it is, getting notice takes money, and the publisher limits its advertising, so it's up to me. I did hire a publicist to help with getting mailings done, and organizing some signings as well as getting my name and ARCs in front of booksellers. LeeAnn works hard, so I think I'll see great benefit for my money.
New Book
I have a proposal for a new historical due December 1st. I've got maybe one chapter done. I HATE it (the book and the deadline). I'm not sure whether it's switching from a paranormal back to a historical or if I'm a little burnt out. It's been a crazy 12 months, and I think it's going to get worse before it gets better.
What Else????
When working under deadlines, it's important to take care of one's self. I started walking again, despite the foot injury I suffered last year. I've stubbornly put off going to the doc about it, mainly because my gut says it will possibly involved surgery. I can't afford that...time or money wise...right now.
I've only been able to read VERY little, but I did get to devour Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter. I might have mentioned it here before, but I'll say it again. DAMN! It was a great book. Historical fiction just the way I like it. I've also been reading page by page, Isabo Kelley's The Promise of Kierna' Rhoan. It's sci-fi romance, the first I've ever read, and I'm loving it!! Isabo has a wonderful voice.
Finally
I'm getting REALLY excited about Kismet, although I confess that I waffle back and forth about the book and how it will be received by readers. I'm not too worried about reviews, because those are always a toss up and one opinion won't influence sales of the book that much, BUT...if enough reviewers LOVE the book and rave about it, then that will influence sales. Word of mouth is everything in this business.
ARC or Advance Readers Copies
I've always made my own, printed them landscape and they're set up like an open book you might hold. I always used comb bindings for them. I'd created some and was mailing them out to various reviewers and booksellers. THEN it happened, I got REAL ARCs from Berkley it was SOOOO cool. So now I've been sending them out to different folks, hoping they'll read and review/recommend Kismet to others.
Book Two of the Order of the Sicari Series
The book is turned in and we've given it a name. Now that sounds almost like I gave birth doesn't. Well if it had been a live birth, it could be equated to birthing a 10pd baby WITHOUT an epidural. *sigh* Anyway, the book is called Assassin's Heart. I got to pick it this time, but that's because I presented a logical argument for it.
- Book 1 is called Assassin's Honor so it sort of seems to fit that the 2nd book would encompass the Assassin piece, and the fact that Honor and Heart both have 5 letters and start with an H seemed like Kismet. *grin*
- Heart is really appropriate to the book because the hero is a half-breed and his loved ones keep telling him that his heart is Sicari
- Finally, as a friend pointed out after reading the book. Assassin's Heart has a dark, edgy, yet romantic feel to it. My editor agreed
Oh, and I just realized, I never posted my most AWESOMENESS! cover for book 1 in the Order of the Sicari. The hero has BEN AFLECK's jaw! Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy.Advertising
I am getting knee deep in promo now as well as ordering advertising. Not solely for Kismet though as most people might think. I'm working on trying to get advertising for next fall in the RWR, and I just scheduled a full page ad (jointly with the wonderful Emma Wilds) for this coming May. Not to mention the other advertising I've been organizing that's starting to reach out to next Sep and Oct. The bucks are starting to add up, but at least it's a tax write off. With the economy the way it is, getting notice takes money, and the publisher limits its advertising, so it's up to me. I did hire a publicist to help with getting mailings done, and organizing some signings as well as getting my name and ARCs in front of booksellers. LeeAnn works hard, so I think I'll see great benefit for my money.
New Book
I have a proposal for a new historical due December 1st. I've got maybe one chapter done. I HATE it (the book and the deadline). I'm not sure whether it's switching from a paranormal back to a historical or if I'm a little burnt out. It's been a crazy 12 months, and I think it's going to get worse before it gets better.
What Else????
When working under deadlines, it's important to take care of one's self. I started walking again, despite the foot injury I suffered last year. I've stubbornly put off going to the doc about it, mainly because my gut says it will possibly involved surgery. I can't afford that...time or money wise...right now.
I've only been able to read VERY little, but I did get to devour Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter. I might have mentioned it here before, but I'll say it again. DAMN! It was a great book. Historical fiction just the way I like it. I've also been reading page by page, Isabo Kelley's The Promise of Kierna' Rhoan. It's sci-fi romance, the first I've ever read, and I'm loving it!! Isabo has a wonderful voice.
Finally
I'm getting REALLY excited about Kismet, although I confess that I waffle back and forth about the book and how it will be received by readers. I'm not too worried about reviews, because those are always a toss up and one opinion won't influence sales of the book that much, BUT...if enough reviewers LOVE the book and rave about it, then that will influence sales. Word of mouth is everything in this business.
It’s that time of year when nights are longer, passions run hotter, and for three sisters, naughty wishes come true…
Three sisters. Three wishes. And one hot Christmas in this sizzling collection of novellas from today’s most popular erotic authors…
“Wrapped in Holly” by Lisa Renee Jones
Holly’s come home for the holidays, ready to enjoy a few cozy weeks of small-town life. But a fling with a local stranger heats up the nights. When she discovers the stranger’s secret ties to her own family, he ends up Wrapped in Holly.
“Hot for Santa” by Cathryn Fox
The one man Rachel wants is strictly off limits, so she agrees to keep her distance—until he dresses up as old St. Nick and stirs a playful fantasy in Rachel. Maybe it’s the black leather boots. Or the soft fur and red velvet. Whatever it is, she’s Hot for Santa.
“Mistletoe Bliss” by Jodi Lynn Copeland
A broken engagement has left Tori feeling the Christmas blues when she returns to her welcoming family for the holiday. There’s no better way to chase those blues away than with an old flame who sparks a new passion and leaves Tori feeling Mistletoe Bliss.
To learn more visit www.cathrynfox.com.
Or pick your copy up here:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Borders
Indiebound
To read a excerpt go here.
Beginning Monday, November 2, 2009, Amazon is offering BOUND FOR THE HOLIDAYS as a free read until November 9, 2009 for all Kindle owners.
To get your free Kindle copy click here »
Blurb:
An invitation too hot to pass up.
Angela Clarke finds herself bound for the holidays, literally. Not by one, but two gorgeous men—a powerful executive and one sexy cowboy.
Angie expected to spend Christmas alone, not in the arms of her new boss after the office party. Their attraction is hot enough to melt ice, and his wicked promises alluring. What he’s offering she has only fantasized about.
To her surprise, the night not only involves silk scarves and a set of handcuffs, but one tall dark cowboy.
Ryan Tyler has never thought twice about sharing his women with his best friend—until Ryan touches Angie. She stirs something deep inside him. But it’s too late to stop the decadent night from unfolding. What starts as hot sex with a warm, willing woman turns into something more. After tonight, Ryan knows he’ll never be satisfied with just one taste.
Could his fantasy lead to something lasting, or will it only be one night of pleasure?
****
Don't miss the second book in the Ties that Bind series, BOUND FOR THE PAST. If you prefer print, get both stories in BOUND BY DESIRE .
Enjoy!!!!
Mac
I'm pleased to announce that TAKE ME AGAIN is available now in print and eBook format.Wild Oats Series, Book 2
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Print ISBN: 978-1-60504-428-6
eBook ISBN: 978-1-60504-360-9
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!
Publication Date: November 1, 2009
Marking one's terriorty was never so naughty...
Dolan Crane would love to hate the beautiful new veterinarian who's horning in on his territory. It's tough when the flame-haired fantasy come true makes his body burn with just a smile. The smart thing to do is forget about her, so perhaps a threesome arranged by his old college buddy is just what he needs to get her out of his head.
Divorcee Tracy Marx has followed her restless feet to Santa Ysabel to start a new practice--and maybe find someone to take her outside the boundaries of vanilla sex. Instead she finds trouble in the form of a cowboy whose dark, sexy gaze lights her up--and could also destroy any chance of success. The best thing to do is stay far, far away from him.
When Dolan shows up for the promised night of fantasy, he's shocked to find Tracy has traded her medical bag for a leather bustier and bondage gear. Tracy would like nothing better than to slap that smirk right off Dolan's face, but the prospect of being sandwiched between two men is impossible to resist--even if one of them is her adversary.
Besides...no one calls her chicken.
EXCERPT:
"So, where is she?" Dolan wanted to get this party started. The last couple days had been hellish. Not to mention, he hadn't seen his little redheaded veterinarian anywhere, which bothered him more than he cared to admit. Guess it was too much to hope that sh'ed gone back from where she came.
Before Rowdy answered, the bedroom door opened.
In one feel swoop the air in the room disappeared leaving Dolan dissy. As if his thoughts had conjured the woman, Tracy Marx stepped into the room not more than four feet away.
Her eyes widened. Her jaw dropped. Shocked didn't described the look of surprise on her face as their eyes met.
He shared her disquiet. Speechless, his feet rooted to the floor, the only thing that appeared to be working was his cock. The damn thing sprung to life.
Sexy didn't begin to described how she was dressed. Stilettos and long legs wrapped in sheer black stockings led to narrow hips barely concealed by a thong. But it was the corset raising her breasts and presenting them as if they were dessert that almost gave him a heart attack. Wild red hair framed her face making her the most sensual creature he had ever laid eyes on. Not to mention, her soft female musk taunted him unmercifully.
Lust rumbled in his throat. He felt his nostrils flare. Tingles exploded in the center of his palms giving him the uncontrollable urge to bury his hands in her silky mass.
Her mouth snapped shut drawing into a thin line. She blinked hard before her gaze shot to their host. "Rowdy?" There was a quiver in her voice. her fingers now balled into fists.
"What?" The lack of innocence in his friend's voice made Dolan turn and glare at him. "You two know each other?" Before either of them could comment, he said, "That's great. Makes getting to know each other easier."
"Easier," she repeated with enough heat in her tone to light a fuse. She faced Dolan with accusation in her eyes. Her plams now perched on her hips. "You set this up to humiliate me."
What the fuck was she talking about? "Humiliate you?" His voice was coarse as sandpaper as he closed the distance between them. Nose to nose, he huffed, "Woman, I want you gone--not in my bed." It was a bold-faced lie. He did want her in his bed, so badly he felt his control slipping.
She flinched at his cruel words. Color heated her cheeks. For a second the hardness in her features crumbled and moisture filled her eyes making them pools of blue.
Dammit. He didn't mean to hurt her. It just--
Before he could apologize, her backbone stiffened. Moist eyelashes batted her emotion away, almost as if it never existed and replaced it with one of pure disdain.
"Feeling is mutual." She whipped around, took several hurried steps and then drew to an abrupt halt. As if she second guessed her move, she pivoted again and walked back so that they were a foot away. With a toss of her head she sent her mass of red hair over a shoulder. "You know, Crane, you remind me of the first animal I treated." She narrowed her gaze. "He was a jackass, too." She was still hissing the insult when he reached for her.
The impact of their bodies coming together forced an indelicate "Ugh" from her. Chest to chest, hips to hips, he trapped her in his embrace.
Fury flickered in her eyes, dilating them. "Release me." Her heated breath washed over his face.
Release her? The hell he would. Instead he lowered his head and captured her stubborn mouth with his. The kiss was slow, hot, and he made sure thorough and unforgettable.
****
Don't miss book one in the WILD OATS series -- TAKE ME!
It's FINALLY here!!! POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT should be available everywhere in both print and eBook format. I'm putting up one of my favorite excerpts below...along with prizes.
Doomsday Brethren Series, Book 3
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN-10: 1416578463
ISBN-13: 9781416578468
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Scroll down to read the first chapter!
Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders
Books-A-Million | Simon & Schuster| Target
Download eBook: Kindle | Barnes & Noble
Fictionwise | Sony |Simon & Schuster
An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black’s electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both.
As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard’s intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible—and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother’s sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power. Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life—and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover’s fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can’t ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can’t resist?
Reviews
Rated HOT! “The volatile emotions in this tale are truly combustible!” ~ RT Bookclub
"Captivating... POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT [is] a book you won’t want to miss." ~ Romance Reviews Today
Recommended Read! "Page-turning magical suspense... Wring[s] emotion from every pore... leaves readers clamoring for more." ~ Fallen Angels Reviews
"I could not stop reading. POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT is absolutely perfect." ParaNormal Romance Reviews
"I love the angst and passion between Sabelle and Ice; it’s tangible and often breathtaking. Possess Me At Midnight is another exciting chapter in the Doomsday Brethren’s fight…" Joyfully Reviewed
"Totally rewarding and particularly satisfying." Single Titles
“Better?” she asked.
Gingerly, he nodded. He looked white and exhausted and utterly depleted.
“Internal damage?”
“Healing.” He squeezed her hand. “I stopped the burn in time.”
A whole sentence. And now, he was breathing easier. His injuries were healing. “You’re certain?”
Again, he nodded. More a jerk of his stubbled chin than anything, but enough. “The damage stopped when you dragged me from the cellar. If you hadn’t come for me—”
“Of course I would.” Did he just assume she would leave him there to die?
“You could have run straight into danger, Sabelle.” He swallowed and fought for a breath, squeezed her hand again. “When I’m well, I’m putting you over my knee for that.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, her face flamed. “You’ll do no such thing.”
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t take away all my fun.”
A joke? He’d nearly died ten minutes ago, and now he was telling a joke. He didn’t wish her to know the extent of his injuries, clearly.
“Amusing, indeed.”
“Infuriating,” he corrected. “No more chances with your safety. On this point, Bram and I agree. You’re into magickind’s troubles too deeply.”
“I’ll tell you what I told Bram: I won’t sit about like some helpless princess while the rest of magickind fights. It’s my cause too.”
“Your funeral as well, if you’re not careful.”
“It could be anyone’s,” she argued. “Everyone’s. That’s Mathias’s doing. Not mine. Now, stop arguing and tell me how you feel. The internal damage has stopped?”
“Yes. I fought it off in the cellar, then you took me away. Between distance and your touch, I’ve improved.”
“Anything else?”
He hesitated. “My head. When the mine hit me, the force of it thrust me back. My head hit the wall. I heard a loud thump.”
Judiciously avoiding looking at the lower half of his very naked body, she gripped his large calloused hand in hers. Closing her eyes, she gathered up her power and summoned the siren in her. To Ice, she sent waves of healing, peace, sleep.
He growled. Suddenly, a wall shot up between them, blocking her well-meaning sentiments. Sabelle gasped. Where had that come from? Ice? Did he have the energy for that? Or was the mine still working its dark magic?
Then the barricade crumbled, and she felt Ice again. But this time, he sent her a blast of something else—desire that was thick, hot, screaming with lust and sex and need.
With a gasp, she pulled back.
A tired smile creased his face, and despite his exhaustion, his arrogance shone through. “Felt that, did you? I told you, I’ve no need for your happy sunshine and rainbows.”
“I sent you peaceful healing,” she argued. “You do need it.”
“Rubbish. I let you feel what I truly need.”
That overwhelming battering ram of desires and yearning? She placed a hand to her chest and forced herself to breathe evenly. Knowing he wanted her that badly staggered her. She blinked, looked at Ice, focusing on those green eyes of his that glowed with unquestionable want. Exhaustion still etched his face, and she knew that sending her any emotion had cost precious energy he didn’t have. Why bother?
“No one has ever bombarded me with their emotions like that.”
“You tell others what to feel and they abide?”
She frowned. “I try to be helpful and soothe the troubles or worries others have. I’m hardly forcing unwanted feelings upon them.”
“I didn’t want to sleep, princess.”
Sabelle felt her face flush again. “So I gathered.”
“Glad we’re clear.”
“Ice, you hardly have the energy to be wasting on such things. My touch has given you some, I suppose. But the sleep was to help you. I meant no insult. You must concede, your energy is dangerously low. Your magical signature is nearly transparent.”
He pressed his lips together and said nothing.
“Is—is that why you sent me the sexual vibrations?” She bit her lip and felt her cheeks flame up again. What was it about Ice that made her feel so feminine? “You need…energy?”
He stared, heavy, glowing, jaw clenched. “Sabelle…”
“You do.” She swallowed, studying his increasingly sheer magical signature. Normally a bold green laced with a fiery red. Black rimmed it, and she’d always worried that was a commentary on his sanity or his soul. But now, she could see straight through it all. And that frightened her. Without recharging, he would be unable to run, flee, help her evade Mathias. Yes, her touch, because he had Called to her, provided a bit of energy. But without a full dose of power, eventually he would die.
She eased off the bed and rose to her feet. With trembling hands, she pulled off her shirt. Instantly, she felt his gaze on the slopes of her shoulder, the curve of her neck, the lacy cups of her bra. His icy-hot eyes made her shiver. She locked stares with him, unable to look away.
Sabelle reached for the button of her jeans. Instead, he reached up and clamped his hands around her wrists. “Don’t.”
“But you need energy.”
“Yes, but—”
“You Called to me, so you can touch no other. And…I have no anger in me now to try to boost you that way. You want me and—”
“You know it. But I will be damned if I’ll let you make me into your next Lucan: a patient, a duty, a burden. What passes between us will never be an act you endure merely to heal me.” He squeezed on her wrists. “I would rather die.”
“Your pride is misplaced. My opinion is neither here nor there. Your life—”
“Will mean little if I have to swallow the bitter pill of being nothing to you. I hardly expect you to Bind to me, but I won’t have your pity.”
His passionate speech had used up more energy he could ill afford. The stubborn man! Frustration built inside her, a crescendo that trumpeted into fury. Ice could die, and he wanted to debate the meaning of an act intended to save his life? He sought to force her admission that she trembled for his touch before he allowed her into his bed. The energy exchange would be clean, simple, if he would merely accept her help. Did he not understand that crowding it with words and confessions would only make matters more difficult?
She tore her wrists from his grip, stepped away, and stripped off her pants and knickers. Her bra quickly followed. Ice’s eyes clamped onto her. His nostrils flared. His entire body tensed, and though she swore she would not look down, her gaze drifted across the harsh rise and fall of his chest, the undulation of his abdomen…and fixed on the hard stalk of his cock rising between his well-muscled thighs. A sudden gush of dampness slicked her intimately, where she now ached. She swallowed against the riot of sensations, a need unlike anything she’d ever felt.
If she admitted that to Ice, he would use this desire against her mercilessly.
Sabelle wanted to believe, more than anything, that Ice was motivated strictly by his desire to possess the witch he perceived as his mate. But niggling doubt made her wonder if revenge fueled him more.
“You have my help.” Her voice trembled as she sat on the edge of the bed next to him. “You need no more than that.”
Ice raised a dark brow. “You have no idea what I need.”
Before she could argue, he grabbed her around the waist and threw her under him, until her back hugged the sheets steeped in his warmth and earthy scent. He loomed over her, his shoulders blocking out most of the room’s light. She felt surrounded, enveloped. Overwhelmed.
“Did you come for him?”
His big, hot hands gripped her hips, and slid up her torso until his palms cradled her breasts. And his touch burned her. She bit her lip to hold in a gasp, but the aftershocks of their contact reverberated, crashing wave after wave of desire through her body. She softened. Her nipples peaked. She grew wetter.
He stopped. Sniffed. Smiled. “You want me.”
“My body is ready.” She dared not admit more.
His smile slipped, and he grunted. “Bloody answer me.”
Damn it all, she’d forgotten the question. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Lucan,” he growled. “Did you want him? Did he give you pleasure? Bring you to peak?”
Very direct questions. That shouldn’t surprise her. But she couldn’t answer him. No answer would satisfy him. In either event, he’d turn this into some sort of chest-beating competition. And the truth would only cause…issues.
“It’s hardly relevant. You need me, and I am offering. Nothing more or less.”
He flicked his thumbs across her nipples. Slowly. Back and forth. Until she gasped.
“I plan to make certain it is much, much more.”
To celebrate this release, I'm giving away a signed copy of TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS and SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, plus free reads from some favorite authors including Maya Banks, Gena Showalter, Sabrina Jeffries and others. 10 books in all! To register to win, SPREAD the word about POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT. Mention the book, series and release day (blurb appreciated but optional) on your Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, blog, message/bulletin boards, etc OR review the book on an online bookstore or personal blog. Comment on my blog with the link and you're registered to win. The winner will be drawn on 11/3.
Hope everyone enjoys the release!
Doomsday Brethren Series, Book 3Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN-10: 1416578463
ISBN-13: 9781416578468
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
Release Date: October 27, 2009
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An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black’s electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both.
As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard’s intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible—and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother’s sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power. Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life—and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover’s fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can’t ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can’t resist?
Reviews
Rated HOT! “The volatile emotions in this tale are truly combustible!” ~ RT Bookclub
"Captivating... POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT [is] a book you won’t want to miss." ~ Romance Reviews Today
Recommended Read! "Page-turning magical suspense... Wring[s] emotion from every pore... leaves readers clamoring for more." ~ Fallen Angels Reviews
"I could not stop reading. POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT is absolutely perfect." ParaNormal Romance Reviews
"I love the angst and passion between Sabelle and Ice; it’s tangible and often breathtaking. Possess Me At Midnight is another exciting chapter in the Doomsday Brethren’s fight…" Joyfully Reviewed
"Totally rewarding and particularly satisfying." Single Titles
EXCERPT
“Better?” she asked.
Gingerly, he nodded. He looked white and exhausted and utterly depleted.
“Internal damage?”
“Healing.” He squeezed her hand. “I stopped the burn in time.”
A whole sentence. And now, he was breathing easier. His injuries were healing. “You’re certain?”
Again, he nodded. More a jerk of his stubbled chin than anything, but enough. “The damage stopped when you dragged me from the cellar. If you hadn’t come for me—”
“Of course I would.” Did he just assume she would leave him there to die?
“You could have run straight into danger, Sabelle.” He swallowed and fought for a breath, squeezed her hand again. “When I’m well, I’m putting you over my knee for that.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, her face flamed. “You’ll do no such thing.”
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t take away all my fun.”
A joke? He’d nearly died ten minutes ago, and now he was telling a joke. He didn’t wish her to know the extent of his injuries, clearly.
“Amusing, indeed.”
“Infuriating,” he corrected. “No more chances with your safety. On this point, Bram and I agree. You’re into magickind’s troubles too deeply.”
“I’ll tell you what I told Bram: I won’t sit about like some helpless princess while the rest of magickind fights. It’s my cause too.”
“Your funeral as well, if you’re not careful.”
“It could be anyone’s,” she argued. “Everyone’s. That’s Mathias’s doing. Not mine. Now, stop arguing and tell me how you feel. The internal damage has stopped?”
“Yes. I fought it off in the cellar, then you took me away. Between distance and your touch, I’ve improved.”
“Anything else?”
He hesitated. “My head. When the mine hit me, the force of it thrust me back. My head hit the wall. I heard a loud thump.”
Judiciously avoiding looking at the lower half of his very naked body, she gripped his large calloused hand in hers. Closing her eyes, she gathered up her power and summoned the siren in her. To Ice, she sent waves of healing, peace, sleep.
He growled. Suddenly, a wall shot up between them, blocking her well-meaning sentiments. Sabelle gasped. Where had that come from? Ice? Did he have the energy for that? Or was the mine still working its dark magic?
Then the barricade crumbled, and she felt Ice again. But this time, he sent her a blast of something else—desire that was thick, hot, screaming with lust and sex and need.
With a gasp, she pulled back.
A tired smile creased his face, and despite his exhaustion, his arrogance shone through. “Felt that, did you? I told you, I’ve no need for your happy sunshine and rainbows.”
“I sent you peaceful healing,” she argued. “You do need it.”
“Rubbish. I let you feel what I truly need.”
That overwhelming battering ram of desires and yearning? She placed a hand to her chest and forced herself to breathe evenly. Knowing he wanted her that badly staggered her. She blinked, looked at Ice, focusing on those green eyes of his that glowed with unquestionable want. Exhaustion still etched his face, and she knew that sending her any emotion had cost precious energy he didn’t have. Why bother?
“No one has ever bombarded me with their emotions like that.”
“You tell others what to feel and they abide?”
She frowned. “I try to be helpful and soothe the troubles or worries others have. I’m hardly forcing unwanted feelings upon them.”
“I didn’t want to sleep, princess.”
Sabelle felt her face flush again. “So I gathered.”
“Glad we’re clear.”
“Ice, you hardly have the energy to be wasting on such things. My touch has given you some, I suppose. But the sleep was to help you. I meant no insult. You must concede, your energy is dangerously low. Your magical signature is nearly transparent.”
He pressed his lips together and said nothing.
“Is—is that why you sent me the sexual vibrations?” She bit her lip and felt her cheeks flame up again. What was it about Ice that made her feel so feminine? “You need…energy?”
He stared, heavy, glowing, jaw clenched. “Sabelle…”
“You do.” She swallowed, studying his increasingly sheer magical signature. Normally a bold green laced with a fiery red. Black rimmed it, and she’d always worried that was a commentary on his sanity or his soul. But now, she could see straight through it all. And that frightened her. Without recharging, he would be unable to run, flee, help her evade Mathias. Yes, her touch, because he had Called to her, provided a bit of energy. But without a full dose of power, eventually he would die.
She eased off the bed and rose to her feet. With trembling hands, she pulled off her shirt. Instantly, she felt his gaze on the slopes of her shoulder, the curve of her neck, the lacy cups of her bra. His icy-hot eyes made her shiver. She locked stares with him, unable to look away.
Sabelle reached for the button of her jeans. Instead, he reached up and clamped his hands around her wrists. “Don’t.”
“But you need energy.”
“Yes, but—”
“You Called to me, so you can touch no other. And…I have no anger in me now to try to boost you that way. You want me and—”
“You know it. But I will be damned if I’ll let you make me into your next Lucan: a patient, a duty, a burden. What passes between us will never be an act you endure merely to heal me.” He squeezed on her wrists. “I would rather die.”
“Your pride is misplaced. My opinion is neither here nor there. Your life—”
“Will mean little if I have to swallow the bitter pill of being nothing to you. I hardly expect you to Bind to me, but I won’t have your pity.”
His passionate speech had used up more energy he could ill afford. The stubborn man! Frustration built inside her, a crescendo that trumpeted into fury. Ice could die, and he wanted to debate the meaning of an act intended to save his life? He sought to force her admission that she trembled for his touch before he allowed her into his bed. The energy exchange would be clean, simple, if he would merely accept her help. Did he not understand that crowding it with words and confessions would only make matters more difficult?
She tore her wrists from his grip, stepped away, and stripped off her pants and knickers. Her bra quickly followed. Ice’s eyes clamped onto her. His nostrils flared. His entire body tensed, and though she swore she would not look down, her gaze drifted across the harsh rise and fall of his chest, the undulation of his abdomen…and fixed on the hard stalk of his cock rising between his well-muscled thighs. A sudden gush of dampness slicked her intimately, where she now ached. She swallowed against the riot of sensations, a need unlike anything she’d ever felt.
If she admitted that to Ice, he would use this desire against her mercilessly.
Sabelle wanted to believe, more than anything, that Ice was motivated strictly by his desire to possess the witch he perceived as his mate. But niggling doubt made her wonder if revenge fueled him more.
“You have my help.” Her voice trembled as she sat on the edge of the bed next to him. “You need no more than that.”
Ice raised a dark brow. “You have no idea what I need.”
Before she could argue, he grabbed her around the waist and threw her under him, until her back hugged the sheets steeped in his warmth and earthy scent. He loomed over her, his shoulders blocking out most of the room’s light. She felt surrounded, enveloped. Overwhelmed.
“Did you come for him?”
His big, hot hands gripped her hips, and slid up her torso until his palms cradled her breasts. And his touch burned her. She bit her lip to hold in a gasp, but the aftershocks of their contact reverberated, crashing wave after wave of desire through her body. She softened. Her nipples peaked. She grew wetter.
He stopped. Sniffed. Smiled. “You want me.”
“My body is ready.” She dared not admit more.
His smile slipped, and he grunted. “Bloody answer me.”
Damn it all, she’d forgotten the question. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Lucan,” he growled. “Did you want him? Did he give you pleasure? Bring you to peak?”
Very direct questions. That shouldn’t surprise her. But she couldn’t answer him. No answer would satisfy him. In either event, he’d turn this into some sort of chest-beating competition. And the truth would only cause…issues.
“It’s hardly relevant. You need me, and I am offering. Nothing more or less.”
He flicked his thumbs across her nipples. Slowly. Back and forth. Until she gasped.
“I plan to make certain it is much, much more.”
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To celebrate this release, I'm giving away a signed copy of TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS and SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW, plus free reads from some favorite authors including Maya Banks, Gena Showalter, Sabrina Jeffries and others. 10 books in all! To register to win, SPREAD the word about POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT. Mention the book, series and release day (blurb appreciated but optional) on your Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, blog, message/bulletin boards, etc OR review the book on an online bookstore or personal blog. Comment on my blog with the link and you're registered to win. The winner will be drawn on 11/3.
Hope everyone enjoys the release!
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