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Friday 31 October 2014

Cover Reveal: An Enrapturing Attraction by A.J. Walters + excerpt + teasers + giveaway

AEA cover final

Title: An Enrapturing Attraction
Author: A J Walters
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Jan 2015


Synopsis

A hot and suspenseful story of a bad boy who is wanting to make good with a chance meeting between him and one strong, independent woman.

Christian Wilson reformed bad boy is released early from the Boston correctional facility, due to flaws in the original court case. Re-entering the big, wide world is not only a shock to the system, but he also realises he isn't the man he was. Tough decisions need to be made and temptations to revert back to how he was need to be resisted. It's not only he who is thinking this, so when his step-father Edward Sanders intervenes, Christian's life is turned upside down. Being the 'Black Sheep' of the Sanders dynasty he has to prove to them and himself, he's a changed man. Coming second best to his step-brother Marc Sanders, Professor of Medicine, gives him enough determination to want to succeed.

Having moved to the US from the UK, Hannah Marshall has shown and proven what a strong, independent woman she is and she's not had to rely on any man. However, family comes first and therefore Hannah takes the big decision to return home to Cambridge in England. Accepting a new job in The Met Police and leaving close friends behind, she begins what is a new life not without it's ups, downs and surprises!

With Christian and Hannah not everything is as black and white as they seem, but when the two meet sparks fly!

Will secrets and lies come between them? Will the temptations in life become too strong? What the future holds for these two passionate and strong willed people, nobody knows.

From Amazon Number One Best Seller A J Walters, let An Enrapturing Attraction take you on an emotion filled journey of scintillating passion and mystery. A contemporary romance not without it's laughs!

AEA Teaser1

Excerpt

“Your forfeit for you losing Miss Marshall is that you are to kiss, no snog the face off the next man who comes through those pub doors.” Every single one of our party, including me, turn to face the dreaded doors. The feeling of expectation has just trebled and shot through the roof.
“You're joking, right? What if it's an eighteen year-old student? My job would be on the line or even worse, I'd be classed as a cougar!” My voice ends on a shrill as the realisation of what I've got to do sinks in.
“Come on Marshall, I'm sure your forfeit for me had I lost would have been far worse.” Actually he's probably not wrong there. Having him rub a red-hot chili over his hands and then telling him to wank himself sounds more and more appealing. Next time Rushton, next time.
I rest my head in my hands dreading every second of this and as to who will be the next male to walk in here. Please don't let it be some old geezer either. I groan through my fingers. The silence is deadly as the wait begins. I wish someone would bloody talk to break the drought of conversation, it may just lead to a distraction and then me not having to do it, or at least them remembering when a hot looking Professor walks in.
Actually scratch that thought, as the image of Marc Sanders is now firmly imprinted on my brain. I can hear the laughs from Isabel now, as she most probably would have read my mind. I look up when I hear an over exaggerated intake of breath come from Melissa and once again all eyes are fixed on the doorway.

“You've got to be fucking kidding me!” The words are out of mouth before I can even put my brain into first gear.
AEA Teaser 2

Other books in the series

Attraction Collage

An Acute Attraction (Book 1)
A Constant Attraction (Book 2)
About the Author


AJA J Walters is a contemporary romance author and an Amazon #1 Bestseller in Women's Fiction. Having interests in history, romance and elements of erotica, she has brought all of these together in her debut publications; The Attraction Series.
Wanting to break the trend of size 12 virgins in books, A J Walters has introduced a new real woman in Isabel Chambers. She’s a size 18-20, working single mother who now feels is it her time to start living her life again. At the ripe young age of 39 (at time of writing 1st book), A J Walters also wanted to show that you can experience everything that a twenty-something would.
“I saw that a 39 year old isn’t quite at retirement age for fun, sex and finding love again. There are so many women out there that can be represented in books as well as the slim, innocent and beautiful types. Don’t get me wrong I love reading books with them in, but there is so many of them around now I felt is was time for something different. I’d like to think I brought my sense of humour across in it as well. I am ditsy, I suffer from ‘foot in mouth’ syndrome, but I can also be serious and sentimental. From the feedback I’ve had, apparently it makes for a great writing voice.”
A J Walters has since gone on to publish 2 books in The Attraction Series; An Acute Attraction and A Constant Attraction. There is a 3rd book in the pipeline, which is expected to be published in January 2015.
As well as writing this series of books, she has also written a short story for a summer anthology and is now an Amazon #1 Bestseller in Women's Fiction for her publication of Lust, Love, Dreams and Heartache: A book of romantic and erotic poetry.

Fancy a giveaway? Or Two?!?!

Part 1 (live 27th Oct)
Part 2 (live 31st Oct)
  a Rafflecopter giveaway  
  AEA COver rveal

Click here to join in the fun!

Thursday 30 October 2014

Release Blitz: Abe: Four in Hand (Ties of Steel #1) by M.J. Fields + excerpt + teasers + trailor


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Title: ABE: Four in Hand (Ties of Steel #1)
Author: M.J. Fields
Release Date: October 28, 2014

Synopsis  

Twenty-six-year-old Abraham O’Donnell is the CFO of Steel Inc. After working tirelessly for over a year, he takes a week off to enjoy the sand, surf, and bikini-clad women of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After all, he's earned it.   

When a brief interlude with a flight attendant in her hotel room goes awry, Abe heads to a rental home with a private beach. While floating naked in the pool, he learns a guest house on the property is also occupied. So much for rest and relaxation. Ever the gentleman, Abe tries to make the most of his misfortune, and offers to make the beauties staying on the property some dinner.   

It's senior year and Nikolette (Nikki) Bassett is a few days late for her last college Spring Break with her four best girlfriends. When she arrives, all these ladies can talk about is the guy next door. And once Nikki gets a look at him, she knows what they mean. Fresh from an afternoon of surfing, Nikki can hardly believe her eyes when Abe approaches. The sexual tension and banter between the two of them leads to steamy hot sex on the Atlantic shore.   

It's only a Spring Break fling, and both Abe and Nikki know better than to make it out to be more than that. Or do they? Abe’s calm demeanor changes once he has a taste of Nikki. That night, no location is safe. He takes her on the beach and ravages her in his bed. But despite their mind-blowing sex, Abe's taste for ultimate control in the bedroom makes Nikki uneasy. Nikki's just getting over a heartbreak and she can't afford to let Abe in. So, she pushes aside her budding feelings, and leaves Florida and Abe behind without a backwards glance.   

Not used to being dumped and afraid to admit how much it hurts, Abe cuts his loses and heads back to Steel Inc., resume his role at the top of Steel Inc., pouring his heart and soul into his work. But Nikki Moore won't be forgotten so easily. Her taste, scent, voice, the noises she made when he brought her to ecstasy, the way she tasted on his tongue, and felt under his touch haunts him. Always fighting for control, Abe tries to push Nikki far into the back of his mind, as he fucks the rented women he had grown accustom to.   

But Karma is a bitch, and Abe blames her for Nikki leaving him the way she did. So when Nikki shows up unexpectedly, Abe welcomes Karma with open arms. Control has left the building and safety of one's heart is no longer strong enough to stop what happens next.     

Abe is the first in the Ties of Steel series from bestselling erotica author MJ Fields. 
It is a spin-off of the bestselling Men of Steel series featuring the Steel brothers: Jase, Cyrus, Zandor and Xavier.






Excerpt

As my feet touched the floor in front of the bed, I struggled to stand.
“Steady, sweetheart,” he held my waist as I looked up into his beautiful blue eyes. “That’s better.”
“My dress.”
“You won’t be needing it for … a while.”
His arm snaked around my waist and he pulled me closer to him.
“My panties.”
“Destroyed.”
His lips met mine, but he didn’t kiss me, he just held them against mine. Only now did I notice the alcohol on his breath.
“Four,” he took in a deep breath through his teeth, “I’ve had a bit more to drink than I had promised myself I would have when you and I happened.”
I attempted to pull away from his embrace, but he grabbed the back of my head.
“Don’t.”
His lips covered mine and immediately I was lost. The heat began filling me again, my body hummed as his tongue sought entrance into my mouth. I gave it willingly. His tongue stroked up and down my own, causing me to whimper and him to groan as he ravaged my mouth.
His hands now moved back down my body and came to rest on my butt. He squeezed and pulled outward, spreading me. I grasped at his strong shoulders trying to steady myself, hold myself together.
My tongue began stroking his in long licks, tasting him as he had done to me. He tasted of crisp wine and something else, me. Never before had I been as turned on to the point that I needed more in a kiss, not like this.
I bravely let my hand slide down his arms and then lower. I held his hips and then allowed one hand to make its way lower and I took hold of his rock hard erection.
He immediately lifted me, forcing my hands to grab his shoulders again.
“I need to taste you again.”
“I need …. ”
“No talking, let me give you pleasure,” he lowered me to the bed and knelt before me.
He spread my legs wide and looked up at me. “Your pussy is absolutely stunning.”
I closed my eyes, embarrassed of being spread in front of him in the dimly lit room. His fingers spread me and his hum played to the most private and intimate part of my body.
“Look at me.”
He lifted my leg and bent my knee gently as he placed my foot on the bed so that it was beside me as he pushed the other leg to the side spreading me even more.
“Never seen anything so fucking beautiful,” he whispered as he rubbed his finger up and down my seam.
When he looked up, I knew he hadn’t intended on me hearing those words. For a brief moment, his self-confident, sexually charged gaze gave way to something more, and in one blink of my eyes his mouth covered my opening as he sucked harshly on my sensitive flesh.
“Ohhh … ”
He pulled away and looked up, “Watch me devour you, sweetheart.”
His tongue plunged deep inside of me and his hands gripped my thighs forcing them apart even more. I watched because he said so and I watched because I had never witnessed, felt, or encountered such a hungry, sexual man.
His mouth worked me into ecstasy and a state of orgasmic bliss. His tongue caressed and then dove deep into me. His lips sucked and tugged at mine. Then a finger pushed into me and curled up and then another entered, causing me to take in a deep breath.
I held his shoulders just like I was holding my breath, fearing I would scream and fall back. Fearing that I would break the contact our eyes made. I couldn’t look away if I wanted to. His eyes held mine captive as his finger pushed in further, curling, turning, touching every part deep inside. The sensation, the places he hit made me lose myself completely and fully. I fought, fearing another orgasm so soon would take my breath away.
“Let go,” he commanded.
With him, it was much more than pleasure. My breathing became erratic and my need to come was so — immediate. I couldn’t hold back or delay my release.
“Oh, god,” I screamed out as it burst, rippling throughout my entire body.


“That’s it,” his fingers continued torturing and pleasing me, “More. Give me more.”



Trailer


About the Author


MJ Fields’s love of writing was in full swing by age eight. Together with her cousins, she wrote a newsletter and sold it to family members. Today, she has four self-published series comprised of seventeen titles, including MEN OF STEEL, which was acquired by Swoon Romance in June 2014. MJ is a bestselling erotica author and former small business owner, who recently closed the business so she could write full time.

MJ lives in central New York, surrounded by family and friends. Her house is full of pets, friends, and noise ninety percent of the time, and she would have it no other way.



Cover Reveal: Warrior Mine: A Contemporary Military Romance Box Set


Warrior Mine-2

 Title: Warrior Mine 
 A Contemporary Military Box Set
Release Date: Veteran's Day November 11th! 
Cover by: Eden Crane Design 
Photography: CJC Photography

Meet six HOT alpha warriors and the women who tame them!


Box set includes six novels by six amazing authors.

Get ready to swoon over sexy SEALs, soldiers and marines!


Accidental SEAL by Sharon Hamilton
Christy Nelson embarks on her new career in Real Estate by holding her first open house. Entering the wrong house, by accident, she finds the nude sleeping body of a young man. 

Navy SEAL Kyle Lansdowne, on a mission to find his AWOL Team buddy, is staying at his buddy’s home while investigating the disappearance. When someone breaks in, he takes protective measures. He doesn’t expect to find that a beautiful young woman is responsible for his teammate’s abduction. 

What starts out as a meeting by accident becomes a hot affair neither one is ready for. Kyle is conflicted about getting Christy involved in his mission, but his hand is forced when he learns the same San Diego gang responsible for his teammate’s abduction has kidnapped her. 

Battling a cadre of dirty law enforcements hell-bent on getting military equipment, especially state-of-the-art firepower, Kyle is forced to admit that he would die to protect her.

Semper Mine by Lizzy Ford
“A freak accident landed both of the Khavalov twins under my command, just before a routine mission turned into a nightmare. I brought home one twin in a coffin and the other in a coma missing his leg. I did everything right – and still people died. I can’t forget that night or how many lives it changed, including mine.

It’s natural for their sister, Katya, to blame me. I made one decision in the middle of a firefight, and it shattered her sheltered world. I’m the ice to her fire, and when we first meet, it’s not pretty. I don’t fear war or death, and I am definitely not going to let a beautiful woman with a quick temper and broken heart scare me off, either. I know she’s hurting, and I’m determined to make sure she’s okay. It’s the least I can do for the twins.

I may have failed them that night, but I won’t fail her. What I’m not counting on: the feelings she ignites within me.” – Captain Sawyer Mathis

Shrapnel’s Kiss by Amy Rachiele
It’s love and war!
“If I don't tell the story now, no one else will be able to tell it for us. Some people believe in fate, that no matter where you are in the world your soul mate will find you, or you them. I have to believe that fate wouldn't be as cruel as it seems to me now.” ~Junie

In a war torn Afghanistan, Junie signs up for a Peace Corps assignment involving recently orphaned children. She wasn't expecting a lavish experience. She knew it would be primitive and dangerous but it turned out to be way more difficult than she could have imagined.

Captain Tyler Alexander, U.S. Army, Infantry: Mission first and mission ready is his motto, but he realizes it all has a deeper meaning when he meets Junie--a Flower-power Peace Corps volunteer. Can they have a relationship in the midst of terrorists and firefights?

Battle Within by Elizabeth Loraine
In high school Christine and Zachary were madly in love. Even though Christine’s parents adamantly disapproved of the young man from the wrong side of town, their love for one another transcended all that, at least for a while. It wasn’t long before Zack started to believe he was only holding her back and soon he started to pull away.

After joining the Marines he was stationed first in Iraq and then Afghanistan. They stayed in touch as often as they could. But Zack started to withdraw and soon he wouldn’t return her messages, her letters came back and she started a life on her own and so did he. She learned about Post Traumatic Stress, and decided to become a Physiatrist so she could help others even though Zack wouldn’t let her help him. 

When his mother’s illness brought him back to the small D.C. suburb where he grew up, they were unknowingly thrown together. Zach was desperately trying to find a way to heal from the experience of war; the scars on the inside that didn’t show, but were there none the less. 

Will he let Christine help him and reignite the passion they once had? Or is the love they felt in youth gone forever?

Armoured Love by Janie Storer

Sergeant Chris Franks is shipped off to Afghanistan on an active tour of duty. Whilst there he meets a higher ranking woman who seems to have a hold on him. 

Some unseen force brings them together, and in the midst of tragedy they find themselves facing the possibility that death is out to change their lives forever. Can they overcome all the obstacles to be together?

Fight to Win by Amanda Hough
Navy SEAL, Jaxson Avery followed the example of his father, Mike—he became an elite fighter for the United States military. And he let no one get in the way. Jaxson became the youngest SEAL to complete BUD/S SEAL training at age seventeen. By twenty, he was leading a team. By the time, he was thirty his squad had hunted, captured or killed some of the deadliest murderers in the world. 

Then his career abruptly ended when an embedded TV reporter exposed the identities of he and his SEAL team during a high-profile mission. One minute he was hunting down a militant tyrant in Eastern Europe and the next he was looking for a place to hide from an unwanted spotlight.

Talley Schneider walked away from her career as an award-winning journalist to care for her beloved stepfather, Derry Schneider. When he finally yielded to his illness, she was left with bittersweet memories, a lonely farmhouse and the Schneider family legacy—a small-town hardware store on the verge of being swallowed up by big business.

Now Talley is left without direction. Does she return to a successful career that has left her wary and disillusioned or does she remain in Burgundy to protect her adoptive family’s heritage?

Jaxson considers staying in Indiana an opportunity to, not only avoid the glare of camera flashes and scriptwriters itching to craft his story, but as the chance to right a wrong from years ago. Long ago, he met a beautiful, young girl who looked at him like a hero. Instead of listening to his heart and fighting for her, he chose to live life like his father. Let nothing or no one get in the way of success. Always fight to win.

Can Jaxson convince Talley that she is the one regret he refuses to carry anymore? And will he ever see that look in her eyes? Can he be her hero again?


Wednesday 29 October 2014

Breaking News: Millionaire CEO & Owner of Hart Transportation Services Disappears

Have you seen this man?

FHim--Billboard 2  

Cover Reveal: Tempt You : A Naughty and Nice Collection


Title: Tempt You: A Naughty and Nice CollectionRelease Date: November 12, 2014


***AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME*** 
From 9 bestselling authors, a boxed set of novels ranging from Naughty to Nice and everything in between! 

These 9 sweet and spicy stories will TEMPT YOU to fall in love—or lust! Either way, you won't be able to stop turning the page.

 

Break it Up by E.M. Tippetts
Kyra Armijo's got two problems: her wild past of sex and partying and her overpowering crush on a member of the ultra-clean boy band, Triple Cross. Make that three problems: once they meet, her crush is besotted, but if his fans find out about her reputation, it'll wreck his image for good.

All She Wants by Anna Cruise
Annika Sellers always gets what she wants. But then she meets Stuart Woodcock, a sexy humanitarian who is indifferent to her charms, and Annika realizes she just might have met her match . . .

Love & Relativity by Rachael Wade
It’s no secret that Sanibel Island's notorious resident bad boy, Jackson Taylor, loves to get underneath Emma's skin, but this time he's gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she's gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart. Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Deeper by Blue Ashcroft
Lifeguard Rain Wilson can’t afford to get distracted by her gorgeous co-supervisor Knight McAllister. As they find themselves drawn closer together and their pasts start to surface, Rain and Knight realize that maybe too much broken can make a relationship impossible. Then again, sometimes it’s the broken parts of us that fit together best.

8 Weeks by Bethany Lopez
After committing the ultimate betrayal, Cal asks his wife, Shelly, for 8 Weeks: 8 dates, to prove that they're meant to be together and their love is true. If at the end of the 8 Weeks Shelly wants to walk away, Cal won't stop her. Is 8 Weeks long enough to right wrongs and kick start a marriage that has stalled?

Real Eyes by Amy Evans
Two guys, one girl, a public relationship, a private crush. And one tour bus that will never be big enough for any of them to decide what's real to them versus public eyes. 

The Ghost & The Graveyard by Genevieve Jack
Meet Grateful Knight, a nurse left destitute by an unscrupulous ex-boyfriend. She’s determined to do whatever it takes to recover financially, including live in a rent-free house on the edge of a graveyard.  Sparks fly when she meets the gorgeous cemetery caretaker and learns her attic is home to things that go bump in the night.

Zoey Rogue by Lizzy Ford
Meet Declan: A sexy incubus Enforcer who specializes in long nights of hot passion and hunting down threats to his supernatural society. His destined soul-mate defies his powerful sex magic—and he’s determined to claim the wild she-warrior, no matter what it takes. 

Selling Scarlett by Ella James
Follow Elizabeth—code-named Scarlett—to the lush Nevada brothel where she'll auction her virginity and risk the only thing that's not for sale: her heart. The highest bidder is a familiar face with wicked hands and the devil's mouth. And a secret so dark that it could cost Scarlett her life. 


For more details or a release day announcement visit www.elephantinepublishing.com or join their Herd News and get all the details in your inbox the minute it’s live!


Release Blitz: Conflagration (The Wellingtons #2) by Tessa Teevan + excerpt + giveaway

Conflagration_Banner1

Conflagration_Mock2b

Title: Conflagration
Series: The Wellingtons #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Day: October 29, 2014
Cover Designer: Robin Harper at Wicked by Design
Photographer: Scott Hoover Photography
Model: Nick Ayler

Conflagration is the second in an Explosive spin-off series called 
The Wellingtons.
Can be read as a standalone
   
goodreads
Synopsis

Branson Wellington? The name, my name, is usually followed by arrogant prick or self-serving bastard, and I can't say I haven't earned those titles. It's true. I'm not the good guy. I'm not the boy next door. I'm definitely not your Prince fucking Charming. Not even close.

And I never wanted to be. Until her. The day I pulled her from the wreckage was the day that my life changed. 

Who would have thought that one little lie had the power to throw two lives off course? 

Love has never been in the cards for me, but now that she’s here, I have no idea how I’m ever going to let her go. Even if I don’t deserve her. 

Because like I said, I’m a self-serving bastard and some things never change. 


***Release Week Sale Price of $2.99***
Will bump up to $3.99

   sale

Amazon US | UK | CA | AU

Check out the Conflagration Pinterest Board 
and then listen to the Playlist
   

Excerpt

 “There are some questions I need to ask you, but we can do that in a little bit. Until then, is there anyone you want us to call? Someone on scene was able to find your purse, which fortunately hadn’t been destroyed in the blast. There was no emergency contact information in your purse, however, and you’ve only been out of surgery for a couple of hours. We haven’t been able to track anyone down as of yet.”
      The last thing I want is Victoria and William showing up here, especially with Benjamin in tow. Not wanting to worry anyone, I decide I’ll call Alyssa once things calm down. “No, I’m not from around here, and the last thing I want to do is worry my family. When I’m feeling a little more rested, I’ll give them a call.”
      The nurse gives me an understanding smile, and I sigh with relief that she’s not going to push me on this. At least not yet. “Okay, Ms. Covington. I understand completely. I’ll just set your purse here, and if you feel up to it, your cell is still inside. Now, I need to answer this page, but if you need anything in the meantime, don’t hesitate to hit the nurses’ call button. You may feel a little drowsy from the pain medication, so for now, try to get some rest.”
      I watch as she leaves the room before I rest my head on my pillow, replaying the events of the past twenty-four hours. What should’ve been the prelude to one of the best days of my life has turned into a nightmare. Instead of wearing a white wedding dress, I’m stuck in a hospital gown. And even now, my fiancé—or, well, former fiancé—is the last man on my mind. No, instead, I’m thinking about the beautiful man who saved my life. Who once told me that he was beyond saving.

      The night I met Branson Wellington, he was a mess. A drunken, pitiful, angry mess. This evening, I saw no signs of that man. I saw confidence. I saw arrogance. I saw determination. But I also saw the pain, the anger, the frustration. That broken man is still in there no matter what strides he’s made since that night eight months ago. Tonight, he saved me. And even though he once said that it’s impossible, I’m making it my mission to save him, too. 


Additional Books by Tessa Teevan

The Wellingtons series

Combust_Mock1b
Combust (The Wellingtons #1) 

Explosive series
Explosive series

Ignite (Explosive #1) - Amazon US | Amazon UK 
Incinerate (Explosive #2) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N
Inflame (Explosive #3) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

Sweet Southern series
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Sweet Southern Sorrow (Sweet Southern #1) 
 Amazon US | Amazon UK

   
About the Author

Tessa Teevan_Author Photo I'm a twenty something book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats. If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.  

 
Giveaway
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Book Blitz: A Place to Stand by Meg Farrell + excerpt



Title: A Place to Stand
Author: Meg Farrell
Release Date: July 2014




Rhae Peters is happily married to her best friend, Ryan, who loves her more than anything in this world. Her life comes crashing down when the worst thing imaginable happens -- Ryan is killed in an accident. Rhae is faced with figuring out how to continue living without him. He is all she has ever known. Adding insult to injury, she learns that Ryan was keeping secrets. The revelation causes her to question everything about their marriage.

With her life in turmoil, Rhae wants to start over and forget everything about Ryan, and the life she thought they had. She builds a coping mechanism out of her friends and family, including her neighbor Cade. Chivalrous and overwhelmingly handsome, Rhae feels the hand of propriety holding her back from pursuing more with him, despite all the clues that let her know he's willing.

Rhae and Cade are broken in their own ways, and must help each other overcome the pasts and secrets that haunt them.






I heave a sigh and eventually convince myself to go take care of business. I slip my wallet in my back pocket and leave my purse in the room. Reluctantly, I tie my sneakers and head out. Music is spilling out from the clubs and restaurants I pass on the way back to my car; mostly jazz, zydeco, and country. There are even musicians in the street. They are extremely talented. Something about the vibe of the street party makes me forget about being tired and about going to get my car moved. It’s hard to walk through these streets without feeling a desire to shake my booty. Street vendors are telling fortunes and others are selling miscellaneous souvenirs. My imagination, being on overdrive, makes me wonder if they are voodoo-related items or perhaps the key ingredients to a spell you could cast on someone. Perhaps they could give me a spell to help me forget the pain and misery my life has been recently. The reality is they are likely selling knock-off tourist items. They probably source them overseas and sell them as “authentic”. There are hawkers trying to draw people into their clubs. One interesting fellow is dressed in a an old black suit with his face painted like a Dia De Los Muertos skull. He isn’t yelling to get the attention of people walking by. He isn’t flattering ugly women to gain their attentions. No he is quiet. He is dancing to the music coming from the club. I watch him for what seems like an eternity. He never tires or seems exhausted by his dance. Peeking in the doors of the club I see the sway of the crowd inside. Their movement is curious. Like a single consciousness moving through all of them. The music they are dancing to is hypnotic. Without a thought or even a decision crossing my mind, I start moving towards the entrance. It’s as if my body has no power to walk away. It pulls at me from the center of my being and I need to be a part of it. I immediately blend in with the crowd and find myself surrounded with people I’ve never seen. Yet, somehow we are sharing this moment together. We sway and I sometimes spin. Hands grab for me and either supports me from spinning out of control, or just steady me in the sway. When the song changes, everyone makes their way to the tables and bars lining the edges of the dance floor. I feel cold and abandoned without the others. Swallowing my disappointment that this curious moment is over, I make my way to the bar, order a beer, and settle into a table to watch the crowd. It is sweaty for November, but I suspect that has more to do with the dancing and alcohol than the weather. The server is a kind, young man. I make quick friends and ask him to keep the beers coming. He nods and does a great job keeping me with a new one as needed. Men and women both smile or nod as they walk by my table to the dance floor. After several beers, I swallow my regret and apprehension, and join the new flow of people to the dance floor. The music has slowed and is even more hypnotic than before. I close my eyes and give myself over to the music. A pair of strong arms slides around my waist from behind and a body begins to sway with me. At first, panic wells up in my throat but I quickly push it down. This is what the fresh start is about. Exploration. We continue dancing, never changing positions. I sink into the body behind me and it is a firm, strong place to rest. I reach up my right arm up and place my hand on the back of a sweaty neck. A mouth comes near to my ear as I pull on my dance partner. “I love the way you move,” he whispers in my ear. He. For a moment it occurs to me that his voice is familiar. Before I focus in on the familiarity too much, I take a hug gulp of my beer and set the bottle on a nearby table. Turning around, I chance a look at my mystery dance partner and I’m floored. I start blinking rapidly as if something is wrong with my vision. I'm hallucinating. I have had way too much to drink. It can’t be. He can’t be here. Not now. No. I shake my head and back away from him, bumping into tables and knocking over drinks. I push through the crowd to get to the door. I burst onto the street and breathe in a huge rush of cold air. It is so cold I get chills. “This is NOT happening,” I scream into the night.






I'm from North Mississippi, US. I'm a busy wife and mother, but decided to follow my dream of writing a novel. I completed the first draft of A Place to Stand during NaNoWriMo 2013 fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a writer.  My motivation to finish the dream, by publishing my book, was found among the most amazing group of people at a conference in Nashville, TN called UtopYA. My husband, Jason, and I have 3 children, 2 old dogs, and 2 surly cats. I am a huge fan of all things Supernatural (show and otherwise). I love fiction, young adult, dystopian, and ALL romances.