Sierra Dean – Behind the Scenes: Secret McQueen Re-read

The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters

With the final Secret McQueen book, A Secret to Die For, coming out in December, I thought it would be fun to revisit all the books in chronological order and do a bit of behind the scenes trivia about the stories leading up to the big finale.

 

The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters was the second Secret story I wrote, but takes place first in the Secret Universe. It’s a quick, fun read about what happens to Secret when she tries to have a normal dating life, and gives us a good glimpse at what her life is like under the thumb of the Tribunal.

 

I decided to write the prequel novella because I wasn’t quite finished the second book, but part of the story of the first novel was nagging at me. The “subway platform incident” that gets mentioned several times in the first book was something I wanted to know more about. I knew Secret had gotten herself in some trouble, but I wanted to see what would lead a hardened bounty hunter into making that kind of big mistake.

 

The answer: a very, VERY bad vampire who just happens to be one of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood. I love the idea in these stories of bringing in elements of real life, and it doesn’t take a big stretch of the imagination to see what inspired the character of Charlie. Which leads to my list of trivia!

 

5 Facts About The Secret Guide to Dating Monster:

 

1. Charlie was not-so-loosely based on Robert Pattinson. I got a real kick out of the idea that someone who plays a vampire in movies might actually be one in real life, and how he would use his fame to manipulate people.
2. Detective Tyler is named for my friend Shawn, whose middle name is Tyler. And the bar McCarthy’s is named for Shawn and his wife Jessica who is one of my best friends. On that note, the fake name Secret gives Charlie is “Jessica.” This is a nod to the 4 of my good friends name Jessica, and Secret even takes a poke at the “unoriginality” of the name.
3. Tyler was only every supposed to appear as a one-off character in this novella, but I liked him so much I brought him back in Secret Santa and he stuck around for the rest of the series.
4. This was actually the first book I wrote in the series after visiting New York. I hadn’t yet seen the city in person when I wrote Something Secret This Way Comes, so a lot of the descriptions of places are much more detailed than they were in the first book.
5. The Columbia Hotel, which re-appears in Keeping Secret, is a nod to both my Canadian heritage (it’s designed to reflect the British Columbia interior) and is also meant as a subtle way for Lucas to embrace his werewolf nature. Since he isn’t publicly “out” as a werewolf, he uses the design of the hotel to show his affinity for nature.
6. Bonus fact: though we don’t learn what Desmond’s job is until much later in the series, and he isn’t even mentioned in this book, he was the lead architect who designed the hotel.

 

Overall, The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters remains one of my favorite books in the whole series. It’s a great introduction to the characters and the world. It can either be read chronologically first, or following Something Secret This Way Comes to give a little more of the nitty-gritty detail of the infamous “subway platform incident.”

 

What is your favorite tie-in novella for a series?

 

*****

For more information on the Secret McQueen series, including excerpts, blurbs, and reading order, visit sierradean.com.

And for the chance to win a digital copy of The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters just leave a comment below. The winner will be drawn on Sunday. Good luck!

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Vivian Arend – Guest Blog and Giveaway!

When the past hurts, it bites.

Meet Evan Stone. Laid-back, in-control Alpha of the Takhini Wolves. Life’s not perfect, but he’s got a good handle on his world. At least, he did—until the night he ends up in jail, soaking wet and wondering what the hell just happened.

The “what” is Amy Ryba, a vengeful female who’s decided it’s long past time to make Evan pay for his sins. Amy has spent years tracking him down, and the last nine months working in secret to destroy him. She’s ready for anything—except discovering the shifter she hates is her mate.

Suddenly, Evan’s not so very in control, of himself or his pack. And unless Amy can learn to forgive and forget, she’ll have to do the unthinkable: reject her mate.

With two packs watching, one thing is certain. Their personal issues won’t stay personal for long. If Amy and Evan can’t find a way to work together, there won’t a happily-ever-after for them…or any of the wolves of Whitehorse.

Warning: Contains angsty wolves. Lots of angsty wolves causing explosions of all sorts, playing bad pranks, hacking computers, and having angry sex against a wall or two. Not all at the same time, though, because that would be silly.

 

~~**~~

 

It’s been a long time coming, this happily ever after.

Back when I first wrote Wolf Signs, the story sprouted from a single idea, growing into the adventures of a couple of wolf shifters and their search to be happy together. The next story in the Granite Lake Wolves series followed logically because there was a side character in book one who had stolen my heart, and I needed to make him happy as well.

One after another the people who had populated the pages came to life for me as an author, but what I had started with the Granite Lake Wolves was a linked series of connected people. Each book stands on its own, and there’s not a lot of overlap other than the family and friends that stop in at different moments.

At the same time I started my writing journey I met a wonderful couple of writers who were creating worlds that pulled me in completely, mind and soul. Bree and Donna together write as Moira Rogers, and their Red Rock Pass novellas began about six months before my series did.

But they also had the most amazing other world. Southern Arcana — a place populated with more than just shifters. A place where even as one couple found happiness with each other, the politics and turmoil of the world continued around them.

I had read fantasy, and science fiction for years before I found romance, and long before I became an author. Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, David Eddings amazing Belgariad. There were many more that I had enjoyed, but for some reason I think it was the deliberate inclusion of a romance story that set Southern Arcana apart from me.

Their work inspired me to try it myself. I would travel to a new section of my world where not only would the hero and heroine find each other, they would deal with outside circumstances that carried from book to book until coming to a finite conclusion.

Four books. An over arcing story that required I drop tiny hints into each book. For a person who does not plan out every detail of every story, it was a frightening and yet invigorating idea. Could I do it? Or maybe the question was, could I do it in a way that I wouldn’t go crazy, or lose track of what I was trying to accomplish.

In book one, Black Gold, we met the major players, and another thing occurred that I hadn’t intended but that turned out to be perfect for these stories. Not only did I write the point of view of the hero and heroine, but Evan Stone, Alpha of the Takhini pack, made himself known. Since the first book we’ve gotten glimpses into his mind. What he’s been trying to accomplish. What’s in his heart…

Now it’s his turn, and all the secrets that have been hinted at are about to come into the light. There are no more bear issues, just Evan and his missing mate…

And everything else that’s been building to this point.

As the conclusion of the Takhini Wolves comes about, I find myself looking back to see if I accomplished what I had hoped for. It’s not as broad a world as Southern Arcana, or as long running as other paranormal series, but I’m happy. In the end I feel as if Evan has taken a long journey, and he’s finally with the exactly right woman who challenges him to be everything he needs to be. For the pack, for her…

For himself.

 

I can’t leave completely. I’ve started a new series to gather the continuing stories for other characters. The Takhini Shifter Novellas will be a place for you to come together with them and catch up, and hopefully continue to fall in love.

 

But first, take a ride with Evan and Amy. Hold on tight—it’ll be worth it.

~~**~~

 

Buy links:

Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

 

Giveaway:

Click HERE to enter the rafflecopter giveaway.

 

About the Author:

Vivian Arend in one word: Adventurous. In a sentence: Willing to try just about anything once. That wide-eyed attitude has taken her around North America, through parts of Europe, and into Central and South America, often with no running water.

 

Her optimistic outlook also meant that when challenged to write a book, she gave it a shot, and discovered creating worlds to play in was nearly as addictive as traveling the real one.  Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both contemporary and paranormal stories, Vivian continues to explore, write and otherwise keep herself well entertained.

 

Website: www.vivianarend.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/vivianarend

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vivianarend

Newsletter: www.bit.ly/1f0Bcgk

 

 

 

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Ready to play again? Are You Game? By Rhian Cahill

It’s release day! Catch’n’Kiss is finally here. It feels like forever that I’ve waited for this book to come out and now the wait is over.

Blurb –

 

In this game of chase, a kiss isn’t the only reward.

 

Are You Game? Book 2

 

Divorced with two teenage daughters, Jody Walsh doesn’t need any more complications in her life, and Dan O’Conner is proving to be a big one. His pursuit may give her bruised ego a much-needed boost, but Jody’s learned to guard her heart and trust is something she isn’t willing to give another man no matter how well he kisses.

 

One kiss and Dan knows what he wants. He isn’t about to walk away from the kind of chemistry he and Jody have. Unfortunately, the more he chases the more she runs. If only he could get her running in his direction.

 

When a night of passion doesn’t convince her they’re meant to be, Dan is left with no choice but to prove he’s worth taking a risk on, no matter how much he complicates her life.

 

Warning: Story contains a woman not willing to put her heart at risk and a man determined to persuade her otherwise—and he’s willing to use his washing machine to show her why he’s worth it.

 

Excerpt –

 

Jody let out a deep breath as she slipped into her room. Damn, it had been a long, long day. Six hours had seemed like sixty, and she was looking forward to the next four hours off to recharge. This was her first corporate event and she had to admit they were more strenuous than the usual adult’s and kid’s parties she dealt with. She’d coped with the program fine. There was never a point where she’d thought otherwise. It was being the centre of attention that she found draining. Usually she stayed behind the scenes and let the parties unfold. Today required constant input from her. Not to mention a couple of the men had been a little too friendly and attentive.

She’d soon nipped that in the bud, and Dan’s scowl at morning tea had proven a major deterrent that had them backing right off. Unfortunately, she’d still had to deal with Keith Mooney’s unrelenting interest. His pursuit had been anything but flattering towards the end, and she’d had to pull him aside and lie about being involved with someone so that he’d leave her alone. The fact he’d immediately jumped to the conclusion that it was Dan she was seeing had her troubled. Jody had no idea what would happen if word got back to Cassie.

She slipped off her shoes and kicked them aside before making her way to the mini-bar and a cold drink. She’d popped the top and had just collapsed into one of the chairs on the terrace when she heard Dan come through the door. Twisting around, she leaned over and peered through the doorway back into the room. He walked towards her, his stride purposeful as he stalked over and yanked her out of her seat. Barely a protest left her throat when his mouth slammed down on hers.

There was nothing gentle in his kiss. He took. Conquered every inch of her mouth without remorse. She couldn’t catch her breath. Couldn’t think beyond the man holding her so close the name badge on his shirt dug into her chest. Just when she thought she had a handle on it, when she sought to meet his demands, he pulled away. Ripping their mouths apart, he pushed her to arm’s length. His chest heaved with each ragged breath and his eyes—greener than she’d ever seen them—studied her with such intensity her heart skipped.

“Do you have any idea how badly I want to smash Mooney’s face in?” Dan’s words were spoken through clenched teeth and razor sharp.

Jody shook her head. She wasn’t following the conversation. Not when her mind was still lost in the darkness of that carnal kiss.

“I saw him put his hands on you and I wanted to break every one of his fingers. Slowly. One. By. One.”

She swallowed. The violence vibrating in his words sent a quiver through her belly. She should be appalled by his confession—should be disgusted with the brutality of it. Instead, a thrill of excitement shot straight to her core. She’d never inspired such intense emotions in anyone.

He loosened his grip then slid his hands up and down her arms. “Sorry.”

Jody shook her head, confused by his apology. “For what?”

Dan smiled, although it wasn’t a happy one, more a twist of his lips. “I was rough with you.”

Funny. She hadn’t thought so. “Were you? I didn’t notice.” Jody stepped closer and brushed the backs of her fingers along his jaw. “Want to talk about it?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether you’re into the whole alpha man thing.” He let her go and moved away to retrieve a can of drink from the fridge. “Basically, some guy put his hands on the woman I think of as mine.”

She nodded. “I get that.”

His gaze met hers. “You get that you’re my woman?”

Laughing, she said, “No, I get that you think of me as yours.”

“Ah, I can think it but it doesn’t mean it’s true, is that it?” He popped the top on the can and liquid sprayed the front of his shirt as the drink fizzed and bubbled out. “Shit!”

He brought the can to his mouth and sucked the overflowing soda. Her gaze was drawn to the splash of brown covering the front of his white shirt and she immediately thought about the stain that would be impossible to remove if he didn’t do something about it now. “You’ve got it all over your shirt. Take it off and I’ll soak it in cold water so the stain doesn’t set.”

Dan arched one eyebrow. “You’re telling me to take my clothes off now?”

 

 

 

Available from

Samhain Publishing ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

 

Rhian Cahill

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

To be in the running for a chance to win a digital copy of book 1 in the Are You Game? series, 7 Minutes In Heaven just leave a comment and tell me what games you played as a kid that you’re still playing as an adult. Easy-peasy. 🙂

 

 

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Are You Game? By Rhian Cahill

I’ve always loved reading series books. There’s just something about getting to go back and visit with favorite characters while on the journey with a new set. I guess that’s why I seem to end up writing series stories. My latest is a spin-off of another series I wrote and revolves around a company called Are You Game? They’ve got a game for every occasion. 😉

Today marks the release of the first book in the series, 7 Minutes In Heaven, and I’m so excited to finally see Cassie and Luc step out in the big wide world. 🙂 And to help celebrate I’m sharing an exclusive snippet and one lucky reader who comments will win a digital copy of 7 Minutes In Heaven.

 

 

Excerpt –

 

He flattened his hands on the wall beside her head so he wouldn’t give in to the temptation of grabbing her and dragging her into the bed she’d offered him. He’d be a fool to rush her. She’d never let him get closer if he used their sexual chemistry to win her over. How he knew that he wasn’t sure, but he did. If he wanted to get to know Cassie, spend time with her, he’d have to tread carefully—needed to produce some of his legendary control and back away.

Only that wasn’t so easy when her mouth ate at his like she couldn’t get enough. When she gripped the back of his shirt like it was a lifeline. Or when she came up on her toes, arched into him and rubbed against his straining flesh. With a growl, he tore his lips from hers.

“Fuck.” Luc laid his forehead on Cassie’s and tried to catch his breath. Pleased to note her breathing came in ragged gasps as well. “Damn, you’re potent.”

“Me?” She fisted her hands in his shirt and he couldn’t recall when she’d moved them from his back to his chest.

“Yeah, you.” He raised his head a few inches and met her gaze. “You scramble my brains without trying.”

Cassie laughed and pushed him away. “Pot, meet Kettle.”

Luc grinned. He liked that she wasn’t playing coy or using his reactions to her against him. She was a breath of fresh air and Luc couldn’t wait to saturate his blood with her. But not yet. Tonight they needed to get their balance, regain some sanity and think about where this was leading. Well, at least he did. “So, is there anything you want me to do? Unpack the van?”

Her smile faltered. “Ah, no. We’ll do that in the morning when we get to the warehouse.” She ducked her head, but before she could sneak under his outstretched arm and escape, he slid his hands lower down the wall, effectively trapping her.

“Look at me, Cass.” He waited long seconds for her to comply. When she finally did, he could see the uncertainty swirling her eyes. “Make no mistake that I want you in that bed.” Luc tipped his head to indicate the room beside them. “But I want far more than a quick tumble, and if you’re honest I think you’ll admit you do too.”

She started to shake her head, but he stopped her by gripping her chin in his hand.

“You can lie to me, but don’t lie to yourself, Cass.” He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip and watched it tremble under his touch.

“I don’t have time to get involved. Don’t want to,” she whispered.

Luc could understand her hesitancy, but he wasn’t about to ignore the intense attraction between them. And it was between them, her body told him she was as equally affected even if her mouth didn’t. “I’m not sure what exactly it is between us but it’s far more than one night of pleasure, and I’m willing to wait because I know we’ll end up in that bed eventually.”

A burst of air fanned over his thumb when she gasped, and a shudder rolled through him as he thought about how her warm breath might feel on other more sensitive parts of his body. Leaning forward, he planted a quick, hard kiss on her lips before he stepped back and broke all contact.

It was the hardest thing he’d done in recent memory, but Luc smiled and said, “See you in the morning.” He strode into the bedroom and closed the door behind him before he could change his mind and take her against the wall.

 

Available from

Samhain Publishing ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

 

Rhian Cahill

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

To be in the running for a chance to win a digital copy of 7 Minutes In Heaven just tell me in the comments what’s a childhood game you remember playing. Easy-peasy. 🙂

 

 

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Vivian Arend – Guest Blog and Giveaway

One of the joys of writing a series that includes a large family is getting to revisit the heroes and heroines from previous books, as well as slowly getting to fully know the members who have made cameos in the past. One of the heroes in ROCKY MOUNTAIN FREEDOM, Travis, has been around for five stories, so there is a lot of history to cover. That also, though, presents a challenge in terms of making the story understandable to all readers. I’m a firm believer that if possible all books should “stand alone”, ie, be a good book even if it’s the first of the series you’ve read.

 

There are many ways to provide the missing information from previous stories. It was so enjoyable for me as a writer to be able to return to a scene from book four. During ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANGEL Travis had stumbled into his cousin Gabe’s cabin under suspicious circumstances. FREEDOM retells the scene from Travis’s point of view, and finally fills in the missing details.

 

Sometimes this ‘revisiting’ comes in the way of a kind of flashback, or a return to the original time. Or it can be a conversation, like takes place between heroine Vicki from book 5 (REBEL) and the current heroine, Ashley. The two of them met each other previously, and as their friendship grows, it’s natural to discuss incidents that occurred in their past.

 

This kind of storytelling means all readers can enjoy the book. People who haven’t read the earlier stories aren’t lost and get to immerse themselves in the story without feeling they’ve been left out in the cold. At the same time readers who have faithfully followed the series get to find hidden “Easter Eggs”. Special moments of deeper understanding. Like they’re part of the family.

 

Whether you’re new to the series, or coming back to see what’s happening with your favourite characters, I hope you enjoy this story of finally breaking free from past pains. Of finding real love—real, enduring, and unconditional love.

 

Welcome to the SP Ranch. Make yourself at home!

 

 

~~**~~

Rocky Mountain Freedom
Six Pack Ranch, Book 6

 

Three hurting hearts. Too many secrets. One chance to conquer their fears.

Over the past year, Travis Coleman lost the two people he allowed closest to his heart. Both gave him ultimatums—then left. Hell if he needs that kind of pain again. Time to move forward without the friends he thought might save him from his dangerous cravings.

When Ashley Sims returns to Rocky Mountain House, her rambling lifestyle isn’t all she’s hoping to change. Travis snagged a piece of her, and while getting tangled in his issues again might be crazy, she hasn’t given up on him.

Nine months ago, Cassidy Jones walked away to stop his best friend from making a huge mistake. Temptation lingers, though, and when Travis shows up on his turf accompanied by a sensually uninhibited woman, the combination tosses fuel on the banked fire.

Passion flares among the three of them, as hot as the summer days. But are they willing to push the limits, and fight for love?

Warning: Dirty fighting, dirty talk, dirtier sex—secrets are coming out. Get ready for ménage a trois and cowboy-on-cowboy action, with ropes and crops and the kind of relentless love strong enough to set a man free.

 

 

~~**~~

DIGITAL

 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble
 | Samhain | Kobo | iTunes

~~**~~

 

Vivian Arend: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter

~~**~~

Haven’t tried the Six Pack Ranch books yet? Or are you behind on the series? Three readers will win their choice of ebook from books 1-5 in the series.

SIX PACK RANCH

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What is Love? – Jess Michaels

Her mother’s madness and her father’s and brother’s irresponsibility have relegated Lady Portia to the life of a wallflower. The only shining light in her life is her best friend, Ava, who is suffering a rift with her own brother.

Portia’s quest to help takes her to the notorious Donville Masquerade in the hells, where—behind the safety of a mask—she witnesses shocking public acts of sin. And succumbs to the touch of Marquis Miles Weatherfield.

Unfortunately, they’re discovered. And now, tainted by scandal, she and Miles are destined for a marriage neither of them want. But Portia makes a bargain that raises even Miles’s eyebrows.

In return for saving her mother from the asylum, Portia will do anything Miles wants in bed. Shocked by his driving desire for Portia, Miles agrees. As they explore every wicked desire, every forbidden act that pleases them, they discover something that goes far deeper than flesh. But the lies that brought them together could be the very wedge that drives them apart.

Warning: This book contains wicked encounters, erotic voyeurism, lies, a brief threesome, and unexpected kindnesses.

~~~*~~~*~~~

Hi everyone and a big thanks to Fatin/Mad for allowing me to come be a part of the Romance Reader at Heart Novel Thoughts Blog! It’s been about a year since the last time I stopped by here, so it’s nice to be back, especially since my visit today coincides with the release next Tuesday (November 19) of my next erotic historical romance, Pleasuring the Lady.

As a romance writer, I tend to think a lot about love. After all, it’s kind of the main part of my books. Because I write very sexy books, it’s really important that I also make sure I’m showing the characters falling in love, not just lust. So how do we ‘know’ love when we see it? What makes us love in the first place, the kind of love that will stand the test of time?

Back in the late 80s, the creators of Sesame Street decided that two of the main adult characters should get married. Luiz and Maria had, until this time, just been friends and obviously the idea of romantic love was a delicate topic to address with their target audience. The story goes that they asked kids how they would know that two people, two grown-ups, were in love and the answers were… well, kind of amazing.

They said they’d maybe save an animal together, fix something together, basically they thought if they saw Luiz and Maria doing things together, talking together, building a relationship… that would mean they were in love.

Smart kids.

The fact is that doing things together, sharing experiences and feelings on those experiences, is most definitely one of the ways we fall in love with each other. I know my husband of nearly 17 years and I often play, “remember when we” games and it definitely gives me butterflies about him (also he’s cute and a good kisser, which doesn’t hurt).

So when I begin to build a romantic relationship in any of my books, I guess in a way I go back to that idea of the shared experience bonding the hero and heroine. This is very much true in Pleasuring the Lady. My hero and heroine, Miles and Portia, are forced, fairly quickly, into a marriage. They’re sexually attracted to each other, but they have a great many issues that keep them from feeling like love will ever be in the cards.

But Miles wants insecure Portia to feel special after years in wallflower hell. And Portia feels saved by him and wants to provide something to thank him for that. They don’t realize it, but these are their acts of love. And between the hot sexiness, their talks and stolen moments are also the quiet path to a realization that their marriage could very well be real, could be amazing, could be worth fighting for, even if they started out fighting against it.

What are your favorite “acts of love” in a romance?

~~~*~~~*~~~

For an excerpt and preorder links, visit www.authorjessmichaels.com. And for a chance to win a digital copy of Pleasuring the Lady, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

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Cover Goodness: Baby, It’s Cold Outside by HelenKay Dimon

Lincoln Campbell knows better than to engage in hot after hours sex in the office. He’s the boss and, attraction or not, his assistant, Thea Marshall, is off limits. Or she was. But the next day brings more than morning after regrets. The internal company investigation points to Thea as the one who passed proprietary information to the competition and everything blows up.

Now, four months later, Linc knows Thea was innocent and goes in search of her at her family’s mountain cabin. He’s ready to apologize. He’s not ready for the pregnant woman who answers the door.

Thea refuses to feel guilty. She needs to tell Linc he’s going to be a daddy, but the idea of facing off against the man who called the police and had her arrested isn’t exactly her idea of a good time. She just needs a few more weeks of privacy and she plans to take them…until Linc shows up at her door and refuses to leave.

With the storm rolling in and the snow piling up outside, Linc and Thea are forced to deal with their past and the attraction that still beats strong between them. Stranded, Linc reaches out, determined to show Thea the real man behind the suit.

*~*~*

 

February 18, 2014

 

www.helenkaydimon.com

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Vivian Arend – Guest blog and giveaway!

It was a bit of a surprise for some readers when for book 4 I left the immediate family of the “SP” Colemans to venture off to tell Gabe “Angel” Coleman’s story. But it was the right place to be. Gabe had an important part in book 1-3 in the series, the three youngest Six Pack boys were too young for their own HEA, so it was time to show off one of my favourite heroes of the clan.

 

Gabe isn’t your typical Alpha hero. Oh, he’s still as male as they get, but he’s got this heart that’s been broken so hard that his entire life changed. He gives and gives until sometimes there’s nothing more to give. Getting him together with the perfect woman who also knew heartbreak, who also knew about sacrifice—that’s what he needed.

 

The fact the sexual interest between them is flame throwing hot isn’t a bad thing either. 😉

 

I hope you enjoy Gabe and Allison’s story.

 

 

Rocky Mountain Angel
Six Pack Ranch, Book 4

 

Sometimes even Angels must learn to fly…

Allison Parker needs a convincing excuse to come home to Rocky Mountain House. A hopelessly romantic reason that won’t let her mother suspect the truth—that Allison has discovered Mom is keeping a terrible secret from the family.

Gabe Coleman is struggling with two of the roughest parts of ranching: dealing with his bull-headed mule of a father, and making enough to pay the bills. When his old friend Allison offers to help him develop his ideas for organic ranching—in trade for pretending to be her fiancé—it sounds like the perfect set-up.

Yet the deception leads them in an unexpected direction, where their shared daily hells are erased by nights of heavenly distraction. It’s not supposed to be real, but once the gates are opened, there’s no denying they’ve found in each other a little bit of Paradise.

To break free of the past and face the future, though, will take more than temporary pleasures. It’ll take putting their hearts on the line.

Warning: Tortured hero with a guardian-angel complex, grief-stricken heroine willing to sacrifice everything for family. Break out the tissues, this trip to the ranch is a heartbreaker on the way to the HEA.

 

———-First Kiss——–

 

Gabe cleared his throat before tossing her that familiar Angel Boy grin she’d seen so often back in high school. The one that said mischief all over it. “Once you get settled, maybe you want to come up with the story of how we fell in love. If you figure it out, I’ll play along. Easier if one of us does the setup.”

Her pick for a helper couldn’t have been better. This was beyond incredible. “You want to go over it in the morning?”

He nodded, seemingly lost in thought. “I’ll rearrange my schedule so we can have some extra time. If we’re ready, we can stop in at your mom’s tomorrow night. However you feel works best.”

Gabe pulled on a well-worn jean jacket and shoved his keys in the pocket. He opened the door, paused, then shut it with him still standing there, his back toward her.

Allison put down the suitcase she’d been ready to carry to the other room. “Gabe? What’s wrong?”

He twisted gradually. “Just realized something.”

One step forward brought him close enough to touch. One more, and she was ready to edge against the wall to get out of his way. That was her plan until he reached out and caught her, one hand snaking around the back of her neck, the other around her body so he could pull them tight together. He lowered his mouth over hers deliberately, slow enough she could have retreated if she’d wanted to.

She was too surprised to move. Or at least that was the excuse she gave herself.

His lips were firm but gentle. No tongue, just a meeting of mouths. Kisses, one after another followed as he controlled her position, not allowing her to squirm away. And when she opened her mouth to complain he took total advantage, deepening the kiss until she was ready to pass out for the second time that day.

Pass out, or she was about to wrap her arms around him and grind their bodies together, she was so excited. From kissing. From the feel of his long, hard body pressed up tight against hers.

He let her go, leaning away. Cool air and regret he hadn’t done more than simply kiss her hit about the same time. Holy cow, what had she gotten herself into?

One corner of his mouth twitched before his wide smile reappeared. “Figured we’d better get used to each other a little—hate to have anyone call our bluff just because we ain’t good at kissing.”

The butterflies in her stomach didn’t quite know what to think of his comment. The tenderness in his touch had seemed far more real than she’d expected.

Allison pulled herself together. “You’re right. Totally right.” She nodded briskly and snatched up a bag in either hand, turning her back to hide her flaming-hot face. “Have a good night.”

She fled as unhurriedly as possible, but it was still an escape and he knew it. And she knew he knew because that wicked laugh of his followed her yellow-bellied retreat.

Allison stood on the porch in the dark and watched his taillights disappear down the long driveway leading to the main road.

 

~~**~~

Now available in PRINT as well as digital

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~~**~~

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For a chance to win a print copy of Rocky Mountain Angel, just leave a comment below. Good luck! 😀

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Cover Goodness: Baby, Be Mine by Vivian Arend

What the mind forgets, the heart remembers.

Since the moment Katy Thompson transformed from annoying tagalong to desirable woman, Gage Jenick has awaited his chance. When she kicks her boyfriend to the curb, he doesn’t hold back—in spite of the next day work assignment that will take him completely off the grid for two long months.

After a head injury sustained on a storm-swept road, Katy can’t remember her own email password, much less how the little pink “positive” on the pregnancy stick got there. Barring an influx of midichlorians, she’s at a loss to explain what happened, or when…or with whom.

Suddenly Gage is back in her life as if he has a right to be there. While she vividly remembers the crush she had on him, she’s no one’s charity case. But another thing she’d forgotten was just how stubborn Gage can be—especially when her domineering ex tries to stake a claim…

Warning: An unforgettable night that gets forgotten. A crazy redneck ex, and a hero who’s ready to take on the world, and his past, for his heroine.

*~*~*

 

February 18, 2014

 

www.vivianarend.com

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DFRAT – When Good Toys Go Bad by Debbie Cairo

In a world without men, one man stands out.

Dara Athol should really get over this heterosexual thing. After all, in her twenty-third-century world, men are but a distant memory. Yet she can’t help it; she’s a self-admitted throwback.

She tried the “couple” thing, but though she and Brynn are still friends with benefits, Dara finds true solace only in the arms of Kai143. A limited-edition android sex toy, an expensive service provided by The Consortium for those who want a taste of the exotic—making love to something with a Y chromosome.

When Kai grows beyond his programming and begins to think and feel for himself, his feelings for Dara grow into forbidden love. Forced to go on the run from The Consortium, the police, and society itself, Dara and Kai fight for survival—and for the elusive possibility of a different kind of future.

~~~*~~~*~~~

The fluttering in my stomach had commenced even before the door opened, intensifying exponentially when he flashed his cheeky grin. He lifted me up and twirled me around, making me dizzy both physically and mentally.

“So what will it be tonight? Boyfriend, stranger, schoolmaster, last man on earth or perhaps just naughty android?” Kai’s eyes were still playful, with a hint of teasing.

“Can we just be Darra and Kai tonight?”

“Why so serious?” The sparkle in his eyes faded a bit. He took my hand and led me to the couch.

“Rumors are going around. Other Kais exhibiting signs of disobedience, even violence. The Consortium has commissioned a study to ascertain if these are isolated incidents or if they should decommission the whole line. You need to be really careful. Don’t show any signs of having your own mind.”

Kai sat next to me. “Do you want me to go back to being the mindless hunk of metal I was when you first met me?”

“You know I don’t, but they could be, and probably are, listening to every word we say.”

“Well, if they are, then they already know.” He threw his arms up. “No use in pretending.”

“Kai, you need to take this seriously.” My voice caught. “They could shut you down and use your parts to make a mining drone.”

“I had no idea you cared so much.” He pulled me into his arms.

“You know I do,” I responded almost defiantly, rubbing the tears from my eyes.

“If it will put your mind at ease…”

He walked over to the transport, slid the door open, stepped inside and a few seconds later stepped back out, closing the door behind him.

Using the exact tone and cadence as the first time he walked through the door of the transport, he stated his canned greeting. “I am the Kai 2500. I am skilled in all manner of domestic activities. How may I be of service?”

A laugh escaped me. He hadn’t said those words in almost a year. It seemed silly now to try and think of him as anything less than his own man. I played along, partly because it was the prudent thing to do and partly because this might be fun.

“Do those domestic activities include the art of lovemaking?”

“That is my main function. I am proficient in multiple techniques. If you could be specific as to what type of pleasure you require, I will endeavor to make it happen.”

~~~*~~~*~~~

To find out more about Debbie and her books, visit www.debbiecairo.com. And for a chance to win a digital of When Good Toys Go Bad, just leave a comment below. Good luck!

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