Taking a Chance

A. Catherine Noon here.  Thank you to Delilah Devlin for inviting Rachel Wilder and me back for a guest spot.  We have exciting news today!  Our short story, “Taking a Chance,” re-released from Torquere Publishing yesterday.  Originally part of the 2012 Charity Sips to benefit the NOH8 Campaign, we helped raise over $3,500 with Torquere and the other authors who participated.  Woo-hoo!  And now, “Taking a Chance” is back, just in time for the holidays.

What’s different for us with this story is that it’s a straight-up romance, no paranormal, no monsters, nothing exploding.  Well, okay, maybe not quite true – at least for the sequel.  We’ll probably have an explosion or two.  After all, the hero is a wealthy oil baron – the scion of a rich family, he trades oil futures on the stock exchange and handles the international holdings for his family. Something has to blow up when money, oil, and a Texan are involved.

For Rachel, this story is a bit of a guilty pleasure.  She grew up reading Harlequin “white covers,” and adores the traditional romance tropes.  We decided to write one with a twist, and do a M/M romance in a traditional way.  We plan to start work on the sequel, a novel-length story about Chance and Jay, which will come out mid-2014.

What about you?  What’s your guilty pleasure?  Is it mystery?  Pot-boilers?  Straight-up soap opera with the wicked stepmother and the oh-so-luscious men flocking around the heroine but not quite lighting her fire?

Doctor Jacob Davison has outgrown the hookups of his younger days and wants to settle down.  When he’s abandoned by the side of the road, a leather-clad stranger stops and offers him a ride. Chance Renton is different from anyone Jay’s ever met. He’s caring and helpful, yet cynical and world-weary. 

From the first moment of their shared motorcycle ride, an attraction begins to simmer between them. Between Jay’s ex-boyfriend showing up and the misconceptions they have about each other, does this relationship have a chance?

Buy at Torquere Press

Molding a hero…

Giving a character life is one of my favorite parts of writing. What will my hero look like? How will he act? For me, I need a name picked out before I type my first word. I simply can’t stick a generic title on him and build his personality. He needs an identity. Once I decide on a name, his life can take shape. This is where his story comes in. He didn’t just appear in the world I created. He lived in it, interacted with others, maybe loved and lost. Those are the details I need to know to mold him.

In Unexpected Find, my hero’s name is Rafe Alexander.

So let’s see, Rafe is a five hundred year old feline shifter. He’s protective of his family and works with the human government’s shifter division to locate and rescue kidnapped shifter children. After living for centuries, he’s a gentleman at heart, but his animal instincts make him dominant and possessive.

Hmm…so what does Rafe look like?

Tall, muscular and confident. Add in long blond hair, golden feline eyes and Rafe is born.

My cover for Unexpected Find matches him perfectly. Don’t you think?

Unexpected Find

Nancy Corrigan

 Royal Pride, Book 1

Since the murder of her best friend, Jazz is stuck in a safe but lonely way of life. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep her family safe from the shifter world. The sexy stranger who struts into her friend’s bar changes everything. From the first glance Jazz knows she’s sunk—their chemistry sizzles from across the room, it’ll be undeniable up close.

Rafe wants Jazz from the second he sets eyes on her. The depth of the need that swamps him every time he’s near her surprises him. It takes every last ounce of his self-control not to pounce on Jazz and make her his. Only her distrust of his shifter nature holds him back. He counts it as a win every time his beloved human gives in to their passion and takes him to her bed. But Rafe’s patience isn’t infinite and he’ll do whatever it takes, face any danger—past or present—to ensure that Jazz becomes his. Forever.

A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Royal Pride series blurb

As multi-feline shifters, Royals—the privileged descendants of the gods—live with the wants and demands of the animal spirits sharing their bodies. Everything is more intense for a Royal—their primal drives, possessiveness and lusts. Exotically beautiful and strong, these immortals never lack companionship but once their mating instincts are triggered, nothing sways their devotion or dims their desire.

Their dominant nature demands they claim their female’s body and soul, ensuring their chosen one knows exactly to whom they belong. Once marked as a Royal’s beloved, their women realize how wickedly satisfying life can be with a mate focused on meeting their every need.

Excerpt

The butterflies in Jazz’s belly took flight. The man was a romantic. “You know, I’m starting to enjoy the odd way you talk. It makes me feel as if I walked into a world where princesses wait to be swept away by their knight in shining armor.”

Rafe grinned, the sad look replaced by amusement. Releasing her hands, he slid his around her waist. “You would make a beautiful princess.”

“Would I?”

“One to be fought for.” He twirled a lock of her hair around a finger. “What about me? Would I fill the role of your knight in shining armor?”

She smiled, completely charmed by this man. She ran her hands over his chest, luxuriated in the layers of muscle under her palms. “I don’t know if any horse would be able to carry you for long. I see you more as a warrior, a conqueror.”

“One who demands the bonny ladies as his reward after a battle?” He swept her into his arms. She gasped and grabbed his shoulders. Lust heated his eyes as he mapped her face. “Oh yes, I like this fantasy and in it I get to choose you as my booty.” He bent his head closer so his golden eyes filled her vision. “I think I might keep you, Jasmine.”

Her breath hitched. “I think you have a wild imagination.”

“Or a hopeful one.” He eased back but watched her with that focused gaze she was starting to associate with him. “I want you.”

The lust-hazed glint to his eyes told her exactly what he wanted. For once in her life, she did too—but it couldn’t happen. She had responsibilities. Spontaneity and motherhood did not mesh. The little episode in Josh’s office proved that. She would’ve been mortified if Sara walked in while they were having sex. Everyone in town would’ve known within the hour. The other playgroup moms would find out, maybe shun her or at least look at her negatively. No. Any liaisons she had would have to be planned and kept hidden.

She licked her upper lip. “I haven’t had sex in a really long time, Rafe.” She dropped her gaze and stared at his chin. “What we did tonight wasn’t like me either. I’m not like that. Easy.”

He brushed his lips over her forehead. “I know.” He set her on her feet and took her hand. “Come, let’s get you home.”

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Will also be available from Amazon, B&N and other e-book retailers. I’ll be posting links on my website as I get them.

About Me

I’ve always been an avid reader and encourage everyone to escape the hectic daily grind with a few minutes a day in your favorite book.

I’m lucky enough to share my cat’s home with my three wonderful children, husband, dog and snake. When not writing, I work as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab.

My passions beyond reading and family include music, classic cars, tattoos and animals (all of which have found their way into my writing in one form or another).

So that’s a little bit about me…

Nancy

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The other day my husband and I went on a road trip to Shiner, Texas, to tour the brewery. We had to drive through another small town and I turned to my husband.

“One of my heroes has land around here.”

He gives me the look only a man who’s been married to a writer for a long time would give. “Do you want to go visit him?”

Too often, my characters become so real that I feel like I can go visit them. My first book (still under the bed) was set in the small town near my grandmother’s house. I spent almost 2 years writing that book, and finished it about 17 years ago. To this day, I expect to see Kelly’s flower nursery when I drive through town, or encounter Sara at the local VFD barbecue.

When I see the hot shot firefighters on the news, fighting wildfires, I half-expect to see an interview with Gabe, the hero in Hot Shot.

In my latest release, “Two Hearts a Leaping,” in Swept Away for Christmas, my hero played college football for Alabama. This past summer was my first trip to Alabama, as research for this story. Until that trip, I never understood the depth of Alabamans’ passion for football. Crimson Tide stuff EVERYWHERE. So I decided to make the hero a former Tide player.

Now I, who never watched college football before, am a mad fan. I watch Alabama, UT (my son attends) and A&M (good friends are big fans). My husband shakes his head and watches with me.

It happens with books I’ve read, too, though not to such an extent, because I don’t usually spend months with characters in books I read. One exception is the characters in the Virgin River books by Robyn Carr. A couple of years ago my husband and I drove up the coast from San Francisco, through Humboldt County, where the series takes place, and I wanted nothing more than to explore to see if I could find the town.

Does that ever happen to you? That you get so invested in characters that they become real, and real-life events make you think of them?

And if you want to check out “Two Hearts A Leaping,” look at Swept Away for Christmas, available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. 

MJ Fredrick knows about chasing dreams. Twelve years after she completed her first novel, she signed her first publishing contract. Now she divides her days between teaching elementary music, and diving into her own writing—traveling everywhere in her mind, from Belize to Honduras to Africa to the past.

She’s a four-time Golden Heart Award finalist, and she won the 2009 Eppie Award with Hot Shot and the 2010 Eppie with Breaking Daylight.

WHAT INTERESTING THINGS HAVE YOU DONE IN YOUR LIFE?

Most of us have visions of very different lives when we are children. We want to be princesses, kings, movie stars or millionaires. Then life gets in the way. We forget to dream, forget to play, forget we ever wanted to be brilliant and amazing.

In my life I have been everything from a small business owner, to a massage therapist, to a stay home mom, to a tarot card reader, to a romance writer. In many ways I loved all my different choices. They each said something about my personality; they each added something to my growth as a person.

In The Artist’s Way, Stella Cameron consistently asks the reader to choose several different career paths. Name five other things you could do with your life, she urges in just about every chapter. And even the rich and famous can find their road in life curves in many different directions. Here are just a few:

Matthew McConaughey intended to become a lawyer.

Jimmy Stewart started out as an architect.

Nicole Kidman was a massage therapist in Australia (A job dear to my own heart.)

Dan Brown was a singer-songwriter and even released two CDs in the early 90’s.

Mike Rowe from the TV series, Dirty Jobs once sang with the Boston Opera. (Makes me want him more now…lolol)

Graham Chapman of Monty Python studied at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Gene Simmons of KISS fame taught elementary school in New York’s Spanish Harlem district.

Angelina Jolie once aspired to be a funeral director. (Yes, I can see it.)

Eva Longoria studied to be a physical therapist.

Steve Martin considered being a philosophy teacher before getting into comedy.

Tom Cruise briefly attended a Franciscan seminary and aspired to become a Catholic priest.

So what interesting things have you done in your life?

A Taste of Winter
Gia Dawn
Red Masks, Book One

For the ladies of the Red Masks pleasure waits behind every door…and no one is ever who they seem to be.

When Alaina accepts an invitation to the Charleston South Carolina’s premier sex club, she has no idea the stranger who makes her scream with pleasure is her micro-managing ex-boss, Ryan. And while she could not stand his domination on the job, his domination in the bedroom takes her to whole new levels of pleasure as he forces her to submit to his every decadent demand—including a threesome with his old friend and her new employer, Zayne.

But while Ryan knows Alaina’s true identity, she remains unaware of his deception until the masks come off and she is faced with a decision. Can she continue to submit to his will now she knows who he really is? And when he proposes a lifetime contract, can Alaina sign on the dotted line?

 A Romantica® contemporary ménage erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Ryan Marquis stared in displeasure as his cell phone rang. He had a strict policy of no business between the hours of six on Saturday night, and noon Sunday, that brief block of time set aside every week to satisfy his need for rest and relaxation—along with some decadent indulgence when the need arose.

He frowned as the phone rang again, noting it was now three minutes after the hour, before picking it up to see who dared break into his personal time, his frown twisting into a semi-smile as he noted the number and answered.

“Bon nuit, mon cher,” came a husky voice across the line. “I have someone for you tonight. Someone you have been waiting for.” Read the rest of this entry »

New Release! SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

–CONTEST ALERT! — Leave a comment for author Adele Downs and be automatically entered to win a firefighter themed Christmas ornament for the holidays. USA and Canada mailing addresses please. Follow Adele’s blog tour for multiple chances to win. Weekly winners announced on Adele’s blog Saturdays through December. http://adeledowns.wordpress.com

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SANTA TO THE RESCUE firefighter hero Jamey Tucker and heroine Heather Longhurst, a pediatric nurse, mix one of Heather’s favorite adult beverages for their friends during a holiday party. The firefighters from Appleton Fire Station and the nursing staff from County Hospital mingle at Heather’s place. While the guys take their tequila with lime, the women enjoy something on the sweeter side. Here’s the recipe that gave their party that little something extra. Enjoy! Courtesy of Sauza® Tequila. Posted with permission.

Chocolate Vanilla Margarita Sips:

Serves 12

12 parts of Sauza® Blue Tequila
9 parts of Chocolate Liquor
6 parts of Chocolate Sauce or Syrup
2 cups ice

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream:
1 cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
2 tbsp. Powdered Sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract

If you want to get fancy:
Chocolate block (for shaving on top)

To Make:
Beat together the whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Meanwhile, prepare your mini cordial or shot glasses by dipping the lip in 1 tbsp. of chocolate sauce. Combine tequila, chocolate liquor, chocolate sauce and ice in a shaker filled with ice. To serve these mini-sips, spoon 1 tablespoon whipped cream into each glass. Top with 2 parts of chilled chocolate-tequila. Serve immediately and toast to your good health! Salud!

For more Sauza® Tequila recipes, visit http://us.sauzatequila.com/

SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

A sweet contemporary romance novella
From Entangled Publishing

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn’t go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn’t a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don’t offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can’t keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather’s favorite song to prove he’s got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

Excerpt:

Jamey Tucker unfastened his helmet, lifted his facemask and tugged off his fire retardant gloves before gulping a half liter of water. He could almost hear the liquid sizzle against his throat, dousing the heat, much like the smoldering embers behind him turned to sodden ash.

He held out the cup to the volunteer rescue worker manning the drinking water. “More.” That simple word was as much as he could manage. After chugging down a refill, moisture returned to his mouth and tongue. He licked his lips and released a satisfied sigh. All he needed was a hot shower and some chow to feel human again. “Thanks, man.”

“No problem. Merry Christmas, Jamey.”

“Yeah. You too.” He stank like a chimney after fighting a fire ‘till dawn. Dumb kids and their vacant warehouse Rave had caused their team hours of grief and gut wrenching work. Luckily, no one died. The last thing on his mind then or now had been Christmas.

Only .99! — Amazon Link

Only .99! — B&N Nook Book Link

About Adele Downs:
Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers. When she isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Visit Adele Downs at http://adeledowns.wordpress.com
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 Update: The winner of Elle’s swag pack is…Judy Ree!

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SEAL’S Honor by Elle James (also writing as Myla Jackson)

Comment for a chance to win this prize!

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Navy SEALs jeopardize their lives and hearts in a battle-torn land when they vie for the love of one sexy Night Stalker helicopter pilot

Reed Tucker doesn’t believe in commitment, not when you’re a SEAL deployed in dangerous situations that could lead to death or dismemberment. Until he tangles the sheets with one hot pilot, Delaney O’Connell. His phobia against commitment is challenged when his best friend asks Delaney O’Connell to marry him and she doesn’t say no.

As a helicopter pilot for the 160^th Night Stalkers, Delaney O’Connell knows the risks of loving a SEAL. She’s ferried her share of soldiers and frogmen into and out of danger. All she asks is that Tuck own up to his love for her. When he allows his friend to ask her to marry him without staking his own claim, she’s hurt and disappointed. When his friend loses an arm in battle, she can’t refuse his hand in marriage, not when he’s sacrificed so much for his country. In love with one man, about to marry another, she’s torn. Caught in a triangle of his own making, Tuck can’t dishonor his friend by stealing his fiancé. Tuck and Delaney must come to grips with the happiness they owe themselves and the happiness of their friend who has given so much of himself.

Excerpt #1  Tuck lurked in the hallway outside the ladies room, waiting for her to emerge. When Delaney stepped out, he snagged her arm and pulled her into the shadows at the end of the hall and into his tight embrace. At first stiff, as soon as she realized who it was, she semi-melted into him, her body fitting perfectly against his. “Damn it, Tuck, you scared the crap out of me.” She batted his arm and stared up at him, her brow twisted into a tight frown. “You can’t go around grabbing me.” He grinned. “Kiss me.” “No.” “Then I’ll have to kiss you.” “What part of no—” Almost a full foot taller than the petite, perfectly packaged helicopter pilot, Tuck bent to close the distance, sealing her mouth with his and effectively cutting off her argument. Loving the feel of her warm, full lips against his, he clamped his arms around her, lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist and spun her until her back was against the wall. He deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue past her teeth, whipping down the length of hers in a long sexy slide. For a full fifteen seconds, she resisted, her hands pressing against his chest. Then her fingers curled into his shirt and she was kissing him back. Not gently, but like she’d gone without food for a week and was hungry for him, her mouth working over his, devouring him. God, she tasted so good, like peaches and rum. Sweet, tangy and devilishly intoxicating. When he broke for air, she leaned her head to the side. “I swore I wouldn’t do this again.” “Why?” Tuck trailed kisses down the line of her exposed neck. Tuck paused at the base of her throat where her pulse thrummed like the patter of machinegun bullets, fast, furious and adrenaline-pumping. He liked it when he made her excited. “Whatever this is between us has to end,” she insisted, even as her thighs tightened around his hips. “Why now?” Tuck slid his hand down her arm, skimming the side of her breast. The nipple beneath her T-shirt puckered temptingly. His cock hardened in response. Where she’d been all hesitant to start something physical with him, in the end, she’d flown at him like she couldn’t get enough of him. He thought once would be enough with Delaney. Once had lasted all night and through not two but three orgasms. She’d come so readily, she had to have been denying herself for a very long time.   Excerpt #2  When she emerged from the shower tent, wearing her flip flops and carrying her boots and uniform, a  shadow slipped up beside her. Before she could throw her boots at him, he slipped an arm around her waist, crushing her back against his front and clamping a hand over her mouth. “Shh. It’s me, Tuck.” He dropped his hand from her mouth and turned her to face him. “Damn it, Tuck. You can’t go around scaring a girl to death all the time.” “You were so deep in thought, I’d have startled you either way. At least this way I get to hold you in my arms for a moment.” He wore a tank top, gym shorts and tennis shoes. “How’d you find me?” “I pulled a few strings.” He bent to sweep her lips with his. “Are you mad?” “I don’t want anyone getting the idea we’re fraternizing.” He eased her into the deeper shadows between a tent and a Quonset hut made of sturdy metal. “How’s this?” She raised her arms, pressed her body into his, her damp towel, T-shirt and flight suit dangling down his back. “Better.” All he had to do was part her robe and… Tuck slid his hand up the back of her thigh and beneath the edge of her robe, cupping her naked bottom. She’d gone to the shower with only her robe and what she’d been wearing, so flustered by her talk with Lindsay, she’d forgotten clean underwear and her pajamas. Now she was glad she had. Excerpt #3 His chest tightened and before long, he had a hard time regulating his breathing. Finally, he slowed, turned and ran the opposite direction. He’d jog in the heat of the day rather than watch Ringer woo his girl. Instead, he ran sprints near the volleyball nets until he couldn’t stand it a moment longer. After a while, he walked back toward his quarters, the long way. The path that would take him back by Delaney’s tent. When he realized what he was doing, he almost turned around and headed back for more sprints. Until he saw Delaney step out of the shower tent wearing clean shorts, a T-shirt and carrying her robe, towel and toiletries in hand. That robe was the clincher. Tuck’s groin tightened on sight at how beautiful she’d been wearing it last night in the moonlight. And how naked, soft, warm and wet she’d been beneath. He sped up, determined to catch her. What he’d say when he did, he didn’t know. Tuck only knew he had to say something. This deal with Ringer was eating at him and somehow it had to stop. Before he reached her, Ringer jumped out from another path, carrying a giant  teddy bear with a big red bow tied around its neck. Delaney ground to a halt and laughed. Tuck’s gut knotted at the sound. Even her laugh was sexy. Damn. She accepted the teddy bear, hugging it close and burying her nose in the soft fake fur. Where in hell had Ringer gotten a teddy bear in the desert? Wherever he’d acquired it, Delaney was enjoying it more than Tuck liked. She leaned around the bear in her arms her lips puckered, aiming for Ringer’s cheek. Ringer turned at the last second and her kiss meant for his cheek landed square on his lips. The asshole grinned, captured Delaney’s cheeks between his palms and kissed her again. “I knew you’d taste that sweet. And that’s just the beginning.” Tuck’s fists balled and he lunged forward. Before he’d taken two steps, Delaney was shaking her head. “Cory, I don’t—” Ringer pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t decide anything. I’m not done yet. Be watching.” Ringer left before Delaney could complete her sentence. Damn. Surely she’d been about to tell him to take a hike. After kissing her like that, she should have slapped him. Unless… Tuck stopped still in his tracks. Was it possible she could fall for Ringer? After last night? Delaney stared down at the bear. “I can’t take you to the shower.” She turned toward her tent, her gaze finding Tuck standing like a lunk in the middle of the path. Her smile immediately turned downward on the corners. She marched toward the tent, passing him with barely a glance. “What are you doing here, Tuck?” “You kissed him.” “So?” She stopped in the doorway. “Why did you let him kiss  you again?” “Why does it matter to you?” She hugged the bear closer, like a shield between her and him. Tuck wanted to rip the damned bear from her arms and tear it to shreds. “You don’t love him.” “I could learn to love him. At least he cares enough about me to share his feelings.” “Is that what you want?” He gripped her arms, the fuzz of the bear’s fake fur burning against his skin. “You want me to share my feelings? I’ll share. I’m pissed as hell.” “I don’t see why?” “You know damn well why.” “I know that you aren’t into commitment. I know from your track record that you’ve pushed away every women you’ve ever let closer than a one night stand. ” “I didn’t care about them.” “And you care about me?” “Yes.” “Enough to say three simple words?” “What words?” “Oh, forget it. We have nothing left to say. I’m done.” She ducked into her tent and closed the door behind her. “We’re not done until I say we’re done,” Tuck practically shouted, making the group of soldiers in uniform passing by at that moment turn and stare. “What are you looking at?” “Man, you need to turn down the volume. Some people are still asleep,” a staff sergeant said. Tuck wanted to tell the staff sergeant to shove it, but thought better of it. He outranked him and therefore had to set the example. And he wasn’t doing a good job of it. Which made him even madder. About the Author ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is an award-winning author of stories including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. With over seventy stories in a variety of sub-genres and lengths she’s published with Harlequin, Samhain, Elloras’ Cave, Kensington, Cleis Press, and Avon. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, out snow-skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Newsletter Or visit her alter-ego Myla Jackson at mylajackson.com Website| Blog | Facebook| Twitter | Newsletter

THE ADVENTURE OF DOING AUDIO BOOKS

I’ve just completed the process of creating an audio book through ACX and have to say it was a joy. I stumbled upon just the right actor/singer/musician who had what can only be described as The Voice. But he also turned out to be a great guy to work with. He was patient with me, and clearly “got” my book and the characters.

Accidental SEAL is Book 1 in the SEAL Brotherhood series, so naturally I decided to record that one first. I listened to all the talent in the ACX catalog and found several I liked, and asked to audition. But when I heard them read my excerpt, I didn’t like the outcome. Then when I played JD Hart’s audition, I got chills. I mean, here was my hero speaking back just like I had imagined he’d do.

It was a little daunting hearing a man I had never met read over my sex scenes. I played his recordings softly and then listened to them in bed with headphones, hoping no one else in the house would hear them. Okay, I was a virgin at this. It’s a very personal thing to open up your creative energies to someone you don’t know.

We went back and forth, and I highly recommend when selecting a narrator, you get someone who is not only talented and professional, but with whom you have an easy communication with. We got into a rhythm and in sync so that we were working on the book sort of at the same time, and could work by email.

One thing I learned from this was that I had a lot of characters.  Each character had to have a distinctive voice, and I know this was a challenge for him, but he did it exceptionally well. So, another thing to consider when hiring an ACX Narrator, listen to them read a chapter where there are lots of characters – more than 2 at least. Again, I got lucky. Hired someone who was actually an actor. I could have gotten stuck with someone who couldn’t do this and might have had half the book recorded by the time I figured it out.

One other thing he can do is music. I bought a licensing agreement to play a cut from one of my favorite artists: Two Steps From Hell. I listen to them while I write my SEAL stories. With names like Strength of a 1000, Everlasting, United We Stand, Dark Harbor, Dragon Rider, Ironwing, and my favorite, Everlasting Love how can you not get inspired to write about great heroes who put it all on the line? I mean, my muse wants to get nekkid with all of them.

As I’ve said so many times today, there is absolutely nothing I’d rather be doing than writing military romances. Hope you’ll join me in this thrilling journey.

Book 3 of the series, SEAL Under Covers, is out now.

That left Armando holding the door open to the old beater truck. Damn, but the guy was cool. The happenings in the strip joint hadn’t seemed to ruffle him one bit. He’d have been just as comfortable getting black, blue, and bloody. Gina wondered where he would draw the line.

Do I know where to draw the line? Well, his was personal. Hers was her job. But it was definitely fucked that her ex-boyfriend had to land himself in the middle of her professional world too.

But that’s what kind of a choice you made, Gina. Always making the wrong choices when it came to men. In a way, very much like Mia.

She watched Armando standing there, waiting for her. The other car was waiting for her as well.

Never waste an opportunity to make another bad decision. Her roommate in college used to say that every day, while at the same time managing to bed most of the football team and as many of the soccer players as she could get. Gina always waited up for her, just in case she needed a ride or got too drunk. Just like she was now trying to do for Mia. It was the reason she became a cop. Another bad decision? Well, it certainly was something that had been locked and loaded way down inside her soul after she got the call from the police that fateful night. That night when her roommate became someone’s victim and Gina had sat waiting for a call that would never come.

She wondered what would ruffle this man of steel, amazed that he could make choices so quickly as he had just now. Was he ever afraid in his job like she was in hers?

What threshold am I walking through tonight?

She leaned over to look around the SEAL, checking on Mia in the passenger seat of her own car. Of course she would be safe with the little warrior, a guy who would probably die trying to protect her, from what Mia had said. But this one standing in front of her, balancing on one hip, leaning against the door, his muscular arms worthy of any Popeye character, was dangerous.

To her heart.

“Do I have a choice?” she said to him, watching that smirky little smile and sexy eyes making fun of her while her heart did flip-flops. She’d been close to peeing on herself while she sat and watched her ex-boyfriend nearly call out the brother—the SEAL brother of the woman they were working. It had been wrong on so many levels, even the Pope couldn’t dish out enough forgiveness.

“Get in.” It was a command that made her tense, but the smile he flashed afterwards made her panties wet. Suddenly her ankles wobbled and she nearly fell, which would have been totally uncool. And damn, if he didn’t reach out and put a strong, muscled arm around to steady her. He let her go after he gave her one hurried squeeze, just tight enough for her to learn he was aroused.

Another footnote to a perfectly fucked evening. Her mission was nearly blown. Why did she feel guilty for that? They were supposed to be hanging out with the gang by the stage. Well, she couldn’t help it if Sam and the rest of the crew had decided to pull a game change on her. As she slid onto the torn leather seat of the old truck, she smiled at the recollection. It had been damned satisfying, slapping Sam and tossing the drink into his face. She’d stared right back at him when he showed his anger. And she didn’t flinch or cower this time. She was filled with pride. She’d stood up to him, finally!

But now what? On any other evening, getting into a truck with a SEAL would be a no-brainer. Nothing wrong with a night of sex with a hot guy, if that was where he was headed. She wasn’t completely sure, but she wasn’t that rusty that she couldn’t recognize a good, clean come-on. The fact that he was the brother of their party of interest and it was totally forbidden only heightened her anticipation. But decisions like that were never good ones. She had to put a stop to this somehow.

Tell that to my body. She watched him walk around the front of the vehicle and, yes, she squeezed her eyes shut and imagined him naked.

Get a grip, Gina. As much as she hated to admit it, something about the man set her insides on fire. He was all the right kinds of dangerous for her. A hero. Breathtakingly good-looking in that Latin Lover way she loved in men. Shiny black hair worn a little too long. Tanned complexion with just a hint of stubble. Body well-honed and disciplined. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. And he loved his sister, which was the biggest heart-snag of all.

He got in the driver seat, slammed the rickety door closed and sighed.

Did all the air just get sucked out of the truck? It seemed like minutes as she watched him blankly stare through the windshield, his face illuminated by the red taillights of Mia’s vehicle, now pulling away in front of them. Those dark eyes with long lashes and succulent, full lips. She shouldn’t have stared so long, but she couldn’t help it.

He tilted his head and turned in her direction. The eyes didn’t lie. He had the fire inside that his sister had, but in all the right places, not the wrong ones, like Mia. She let him appreciate the red fuzzy dress with the scoop neckline. She didn’t care if her chest got blotchy with nerves or if her cheeks flushed. And, of course, her nipples perked right up

“So how is this going to work?” he asked. The words slid out like satin sheets.

“I’m not quite sure I know what you mean,” she heard herself say in response. She made a point to beat the waver from her voice.

“I take you to your place, or to Mia’s?”

“Mia’s.”

“Your car there?”

“No, I took a cab.”

“And so how would you get home?”

“You assume I want to go home. Maybe I’m going to stay over.”

“I don’t see a pajama bag.”

The crease at the side of his mouth dimpled and she watched the tip of his tongue running across his bottom lip. The words “pajama bag” had never sounded so sexy.

She stuck her chin out, looking back at him with heavy-lidded eyes, and whispered, “I don’t wear pajamas.”

Sharon Hamilton
Life is one fool thing after another.
Love is two fool things after each other.
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