On the afternoon of Thursday, January 10^th, I was perusing my emails as I usually do and saw an email from assistant editor Shannon Criss from Kimani Romance Harlequin. My heart dropped, and I was too terrified to open it. I hadn’t sent anything to Harlequin or anyone else in the past year. The last I’d heard from Kimani was a rejection letter the year before for Cooking Up Love, so I couldn’t figure out why she would be emailing me. I took a deep breath and clicked on the email. She basically stated she wanted to speak with me about possibly writing for Kimani. I immediately began to laugh as I thought back to a conversation I’d had just a few days before with my dear friend and critique partner, author Delaney Diamond. Delaney had asked me what would I do if a traditional publishing house contacted me about writing for them. I told her I didn’t know because I truly enjoyed self-publishing.

After sitting in shock for a few minutes, I called Delaney and whispered “I just received an email from Shannon Criss from Kimani.” She started to laugh and said “me too!” We screamed for a few moments and then proceeded to call our other dear friend and critique partner, author Sharon C. Cooper who was contacted by Kimani months before and was in the process of signing her contract. We all screamed on the phone and talked about the possibility of all of us writing for Harlequin.

After speaking with Ms. Criss the next day, I worked on my proposals, emailed them and waited—nervously. On February 7^th, I got The Call. I’ve dreamed of receiving The Call. I’ve read Harlequin books since I was in middle school, and when I decided to pursue my dream of being a romance author, it was my goal and mission to write for Harlequin.  On February 28^th, I signed my contract, thus officially becoming a Harlequin author.

Thank you to my husband, family, friends and readers for your support and encouragement over the years. I’m not sure what to expect on this next journey of my writing career. I’m ecstatic and nervous all at the same time. However, I’m glad that my girls, Delaney Diamond and Sharon C. Cooper aka Charlie’s Angels and The Three Musketeers, will be with me on this ride! Check out their experience by clicking on their names above.

Hugs and kisses,

Candace Shaw

Hello book lovers! Today I welcome author The Black on my blog. He’s sharing an excerpt from one of his hot erotic novels Elle, which is book one in the Insatiable series. Check out the excerpt below and let The Black know what you think!

CS

Blurb:

To her employees and friends, Gabrielle Archer is the epitome of the self-made, strong black woman. With her aggressive style and razor tongue she’s made it in a man’s world with room to spare and bodies in her wake. She’ll put anyone who crosses her – especially any man – in his place, and then she’ll despise him for his weakness. No man dares challenge her…except one.

Simon Bishop knows what buttons to push – not to ignite Gabrielle’s wrath – but to strip away her emotional armor to reveal the woman within – the woman she yearns to be: Elle.

Elle has no power and no control. Elle is free to give herself over to a strong man, a man she trusts to take care of her so that she can give all to him. And what Elle has to give is a fiery passion that that knows no boundaries and no shame.
Elle is the woman that every real man desires, and the woman that every other woman, deep in her heart, wants to be.

Author’s Note:

When I posted an early draft of “Elle” online a few years ago, I was surprised at the number of responses I received from female readers who told me how much they identified with Elle’s character; how she spoke to their hearts and epitomized their own feelings about being strong women and the price to be paid for that strength. Based on those responses, I knew that one day Elle would become a published novel.
~ The Black~

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Excerpt:

Her flight to Newark departed at five PM, which meant she had to be at the airport by three.   She made it home at 12:30, then stripped and soaked for an hour in Black Raspberry Vanilla bubble bath.

She knew exactly what she wanted to wear tonight, but for the rest of the weekend with Simon she had no idea. Then it occurred to her that she didn’t need to pack anything other than her toiletries, because most likely Simon would have her naked for most of her visit. She smiled at that thought. If she needed clothes Simon would buy them for her. He took care of her like that. He takes care of me because I’m his. I belong to him.

After lotion and perfume Gabrielle slipped into black Brazilian-cut lace panties and a matching bra, and seamed thigh high stockings with lace tops. She stood in her mirror for a moment, admiring her undergarments and wondering what Simon’s reaction would be when he saw her in this later tonight.

Her new shoes came next: Peep-toe sling back pumps. She smiled at her reflection. Yes, they were patent leather, but this time they wouldn’t distract from her outfit.

The outfit was a new a black silk shift mini dress by Sheri Bodell. The dress had a scoop neck and poet sleeves. Its bib front had leather and chain accents. Along with the silky sheen of her dress, the accents were a nice counter-point to her shoes. He’s going to love me in this, for as long as I’m in it.

———-

Other people loved her ensemble first. From Richmond to Newark, even though she wore an open thigh-length satin trench coat over her dress, heads turned her way. Maybe it was her outfit; maybe it was that new walk Erica talked about.

There was a time, just a few weeks ago, when she would have been offended and angered by men ogling her. She’d always been so adamant about being seen as more than just a body. But she was learning to celebrate rather than hide and defend her womanhood. Now, as she exited the plane in Newark, she had no problem with the admiring stares from men, and the envious glares from some women.

Gabrielle scanned the area, but didn’t see Simon among the sea of faces at the Newark International gate. She’d told him that her flight arrived at 6:49. It was just past seven now.  Well, maybe he got stuck in traffic. She reached into her purse for her cell phone to call and see where he was.

“Mademoiselle Archer?”

Gabrielle turned at the sound of her name, and was startled at vision of the woman standing just a step away. She was tall, nearly six feet. Her skin was a deep, rich, black coffee brown. She had the rounded cheekbones and long, slender neck of someone from the African continent. She wore a police officer’s service cap over her cut close hair. But the woman’s most striking feature was her eyes. They were a deep emerald green.

God, has something happened to Simon?

———-

“Mademoiselle Archer?” the statuesque beauty said again.

The visual shock had delayed Gabrielle’s realization that the woman spoke with a heavy French accent. Did airport security now employ foreign agents?

“Um yes, I’m Gabrielle Archer. Is there a problem?”

“Non, Mademoiselle – no,” the woman said. “My name is Amarante. I will be your driver. I will transport you to dinner with Simon.”

If the woman’s striking looks hadn’t so captivated her, Gabrielle would have realized that she wore a chauffeur’s – not a cop or airport security uniform.

“Do you have luggage, Mademoiselle?”

“No, no I don’t.”  Now Gabrielle really noticed the woman’s attire. Her tailored double-breasted navy jacket hugged her trim frame. The matching slacks bore a razor sharp military crease, tapering down to highly polished low-heeled pumps. She was a striking figure – darkly beautiful, even elegant. But she looked dangerous as well, like some predatory cat.

The beauty smiled at her, and Gabrielle noticed that she had an inch-long vertical scar under left eye. Instinct told her that that scar hadn’t happened in some random accident.

“Very good, Mademoiselle,” Amarante said. “Your car is this way.”

———-

 The car was a pearl white Jaguar stretch limousine. It idled at the curb in the passenger pick up/drop off lane, shining in the evening light like a fine jewel. Elle muttered, “Oh my God – you’re kidding, right?”

Amarante only smiled and said, “Simon is waiting for you inside.”

More heads turned Elle’s way as Amarante opened the limo door for her, onlookers curious to see who rated a ride in this modern day Cinderella coach. It made her feel good, special.

Simon’s smile and admiring gaze made her feel even better.

“Damn, you look amazing,” he said from the back seat.

Elle climbed in and scooted across the seat into his arms. Their kisses lasted for long minutes, but not long enough to suit her. When they came up for air she checked out the limo’s posh interior.

On either side of the headliner, overhead trimmed aircraft dome lights illuminated the coach.  Lower level neon and fiber optic lighting augmented the overhead lights. A ceiling mounted mirror ran the length of the passenger area between the overhead lights.

They sat on the forward facing rear bench seat, upholstered with leather as soft as a baby’s skin. A longer bench sat perpendicular to the rear seat, opposite a stocked bar console, which was exquisitely finished with hardwood and glass insets and translucent glass holders. The glassware was fancy enough for a castle dining room.

“Wow, what’s the occasion?” Elle asked.

Simon said, “No occasion, other than that I’m happy to see you. And I wanted to do something a little different this time.”

She looked at him, into his eyes and at his little smile. She was starting to learn certain things by Simon’s tone, or by the subtle nuances of his expressions. “By something different, do you mean this limo ride?” she asked.

His smiled widened. “We’ll see babe.” Then he looked to the front of the vehicle, where Amarante waited behind the wheel. “We’re ready,” he said.

Wow, and I’m curious just like Elle to see what happens next! Thank you, The Black for sharing this sexy excerpt. Going to Amazon now!

==========

Kindle Version

Nook Version

Bio:

For over a decade, The Black has been an author of multi-genre fiction. His online stories, which include dozens of short pieces, novellas and serialized fiction like the Insatiable and Passion series and The Hitman Chronicles, have made him a web-wide favorite author. Originally from the New Jersey Shore, The Black now lives in Virginia, where he is working on many new writing projects.

Social Network Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackWriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBlack_Writer

Blog: http://theblackwriter.wordpress.com/

Today I welcome author Olivia Linden to my blog. We met on Facebook, and now on Thursday evenings we tweet each other during the hit television show Scandal. Olivia is sharing an excerpt from her current release, Jaded Hearts, which is available as an ebook and in paperback. Happy reading!

CS

Blurb

24 year-old Jade Spencer is at a crossroads. She has spent her entire life living under the shadow of someone else’s rule. First, her controlling grandmother, who unwillingly inherited the job of raising her and her brother Drew. Then, her fiance Evan, who was also controlling. Notice a theme? Now she is ready to live life by her own rules. She breaks it off with her shady fiance, and packs her bags for good. What better place to follow your dreams and desires than New York City? With help from her Aunt Vivian; her cousin Jackie; a new place; new job, and new experiences waiting, she intends to live life to the fullest. But, things turn tricky when two fated encounters both lead to powerful emotions.

Julian Garza is the most desirable, and haunting man Jade has ever met. He sets her on fire from their very first chance encounter. Jade finds him totally irresistible, and promptly falls under his spell. But there is a dark shadow attached to Julian that leaves Jade hesitant, and has her aunt telling her to run.

John Benson is the perfect man. A handsome, successful lawyer; John provides a friendship like no other, and a love that Jade has never known. For the first time she feels truly loved, but we all know there is no such thing as perfect.

So you have a not so classic love triangle, with a hint of mystery. What could possibly be the problem? Jade doesn’t believe in love, and lives by denial. Being abandoned by her mother at a young age has left her with a hard shell around her heart, and an even harder time letting her feelings show. As she tries to find herself through her new relationships, Jade learns the hard way that sometimes intentions mean everything, and nothing at all. Will she find love or will she leave a trail of jaded hearts? Love, secrets, and lies are all on the menu.

Excerpt

Central Park was streaming with people clamoring to enjoy an unseasonably cool Sunday in July and it was just like I imagined. There where people sunbathing; playing with their pets; jogging; rollerblading, and just strolling along like I was at the moment as I headed to meet John. I was in awe of how green and lush the landscape was compared to the cement and brick metropolis that surrounded it.

Once John found out that I hadn’t checked it off my ‘things to do in NY list’, he insisted that we come here this weekend. I spotted him walking towards me looking like a college student, down to the backpack he sported. His golden hued hair was longer than usual, and was lightly wind tousled and he sported his signature sleeveless tee this time in white with red shorts and a pair of throwback Jordan’s.

Jordan’s?

He smiled at me and I could only imagine I didn’t look much different with my hair pulled back into a high bun, a snug white wife beater and coral colored shorts that stopped mid thigh and all white old school Adidas. We walked into an easy hug having spent so much time together lately that we were more than familiar. I pointed to his sneakers

“Nice kicks!” I joked.

He glanced down quizzically at his choice in footwear. “What? Are you kidding? These are classic!”

I just shook my head as we linked arms and set off to stake our claim to a blanket sized plot on the big lawn. We settled on a spot that was relatively less crowded and I watched as he set up the blanket, two pillows, a large thermos, hummus, crackers and chips with onion dip.

“Wow, you are really prepared! I’m impressed. What’s in the thermos?”

He shot me a sly grin and handed it over for my inspection, watching as I opened it sniffed and tasted the mystery drink.

“Yum, is this Riesling?” I took another sip.

“Very good Ms. Spencer. You’re a lush after my own heart.” He teased.

I threw the top of the canister at him.

We spent the afternoon relaxing together. Sunbathing with a good book is a very much underrated experience. Well, partial sun because it had grown considerably overcast as we enjoyed our picnic, which was probably what contributed to the cooler weather.  I reclined back on a pillow slightly perpendicular to John while using his torso as a foot rest. My oversized Channel shades concealed the fact that I had stopped reading the hilarious Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter, and was watching him instead. He was intently covering each page of an old National Geographic edition.

Nerd!

A very handsome nerd though, and I could watch him all day. It was so cute the way his eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed slightly as he read. I found myself wondering how his lips tasted. Just then he looked at me and I pretended to be just looking up from my book and he shot me a wink.

Could he tell I was staring at him?

I flashed him a smile.

So what if I was looking?

Especially since I caught him studying me when he thought I wasn’t looking. Often.

After a while he closed and pulled his aviators down.

“So how’s your book?” He asked as he grabbed one of my bare feet and began to knead and rub.

Ah that feels good!

“It’s really not bad. I was skeptical when Donna told me that she was reading it, but it is funny and holds your interest.” I raved.

He continued to massage my thankfully pedicured foot.

“I don’t know, but I’m having a hard time picturing our sixteenth president hunting and killing vampires in his spare time. Vampires?” He shook his head with speculation.

I laughed in agreement.

“I know! I did too, but I’m telling you it’s crazy because it’s mostly a true story so it almost makes you want to believe the parts that are farfetched.”

He didn’t seem swayed.

“Well, how about I just take your word for it because I don’t plan to read it.” I pulled my foot away and waved my other foot at him for attention.

“Or, how about I read it to you?” I suggested.

John cocked his head to the side as he tugged my foot lightly pulling me of my pillow.

“I think I like that. That’s a creative compromise Ms. Spencer.”

I giggled as I repositioned myself on my pillow and began reading to him about Abe Lincoln meeting Edgar Allen Poe in New Orleans.

Just as I finished the chapter I was reading a splatter of water hit my book.

I knew it smelled like rain.

I looked at John who was wiping a drop from his nose and then we both scrambled to pack up our garden party.

The downpour hit just as we were scurrying out of the park. John grabbed my hand and I followed him as he ran a few blocks west of the park to his building.

“You can wait it out with me until it clears up.” He offered.

I nodded in silent agreement at his suggestion. I was soaked and my bun came loose somewhere between the pouring rain and the running. His building was older but it was very well maintained. We took the large ornate wooden stairs up to his second floor apartment and I leaned up against him involuntarily for warmth at the air conditioned hallway. He opened his door and pulled me into the apartment with him. I wrapped my arms around myself as he put down his back pack.

“Let’s get you warmed up. OK?” He rubbed my arms before he disappeared down a hallway, I assumed to his bedroom.

I loved his place. It had a totally dark wood, Sherlock Holmes without the clutter feel to it. There was a large bay window in the living room that was surrounded by floor to ceiling bookcases on either side. His sectional was light brown micro suede that went perfectly with the tone of his wooden floors. I walked over to one of the bookcases to marvel at his book collection but a glass door at the bottom caught my attention. It housed a record player accompanied by a rather large record collection. Elton John, The Beetles, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick and Burt Baccarat, Led Zeppelin, Motown Greats, The Big Chill Soundtrack. There had to have been well over 100 records. I kept flipping through and stopped when I spotted the Isley Brothers.

Yes!

I turned on the sound system and gently dropped the needle on the groove for the first track.

“You find something you like?”  I heard John shuffle back into the room while I was loading the album, and turned around to face him with glee as the soulful ballad filled the room.

He stood there shirtless, his wet hair disheveled and holding a big T-shirt and towel for me. I was captivated by the definition of his body. He wasn’t bulky, but chiseled. Every muscle was defined, even the hard lines that led to his hips stood out. He didn’t have a six pack, he had a ten pack.

The look in his hazel eyes was unmistakable as he looked me up and down and I realized what I must look like. My hair hanging in wet spirals around my T-shirt that was soaked, and plastered to my body revealing my black lace bra, and all of my curves.  I flushed red hot even more aware that I was now aroused so my nipples were probably peaking thru my top. I stood wordlessly as he walked over to me holding up the accessories to get me dry.

“You must be freezing,” he observed. ‘

Every step he took closer to me made my heart beat faster and faster. He thought I was cold.

Not quite.

Loving the excerpt, especially when Jade stopped flipping the records at the Isley Brothers… To read more, Jaded Hearts is available as an ebook and in paperback with Amazon!

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Hello readers! Today I welcome author Paloma Beck to my website. She’s stopping by to share a sexy excerpt of her latest erotic contemporary romance, Hold My Hand.

Blurb

Aubrey has been hurt in the past, discouraged and degraded by a heartless father. Still, William sees something in her that won’t allow him to walk away. Instantly drawn to her but intuitive enough to take it slowly, he courts her. Then he bargains, persuades and seduces until he ensnares Aubrey with his commanding nature. He’s everything she ever needed but never had the courage to want for. Despite the fight she puts up in accepting William’s lifestyle, the bonds he places on Aubrey give her a freedom she desperately needs. Together, they heal old wounds and find their perfect love.

Excerpt

© Hold My Hand, Paloma Beck, 2013

When he seated me on the edge of the chair nearest the fireplace and began to stoke the embers of the fire, I kept my eyes cast down. He made me nervous, those same nerves I felt once living under my father’s roof. No, I reminded myself again, not those nerves exactly. William told me I was beautiful so I know it’s not the same. He was nothing like my father though that tension –the tiny feeling of inadequacy I couldn’t quite shake- was so similar; I shied away from his gaze. Yet at the same time I craved William, his presence completely overwhelmed me.

He moved behind me, seated himself with his legs on either side of my body and pulled me down to him. My back to his front. My heat to his heat. My body to his body. I shivered, wanting nothing more than to be what he wanted me to be. I assured myself my desire to please was different this time. I was already pleasing William. He told me as much and I believed him. After all, I had to believe in something.

His fingers on my shoulders distracted me. “You’re so tense, sweet Aubrey. Won’t you just relax in my arms tonight?”

“I’ll try. I don’t relax often.”

“No, Aubrey. Your answer to me is yes, sir.”

“Yes sir,” the whisper floated from my lips on a sigh. It was such a certain response, it left no room for me to fail or disappoint. I found comfort in the statement and relaxed into his body.

“Good. Well done.” His affirmation bolstered my confidence. I’ve not received many compliments that I can recall and it felt nice. I couldn’t help but smile while the pride at such a simple act made my chest feel tight.

William aligned his body against mine so that I could feel him as part of myself. Then I realized he could feel every inch of me against him. He could feel my imperfections. I tensed, wondering what he’d think of me when he got a closer look. I was no longer overweight but now I was slight and never held any real beauty. When he realized this, my time with him will most likely end.

He molded my shoulders and back with his strong fingers. “Relax into me and let me take care of you,” William tickled my neck with his words and a tiny shiver ran along my spine.

“I thought it would be the other way around.”

I felt his laugh against my neck. “You think too much. Time for thinking was over. Now simply trust in me to take care of you.”

His warmth enveloped me. I was caught in him, absolutely ensnared by all that he was.

Can’t wait to read more! I’m getting my copy now!

Hold My Hand contains Dominance/submission, spanking, bondage, domestic discipline.

BUY LINKS

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/298418

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Paloma-Beck/e/B008XMXGGW

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hold-My-Hand-Dont-Alone/dp/1483986470/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365523212&sr=8-1&keywords=paloma+beck

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hold-my-hand-paloma-beck/1114970791?ean=2940044398146

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Hold-My-Hand/book-s4SOdmxGI0GiGNjV_lwmwA/page1.html?s=5z3qNzffk0K6XyxiCAZlJQ&r=7

All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-holdmyhand-1159365-147.html

About Paloma

Paloma Beck is a Romance Author living a life of contradiction… she’s a happily married carpooling mom writing erotic romance. It’s almost naughty! Paloma writes in both the Contemporary and Paranormal realms, journaling the stories her characters tell her, and they are anything but PG. She dabbles in vampires, witches, ménage, spanking and bdsm – all in her books, of course.

Paloma believes a daily dose of espresso and a good book make any day better.

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Today I welcome fellow romance author, Libra Rajani to my blog. She’s here to share an excerpt of her latest release, The Perfect Choice which is the sequel to Soul Custody. Happy reading!

Blurb

Tanya Campbell is full figured, full of life, and has no business on a ‘let me fix you up’ Caribbean cruise. But when Isaiah Scott promises to be the man of her dreams she is intrigued. However, once on board she discovers that he can’t make it after all. Thus, when a mysterious stranger approaches her and asks her to spend some time with him she feels she has nothing to lose and agrees.

Malik Anderson has reservations about playing investigator for Isaiah, but he owes him a debt and giving him daily reports on Tanya Campbell is the least he can do. However, when he finds himself falling for her, text messages to Isaiah become few and far between. How can he choose between the mentor who shaped his future and the woman that he longs to be with?

When Tanya discovers Malik’s betrayal she heads back to Florida and is determined to give Isaiah the opportunity he missed. Even though the handsome Isaiah is generous, funny and promises to give her the world; his critiques, negative assessments, and other strange discoveries give her pause.

Will Tanya’s anger cause her to settle for something less or will her heart rule her head and compel her to forgive Malik’s betrayal and build the relationship she deserves?

Excerpt

Tanya sat in the Florida home of her friend Simone Holiday and listened to her go on and on. “Tanya Campbell,” she said with a pointed finger. “I’ve heard everything about your horrible history with men, but after you meet Isaiah Scott, I promise you that this will be the year you say, ‘I do’.”

Tanya rolled her eyes and poured more of the Mojito cocktail into their glasses.

Simone glanced up as she raised her glass. “What?”

Tanya nudged her forward. “What do you mean what? If you’ve listened to anything that I’ve said, you know damn well that marriage is not on my vocabulary list. As I told you when I moved to Miami six months ago, I’m focusing on my career as a fraud investigator. If I can have some fun in the process, that’ll be even better.” She watched her friend shake her head and take another sip of her libation. She laughed. “Don’t look at me that way. Most people don’t find their soul mate in high school and if they do they don’t stay with ‘em. My girl Gabriella can attest to that.

“I know I’ve been fortunate on the love front, but you can too if you just give yourself a chance.”

Tanya nodded and knew that Simone Holiday’s was well intentioned. For the past three months, she’d listen to her brag about her half-brother Isaiah Scott. Her mother remarried an up and coming real estate broker. When good investments paid off, her mother never had to work and Simone wanted for nothing. She worked as a volunteer at a hospital. That’s how they met. Tanya sprained her ankle trying to climb one of those rock walls. But for the most part, Simone had nothing but time on her hands. Now, her main objective in life was to find all of her single friends a husband. Tanya was next on the list. All she heard was, “Isaiah’s so wonderful. He’s such a good catch.” Simone didn’t even know what he looked like let alone who he was. Her mother was never married to her biological father who lived in Chicago and when Simone was two years old, he later moved out of Illinois all together. Simone never knew an Isaiah existed until a year ago.

According to Isaiah, when his mother recently died, he looked through some of her papers and discovered their wayward father had another child. He was elated and immediately looked Simone up. They’d been emailing once a month ever since. Simone was just as ecstatic and through the correspondence, discovered that he was the product of a previous relationship his father had, five years before her birth. Isaiah was a lifetime Chicagoan and the notable founder of a youth program there. As a result, he was the recipient of several awards and doing well for himself.

In any case, meeting Isaiah was the reason for the girl’s night. Simone was trying to convince her once again to go on a cruise so that everyone could finally meet. Isaiah relayed to her that he was looking to settle down. She in return, relayed to him that she knew the perfect woman. He was more than eager to jump aboard.

“Tanya, what harm is it going to do? If you don’t like him, you can go on about your business and I’ll leave it alone.”

“I’m not going,” she said after a long pause. “Because of you and your bragging, everyone expects us to meet, hook up, and live in marital bliss. I hope you kept your word and didn’t tell him any of my business. I don’t tell most people that I’m a fraud investigator.”

“I didn’t tell him anything that I know you’d want to tell him yourself. I just told him that you were a very good friend of mine in the finance business who was looking to meet someone nice and settle down.”

Tanya doubted that. She’d seen Simone in action and if she knew you, she had something to say about how she could improve your life. They’d become good friends, but Simone was the type of woman that shared everyone’s business with everyone else. She didn’t see any harm in it, but in Tanya’s eyes, if Simone were gossiping about everyone else, she was gossiping about her as well. That was why she only shared her deepest thoughts with her mama and her best friend Gabriella. “That makes me sound desperate. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to hook your brother up with someone else. Blind dates put me right there on front street. He hasn’t seen me and I may not be his type. Hell, he’s probably not mine either.” She stared in the mirror on her left and slid her hand across her stomach that was now two inches wider than it was six months ago. “Some men don’t appreciate all I have to offer.”

“That’s ridiculous, besides, you can lose that by the time we go on the cruise.”

That evening was several weeks ago and unfortunately endless debates wore her down. Before she knew it, she was booked on eight-day ‘let me fix you up’ Caribbean cruise and she was now sitting in the seat of a Southwest Airlines plane.

It was already off to a horrible start. While studying to become a CPA, she found that aiding companies who suspected fraud fascinated her. Because the work was tedious, she had to attend many seminars. She also had to obtain her Certified Fraud Examiners License. Her supervisor scheduled a meeting for the week after the cruise, but due to an unfortunate mix up, she had to travel to Chicago the day before. It wasn’t too bad because it was her hometown, but it caused her to arrive a day later than the other cruisers. She couldn’t do anything about it considering it focused on the new inventive ways an employee could defraud a company. That was something she could embrace. She closed her eyes and thought about the uncertain week that was to come.

“Excuse me, is this seat taken?”

She looked up at an older man with salt and pepper hair and beard.” No, it’s not taken sir. Have a seat.” She smiled and moved her purse. “I’m Tanya. It’s nice to meet you.”

He sat down with his newspaper in hand and squeezed her into the window. “Likewise, I’m Franklin. I don’t mean to bother you, but I don’t like sitting in the rear. I’m a nervous flyer.”

She nodded. “Don’t apologize. It’s perfectly fine. I don’t like the rear either.” She looked around at the crowded plane. “I guess everyone is taking advantage of the low rates this time of year.” A screaming baby disturbed her. She looked down the aisle and put her index finger to her lips.

“You don’t like kids?”

That question always gave her pause. Should she lie to appease him or tell the truth? It wasn’t that she didn’t like kids; she just didn’t think children were in her future. That didn’t sit well with some people. When Gabriella asked her to be her daughter’s godmother, it was enough for her. “I don’t have a problem with kids,” she finally said. “But I’m not in that space. I’m focusing on my work.”

He smiled. “My daughter is around your age and she used to say that too, but like I told her, you have plenty of time to change your mind. I have four children myself and two grandchildren. They’re the best things in my life.”

She smiled. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but I have some work to do and then I’m going to try and take a nap.”

“I have my newspaper.”

She looked out the window as the ground disappeared and the plane rose above the clouds. Maybe Simone is right and this vacation won’t be so bad. Maybe Isaiah will turn out to be a nice guy who loves everything about me and we’ll live happily ever after. She smiled. Maybe you’ll win the lottery too. Keep dreaming girl.

Wow! Tanya has quite a few suitors. I wonder who she chooses in the end. To read the rest of The Perfect Choice, it is available through Amazon.

I’m excited to have my dear friend, Delaney Diamond stop by to share an excerpt from her latest release, For Better or Worse which is the fourth and final book in the Hawthorne Family Series. Happy reading!

CS

Blurb

Will her actions save her marriage or destroy it?

As a publicist for professional athletes, Antonio Vega is used to solving problems and spinning stories to the benefit of his clients. Yet he can’t seem to convince his wife that he has been and always will be faithful, and her lack of trust tests the limits of his patience.

Cassidy Hawthorne-Vega grew up in a home rocked by infidelity. When she suspects her husband is hiding something from her, she takes drastic steps to uncover the truth. Her actions result in a confrontation that threatens the bond of their marriage. It’s only when she reveals a painful secret from the past that Cassidy learns to accept the love her husband freely gives.

Excerpt

Cassidy watched him in the mirror.

“What?” He put toothpaste on his brush and started brushing his teeth.

“I was thinking . . . maybe we could go out one night. We haven’t gone out in a while.”

Antonio spit into the sink. “What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know.” She sidled up to him and slipped her arms around his waist. His skin felt warm and smooth. She rubbed a hand lingeringly over his bare chest. “Earlier this week, Janice asked me to go out with her, but I’d much rather go out with you—dinner or dancing or something.”

“I’d much rather you go out with me, too,” Antonio said, his voice garbled because of the toothbrush. He finished up and turned off the water. “Especially if the alternative is Janice. She’s single.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Single girlfriends often give bad advice.”

“You’ve only met her a couple of times.”

“And almost every time she opens her mouth, she’s male bashing. She’s a bad influence.”

“Don’t be silly. She’s not a bad influence.”

“I don’t care for her. Anyway, the point is, I don’t spend time with my single male friends in the same environments I used to before we got married. I don’t want to get into trouble with my jealous wife.”

“I’m jealous?” Cassidy huffed, placing her hand on her hip. She knew she was but didn’t like being called on it. “What about you? The last time we played the pickup game, you got into a fight.” Antonio seldom lost his temper, but that night, his anger had exploded in an uncharacteristic way.

To spice up their relationship, they’d played a game a few times where they went out and pretended to be strangers, and she let Antonio pick her up. She had a collection of wigs she used to change her look from time to time, but they’d served the dual purpose of spicing up their sex life by allowing her to become different characters as part of the game.

“First of all,” Antonio said, “he shouldn’t have put his hands on you.”

“He didn’t know we were together.”

“When I told him we were, that should have been the end of it. Anyway, the reason I hit him is because he called you out your name when we started walking away. I couldn’t allow that.”

Cassidy preened with pleasure and rubbed his back. “Thank you, baby, for defending my honor.”

Antonio’s thoughtful gaze scoured her face. “What have we here?”

“What?”

“You’re horny, aren’t you?”

Cassidy playfully sighed. “I can be affectionate without wanting to jump your bones, Antonio.”

“No, the way you’re rubbing on me this morning . . . I think you want some more loving.” A lazy smile lifted the corner of his mouth, and he reached around to cup her bottom in his big hands. “I didn’t give you enough last night?”

Cassidy laughed and pushed against his chest, feeling the insistent prodding of the appendage between his legs against her stomach. He’d gone from flaccid to hard in seconds. “You know good and well we don’t have time for this.”

Antonio bent his head to her ear and drew her closer. “It won’t take long, I promise,” he said in that low, sexy voice of his. His warm breath wafted against her sensitive ear and neck, making her insides quiver with longing. “I’m already hard. I’ll just lift your skirt like this . . .”

She shoved away his hand. “If you wrinkle my skirt, I’ll—”

Her tirade broke off when the other hand popped the button at the back and started to lower the zipper. She’d forgotten how fast her husband moved. She swatted away his hand and took several steps out of reach. With trembling fingers, she refastened her clothes. It was difficult to keep her frown in place because she did want to stay and make love, but she had to go to work.

“You’re the one who’s horny, and I’m leaving.”

“So you’re just going to leave me here like this—in this condition?”

Antonio spread his arms wide. Tufts of curly hair stood out at odd angles on his head, making him look adorably sexy. He stood there in his birthday suit with a shadow of a beard on his face, a mischievous grin, and his erection pointing toward the ceiling. She almost wanted to take a picture because he looked so gorgeous. Moments like this made her realize that her silly overreacting created unnecessary friction between them.

“I didn’t do that,” she said.

“Well, I sure didn’t do it.”

She giggled and hurried from the bathroom before he came after her.

“I’m gonna make you pay for this. You know that, don’t you?” he called out.

Cassidy smiled, picking up her satchel and phone.

She hoped so.

*****

I hope so too. I think I could’ve been a little late to work with a huge smile on my face. LOL! To read the rest of the Cassidy and Antonio’s love story, check out the buy links below.

Buy links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance Ebooks

Kobo

Smashwords

NOTE: The Blind Date is a serial interracial romance Delaney has running on her blog right now. Every Friday she posts a new episode of one or two chapters. You can read the first episode here.

Bio:

Delaney Diamond writes sweet and sensual romance novels with multicultural characters. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. You can enjoy free reads and the first chapter of all her novels on her website.

Contact Links

Good afternoon readers! I was sitting here doing some rewriting/editing/deleting/adding to Only One for Me, and I realized that I hadn’t shared an excerpt with you all except for a really short one months ago. The book is coming along and going to the editor next month.  As soon as I have a release date, I’ll let you know.

Background information for the excerpt: Its been 12 years since Cannon and Yasmine have seen or spoken to each other yet they’ve been asked by their best friends, Doug and Sherika, to help plan their wedding because they live in New York City, but would prefer to have it in the bride’s hometown of Memphis. The following excerpt is at the cake tasting. This is the second time they’ve seen each other in the past week.

Disclaimer: The following excerpt has not been professionally edited yet.

*****

Yasmine walked into Ollie’s Sweets at exactly 2:00 to find Cannon already there chatting with Ollie Moss, the owner and head baker. Sherika and Yasmine used to frequent the downtown Memphis bakery as teenagers, and she wasn’t surprised to learn that the bride-to-be had selected their favorite bakery to make the wedding cakes.

“Hi, Ms. Ollie.”

“Look at my Yaz all grown up.” The ladies hugged and Yasmine inhaled Ms. Ollie’s fragrance. She always smelled like vanilla and butter cream icing. She stepped back to get a good look at Ms. Ollie. She still had the same sweet smile and grandmother nature that always made customers feel at home in her bakery.

“Hello, Yasmine,” Cannon’s deep voice stated behind her.

She turned and nodded to acknowledge his presence. Staring up at him, she tried to stifle a gulp or two as her heart beat sped up. He was dressed casually in khakis and a light blue sweater that fit his sexy physique. Cannon had never been overly muscular, but he’d always been in shape, and the way his sweater fit over his arms and abs suggested he still worked out. His fresh scent loomed into her personal space outweighing the aroma of all the cakes and pastries in the bakery. She wasn’t sure how long she could do this, but she’d made a promise to her best friend.

“Well, let’s get started,” Ms. Ollie stated. “Follow me. I have everything set up in the tasting room.”

Yasmine flinched as Cannon placed his warm hand at the small of her back, causing a flow of burning waves to rush through her veins. She cleared her throat and walked faster to escape his touch that seared her skin. As his hand fell, it brushed against her butt, and she gave him a glare. He mouthed “sorry” and placed his hands mischievously in his pocket. She knew it was probably an accident but wasn’t sure how sorry he was about doing it. He’d always known just the right way to caress and kiss her body and no other man had turned her on as much as he had.

When they entered the tasting room, there was a long table laden with dessert plates of miniature cupcakes. On small pink cards, the flavor of the cupcake was written in calligraphy. Yasmine snapped a few pictures with her digital camera to email to Sherika for her wedding memory book.

“There are six mini cupcakes of each cake flavor that I discussed with the bride and groom for you to sample. On the bistro table,” Ms.Ollie paused as she pointed to a small table by the window, “you’ll find a list of the flavors for you to take notes and to check off the ones you like. The bride wants three different flavors since her cake has three layers and for the groom’s cake, two different flavors of chocolate. There’s also bottled water. I suggest you take a few sips to clean your palate before trying a different flavor. If you need anything, I’ll be next door working on a cake for a wedding tomorrow but will be in and out to check on you.”

After she left, Yasmine placed her coat and purse on a chair at the bistro table and Cannon immediately went to the cupcakes.

“Which should we try first?” he asked.

He handed her an empty dessert plate as his eyes roamed over her black cropped sweater that stopped at the belt of her dark skinny jeans, down to her black knee-high boots before rising back up to settle on her face which she knew had to be flushed because her cheeks were burning. She placed her focus on the tasty cupcakes to avoid looking in his direction.

“Can’t decide. They all look delicious, but I know Sherika loves amaretto so let’s try that one and one of the chocolates for the groom’s cake.” Yasmine answered with ease and was surprised she wasn’t as nervous being alone with him as she thought she would despite the way he’d just raked his eyes over her like an x-ray.

She grabbed the two amaretto cupcakes while Cannon grabbed two German chocolates, and they settled in at the table.

“Did you eat something before coming?” he asked, taking a sip of the water.

“Not since breakfast.” She sipped her water. “What about you?”

“The same. You know I love eating anything sweet and couldn’t wait to get here.” He had a sparkle in his eye and a wicked grin crossed his face.

Yasmine blinked her eyes a few times at his comment. Cannon had a way of saying something normal, but there was always a sexual connotation behind it. She thought surely she’d heard emphasis on the word “eating.” Her mind transported her to a time where he’d done just that while they were at his parent’s home visiting for the weekend, and he told her not to make a sound. Starting from her forehead, he’d kissed and licked every inch of her, enticing her breasts in his warm mouth and then lingered in the sensitive area between her legs longer than the other places until he drove her crazy with an unruly, muffled orgasm. She squirmed in her chair at the memory.

“Are you ready to begin?” he asked picking up the chocolate cupcake.

She snapped out of her daydream she’d had plenty times before.“Yep.” She picked up the amaretto one. “Bon appetite.”

She bit into her cupcake while Cannon popped the entire thing into his mouth, leaving a little bit of chocolate icing on the corner of his bottom lip. Yasmine’s eyes settled on the delectable spot. She wanted nothing more but to reach across the table and lick the chocolate off of him and then taste his lips that she’d missed so much.

“Mmm…that was good,” he said and then proceeded to swish his tongue to the side where the icing lay. “You have to try this one.”

I wanted to, but you beat me to it.

For the next twenty minutes they sampled cupcakes and compared notes. Yasmine was trying to keep the conversation only to the task at hand and so far it was working. She found herself a little more at ease with him. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but he’d been a gentleman which was his nature.

“How many more do we have?” she asked taking a sip of water as Cannon stood at the table grabbing two more cupcakes and setting them on the bistro table in front of her.

“This is the last chocolate one for the groom’s cake and there are two more to taste for the bride’s cake. Think you can hang?”

Yasmine laughed and patted her belly. “I think so. I’m actually ready for some real food now.”

“Me too. I guess we ate dessert first.” He laughed and took a bite of the cake. “This chocolate mint flavor is good. I think we have a winner.”

She bit into hers. “You’re right. This really is good. Let’s make it the second layer’s flavor for the groom’s cake,” she suggested, remembering what Sherika said about having a different flavor besides plain chocolate.

“Sounds good to me.” He checked it off on his list and pushed the plate aside, resting his arms crossed in front of him on the table and leaning toward her. “Never been much a chocolate fan. I prefer caramel.”

Yasmine almost choked on her cake and lifted her head to meet his smoldering gaze. There was no laughter in his words or on his face. Instead, she noted the seriousness in his tone and the seductive way his eyes examined her as if he was reading her mind and liked what he read.

“How’s everything?”

Cannon and Yasmine both jumped at the words as Ms. Ollie entered the room. Yasmine was glad for the interruption. The way Cannon had leaned toward her she thought he was going to kiss her and considering where her thoughts had just returned, she would’ve let him.

Cannon leaned back into his chair and patted his stomach. “Perfect,” he answered with a smile and Yasmine was glad that he had. She was still in a daze.

“Good.” Ms. Ollie glanced at the cake table. “I see you have a few more to sample. I’ll be back in about twenty minutes to go over any questions you may have and pack up the uneaten cupcakes for you.”

The smile he’d displayed for Ms. Ollie vanished when she left and replaced with a serious facade once more. Yasmine knew all of his facial expressions and this one was screaming she needed to move and move fast before he reached for her like he had the first time they’d made love.

“Cannon…”

“Yes, Yasmine?” His voice was deep. Provocative. Stimulating. She needed to escape, but his eyes held hers in a deep hypnotic trance that she couldn’t break.

“We need to finish the last two samples for the bridal cake,” she managed to stammer out wanting to tear her eyes away from his, but she couldn’t.

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” He leaned in closer as she scooted her chair away from the table. He raised his eyebrow. “Your expression isn’t saying that. I know you very well or have you forgotten?”

“You don’t know me.”

“I know every single inch of you.”