Valentine's Day Blog Hop

It's that time again...Valentine's Day. The day of Love, Laughter, and Life. Thanks so much for making a stop on my blog during the Swept Away Blog Hop.

I hope your journey thus far has been exciting and full of passion and romance. I'd love to add a little bit of romance to your life as well so I'm hosting a couple of giveaways.

First, for anyone who buys one of my books during the blog hop (14th-17th), send me a copy of your invoice and I'll put you in a drawing for a free book of your choice from my backlog. Please send it to my email address: author_shannon_leigh@hotmail.com

Be sure to put "Valentine's Day Hop Contest #1" in the subject.

Second, I have a pair of lovely, handmade wine charms that are sure to add a romantic flair to your wine glasses. These can be added to any type of glass with a narrow step (wine, martini, champagne, etc.). To win these, all you have to do is tell which of my books you've either read or would like to read. If you've read one, tell me what you liked about it/disliked about it. If there's one you'd like to read, tell me why. What intrigues you about that book?

All of my books are listed on my website.

Email answers to me at: author_shannon_leigh@hotmail.com

Be sure to put "Valentine's Day Hop Contest #2" in the subject.

Okay, so let's get on with today's post and excerpt.

What do you know about Valentine's Day?
I've never thought much about it, other than as a good reason for my husband to buy me something. I did a little research and found some interesting tidbits:

1) St. Valentine's Day began as a celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. Saint Valentine was actually imprisioned for performing weddings for soldier forbidden to marry, and for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. He reportedly healed the daughter of his jailer and before he was executed, left her a note and signed it "from your Valentine" as a farewell.

Kind of a grim explanation of Valentine's Day.

2) Several early Christians martyrs were named Valentine. Valentine of Rome was martyred about AD 269 and buried on the Via Flaminia. His flower crowned skull is exhibited in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome. Another saint name Valentine was martyred in Africa, though little is known about him. His head is preserved in the Abbey of New Minster, Winchester, and venerated.

I had no idea what venerated meant--although I must confess, with the morbid history lesson thus far, I expected something unpleasant--so I looked it up and it actually means to honor somebody or something as sacred.

3) The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with love is in Parlement of Foules by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382. It was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, who were married at the age of 15. Though, there's been much speculation that his poem was actually referring to the mating habits of birds.

About time someone added some love in there. Even if it was for the birds!

4) In 1797, a British publisher issued The Young Man's Valentine Writer, which contained suggested verses for young lovers unable to write their own. Printers produced a limited number of cards with verses and sketches, called "mechanical valentines." Future reduced postal rates led to an increased, albeit less personal and sometimes anonymous, mailing of Valentines. This anonymity may be the reason for some rather racy verse during a time that was considerably prudish.

Somehow that seems like cheating.

5) In 1847, Esther Howland produced and sold the first mass-produced valentines of embossed paper lace in the United States. While her father owned and operated a large book and stationary store, she actually got her inspiration from a Valentine she'd received from one of his business associates.

Wonder what her daddy thought about that?

6) Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have evolved into mass-produced greeting cards. The 20th century expanded the idea of giving sentiments to include gifts such as flowers and chocolates. It didn't take long for the jewelry industry (1980's) to jump on the bandwagon and push the idea of giving jewelry on Valentine's Day.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

7) The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million Valentines are sent in the US each year. If you include cards made and/or exchanged in school activities, that number goes up to 1 billion.

Purchase Url

Genre: Contemporary Erotica/ Interracial / Multicultural

Blurb:

They say the road to success is a lonely one. Newly named corporate executive of the Chinese American Development Corporation, Ms. Mei Ling Zhao, can attest to this. Hated by her subordinates, her acquired status has truly left her friendless and in need of some male attention. After a long week of dealing with spiteful employees, threatening letters, and one headache after another, she treats herself to a much-needed drink and an order of fast-food—Chinese takeout, via “special delivery.”

While Mei Ling expects her meal to arrive smoking hot and in a timely manner, she doesn’t anticipate her delivery boy to be a tall, tanned Texan with a black Stetson, levis that cling to all the right places, and seafoam eyes that remind her of ocean water pooling on the shore. And yet, when she opens her door, that’s exactly what she finds standing on her stoop.

Seems the Chinatown Buffet is in the business of delivering more than just a tasty meal, and Mei Ling is about to find out what “special delivery” really means…

Excerpt:

Her gaze first met the man’s black, T-shirt clad chest, as he stood nearly a foot taller than she, then slowly traveled upward. The perfect ball of his Adam’s apple caught her attention—she bet he had a deep voice; smooth and rich, like the heart stopping sound of a Franz Werner Virtuoso bass.

“Sorry, but we were fresh out of buffalo,” he said in a low, southern drawl.

Ripples of awareness coursed her veins. Mei Ling’s stare snapped up to his tanned face, instantly meeting a pair of sea-foam green eyes shrouded with chocolate lashes. A velvety smooth, black Stetson balanced perfectly on his head, successfully concealing his hair except for one renegade lock the color of sand that had slipped free to dust his forehead.

A lump caught in her throat. “You’re…” She choked on the word as though she’d swallowed it down the wrong pipe. Politely covering her mouth with the back of her hand, she turned her head to cough.

“You’re late. I called an hour and a half ago.” Although she tried to sound stern, taking a stance with him as though he were one of her subordinates in need of discipline, strangely, her voice sounded husky rather than annoyed.

Seemingly entertained by her haughtiness, his firm, beige lips pulled into an amused smirk. “I tried to call,” he countered. “I got lost on La Salle Street. Ya didn’t answer.”

Mei Ling felt her cheeks grow warm. That’s because she’d passed out, drunk—certainly not proper behavior for a corporate executive. “I didn’t hear the phone,” she replied bluntly.

One tawny brow arched with what looked to be skepticism.

“I must have been…” Mei Ling quickly changed the subject. “How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching for the white bag in his hand at his waist.

Her gaze fell to the black Levi’s clinging to his trim hips and brawny thighs. She couldn’t help but focus her attention on the sizeable bulge at his groin. Her mouth suddenly felt dry. Where was that bottle of champagne when she needed it? Surely this man did more than make fast-food deliveries. Come to think of it, he seemed completely out of place in Chinatown. With his cowboy hat, worn jeans, and silver-tipped boots, he looked like he’d just arrived from—

“That’s a first,” he declared, his seductively masculine voice cutting into her wandering thoughts.

Mei Ling mentally shook herself, then forced her attention back to his face as her fingers closed around the folded edge of the bag. The arrogant slant of his mouth told her she’d been caught staring at his package—and not the one in his hand.

“A first for what?” she choked out, that bothersome lump returning in the back of her throat.

“Most aren’t ready to pay ’til we’re finished.”

Confused, Mei Ling blinked a few times. “Finished?”

This time, it was his turn to seem perplexed. “Didn’t ya want special deliver?”

“Well…yes. I did,” she returned with hesitance. “But I don’t—”

“Good. Then let’s get started.” With that, he stepped past her and into the foyer.

Stunned by his boldness, Mei Ling merely stared at him with her mouth hanging open and the bag of food dangling limply from her fingertips. What the hell was going on here? She didn’t invite him in. “Hey,” she protested when he strode past her and headed for the

living room.

“Nice place,” he called back over his shoulder, ignoring her objection. “Ya might want to close the door. I noticed some of your neighbors peerin’ out their blinds. Sure hate for someone to walk in on us.”

Not knowing what else to do, Mei Ling closed the door. “Wait a minute here!” She marched into the living room behind him. “What’s going on? Walk in on us? Doing what? You’re supposed to deliver my order. Right?”

He turned to face her, a boyish smile lighting his tempting lips. Then he reached up with one hand, removed his hat and tossed it onto the ottoman at the foot of her chair. “That’s precisely what I’m doin’.”

His barging into her home uninvited had surprised her. But when his T-shirt followed his hat onto the ottoman, Mei Ling nearly choked on her shock. “I’m afraid there’s been some sort of mistake here,” she gasped, trying not to stare at his nicely formed pectorals.

She certainly had no intention of appreciating the golden mass of curly brown wisps feathered across his chest and washboard abs. Or how a thickened swatch ran downward from his navel to disappear into the waistband of his jeans. And she absolutely refused to acknowledge the interest peaking within herself—the increased heart rate, the needful throb deep within her belly, the dampness in her panties.

As though ignoring her statement, he continued to undress. His boots followed along behind his shirt. Then his socks. He’d was just unzipping his pants when Mei Ling realized if she didn’t intervene, she’d soon have a naked man standing in the middle of her living room.

“Wait! Please. I really don’t understand what’s going on here.” Quickly crossing the room, she darted for the ottoman and his growing pile of clothing. Then she snatched up his shirt and thrust it toward him. “Here, put this back on. You can’t just barge in here and start taking your clothes off. I don’t know if this is some kind of a joke,

but I only ordered…I don’t even know who you are for Pete’s sake!”

He stared at her, long and hard, seemingly trying to figure out if she were playing a game or genuinely confused. “Ya really didn’t know what

special delivery meant when ya ordered it, did ya.” It wasn’t a question, but rather a declaration.

“Apparently not.” A nervous laugh slipped from her lips. “Would you…care to enlighten me?” Mei Ling wasn’t sure where those words had came from, but once they’d left her mouth, she knew there was no taking them back.

He smiled then, a wickedly delicious smile that curled her toes and robbed her breath. “My pleasure, ma’am.”

She could only watch with a strange sense of anticipation as he moved toward her. While his intent was unclear, one thing was for certain, his touch would be hotter than a glowing branding iron, and she’d surely melt like a plastic spoon in a blazing fire if he put his hands on her. When his fingertips brushed the side of her neck, she knew she was about to find out.

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Valentine's Day Blog Hop Day 4

Hello! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog during the Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. There are over 200 hundred authors participating in the this year’s Hop and I’m so glad to be a part of it. To check out the other participating authors, just click on the picture on the left.

Over the 4 days, I’ll be posting excerpts from my books along with opportunities to win 1 of 3 prizes I’ll be giving away.

First Prize is a lovely necklace and bracelet set made by me. For this set, I’ve incorporated a few different types of beads: glass, pearl, seed, and glass bugle. To keep with the Valentine’s Day spirit, I created these pieces using white, gold, and red beads. It’s a lovely set that can be worn with casual clothes or even a nice dress.

Second Prize is a pdf copy of one of my books, winner’s choice. To check out my backlist, please see the right sidebar. All my book covers are listed there. Just click on a cover to find out more about the book.

Third Prize is a 4-piece set of wine charms, handmade by me. There are 2 charms with red, white, black, and silver beads; and 2 charms with pink, black, silver, white, and dichromatic beads. All four are adorned with a beautiful heart pendant and are sure to be a lovely addition to your favorite wine glass.

How can you enter to win one of these fabulous prizes? It’s simple. Just stop by my site one or more days during the Blog Hop (February 11^th-14^th) and leave a comment about my excerpt for that day. The more days you visit and comment, the more chances you’ll have to win. At the end of the 4 days, I’ll draw 3 winners. See, simple. Be sure to put your email addy in your comment so I can reach you if you win.

If you happen to have missed the previous days’ posts, here’s the links to them so you can be sure to enter for each day:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4   Happy Valentine’s Day!

Okay, so let’s get on with today’s excerpt...

Stairway To Heaven

Genre: Fantasy erotica, shape-shifter, magic, mystical being
Purchase: Amber Quill Press

Excerpt rating: PG

She felt his mouth hover above her neck. A sweep of heat. Then a quick searing sting that was gone almost as soon as it started. Rhea inhaled sharply.

“What…do you…want?” she choked out.

He released her wrist and his fingers loosened in her hair. “Only to give you what you need.”

Rhea immediately pulled away. Her hand went to the side of her neck. But there was no evidence of injury, no blood, no cut, no pain. Only a strange prickling remained.

“What did you do to me?”

“Nothiiinnng…” His voice trailed off, as though he were walking away.

“You’re lying! What did you take from me?”

He chuckled in response. “Beauty and brains, such a lovely combination.” The words came at her from varying points within the mist.

“What did you take from me?” Rhea screamed, a new sense of panic overriding her fear.

“Nothing you’ll miss. Just a small token that I require in return for my services.”

Rhea clenched her fists. “I didn’t agree to your services!”

“Yes you did.” His words were spoken matter-of-factly, as though sure of his claim.

“No, I—” Rhea felt a finger lay gently against her lips.

“Shh… Lie back, Rhea. Lie back and enjoy.”

Rhea jerked away from his touch, shaking her head with vehemence. “No!”

“Are you afraid?”

She bit her bottom lip to still its trembling. There was no point denying it. She was terrified. And he likely knew it.

“Yes.”

She felt warm palms push against her shoulders, pressing her down upon the pillows until she was lying on her back. Despite her attempt to be brave, a tiny squeak escaped her throat. The sound was her undoing.

“Please, don’t,” she begged, struggling to sit back up. He held her in place.

“Don’t what?” he asked with a lazy drawl, as though he were slowly inspecting her from head to foot.

Rhea imagined she could feel his careful gaze moving along her flesh, looking for the most vulnerable point of attack. “Don’t hurt me.” Her voice was a tremulous whisper.

“Oh, I’ve no intention of hurting you, Rhea. On the contrary, I plan on giving you pleasure unlike anything you’ve ever known.”

Rhea felt the air leave her lungs and the color drain from her face. As though seconding his intent, her body shuddered violently in response. Then a strange heat crept along her lower limbs toward her thighs, and she realized it was his hands.

“No!” She tried to scoot away, but his fingers gripped her calves, preventing her escape.

“No? Why do you deny what your heart desires, Rhea?”

Rhea shook her head as she stared into the glittering haze hovering above her.

“No, you’re wrong. I don’t desire anything from—”

“Rheaaa…don’t lie to me. I know what longings lurk within your soul. I only wish to fulfill them.”

Rhea tried to push herself up once again, and this time, he let her go. She scrambled back a few feet while her gaze darted about, desperately seeking some indication as to where he might be. But the churning clouds kept their secret, skillfully hiding their mysterious master within their billowing depths.

Rhea felt movement behind her. The soft brush of a hand against the back of her neck. She let out a startled scream and quickly moved away. He chuckled softly, seeming to mock her once again.

“What are you?” Rhea demanded, feeling like a terrified rabbit being hunted by its prey.

“A rabbit? I think not, Rhea. You’re a seductive tigress. You just don’t know it. Yet.”

His words seeped through her skull to caress her mind. It felt as though a million bees were let loose in her brain. Rhea clasped her palms over her ears.

“Stop it! Get out of my head!”

The invader immediately retreated; the buzzing stopped.

She slowly lowered her hands, searching the billows once again.

“You took my blood, didn’t you? You’re a…a vampire.”

He roared with laughter, apparently finding her accusation amusing. The deep sound filled the air with echoing waves, causing the satin to roll and vibrate beneath her. Rhea struggled to keep from being unseated by the undulating waves.

“No, Rhea. I didn’t take your blood. And I’m not a vampire. At least, not in the sense you think.”

The clouds began to thicken a few feet before her. Then the satiny ground weighed down, as though someone were walking toward her. Rhea hurriedly got to her feet and backed away.

“Then, what are you?” she demanded, throwing out her arms for balance as another wave threatened to tumble her over. “And what did you take?”

The bouncing stopped, his approach momentarily halted. “I am…the Guardian of the Stairway to—”

“I know that!” Rhea felt on the verge of hysterics. His mind games were driving her crazy! “But you took something from me. I feel it.

What was it?” She was nearly screaming.

“Your essence, Rhea. I took your essence.”

The satin sunk down a few feet away, then bulged upward, as though he’d just jumped into the air. Rhea let out a shriek of distress as the residual wave threw her backward. But she didn’t fall as expected.

“Why?” Rhea cried, as she felt his arms encircle her from behind. “What do you want with it?”

He held her effortlessly above the shifting satin before gently placing her feet down. But even though she now stood safely on the surface, he didn’t let go.

“I am bound to my duty as Guardian. And I can only gain freedom through the essence of another. So in exchange for my services, you shall give me a doorway to the living.”

Rhea’s insides turned to ice. “No…please. I don’t want to—”

“Shhh… I am not the monster you think me to be, Rhea.”

His arms tightened around her, hugging her even closer. Rhea looked down to where she knew his limbs encircled her. But a band of smoke speckled with glitter was the only visible indication to his presence.

“You will see me, when next we meet, Rhea. But you must not tell anyone about the stairway. Do you understand? When you find it, you must not tell. Very few are allowed to see it. And I am offering it to you. Do you know where the stairway leads, Rhea?”

Rhea shook her head, overwhelmed with all he was telling her. She didn’t understand what he meant by a "doorway to the living." And she wasn’t sure she wanted to, either.

“Whoever ascends the stairway shall find their own personal Heaven.” His voice caressed her earlobe.

“And what part…do…you…play?” The question came out in choked gasps as she felt his mouth move along the curve of her neck.

“Why, I’m the…tour guide.”

***

Thanks so much for stopping by today, don't forget to comment and enter for a chance to win one of my prizes!



Valentine's Day Blog Hop Day 3

Hello! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog during the Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. There are over 200 hundred authors participating in the this year’s Hop and I’m so glad to be a part of it. To check out the other participating authors, just click on the picture on the left.

Over the 4 days, I’ll be posting excerpts from my books along with opportunities to win 1 of 3 prizes I’ll be giving away.

First Prize is a lovely necklace and bracelet set made by me. For this set, I’ve incorporated a few different types of beads: glass, pearl, seed, and glass bugle. To keep with the Valentine’s Day spirit, I created these pieces using white, gold, and red beads. It’s a lovely set that can be worn with casual clothes or even a nice dress.

Second Prize is a pdf copy of one of my books, winner’s choice. To check out my backlist, please see the right sidebar. All my book covers are listed there. Just click on a cover to find out more about the book.

Third Prize is a 4-piece set of wine charms, handmade by me. There are 2 charms with red, white, black, and silver beads; and 2 charms with pink, black, silver, white, and dichromatic beads. All four are adorned with a beautiful heart pendant and are sure to be a lovely addition to your favorite wine glass.

How can you enter to win one of these fabulous prizes? It’s simple. Just stop by my site one or more days during the Blog Hop (February 11^th-14^th) and leave a comment about my excerpt for that day. The more days you visit and comment, the more chances you’ll have to win. At the end of the 4 days, I’ll draw 3 winners. See, simple. Be sure to put your email addy in your comment so I can reach you if you win.

If you happen to have missed the previous days’ posts, here’s the links to them so you can be sure to enter for each day:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4   Happy Valentine’s Day!

Okay, so let’s get on with today’s excerpt...

Nana's Little Black Book

Genre: Demon Fantasy erotica, shape-shifter, witchcraft, magic
Purchase: Amber Quill Press

Excerpt rating: R

Catrina held her breath when he brought his handsome face mere inches from hers. Her eyes instantly took in the chiseled line of his square jaw, the sharp ridge of his aquiline nose, the flesh-colored tint of his sensual mouth. In a matter of seconds, he’d gone from terrifying to tantalizing.

Dear, God. He must be a demon for sure. “What…what did you do for Nana?” she stammered, her own voice seemingly lodged within her windpipe.

His lips curled into a mischievous grin. “Well now, that all depended on what it was she was in need for. But you can bet, when I was done, I left her begging for more.”

His words were almost confusing, purposely twisted, and rhythmic in nature. Be careful, Catrina, she warned herself. He’s a sly one.

As though reading her mind, he began to chuckle. “Indeed.” The word was drawn out. It swirled in the air around her face, fanning her cheeks like a gentle caress.

She felt a heated thrill race through her insides. It centered in her pelvis before radiating down to her apex. Were her legs not frozen, held slightly apart by an invisible force, she would have squeezed them closed to still the maddening tingle at the juncture of her thighs.

Catrina gasped as his gaze raked her form, the look in his eyes clearly carnal. His tongue darted out to slide suggestively along his full bottom lip. It wasn’t forked or barbed, as she would have expected, but rather thick with a rounded tip, and looked capable of providing more exquisite pleasure than she cared to dwell on.

“And what is it, my dear, that you’re in need of?” His pupils sparkled like two-carat diamonds, blindingly white with unmatchable cut and clarity.

Catrina turned her head aside, fearing her ability to resist his seductive charm. “I don’t need—”

He clucked his tongue disapprovingly. “Don’t lie to me, Cat. I already know what you desire. Just give me some time, and I’m sure to light your fire.”

Catrina squeezed her eyes shut. “If…” She bit her bottom lip to still its trembling.

Seeming to sense her unease, he asked, “Would you feel less intimidated, were I in my natural form?”

Her gaze met his. A multitude of horrific beasts popped into her head. While his current shape certainly clouded her judgment, she wasn’t too sure she wanted to see his true appearance.

“I…I don’t know. It depends on what—”

Before she could finish, he’d taken a few steps back and his body instantly transformed into that of a massive Marabou Stork. The heavy tool belt clattered to the floor near his taloned feet, along with Nana’s little black book.

As though being cooped within the body of a human had cramped his wings, he stretched them wide. Catrina gasped with a mixture of astonishment and awe. From wingtip to wingtip, the span was nearly nine feet.

His bare head and neck reminded her of a vulture’s—peachy-red in color and textured with warty nodules. The long feathers on his back and wings glistened like black oil with an iridescent green gloss, a stark contrast to the short down on his white belly and under-parts.

His huge bill was long and sharp—ostensibly deadly. While the pink gular sack at his throat looked as harmless as a plastic sack. With his white fluffy neck ruff and long black legs, she couldn’t help but find this creature strikingly regal, albeit equally terrifying.

He clacked his pointed beak a few times before tilting it toward the ceiling. Then he swayed back and forth—wings stretched wide, neck arched—issuing a loud hollow bellow, which vibrated from deep within his throat.

When he’d finished with the strange song, he pierced her with solid ebony eyes. There were no pupils within their bottomless depths, no white pinhole gleam from the overhead light. Just two black beads, much like those you’d find on a lifeless doll, yet they seemed to stare straight through to her soul.

As the Marabou approached, Catrina pressed herself more firmly against the wall. It was true she’d been intimidated by the overwhelming maleness of the human form of this demon. But the idea of being pecked to death or torn to shreds by his razor-sharp bill was nearly more than she could stomach.

Fear rose in the back of her throat, burning her tongue. “I think I prefer your former shape,” she squeaked, trying not to focus on the daunting point of his beak.

Malthus tilted his head back and let out what resembled a clucking titter. Then he spread his wings once again. “As you wish, my dear.”

The change from bird to man occurred a little more slowly than before. Catrina watched, no less amazed this time, as the feathers on his wingtips pulled back to reveal strong fingers beneath, then hands. Next came his thick forearms, bulging biceps, and broad shoulders.

It was almost like peeling a banana from its skin as his bird-like form slowly stripped away to expose the male human-likeness inside. Muscled pectorals rippled and flexed as he stretched his elongating spine. White downy feathers turned to washboard abs as his stomach and waist took shape.

His black, stick legs and taloned feet split down the center, then parted, as thick thighs and strong calves exploded through, brawny and tanned, like tree-trunks. Strangely enough, the final transformation to occur was his face. For a brief instance, he was a strapping, viral man with the head of a stork, like some sort of living Egyptian hieroglyphic. Then the mask lifted and he was human once again.

“Is this better?” he asked with an air of innocence that made her insides quiver with primordial need. Malthus gave her a knowing smile. His teeth were so perfect and white—a stark contrast in his bronzed face—that Catrina almost forgot he’d had a beak merely seconds before. Her eyes locked on his lips as they parted and his thick tongue darted out to moisten the bottom one as he’d done before.

Unable to find her voice, she merely nodded. Tearing her attention from that sensual mouth, so full, so luscious that she yearned to feel it pressed upon hers, she slid her gaze downward. Her hands itched to follow along, touch each glorious inch of this demon-man to find out if he felt as real as he seemed. But until he released her from her state of prostration, she was fated to merely complete her inspection visually. All the while, she struggled with the unwanted desire to have something she knew would surely bring her damnation.

Then her gaze dropped to his naked groin. The tool belt no longer hid the massive male pleasure device he possessed. Her eyes grew round with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. “Holy shit,” she whispered.

Malthus chuckled in response. “There’s nothing holy about this.”

A delicious shudder wracked her pelvis when his erect shaft bobbed toward her center like a divining rod to water. Catrina bit her bottom lip as moisture seeped through the crotch of her panties. When she met his searing gaze, she realized his statement rang true, in more ways than one.

***

Thanks so much for stopping by today, don't forget to comment and enter for a chance to win one of my prizes!



Valentine's Day Blog Hop Day 2

Hello! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog during the Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. There are over 200 hundred authors participating in the this year’s Hop and I’m so glad to be a part of it. To check out the other participating authors, just click on the picture on the left.

Over the 4 days, I’ll be posting excerpts from my books along with opportunities to win 1 of 3 prizes I’ll be giving away.

First Prize is a lovely necklace and bracelet set made by me. For this set, I’ve incorporated a few different types of beads: glass, pearl, seed, and glass bugle. To keep with the Valentine’s Day spirit, I created these pieces using white, gold, and red beads. It’s a lovely set that can be worn with casual clothes or even a nice dress.

Second Prize is a pdf copy of one of my books, winner’s choice. To check out my backlist, please see the right sidebar. All my book covers are listed there. Just click on a cover to find out more about the book.

Third Prize is a 4-piece set of wine charms, handmade by me. There are 2 charms with red, white, black, and silver beads; and 2 charms with pink, black, silver, white, and dichromatic beads. All four are adorned with a beautiful heart pendant and are sure to be a lovely addition to your favorite wine glass.

How can you enter to win one of these fabulous prizes? It’s simple. Just stop by my site one or more days during the Blog Hop (February 11^th-14^th) and leave a comment about my excerpt for that day. The more days you visit and comment, the more chances you’ll have to win. At the end of the 4 days, I’ll draw 3 winners. See, simple. Be sure to put your email addy in your comment so I can reach you if you win.

If you happen to have missed the previous days’ posts, here’s the links to them so you can be sure to enter for each day:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4   Happy Valentine’s Day!

Okay, so let’s get on with today’s excerpt...

Erotikos

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Vampire / Shapeshifter / Time Travel / Action / Adventure / Interracial / Multicultural

Purchase: Amber Quill Press

Excerpt rating: ADULT

His skilled digits slipped through the curly down protecting her feminine vee, adeptly parting the thick nest to find her swollen clit. As he used his index finger to circle the sensitive nub, Renee leaned her head back against his chest, unable to resist. He proceeded to tease her to the verge of release, then moved his ministrations lower.

When his knee nudged the insides of her legs, Renee obligingly parted them, affording him a better reach. His fingers slid along the moist folds of her vaginal lips, gently separating the soft petals to expose her opening. Cupping her mound with his hand, he pushed one digit inside.

Renee rocked her hips forward, rubbing her tingling clit against his palm while he stroked his finger in and out. Her breaths became gasps and her legs began to shake as she quickly neared her peak. Just a few more seconds—

“Not yet,” he whispered against her lobe.

Renee wanted to cry when he removed his fingers. Had she not been a trembling mess, she’d have turned around and slugged him for being so cruel. But as it was, she could only whimper in protest.

His responsive chuckle sparked her anger. Regaining control of her limbs, she pulled away from him. “Look here, buddy,” she chided, turning to furiously shake a finger at his Grecian nose. “I don’t like games.”

“But you’re in one,” he countered, moving toward her.

Renee stepped back. “Yeah, but—”

“But what?” He stepped forward, closing the distance between them once again.

“It’s not fair to get me to the verge of coming, then stop.” She moved back a few more paces.

Eyanosa offered a wicked smile. “I’m a demon, love. My job is to torment.”

“So you’re just going to play with me until you get tired of your little game, then send me back unsatisfied?” Renee asked incredulously, her voice rising a bit.

“Play with you, yes,” he said, moving toward her once more. “But I assure you, you’ll be well satisfied many times before we’re through.”

Renee’s breath hitched in her chest at the promise. She stepped back again and her foot contacted fur. Startled, she glanced down at the makeshift bed. When she looked up, Eyanosa stood mere inches in front of her.

Before she could retreat, he grasped the hem of her dress. “There’s nowhere to go, Renee. And you can’t leave until we’re done.”

Renee swallowed hard when he pulled it up and over her head in one swift move, leaving her naked before him. She lifted her hands to her breasts in an attempt to cover them, but he grabbed her wrists and pulled them away. Heat quickly spread along her throat and chest as he focused on the brown-tipped peaks.

“Nice.”

The heady tone of his voice made her insides quiver.

With a victorious smile, he forced her arms behind her back. Holding them with one hand, he dipped his head forward and captured one jutting nipple between his teeth. Feeling him clamp down, Renee gasped, more in shock than pain. As though to heal the affliction, his tongue laved the throbbing nub, quickly turning the hurt to need.

It wasn’t his forwardness that scared her, but her own burning lust. Never had she wanted a man so badly. Only this was no ordinary man, no, this was a succubus demon, and she would soon become his latest conquest. The verity of the fact only heightened her anticipation.

Renee didn’t protest when he coaxed her onto the makeshift bed. She was glad when he released her arms, for it left them free to explore the glorious planes of his strong back and waist as he stretched himself down between her thighs. Eager to feel him against her, she spread her legs even wider.

When she brazenly gripped two handfuls of muscled buns, encouraging him to grind his groin against hers, Eyanosa hummed in approval. He rocked his hips forward, pressing his hardened member against the juncture of her thighs. Like a divining rod to water, the head of his penis instantly found her slit, and were it not for his loincloth, his shaft would have entered her in one easy thrust.

Renee yanked at the infuriating piece of fabric, desperate to feel him plunge that rock hard cock deep inside her. Eyanosa chuckled at her impatience. Taking her hands, he pressed them on the furs beside her head.

“Tell me what you want.” The command was a throaty growl.

Renee arched herself against him. “You know what I want,” she panted, trying to yank her hands free.

“Say it,” he demanded, grinding himself downward.

“Why?” she almost cried, on the verge of going mad with wanting.

“I need to hear it,” he said. “I want to hear it. Tell me, Renee.”

His fabric-cloaked cock butted her opening.

Renee’s hips bucked forward. “Fuck me!” she screamed. “I want you to fuck me, long and hard.”

Eyanosa grinned. “That’s my girl.”

***

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Valentine's Day Blog Hop Day 1

Hello! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog during the Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. There are over 200 hundred authors participating in the this year’s Hop and I’m so glad to be a part of it. To check out the other participating authors, just click on the picture on the left.

Over the next 4 days, I’ll be posting excerpts from my books along with opportunities to win 1 of 3 prizes I’ll be giving away.

First Prize is a lovely necklace and bracelet set made by me. For this set, I’ve incorporated a few different types of beads: glass, pearl, seed, and glass bugle. To keep with the Valentine’s Day spirit, I created these pieces using white, gold, and red beads. It’s a lovely set that can be worn with casual clothes or even a nice dress.

Second Prize is a pdf copy of one of my books, winner’s choice. To check out my backlist, please see the right sidebar. All my book covers are listed there. Just click on a cover to find out more about the book.

Third Prize is a 4-piece set of wine charms, handmade by me. There are 2 charms with red, white, black, and silver beads; and 2 charms with pink, black, silver, white, and dichromatic beads. All four are adorned with a beautiful heart pendant and are sure to be a lovely addition to your favorite wine glass.

How can you enter to win one of these fabulous prizes? It’s simple. Just stop by my site one or more days during the Blog Hop (February 11^th-14^th) and leave a comment about my excerpt for that day. The more days you visit and comment, the more chances you’ll have to win. At the end of the 4 days, I’ll draw 3 winners. See, simple. Be sure to put your email addy in your comment so I can reach you if you win.

If you happen to have missed the previous days’ posts, here’s the links to them so you can be sure to enter for each day:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4   Happy Valentine’s Day!

Okay, so let’s get on with today’s excerpt...

Chasing Booty

Genre: Science-fiction erotica

Purchase: Amber Quill Press

Excerpt rating: R

His glossy hair swept back from his steep forehead in a pointed crest. Its lengthy locks fell in solid black panes of unblemished silk upon his broad shoulders. Two braids—one at each temple—decorated with an assortment of silver and gold beads, kept his perfectly manicured mane in place.

She focused on the small ivory horns emerging from his scalp, one on each side of the head, just at the hairline. “You know; if it weren’t for the red skin, barbed tail, and…those.” She indicated his horns with a lazy point of her index finger. “You might pass for a normal guy.”

Reese chuckled. “My dear, in this day and age, everything is normal. If what you mean is I could pass for one of your human males, then I assure you, I have what counts…and more,” he added with a secretive smirk. “I’ve even been called gifted.”

Gaelyn’s right brow cocked with skepticism. Stretching herself out on the lounge, she said, “Really?” in a tone that dripped with sarcasm.

Reese nodded, his cocky expression betraying his sense of self-accomplishment.

Her attention shot to his sharply pointed tongue as it swept his bottom lip. Moisture pooled between her thighs again as she imagined him using it to lick her from top to bottom. The thought of him sliding that flexible tip between the sensitive folds of her pussy made her insides quiver with anticipation.

Reese approached the chaise, his gait slow and confident. “Shall we discuss…payment options?”

“Payment?” Gaelyn snapped incredulously, sitting straight up. “I thought we agreed on—”

“For my room and board,” he cut in. “How shall I…compensate you for your generosity?”

Gaelyn melted back against the chaise. “Well, I don’t know,” she replied with a nonchalant shrug. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

Reese stopped at the edge of the settee, his faded blue jean clad shin brushing the velvet material. “I thought maybe we’d take it out in trade.”

She let out a snorty laugh. “What could you possibly have that I’d want?”

He dropped to one knee on the couch, right between her spread thighs. His other foot remained on the floor, balancing his weight. Before she registered his intent, he leaned forward, placing his hands on the divan, one on either side of her head, and successfully pinned her beneath his bulky frame.

“How about ten inches of solid cock?” The offer rolled off his tongue with a thrilling growl.

Unprepared for such a bold proposition, Gaelyn stammered in response. She wasn’t sure what bothered her more, his audacity at assuming she’d be so easy, or the fact that he was right. Quickly regaining her wits, she opened her mouth to tell him off, but before she uttered a word, his lips covered hers with a searing kiss.

A gust of warmth filled her throat and lungs as his unusually hot breath invaded her mouth. Fire coursed through her veins as desire heated her blood to full boil. Feeling as though he robbed her breath, she turned her head and gasped, breaking their kiss.

Sweet Jesus! The man knew how to use his mouth! She wondered at his other skills.

“What makes you think I want—”

“Come on, Gael, you’ve been starin’ at my groin since we left the bar. Don’t play coy, it doesn’t become you.”

Gaelyn glared daggers at him. Arrogant, conceited, self-absorbed…

There weren’t enough vile names for him. Never mind his accurate assessment of things, she did want him. Bad. So bad, in fact, she practically tasted it.

He owes me. For being so nice to him even after all the times he’s cheated me out of my booty.

Her channel spasmed in agreement.

“What are you afraid of?” he cajoled, running a fingertip along her jawline.

Gaelyn molded her hand against the hardened form at his crotch. “Nothin’,” she growled. “I’m not afraid of nothin’.”

His black eyes bore into hers as he licked his bottom lip once again. “Then we have an agreement?”

The feel of his shrouded cock in her hand and his finger against her flesh had all but obliterated her will to argue. Why deny herself simple pleasures? Especially when she had such a luscious specimen of maleness offering to fulfill her every need.

With a quick nod, she agreed to his terms—sex for a place to lay his head. Seemed a fair trade. However, at that moment, she wanted his head between her thighs.

***

Thanks so much for stopping by today, don't forget to comment and enter for a chance to win one of my prizes!