New Release Sneaky Peek - Verity's Lie by Grace Elliot

Charles Huntley, Lord Ryevale, infamous rogue…and government agent.

In unsettled times, with England at war with France, Ryevale is assigned to covertly protect a politician’s daughter, Miss Verity Verrinder. To keep Verity under his watchful eye, Ryevale plots a campaign of seduction that no woman can resist– except it seems, Miss Verrinder. In order to gain her trust Ryevale enters Verity’s world of charity meetings and bookshops…where the unexpected happens and he falls in love with his charge.

When Lord Ryevale turns his bone-melting charms on her, Verity questions his lordship’s motivation. But with her controlling father abroad, Verity wishes to explore London and reluctantly accepts Ryevale’s companionship. As the compelling attraction between them strengthens, Verity is shattered to learn her instincts are correct after all – and Ryevale is not what he seems. If Lord Ryevale can lie, then so can she…but with disastrous consequences.

Excerpt: Verity’s Lie by Grace Elliot

Verity closed the library door and wilted.  With toe-curling embarrassment she recalled her prudish disapproval and cringed afresh.  Why couldn't she have appeared worldly and calm, instead of behaving like a stuttering, prissy schoolgirl.  And why Lord Ryevale, of all people?  If she hadn't been distracted by plans to confront her father, then she wouldn't have been caught so off guard.  Verity took comfort in that it was unlikely their paths would cross again.

            Clutching Cicero against her chest like a shield, Verity composed her thoughts before facing her father, then made for the garden.  The root of her discomfort lay in noticing Lord Ryevale earlier that evening.  When he arrived, the atmosphere had changed tangibly; women became more vivacious and men bristled defensively.  He moved with the self-assurance of a pack leader and, when he passed close by, a wicked smile quirked across his intriguing lips—and Verity didn't usually notice mouths.  But more alarming still were his eyes—nut brown and intense—and when he had glanced in her direction, she felt as if he could read her mind.  Shaken, she wondered if she had inherited her mother's weakness for the opposite sex, a sobering thought that worried her.

            From his wide chest and broad shoulders, to the square jaw and strong cheekbones, Ryevale filled her mind; so when she had received her father's note to fetch his copy of Cicero, she had welcomed the excuse to leave the ball and calm her wits.  That was, until she opened the library door to find the man she was running from in a compromising position with another man's wife.

            After three laps of the garden, her cheeks had cooled and her mind felt more ordered.

            Tonight she would seize the moment; before her father left on business, she would appeal for more freedom.  Her speech planned out, she was ready to face him.

            Verity hurried along the corridor, pausing outside the study door to straighten her hair. This was it: now or never.  She knocked and, at a gruff acknowledgment from the other side, entered.

            Between the gloomy room and being a little nearsighted, it took Verity a moment to assimilate three men were present: her father, the prime minister and a figure in the shadows.

            "Father.  Lord Liverpool."  She squinted, trying to identify their guest.  As Ryevale stepped forward, her pulse hit a crescendo.  Alarm fluttered in her breast, threatening her ability to breathe.  "My lord."  How her voice held steady, she had no idea.

            "Good evening."

            He stood at ease, which irritated her.  Why did her wits scatter like pigeons before a cat when he smiled in that bone-melting way?  Annoyed at herself, she answered his smile with a glare before turning to her father.  "Your book, Father."

            "Ah, Verity.  Thank you."

            Her father took a cursory glance at the spine then set the Cicero aside.

            Verity longed to escape, to be able to breathe and to release the tension swelling in her chest.

            "If that's all, I won't intrude further."  She felt Ryevale's gaze, hot against her skin, and some unnamed sensation coiled and tightened inside.

            "Ah, Verity, let me introduce my guest."

            "We've already met," she replied tartly.

BUY LINKS

Amazon .com http://amzn.to/13CxrN1

Amazon.uk      http://amzn.to/12aEqI6

About the Author

Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace lives near London and is passionate about history, romance and cats! She is housekeeping staff to five cats, two sons, one husband and a bearded dragon (not necessarily listed in order of importance). “Verity’s Lie” is Grace’s fourth novel.

Subscribe to Grace’s quarterly newsletter here:  http://bit.ly/V7T6Jd

Grace’s blog ‘Fall in Love With History’  Blog

Website:http://graceelliot.wix.com/grace-elliot

Grace on Twitter: @Grace_Elliot

Grace’s author page on Amazon: www.amazon.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Elliot/

Hot Seat Welcomes Lindsay Downs

Today we have Lindsay Downs in the hot seat. Welcome to my blog Lindsay I hope you enjoyed answering the questions and they didn't make you squirm too much. 

Let's see what Lindsay has to say and remember there is also an excerpt from her latest book due out with Secret Cravings Publishing on July 30th for you to enjoy following the interview.

About your writing:

How did you get started as a writer?

By reading the same book over and over again. Actually, it wasn’t the same book but different ones and they all sounded the same. That was the impetus I needed to try my hand at writing. Little did I realize exactly how hard it was and is.

Why do you write?

So I don’t go crazy with all the stories I’ve got churning around in my head. By writing I’m able to get them down on paper, well a computer actually.

Have you ever had a day you wanted to quit and never write again?

No but I have had days when I don’t want to write. When I feel like that I give in and take a day off, which is good for the body, mind and soul.

Do you feel lucky to be doing what you are doing?

More than words can say, which is unusual for an author who lives with and for words.

Tell me how you got to where you are today?

Hard work and writing every chance I get. That along with taking workshops either on-line or at conferences.

How do your family/spouses react to your work as an author? Do they know what you write?

I’ve got no idea as I haven’t talked to my family in years. Or I should say, they haven’t talked to me. They know where I live and have never made any attempt to contact me.

About you:

What are you passionate about in life?

Writing the best book I possibly can, time after time.

If you had to give a thank-you speech at the Oscars, who would you thank and what would you say?

“I’d like to thank my parents for instilling in me a great love of books. Next, my publisher for having faith in me and finally Dakota, my border collie, for putting up with me.”

What are the three most important life lessons you’ve learned that might make life easier for others?

Be true to yourself. Love others even if it’s not returned. Never give up on your dreams.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. Whom would it be and why?

I’d love to spend time with Jane Austen and learn first-hand what it was like living during the regency period.

What's the worst thing you did as a kid?

One day, instead of going to school I decided not to and played hooky without even telling my parents. Let me tell you I sure got in trouble for that.

What do you do to have fun?

Watch TV, read and write.

Share a funny incident in your life.

Sorry, I can’t think of any.

Fun Stuff:

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Tommy Lee Jones or Bruce Willis.

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

Non-fattening.

What is your favorite color- food- song- movie?

Color-blue. Food-salad. Song-To many to mention. Movie-Again to many to mention. However, I’m going to watch RED for the third time this month.

What's the funniest pick up line ever used on you?

Never had a girl try to pick me up.

What's the one thing you can't live without?

My daily fix of Starbucks coffee.

And finally:

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it's raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:
                       -An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
                       -An old friend who once saved your life.
                       -The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
You can only fit one person in your car, who would you choose to offer a ride to?

I’d pull over, grab a sheet of paper a pen then rewrite the scene so I could fit all three in the car.

Spy Catcher by Lindsay Downs

While acting as chaperone to Lady Aleece at a house party, little does lady’s maid Debbi realize how her life will change.

Not prepared to fall in love nor see a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her, Debbi’s world begins to turn upside down.

After several attempts on her life, and a run-in with yet another look-alike, she uncovers her true heritage, as the unknown daughter of a countess. Having been raised and trained as a lady's maid, but educated alongside her employer, Debbi begins to wonder in which world she truly belongs.

Only when her new love's life is threatened does Debbie claim her rightful place and do what’s necessary to save him.

Excerpt 

After breaking her fast Debbi slipped into an old, well-worn grey gown she always wore when fishing. With her custom-made flies in their protective container she and Lady Aleece, who was dressed similarly, descended the stairs to the main floor, there to be met by Lord Gerrard and Mr. Thomas.

As she stepped onto the marble flooring Debbi couldn’t help but notice how her partner, Lord Gerrard not to mention Mr. Thomas were dressed.

Instead of the immaculately turned out gentleman of breeding she notice he was in more versatile attire. He’d chosen a dark brown bandana tied loosely around his neck. His shirt, of a fawn color, was open at the collar showing a hint of tan matching the hue of his face. With the morning already warming he’d eschewed a jacket in favor of a multi-pocketed vest. She could only guess they were for the necessary accessories required when fishing. Covering his legs a pair of heavy, dark brown britches and well-worn boots on his feet.

“Why, Lord Gerrard, if I didn’t know better you look like you’re ready for a day of fishing.”

“Why thank you and I must say your gown is interesting, to say the least,” he responded.

“Before my father took to his sick bed he had been nearly fanatical about fishing and I seem to have caught the same enthusiasm.”

“Then let us be off,” he said with a smile, offering his arm.

Once on the terrace they collected their fly rods and creels from the footman and joined Aleece and Mr. Thomas on the lawn awaiting the earl to announce the start of the contest.

Glancing around at the other guests, in search of one in particular, Debbi wondered how the others save for Susan and Jeff would survive the rigors of this activity. When she spied the man, Debbi moved in such a way that Lord Gerrard was between her and Thompson. This way she could scrutinize him without appearing obvious. After a minute of studying him she turned to Aleece.

“Yes, you’re correct. If I didn’t know better we could almost be brother and sister. Not that I’d want to be related to him in any way.”

When queried by not only Lord Gerrard but also Mr. Thomas she promised to explain at the first opportunity when they were in private.

If you'd like to know more about Lindsay then check out the following links:

Author Page at SCP

Facebook

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn

Goodreads

A Jessica Sales Blog

Murders and Mysteries Blog

Author Hot Seat Welcomes Lori King

The author hot seat specials are designed to help readers get to know some of today’s popular and up and coming authors a little better. The questions are broken into four sections - About your writing, about you, fun stuff and finally. Some of the questions are easy, other may need a little more thought and some may cause our author friends to hesitate before answering. Still, they all answer. 

Today we welcome back Lori King, who is obviously a glutton for punishment...lol. Lori has a new book out, Sidney's Triple Shot and I've designed a whole new set of questions since she previously sat in the hot seat. Let's see what Lori has to say this time around. As usual we have information about Sidney's Triple shot following the interview.

About your writing:

How many books have you written during your career so far and which is your favorite?

I have four books written and published so far: Fire of the Wolf, Reflections of The Wolf, Legacy of the Wolf, and this new one Sidney’s Triple Shot. Picking a favorite book, would be like picking a favorite child. Usually my favorite is my most recent work in progress because I’m caught up in the emotion of the story, and I love the getting to know you moments of learning my characters.

Have any of your books received negative reviews and how did you handle the criticism?

I have been lucky to receive very little negative criticism on my writing. When someone takes the time to share their opinion-good or bad-I try to take it as notes instead of critiques. I’m always trying to learn from other peoples input, and every new idea helps me grow as a writer.

Do you believe in writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome it?

Of course I believe in it, but for me it’s usually more of a writer’s hurdle than a block. I will walk away from a story for a few days and let it stew if I have trouble, or divert my attention to another work in progress. If that doesn't help, I’ll take some time to read some of my favorite authors. Usually that gets my muse talking again. J

What is the one genre you would never write and why?

A memoir or autobiography. I just don’t think that everyone needs all of the personal details of my life, so I can’t see myself ever doing that. And actually, I’m really kinda boring nowadays!

Have you ever written a book that you've regretted publishing and why?

No, and I’m not sure that I would. I spend a lot of time making sure my books are ‘right,’ before they even go to the publisher. Everything I’ve published I stand 100% behind.

If a reader said they wanted to write a book, what advice would you give them? 

Do it! Set a goal of 1k words a day, and after 30 days you are well on your way to a manuscript! I love to encourage creativity, and I think that there are masses of untapped creative geniuses in the world that just haven’t found their moment yet. Put the pen to the paper and get cracking!

About you:

Tell us what a typical day in your life is like?

I work during the day in the financial industry, and usually I’m home in the afternoons to work on whatever I need to for my books. I take a couple hours break from work in the evenings for family time with my three kiddos and hubby, and then I write for a couple of hours before bed. Working two careers can be trying, but it’s very fulfilling to have people enjoy my books.

What sort of things put you in a bad mood?

Not being organized! I have mild OCD and I am meticulous about having a routine. When my routine gets jumbled I get crazy!

Do you have a bucket list and what’s one thing you still want to do that you haven’t done?

Actually, publishing a book was one of the things on my bucket list a year ago, and now I've published four! I’m working my way through my list now, last year I checked off losing weight, publishing a book, and getting a tattoo. This year I plan to conquer my fear of flying, learn a new hobby (I’m thinking swing dance), and publish at least four more books. A big thing on my bucket list is traveling to Scotland and Ireland. I've always wanted too, but first I have to get over my fear of flight!

What makes you laugh?

My kids. They keep my life worth living. I can be in the worst mood ever, and my three year old will come running into my office to hug me, just changing my whole consciousness.

Do you like to read and what are you reading at the moment?

Reading is second only to writing. I LOVE to read. I read a novel in about 2 hours though, so for me telling you what I’m reading at the moment wouldn't help you. In just the last three days I've read the first four books of the Southern Vampire Mysteries Series-the books that inspired True Blood.

If you couldn't write anymore, what would you do instead?

Probably wither up and die! There are so many voice to text programs now, that I would hope that even if I lost my arms I would still find a way to write. If it wasn't an option, because I lost my creativity, I would enjoy being an English teacher I think.

Fun Stuff:

If you could go out with one famous person who would it be and why?

Alexander Skarsgard. I’m on a True Blood kick right now, and that man is delicious!

Do you have a habit that drives your partner/friends/family nuts and what is it?

They call it the “time warp.” When I’m working on a book I lose all track of time, and tend to even block out sounds. So they can be standing next to me trying to get my attention and I won’t hear them.

In your opinion, what makes a person attractive?

Confidence.

What is the strangest food you've ever eaten?

Barbecue cows tongue. Tastes just like roast beef, but getting past the fact that I’m eating something’s TONGUE was hard.

Would you rather have a classic 1969 convertible Mustang or have the use of a beach side condo any time you want?

The condo. I’m not much of a car person, but I love a vacation!

And finally:

Would you rather survive an apocalyptic event (yes, even a zombie apocalypse) or die instantly without knowing what happened to your family and friends?

            What a great question! I think I would rather survive the event.  Maybe it’s my writer side, or maybe I’m just nosy, but I wouldn't want to not know what happened to my friends and family. Plus, think of the stories I could write after surviving a zombie apocalypse!

Great answers, Lori and I must say I'd fight you for Alexander Skarsgard he is definitely delicious. So what do you think of Lori's interview and the book excerpts below? Also do you agree Alexander  Skarsgard is a good choice of date or would you pick someone else. Inquiring minds want to know :)

Lori's Links:

http://bookstrand.com/lori-king

www.lorikingbooks.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/LoriKingBooks

Twitter: @LoriKingBooks

Sidney’s Triple Shot

Sidney Rowe has been abused in ways that most people can’t even imagine.  After a horrific miscarriage, she left behind everything she had, to escape her ex-boyfriend.  She finds refuge in the kindness of the three Dawson brothers. They give her a job and a sense of security in the small town of Apache Crossing. 

Xavier, Tyce, and Noah Dawson, have built their bar, Triple Shot, into a profitable enterprise.  The three former Marines, have also built a reputation for integrity in the community, but their sex appeal and charm are legendary. They enjoy their playboy status…that is until a jumpy, skittish Sidney stumbles into their lives needing their help.

Sexual tension explodes when the brothers decide they want to protect and share Sidney, but to have her they have to stop her ex from haunting her. Can they keep her safe, and win her damaged heart?

Excerpt:

“I’m fine. I’m sorry I panicked,” she said, but her voice came out as a squeak. Reality came crashing into her like a tidal wave. She was sitting in Tyce’s lap, surrounded by the only other two men that had ever made her throb with desire, and she had their full attention. Xavier’s hands had just been running all over her body, making her skin tingle. Her anxiety ratcheted up as she tried to come up with a believable explanation for her panic attack. She looked up, and when Xavier’s eyes met hers, she instinctively dropped her gaze away from the intensity in those blue orbs.

“Don’t be scared. It was a pallet of supplies that got dropped when the loader’s hydraulics broke. No one got hurt, thankfully. We just have a bit of a mess in the back room to clean up.” Noah crouched down next to Xavier, taking her hands into his and drawing her attention. “Honey, why did it scare you so much?”

“Umm…I don’t know…I mean, I heard it, and I thought it was a gunshot…” She fidgeted for a moment, but froze when she remembered that she was still in Tyce’s lap. The thickness underneath her told her that he was very physically aware of her wiggling.

“A gunshot? Why would someone be shooting around here, Sidney?” Xavier’s question set panic building in her chest again, and she started to pull away from Tyce’s embrace without answering.

“No, Sidney, you can’t run away from us this time. What is going on? Are you in trouble?” Tyce pulled her back against his chest and pressed her head back down to his shoulder. Her whole body was trembling, and he kissed the top of her head, running his hand up and down her back. For an instant she wondered how it would feel to be held like this through the night. Comforted and cherished like something precious. She quickly discarded the fantasy and tried to refocus on the situation.

“Tyce, please let me go,” she said with a strength that belied the fragile state her emotions were in. When she turned away from him, she found Xavier still kneeling in front of her. He reached out and gently but firmly gripped her chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

“Want to tell us about Robert Wicks?” Xavier said quietly. Sidney felt like her lungs would never expand again. Terror trickled down her spine, followed by sadness that was so overpowering she had to close her eyes against their questioning looks. Like waves each emotion swept over her, leaving her breathless and closer to the edge of an irrationally emotional breakdown. She twisted away from Xavier’s grip on her jaw and jumped up from Tyce’s lap.

“No, actually I don’t. That’s my business, and I don’t need to share it with anyone. I’m going back out to the front to help Kara.” She reached the door before she felt hands on her. Noah’s firm body pressed against her back, and he wrapped his arms tightly around her. One arm was across her chest and the other across her hips, holding her immobile while he pressed a kiss to her ear. It was a beautifully sweet touch that made her ache to share her burdens with him. “Stop, honey. Whatever it is, you can talk to us,” he murmured against her ear, and goose bumps prickled across her arms. She couldn’t tell them about Robert, and she couldn’t let them get any closer to her. It was time to leave.

“Look, I’m sorry if I gave you all the wrong impression, but I don’t want or need your help. What I need is my privacy, and my paycheck. I will finish my shift and leave my uniform in the locker tonight. Clearly I can’t continue working here.” She held herself stiff until she felt Noah reluctantly release her, and then she threw the door open and walked down the hallway. She could feel the tingle of all three men’s eyes on her again until the door shut behind her. Straightening her spine, she fought off tears as she reentered the bar dining room. She wouldn’t cry for a man again. No matter how much she wanted to. 

Author Hot Seat - Tammy Dennings Maggy

The author hot seat specials are designed to help readers get to know some of todays popular and up and coming authors a little better. The questions are broken into four sections - About your writing, about you, fun stuff and finally. Some of the questions are easy, other may need a little more thought and some may cause our author friends to hesitate before answering. Still, they all answer. 

Today I'm excited to have Tammy Dennings Maggy as our guest. She's taken time out from the promotional tour for her latest release and come  to have a rest in the hot seat. Let's she if we can ask her some questions that turn up the heat and make her hot under the collar. 

For those of you who don't know Tammy, here's a little bit about her and her writing career.

As far back as I can remember I have had two dreams: become a veterinarian and a world-famous author. So far I achieved the first one and have enjoyed a wonderful career as a small-animal veterinarian. But something has always been missing. I’ve never stopped writing; that has never been an issue. The problem was getting up the nerve to actually finish one of my novels and submit it to a publisher. What a scary thought to send a stranger something I had poured my heart into. Would they like it? Would they see the characters the way I saw them in my head? Writing For the Love of Quinn was like giving birth to my first child. I had to let my characters go to see if they would take off, and boy have they ever!

Jacob and Quinn’s story is far from over. They’ll pop in from time to time to check in with their friends and family in the next books in the Now and Forever series. They got their happily ever after, and now it’s time for the others to find theirs, too!

Having grown up in Michigan and now living in Northern California, I have had the privilege to experience life in a small town and a big city. Everyone who I've met along the way has influenced my writing in one way or another. Their experiences as well as my own help make up the characters that I hold near and dear to my heart. Helping them find the loves of their lives as well as fulfilling a few fantasies along the way is just frosting on the cake! 

Now let see how Tammy answered the Hot Seat questions :)

About your writing:

How did you get started as a writer?

I've been writing practically all of my life. As far back as I can remember I made up little stories. As I got older, I switched to writing in journals and kept a lot of my writings private. Poetry has always been a part of my writing career and had a few published in school papers, nothing big. Now I can say I've “hit it big” with a book of poetry and two erotic romances published.

Why do you write?

Writing soothes my soul. It’s a great form of therapy and a heck of a lot cheaper than paying a therapist to tell you he wants you to confess all your secrets in an hour or less. Why not do it for free? LOL  Seriously, writing is also my escape from the heartbreak I had gone through in my life.

Have you ever had a day you wanted to quit and never write again?

Yes. Well, not quit writing, but quit trying to publish anything for others to read. There have been days when I've looked at what is selling well on Amazon and I’m just floored. There is so much out there that’s poorly written, poorly edited, and overall just terrible and yet sells like crazy. It’s disheartening at times.

Do you feel lucky to be doing what you are doing?

Most of the time yes. I’m very lucky to have a husband and family who support me in wanting to pursue this writing career. My husband in particular picks up the slack at home when I’m writing. I work full time as a veterinarian and have to find time to write whenever I can. He takes care of the laundry and other household things when I get lost in my world.

Tell me how you got to where you are today?

I’m not sure how to answer this question. I worked hard to achieve the goals I've set for myself. I excelled in school  and in my career as a veterinarian. I never gave up on the dream to have some of my stories and poetry published. I just took longer to take that leap of faith in myself and send something in to a publisher.

How do your family/spouses react to your work as an author? Do they know what you write? 

Everyone knows what I write and that the romances I put out there are explicit. I've shocked a few folks who've only known me as that shy girl from high school. Well, I’m all grown up now and swear like a sailor! LOL  Even my employer and coworkers know what I write and are very supportive. That being said, I don’t flaunt my covers or talk about it all the time at the veterinary hospital. There’s a time and place for everything and they all know where to find me if they want to find out more.

About you:

What are you passionate about in life?

Before I met my current husband, I would have to say I was passionate about finding him. He is my soul mate and has given me my happily ever after. I’m passionate about the health and well-being of my animal patients and educating their owners. I want everyone to be able to find their happily ever after and if I can play a small part in their journey, then I've done my job.

If you had to give a thank-you speech at the Oscars, who would you thank and what would you say?

I would thank my parents for always encouraging me to follow my heart and my dreams wherever that may lead. They encouraged me to keep trying and get over that fear of failure. I would thank my husband for giving me the strength and love to fly on my own and for always being right by my side. 

What are the three most important life lessons you've learned that might make life easier for others?

Don’t be afraid to love with your whole heart even if it means it will break in the end.

Don’t live beyond your means. Just because you have it, doesn't mean it will make you happy.

Everyone has a soul mate. One day you will be reunited with the one who completes you heart and soul. When that happens, it’s truly magical.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. Whom would it be and why?

You did say fictional so I would have to say Steve Eischer. He’s the billionaire Vegas tycoon in my Now and Forever series. He enjoys helping others realize their dreams and he has the money to do it. In one week, I could help a hell of a lot of people get a leg up and started on their way to fulfilling their fantasies.

What's the worst thing you did as a kid?

I shoplifted a balloon. My mother made me go back to the store. I had to tell the manager what I had done and give the balloon back. I was never so mortified, but I never did it again.

What do you do to have fun?

We have a large DVD collection so we have movie nights at home or we go out sometimes. I love Vegas so whenever we get some vacation time, I like to spend a couple days there. We’re going for my birthday in a few weeks  and I can’t wait!

Share a funny incident in your life.

Thinking back, the funniest things that have happened to me usually end up with me getting a black eye. LOL  My little brother was tossing around some decorative wooden fruit in our family room. I was sitting on the floor next to the coffee table when one of the pieces of fruit bounced off the table and right into my eye. It hurt like the dickens! I started crying and screaming. My mother came running down the stairs with her broom in hand. She sees me holding my face and crying  and my brother hollering “it’s an accident!” So she thinks the worst and starts chasing him with the broom!  Finally I catch my breath and yell “Mom! It was an accident!”  LOL  I had one hell of a shiner for two weeks.

Fun Stuff:

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

I’m not sure. I have so many favorites. It would have to be someone who can play a smartass really well. :)

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

Ice cream…so many flavors to choose from so I would be loved by practically everyone!

What is your favorite color- food- song- movie?

Color: purple

Food: McDonald’s French Fries

Song: of all time it would have to be “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers

Current song: “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson

Movie: hands down “The Godfather.” There is no movie that’s any better!

What's the funniest pick up line ever used on you?

“Excuse me. You wouldn't happen to know CPR would you? My heart seems to have stopped the moment you walked into the room.”  Bwahahaha!

What's the one thing you can't live without?

That’s a tough one. It depends on the day. Right now, I can’t live without my hot cup of tea in the morning. LOL

And finally:

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it's raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:
                       -An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
                       -An old friend who once saved your life.
                       -The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
You can only fit one person in your car, who would you choose to offer a ride to?

I would go for the old friend because I know that person and they know me. In this day and age you never know who is a danger to you. That sweet old lady could be a serial killer just waiting for a sap like me to come along and give her a ride. I've fallen for that “perfect partner” business before. It’s going to take more than dreaming about him for me to pick up a stranger.

Thanks Tammy, I love those answers. 

Now for everyone who want to read a bit of Tammy's new release, the Island, check out the excerpt and blurb below. Beware though, this book is steaming hot, just like an Aussie summer.

The Island (Now and Forever 2) by Tammy Dennings Maggy 

After losing her brother in a fatal motorcycle accident, Quinn’s life spins out of control. Shutting herself off from friends and family in Michigan, she buries herself in her work, wishing for the pain to end. In her dreams she’s finally able to find the peace her heart craves on The Island.

Driven to recklessness over a heartbreaking betrayal, Jacob races his motorcycle on a rain slick California freeway. Near death in the hospital, he’s given a choice. Stay on The Island or go back for a second chance at love.

Destined to be together, but repeatedly torn apart, these two lost and melancholy people draw the attention of the Goddess Fate. As Quinn and Jacob’s lives hang in limbo, the soul mates are given a very special gift from the Gods, and the chance to finally have their love of a lifetime.

The Island - Adult Excerpt (EXPLICIT! Adults only!)

His eyes found hers once again and she began to fall. She didn’t care. Thoughts of going back or staying there on The Island disappeared. All she wanted to think about, to feel, and taste was Jacob. Quinn pulled his mouth back to hers. The sweet taste of the berries, mango, and papaya dazzled her taste buds as their tongues teased and danced with each other, fighting for control one moment and surrendering to each other the next.

Jacob finally freed her tits from the laces of her bodice. Watching him tug at the strings with his teeth made her heart beat faster and she giggled before she could stop. He winked and kept up the slow pace. Quinn giggled even more. “I stand by my first assessment. You’re a tease, Jake.”

“Baby doll, you haven’t seen anything yet.” He pushed her dress down to her waist and simply stared. “I’m not the only tease here.”

“What are you talking about?” Quinn slid her fingertips up and down his arms. His muscles twitched and pulsed at her touch. She wanted those arms wrapped around her and to never let go.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. You don’t flaunt it, but every move and noise you make turns me on. I wanted to take this slow, but I can’t.”

“Stop thinking so much and kiss me.” She pushed herself up to meet his mouth once again as they moved on the bed so she was now on top of him. Jacob’s hands slid up her thighs, leaving hot trails with his fingertips. Her body quaked and her pussy clenched as a rush of fluid soaked her panties completely.

Jacob hooked his thumbs in the band of her underwear, snapped them off, and tossed them onto the floor. His hands slid up her body, pulling the dress up and over her head in a flash. He sat up, holding her in his lap, nuzzling first one breast and then the other with his stubbly chin and cheeks. The roughness of his skin against her rock-hard nipples sent her rolling toward another orgasm. She clung to him as he suckled harder on her right nipple while kneading her left breast with his hand. Quinn arched her back and bit her lip before crying out. “Jake, please don’t—”

He pulled back quickly, moving his hands to cradle her face. Concern filled his eyes. “Did I hurt you?”

Her eyes glistened with tears. “No. Please don’t stop.”

* * * *

The catch in her voice nearly broke his heart. The raw passion was there. Her body given freely to him, and yet she still questioned his desire for her. He knew that pain all too well. Here with Quinn though, it all faded away. She did that for him and he wanted so badly to do the same for her. He wiped away the tears that spilled onto her flushed face. He kissed her softly and held her close. “I want you, now and for however long we can be together. I need to be with you. I won’t stop as long as you want the same.”

Quinn slid off his lap and knelt up on the bed, pulling him up with her. She held his gaze as her fingers unfastened his shorts and then slid them down over his hips. Jacob quickly took off his tank top before crushing Quinn’s chest against his. She smiled and his heart beat quickened. “I need you, too. Make love with me, Jake.”

He slid out of his shorts as Quinn eased back onto the pillows. Jacob took in her entire sun-kissed body, naked before him. God, she’s so beautiful. Quinn welcomed him into her arms as he joined her on the pillows, his mouth finding her left nipple this time as his right hand trailed down her stomach.

She arched her back and moaned as soon as his fingers found her throbbing clit. Another wave of fluid gushed out of her and over his fingers. Jacob brought them up to his mouth to taste her. “Mmmm. You taste fucking fantastic. Your sister was right. Wanna try?”

Quinn giggled and licked his fingers clean. That move sent his body over the edge. His cock was bouncing with his need for her, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by his lover. She reached inside the nightstand for the box of condoms, spilling several over the bed. Jacob smiled as he placed one in her open palm. Quinn slid her hands down his abs to his pulsing member. She wrapped her fingers around his shaft and squeezed a little, eliciting a gasp from him. Carefully she tore open the wrapper with her teeth and quickly covered his cock with the ribbed latex sheath. He thrust his hips forward, causing her hand to slide up and down his shaft. “Oh, now who’s teasing?” Jacob moaned.

He eased Quinn all the way back onto the pillows, and slid down her body toward his prize. He wanted more than just a taste. He wanted to feast on her cunt until she begged for him to take her. He positioned himself between her thighs and looked up to see her watching him, her chest rising and falling rapidly. He winked before popping her clit into his mouth and sucking hard. Quinn nearly bucked him off but he held her hips in place, enjoying her squirming and sighs. It wasn’t long at all before he was rewarded once again with her sweet nectar.

He teased her a bit more with his tongue and then slipped one, two and then three fingers inside of her hot folds. Her pussy clenched repeatedly over his fingers and her body convulsed over and over again. Quinn’s skin flushed from her tits to her toes, because of him, because of what he was doing to her. He wanted more, so much more. He couldn’t wait any longer. He wanted to bury his cock deep inside her, go over the edge, and never come back.

To find out more about Tammy and how to purchase all her books please visit the following links:

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Seducing a Cougar

It's release day. Seducing a Cougar is now available for sale through Secret Cravings Publishing with other ebook sellers like Amazon and B&N to follow soon.

Apart from when my first book, Finding Angel, came out this is the most satisfying book release to date. As some of you know my SO recently passed away. I had just starting writing this book, the final in the Sydney Cougar Series when Shane was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Everything went on hold. Throughout his illness and ultimate death I had no idea how I was going to get this finished and to the publisher on time. I also had Playing Jax and Healing a Cougar's Heart going through edit and proofing at the time, both of those books were released on time, one just before and the other just after Shane's passing. The success of having two more books come onto the market was bittersweet and I didn't have the physical or emotional strength to do much of anything on the promotion and publicity trail.

Seducing a Cougar is different for many reason. It's the first book written without Shane bringing me an endless stream of cups of tea and coffee. It's the first book I've written when really all I wanted to do was hide in bed and stay away from the world. It's also the only book in the Sydney Cougar series that's dedicated to BDSM. Yes the other three have had kinky moments in them, but this is the story of a sub reconecting with her BDSM roots after many years of denying her true sexual needs and desires. I think a lot of readers will relate to the book, whether they read BDSM novels or not. My heroine, Susan, walked away from what she knew was right for her in her twenties and, after trying to be what she though other people wanted her to be, she makes the decision to follow her heart and be the woman and submisive she always wanted to be.

Starting again isn't an easy thing for anyone to do, I can atest to that. Seducing a Cougar gives me hope that change doesn't have to be scary or life destroying. Change can lead you to a new life that is beyond your wildest dreams. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens for me, because my dreams can be pretty wild...lol.

I hope you all enjoy reading Seducing a Cougar.

Purchase Seducing a Cougar