Taylor Tryst

Dental Phobia

2012-01-25T06:52:00.001-06:00

I was about thirteen or so and had my wisdom teeth extracted by my dentist's son, who was fresh out of dental school. I started to feel the pain about half way through the procedure and told him, but he told me to hang on. He continued to extract my teeth without re-numbing my gums.

I didn't even go back to have the stitches removed.

The remainder of my life I've been a dental phobe.

Today, I have to have a root canal. Because I wait until I absolutely can't stand it anymore, I do more damage than good.

I have a new, female dentist and this'll be the first procedure she's done for me. I'm hoping it'll go smoothly, but I've been awake since about 3:30 a.m. with anxiety.

I'll let you all know if I survive.

My dearest friend, Barbara, I'm willing you my camera and long lens. So if I don't make it...

Talk to you all soon, I hope. lol

:}
Taylor

UK Paid Sales #61

2012-01-24T11:09:00.002-06:00

I had a shock last night before bed. Not only did I receive a fabulous review for Seduced by Blood from Forbidden Bookshelf, but I happened to peek in on my sales on KDP to find hat I'd had a good lil' run on the Amazon UK website.

I checked my ranking and was blown away to find that I was slotted at #61 on the Bestseller in Erotic Fiction.

Hey, for a minute, anyway.lol

So, can I now say I'm a UK Bestseller?

I'm going to stop now because I don't want to sound as though I'm bragging, so I'll quit shouting out my good news. lol

Have a great day,
Taylor

Review from The Forbidden Bookshelf

2012-01-23T18:43:00.003-06:00

I try not to sqee. I hate that word. For the first time, however, I know what it means. I happened to stumble across this fabulous review for Seduced by Blood, and I just had to share.

Gabrielle, this is the most fabulous review I have ever received. I'm so glad you enjoyed this book. I'm working on Braden's story now and I really needed a kick in the ass.

Read the review on The Forbidden Bookshelf

:}

Taylor

Friday Facts: (#FridayFacts)

2012-01-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

Breaking Free

and

Taking My Career Back

It's Friday, so I'm posting Friday Facts or #FridayFacts on Twitter.

Thanks to a fellow author bringing this up, the rights to the only story I'd written for Resplendence Publishing have been reverted to me. It was a privilege to contribute to this anthology, and I was lucky enough to work with several powerhouse authors who I respect greatly.

I have nothing but praise for Resplendence Publishing, but the circumstances of my life and health have made me realize that to be successful in this business, I'm better off being an indie author and publishing my work on Amazon KDP.

I'm thrilled to announce that after thirty days, with new cover art and revisions, I will be re-releasing, G Spot, which was originally written as a contribution to the Carnal Reunions anthology. This will be a stand alone, single title.
I've also requested that the rights be reverted to the two other books I've had published with Ellora's Cave. I'm awaiting a decision on those, but this makes me feel so incredibly empowered! My career with be entirely in my hands, the choices for covers mine to make. Receiving a higher percent of royalties makes one grow a huge pair of balls, I tell you.

Chaos by Barbara Huffert has been released. This is the second book in her Cosmic Connections series. If you love snappy dialog and witty characters, you'll love Chaos!

Buy Now

Weekend Plans? Staying warm. We've had severe subzero temperatures in Minnesota and I'm already pining away for spring. I may get some painting done but weather like this nearly makes one a shut in! lol Time for a fire, hot cocoa, to bake cookies with my nephew and snuggle up to write, read, or watch movies.

What're your weekend plans? What have you been up to this week? Feel free to share. And if you have a Twitter account just place the hashtag mark (#) in your Tweet with the words FridayFacts (#FridayFacts) and you two can share in updating your Twitter fans with either a fact or facts from your life, writing or otherwise!

Have a great weekend, everyone. Stay warm.

Taylor

Chaos by Barbara Huffert Out in Print Friday

2012-01-19T12:54:00.000-06:00

Cosmic Connections, Book Two.

When Shane McKade wakes up trapped in a bed, handcuffed to Alyssa Campini, he figures things could be worse. She aggravates him to no end but sex with the sassy photographer is smokin’.

Alyssa met McKade while photographing street gangs, and the hot cop has been a thorn in her side ever since. His only redeeming feature is an ability to deliver twenty-four orgasms in twenty-four hours—if he can stop arguing with her long enough, that is.

Then Shane is shot protecting one of Alyssa’s gang kids. When both find their lives in danger, perhaps it’s time to stop fighting and start evaluating what they mean to each other…before it’s too late.

My dear friend and fellow erotic author, Barbara Huffert has a release coming out in print tomorrow and I had to share. Barbara is a wonderful writer. Her prose is magical and dialog snappy.

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

<><>

An Excerpt From: CHAOS

Chapter One

The clanking of metal against metal shattered the early morning silence. Shane McKade felt the stiffness in his shoulder and the pressure on his wrist as he tried, unsuccessfully, to lower his arm.

McKade, pull my arm off?”

Shane’s brown eyes locked with luminescent green. He muttered his own set of obscenities. “Campini? What the hell are you doing here?”

“I was sleeping until you so rudely woke me.”

“This isn’t happening. I must be dreaming. Yeah, that’s it. I’m dreaming.”

“Why?” Alyssa Campini glared at him. “Is finding me in your bed so repulsive? That’s not what you implied last night.”

“Yes. No. Damn! I don’t fucking believe this.” Shane managed to sit up, relieving some of the tension on his shoulder.

Alyssa squirmed upward to face him. “What, exactly don’t you believe? The fact that we ended up here at all or the fact that I didn’t slink off during the night, as I assume, from your reaction, your other partners do? In case you haven’t noticed, that was impossible but if me being here annoys you so much uncuff me and I’ll go.”

“Uncuff you?” he said with disbelief.

“What?” she demanded, scowling.

“Me. Uncuff you. As in, you didn’t grab the key last night with the cuffs.”

His words sank in. “Where is it?”

“Over there, on the dresser, with my badge and cell phone.” He pointed to the other side of the room. “And, for reasons I’ll never understand, you weren’t happy to hook us to just the bed. No, that we could have managed. You just had to be thorough and loop the cuffs around the pipe too.”

“Why is that pipe there anyway?”

“It’s an old building, who knows?”

“Well? What are you going to do?”

“What am I going to do?”

“Yes, you. You’re the cop. Do something!”

“I’m the cop?”

“You know, McKade, this habit you’ve developed of repeating everything I say is getting old. It’s not helping. Can’t you pick the lock somehow?”

“I could if I had a paperclip maybe. We’re in bed, Campini.”

“I know where we are. Don’t you have something in your nightstand you can use?”

“I doubt it but shift your arm this way as far as you can and I’ll look.”

Alyssa pushed her hand behind the pipe in order to give him as much leverage as she could. “Nothing.”

“Where’s your gun? I thought all cops slept with their guns under their pillows.”

“You watch too much TV. My gun is locked in my gun safe where it belongs. What good would it do us anyway?”

“You could shoot off the link between the cuffs.” Shane stared in disbelief. “Come on, McKade. Do something! You’re the cop.”

“You keep saying that like its significant. Yes, Campini, I am a cop. That doesn’t make me Houdini. You’re a photographer. Why don’t you come up with something?”

“Argh,” she growled in frustration. “This is all your fault!”

“My fault! You’re the one who snapped on the cuffs.”

“Well, you sure as hell didn’t stop me! In fact, you didn’t seem to think any of this was such a bad idea last night.”

“Yeah, well, it was different last night.”

“Why?” she demanded hotly.

“I don’t know. Maybe it was the romantic feel of the entire day or the moonlight on the patio while we were dancing or that you looked so soft and feminine in that dress.”

“Oh so that’s why you started kissing me.”

“No, I kissed you to stop you from biting my head off every other minute.”

“What’s your excuse for bringing me here?”

“Lust? Why did you come with me?”

“Your kisses had me hot. I wanted you. When I want someone and he’s willing and unattached, I see no need to be shy.”

“You, shy.” He snorted. “Now that’s a laugh.

Buy Chaos Now

Seduced by Blood, A Sangre Novel is Free on Amazon

2012-01-16T08:55:00.000-06:00

I'm off to the dentist today. And the worst part is, I'm a dental phobe. Hate the dentist after several bad experiences. I mean, "take an anxiety pill" fear.

Seduced by Blood is free today on Amazon Kindle.

I'll update later on my dental experience.

Have a great day,
Taylor

A Winter Walk

2012-01-14T19:09:00.001-06:00

Towering Pines

Fluff

Snow-capped Mushrooms

Our Trail

Friday Facts: (#fridayfacts) Wind Chill

2012-01-13T08:11:00.000-06:00

This is my baby, Brynn in her Christmas coat.

Join me to share Friday Facts or #fridayfacts on Twitter. I'd love to know how your week was, writing related or otherwise!

Wind chill

It's been a cold week in Minnesota. Below zero temperatures and very small amounts of snow. A lot of slick roads. Yesterday I ran out to pick my nephew up from school and the doors on my van were frozen closed. Thank goodness the driver's door opened. My mom had to climb in through the back. It took about twenty minutes for the interior to defrost enough to open the doors. Oh, such a cold place, Minnesota. I knew winter would show up eventually.

News on the writing front:

Amazon has released some numbers on the lending library on their KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) program. The pool was $500,000 dollars and author's have earned $1.70 per lend. I personally haven't had any huge lending numbers but there are quite a few authors who are raking it in at the moment. J. Konrath, Amanda Hocking, as well as too many other authors to name. And by the way, sales for most everyone are skyrocketing. Exciting stuff!

Painting

Okay, not a color but I'm painting the interior of our place. Just a crisp white. Our house is pretty small and not only is the white clean but it makes everything seem bigger. Let's face it. Size matters.

What have you been up to this week? Any fabulous weekend plans?

Have a good one and be safe out there,
Taylor

Male Fans :}

2012-01-11T07:28:00.002-06:00

It's official. I received my first fan letter from a male reader for my vampire book, Seduced by Blood!

I'm sorry, but I think it rocks. I've been lucky enough to get fan mail from plenty of women who've read and enjoyed my work enough to take the time in their busy lives to tell me, and as an author, that is one of the most exhilarating feelings you can experience.

Someone else, someone you don't know, some random stranger, enjoyed your work. Wow. It's humbling, it's motivating, it's and like a dose of Red Bull. Whatever project you're working on gets a boost.

Knowing that there's a male reader out there who 'got' it. Wow, that's a shot of Red Bull & Mountain Dew!

Plus, how cute is that?

So, male readers, let your favorite author know you enjoyed her story. It's a rush.
And please, keep reading!

Have a great day,
Taylor

Thinking Positive, one of my New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-10T08:07:00.001-06:00

Luck.

You either believe in it or you don't.

If you have bad luck, hell, it's easy to believe because you live it everyday.

My sister and I had a running joke. We'd always say that our family, (The Madeup) (Respecting their privacy here...) have always had bad luck, and that maybe one of our ancestor did something horribly wrong in the past and was cursed.

Was there a Madeup who helped crucify Jesus upon the cross? Or maybe burned the wrong witch back in the Salem Witch Hunts? Had a Madeup done something so terrible that not only was he cursed but his children, their children, and so on.

I say this in jest, mostly, but my sister and I had joked about it for years.

If we could fall and break something, we would.
If we could have problems with our automobiles that would cost thousands of dollars, it would happen.

If I could get lost, it'd happen. I always leave the house early for my standard half hour of "Getting lost time." It's happened so much in my life that I now allot the extra time in my schedule, which seems to have helped with my nack for getting everywhere late!

If I have a 50/50 chance to make a correct decision, it's more than likely going to be wrong.

Murphy's Law, applies to the Madeups. In spades.

I've been a klutz all my life. Dropping, breaking, tripping, etc. Falling off horses, breaking my leg and crushing my vertebra during another horseback riding accident. I've been knocked nearly unconscious by a ceiling fan, had my shirt burned by fire while I was cooking (Reaching for the spices in the cabinet above the stove while wearing a half shirt. Hey it was the eighties.) I've had my truck stolen, I've had multiple surgeries and couldn't have anymore children after my beautiful son, who by the way seems to have enough of his father in him that he's not quite so susseptable to the curse o the Madeups.

2012 is the year, however, where I try to end this! I'm taking a stand against Murphy and bad luck and turning it around. It's all about positive thinking, right?

I woke up yesterday with broken glasses. Now, I can't see without them. Close up, reading a book, watching TV (If I'm on top of it) no problem. Driving, not so much. Looking at the computer screen so I can write my next few books, absolutely not.

So, I headed out, to a town a few hours away, where I had an eye exam, which I needed because hey, I'm almost forty-two and my eyes are changing. I bought contacts, and the young lady in the office was even able to manage a temporary fix on my broken frame so I'd have my old glasses until my new, lighter weight frames aarive in a few weeks.

My sister died last year and it's been the roughest year of my life. Even a divorce after fourteen years of marriage, which was life altering and devastatingly painful, wasn't as life altering as actually having a sibling die too young and leave a child behind.

My sister gambled with her life because she became addicted to her pain medication. She was a decorated veteran of the United States Navy, had an incredilby high IQ, and naturally talented at anything she picked up. Needlepoint, sewing, quilting, designing incredibly gorgeous curtains from magazine design pictures, artwork, woodwork, etc. If she put her mind to it, she conquered.

But, her luck, it finally ran out.

The lesson in all of this? It isn't doom and gloom. Quite the opposite, in fact.

I'll be forty-two years old in February, and I'm taking luck into my own hands. I'm embracing it the way I have always embraced chocolate and Dr. Pepper. Hey, I'm on a diet now, but that's not the point. I love chocolate and Dr. Pepper, please don't get me started.
Do they have Dr. Pepper AA?

Like luck, I'm turning it all around.
I'll control what I take into my body...Dr. Pepper and chocolate, people, what'd you think I meant? lol

I woke up with broken glasses and instead of pondering it or wallowing in self pity, I went out and fixed the problem.

If felt pretty good.

Maybe I can't change fate or alter my luck, but what I do with it, that's my choice.

2012 will be my best year in publishing. I can feel it.

What about you? How's your luck? Do you believe in luck or just believe in fate?

Things to ponder in 2012.

Have a great day,
Taylor

trying.

Seduced by Blood Free on Amazon.com

2012-01-07T07:15:00.002-06:00

She's cop

He's a vamp

and Destiny is a bitch

"This is a fast-paced, intense, spicy hot vampire novel."
Seduced by Blood
N.J. Walters, multi-published erotic romance author.

“After reading the first book, I hope there are many more! ! I really enjoyed the writing. I’ll definitely be back for more! Great first book of the series!”
Seduced by Blood
4.25 Stars
Night Owl Romance
Excerpt:Nevada Ortiz was an up and coming Los Angeles Police Officer until a chance encounter with a would-be carjacker changes the course of her life. The six and a half foot assailant is dripping with weapons, his preternatural blue eyes drilling into hers, his bite changing everything. Her body’s reaction to his blood, a
seduction within itself, goes hand and hand with raw, animalistic sex.
Nothing is as it seems and everything is in peril, including her life.

Gunner Slade is a vampire with secrets of his own, a soldier who can walk in the sun, a dose of Sangre allowing he and a team of vampires to blend in among the humans, until he puts everything on the line for a woman he can no longer exist without.

Nevada is the first human in existence to have an immunity to a vampire bite, and she requires the blood of two vampires to sustain her.

Not in his nature to share, Gunner Slade might be immortal, but he’s living in hell just the same.

Seduceded by Blood is free today on Amazon Kindle!

Free on Amazon.com

Thanks for stopping by,
Taylor

Friday Facts: News and Updates

2012-01-06T08:17:00.003-06:00

Willie the Walleye

Minnesota

2012

I've decided to start a new tradition with the new year. I'm going to do a weekly update on Friday's from here on out. This'll be Friday Facts and #fridayfacts on Twitter.

I'm hoping to have good writing news, though that won't happen every week but my new year's resolution is to have my best publishing year yet.

My goals:

Write/Finish second book in the Sangre Series, which is tentatively titled Betrayed by Blood.
Write a second paranormal series involving an author who is horrified by a unique psychic talent.
Rewrite three books that need serious revision and publish all of these on Amazon Kindle.

I'm having an incredilbe experience with my first attempt at being an indie author and I'm sticking with it.

What are you're goals this year?

In other news, I'm having another free day on Amazon.com for the Kindle tomorrow for my vampire erotica, Seduced by Blood.

Check back tomorrow and I'll have the links posted.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Taylor

Caesar in the Drawer

2012-01-05T14:58:00.002-06:00

See Caesar. She's my nephew's kitty.

Yep, she's in my dresser drawer. She scared the holy crap out of me when I went to close it. She was camped out, too. Wasn't budging. I finally had to threaten to close her in the dresser before she would scoot.

Cute. Too cute!

Surprise Sales

2012-01-02T08:07:00.000-06:00

Where to start?

There are so many aspects to indie publishing and honestly it's a bit overwhelming, but I just had to share some awesome facts.

Number one is a screen shot from Christmas day. I decided to take advantage of one of the five days in which Seduced by Blood could be offered as a free download as a part of the Kindle Direct Publishing promotion.

This is my first indie pubbed book and I've never offered a free book before, so I honestly had no idea what to expect, but to be honest I was shocked by the results.

Seduced by Blood dropped down to #38 in the top 100 Free downloads on Amazon.

That was enough to make me giddy as hell.

I also sold a whopping 586 books that week, which blew me away.

So, giving my book away for free for 24 hours and taking advantage of the promo certainly made a difference in sales.

I read Joe Konrath's blog this morning and saw that he'd done the same, only he'd sold 7000 books and made over $14,000 in 36 hours. He and Blake Crouch both participated in the promo opportunity, Joe giving away 23 titles. Can't wait to hear the results of that!

So, if you're on the fence about indie publishing, here's just a little data for you to toss around. It's both exciting and terrifying, but I think the decision to step out there can't be made lightly. I certainly appreciated all the data from author's who've waded into the pool ahead of me.

Have a great day,
Taylor

Happy New Year and a Review

2011-12-29T07:04:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy new year. Hopefully this will be a fabulous one for many who've had a rough go recently or within the last year. It's kind of nice, thinking we get a fresh start every year!

Tessie Bradford was kind enough to leave a few very kind words about my vamp book, Seduced by Blood. Tessie, you rock.

Review by Tessie Bradford on Seven Sexy Scribes

Happy New Year, everyone. I'm wishing you many blessings, no matter what you believe.

And hey, if this is the last one, and I'm not saying I believe in the whole Mayan thing, but I'm not taking any chances either, make it be the best! lol

Taylor

Free on Amazon Kindle, Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst

2011-12-25T04:33:00.003-06:00

Today is my first free promotion on Amazon Kindle for the first book in my vampire series, Seduced by Blood, A Sangre Novel.

For better or worse, Seduced by Blood is being offered in the new Kindle Lending Library and as a promotional tool for that, I'm offering Seduced by Blood as a free gift for Christmas!

So, whether you have had your Kindle for a while now or just opened a shiny new toy, Seduced by Blood is available as a free download. My Christmas gift to readers of erotic paranormal romance!

Get your Free Copy Now

Happy Holidays, everyone.

Taylor

Excerpt: Seduced by Blood, on sale at Amazon Kindle for .99 cents

2011-12-17T11:41:00.003-06:00

Seduced by Blood, on sale on Amazon Kindle this weekend for .99 cents. Seduced by Blood is also available in Amazon's new lending library for Amazon Prime members.

Excerpt:

"Shaw, open up." Gunner jabbed the intercom button on the security panel half a dozen times. "Open up or I’ll rip this damn thing off the hinges." He reached up to punch the button but hesitated when the cylindrical lock cycled and the door opened.

"I’d like to see you try," Commander Braden Shaw said, stepping into the hallway, his tone relaxed and jovial. "I was assured that would be impossible, my friend."

Braden was tall and lean, rangy, his arms muscular, though not bulky like Gunner’s. He had the body of a runner, a martial artist or a professional athlete. Where Gunner was dark haired and blue eyed, Braden was the golden boy with flaxen hair and thick arched brows, his complexion fair, as most of his Irish brethren.

His eyes changed from hazel to emerald depending upon his mood, and were currently a friendly olive with brown undertones, which was about to change. He stepped into the hallway to catch his first glimpse of Gunner’s face, his eyes going wide when he saw the gravity of his expression.

"She’s…dying." Gunner motioned in the direction of Braden’s quarters and stepped past him. "I can’t make it stop."

"Slow down, man." Braden was right behind him, keeping pace, their movement nothing but flashes of ephemeral, light. "What are you talking about, Shaw?"

"I don’t understand what’s happening—" Gunner shook his head, frustration adding a cold, deadly edge to his voice.

He laid her on Braden’s king-sized bed, and she curled into a tight ball, suffering with every ragged breath.

"She’s not transfiguring." He wasn’t good at this, wasn’t good at asking for anything, especially not help, not from anyone and definitely not for personal reasons.

Gunner could do his job, cut and dry. He was a hard-assed warrior, a soldier. It bled from his lineage of French and Sioux Indian. Fighting had never been his problem. It was second nature.

Asking for help, that was fucking difficult.

"What the hell?" Braden lifted a brow in concern, leaning in and catching a whiff of air, inhaling deeply. "Blood?" His fangs erupted from his gums as he honed in on the scent, his eyes bursting into dazzling fragments of color, shining like multifaceted emeralds in the light, brightening to an almost painful vibrant green.

"She was shot." Gunner leaned down, taking her hand, which was cold and clammy, and bringing it to his lips, praying she’d awaken though prayer was something he hadn’t done in a century. "It was femoral—I had no choice…but she’s not transfiguring."

"Impossible," Braden scoffed. He swiped a hand over the cleft of his clean-shaven jaw, shaking his head in disbelief.

"She’s not changing," Gunner said with a growl, his frustration growing. There was an edge of panic to his voice, and anxiety in the stiffness of his shoulders, the rigidness of his body and he hated himself for it.

He’d never been weak, was rock solid, and he could feel all of that crumbling because of Nevada, because he’d chosen to bite her.

He was a fucking fool.

Braden’s hunger was obvious as he drifted toward her, stepping closer, reaching out and preparing to touch her, his lips parted, fangs cumbersome and growing in his mouth.

"You’ve bitten her?" Braden clarified as he reached out and checked her pupils, his hand stilling against her brow. He leaned close, hovering.

"Of course," Gunner hissed. He paced across the room, desperate to save her, trying to stop himself from tearing the shelves from the walls.

He didn’t do this shit. Helplessness didn’t get him off.

He’d do anything to keep her from dying…though he still had no idea how that was even possible at this point.

"You exchanged fluids?" Braden checked her gums, looking for any signs of transfiguration and finding none. Her nails were short and trimmed, her eyes a normal, human shade of brown, though they were beautiful, they weren’t lit with mystical luminosity. "There’s no marked change in her incisors, no signs of transfiguration."

"Of course we exchanged fluids," Gunner hissed, forgetting himself for a moment and letting his temper get the best of him. "We shared blood."

"That’s…just…impossible." Braden shook his head, scrubbing a hand through his hair, leaving it mussed. "If she drank your blood she should be well into the change."

Gunner cursed. He’d have said Braden trusted him explicitly.

Until now.

"You’ve never turned anyone before," Braden said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Why now? Why her?" He stepped away from the bed, his hands on his hips, turning to face Gunner.

"She was going to die."

"So you killed her anyway," Braden snorted.

"She was shot and she’d…already tasted my blood," Gunner admitted.

"You’ll explain that to me later." Braden grimaced. It was a command, not a question.

"That’s a game changer," he sighed, letting out the breath he seemed to be holding.

"Exactly." Gunner stalked back to her side, the only sound in the room the squeak of his soles on the tile floor and Nevada’s labored breathing.

"This is virtually unheard of, you know that, right?"

Gods, that was terrifying. In the century of fighting at Braden’s side, Gunner hadn’t known him to hesitate with anything, hadn’t known him to be in doubt, and if Braden hadn’t seen it, it didn’t exist.

His commander pressed the back of his hand to Nevada’s face, feeling her body temperature against his skin and growling. "She burning with fever."

"She was like ice," Gunner told him, kneeling at her side, grateful that at least her body temperature had risen, even if it meant a fever.

It killed him, standing by and doing nothing while Braden touched her face and leaned in close. His heart shredded, jealousy ripping through him like a jagged blade. It was the scourge of his kind, though it had never been an emotion he had experienced.

Until now. Until Nevada.

Gunner spun around, desperate to control the violence blowing through him like a hurricane.

This wasn’t the time to go all vampy and possessive.

That could come later.

"You’re timing is brilliant. We’re on standby for a mission," Braden said.

"Fuck the mission." Gunner reached out and stroked her hair, pushing a strand back from her face. "Help her or I won’t go on another mission. Period. I’m done."

Braden’s fist slammed into him. He lifted Gunner off his knees and pinned him to the wall before he’d even seen him move. His commander wasn’t as large as Gunner, but he was a thousand years older and more powerful, making him nearly invincible.

"You forget your place, lieutenant." Braden’s eyes were a livid green, his jaw clenched and his lips pulled back into a snarl over extended fangs.

"Help her," Gunner said after a moment, his voice cracking. He made sure his tone was unchallenging, though he wouldn’t back off. Not about this, not about her. He knew he was out of line.

That he was risking his life by pushing Braden, the very man who’d handed him eternity, allowing him to seek revenge upon the man responsible for murdering his niece.

He respected Braden on every level, but the way he felt about Nevada…it was the game changer. He hadn’t seen it coming, hadn’t expected it, but he had to deal with it and he certainly wasn’t ready to stand by and watch her die.

They’d lost enough time.

"She’s in pain," Gunner said after a moment’s hesitation. "She’s suffering. I can feel it every time I touch her."

"You aren’t going to like this," Braden said with a low curse. He released Gunner, and stepped back, holding his gaze, his brow creased. "Gods…I can’t guarantee that it’ll even work."

"I don’t care what the hell you have to do," Gunner snarled, staring down at Nevada’s face and willing her eyes open. He reached out and touched her cheek, smoothing his fingers over her skin. "Just. Do it."

"Very well." Braden made a show of unbuttoning his black Hugo Boss and laying it upon the leather chair beside the bed. He waited for Gunner to step back, and reached out and turned her head to the side.

"And if this doesn’t work?" Gunner asked. "What then?"

"She could die," Braden said with a shake of his head. "Or perhaps turn into something worse."

"What could be worse?" Gunner’s tone was thick with sarcasm. He couldn’t imagine anything more horrific than what he’d become when Braden had turned him a century ago.

"Not a human, not a vampire, but something…in between."

"That’s a myth." Gunner had heard the stories over the years, but he’d never seen nor heard of anyone who’d been bitten and hadn’t transfigured. "A scary nursery rhyme used to frighten humans…to keep vamps from turning them like cattle."

"Until now," Braden added. "Until you brought her into my compound."

"Her name is Nevada," Gunner said. "She fought to live, fought valiantly to save her partner’s life. Hell, she deserves to live more than most."

Gunner folded his arms over his chest, and glanced up at the low-hung ceiling. He felt the room closing in around him like a small, cramped cave. He wished they were topside, that he could smell the air and see the ocean, that he could clear his mind.

Braden cursed in his native Gaelic language, and reached out and took Nevada by the hand, glancing over his shoulder at Gunner. His eyes were shining, his mouth open, fangs extended, ready to clamp down upon his prey.

He hesitated as if expecting Gunner to stop him. As if challenging him to try.

"Just do it." Gunner grimaced, his jaw clenched.

Braden sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over her, her head falling to the side as he drew her in, groaning in anticipation, wasting no more time. He buried his fangs deep within her vein and Nevada moaned, crying out.

Gunner snarled, the sound morphing into the horrifying roar of an angry, wounded beast. He turned away, wanting to flee the room and not being able to move, as if his boots were fastened to the ground.

He had to force himself not to go on the attack, clenching his fists, his knuckles white and his nails digging into his palms. He curbed his rage, possessiveness and resentment consuming his rational mind like fire burning dry grass.

She belonged to him on an elemental level. She was his. He’d bitten her, claimed her by drinking her blood and sharing his vein, something he’d done before.

There was nothing more primitive, more primal—and to stand by and watch another vampire consume her was maddening, an abomination.

Braden drank his fill, massive, greedy pulls from Nevada’s vein, as if his thirst was spurred on by the magnificent flavor of her and he couldn’t get enough. Her breasts were full and round, her nipples erect, and Gunner could still feel them against his tongue, his lips.

Braden pulled her against him, holding her in a lover’s embrace, his chest pressed against hers, and it enraged Gunner to the point of lunacy. He spun around and slammed his fist into the wall, roaring when the steel gave way, though his hand felt as though it’d been pulverized, crushed, splintered into hundreds of tiny fragments.

Braden panted and leaned in, his hips bucking. He was seconds away from lying her flat against the bed and sliding atop of her, from grinding his cock into her thigh.

"Enough," Gunner roared. He couldn’t do this anymore. He reached out and grabbed Braden by the shoulder, pulling him back.

"Her blood is…" Braden’s body stiffened, his eyes popping open, shining emeralds, his pupils pinpointed black dots. He released her with a gasp, licking his lips, his nostrils flaring and his breath shallow and quick. "Powerful."

"Yes," was all Gunner could say.

He couldn’t blame Braden for becoming sexually aroused, for they were forever intertwined, the taking of blood and the feral, hedonistic desire for sex.

His own cock was throbbing, and as much as the idea of watching Braden with Nevada incensed him, the mere scent of her blood, rich and honeyed, a floral note of jasmine tickling his nose, made him hard. The marking of her flesh, the sound of Braden feeding, the sucking and moaning, caused his teeth to ache and he lost his mind, the sharing of fluids, the transfiguration of a human, a potent ritual for his kind.

Even when Braden had bitten him a century ago there’d been the desire to surrender himself in some way. It was foreign, and he was sickened to think about how vulnerable he’d been while on the verge of death.

It’d been Braden who’d controlled himself during his transfiguration, who’d fed and taken nothing more than his blood, and for that he had been eternally grateful.

Gunner closed his eyes and could still feel the beat of her heart thrumming against his chest, the feel of her body beneath his as he consumed her in every way.

Her pussy had been so tight, gripping him like a vice each time he sank into her wet heat, working him as he pounded into her.

Yes, her blood was powerful, her body insatiable, her soul joined to his.

She was his.

Braden bit into his own wrist and cupped her chin, opening her mouth, turning her head into his arm. She parted her lips and Braden gasped when her tongue touched his flesh, her body arching, her lips, her mouth clasping onto his arm.

She drew from his wrist, wanton, as if Braden’s blood was the only sustenance she had consumed in days.

Gunner hissed in contempt. He couldn’t help but feel betrayed and worse, like a failure. For he alone had not been strong enough to turn her.

Braden purred as Nevada drank, pulling back and breaking the connection with a sigh, his body humming, the air in the room electric.

"There’s never been an underling with two masters," Braden said after a moment. He released her and cursed, as if it physically pained him to do so. "If she lives, it will violate our laws."

"I don’t care about our laws," Gunner growled. "I’ve asked you for nothing in the century of my existence."

"Aye." Braden wrapped a towel around his wrist and crossed the room to retrieve his shirt. He glanced at his watch and then to Gunner out of the corner of his eye, lowering his voice as if someone might overhear what he was about to say. "But, I think this might be asking too much, lad. Too much."

Gunner inhaled, smelling the unique aroma of her blood, a fragrance that belonged only to her. His mouth watered and he swiped a hand over his face, having watched her drink from him was too much. He battled the overwhelming desire to kill his best friend, his commander, his sire.

He was long dead, but he was in hell just the same.

Buy Now

New Release, Author Interview with Fran Lee, Uncertainly Yours from Ellora's Cave

2011-12-15T12:49:00.002-06:00

When Jacqueline’s uncle, the man who raised her, dies unexpectedly, she returns to her childhood home to settle his affairs, hoping to pay off his debts, sell the house and head back to her normal life. Things are quickly complicated by the arrival of Lance, the object of her heated—and unrequited—teenage fantasies. He greets her with open arms, smoldering kisses and mind-blowing orgasms…but makes it clear that he wants to keep things casual.

It’s been years since he saw her, but Lance never managed to get Jack out of his head or his fantasies. He knows only too well, though, she has plenty of reason not to spare him a second thought. Despite that, it’s clear her desire for him is still alive and well—and he’s not above exploiting it. He’ll keep things casual and give her what she wants, satisfying her every need, until she begs him to give her what he’s wanted for years. Not just her body, but her love.

Interview with Fran Lee

1. How did you begin your writing journey? I've been "writing" since I wasabout 14, but most of my stuff was YA/fantasy romance. As I grew older and life took over, I sort ofshoved all my writing into a box under the bed until I was finally ready tobegin writing "real" romance. Unfortunately, back in the mid 80's, publishers just weren't ready forFran Lee's hot sensuous stuff. LOL! I subbed a couple of my books via a talentagent who adored my books...and every single publisher thanked me for mysubmissions and told me they didn't handle "that sort" of genre. Hmmmm. One even suggested that I submit my work to Playboy. It was simply too hot to handle. Of course, 20 years later, when I found somepublishers who actually WANTED hot and sensuous books, I was told that my books"weren't hot enough". I had torevise and resubmit. After revising andheating them up a bit, they were contracted. Sigh. I was always ahead of mytime.

2. How many books have you had published at thispoint in your career? I have 17 books in digital and print format.

3. Have you ever dealt with writer’s block? OMG...have I ever! I went afull year without managing to write a single story that was acceptable to myvarious editors. I began to seriouslydoubt my ability as a writer. I letother people's opinions and comments drag me into a doldrum so deep, I couldbarely get my chin above ground. Butthen I swallowed my fear (with the prodding and constant encouragement of manygood friends) and made some career decisions that were a bit risky. I was scared I'd made another mistake. But once I found an editor who liked mystuff, I climbed back on and after a long, dry year, my newest book is finallyout!

4. Are you a night owl or an early bird? It is now 2:08 a.m. and I am finishing up the interview sheet.LOL! I barely crawl out of bed beforenoon most days because I seldom go to bed until the wee hours.

5. Are you a plotter or a pantser? I am definitely a pantser. I often tell people that I do not write books...I channel them.LOL! My muse grabs me by the throat andshakes me, and I start writing.

6. Did you choose your genre or did your genrechoose you? I chose it...I had written anumber of hot books in the 80's, and when I finally got some contracted, I hadto find an erotic publisher. I love toREAD YA and mainstream romance, but I prefer to WRITE erotic contemporaryromance.

7. Can you tell us a little about your newrelease?   Uncertainly Yours is thefourth book in my Native American Heroes group. The first three were Double Your Pleasure, with Native American twinswho shared many things, then Nothin But Sex, my Cougar Challenge story, andWoman on Fire. I had so many requestsfor more hot NA guys, I dug out another of my older stories and worked it intoa modern piece. Uncertainly Yours tellsthe story of Jacqueline (Jack) O'Halleran, and Lance Blackfeather. Raised by her Uncle Frank on his North Dakotahorse ranch, Jack had a crazy crush on the older, very hot son of Uncle Frank'sfriend, and made the mistake of letting Lance know how she felt. Lance shot down her teenage crush andhumiliated her totally, knowing that a man his age was treading on glass totake her crush seriously. He alwaysregretted how he had stomped her feelings into the barn floor. Because he really, really liked Jack O'Halleran. Too damn much for her own good. No way did he want to end up buried to thechin in an anthill because Frank realized just how much. This is the story of two people who met atthe wrong time in their lives. But timeschange and when they meet again, all bets are off.

9. Howwould you describe your heroine? Sassy or easygoing, brash or timid? Jackis tough, wild and untamed and always was too mature for her years, afterlosing her mother, then her father. Sheis a woman who learned the hard way how to take care of herself, and when shemeets the very alpha, hot, and still-sexy man from her unhappy past, she isn'tabout to trust him not to hurt her again. But she can't quite manage to convince her body that she hates him...

10.      What writing project are you workingon now?   I have several wips, includinga sequel to my shifter romance, Hallie's Cats. I am also experimenting with a sci-fi story. I have one "super novel" that Iwrote in 1986, but am not sure how to submit that one, since it is extremelylong and has four sets of lovers interlaced throughout the book, switching fromone pair to the next in e very chapter. All four pairs of lovers are integral to the storyline...but not allpublishers want long, epic-length books. LOL!

11.      What is your one guilty pleasure, non-writing related, of course?   Hmmm. See's Tipperary bon bons.

12.    Can you tell readers where they can findyour work online? Website address, blog, links, etc.   You can find a complete list of all my books on my websiteat: http://www.franleeromance.com or youcan find my books at my publisher's websites. Ellora's Cave: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-554-fran-lee.aspx and Resplendence Publishing: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/145.html

I also have a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fran-Lee/132560860752 and I am on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/franleeromance and I am also on Examiner dot com:http://www.examiner.com/romance-novels-in-salt-lake-city/fran-lee

My main blog site is: http://http://franleesromanceblog.blogspot.com/

I am currently having a drawing to win a copy ofUncertainly Yours over on my blog. Thanks so much for having me here today, Taylor! It's been fun!

Read an excerpt from Uncertainly Yours by Fran Lee

An Excerpt From: UNCERTAINLY YOURS

Copyright © FRAN LEE, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Two hours later, after playing you-can’t-catch-me tag with the big roan and finally convincing him it was in his best interests to carry her home, she rode into the ranch yard, thinking of nothing but a desperately needed cup of coffee and a can of chili. Sliding to the ground with a groan of relief, she led the horse into the corral. She clipped his bit ring to the dangling halter lead that always hung on the hitching post just inside the gate. Loosening the cinch, she dragged the big old roping saddle off his high back. He started shaking his ugly head, impatient for his evening meal.

“You ate two lunches, you big mule. You can just wait until I put the tack away and get myself something to eat, which, by the way, I’ve wanted to do for the last four hours. If you hadn’t played your damn games, you might be eating right now!”

She lugged the heavy saddle into the barn and settled it over the sawhorse by the tack room door, draping the damp saddle pad upside down over the saddle seat to let it dry. Grabbing a rag and a stiff brush, she stomped back out to brush and rub the horse’s rumpled coat before she ran fresh well water into the trough.

Leaning against the rough pole fence, she stared at the gelding as he drank his fill and headed over to check out the feed bin. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to take care of you? Never have to worry about where your next meal came from? Never have to get up and shower and get to work? Just put the bridle away and go feed your growling belly, girl…

After she put the bridle in the tack room, she trudged wearily back across the yard toward the house and stopped dead as she saw the gleaming black 4x4 pickup that was parked beside the rattletrap old Ford.

Company? When I look like I just lost a sand-wrestling match with a bear? Great. Jack shook her head. Oh, well. She’d see what they wanted and make it quick. She certainly wasn’t expecting anyone to drop by and Molly drove a blue van. She approached the black pickup, wondering who the hell would be coming out here and what they wanted.

She didn’t have to wait very long to find out, as the driver-side door swung open and a long, lean body unfolded itself from the cab of the vehicle to face her as she approached.

OMG. Her heart lurched. Her suddenly useless feet almost tangled and she drew in a sharp breath to steady her racing pulse.

No. Way. In. Hell.

She came to a stumbling halt, too shocked to move closer as she came face-to-face with her worst nightmare and her wildest fantasy.

Lance Blackfeather.

Dark eyes swept over her dusty jeans and grubby shirt as he removed his black Stetson and ran a lean hand through his nearly waist-length hair. One look at that beautiful, intense face brought back all the humiliating memories of her wild teenage crush on the man…and the way he’d treated that crush. She was suddenly speechless. The silence that hung between them was just another reminder of her lack of savoir faire. She had always felt totally gauche around the man.

Finally managing to force words through her stiff lips, Jack nodded and said tightly, “Blackfeather. What brings you out here? Uncle Frank’s funeral was last week.” She couldn’t stop the little jab at his conscience. If he actually has one. He seemed to be considering his answer carefully as he trailed those lean fingers over the deep center dent of his hat. She shivered as she had a sudden image of those lean fingers trailing over the warm folds of her pussy.

Gah! Mind out of the gutter, Jack!

When he did finally speak, the sound of his voice sent shivers through her.

“I’ve been away for a while. I just got back. My condolences. Frank was a damn good man.”

She lifted her chin slightly to gather her damn pride around her like a shield against the sexy, mouthwatering aura he had always exuded. However, his unexpected response took some of the wind out of her self-righteous sails. He’s been away? She could accept that excuse.

“Thank you.” She swallowed hard to calm the rampant butterflies that had just headed down her throat to her stomach. Now what, Jack? At least act like you have some manners. “I don’t have much in the way of fancy hospitality, but I can offer you a cup of coffee, if you don’t mind reheated.”

Amazed that she’d actually had the courage to ask him if he wanted coffee, she removed her hat and dusted it off against her worn jeans. She started toward the porch and he raised his hand to forestall her.

“I don’t mean to impose.” His voice was husky. Sexy. And sending little flutters of lust into her belly. Damn it, Jack! How the hell can you even think of him that way after he tore your heart into little pieces? Her anger at herself translated to her tone when she spoke again.

“You aren’t imposing. If you have the courage to drink my lousy coffee, you’re welcome to it.” Trying not to notice his sun-bronzed face and that killer body as she passed him, she climbed the steps to the front door a bit stiffly. She didn’t have to look over her shoulder to know that he was following her. His boots scraped on the wooden steps and as she shoved the creaky front door inward he reached past her to hold it open, his chest brushing her shoulder. She almost gave a yelp as she jerked away, but managed to move without making it look like he’d just scared the hell out of her.

“Looks like the screen could use fixing.” His quiet observation brought a hot flood of color to her face.

Duh! Real observant of you, Blackfeather. “Yeah. It fell off the hinges last summer. Uncle Frank was going to fix it…” Her voice trailed off as she recalled all the times the old man had said he was going to fix that sagging screen door. She shook herself back to the present and waved toward the kitchen, forcing back the lump that filled her tight throat. “Make yourself at home. I’ll get you a cup.” She reached for two chipped mugs and said, “I was about to fix myself some chili. I can open two cans if you’re hungry.”

She paused to look over her shoulder and realized that he was so close she could move back half an inch and lean into that rock-hard body. OMG. Space! Need to put some space between his front and my back—now!

She moved quickly to the stove and checked to see if there were any hot coals left to ignite the kindling she had gathered earlier from the quickly dwindling wood supply out back. Nope. It was stone cold. She grabbed a sheet of old newspaper out of the box next to the stove and crumpled it, added some kindling to get the fire restarted and then reached for the box of matches. Empty! Damn! Another thing that has to be purchased next time I’m in town. Well, maybe she could afford a box of matches. Just not much else.

A long arm brushed past her and, with a soft click, Lance lit the paper with a lighter. He was almost flush against her back as she straightened and she closed her eyes and swallowed the tight knot in her throat. “Thanks,” she said tersely as she reached to move the cold pot of coffee back to the heat plate of the stove.

He moved back a step as she turned to face him and she motioned toward the little table with its pair of white wooden chairs. Damn, but he has absolutely no concept of personal space. “Grab a seat. Did you want that chili or not?” Here I am blushing like a sappy idiot again just because he’s looking at me in that damn sexy way of his.

He hung his hat on one spindle of the chair he chose and he sank onto the seat slowly, apparently testing its capability of handling his weight. “I ate a while ago. I’ll just have some of that coffee.”

God, but he was still as gorgeous and as well built as she recalled. She had hoped he would have gone gray and grown a paunch like most of the men around here seemed to. But no. He had to remain hot and sexy and…

She swallowed and forced her thoughts away from him. No use thinking about him. Nothing had changed, except she was older and wiser and not as apt to drool over him openly like she had at sixteen.

As she moved around the kitchen opening a can of chili, then setting it on the stovetop to heat in the can, she could sense his eyes following every move she made, making her feel oddly clumsy. She nearly dropped the long spoon she’d stirred the chili with before getting it safely into the kitchen sink. She washed her hands and reached for a tea towel.

When there was no further excuse to keep her back to him, she turned and leaned against the countertop, folding her arms defensively over her chest. “It was real nice of you to drive all this way to offer your condolences. I know you and Uncle Frank were friends. And I really appreciate the help you were to him all these years.” She chewed the corner of her bottom lip and drew a calming breath. “But I get the feeling that’s not what you came out here for. I gather you saw my ad in the papers? You want to buy me out, since this is right in the middle of your spread? I plan to have it sold as soon as possible.” Jesus. I’m babbling.

He inhaled deeply and frowned. “You can’t sell the ranch.”

She stared at him stonily. “I don’t have a choice. I don’t have any other way to settle the remainder of his debts. I sold everything that wasn’t nailed down to pay off his creditors. Do you want to buy me out or not? I’m not asking much—just enough to pay off the rest of his bills and the funeral.”

Damn him. He’s got that look on his face, like he feels sorry for me.

Tremors of weariness hit her but she didn’t want to show any weakness to him. She turned to stare out the little window above the sink, afraid she would begin to bawl like a baby. “Look, it’s been a real rough day. I know you have important things to do…”

He was suddenly right behind her again and she drew a ragged breath. Damn! How the hell could he move that fast without her hearing him? His closeness set off all sorts of alarms in her body. His hands settled gently on her shoulders as he murmured softly, “I’m sorry. I sure as hell didn’t come here to upset you.”

She drew a calming breath. “It’s okay. It’ll sort itself out. I know it won’t bring much on the market, but at least I can pay off the bills that are left. Just make me an offer.”

His fingers tightened on her drooping shoulders and he turned her to face him. “Maybe you should sit down.” His voice was quiet as he glanced toward the table and chairs.

“Sit down? That sounds pretty ominous.” Her eyes searched his face for a moment and then his words began to sink in. Her belly knotted as she tried to calm her heart rate. This isn’t a social visit. He had come to deliver some bad news. His dark eyes told her that. Then she whispered, “Exactly why can’t I sell the ranch, Blackfeather?”

He hesitated, then murmured quietly, “This piece of land is on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The tribe owns all the land here. Frank was only leasing it.”

Her heart was hammering as she swallowed and whispered shakily, “Leasing it?” She drew a painful breath. That’s why there was no land title on file? Her lips trembled. It made perfect sense now. But he had always told her that the ranch would be hers someday. That implied that he owned it outright. Didn’t it? This was getting so crazy…

She allowed him to ease her onto the chair he’d been sitting on. Her thoughts swirled dangerously. Just how was she supposed to pay off what he still owed his creditors? God knew she had nothing more to sell…of his or hers. What about the cost of his funeral? They had buried him on her promise to pay the costs from the proceeds of the estate. She closed her eyes and swallowed the nausea she felt. Oh God.

She sensed Lance sinking to his haunches in front of the chair and she forced her eyes open to meet his gaze. “I don’t understand. He led me to believe this would be mine someday—that I would have a place to come back to.” She shook her head. “I just assumed…” Her voice trailed off.

“He had a twenty-year lease. He always figured you would still have the ranch to come back to if things went sour.” She saw the pity in those almost-black eyes and she stopped herself from saying any more.
The last thing she needed or wanted from Lance Blackfeather was his pity.

Drop by Fran's blog and leave a comment or just your name

to enter to win an ebook copy of Uncertainly Yours,

by Fran Lee!

Fran's Blog
Good luck,
Taylor

A Lack of Snow, though I'm not complaining.

2011-12-13T13:08:00.000-06:00

This time last year, there were several feet of snow on the ground in northern Minnesota. As a matter of fact, my son had to shovel the snow off our roof to keep it from crashing through. This year I can still see the grass. Funny, but growing up in Arizona I'd always dreamed of a white Christmas.

Snort.

What the hell was I thinking?

Sure, it's pretty. At first.

Then, it just becomes annoying. The never ending shoveling, the slipping and sliding on the road, the amazing lack of color no matter where you look.

Just.

White.

Everywhere.

By the time spring came around last year I was desperate for color. I went out and bought several bouquets of red and yellow flowers, and even planted a sunny flower garden in the little spot outside my window.

This year, besides the biting cold, I have to remind myself it's December. Nearly Christmas.
We have a tree up, one my nephew and I went and cut ourselves, decorated with gorgeous lights...which to me is just enough of a reminder that Christmas is around the corner.

The ice on the big lake is just starting to form and ice fishing, which is a huge draw of income for our local community and resorts, has finally begun.

Me, I still can't get over the whole 'driving' on a lake thing. In Arizona, where I grew up, you swim in lakes, you dive into them, you don't drive upon them!

Plus, it's cold. Sitting in an ice house with my line down an itty-bitty hole all day just doesn't appeal.

Snowmobiling, not so much this year. Again, not for me, but there are a lot of people, true Minnesotans, who are dying to get out there on their sleds and make tracks.

Funny, one reason I left Arizona was because of the heat, but I'm not big on the extreme cold either. Nope, I'll sit by the fire and sip my coffee, thank you.

How about you? Are you into outdoor winter activities?

Either way, stay safe and stay warm.
Taylor

Adult excerpt...18 years and older, please..Seduced by Blood(Erotic Vamp.)

2011-12-10T10:35:00.001-06:00

Adult Excerpt:
18 Years or older, please.
Thanks,
Taylor

“Youdon’t have time, chica. Swallow me.”

Hisblood, warm and delectable, wet her lips and mouth, tasting like a jolt ofchocolate flavored rum with a caffeine chaser.

Theworst of it was she wanted him this close, wanted to touch him, to kiss him, totaste him because when she was locked in his embrace she forgot about the pain.She opened her mouth to argue but his blood, wet and warm, dampened her lipsand tongue.

Fuck. He tasted…incredible.

Herthirst, the same she’d awoken to at the hospital, was harsh and overwhelming.There was no more pain, no more fear, and the remainder of the world ceased toexist. There was just this delicious, sinful rhapsody dancing on her tongue.

Hermouth had been as dry as the desert before the first spring rain, and hisblood, his blood was that quenching drop of succulent, blissful water.

“Yes,”Nevada murmured. She wanted more. More.

“Takeall you need, chica. Just. Drink.”

Nevadadrove her hand up into his hair and drank deeply.

Herbody ached from the inside out, ached to be filled with him, filled by him. Herlimbs tingled, her blood sizzling through her veins, his blood rejuvenatingher, reviving her.

Shehad thought she was never going to see him again, had thought he’d left her andhad walked away forever and now he was here.

Witha burst of adrenaline giving her the strength she needed, Nevada wrapped herlegs around his waist. She clawed at his shirt, wanting to feel his hot,pulsing cock, wanting him closer, needing him inside her has she consumed him.She shoved at it and he lifted his arms. She lifted the shirt off, tossing itover her head.

Shepressed her pelvis against his hips and clutched him between her thighs,inhaling his powerful scent.

God,it was mind-blowing, the way he tasted, sweet and as rich as chocolate sin, andthe way he felt against her, solid and unyielding. The way he smelled, spicyand masculine, made her want him all the more.

“That’s it. Drink me, chica.” Gunner held herhead against his neck, and gulped hard, his Adam’s apple working around athroaty swallow. He turned his neck, and opened his vein to her hungry mouth,arching his hips into hers, and lifting her ass off the table, cupping hercheeks in his palms and squeezing, digging in with his fingers and spreadingher ass cheeks wide. “Drink me.”

Hiswords filled her mind like freshly spun cotton candy in her mouth, warm andgooey, melting with her thoughts almost as if he were inside her head.

Nevadaclawed at his back, and ran her hands up the solid cord of muscle, drawing himcloser, nuzzling against him as she fed.

“Tellme you’re okay,” Gunner growled, his voice deep, hoarse, almost weak. He leanedagainst her, his cock hard and throbbing, pulsing against her thigh, and shemoaned in pleasure.

Thirstunquenchable, she cried out like a wild animal, a guttural groan escaping herlips as she drew blood from his vein, finding what she hadn’t known she’dcraved.

Hisblood was liquid gold, and branded her mouth like hot stone on flesh, sizzlingdown her throat and intoxicating her more than the finest grain whiskey on theplanet. She swallowed, taking drink after drink, already craving the next andneeding another insatiably.

“Yes,”Nevada felt herself smiling. “I’m…” she whispered, about to say she was fine,though she was better than that. In fact, that word wasn’t even in hervocabulary. “Delirious.”

Herworld came alive, her body thriving and his blood, it was a seduction initself.

Sheclosed her eyes and savored every drop, knowing she’d never need anything fromanother man as long as she lived.

*****

Ittook everything Gunner had to control himself when she’d fought him initially,before giving in and drinking directly from his vein.

Themore she fought, the stronger his urge to feed, to control, to let loose thebeast concealed within his soul.

Heguided Nevada’s head to his neck, though she needed no more encouragement. Shewas frantic to have him, to drink more of his blood. His eyes were wide open,his pupils pinpointed in pleasure as she nuzzled his neck, her hot, sinuousmouth working furiously against his vein.

Shenipped at him, not breaking the skin, but using her blunt human teeth to nibblehis flesh. He nearly came in his pants, skirting that edge of control, thebeast inside him raging for escape.

“Fuck,”Gunner growled. “Take it easy, chica. Take…it…easy.”

Heknew she couldn’t really hear him, couldn’t comprehend anything he was sayingat this point. She was too far gone, and feeding directly from his vein wasplaying with fire.

“Chica,”he groaned. His cock ached for the wetness between her thighs, dampness hecould nearly feel…the tangy, spicy scent of her pussy overwhelming his senses.He was drawn to every soft whimper, every flutter of her heartbeat, everysingle movement she made with her limbs, her mouth, her lips and tongue.“Fuck.”

Nevadadrew him against her, latching on to his neck with ravenous, greedy pulls ofher wicked mouth. She stroked her tongue over his skin, taking short, hungrylaps that would cripple a lesser man, cutting him off at the knees.

“Stop,”Gunner growled, on the verge of allowing her to drain him dry.

Shefought and pulled harder, the suction driving him mad.

Heshoved his hand into her hair, coiling it tightly between his fingers, thesuction of her mouth against his skin creating one of the most eroticsensations he’d experienced.

Theworld spun violently around him as Nevada quenched her thirst, demanding everylast drop of blood she could consume, a newfound hunger creating a heateddelirium that burned through them both like furious flame.

Nevadacouldn’t know that she was playing with fire, had no idea that she was about topush him over the edge and snap his control, which was tenuous at best. Sheunsnapped his jeans and Gunner gasped when she slid her hand down his pants,taking his stiff cock into her delicate fingers.

Apparently,she knew what she was doing after all.

Copy Right ©Taylor Tryst 2011

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Night Owl Romance Review for Seduced by Blood

2011-12-08T11:42:00.001-06:00

“After reading the first book, I hope there are many more! I’lldefinitely be back for more! Great first book of the series!”

4.25 Stars

Night Owl Romance

Read entire review at Night Owl Romance

I'm excited to have my first review for Seduced by Blood by Night Owl Romance. I'm excited. Not a five star, but hey, this is my first book on my own. Braden's book, yeah, I'm going for it. lol

Thanks for sharing this with me. Thank you, NOR.

Taylor

I Miss You, My Sister

2011-12-06T10:15:00.001-06:00

My sister and nephew 2010

I miss you, my sister

It still hurts, to know you're gone

That I'll never share laughter with you again

Or remember the days when we were more than friends

I miss you, my sister

The dry wit of your humor

The beautiful sound of your voice

Because, it wasn't your choice

My legacy to you, my promise, my vow

To take care of your son.

For he misses you, my sister

But oh, how he speaks of you.

The smile on his face, the same as I remember yours to be

His eyes, just as blue, hints of green shining through

He's eleven now, my sister

But never goes a day without talking about you

He's as stubborn as you, my sister

A warrior true through and through

Suviving every day, even without you

I know you're there, my sister

Watching over us all

And someday, I'll hug you again

My sister, my friend.

It was a year ago today.

The last time I spoke to my sister. It kills me to think it was by email. Just a quick note. There are so many things I'd do differently, if I could only go back, if I could only change the past.

All I can do, however, is live. Live everyday for her. For her beautiful son, whom I'm so lucky to have in my life.

He's the real hero. His mother was a veteran of the United States Navy and served overseas. He has her strength, her caring and loving spirit for animals and humanity. I know, just like his mother, he'll go forward one day and do good in the world.

He saved a stray kitty, named her Caesar and began sleeping through the night, the kitty at his side. He's doing well in school, participating in Boy Scouts as well as learning and enjoying many new hobbies.

He's come so far, and I can't help but to see his mother's strength, which he proves every single day. It makes me proud, proud to be a part of his life, proud to carry him forward, to be there to support him in every way I can.

We all miss you, Denise.

I know, someday I'll see you again. Until then, dont' worry, I'm doing the best I can. As a matter of fact, I think I'd even make you proud, and right now that has to be enough.

Love you,
Your sister
Sandra

Seduced by Blood Featured on N.J. Walter's Blog

2011-12-03T10:24:00.001-06:00

If you have a chance, N.J. Walters was kind enough to feature my new release, Seduced by Blood on her fabulous blog. It's certainly an honor.

Seduced by Blood Featured on N.J. Walter's blog

Thanks, N.J.

Taylor

Emily's Destiny by Tessie Bradford

2011-11-30T15:49:00.001-06:00

Emily’s been keeping her two alpha male mates at arm’s length, fearing that with their traditional changeling values, they will try to curb her independent, free-spirited nature. She loves them both with all of her heart, but takes off to Europe when they press their suit. After a whole bunch of soul-searching, Emily’s home, ready to embrace life with her men.

Colby and Darrin have never doubted that Emily is their destined mate. They’ve played by her rules for a very long time in an effort to prove their love. Now the game is about to change.

Paranormal Erotic Romance, Ménage (M/M/F), Erotic Gems Short.

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Across the Pond

2011-11-29T14:32:00.001-06:00

I finally stepped into the world of Indie publishing. Honestly, it's a bit terrifying. Yet, it's exhilarating at the same time. Watching your sales figures live and having that first hand knowledge of the ebb and flow of sales instead of having to wait for a royalty statement to show up in the mail a month after the fact is incredible.

There are so many questions though. One being about sales overseas. There's Amazon Kindle UK, France, Denmark...as an American author who doesn't speak other languages, I already feel at a disadvantage. I'd love to know how to appeal to those audiences? How do you reach them? Especially if you're independant and don't have the money, power and prestige of a big publishing house behind you or an agent who deals with those things.

That's one thing I need to research. Not that it will change how I write, but it would be wonderful to have some idea how other author's handle this.

So, if you're an Indie and you have experience, please feel free to comment.

Ideas or suggestions, please throw them out there.

Have a great day,

Taylor

Cyber Monday Sale on Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst for $1.99

2011-11-27T09:06:00.001-06:00

Seduced by Blood is on sale at both Barnes and Noble and Amazon, beginning sometime today. The Cyber Monday price is $1.99.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seduced-by-blood-taylor-tryst/1107379302?ean=2940013558762
or
http://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Paranormal-Vampire-Romance-ebook/dp/B0067DDE20/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Thanks,
Taylor

Excerpt of Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst

2011-11-27T03:44:00.001-06:00

Excerpt: Seduced by Blood

by Taylor Tryst

He respected Braden on every level, but the way he felt about Nevada…it was the game changer. He hadn’t seen it coming, hadn’t expected it, but he had to deal with it and he certainly wasn’t ready to stand by and watch her die.

They’d lost enough time.

"She’s in pain," Gunner said after a moment’s hesitation. "She’s suffering. I can feel it every time I touch her."

"You aren’t going to like this," Braden said with a low curse. He released Gunner, and stepped back, holding his gaze, his brow creased. "Gods…I can’t guarantee that it’ll even work."

"I don’t care what the hell you have to do," Gunner snarled, staring down at Nevada’s face and willing her eyes open. He reached out and touched her cheek, smoothing his fingers over her skin. "Just. Do it."

"Very well." Braden made a show of unbuttoning his black Hugo Boss and laying it upon the leather chair beside the bed. He waited for Gunner to step back, and reached out and turned her head to the side.

"And if this doesn’t work?" Gunner asked. "What then?"

"She could die," Braden said with a shake of his head. "Or perhaps turn into something worse."

"What could be worse?" Gunner’s tone was thick with sarcasm. He couldn’t imagine anything more horrific than what he’d become when Braden had turned him a century ago.

"Not a human, not a vampire, but something…in between."

"That’s a myth." Gunner had heard the stories over the years, but he’d never seen nor heard of anyone who’d been bitten and hadn’t transfigured. "A scary nursery rhyme used to frighten humans…to keep vamps from turning them like cattle."

"Until now," Braden added. "Until you brought her into my compound."

"Her name is Nevada," Gunner said. "She fought to live, fought valiantly to save her partner’s life. Hell, she deserves to live more than most."

Gunner folded his arms over his chest, and glanced up at the low-hung ceiling. He felt the room closing in around him like a small, cramped cave. He wished they were topside, that he could smell the air and see the ocean, that he could clear his mind.

Braden cursed in his native Gaelic language, and reached out and took Nevada by the hand, glancing over his shoulder at Gunner. His eyes were shining, his mouth open, fangs extended, ready to clamp down upon his prey.

He hesitated as if expecting Gunner to stop him. As if challenging him to try.

"Just do it." Gunner grimaced, his jaw clenched.

Braden sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over her, her head falling to the side as he drew her in, groaning in anticipation, wasting no more time. He buried his fangs deep within her vein and Nevada moaned, crying out.

Gunner snarled, the sound morphing into the horrifying roar of an angry, wounded beast. He turned away, wanting to flee the room and not being able to move, as if his boots were fastened to the ground.

He had to force himself not to go on the attack, clenching his fists, his knuckles white and his nails digging into his palms. He curbed his rage, possessiveness and resentment consuming his rational mind like fire burning dry grass.

She belonged to him on an elemental level. She was his. He’d bitten her, claimed her by drinking her blood and sharing his vein, something he’d done before.

There was nothing more primitive, more primal—and to stand by and watch another vampire consume her was maddening, an abomination.

Braden drank his fill, massive, greedy pulls from Nevada’s vein, as if his thirst was spurred on by the magnificent flavor of her and he couldn’t get enough. Her breasts were full and round, her nipples erect, and Gunner could still feel them against his tongue, his lips.

Braden pulled her against him, holding her in a lover’s embrace, his chest pressed against hers, and it enraged Gunner to the point of lunacy. He spun around and slammed his fist into the wall, roaring when the steel gave way, though his hand felt as though it’d been pulverized, crushed, splintered into hundreds of tiny fragments.

Braden panted and leaned in, his hips bucking. He was seconds away from lying her flat against the bed and sliding atop of her, from grinding his cock into her thigh.

"Enough," Gunner roared. He couldn’t do this anymore. He reached out and grabbed Braden by the shoulder, pulling him back.

"Her blood is…" Braden’s body stiffened, his eyes popping open, shining emeralds, his pupils pinpointed black dots. He released her with a gasp, licking his lips, his nostrils flaring and his breath shallow and quick. "Powerful."

"Yes," was all Gunner could say.

He couldn’t blame Braden for becoming sexually aroused, for they were forever intertwined, the taking of blood and the feral, hedonistic desire for sex.

His own cock was throbbing, and as much as the idea of watching Braden with Nevada incensed him, the mere scent of her blood, rich and honeyed, a floral note of jasmine tickling his nose, made him hard. The marking of her flesh, the sound of Braden feeding, the sucking and moaning, caused his teeth to ache and he lost his mind, the sharing of fluids, the transfiguration of a human, a potent ritual for his kind.

Even when Braden had bitten him a century ago there’d been the desire to surrender himself in some way. It was foreign, and he was sickened to think about how vulnerable he’d been while on the verge of death.

It’d been Braden who’d controlled himself during his transfiguration, who’d fed and taken nothing more than his blood, and for that he had been eternally grateful.

Gunner closed his eyes and could still feel the beat of her heart thrumming against his chest, the feel of her body beneath his as he consumed her in every way.

Her pussy had been so tight, gripping him like a vice each time he sank into her wet heat, working him as he pounded into her.

Yes, her blood was powerful, her body insatiable, her soul joined to his.

She was his.

Braden bit into his own wrist and cupped her chin, opening her mouth, turning her head into his arm. She parted her lips and Braden gasped when her tongue touched his flesh, her body arching, her lips, her mouth clasping onto his arm.

She drew from his wrist, wanton, as if Braden’s blood was the only sustenance she had consumed in days.

Gunner hissed in contempt. He couldn’t help but feel betrayed and worse, like a failure. For he alone had not been strong enough to turn her.

Braden purred as Nevada drank, pulling back and breaking the connection with a sigh, his body humming, the air in the room electric.

"There’s never been an underling with two masters," Braden said after a moment. He released her and cursed, as if it physically pained him to do so. "If she lives, it will violate our laws."

"I don’t care about our laws," Gunner growled. "I’ve asked you for nothing in the century of my existence."

"Aye." Braden wrapped a towel around his wrist and crossed the room to retrieve his shirt. He glanced at his watch and then to Gunner out of the corner of his eye, lowering his voice as if someone might overhear what he was about to say. "But, I think this might be asking too much, lad. Too much."

Gunner inhaled, smelling the unique aroma of her blood, a fragrance that belonged only to her. His mouth watered and he swiped a hand over his face, having watched her drink from him was too much. He battled the overwhelming desire to kill his best friend, his commander, his sire.

He was long dead, but he was in hell just the same.

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If you enjoy the book, and have either a Barnes & Noble account or an Amazon Kindle account, and wish to leave a review on either site, I'd appreciate you doing so, whether good or bad.
Also, if you would prefer not to, I compltelty understand.

I thank you for dropping by and reading my blog.

Please contact me via my email addy @ taylortryst@taylortryst.com if you have any questions or comments.

Thank you so much.
Taylor

Sensations by Tessie Bradford-Interview/excerpt

2011-11-26T06:04:00.001-06:00

Vivian Walcourt is completely out of her conservative, sheltered element when she finds herself at an ultra-exclusive adult club. Her free-spirited best friend may think she’s in love with one of the owners, but Vivian doesn’t believe in whirlwind courtships.

Paul Landis never imagined the woman who has haunted his dreams for years would walk into his club with his partner’s fiancé. More beautiful than ever, unattached, and worked into a heightened state of horny by the evening’s entertainment, he sweeps her away to experience the very special pleasures found behind the closed doors of Sensations.

Interview with a friend and multi-published author Tessie Bradford.

Welcome, Tessie.

Tell me about your upcoming release?

Emily’sDestiny releases on November 30^th.It is an Erotic Gem (short, short story) at Resplendence Publishing. It’s myfirst go at writing shifters and it has an interesting twist to the subjectmatter – no actual shifting takes place! My goal was to explore the emotionaldynamics of a non-human threesome.

I had another book release November 9^that Resplendence, Sensations! It is anovella set in an ultra-exclusive adult club. Boy did I have fun writing thatsetting!!

What are you working on now?

Another Erotic Gem titled Getting Down To Business. It willrelease March 14, 2012!

You're building quite the back list.How many books have you had released?

Emily’s Destiny will be my 10^th!!!!

I know it's hard to pick, but of thebooks you've written, do you have a favorite?

My answer to this question changeseach time I’m asked it!??! Right now, I will say Ageless Desires. Being my first, it holds a very special place inmy heart.

Have you been able to embrace theplatform of social media such as Twitter and Facebook?

I’m utterly social media-phobic,Taylor! I already have such trouble keeping up with my emails, yahoo groups,blog, and my friend’s blogs to boot. I worry that if I try to do more, I won’thave time to write any more books!

Where can readers find your workonline?

My website www.tessiebradford.comis a great place to start! Readers get a glimpse into all my books and the buylinks. Or they can go directly to my publishers:

www.respelndencepublishing.com

www.jasminejade.com

And I blog most Thursdays on www.sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com

What do you enjoy doing when you’re notwriting?

Read! And I love to cook, play withmy dogs and bug my kids and hubby!

Thanks so much for having me today,Taylor!

Excerpt:

“I’m not going in there.”
“Oh, hell yes, you are.”
“I agreed to join you for a drink to toast your freakishly fast, impending nuptials, not to a night of God knows what in a place like this!” Vivian waved her arm in the general direction of the establishment they were now standing in front of. “Have you lost your mind, Carol?”
“Lighten up, Viv, it’s an adult club. A very exclusive one I might add, not Sodom, or Gomorra for that matter, and you’ve been out of touch for almost forever, plenty of time for me to fall hopelessly in love with the man of my dreams.”
“Does said dream man know where you are tonight?”
“Most definitely, he’s the owner of Sensations.”
Vivian’s mouth dropped open in shock, and, for a moment, she thought she might pass out as she stared at her friend of almost twenty years. “I’ve been gone for barely six weeks, not six years! Last night, you announced to me you were getting married, and offered almost no details, which, I’m sorry, I’m still having a big problem dealing with. And now this, a strip club owner? Really?” Viv raked a hand through her wild, red curls. “Honey, let’s go back to my place, we can talk this out. I’m thrilled you‘ve met a man who apparently rings your bells, but marriage, so soon? If it’s for real, what’s the rush? Have you truly thought through all of the potential ramifications?” Vivian’s mind raced. She loved Carol with all her heart, wished her every happiness, but obviously she wasn’t thinking straight.
“I promise we’ll chat once we get inside, as long as you promise not to be Debby Downer. Tonight, we’re going to celebrate.” Carol gave her a big hug before linking her arm through Viv’s. “Come on, I can’t wait for you to meet Colin.”
Vivian scanned the crowd lined up at the door. “I wish you’d been a bit more specific as to the dress code.” Most of the ladies, Carol included, were wearing cocktail dresses. There were lots of sparkles, stilettos, and cleavage. The men were in everything from business casual to tuxedos. “I stick out like a sore thumb.”
“You look gorgeous as usual.”
Vivian was surprised when Carol guided her past the people who waited, and walked straight to the door. Standing there with tree-trunk-sized arms crossed over his massive chest was the biggest, scariest looking man she’d ever seen. He had to be at least six five. All exposed arm and neck skin was covered with tattoos. He was bald, and multiple gold hoops decorated both ears. Carol stood on her tip toes and kissed his chin.
“Hey, Len, how’s it hangin’?”
“Large and to the left, Miss Carol,” he replied with a grin, displaying a gold front tooth.
“Good to know, big guy. This is Vivian Walcourt. She’s on the list.”
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” She tried not to squirm as he studied her with obvious curiosity. “Enjoy your evening, ladies.” He unhooked the velvet rope and motioned them inside.
Having never been to an adult club, Vivian had no point of reference, but the tastefully elegant décor, tables set with the finest china, and sultry jazz music wafting through the room sure as hell weren’t what she expected. Where were the stripper poles, the cat walk? As they moved through the crowd, at least ten people greeted Carol by name. The bartender already had a drink ready for her when they walked up.
“How many times have you been here, for God’s sake?”
“Almost every day since Colin hired me.”
“W-what?” Vivian sputtered.
“Hold that thought for a sec, Viv. Thanks, Dan,” Carol said to the bartender as she accepted the glass he offered. “Okay, Viv, pick your poison. They have a fantastic wine selection, or do you need something stronger?”
“Um, I’ll be designated driver, so how about just a diet soda?”
“Vodka and tonic it is then, Dan, oh and a big wedge of lime, too.” Dan nodded.
“Carol, my head is spinning enough. I don’t think I need alcohol.”
“No worries, Colin will make sure we both get home safe and sound.” Viv opened her mouth to issue another stunned “what”, then closed it when Carol laughed and patted her arm. “Hang in there, I’ll explain once we’re settled.”
“Here you go, beautiful,” Dan said as he handed Vivian her cocktail.
“Thank you,” she replied with a shy smile.
“Colin’s still behind closed doors, Carol, but I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“Thanks, and tell him no hurry. We’re early, and have lots of catching up to do.”
Vivian followed her to a large round table on the far side of the room. Instead of having chairs, it was the only one with a semi-circle booth. As she slid onto the comfy leather seat, she noticed the curtained area slightly to her left. A stage, maybe? If so, Vivian was not at all certain she wanted to be sitting this close. She took a healthy swig of her beverage.
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“Colin contacted me through my website. He and his partner are opening two more clubs and needed an interior designer. We met, he loved my work, hired me on the spot, made love to me on that very same spot, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Wedding is next Saturday at two. Of course, you’re my maid of honor. Can you take another few days off? We need to power shop for dresses.”
“That’s it? Interview, sex, wedding, shopping; end of story? I get the fact that you’re way more of a free spirit than I am, Carol, but this seems pretty out there, even for you!”
“I know it sounds crazy, Viv, and nice look of horror by the way, but I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I never realized where I went wrong in the relationship department until I met Colin. He’s exactly the type of man I need. He’s shown me things about myself I had no idea I was missing, or wanted.”
“Wow, you’re being uncharacteristically vague. I want to hear about him, who is he, how is he different from other guys? At the risk of opening the flood gates of too much info, talk to me, Carol.” Her ten-thousand-watt smile spoke volumes to Viv before she opened her mouth.
“Okay, let’s do stats first. He’s four years older than me, six feet something tall, weight proportionate to height.”
“You are such a smart ass,” Viv laughed, shaking her head.
“He’s never been married, has no kids, lives in a mansion, drives a killer convertible, is college educated, and loves to garden.” Carol made a production of using her fingers to count her points. “He’s attentive, considerate, passionate, and, oh yeah, intense, and demanding in the most delicious ways imaginable. The first time he whipped out his…” Carol held up her hand and waved it in front of her friend.
“Filter, please! Intimate details are so not necessary, but are you sure what’s going on between you two isn’t, well, revolving around the physical? It’s been quite a while since you dated.”
“Not as long as it has been for you, sister,” Carol reminded her with a smirk. “And yes, our relationship is based on far more than sex, although it is really, really hot sex.” Vivian rolled her eyes and groaned at Carol’s suggestive leer. “I have no doubt that he is the one I’ll spend the rest of my life with. Won’t you please try to withhold judgment until you get to know him?”
Vivian’s heart melted at her friend’s pleading tone. She took a good look at her. Something was definitely different. There was a confidence and a glow about her that she’d never had. “Of course I can, honey,” she said.
“Carol’s here, Colin, with a guest,” Brad announced through the intercom.
“Thanks, Brad, I’ll be there in a minute.”
“She said to tell you no rush.”
“Got it.” Colin switched off the audio.
“Tough break, dude, not even married yet and she’s giving you the cold shoulder.”
“Not hardly,” he said with a smile to his partner who lounged casually in the chair on the other side of the desk. “Her friend just got back into town yesterday, been gone since right before Carol and I met. I’m sure they want some time to talk. She’s nervous about her reaction to our relationship. Tells me she’s a bit conservative.”
“If that’s the case, why’d she bring her here?”
“I asked her that very question. She said they’ve stayed friends since high school because of their differences, not in spite of them, and she wanted to show off me and the club.”
“Isn’t that cute?”
“I find the fact that my future wife is proud of me and my business far more than cute, Paul.”
“Our business,” Paul corrected in a light tone. “And don’t get me wrong, Carol’s fantastic. I’m happy for you, man. You know as well as I do though, a girlfriend that doesn’t approve of her pal’s boyfriend has the ability to cause serious problems for the relationship.”
“I’m well aware of that. Let’s at least get a visual of what I’m dealing with.” Colin swiveled his chair to face the row of security monitors on the table behind his desk. Paul moved to stand at his side. The women were walking away from the camera, heading toward the booth that was always reserved for management.
“Her friend’s a librarian?” Paul asked, checking out the woman’s sweater, knee-length skirt, and sensibly low-heeled shoes.
“Accountant,” Colin corrected, fiddling with the zoom just as both women turned to slide into the booth.
“No fucking way.”
“What, what is it?”
Excitement slammed into Paul with such force, his breathing became shallow. “TCI Industries, office manager…”
“Are you sure?” Colin leaned closer to the screen.
“Vivian Walcourt is the only woman I’ve ever known who tempted me enough to seriously consider breaking my rule of not pursuing a married lady, and yep, I’m positive.”
His pulse pounded in his ears, and blood rushed to his cock. Was her loser husband out of the picture? He’d hated the guy from the first time he’d seen him at an office party. Not only had Viv’s entire demeanor changed in his presence, but after a few drinks, the bastard had been hitting on anything in a skirt.
It had been years since he’d worked at TCI while getting his MBA. During the two years he worked there, he’d lusted hard for his sexy as hell officemate. She radiated natural beauty from her curly red hair, to her rounded cheeks and plump lips, to her womanly curves. Her huge, hazel eyes were always alight with intelligence and whatever emotion affected her at the time. She ran the office with precision, and he’d learned a great deal from her.
“You were a fucking love-sick puppy over her back then,” Colin laughed.
“This isn’t funny. Why in the fuck didn’t you tell me?” Paul stared down at him, angry and confused. Colin could definitely be a smart ass sometimes, but this bordered on mean.
“Whoa, hold up there. I’ve never met this woman, and Carol never used her last name when talking about her. You know I would have told you.”
He did, but just like all those years ago, where Vivian was concerned, he lost the ability to think with anything but his dick. He raked a hand through his hair, and moved around the desk, dropping down into one of the leather arm chairs.
“Sorry, Col. Damn, this is an interesting turn of events. Small world, eh? Oh, shit, is she still married? Has Carol said anything? She must have said something?”
“I actually know the answer to this one.”
“I haven’t had to beat your ass for a lot of years, but I swear to God.”
“Oh, like I’d fuck with you if the news were bad, give me some credit. She’s been divorced for a while.” Relief flooded Paul first, instantly followed by a level of horny he hadn’t experienced in forever. “She doesn’t date at all, that’s one of the reasons Carol worried about her reaction to us.”
“She will now. Vivian was nothing if not perfectly behaved when we worked together, but I used to get this vibe that she was more than aware of me on a non-professional level.”
“We need to figure out how we’re going to handle this, Paul.”
“You handle your woman, and leave Vivian to me. She may appear all prim and proper on the outside, but I’ll bet my bottom dollar that underneath, there’s a hell-cat just waiting to be let out of her cage.”
“This isn’t a damn game. Carol means the world to me, Vivian is important to her, you and I are partners, and Carol is the best damn designer we’ve had the good fortune to employ. Fuck, this has potential disaster written all over it.”
“Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Seriously, your track record with long-term relationships is…oh yeah, you don’t have one.”
“I feel as if that’s about to change.”
Buy Now

Coming soon from

Tessie Bradford

and

Resplendence Publishing!

A Scot for Christmas by Taylor Tryst

2011-11-22T06:39:00.001-06:00

A Scot for Christmas

by Taylor Tryst

Coming Soon.

What’s a Scottish lass, unaccustomed to driving in drifts to do when she’s stranded with the most ruggedly handsome, self-confident, determined lawman in Colorado? And on Christmas Eve, no less. Add him to Annabelle MacAlister's Christmas list and let the sparks fly!

From a frosty snow bank to his piping hot cabin, Brock Hart has Annabelle right where he wants her. Every time she speaks, her brogue drives him wild. It’s only far that he do the same to her. He’s man enough to take control of things and Annabelle doesn’t stand a chance of escaping back to her former life without him.

More details to follow.

Taylor

Turkey and Things

2011-11-19T09:34:00.001-06:00

Well, we're having our turkey early this year. My son will be heading off on an adventure, headed out to Chile as a fly fishing guide, via a trip to Phoenix to visit his father. So, we're having Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. Turkey Day, I think, will be spent cutting our Christmas tree. It'll be early, but I want this year to be a special one for my nephew.
Today we're baking pies, tidying up and handling all of the pre-meal details.

I'm going to try to get a bit of writing done this morning. Working on book two for my vampire series. This will be Braden's story. Making the transition from Nevada, the heroine of book one, Seduced by Blood, to Braden's point of view has been challenging. I've spent so long in her brain it's hard to see the other POV's. lol

I've put Seduced by Blood on sale on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. .99 cents for the weekend. I might leave it there for awhile, until I receive reviews, which are hopefully positive. Good Lord, it's terrifying, the waiting for a reaction.

Have a great weekend,

Taylor

Like Vampire romance? Win an Ebook copy of Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst

2011-11-16T07:36:00.001-06:00

Stop by and leave a comment on my blog and I'll enter you in a drawing for an ebook copy of Seduced by Blood, released on Amazon and Kindle and Barnes and Noble.

We're under a blanket of snow in Minnesota and I'm busy writing. It's been so long since I've had that fire beneath my feet.

I'm working on another quickie for Ellora's Cave as well as Book 2 in the Sangre Novel Series. This will be Braden's story. I also had an idea for a zombie book that is ruminating in my mind. Not quite sure about that one yet, however. If I do manage it, however, I think it'll be a blast.

Still love vampires and zombies or are you moving on?

Have a great day,
Taylor

Buy Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst on Amazon

2011-11-14T06:35:00.001-06:00

Blurb:

Nevada Ortiz was an up and coming Los Angeles Police Officeruntil a chance encounter with a would-be carjacker changes the course of herlife. The six and a half foot assailant is dripping with weapons, hispreternatural blue eyes drilling into hers, his bite changing everything. Herbody’s reaction to his blood, a seduction within itself, goes hand and handwith raw, animalistic sex.

Nothing is as it seems and everything is in peril, includingher life.

Gunner Slade is a vampire with secrets of his own, a soldierwho can walk in the sun, a dose of Sangre allowing he and other vampires likehimself to blend in among humans, until he puts everything on the line for awoman he can no longer exist without.

Nevada is the first ever human with immunity to a vampirebite, and requires the blood of two vampires to sustain her.

Not in his nature to share, Gunner Slade might be immortal,but he’s in hell just the same.

Excerpt:

Nevada waspinned beneath the weight of his massive body, and gasped for air, unable to doanything but stare into the night sky. The world spun wildly around her, timeslowed, skewing and jarring and then stopping altogether, as if everything andeveryone but the two of them had ceased to exist.

His mouth waslocked onto her neck, the warmth of his lips and quick sweep of his tongueerotic, the feel of her body being crushed between his muscular frame and thehard ground beneath her making her writhe against him.

He wasravenous in his hunger, and her blood spilled into his eager mouth like watergushing from an open tap. There was neither fear nor pain, the immediate agonyof his bite replaced by mind-melding pleasure so intense it was visceral.

Nevada closedher eyes, the suction from his mouth pulling against her vein and sending heatpulsing through her core, working her pussy like probing fingers that delveddeep and soaked her panties with wet heat. She reached up to break contact, topush him away, but her body was responding on a level she couldn’t control.Instead of shoving against him, she pressed her flattened palms against hispowerful back and pulled him closer, hooking one leg around his thigh.

She couldn’tget close enough.

His body wasmagnificent and she gasped, tears filling her eyes and spilling over, runningdown her cheeks. This physical desire was so desperate, so out of sync with hermind she couldn’t comprehend it.

She wantedhim to split her apart as he entered the tight vault of her pussy, plungingdeeper and deeper with each thrust of his tight, round ass. Her empty vaginaclenched like a fist at the mere thought of fucking him.

“Yes,” Nevadamoaned, meaning to scream out the word but managing only a throaty whisper. Sheheld on and buried her face against his shoulder, reveling in his wild scent, amixture of wind and salt from the ocean air and an earthy spice that meldedtogether to create a powerful aphrodisiac.

Her bodycraved more.

She cravedmore.

She lickedher lips, thinking that he tasted…delicious. She groaned and pulled his tornleather jacket aside, wanting desperately to run her mouth over his bare flesh.

“Ah, fuck,”he growled, his chest rumbling and the words snarled between deep pulls at hervein. “Hold on tight, chica.” He hauled her closer, his ripped arms tighteningaround her. “Just hold on. Don’t. Let. Go.”

Buy Now

It's official. The vamp book I've spent the last two years working on in fits and starts has now been launched on Amazon Kindle. I'm both terrified and elated to have seen this book through to fruition.

Thank you Barbara Huffert! For just being you.

So folks, if you have time, please stop by and check out a sample on Kindle.

Thanks,

Taylor

2011-11-13T11:52:00.001-06:00

Nothing is as it seems and everything is in peril, includingher life.

Nevada is the first ever human with immunity to a vampirebite, and requires the blood of two vampires to sustain her.

Not in his nature to share, Gunner Slade might be immortal,but he’s in hell just the same.

Well, I did it! I went "Indie". I just uploaded Seduced by Blood on Amazon Kindle.

Yes, I'm breathing, but barely.

In 24 hours my book will be live.

I'll be announcing it here.

Wish me luck. I need it. This is quite stressful.

Taylor

New Cover for Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst

2011-11-12T08:49:00.001-06:00

Nevada Ortizis an up-and-coming Los Angeles Police Officer until a chance encounter with awould-be carjacker changes the course of her life. The six and a half footassailant is dripping with weapons, his preternatural blue eyes drilling intohers, and his bite changes everything. Her body’s reaction to his blood, aseduction within itself, goes hand and hand with raw, animalistic sex.

Nothing is asit seems and everything is in peril, including her very life.

Gunner Sladeis a vampire with secrets of his own, a soldier who can walk in the sun, a doseof Sangre allowing he and vampires like himself to blend in among humans, untilhe puts everything on the line for a woman he can no longer exist without.

Isn't it gorgeous?

I'm thrilled to release the cover for my upcoming release, Seduced by Blood.

I've been working on this vamp book forever and it's in the formatting stage.

I'll announce a release date when I know more, but as for now, I had to share the gorgeous cover designed by Emmy Ellis!
www.emmyellis.com

She has outdone herself and I can't thank her enough. Em, you nailed it.

Thank you for sharing my joyous news! Have a beautiful weekend.

Taylor

Life's Little Celebrations

2011-11-10T19:46:00.001-06:00

I was able to do something today that I haven't done in a long time. Too long, really. I finished a book and submitted it to my new editor at Ellora's Cave.

It's been an extremely difficult year and a lot longer than that since I've been able to actually complete a book. I couldn't have done it without my family and dear friends. One constant in my life is fellow author Barbara Huffert.

B, you're always there. I love you for it. Thank you.

Tomorrow, the real work begins. Today, it's all about celebrating the little things.

What are you celebrating?

Taylor

System Reboot

2011-11-08T06:10:00.000-06:00

Hackers out there, you know who you are. There's not a lot of like for you right now. Yes, you do your 'job' well. Chaos and destruction. I could even respect you if there was a method to your madness, but alas, there is none.

I had a rather nasty virus on my computer this weekend while doing research on the Scottish accent. I had the rather stupendously stupid idea that listening to Scottish speakers actually speaking might help me as a writer who is struggling with dialogue for my Scottish heroine. SNORT.

What the fuck was I thinking?

I ended up with a nasty, nasty virus.

Ladies, gents, or who ever the hell you are, you're lives are apparently filled with code...my life is words. Hundreds of thousands of words that come from my brain, become assembled into sentences, that are made into paragraphs. Thus, these paragraphs become pages, which wholly, after a year or two, become books.

I write romance, romantic erotica, and paranormal. I hurt no one.
I spent all weekend trying to recover my documents. It hasn't been pretty. It's been a mess, ugly and heartbreaking.

Honestly, I don't understand you.

Going after pedophiles and rapists, I can see. Big, greedy corporations, um, maybe you can justify, but that's it for me. Why go after the regular Joe or in this case, Joleen?

So, if anyone receives any strange emails from me telling you some sort of nonsense without any personal info, I did not send it. Please delete.

I'm back to my words today, being much more careful in my research.

Writers, may you're systems stay clean!

Taylor

Off the Grid

2011-10-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

Minnesota Sunset 2011

It's been a long week. My Internet was out and I think I barely survived. Social media has connected writers to the world in a way they've never before been.

Tweeting and status updates on Facebook, emailing friends, surfing websites. Is it all a huge distraction from writing? Of course, but I think the world of a writer can be so isolating, and it's wonderful to reach out and touch other writers, sharing in their joys and sorrows, their rejections and acceptances, their frustrations and triumphs.

I live pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and don't socialize much, so keeping up with the news, and keeping up with friends...well, it all happens online for me.

The good news is that I finished one of my books. It needs polishing before it can be submitted, but it's written.

It's been so long since I've completed a book that it's still a bit unreal.

So, being off the grid had one good benefit. Maybe I need to see about shutting down my Internet for a few hours every day so I can get more actual 'work' finished.

I'm happy dancing here. lol

Once it's polished, hopefully I'll have great news to share!

Have a great one, peeps.

Taylor

2011-10-18T07:36:00.004-05:00

Close to forever by

Barbara Huffert

Blush

Ellora's Cave

Marc is stuck teaching basic mechanics, but he isn’t happy about it. He’s even less thrilled to discover Chloe in his class. Marc hasn’t seen her since the day she ruined his family. He should hate her, but the more he learns, the more he feels there’s something that just doesn’t add up.

Buy Now

Learning to Tweet

2011-10-10T09:43:00.001-05:00

I've always enjoyed Facebook, once I finally overcame the fear of the unknown and created my page. It took me a while to learn the ins and outs, but I finally got the hang of it. And yeah, it's addicting as hell. Balancing time, writing time, is difficult because you'll find yourself hanging out, following links, looking at pics or reading articles, keeping up with other writers. Hey, writing is a lonely occupation, one I enjoy, mostly. lol

Now, I'm learning all about the Twitter-verse out there. I signed-up for Twitter, created a 'handle' but also had no idea how to use it. I mean, I was hopping on and posting once in while. I linked my blog so it would automatically tweet and post on Facebook, which is super. I get to hit all three without having to go to each site, which as you know, again is a giant suck of writing time.

In my research I found IBC or the Indie Book Collective. They offered a free Social Media class, and let me tell you, I'm taking it a second time next month. The ins and outs of Twitter are a multitude and this class really helped give me a solid base to start and some ideas as to all that could be accomplished on Twitter.

This class is a MUST for authors who are trying to learn the basics of how to benefit from social media! I can't say enough good things about it.Did I mention it was free. The only cost is your time, and trust me, it's worth every minute!

Thanks,
Taylor

TRAINER: RACHEL THOMPSON AKA @RACHELINTHEOC

WHEN: FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH (UNLESS THERE’S A HOLIDAY; THEN IT’S THE FIRST WEDNESDAY)

DETAILS: This workshop goes over the basics of an author’s social media platform. The workshop covers your need to brand yourself. Focusing on Twitter, Rachel goes behind the blue curtain, reviewing all the specifics every other needs to know, not only to increase their reader’s base and create a marketing tool to help sell more books.

http://indiebookcollective.com/IndieBookCollective/Workshops.html

Specifics covered include follower/following ratios, content vs. promo tweets and ratios, all things lists, branding, bio/avatar/background review, retweet specifics, shortening links, what “banking” tweets means, third-party apps, memes, #MentionMonday, Klout, and more...you do NOT want to miss this workshop!

Rainy River

2011-10-03T10:03:00.002-05:00

Farmer plowing his field under at sunset.

Fall on the Rainy River, Minnesota.

Lake of the Woods

2011-09-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

Rocky shore, Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods, MN

Alone

2011-09-23T11:22:00.001-05:00

River Shot

I spent half of the day alone in my car yesterday, driving to Duluth to pick-up my son. I was able to see so many gorgeous fall colors that I really didn't mind one bit. Of course, the backache that came with an eight hour turn around trip, that's something else entirely!

I had four glorious hours to myself to plot and plan out my next few books.

Murders and mysteries with plenty of erotic sex and thrills and chills.

So, finally, nature is calling. No, not the bathroom, (though I did stop at plenty of people filled and overly lighted gas stations) but the colors nature is throwing my direction.

I stopped to take the photograph at the top of this page, the river shot.

I followed a winding dirt road that took me basically underneath a huge, sprawling bridge. Mid afternoon, windy and overcast, and not a soul in sight.

So I grab my coat, my keys, and start walking around aimlessly, looking for the shot. I'm snapping pictures of the fall foliage, and then an isolated bench on the riverside across from me garnered my attention.

I jumped when a car traveled across the bridge, the sound like a tiny hurricane of wind. I looked around, a little spooked by the surprise, and by the realization that not only was that bench very much alone, but so was I.

Isn't this how women like me disappear off the face of the earth, I ask myself aloud.

I headed back toward the car. I'd walked too far away, in my mindless wondering, the lens at my eye, focused upon the trees and water, upon finding that perfect shot.

I told myself not to run. That I was being silly.

But, I'm a writer.

I was a corrections officer for five years, I'm an avid reader, and have always been interested in the mind of the serial killer. Police procedural, CSI, Criminal Minds, I eat those shows for breakfast. Paranormal investigations, I watch it all.

I climbed behind the wheel, grateful when my engine started, and caught my breath, telling myself how silly I am, but thinking about the millions of things that could have just went wrong.

And planning on writing about a few.

Fodder, you see, for my next book.

Taylor

Color

2011-09-20T08:57:00.002-05:00

It's time for the changing of seasons, the leaves turning from various shades of green to gorgeous hues of reds, golds and burnt oranges. It's my favorite time of the year. The only thing I don't like about fall, being in Minnesota, is the close proximity to winter.

Snow is right around the corner. Cold. Ice. Bad driving conditions.

But, I do manage to get quite a bit of writing done when we're snowed in. Not much to do outside for an ex-Arizonan like me. I still don't get the whole driving on a lake thing. You're supposed to swim, fish and boat in lakes, not do things on top of them. lol

Halloween is around the corner, as well. We don't live in town, and we definitely don't get trick-or-treaters out in these parts, which I do miss. Giving out candy and seeing the costumes was always fun.

This is the time of year when I think a lot about relocating. Heading somewhere warmer. Then I look out the window and lose myself in the fall hues. I close my eyes, and can hear a flock of Canadian Geese flying overhead, honking their goodbye as they head south.

The quiet nothingness of the woods is like fuel for my soul, and I realize that I probably couldn't live anywhere else after being here for so long. I'll remind myself of that in a few months, though. When the ground is frozen, and we're buried in white.

Without color.

What's your favorite time of year?

Taylor

My New Addiction

2011-09-14T01:39:00.000-05:00

It began innocently. I started listening to AOL Radio as I wrote, the movie scores providing a fabulous soundtrack for creating scenes. If there are words in songs, I'll sing them. Every time. It isn't pretty. My grandmother used to say that I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it. Grandma, you were right! lol

But, I digress.

Listen to Suspense Radio

Suspense Radio online came out of nowhere and I was HOOKED.
I began listening and couldnt' get enough.
I pop in my noise-cancelling headphones, and edit and write. I listen and actually work, inspired by the fun and fabulous author interviews! It's the most productive I've been in ages. But, I've run out of shows. Eeek.

Listen to Black and Gray on Monday Nights

Now, I've found Black and Gray, hosted by Jaid Black of Ellora's Cave and Lisa Gray. Oh. My. God. Very adult, but I laughed my ass off. These two women are in your face, much like Jaid's writing, which is how Ellora's Cave came to be. It's fresh and fun, and sex from the lady's point of view.

The only problem...there aren't enough shows!

So, what do you listen to while you work? Or do you require silence? Anyone else addicted to author success stories?

Taylor

The Day After

2011-09-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

It was a busy, emotional weekend for me and most Americans out there. Like many, I watched many of the 9/11 Memorials over the weekend. I spent a lot of it in tears.

So much loss, so many lives, innocent.

There are just no words. I feel many things, and as often as I tried to post a blog, I just couldn't find the words to voice my emotions nor did I believe for a second that anything I could say would be eloquent enough for those who suffered such tragic losses that day.

My sister died last year, and I'm still coming to terms with it. I can't imagine losing her in a tragedy of such epic proportions, but one thing I walked away with when I finally stepped away from the television was...hope.

Americans have built a beautiful tribute, and there were so many brave survivors who visited this weekend. I watched from my living room, entranced, almost sobbing at the display of strength of so many men, women and children who etched the name of their loved one upon a piece of paper with a pencil. They closed their eyes, their fingertips resting upon the bronze engravings, as they listened to the peaceful sound of the water flowing, remembering their love and grieving their loss.

Yes, hope is what I felt. For we suffer, we grieve, but we move on, we live to honor those we've lost.

They are all American heroes.

God bless you all and God bless the troops who support and protect the United States of America.

Taylor

Fall Fear

2011-09-06T07:47:00.000-05:00

I took this photo last week while driving home from the fair.

The weather is changing, the evenings cooling off considerably, the mornings even cooler. It's sweater weather in Minnesota. My favorite time of year. The leaves will be changing soon. The greens turning to crisp golds, burnt oranges and vibrant reds. The air is crisp as well, having a nip to it. Making you fold your arms and turn your back to the wind, which can be downright icy and blowing from the north, which in my case is Canada.

This is the time of year that especially brings to mind ghosts and everything related to Halloween. With the holiday right around the corner, it's easier than any other time of the year to get into the spirit, so to speak.

I love ghost stories and spooky movies, not the bloody ones, but good ol' fashioned ghost stories.

What Lies Beneath was a fabulous ghost story. I'm afraid to admit to seeing the movie and not reading the book, but there you go. I loved Michelle Pfieffer and Harrison Ford.

I've been pondering a ghost tale, myself. Okay, more than pondering. I've already begun the story. It'll be an erotic one to boot, for submission to Ellora's Cave and I'm having a blast with it.

What about you? Do you enjoy Halloween? Do you like fall or are you more of a summer person? Do you enjoy being afraid or would you rather watch the cooking channel? lol

Taylor

Motor City Wolf by Cindy Spencer Pape, Carina Press

2011-08-30T08:38:00.000-05:00

Less than a year ago, Fianna Meadows was a pampered noble in the Faerie court. Then she was exiled, turned mortal and forced to work for a living—in a werewolf bar in Detroit, no less! Still, Fianna has to admit her new life isn't so bad...particularly when it comes to Greg Novak, the bar's sexy owner.
For Greg, keeping his hands off Fianna has been a challenge. But his sense of honor won't let him get involved with a woman put in his care, even if Fianna is eager to explore her new feelings of lust. Resisting the temptation to claim her gets even harder when Greg's grandfather, the region's Alpha, orders him to marry and Fianna agrees to pretend to be his chosen mate.
Fighting his attraction to Fianna isn't Greg's only problem. Someone is killing werewolves and attacking other paranormal beings in Detroit. He vows to do whatever it takes protect both his pack and Fianna—even if that means giving her up...

Excerpts

"Somebody is killing werewolves."

Greg Novak spoke calmly, though he was seething inside. He sat in the office of the bar he co-owned with his brother, George, and looked at his small pack. Four lupine shifters and two humans. As an alpha, he'd been unable to live under the hand of a more dominant wolf. He'd broken away from his family pack at adulthood, and the other three wolves had followed him. First they'd gone to California and formed a rock band, then when Greg and George had inherited the club from their maternal grandfather, they'd all come back home to Michigan. The humans had joined up more recently. It might not be much of a pack, but it was his. They were his family, by blood or affection, and his responsibility.

"It has to be Beowulf," George grumbled. His dark brown eyes were a mirror of Greg's own. Younger by less than a year, he was the fashionable one, with a sleek, expensive haircut, designer jeans and a glossy black leather jacket, while Greg preferred his own long hair, battered jeans and rock-band T-shirts. They also differed in outlook. Lacking the souped-up hormones that an alpha like Greg was stuck with, George often had the more level head of the two. "We just have to figure out who Beowulf is."

"Or why he's working with this Nightshade asshole to take out our people in Detroit." Lana, the Novaks' cousin, was perched atop a filing cabinet in the corner of the small basement room, since there weren't enough chairs. The room was simple, with exposed brick walls and a wooden floor, much like it had been when Greg's great-grandfather had owned it in the 20s, running with the Purple Gang to funnel Canadian alcohol into American bars.

"I talked to Meagan earlier today," offered Jase, George's lover, from where he sat on the edge of George's antique wooden desk. "The elves haven't found out anything more. All they're saying is that Underhill has gone quiet." Jase's lilting Jamaican accent was at odds with the others' Midwestern speech, and the silver beads in his black dreadlocks jingled as he spoke.

Greg smiled at Jase, a human pottery artist. Everyone nodded, aware of the recent trouble within the Fae. An elven racial purity movement had tried to seize control of Underhill. Nobody knew how the legendary werewolf-assassin, Beowulf, was connected to that now-dormant plot, but his name had come up during the Fae investigations and now someone was taking out lupines.

"So right now it's only werewolves under attack. Fucking great." Vince Martin, the fourth lupine in the room, had been a friend of both Greg and George's since they were all pups. He sat in the one guest armchair. "So what do we do?"

"Stay alert," Greg advised. "Watch each other's backs. Hell, take a long vacation if you want. That's probably the smartest thing to do."

"We could hire more staff to manage the club and take the band back on the road," George offered half-heartedly. All four lupines made up the band that played most weekends at the club. As the only one in a serious relationship, traveling would be hardest on George.
They all looked at each other. Everyone but Vince shook their heads.

"I'm staying," Greg said. "This bar is my territory and I'm not going to give up without a fight. The rest of you are free to do what you want."

"Staying," said George and Jase together, their fingers intertwined, George's dark tan and Jase's deep brown.

Buy Now

Dreams of Seduction by N.J. Walters from Samhain Publishing

2011-08-27T06:58:00.000-05:00

She doesn’t believe in magic—or love. Until a spirit goes walking on the wild side…

Spells, Secrets and Seductions, Book 2

Maggie O’Neill goes along with her two best friends’ candle-magick spell to summon a lover only because, well, they are her BFFs. She doesn’t really believe in this stuff. Yet the aftermath of the spell leaves her strangely hot and bothered, and then the dreams of a man start—and not just any man. Jed Bearson. Pity, since she’s sworn off men for the foreseeable future.

Jed, part-time deputy and painter, doesn’t tell many people that he has the ability to let his spirit travel outside his body. One night, despite his self-imposed rule to never invade anyone’s privacy, he follows an irresistible pull to Maggie’s bedside. He’s astounded to find her crying out his name in private pleasure. After months of giving her space, maybe it’s time to approach her.

Maggie and Jed’s first touch is lightning hot—and their passion is a thunderclap of erotic pleasure. But when Jed reveals he’s a spiritwalker, Maggie’s reaction is like a curtain of cold rain descending between them. Leaving him wondering what she’s afraid of. Magic? Him? Or of following her heart?

Excerpt:

Almost against her will, she was drawn to her purse. She opened the bag, reached in her hand and touched the smooth wax of the candle. The scent of rose oil tickled her nostrils, reminding her once again of the ritual she and her friends had performed earlier this evening. Maggie had planned to leave her candle at Rhiannon’s, but had been unable to abandon it.

She closed her fingers around the candle and held it tight in her left hand as she climbed the stairs. Her right hand slid up the smooth banister, guiding her as she made her way upstairs. She walked across the old oak flooring and into her bedroom, drawing comfort from the familiar creaks in the wood. Flicking on the Tiffany lamp she’d bought at an estate sale, she looked around the room.

The furniture had belonged to her grandmother. It was old, handcrafted more than a hundred and fifty years ago out of solid oak. Maggie loved the bed, with its intricately carved headboard and footboard of Celtic knot work. The tall armoire, which sat against one wall, and the pair of nightstands flanking the bed were also adorned with the same carvings. A large, freestanding mirror sat in one corner of the room, roses carved into the heavy frame.

Maggie had repainted the room a cheerful yellow and bought gauzy white drapes for the two windows that faced the ocean. The oak floor was softened with an area rug done in a design of yellows, browns and greens. The comforter was also new. It was a profusion of colorful flowers, which made the room cheerful and bright.

The room was hers in every way. She’d put her stamp on it, doing it to please no one but herself. Placing the candle on the bedside table, she stared at it for one long moment. “It’s just a candle,” she muttered.

And truly, that’s all it was. The spell they’d cast was nothing more than words. It had no power, no magick. The wind chose that moment to whip up and beat at the closed window. Maggie shivered, but briskly turned away and began to pull off her clothing.

Gathering the discarded garments, she made her way to the bathroom and dumped them into the laundry hamper. It didn’t take her long to wash her face and brush out her waist-length hair. She tossed her brush onto the bathroom vanity and reached for her nightgown that was hanging from a hook on the back of the door.

She paused, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Green eyes peered back at her. It wasn’t a bad face, just not an overly beautiful one. Like the rest of her, her face was a bit too rounded. With a smattering of freckles covering her nose and cheeks, she looked more like the girl next door than a sexy siren. She’d always felt so out of place in California among the tall, thin blonds. With her curvy body and her long red hair, she’d always stood out, and not in a good way.

Sighing, she slipped the nightgown over her head. The silky fabric slid over her body, leaving goose bumps in its wake. All that talk of sex tonight over at Rhiannon’s had reminded her of how long it had been since she’d had any. Six months since she’d tossed her ring back at her ex-fiancé, and even before that, it had been several months. That should have been her first clue that something wasn’t right in their relationship.

She’d been so busy at her job with a large advertising firm and planning the wedding that she hadn’t questioned the lack of passion in her relationship too deeply. Mostly, she hadn’t wanted to see the truth about Mitchell Michaels, the third.

She’d settled because she hadn’t wanted to be alone and because she hadn’t thought she’d get another proposal. She’d ignored his veiled hints that she should lose weight and think about dyeing her hair, or at least cutting it. She’d ignored the fact that it didn’t seem to bother either her or Mitchell that they hadn’t slept together in months. She was thirty years old and it was time to get married. God, she’d been so pathetic.

But those days were over. It had taken her long, hard months to get past the pain of the betrayal. Not only had Mitchell and Barbara betrayed her, she’d betrayed herself by settling. No more. She’d rather be alone than live with a man who didn’t love her for who she was.

And sex. Well, she was quite capable of taking care of her needs herself.

Hurrying back to her bedroom, she tugged back the covers and climbed into bed. She turned off the light and lay there listening to the creaks and groans of the house as it settled for the night. Rolling onto her side, she peered out the closest window. The stars twinkled against the inky curtain of the night like her own personal nightlight.

A sense of restlessness possessed her. It was all that talk about sex tonight. This was all Rhiannon’s fault.

Flopping over onto her back, Maggie closed her eyes and sighed. What she needed was a lover. A dream lover. A man who came to her bed at night and loved her until she was breathless and sated. A man whose touch ignited flames under her skin, whose voice made her shiver with longing.

An image of a man popped into her head—Jed Bearson.

Buy Now

Kindlegraph

2011-08-17T13:10:00.000-05:00

Kindlegraph from Taylor Tryst

Kindlegraph. A digital signature. Very cool. I now have a page.

Taylor

http://kindlegraph.com/authors/taylortryst

Close to Forever by Barbara Huffert from Ellora's Cave Blush

2011-08-11T09:56:00.003-05:00

Today I'm excited to share a release from my dear friend, Barbara Huffert.

Close to Forever is a truly romantic story that'll make you just sigh.

Congratulations, Barb. I'm so proud of you.

Readers, may you enjoy.

Taylor

Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).

Chloe is ten minutes late for the first class, and the instructor decides to hold it against her. She’s never met a ruder man. Or a more dangerously attractive one. She doesn’t understand his animosity or the attraction between them. When Marc has a change of heart, Chloe must decide if he can be trusted.

Excerpt:

Chloe had been waiting for him to arrive, dressed exactly as he’d predicted. The night he’d spoken to George and the six following, which made him wonder who she was borrowing clothes from, since he was sure they weren’t hers. Each class, he’d worked her hard, assigning her every shit job he could think up, all of which she’d completed without complaint. She didn’t say a peep about how unfair he was being. She just kept coming back for more even though her snooty, high and mighty, sister threw it in her face before she dropped out of the class.

“Hey, Marco,” George greeted as he came through the door. “Heading out soon? I’m ready to lock up.”

“Soon as she’s done cleaning up and gets the tools we used tonight stowed away,” he replied, waving a hand at the woman he referred to without looking over his shoulder.

George did a double take when he saw her and stepped close enough to speak without being overheard. “That her?” Marc nodded. “Damn, she’s hot!” The scowl he got was almost frightening. “Sorry.” He shrugged, grinning as he slowly looked her over. Retreating a few feet, he said loudly, “Something going on here I need to know about?”

“Huh?” Marc’s senses went on full alert. What the hell was George up to? He kept his face blank as he watched his soon-to-be ex-friend stroll over to the class flunky. When George winked, Marc started planning how to do him in. The guy was already living on borrowed time since that bullet had damn near killed him. He would be dead if Marc hadn’t carried him out and gotten him fixed up as quick as he had. Because he’d saved George’s annoying, interfering in matters where he had no business, ungrateful life, he was therefore entitled to end it whenever he chose to. This was definitely a situation where it was justifiable to exclude the fact that George had been shot by the sniper instead of him.

“Evening, ma’am,” George introduced himself. “Anything you want to tell me?” George gave her his most charming smile. “Strictly speaking it’s not against the rules and personally, I have no notable objections, but Marco here is my best bud and I like to keep an eye out for him. So tell me, what are your intentions in regards to him?”

“My intentions?” Chloe asked politely though she clearly wasn’t thrilled with his attempt to draw her into his game.

“Yes. I do hope they’re honorable. Otherwise I may have something to say about this."

“Well then you have nothing to worry about. I assure you Mr. Hughes is perfectly safe with me.”

Buy Now

New Releases from Tessie Bradford and Regina Carlysle

2011-08-10T12:37:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share these fabulous releases today from Tessie Bradford and Regina Carlysle! Congratulations, ladies.

Matt's Return is releasing today from Resplendence Publishing

and

Return of the Daredevil is releasing from Ellora's Cave.

Enjoy everyone, I certainly know I will.

Taylor

Matt's Return
Erotic Gems Short Story
by Tessie Bradford

Molly will never love another man. In the three years since Matt left, she’s somehow been able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and start living again, but not knowing what happened to him, why he didn’t keep his promise, will haunt her forever.

Matt’s love for Molly kept him alive, fighting to return to her. Now, he’s finally come home.

Excerpt:

Matt's Return

Molly glanced over at the front bay window as she inserted her key in the lock, surprised that the interior of her home was pitch-dark. Knowing she would face a fifteen-hour day when she’d left at eight that morning, she was positive she’d turned on a lamp on her way out. The porch light was on, so it wasn’t a power outage, probably just a burned out bulb. She walked inside, anticipating a cold glass of wine and a warm bath. She closed the door behind her. An arm wrapped around her middle and pulled her back roughly as a large hand clamped down over her mouth.

“I’ve been waiting an awfully long time for you to get home, sweetheart,” a gruff, baritone voice breathed against her ear.

Molly dropped her purse to the floor. Panic, instant and fierce, welled up in her chest, and adrenaline pumped into her limbs. Frantically, she kicked and writhed while clawing desperately at the hand on her face. The man tightened his muscular arms on her body, locking her in his vise-like grip. He didn’t even flinch as her nails raked his skin. He flexed his hips against her back, and Molly’s groan was barely audible against his palm. The evidence of his arousal was staggering.

“Three years,” he growled, slowly flexing his fingers in the soft flesh of her hip. “Three years since my cock has been buried deep into a woman’s soft, wet heat.”

Molly whimpered when the tip of his tongue laved a trail from her earlobe down the side of her neck.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way, sweetheart, but we most definitely will be doing it.” He nipped at the exposed skin of her shoulder. Molly quit fighting. He moved his hand from her face and down to cup under one heavy breast. He ran the pad of his thumb across her beaded nipple.“Jesus Christ, Matt. What the fuck do you think you’re doing? You scared the crap out of me!” Her breathing was labored, and her voice shook.

In a flash, Matt swung her around and hauled her against his massive frame by grabbing onto both cheeks of her ass. She barely had time to wrap her arms around his neck before his lips crashed down on hers. His tongue surged into her mouth. Like a man on the brink of starvation, he devoured her, consumed her and branded her with his heat and his need. Molly met him with equal fervor, running her tongue along his, glorying in the barely leashed strength and passion that was Matt.

She ran her fingers through his hair, noting that it was soft and shoulder length now, so different than the spiky buzz cut he used to sport. She grabbed two fistfuls and held on. They kissed desperately until the need for oxygen forced them apart.

“You’re a real bastard, Matt McLeod,” she whispered, tugging his T-shirt from the waistband of his jeans.

“I know, sweetheart. Believe me, I know.” He popped the buttons of her blouse and shoved it down her shoulders.

“Six months. You said you’d be back in six months, thirty-six months ago."

Buy Now

Scrumptious scoundrel. Daredevil T Dobbs, the sexiest cowboy to ever walk the streets of Delight, Texas, headed out of town, taking Melanie Honeycutt’s heart with him. But now he’s back and hotter than ever. Trust him? Her head says no but her body has other ideas.

Stubborn woman. She was the girl T never forgot and the woman he yearns for in the deepest part of his heart. But what’s a man to do when she doesn’t believe he’s home for good? T knows his way around dangerous curves, and Mel’s are hot enough to burn a man. He figures it’ll take a slow hand and some downright smokin’-hot sex to melt her reserve but he’s definitely up for the challenge.

An Excerpt From: RETURN OF THE DAREDEVIL

She looked up and froze to see T silhouetted in the doorway of the gym.

The sun was at his back, casting him in shadows, and the entire room went still. Heavy air seemed to hover like a living thing in the gym and even the teenaged girls didn’t make a peep as he filled up the room with his presence. But even cast in shadow, it was impossible to mistake that long, lean frame or the swagger in his stride as he finally began to cross the room. T’s bootheels rapped sharply on the carefully tended hardwood. He moved like a man who did what he pleased and took what he wanted. Determination marked his every step and as he drew closer, the shadows lifted, showing Mel the glint in his storm-colored eyes. They were hungry eyes. Sexy eyes. Heavily lashed, they narrowed dangerously beneath the brim of a straw summery cowboy hat that had definitely seen better days. T’s hair beneath the battered hat was long, thick and black, brushing the tops of sturdy shoulders that she practically itched to stroke with her fingers. The hint of a five o’clock shadow covered the lower part of his sexy, masculine face. Oh boy. T for trouble. Suddenly he grinned, throwing her even further off guard as he tipped back the brim of his hat and moved in close enough to touch.

“Hey, darlin’,” he drawled. Before she could blink, T Dobbs wrapped a muscular arm around her, hauling her close, and breathed against her lips. “Damn, woman. I missed you. Kiss me hello, sweet thang.”

The world instantly melted away.

Just like that he stole every bit of good sense she’d ever possessed as his lips took hers in a savage kiss that quite simply rocked her world. There was nothing tentative in T’s mouth slowly devouring hers. His tongue cruised over her lips, tasting thoroughly before dipping deep until she could taste all the complex flavors of this man she’d always loved. If anything his kisses were even better than they’d been all those many years ago. A flash of jealousy whipped through her as she wondered about how he’d gained all this expertise but then the anger was dashed away under the seductive lash of his tongue.

She was lost. Taken under. Obliterated with just one touch.

One big hand cupped the curve of her jaw as a twitter of sound swept the room. Giggling and applause and chatter came at her as if from a distance but, truth be told, she could barely hear it over the roar of blood in her ears. Her nipples went hard against the practical cotton of her bra and she gasped at the sensation.

“Hey! Get your hands off her. What do you think you’re doing?”

Buy Now

Patience

2011-08-08T09:02:00.000-05:00

Patience has never been one of my strong suits. Nope, I've never been one to wait. If I want something I usually research it and do it. Like now.

So, waiting for my garden veggies to go green is a killer. I'm nursing the tomatoes, watching them plump up and grow, which has been incredibly rewarding. But, I want them. Now.

I water, I try to keep up on the weeds, which is hard work, but I do what I can. They are growing, and it's up to the sun and time, I suppose. It's completely out of my hands.

So, I'm trying to focus on the things I can control. Mowing the lawn before it rains, and indoor activities, as well as writing. Well, I don't actually have a lot of control over that either.

I try but life gets in the way, my physical issues only allow for so much sitting or lying due to a crushed vertebrae that never really healed up the right way and a myriad of other issues.

So, I get bits and pieces of time for writing. The story, the characters, they kind of write themselves, though there if a fair amount of plotting and toiling from my end. I don't sit down and plot it all out like some writers do, though. No, I'm more of a seat of the pants writer.

So, it's moving, though slowly.

Again, I want it now.

I've found that as I age, I know, I'm only forty-one, but sometimes I feel ancient, I've become slightly more accepting of the waiting game. Though I still want things now, I realize waiting is a part of life. Maybe it teaches us something, and I say that grudgingly.

Like the tomatoes, my plots develop and ripen under the sun, with attention and love, and yes a little patience, I shall someday enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Yeah, whatever, I still want it now.

:}

Taylor

Summer's Flower

2011-08-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

Isn't this the daintiest little flower? It's one of my perinneals and this is an evening photograph. I just love it and had to share.

Taylor

Summer Decadence

2011-08-03T02:46:00.001-05:00

Decadence.

Swimming in the lake fully clothed on a hot day.
The sun burning your skin as you drive.
The warm wind blowing your hair.
Eating watermelon, any fruit that drips down your chin, and lovin' it.

Eating a melting ice cream cone. :}
Walking through the grass barefoot.
Toes in the sand.
Spraying off with the garden hose.

These are just a few things that make me smile, that almost make me feel like a kid again.

What's decadent for you?

Tomboy at Heart

2011-08-01T07:59:00.000-05:00

I was able to shoot a little 410 shotgun yesterday. It was uber adorable!

A friend brought one by so my nephew could try it out. He's only 11 years-old and we're teaching him how to shoot, how to be safe and respectful of firearms.

The coolest thing is that he's a dead eye shot.

My friend gave him his first .22LR, and my nephew was reduced to tears and in awe.

He's developed a confidence I feared he'd never have. You see, he lost his mother last year, and has had trouble in school. He doesn't really have a father figure in his life, but we shoot together.

We live out in the middle of nowhere and can set up our targets and have a good time.

He reads about guns, loves to clean and take care of his firearm, and will take a firearms

safety course this fall with other local kids his age.

It's been amazing to develop this 'special' bond with him. It's time we spend together, and I can usually impress him when we have one-on-one challenges. lol

So, being a Tomboy has come in handy. Sure, I still love girly things, getting my nails done and having a pedi, though don't even try to get me to wear a dress!

Anyone that knows me also knows without certainty that I am and always have been a huge Tomboy. Jeans and t-shirts, tennis shoes or boots, football and hockey. I love shooting, and was an expert shot while working for the Department of Corrections.

I love guns. Always have. I use them in my romantic suspense and paranormal romance.

As a matter of fact, they are a mainstay in my books.

What's not sexy about a hero who is a master with a gun. Give that skill to a heroine, and to

me it's the ultimate in sexy.

Babes and guns, not just covers of sexy gun magazines.

A woman who can shoot can probably take care of herself. Even if she's not an expert, being able to handle a gun proves to me that she's capable.

Cool facts:

The 410 is the smallest of shotguns.

410 is a bore and not a gauge.

The 410 is usually thought to be a beginner's shotgun, but due to it's small bore and difficulty hitting a moving target with the light load, but it's actually more challenging to shoot.

The 410 bore is commonly used for small game such as rabbits and squirrels.

He wants one, I want one. There might be a 410 in our future. Which, in turn, will probably put one in the hands of one of my heroines. How cool is that?

Taylor

Close to Forever by Barbara Huffert

2011-07-29T05:53:00.000-05:00

I wanted to congratulate my friend, Barbara Huffert

on her new cover from Ellora's Cave.

Close to Forever

August 11, 2011.

Congrats, dear friend.

I'm so proud of you, and can't wait until this sweet romance is available for everyone to enjoy.

Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).

Blurb:

Close to Forever

Feeling the Words

2011-07-26T11:26:00.000-05:00

It's been so long that I barely remember how, but I've been managing to write lately. A lot. (Knock on wood.) Yeah, I'm almost afraid to even say those words out loud. I mean, after dealing with years of writer's block and the inability to sit down and actually produce anything, I've somehow manged to make some progress. It feels monumental.

No Snoopy dancing yet, but folks, it's getting close!

Have a great day,

Taylor

Values from the Vault at Ellora's Cave

2011-07-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

Ex-cop turned private investigator Cleo Tanek receives a mysterious request to follow and document billionaire Lukas Nathanial Lace's every move. What she soon discovers, however, is that Lace has been marked for death and that the information she provided will assist in carrying out his murder.

Unable to control the desperate heat that ignites between them, they succumb to a night of hot, passionate sex. Cleo then learns that her mysterious client is a senator whom she believes ordered the hit. She must tell Luke the truth, keep him alive and somehow blow the senator out of the water.

With a fetish for leather and handcuffs, and the need to be in control, Cleo is fascinated by her irrepressible urge to submit to Lace's every whim, and the dominant role he assumes over her body, mind and soul. Cleo discovers that leather and lace is a deadly combination.

Read an excerpt from Leather and Lace or Buy Now

I stopped by the Ellora's Cave website today and was excited to see the Values from the Vault feature. There are so many great ebooks and paperbacks that are currently reduced in price.

.99 cents.

Now, that's the sweet spot!

Stop by, download a few. A guaranteed "hot" weekend!

Stay cool, everyone.

Taylor

Incorporeal by J.R. Barrett, only $2.99 on Amazon Kindle.

2011-07-21T06:34:00.000-05:00

Incorporeal Blurb:

Sara Wise is sick of ghosts. They’ve haunted her since she was a child, destroying her family, endangering her life. When an incorporeal being appears in her shower, she curses him soundly and orders him out, but this ghost is sticky. Not only does he invade her shower, he moves into her home, invading her dreams, sharing her bed. The reluctant Sara finds herself falling in love with a dead man.

Despite Sara’s objections, Natan de Manua isn’t permitted to leave. Protecting the woman is both his penance and his means to redemption. She’s not easy to protect, she fights him nearly every step of the way, except in her bed. Nathan may have come to regain his soul, but instead he risks losing his heart.

Excerpt:
Incorporeal, by J. R. Barrett

This original work is copyrighted by Julia Rachel Barrett.

Limp, boneless, Sara’s head lolled back against Nathan’s shoulder. Nathan had helped her achieve her goal, distracting her from their odd, inexplicable, supernatural circumstances. What could be more normal than sex, truly excellent, out of this world, mind-blowing sex? With a satisfied sigh, Sara closed her eyes, sinking further back into Nathan’s body, as his hands soaped her sensitive breasts, and other equally sensitive parts.

“Mmmmmm.”

“Feels good?”

“Very.” She rubbed her cheek along Nathan’s wet skin.

“Would you like to sleep? I can stop if you wish.”

“Oh no, don’t stop. Keep touching me. I love it when you touch me.” Nathan mumbled a few sentences, his voice vibrating along her back. Sara shifted slightly, pressing even closer. “What did you say?”

Nathan’s hands moved over her without hesitation, but his answer was slow in coming. “I said I love to touch you, Sara. I come alive in your arms.”

Despite his groan of protest, Sara turned her body around until she could look into Nathan’s face. She laid her palm over his heart, thrilled by the steady beat she felt through his muscular chest. “Are you alive, Nathan?”

His hands slipped beneath her hair and he massaged her head. “Yes, I believe so, although my alive-ness seems to be limited to your home.” He leaned over to kiss her.

When at last he lifted his lips from hers, Sara asked in a quiet voice, “Do you know why?”

Nathan shook his head.

“Do you know how?”

“No, Sara, I don’t.” He pulled her back against him. “Is the water growing too cold for you?”

“No.” She stretched out her legs; her toes played with his. “The water is fine, but I have another question.”

Nathan slipped his soapy hands down her flanks, running them over her hips. “I don’t suppose I can distract you from your questions?”

Sara was indeed distracted, but she shook her head. “Nice try, but no.”

Nathan wrapped his strong arms around her and drew her hard against him. Resting his chin on the top of her head, he said, “Ask your questions, woman.”

“Ooh, woman is it? Sexy. I like it.” She wiggled her bottom against him, grinning at his immediate physical response.

“Ask.” Nathan growled the word.

Despite her reluctance to tackle the subject she wanted to tackle, Sara couldn’t resist a feminine snort. Nathan might be dead, but he was very much a man. Men haven’t changed over the centuries, have they? All right, Sara, jump right in. Blurt it out. You know you want the answer. Do I? Do I really want the answer?

“How do you know about my mother?” She asked the question before she could bite it back. Behind her, she felt Nathan sink deeper into the tub. He doesn’t want to answer me.

“I did not know your mother, but I saw her on several occasions.”

“You…you…” Sara began to stutter. “You saw her?” She craned her neck to look back at Nathan.

He nodded.

“How? Why?” Sara was rocked by his words.

“I acted as guide for your father. He was pulled from his body suddenly and he, well, he refused to move forward. He insisted upon a guide back to you. I agreed to the assignment.”

“You agreed? He was pulled away? You were his guide?” The feeling of unreality was creeping back over her.

“Sara, stop.” Nathan held her tighter. “You’re doing it again. I can feel your fear. You’ve seen the dead all your life. This should come as no great surprise.”

“I know, yes, of course, I know, but you’re talking about my father, and my, my mother.” Sara ordered her heart to slow down. Nathan was right. Why should this frighten her? Because it’s damn scary stuff, that’s why. “Nathan, I’ve never wanted to see the dead, as you call them. I don’t like it. They frighten me.”

“I know.”

“Except for my father. I saw him, in the hospital, the mental hospital, when my mother had me committed, and again when I was in foster care. I saw him several times. You brought him to me? It was you who brought him to me?”

“Yes. The water’s growing cold, Sara. We should get out and dry off.”

“Nathan, wait.” Sara stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Why did you do this? Why did you agree to bring him to me? What kind of creature are you; that you have to power to do such a thing?”

Nathan rose from the tub, lifting her up with him. Sara knew her legs were trembling, but she couldn’t seem to stop them. Answer me, Nathan, answer me.

In silence, Nathan wrapped her in a large towel. He dried her body and began to work on her hair. At last, he tilted her head back, allowing her to look directly into his eyes. His were not kind, but they were guileless and she knew he would tell her the truth.

“I guided your father to you because I was asked to do so. I had been mired in self-pity for so long that I jumped at the opportunity. I guided your father for my own reasons, not for his. The time had come to rejoin either the dead or the living, and I didn’t care which. He was merely the excuse. Yes, I saw your mother. I witnessed her treatment of you. It was a relief to learn you would be fostered with another family.”

Buy Incorporeal Now

Morning Dew

2011-07-13T09:07:00.000-05:00

I took this picture early this morning. The dew had the sun reflecting perfectly and the grass looked crisp and white, where as during the afternoon sun the field is just as boring to look at as you could imagine. I like when things change in the light. It makes nothing you ever see quite the same, and isn't that refreshing!

Good New from my dear friend, Barbara Huffert. She's had a book contracted with Ellora's Cave for their Blush line. Congratulations, Barb. I'm so proud of you! More news to come on a release date.

Enjoy your day, everyone. Keep cool with this heat.

Taylor

Lust After Death by Daisy Harris from Ellora's Cave

2011-07-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

In the Pacific Northwest, where life hurries to keep pace with technology, a re-animated bride named Josie struggles to escape her creator and to find her identity in the half-erased circuitry of her mind and body.

Assassin Bane Connor just wants to get the girl to the Zombie Underground and receive his payoff—a mental reset that will erase his memories as well as his guilt. But an attack by a rival faction derails his rescue, and the wide-eyed female whose circuitry requires a husband tears at his hardened heart and ignites desire like he’s never known.

Acting as Josie’s spouse-substitute is tougher than Bane expected. The newborn stein needs touch to live, and wanting her is a complication he doesn’t need. To make matters worse, she sees into the darkest recesses of his mind. The last thing a killer wants is for his lover to read his thoughts, but if Josie can love him the way he’s programmed, perhaps Bane can find a way to heal his past.

Excerpt:

An Excerpt From: LUST AFTER DEATH

The windows hovered a good two feet above his head, long, horizontal rectangles running the length of the house. He searched for a nearby rock or tree, hell maybe even a ladder, but all he found were a few empty milk crates in the scrabbly weeds at the side of the house. Bane lifted one in each hand and positioned them in front of a window. Hearing voices the next room over, he snatched the cartons up and placed them on the rocky ground. Then Bane climbed on top and craned his head to peer inside.

He heard a man’s angry voice, but Bane couldn’t see over the windowsill. He jumped down, stumbling a little on the landing. Then Bane grabbed another crate and climbed up again, balancing as best he could on the uneven surface of river rocks and weeds that surrounded the house.

The scientist towered over the girl while she huddled in a corner of a bathroom. She wore a torn hospital gown, and her thin, pale hands rubbed at her slim arms.

Bane gripped the ledge with one hand while snaking the other around his hip to grip the handle of his pistol. The doctor kept his back to the window, and Bane placed the gun’s barrel against the glass, calculating a shot that wouldn’t risk hitting the girl.

The man gestured between her and the tub. Water ran, steam curling above the surface. The stein said something, but Bane couldn’t hear what. The guy—Adam Friedman, Q-ter had said his name was—threw up his hands and stalked from the room.

Bane exhaled a low, growling breath and replaced his gun in his pocket and his hand on the windowsill. He readied to jump down and watch the guy from other windows, but the girl stood and damn near looked right at him. He froze in place, watching her wipe tears from her eyes.

She peered down at her wet fingers, confusion etched on her angelic face, and then she gave her digit a tentative lick. Eyes wide with surprise, the girl fed her finger farther into the bow of her mouth.

Ho-ly shit! His body sprung to attention, his nerve endings strung taut as a bow.

Feeling like a peeping tom, Bane looked away from the window, assessing the pebbles below his crates and a nearby bank of leaves and weeds he could land on quietly. Then he gave a last glance through the window and noticed her hand caressing the water’s surface.

A fascinated smile played at her lips. Damn, she was beautiful, and not in some fake plastic surgery and programming way. She was fresh, shiny, new—like she held the keys to paradise.

Fuck, he was drunk. The crates wobbled underneath him and Bane let go of the windowsill with one hand, readying to jump. Really, he was leaving.

Her ivory hand slid up her hospital gown and tugged at the tie. The blue-striped, papery material sank from her shoulders to the floor, revealing a pale, slender body that seemed to shimmer under the bright bathroom lights.

Bane bit his bottom lip to stop from groaning out loud. His hips bucked forward of their own accord. The crates tilted to the side and he grabbed at the windowsill’s metal edging to right himself. His arms supported his weight and he trapped the top crate between his legs and pulled the pile back under his body, desperate for one more look. By the time he righted himself, the girl had turned her back on him to step into the tub.

If he’d thought the front of her was nice… Her back was long and delicate, her ass spectacular. Goose bumps rose on her skin and he could almost imagine the feel of them under his fingertips. The girl must have wondered about the water's temperature, because she bent forward at the hips to test it.

His right hand dropped to cup the bulge in his pants. He was a douche and a pervert. And he would jack off to this image for the rest of his undead life. Which, now that he thought about it, would only be a few more days.

Gritting his teeth against his guilt, Bane curved his fingers around his cock and stroked. The girl had tried to sit with her back to him, but realized the faucet poked her and turned around. Now he got to watch her breasts bob in the water. Nice.

She picked up a bar of soap and her eyes widened. Normally Bane hated how newbies wondered at every damn thing—but this girl didn’t look stupid. She looked kind, excited, happy. The bar slipped out of her hands into the water and Bane watched as she dove head-first to find it. His hand left his dick to grab at the metal. He worried she might not know enough not to breathe under there.

Her head popped up again and she flipped her ebony mane from her face. A grin split her face. Damp curls of hair framed her cheeks, tangled at her shoulders, licked at her collarbone. She giggled and rolled the soap in her hands. Her eyelids fluttered as she smoothed the cream over her arms and up the long column of her neck.

Bane’s fingers traced over his lips as he watched her soap her body. He held his breath, silently urging her hand lower.

She obliged, skimming over the curve of her breasts before sliding her touch down her belly. Her palm dipped below the water and he lost sight of it, but her eyes fell to half-mast and her lips parted. When her arm reached farther, the girl’s eyes pressed tight as her mouth made a shape like an O.

Fuck! His legs swung out from under him and his fingertips barely caught on the thin ledge. Bane hung there for a moment, wondering whether to drop to the ground or pull back up. Despite his better judgment, he wedged his toe into a crack in the concrete wall and angled his body to push his torso higher until he once again peered like a letch through her window.

He shouted, finding her face right up to the glass. Her mahogany stare met his—surprised, curious, but not frightened. One corner of her mouth curled up into a lopsided, cherubic smile. She reached out a hand to the window and traced his face. When her fingertips covered his lips, her other hand reached up, stroking her own mouth.

Bane lost his grip, and with a winding thud, fell flat on his ass.

Buy Lust After Death Now

Lily of Summer

2011-07-04T16:49:00.001-05:00

It's not red, white and blue, but it's a gorgeous summer flower, one I don't see often in Northern Minnesota. With incredibly cold winters that last long into spring, I've never been so ready for color as I was this year. Winter felt like it would never end, and now I have green grass that won't stop growing and beautiful flowers.

Hopefully this lady will live through the harsh winter. I'm going to do my best to give her a fighting chance. It'll certainly give me something to look forward to next summer.

My nephew snapped a few fun photo's as well. He's picking up the camera with plenty of encouragement from me. I'm hoping to enter some of his photographs in the county fair this August for the 4-H program.

Happy Fourth of July and be safe out there, folks.

To all of our heroes, the men and women who are fighting for our country, as well as the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, as well as their families, God bless.

Taylor

Another Go

2011-07-01T07:43:00.002-05:00

Well, this isn't my laptop, though the state of mine feels just as bad. No, mine is still pretty and white, and I still love it, but my HP Pavilion has died for the second time. First the internal fan and now battery and charger issues.

Me thinks it a lemon!

I'm on my third battery, and after a disastrous conversation with a technical support staff member in India, I have contacted the Hewlett Packard corporate office in Texas for assistance. I'm now, finally, awaiting a shipping box. Yep, she's going in for service, again.

I've learned a few lessons from this, however.

Number one being that even if you request to speak to a supervisor during a call, that doesn't mean you'll get one. Also, even if you request to speak to a US representative, that won't happen either.

This left me feeling quite helpless, and in the end seeking out help at the corporate level.

Of course, I had to search out contact information on the Internet because the 'technician' told me it didn't exist.

Right...

What this says about customer service anymore, I'm not sure.

Maybe it's that unless you take the initiative, you aren't going to receive it. How sad is that?

HP, hear my prayers.

I am going to write a letter and complain, however.

Though this issue is being handled 'internally' I feel like that just isn't quite enough.

When a paying customer is basically given a false case number by a customer service representative, and a request to speak to a supervisor is flat out refused, I'm afraid a standard quote from a supervisor just doesn't cut it. I don't want hyperbole, I want help!

So, I'll be offline for a bit. But, then, it's been a busy summer and I haven't blogged as much as I should. I suppose there are many writers out there juggling with this very issue. Between struggling with the complexities of life and trying to find time to actually write, market your work, and maintain some semblance of sanity, well, something must fall to the wayside.

So, I've printed my pages, backed up my stories, and will be using a pen and notebook for further literary additions, at the suggestion of my dear friend, Barbara Huffert.

Excellent idea, B!

The last time this happened, I went out and bought a spiral notebook and pen especially for this task, and a new character was born.

So, even I can actually sit down and write longhand if I must. Don't tell anyone, but it was kind of fun, though not something I want to get into the habit of doing! No, I'll be anxiously awaiting the return of my baby. Hopefully she'll come back good as new! Or maybe better, since we've had problems from the start.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Stay safe out there.

Taylor

Leather and Lace by Taylor Tryst on sale by Amazon Kindle

2011-06-28T12:33:00.001-05:00

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: LEATHER AND LACE

Cleo shifted in her seat. Knowing he was watching her made her wetter than she’d ever been. Nevertheless, she was on a case, she reminded herself. This guy was off-limits. It was that simple.

She’d managed to divert his attention from her face and to her other attributes but now she had to escape without being cornered, which was easier said than done.

Moistening her lips with a drink of water, she couldn’t help but wonder how Lukas Nathanial Lace would taste.

Rich, she imagined, very rich. It would be quite a rush to be up close and personal with the king of Lace Incorporated.

Her breasts crushed against that rock-hard chest, her hands exploring the rippling muscles that he’d tried to disguise beneath the impeccable tailoring that only the wealthy could afford. She’d run her fingers through that gorgeous blond hair, which he kept short and so carefully styled.

He was a six-three, one-hundred-and-ninety-pound, incredibly gorgeous überstud.

She was so screwed.

Scanning the menu but not paying attention to the fare, Cleo couldn’t help but wonder about the mystery client who’d hired her for this little undercover soirée.

A courier had delivered an envelope that contained a wad of cash and explicit instructions to follow and document Lace’s every move.

Once she had obtained the appropriate information, the client would be in contact with further instructions.

Cleo had personally visited the courier service that had made the delivery to her loft but it was a dead end. She had no idea who wanted this information and why.

The envelope contained instructions for delivery and enough cash to cover the delivery fee and a case of designer brew for the courier.

Short of having the envelope fingerprinted, Cleo had been out of options. Who knew how many sets of hands had touched the damned thing before it had arrived at her doorstep. Whoever the client was, however, it was extremely clear that he wanted to remain anonymous at this point.

As much as Cleo hated to admit it, keeping Lace under surveillance and gathering personal information about him had proven to be much more difficult than she’d first imagined.

He had money. That much was painfully obvious. He topped Forbes magazine as one of the top ten wealthiest men in

America

. He was single and nearly reclusive, which also put him at the top of another list,

America

’s most eligible bachelors.

Lace had kept an extremely low profile and that had made him an elusive target, not only for Cleo but also for the droves of females wishing to turn his head.

Peeking over her menu, she couldn’t help but smirk.

Luke was a power player, all right. He sat at the head of the table, a king of many minions, his employees hanging on his every word.

He was the center of attention, so much in fact that the waitstaff of the restaurant catered to him as if they were in his employ personally.

Hell, Cleo was lucky to have gotten a glass of water from a busboy and she hadn’t even seen the server. She looked around, only to find a couple seated behind her, lingering over coffee and dessert.

At least they’d gotten their food, she thought bitterly.

“What are you having?”

Cleo didn’t even have to look up. She knew by her gut reaction to the sound of his voice that Luke had moved in for the kill.

A predator indeed.

Maybe it was his confident attitude that gave him away or the deep tone of his voice, which seemed to envelop her like supple velvet enveloping bare skin.

She knew it was Lace before she met his gaze.

Lowering the menu, Cleo held her breath. She attempted to feign disinterest but the moment their eyes locked, all hell broke loose.

Her heart skipped a beat or two, she couldn’t be sure, and then pummeled her rib cage like fists into a punching bag.

Breathe, just breathe, she told herself. It was something she did on a daily basis, so it should be easy enough. In and out…in and out…nice and slowly.

Oh God, he’d asked her a question, Cleo realized. She replayed it in her mind and had to interpret his words as if they’d been some exotic foreign language.

Having? What am I having? For dinner?

“I’m afraid I haven’t decided,” she said, finally managing to move her tongue and spit out a few words. She flashed a smile, exuding just the right amount of charm, mixed with a stab of indifference that she had to dig deeply to employ.

This was Oscar-winning shit right here.

“The veal is fabulous,” Luke said, casually slipping a hand into the pocket of his pants, as if perfectly relaxed. Nothing Lace did, however, was casual. Cleo had known that about him immediately.

He was a businessman at heart, a wolf among sheep, every move well crafted and perfectly executed. Why did she suddenly find that so hot?

“May I?” Luke asked, motioning at the chair across from her.

Sit, oh God, he wanted to sit. She’d screwed up big time. So much for her little undercover op. One of the golden rules of tailing a subject was not to have the subject notice your tail.

She tried to remain calm but her eyes must’ve betrayed her because he caught the look of surprise she’d tried to conceal.

“Forgive me,” Luke said with a respectful nod. “You must be meeting someone.”

“No—” Cleo corrected, a bit too soon.

Uugh. She sighed in frustration. She sounded like an idiot. She hadn’t meant, no, of course not. Had it come out that way? Desperate, as if she had no friends, no dates?

As if she was a recluse who ate every meal unaccompanied and never went to the movies because she hated sitting alone in the theatre.

“This was an impromptu lunch,” she added, scrambling to sound at least somewhat intelligent and compatible with the male species.

“Then you don’t mind,” Luke asked. He pulled out the chair and sat down with all of the confidence of a man who was accustomed to getting everything he wanted.

Buy Now on Amazon for $1.19

Body Candy by Taylor Tryst: On sale for $1.19 on Amazon for the Kindle

2011-06-15T09:50:00.001-05:00

Reviews

"Body Candy is a fast paced action packed story. It was a really good read and has a very unique and unexpected ending. If you have a short amount of time to spare you can easily enjoy Ms. Tryst tale." --Night Owl Romance

"From sex to tension in a flash, this EC Quickie will have you wondering what will happen next in this scintillating tale. If you like a little mystery with your sex, then grab a copy of BODY CANDY." --RRT Erotic~All Erotic All The Time

"The sexual scenes were toe-curling, groan out loud hot! It has been a long while since I have read a quickie with this much punch- gotta love it!" --JERR~Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Product Description

Sophia Maddox is not only living her dream, but her fantasies, creating edible Body Candy to aid in sexual fulfillment. Until a sexy detective knocks on her door and threatens to expose her secrets. Little does he know, Sophie will do anything to protect those secrets, even using him as a sexual guinea pig for her newest candy creation.Though not what he seems, Brody Burkett must investigate a murder, save his silent partner, and prevent his death. But add Sophie to the mix and his sweet tooth—and desire for her—can’t be satiated, even with both of their lives in danger.

Excerpt:

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Sophie demanded after watching him snoop for a moment before she could react to his obnoxious behavior.

The nerve of this guy.

Cocky, arrogant…SOB.

“Do you mind?” Sophie asked.

“Do you?” the detective retorted, shooting her a sideways glance.

Sophie grabbed her address book from the detective and popped it closed. Not deterred, he pulled open her desk drawer and riffled through a stack of paperwork.

“Pens, paper clips, pink Post-Its.” Trevor picked up a stack of notes and flipped through them like a deck of cards. “Little anal?”

“Is that a double entendre, Detective?”

“It wouldn’t be little,” Trevor said, giving her a flash of perfect teeth and a killer grin.

His smile, Sophie thought, was brilliant and beautiful, dangerous.

No other word for it really. That grin, the way it softened his face, the way it carried to those golden-green eyes, made her belly flip-flop.

The way it put her back up and made chills dance over her flesh, made her breath catch in her throat. Yeah, this guy was dangerous.

“Get out,” Sophie demanded. She glared at him with her eyes squinted together in suspicion. Anger drew a line between her brows, though she knew it wasn’t a good look for her. No, that was her sister Brenna’s department.

Being angry all the time.

“Something to hide, Sophie?” Trevor asked, not so much as budging when she glared and tried to step between him and her desk.

Trevor gave her a half-assed grin and depressed the button to power up her laptop. “Because it seems, from my point of view, like you have something to hide.”

“Get out.”

Trevor ignored her demand and opened the file cabinet drawer while waiting for the computer to do its thing. “Tax returns,” he noted. “Which might come in handy. Receipts and bank statements.” He fumbled through the drawer, frowning. “No names, no addresses or phone numbers of business associates?”

“That’s none of your damned business.” Sophie plucked the power cord from her laptop. She reached out to swipe the actual computer away from him but he was too fast.

“I’ll just be a second,” Trevor said. He snatched the Compaq up and crowded her. He turned his back and used the size of his body to block her from retrieving it, reminding her of a grade school bully.

“That’s it. I’m calling the police.” Sophie grabbed at the phone on her desk. “I’ll have you fired for this. You don’t even have a warrant. You have no right to be here, no right to harass me like this.”

“I’d notify Zeb first if I were you, Sophie. He has one dead partner, one missing and he’s next.” Trevor sighed when the screen on the laptop indicated that he needed a password and turned those dangerously perceptive eyes upon her. “Shot six times. I’d say somebody’s not happy with their business practices.”

Sophie tried to hide her surprise, her fear but she knew he’d caught both flash across her face.

Apprehensively, she eyed the man she’d let into her home.

He wasn’t a cop. Couldn’t be a cop, she thought, realizing he was all but ransacking her office space.

Sophie took a step back, through the double doors, realizing what she’d done. She’d let a complete stranger into her house in the middle of the afternoon, with no neighbors nearby to hear her scream.

Buy Now

Journey To The Pearl by Desiree Holt for .99 cents from Ellora's Cave

2011-06-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

Miranda Fox is searching for something but she doesn't know what. She thought it was the perfect lover. But a message in a Chinese fortune cookie tells her if she finds the perfect pearl, she will find the perfect lover. When she sets off on her search, little does she realize the temptations that await. From a private island to the windswept coast of Maine, she experiences the most erotic sexual adventures. At each stop she steps into a world of eroticism beyond anything she imagined, a realm of sensuality that she previously only dreamed about. But who is the one who holds the real answer to her quest? Who has the real prize awaiting her at the end of her quest?
Reader Advisory: Includes an M/F/M scene.

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: JOURNEY TO THE PEARL

“Your problem, my dear friend, is that now you have too much money to spend and too much time on your hands. After all those years of working nonstop now you’re part of the idle rich and maybe you’re too idle.”

“God, you make me sound like a nympho with too much money.

"Maybe I should find another hobby.”

“Maybe you should find out a little more about your boy toys before you take them home with you.” Leslie suggested.

Miranda sighed. “I do seem to keep finding the ones with smooth looks, big cocks and not much else. Well, I’m getting my favorite private detective after this one first thing in the morning. That pearl is unique enough that it shouldn’t be too hard to trace.” She shook her head in disgust. “I ought to have B.J. start investigating the men I meet before I date them instead of after they make off with the family silver.”

“At least you keep him entertained,” Leslie smiled.

B.J. McNamara had been recommended to her when she suspected someone was pirating a new piece of software just before she sold the company. He’d found the culprit in a very short period of time and she’d used him ever since then whenever she needed an investigator. He was smart, savvy and had all the right connections. And gorgeous to boot. Too bad he had a firm rule about playing house with clients. She’d park his shoes under her bed in a hot minute.

“I’m sure B.J. thinks I’m a dimwit,” Miranda sighed. “I won’t be doing anything to dispel that thought when I call him about my latest fiasco. I suppose this was a damn stupid idea to begin with.”

“There’s nothing wrong with looking for the perfect lover. God knows we’d all like to find him. But…”

“I know, I know. Go about it a little differently.”

They sat quietly while the waiter efficiently cleared their dishes. When the table was empty, he discreetly placed a small plastic tray containing their bill and two fortune cookies between them. Miranda opened hers first. Her eyes widened as she read the message, then she burst into full-throated laughter.

“What?” Leslie reached for the slip of paper.

Miranda dangled it just out of reach. “You won’t believe it. Oh, this is just too rich. Leslie, did you bribe someone to give this to me?”

“If you don’t tell me what it says this minute I will reach across the table and smack you.”

Miranda held up the fortune in her small, slim hand with a flourish. “It says, ‘Find the perfect pearl and you will find the perfect lover.’ Can you believe it?”

Leslie grabbed the slip and read it for herself. “So I guess this means the search is still on?”

“How could it not be after this?”

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Taylor Tryst

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Reviews

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