Saturday, August 25, 2012

"Second Time's the Charm" by Melissa Keir (Contemporary Romance)



Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Summary:  How does a middle aged, divorcee with two children find her way back to love after a devastating divorce leaves her with no self confidence and no faith in love? Lissa's ex-husband has shredded her self-esteem so she's thrown herself into her children and her work, leaving time for nothing else.

When an life threatening illness in her best friend's family puts Lissa on the path to romance, Lissa finds new love in a most unexpected way--an introduced by her new guy's ex-wife.

Who knew that first time loves could lead to second chances?

Excerpt:

“He said he was on his way, so he should be here any…” I felt a presence enter through the sliding doors and turned to look. The guy who stood just inside the doors was built like a football player with powerful shoulders and arms. The military short haircut emphasized his chiseled features. Wearing black jeans and a polo stretched tight across his chest, Alex had that casual, yet roughed up look that made a statement that fell somewhere between ‘I've just crawled out of bed but still, you don't want to mess with me’.

As he drew closer to our little group, I noticed the piercing nature of his blue eyes and the sexiness of his lips. In response, my own tongue darted out to caress my bottom lip. My heart sped up and remarkably, I was at a loss for words.

“Chloe. Mike. Any word?” my fantasy football player stated. This was Alex? No no no no! shouted the voice in my head while the tingling in my lower abdomen screamed Oh, my!

Alex shook hands with Mike as Chloe clung to Mike’s waist. “Nothing definite yet. They're going to do a spinal tap to determine if Joe has meningitis. I’m so worried about him. He looked so pale and helpless lying in the hospital bed.”

“Joe’s a strong kid. He’ll pull through. After all, he got a double dose of stubborn,” Alex said, trying to lighten the situation. He turned to me. “You must be Lissa. I’m Alex. Thanks again for

calling.” Sliding his hands in the pockets of his jeans, Alex gave me his best smile. Did I imagine a spark of interest in his eyes?

“No problem. I have two boys of my own and I'd do anything for a friend.”

Alex’s smile tugged at my heartstrings. It wasn’t the 'full mouth with all his pearly whites showing' smile like Steve's, but a 'little boy when he was unsure of himself' smile. Sitting down in one of the empty chairs, I finally caught my breath and watched Alex out of the corner of my eye as he interacted with Mike and Chloe. Where was the fearsome man Chloe portrayed? Was Alex just putting on an act? He certainly looked bad-ass when he strode through those hospital doors, with his commanding air and determined stride. But seeing him interact with his ex now, Alex seemed caring and compassionate.

Alex had a very different body type than Mike. Staring at him was like trying to figure out a puzzle. Hot, steamy body, dangerous blue eyes, but what about that personality? I knew I'd have a few questions for Chloe about Alex later, the first being the most obvious - was he available?

“Mr. and Mrs. Hunter?” The doctor stepped through the doors.

“I’m Mark Hunter and this is my ex-wife, Chloe Winters and her husband, Mike. And this is Chloe’s friend, Lissa,” Alex volunteered as if he had done this awkward introduction a few times before. “How's Joe? Do you know anything?”

“We got a positive for Meningitis. However, until we grow the cells in a petri dish for seventy two hours, we can’t be sure if it's bacterial or viral. Bacterial is far more dangerous so we're moving Joe to his own room in the children’s ward. We isolated him and are treating him with antibiotics as a precaution. We'll let you know as soon as he's settled then you can visit. But only immediate family. We don’t want to expose anyone else.” With a somber nod, the doctor moved back into the emergency room area, leaving us in stunned silence.

“I’ll head home and get you a change of clothes and grab some things for Joe. Do you think they'll let him have his DS?” Mike pulled Chloe close, kissing her tenderly. Their love was evident with him holding her hand and listening as he whispered words of love and encouragement. I felt like an intruder on such a private moment and drifted to an empty bench, watching as Alex headed off toward the vending machines.

Returning shortly with coffee and candy bars, he shared his feast as we sat lost in our own thoughts. While my guess was his thoughts were of concern over his son, my thoughts were all about the carnal man sitting across from me.

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Saturday, August 18, 2012

"Rescued" by Gabriella Mahoney (Western Romance)



Genre:  Western Romance

Summary:  Anne Flaherty rejected the marriage proposal of the wealthiest man in town, Bradley Yates, in order to marry Connor, the ranch hand that she truly loved. 

But her wedded bliss is cut short when Bradley kidnaps her with the intention of making her realize what she has "missed out on."

This short, steamy western romance is approximately 3,300 words long.

Excerpt:

“What happened?” Connor demanded when he saw the sheriff standing there.

“We don’t know for sure. None of the folks saw anything. But several of them heard a scream. And we found this,” he handed Anne’s basket to Connor, “in the street right here.”

Connor felt blood pounding in his ears as he took the basket. It was definitely Anne’s. He looked inside and saw the pale yellow fabric. An almost overwhelming need to kill gripped him.

“Now, Connor, there’s no need to panic just yet,” the sheriff tried to console. “The best thing we can do now is keep a clear head and figure this out.”

“Figure what out?” Connor shouted at the sheriff. “Bradley Yates stole my wife. That son of a bitch is going to regret being born once I’m through with him…”

“You have no proof it was him!”

“I took Anne from him and he wants her back. What other proof do you need? Look, you do what you have to do. Ask people around town. Conduct an investigation and look for sign.”

“And what do you plan on doing?” the sheriff asked wryly.

“Find the bastard that took my wife.”

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

"Beach Desires" by Melissa Keir (Contemporary Romance)



Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Erotic, Gay

Summary:  Can a summer fling last a lifetime? Stacey Wilder escapes to the beach for a much needed vacation and meets a woman who tempts her passion. But Stacey hid her desires growing up because small town Catholic girls don’t fall in love with other women.

Mandy Kenzie is a Southern girl who also dealt with discrimination growing up over her choice of lovers. When she meets Stacey, sparks fly and passion ignites. But will their beach fling become a forever match or just a vacation affair?

Can Stacey and Mandy make their long distance relationship work? Or will they let the prejudices of their upbringing ruin their chance at happiness?

Excerpt:

Dinner with Mandy was perfect. We had a lot in common, finding that we both shared a passion for muscle cars. Most of our discussion was innocent, yet the desire for each other simmered under the surface.

“When did you realize you were a lesbian?” she inquired as she reached over to put her hand on top of mine.

The touch of her skin on mine caused my pussy to clench. Her full lips drew my gaze. I thought about kissing them, running my tongue along them before nibbling on her bottom lip. Focusing on her question, I knew she would understand my thoughts and fears.

“I’ve known since I was a teenager. I left my hometown after graduation, never looking back. Now my sister is getting married. She asked me to be a part of her wedding party. I really don’t want to go back to Amherst to face my past, but since my dad has Alzheimer’s, I’m afraid if I don’t go back for the wedding, I won’t see him again in this lifetime.”

“I understand. Living in the South, being different was frowned upon. I hid my desires as well. Luckily times have changed. I’m able to express my needs now, rather than hide them. Why are you so afraid to go back to your hometown?”

Speaking to Mandy about my past and my life was easy. I felt an instant connection to her in addition to the desire I had for her body.

“My town was very small. The people were small minded. If you didn’t have a boyfriend, you were teased. So I pretended to like guys, even “dated” some to keep my secret. Even with my family’s support, I’m nervous about going back and facing the people I knew. I’m worried about what they will think of me.”

“I understand your fears. However, you shouldn’t worry about them. You are a successful, caring person. Who you love doesn’t have anything to do with what kind of person you are. Let’s get out of here. Would you like to take a walk on the beach? I love the beach at night.”

“I’d love to. There is something about the waves crashing and the feeling of being alone in the world that I love,” I answered with a smile. “This has been a wonderful dinner. I’m enjoying getting to know you.”

The drive back to the condominium was quiet as we were each lost in our own thoughts. Anxious to get Mandy alone on the beach, I wanted to steal a kiss. I’d been fantasizing of her lips all night and couldn’t wait to see if they felt as soft as they looked.

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Saturday, August 4, 2012

"Stolen Away" by Gabriella Mahoney (Historical Romance)



Genre:  Historical Romance

Summary:  Amelia Manning refuses to follow her family's wishes by getting into yet another loveless marriage. The death of her husband has left her a wealthy widow and she intends to experience more in life than just a drawing room.

Bound for the Americas, her ship gets hijacked by the dashing privateer, Christopher Barrett. Amelia may finally get her chance to experience all the passion her marriage of convenience had been missing...

This short, sexy high seas adventure is approximately 5,000 words long.

Excerpt:

“Oh dear!” Amelia exclaimed as the candlestick holder slipped from her grasp. She had no idea striking him on the head would be quite so effective. She looked at the two flabbergasted crewmembers, “do you think I killed him?”

“Bloody hell!” one of them exclaimed in disbelief. “Did you see that woman put out the captain’s lights?”

“Did I kill him?”

“I should say, not,” the second crewman said. “But his head won’t be feeling the same size come morning.”

Amelia’s victim stirred on the floor and groaned. “Wha—what happened?”

He sat up, rubbing his bruised skull. Their eyes locked for a long moment and Amelia became away of a strange stirring of heat coiling in her belly.

The captain broke their gaze and turned his attention to the two men behind her. “Put this woman in my quarters. I’ll deal with her there.”

The unfamiliar but pleasant sensation that has been growing inside of her was quickly squashed as one of the men picked her up and tossed her over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

She considered screaming and kicking as she was carried across a plank that had been placed between her own vessel and a neighboring ship. But seeing as how her ship was sinking and the decided lack of potential rescuers surrounding her, she decided to save her strength.

She was thrown unceremoniously onto a bed in what she assumed to be the captain’s quarters.

“You’ll stay here, miss. Captain will be with you shortly.” The crewman left the room with a chuckle.


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