New Release by USA Today Bestselling Author, Isabella Kole

The Daring Doms

Isabella Kole has a new release. Let me tell you a little about it. It’s a standalone about two brothers and the women who love them.

Blurb:

Dane and Dax Daring are brothers. They are also Doms who are having problems with members of the opposite sex.

When Dane met Ann Slade, Annie to all who know her, he fell head over heels… so much so that he ignored what his brother and his friends said about being her rebound lover. He married her after three months of dating, giving up the lifestyle without even telling her he was a part of it. But once the couple starts having trouble, Dax suggests that maybe it’s time things change if Dane wants to stay married.

Dax, on the other hand, has always been adamant about exclusive relationships in that he just doesn’t do them. Now that he has gotten to know his new sister-in-law, he knows he can never settle for anyone who isn’t just like her. The problem with that is he’s been in love with Annie’s best friend, Angela, since he met her. And she is nothing like Annie. Will he keep fighting the temptation, or can Angela convince him they are meant to be?

Publisher’s Note: This sweet romance about two brothers and their women contains elements of power exchange. 

AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Doms-Steamy-Cont…/…/B07YX9GRQB
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daring-Doms-Steamy-Co…/…/B07YX9GRQB
AMAZON AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Daring-Doms-Steamy-C…/…/B07YX9GRQB
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Daring-Doms-Steamy-Conte…/…/B07YX9GRQB

Be sure to one click today to find out how these brothers win the women who hold their hearts. If you like anguish, adventure, romance, and happy endings, this one’s for you! Isabella Kole writes romance with a dash of discipline.

Her Texas Dom, Dominant Men Book Four

I’m back again with exiting news! Book four in my (Isabella Kole) Dominant Men series is live on Amazon! The series continues with a new story, this one about Audrey Carter, a New York gal, and Beau Birch, a Texas cowboy. Even though Audrey appeared in book three, this book can be read as a standalone. Let me tell you a little about it.

Her Texas Dom

Audrey Carter is feeling very discontented. She’s hoping a trip to visit her old friends in Texas will help give her a fresh perspective on life. What she doesn’t count on is meeting the only man who has ever made her heart sing, and finding a peaceful place where she’d like to spend her days. But she is a New Yorker, through and through. How can she possibly even consider giving up her city life for the quiet of the country?

Beau Birch is a cowboy slash cover artist. Handsome enough to be on one of the covers he designs for his friend’s new publishing company, he hopes to pursue his dream of working in the industry full time. When he meets Audrey, who is visiting his publisher friend from New York, he falls head over heels for her, something he finds quite astounding. He has been thinking of settling down but didn’t think he’d ever find anyone who could meet his expectations. Until now.

But both of them are keeping lifestyle secrets, and when Audrey returns home to a whole new set of problems, it looks like a future for the two of them is out of the question. Is there a way for Beau to convince her to give up everything to be with him in the Lone Star state?

Publisher’s note: This steamy contemporary romance contains elements of power exchange. While this is book four in the Dominant Men series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP24WW1

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RP24WW1

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07RP24WW1

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07RP24WW1

Jane: One Woman’s Survival

Good morning! I’ve just released a book that is out of the norm for me. A few years ago, one of my readers approached me about writing her life story. As you know, I write fiction, with happy endings, light, sassy, love stories. Well, this was a great honor yet I worried that I couldn’t do justice to “Jane’s” story.

I met with her in person, had a lovely lunch and great conversation. After that, I knew I had to attempt to do this. And so, I have. Jane’s story has a happy ending, but it took many years for her to get to that point. Abused as a child and again as a young adult, hers is a sad story and one that happens all too often. Jane went through two abusive marriages before she found true love. That’s right, not one. Two. Think about that for a minute.

Jane is lucky to be alive. But she is a survivor, and by the grace of God, she is here to tell her story in the hopes that it will help others in similar situations find the help they need.

She kept her story hidden for over fifty years, but now, in order to have closure with her past and to help others, she has told it to me and asked me to publish it.

If you or someone you know is in trouble, you read to read this book.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R7K7HRD

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07R7K7HRD

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07R7K7HRD

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07R7K7HRD

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jane-jane-doe/1131402048?ean=2940161513361

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jane-48

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Anna_Kristell_Jane?id=CmyVDwAAQBAJ

Her Promised Dom

 

Hi, everyone, and happy Friday! What’s going on in my world this week? Well, today, book three in Isabella Kole’s Dominant Men series released! The title is Her Promised Dom and I’m going to tell you a little about it. I hope you’ve read the first two, Her Blue Collar Dom and Her Convenient Dom already. In this series, the books can be read as standalones. Some of the same characters pop up from time to time, but each story is a separate one.

How about the blurb, for starters?

Can they possibly find their way back to each other, after all this time? Is there any amount of compromising that could make him keep that long-ago promise? And will Cora be able to accept life as a submissive if he does?

Cora Watson is headed back to her hometown in Texas for her grandmother’s funeral. Now a successful New York editor, she rarely makes it back to the small town she grew up in. She’s in for a big surprise, however, when she goes out for a night out with an old friend and discovers that her high school sweetheart happens to be in town at the same time.

Dale Barton broke her heart. Now, here he is, looking better than ever and wanting to spend time with her. So much has changed, though. She’s moved on, never looking back, and he is now a club Dom, a self-proclaimed confirmed bachelor. He lives in Texas, and she in the Big Apple. And then there’s that promise he made to her, all those years ago – one she has tried to put out of her mind.

Publisher’s Note: This steamy contemporary romance blends spicy with sweet as these two lovers are reunited. While it is part of the Dominant Men series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Excited yet?

How about an excerpt?

“I know you said you like being a swinging bachelor, but haven’t you ever found someone whom you really cared for?” she asked as she took a sip.

Looking at her for a long moment before answering, he finally answered, “I wasin love, once. But it didn’t work out, and I’ve just never seen any reason to get tied up with anyone since then.”

“Oh, I see. Did she break your heart? Is that why you’re so against settling down?”

“No, she didn’t break my heart. It broke my heart that we didn’t work out, but she didn’t do it. How about you, Cora Beth, is there a guy waiting for you back in the Big Apple?”

She shook her head. “No, there’s no one special. I date, but there’s never really been any one person in particular who has kept my attention past a few casual dates. I’m pretty busy with work, anyway, so a serious affair probably wouldn’t work out.”

They lingered for hours, talking and laughing. They found that even after all this time, they still shared a good many common interests. When they finally left the restaurant, he asked if she’d like to go dancing with him.

She readily agreed, and he drove to a club he’d heard about from Bruce. As they walked into the dimly lit room, they saw several couples on the dance floor. A slow song was playing, and he led her onto the floor. Taking her into his strong embrace, he slowly moved with her around the floor with ease, pulling her closer as he kissed the top of her blonde head. He leaned down and whispered, “I’d love to get you alone, baby, but I’m at my folk’s place and you’re at yours, so I guess it’s off-limits for us.”

“Damn the luck, Barton. There’s always your car, like the old days,” she teased as she looked up at him.

“Don’t tempt me, or I might just take you up on that, Cora Beth.” He grinned and winked, remembering the times that long-ago summer when they had parked in his car and made sweet love. “Or I could take you to my place in Austin one day this week. We could be alone there and rekindle the old flame for a while,” he whispered.

“Dale, I really don’t think that’s a very good idea. I’m not one of your one-night stands, and I’ll be going back to New York soon.”

“I never imagined for a moment that you were one of my one-night stands, Cora. I certainly didn’t mean to imply that.”

“We may never be together again, Dale, so why open all that back up?”

“Why indeed, Miss Watson?” he replied as he led her off the floor and to a table.

He ordered drinks for the two of them. When the server had gone, he said, “The offer still stands. If you’d like to spend a day with me in Austin before you go home, say the word. We don’t have to jump in the sack. I would just like the chance to spend some more time with a very dear old friend.”

“Let me see how things are going with Gram’s house, and I’ll get back to you,” she said as she fought the desire to throw caution to the wind and readily agree.

“Fair enough, Cora Beth,” he replied as their drinks arrived.

They talked for a while longer, finished their drinks, and then he announced that he was going to take her home.

She allowed him to take her hand again as they strolled slowly to his car. Once inside, he leaned across the seat and kissed her, gently, at first. When she responded willingly, he deepened the kiss, probing the softness of her mouth with his tongue. As he released her, he looked into the familiar amethyst gray eyes he’d once loved and smiled.

She shyly returned the smile, hoping that he couldn’t hear the pounding of her heart or notice that her limbs had turned to mush. The heat from his kiss spread through her body like wildfire. If he’d tried, he probably could have had her right there in the car in the parking lot of the club. But, instead of taking it further, he started the car and silently drove her home. When they arrived, he walked her to the door and once again kissed her passionately.

As he started to walk away, he reminded her, “Call me, Cora Beth, and let me know you’ll spend another day with me before you go back to the Big Apple.”

Knowing that after tasting his sweet lips again, she could never refuse him, she replied, “I will.”

She walked into the house and up the stairs. As she undressed for bed, her mind was already made up. She would go to Austin with him, and whatever happened would happen. After all, it was the year of their thirtieth birthdays.

Now, here are the buy links so you can find out what happens to Cora and Dale.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QDBN82N

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QDBN82N

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07QDBN82N

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07QDBN82N

Next week, I’ll be heading back to my home state of Indiana to speak about writing romance at a writer’s workshop and I also will be signing books at my hometown library. While there, I hope to see a lot of family and friends. So, until next time, happy reading. Book four in the Dominant Men series will be here in May! There are a lot of exciting things coming up, so stay tuned!

Heart & Soul Series, Book Six

Well, it’s finally here! Book six, the final installment of our romantic comedy Heart & Soul series. This one, Cuddle Buddies, is written by the fabulous Lizabeth Scott and is now available for preorder.

And Lizabeth is having a giveaway on her facebook page!

Go to her page and like, comment and share on her promo post for a chance to win a signed copy!

https://www.facebook.com/LizabethScottAuthor/photos/a.1431726700402730/2243228932585832/?type=3&theater

Let me tell you a little about her story.

PREORDER NOW!

You’re invited to an all-inclusive mountain resort and spa. Come and relax—let nature take care of your mind, body, and soul. And its gift to you in return, is LOVE!

Computer software whiz Declan Arnault finds himself in the wilds of Tennessee on a parental mandated vacation simply because at thirty-four he chooses to work eighty-hour work weeks. His parents would rather he marry and provide them with even more evil grand-spawns than they already have.

While his father insists Rossen’s Mind Body & Soul Resort isn’t a camp, Declan begs to differ. Any place that offers fishing and hiking as “must do” activities is a camp! And he doesn’t do “nature” or “outdoor activities!”

Professional snuggler Zoe Daniels has never seen anyone that needed a comforting hug more than the awkward, fumbling, and totally irresistible man who took an unexpected dunk in the lake.

When she discovers her new client is the same man she’d lusted over, her professionalism is challenged in more ways than one. How can she lie in bed with her arms wrapped around him and NOT want to climb his body?

Some things she just can’t control. But she will. Because it’s her job. He’s a job. And only a job. Well…until he’s not.

This book is part of the multi author Heart & Soul Series
Love Hooked – Jeannette Winters
Morning Elixir – Lena Lane
Cali’s Cravings – Anna Kristell
Loving Pierce – Elizabeth Lennox
Catching Chase – Anne Welch
Cuddle Buddies – Lizabeth Scott

PREORDER NOW!
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PSBX1PC
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PSBX1PC
Amazon CA – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PSBX1PC
Amazon AU – https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07PSBX1PC
Apple Books – http://bit.ly/getcuddlebuddies
B&N – http://bit.ly/BNcuddlebuddies
Kobo – http://bit.ly/Kobocuddlebuddies
Google Play – http://bit.ly/cuddlebuddies-GP

Want to check out other books by the six authors in this series? Well, you can. Below is a list of their websites.

An Author’s Busy Weekend

I’m back after a fun weekend at Book Obsessed Babes Author Signing Event in historical St. Augustine. The Mardi Gras themed event was coordinated by Taira Wilds and her fantastic group of volunteers. This was my first time to attend this signing, and it certainly won’t be my last. The fun started on Friday night with a meet and greet party for the authors in the Colonial Quarter area in the historical district. We enjoyed a Cajun buffet, a DJ, and lots of mingling and picture taking.

On Saturday, we gathered in the morning to set up, take group and individual photos, and then we had lunch. After that, the VIP ticket holders came in and the general public joined us a little later. Until 4:30, we laughed, talked books with readers and had all kinds of fun. There were also interviews with the Hangin With Web Show. And even though I’m suffering with knee issues and had to wear a brace,  which, unfortunately, you’ll see in the photo, I enjoyed the entire event!

Some friends of ours even stopped by to see me and to have a book signed!

 

***But that’s not all that happened over the weekend. On Friday, March 8, Book Two in my Dominant Men series, Her Convenient Dom by USA Today Bestselling Author, Isabella Kole, was released by Blushing Books! It’s done very well so far and I’d like to share some comments from reviewers with you and tell you a little about the book. And even though it’s book two, it can be read as a standalone!

“This is a wonderful story about two people, Harper – a young nurse’s assistant, and Parker, a well-to-do older widower with two young children.” 5 stars*****

“The side plot of the unwanted hostile takeover attempts present a few problems for them, and that plot has a couple of unforeseen twists including some violence, but there is a very HEA ending that will warm your heart. The spankings are more sensual than harsh, and the sex is very vanilla. How vanilla you ask, well there is even a vanilla-scented bubble bath scene. If you are looking for a feel good story with a little kink and sensual sex without graphic excess, this one is for you.” 4 Stars****

“I really enjoyed this book by Isabella Kole.  I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars!”*****

“This is a nice long read.” 5 stars*****

“From the beginning to the end, Ms. Isabella Kole knocked this one out of the park. OMG, between the amazing characters, their interaction, the people around them, to the mystery suspense, this was a page-turning tale. 5 stars*****

“A good old fashioned romance. Evans meets Harper after his son had an accident at the Dr. She instantly likes him and before you know things turns interesting. A lovely read.” 5 stars*****

Now, here’s the blurb for Her Convenient Dom:

Parker Bentley, widower and owner of a popular restaurant chain, has just asked his nanny to marry him. And he’s made it very clear that even though it is a marriage of convenience to save his company from a takeover, it will be a real marriage. There will be no divorce, ever. He will be the head of the household, and she will have rules to follow. She will want for nothing, with a beautiful home in Chicago, a beach house in South Carolina, and money to buy whatever she wants. In return, she will help him run his business and his household, and raise his two small children. She will be his wife, in every sense of the word. His convenient wife.

Harper Easton can’t believe her luck. The handsome, sweet man she works for has just asked her to marry him. However, there are strings attached. He expects her loyalty, her obedience, and her trust. Someone is trying to steal his affections and his company, and he is not having any of it. Harper is the key to preventing that from happening. She knows he doesn’t love her, even though she is beginning to have feelings for him. Can she go through with it? How hard can it be? After all, he is a wonderful father, a fair employer, and fun to be around. Surely, she could be his wife, his lover, his partner and mother to his children without love getting in the way. And as far as his domineering ways are concerned, she finds those very sexy indeed…

And here are the buy links:Amazon US: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PK8VQTZ
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PK8VQTZ
Amazon CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PK8VQTZ
Amazon AU:www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07PK8VQTZ

***Check back soon for  info for Book Five of our RomCom series, Heart & Soul, Catching Chase by Anne Welch. Six authors; six happily ever afters.

 

Dallas Fire and Rescue Kindle World

Paige Tyler’s Dallas Fire and Rescue Kindle World just had a new launch!! I wrote a sequel to my January release, Dallas Hot, and it’s titled Dallas Hit! Both are crossovers between my Fab Five series and Paige’s Dallas Fire and Rescue series.

I am thrilled to be a part of this new launch with these awesome authors, Aliyah Burke, Heather Long, Irish Winters, Ripley Proserpina, Megan Mitcham, Donna Michaels, Delilah Devlin, Rachel Naquin and Kandi Silvers. Check out all the books in the Dallas Fire and Rescue world here:  www.paigetylertheauthor.com/BooksDallasFireandRescueKindleWorld.html

Buy Link for Dallas Hit: https://www.amazon.com/Dallas-Fire-Rescue-Kindle-Novella-ebooks/dp/B071S1Q941/

Want to know a bit about my story?

Blurb:

Beth O’Grady survived the ultimate betrayal, only to find herself the target of a stalker who is out to destroy her.

Colin Sutherland is the undercover Dallas cop who saved her life once before. Now that they are building a relationship, will he be able to stop the stalker before it’s too late or is he a little too close to the situation?

And who is behind the notes, phone calls and text messages? When her twin sister, Mary Kate, and her new husband, Braydon, become the first example of the seriousness of the situation, Colin decides to step up the security by moving Beth into his house. The stalker, however, is one step ahead of him…

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Beth O’Grady stepped back and admired her masterpiece. She sighed deeply and smiled. Perfect!

Her mother, petite and perky Chloe O’Grady, walked in and gasped. “Oh, Beth, it’s beautiful! Mary Kate will be so pleased.”

“Do you really think so? I want it to be everything she always dreamed of.”

“I am absolutely positive she will love it, sweetie. Ah, here she is now, you can ask her yourself.”

“What are you going to ask me, sis?” Mary Kate, Beth’s twin sister, asked with a giggle as she entered the kitchen of the family’s upscale Dallas restaurant.

“See for yourself,” Beth said as she pointed to the seven-layer wedding cake she had just lovingly baked and decorated. In fact, she had spent the entire morning crafting the perfect cake for her sister and her fiancée, Braydon Butler.

Mary Kate, or M.K. as she was known to family and friends, stepped back, her face full of awe. “Oh, my. Oh, my.” She turned to her twin.

“Uh oh, is that a good ‘oh, my’ or a bad ‘oh my?’ Beth asked worriedly.

She needn’t have been concerned, which she quickly learned when her sister grabbed her and gave her a big old sisterly hug.

“It’s wonderful, sis. It amazes me how much talent you have.”

Beth grinned and pointed to their mother. “Everything I know, I learned from the master.”

Chloe O’Grady blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, my sweet girl; I may have taught you to cook and bake but you possess a passion for it.”

“Yeah, I missed out on that particular part of the gene pool, it seems,” M.K. said with a sigh.

“Hush now! Not everyone is cut out to be a chef or baker. You have your own special talents. You help people every day in your job as a fire investigator,” Chloe said.

“She’s right, you know,” Beth added as she gave her sister another hug.

“What’s on your agenda today?” their mother asked as M.K. poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down on one of the stools in the kitchen.

“My leave time officially starts today so I’m planning to do some last-minute shopping for the wedding and for our trip afterward.”

“Would you like some company?” Chloe asked.

“Actually, Mom, that’s why I stopped by. I know Beth is working all day but I thought you might be able to sneak out for a few hours. I’d really like some time with you before everything gets hectic with last minute wedding craziness.”

“How can I turn down an offer like that?” her mother asked. “Give me a few minutes to wrap up some things in my office and I’ll be ready to go.”

“Take your time. I’ll sit with Beth and drink my coffee and chat while she works.”

When she was certain their mother was out of earshot, Mary Kate asked her sister quietly, “Anything else weird happen lately? Any more phone calls or mysterious notes on your car?”

Beth glanced over at her before replying. “No, not since the two notes a few weeks ago. And there was only one strange phone call, which could have been a wrong number.”

“Still, I want you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. That scuzball ex of yours probably has connections. He could be arranging for you to be stalked, even from inside prison.”

“Sis, I really think you are overreacting. I know, with everything that went down last year, you are worried for me. I honestly don’t think Dalton is doing any such thing. And, if you are thinking of his dad, you know he knew nothing of his wayward son’s plans.”

“So he says,” her sister said with a frown. “I still don’t know if I believe that story.”

“Well, he’d be pretty despicable if he allowed his son to take the full rap for the fire.”

“And your point?” Mary Kate asked. It was obvious she didn’t trust father or son.

“Look, sis, let’s not get into that whole mess now, okay? Your wedding to Mr. Dallas Hot Fireman is only a few days away. We should be concentrating on that and enjoying every second of the frenzy.”

Her twin sniggered. “Ah, Braydon still blushes every time one of us refers to him by that nickname. I really had no idea when you first referred to him that way in my hospital room, I would end up marrying him. I thought he was the biggest playboy ever.”

“If I remember correctly, he thought you were a rich society girl, stuck up snob.”

“Luckily, we were both wrong,” Mary Kate said wistfully as she poured another cup of coffee and helped herself to a Danish.

“I’m glad you’re finally happy. It took a while to get your life together but, now, it’s perfect. You’ve found the best job for you and the hottest, sweetest guy.”

“You make it sound like I was lost before. I was doing fine, being single and working here until the right career caught my attention. As for the hot, sweet guy, that was never supposed to happen. At least, not at the time it did.”

“But aren’t you glad it did?” Beth asked.

Mary Kate smiled and took a sip of her drink.

 

* * *

 

Chloe breezed back into the room, accompanied by her sister-in-law, Katy. “I’m ready when you are, honey,” she said.

“I came down to say hello to my beautiful nieces,” Katy added.

“Aunt Katy, would you like to come with us to the mall today? You have such good taste, and I know we will have a blast together, the three of us,” Mary Kate said.

“Oh, I don’t want to intrude on the mother and daughter time,” Katy said.

“Nonsense, you know you are always welcome. She’s right, it’ll be fun,” Chloe was quick to reply.

“Well, if you’re sure I’m not butting in, I’d love nothing more,” Katy said. “Let me run back to my office and grab my purse.”

“Beth, I’m sorry you can’t go,” Mary Kate said, looking at her sister who was busy putting together a lunch order.

“It would be fun but I will be able to spend the next few days with you. Today is my last day on the schedule until after the wedding. You guys enjoy. You and I will do something tomorrow.”

Katy returned and the three O’Grady women said their goodbyes to Beth and the rest of the staff before starting out on their shopping adventure.

Mary Kate suggested one of the better malls and Chloe offered to drive. They piled into her SUV and, soon, they were getting out of the vehicle in the parking lot and walking into the mall. The first stop was a jewelry shop, where Mary Kate purchased gifts for her bridesmaids. After that, they went into one of the boutiques and, with the help of her mother and aunt, she chose two new outfits for her wedding trip. After that, she found two adorable bikinis. Then, they decided to break for lunch before hitting the Victoria’s Secret store.

After they were seated in a booth at a chain restaurant in the mall, Chloe said, “You’ve done well so far. I love that turquoise outfit you chose.”

“Do you know where you are going or is it a surprise?” Katy asked.

The server came by to take their drink orders just then. When she had gone, Mary Kate answered her aunt’s question. “We are going to South Padre Island for a week.”

“Oh, that’s one of Ryan’s and my favorite spots. You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure,” Katy replied with a smile.

“Yes, it is lovely there,” Chloe agreed.

Each of them ordered a salad and the conversation revolved around the wedding for the rest of the next hour. When they finally decided it was time to move on, Katy offered to treat her sister-in-law and niece. “Lunch is on me. I’m so glad you included me today.”

“Thank you, Katy, that’s so sweet,” Chloe said.

“Yes, Aunt Katy, I’m glad you were able to join us. I told you we would have fun.”

Victoria’s Secret was their next stop. Mary Kate blushed profusely when her aunt chose a racy little red lace teddy for her. Her mother’s pick was a tiny bit more demure, in pink, but still very sexy. After deciding on a white negligee and a black lace short gown, Mary Kate decided the four new lingerie items were enough. She paid for her purchases and joined her mother and aunt.

“Where to now?” Chloe asked.

“I think I’m finished, unless one of you would like to go to another store.”

“I’m good,” Katy said.

“I am, too. I finished my shopping for the wedding last week,” Chloe said.

“I should get back to the office to finish some paperwork today. I want to devote tomorrow to decorating for the rehearsal dinner and, of course, Saturday morning to the reception,” Katy said.

“I’ll help you,” Chloe said.

“I can help, too,” Mary Kate said. “I know you will make it the most beautiful reception ever. The party room at the restaurant is the perfect place.”

“What else do you need to take care of? Is there anything I can do to help?” Chloe asked as they got back into the SUV.

“I just need to follow up with the florist and photographer to make sure everything is set. Since the restaurant is catering, Beth will take care of that.” Mary Kate seemed calm for a girl about to be married.

“You’ve picked up the dresses?” her mother asked.

“Beth and I will do that tomorrow. We had our final fittings last Saturday.”

“Sounds like you have everything under control,” her aunt remarked.

“I hope I haven’t forgotten anything but I think we’re good. I’ve had a lot of help.”

“Is Braydon working today?” Chloe asked.

“Yes, his leave begins in the morning. He has a list of things to take care of, too.” Mary Kate giggled. “He was going over it all last night with me.”

They reached the restaurant and said their goodbyes, Chloe and Katy returning to their offices and Mary Kate heading to the kitchen to speak to her sister.

But when she entered the room, Beth was nowhere to be seen. She asked one of the other chefs where she was.

He nodded toward the employee lounge. “She got a phone call and seemed upset. She’s in there, taking a break.”

Mary Kate wasted no time in getting to her sister. When she opened the door to the lounge, she shuddered. It hadn’t been all that long ago that her life had hung in the balance in that very room, or rather, the employee lounge that had been there before the fire that had destroyed her family’s restaurant. If Dallas firefighter, Braydon Butler, hadn’t rescued her, things would have turned out very differently, indeed.

Right now, though, her attentions needed to be focused on her sister, who had also nearly lost her life to the same madman who had set fire to the restaurant, her fiancée at the time, Dalton Raymond.

She found Beth curled up in a ball on the window seat, sobbing.

“Beth, what is it?” she said softly as she crossed the room and sat down next to her sister. She wrapped her arms around her.

“It h-happened again,” Beth said between sobs. “Another c-call.”

“Male or female?” Mary Kate asked.

“It was a man. He said, ‘I know what you did and you will pay.’ Oh, M. K., what did I do? I have no idea what he is talking about.”

“I don’t think you did anything. I still think this has something to do with the whole Dalton fiasco. I think either Dalton or his dad or someone who works for them is harassing you, blaming you for his being found guilty.”

“He was sent to a prison for the mentally ill. That wasn’t my fault. He was proven guilty and he admitted setting the fire. He also threatened to kill me. His own dad heard him say it, as well as the police officers who were at the scene. Colin saw it all through the window, too. He saw that I was tied to a chair and that Dalton had a gun.”

“I know that and you know that, but Dalton is nuts. His dad is a powerful man.”

“His dad made restitution for all the damage. Why would he hire someone to harass me now?”

“Revenge, who knows? Have you told Colin any of this?”

“N-no, not yet.”

“I think it’s high time you did. Please, Beth, talk to him. Tell him about the phone calls and the notes. I don’t want to leave town on my wedding trip worried about your safety.”

“I am meeting him for dinner tonight. I promise to tell him then. I don’t want you to worry about me. This is your special time with Braydon and nothing should mar it.”

“How can I not worry, after all we both went through in the last year?”

Beth shook her head. “It never seems to end. We both thought we got our happy endings—you, with Braydon, and me, with Colin. Now, I just don’t know about that.”

“Oh, honey, Colin is your destiny. Never doubt that. Just tell him, so he can protect you. He is an undercover cop, after all. He can surely arrange for some sort of extra protection.”

“I will tell him. This last call has really unnerved me. I tried to pass this off as a prank of some sort, but now, I’m not so sure.”

“You need to take it seriously. Now, how much longer until your shift ends?”

Beth looked at the clock on the wall. “Actually, I need to get back out there and finish something; then, I can leave.”

“Go splash water on your face. I’ll wait for you and walk you to your car. I’m not doing anything tonight since Braydon is on duty until the morning. I’ll stay with you at home until either Mom or Dad or Colin shows up. I will most likely stay in tonight, anyway.”

“Thanks, sis. I won’t be long.” Beth freshened up and returned to the kitchen, leaving her twin to worry about her.

Seeking extra protection, Mary Kate left the lounge and found their cousin, Alex. Alex was Katy’s son and the general manager of the restaurant.

“Hey, cuz, do you have the pre-wedding jitters yet?” he asked as she approached him.

She smiled. “Not pre-wedding but other jitters. Can we talk in private for a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up?” Alex asked as he led her into the private dining room and sat down.

“Promise you won’t say anything to anyone else just yet. Not your mom or Ryan or my parents, you have to promise.”

“Okay,” her cousin replied hesitantly.

She quickly explained to him about the calls and notes Beth had been receiving.

“Wow, just wow. I thought this was all behind us. What do you need me to do? You know I’d do anything for either of you girls.”

“Beth will be off duty in a few minutes. I’d like you to walk both of us out to our cars when we leave. I’m going to follow her home and stay there with her. She’s having dinner with Colin tonight and she’s promised me that she’ll tell him all about this.”

“You mean she hasn’t told him yet?” Alex asked in surprise.

M.K. shook her head. “Apparently not yet. I think I’m the only person she’s confided in. She didn’t want to upset Mom and Dad right before the wedding, I think. She also thought it was nothing more than a prank until today’s phone call.”

“I will do that and I’ll make sure, from now on, she always has an escort. Although, I imagine when Colin hears this, he’ll arrange for around the clock protection for her.”

“That’s my hope. I’ve been encouraging her to tell him.”

“We’d probably better get out there; she’s probably looking for you. Her shift should have ended five minutes ago,” Alex said as he looked at his cell phone.

They walked out of the private dining room together and, sure enough, Beth was looking for her.”

“Oh, there you are. I couldn’t find you. Hi, Alex.”

“Hi, Beth. Are you ready to go? I’m going to walk out to the parking lot with the two of you,” he informed her.

Beth looked from one to the other. “You filled him in?” she asked.

“Yes, I thought it was necessary but I’ve sworn him to secrecy,” her sister replied.

“It’s okay, Beth. I’ll keep your secret, as long as you tell Colin tonight, at dinner,” Alex said.

“I’ve already promised M.K. I would. Thank you, Alex.”

The three of them walked outside into the late afternoon Texas sunshine. Alex looked around to make sure no one suspicious was around before allowing the girls to proceed to their cars. He walked Beth to hers and made sure she was securely buckled in and the doors to her vehicle locked before he escorted M.K. to hers and did the same. He leaned down and told Mary Kate, “Call me when you get to the house.”

“I will,” she replied as she rolled up the window and waved to her sister to leave first. She followed Beth out of the parking lot and all the way to their parents’ house, where both girls still lived.

Safely inside the house with the doors locked, she phoned Alex to let him know they had arrived. Turning to Beth, she said, “You need to take a load off. Go take a hot bath and relax. I’ll brew some of that herbal tea you like and we’ll have a cup when you come back down.”

“Thank you, sis. I hate that this is happening two days before your wedding but I love that you’re taking care of me. I’ll be back down soon.”

Mary Kate watched her sister walk slowly up the stairs, shoulders slumped. She sighed as she headed for the kitchen. She was going to get to the bottom of this. No one terrorized her sister and got by with it.

 

 

Dallas Fire and Rescue Kindle World

Hello again! I am back with some exciting news!! Last week, my first kindle world book was released! That’s right, the amazing Paige Tyler invited me, along with several other authors, to join the world she created. For my Fab Five readers who didn’t want the series to end, I wrote a bonus novella, crossing over some of my characters from the “Fabs” series with the characters in Paige’s world.

My title is “Dallas Hot” and I’m going to share a little bit of it with you today. If you followed the series, you’ll remember Shane and Chloe’s twin daughters, Mary Kate and Angie Beth. Well, in Dallas Hot, M.K. and Beth are all grown up. This story is about them; it’s mainly Mary Kate’s story, but in May, I’ll be writing another one, and it will be Beth’s story.

Here’s the blurb for Dallas Hot:

Mary Kate O’Grady is at loose ends, working in her family’s downtown restaurant while she figures out what she wants to do with her life. Until the night a sexy Dallas firefighter saved her life, then it all became crystal clear.

While her family is busy rebuilding, Mary Kate is pursuing her future. A new career was always the plan, but a romance with her rescuer, Braydon Butler, definitely was not.

As the two become closer, the investigator’s report comes back and the result is arson. Mary Kate discovers the culprit and his motive is shocking. She has the grim task of telling her family of her findings and it could ruin her relationship with her twin forever.

How can she find the happiness and fulfillment she has longed for if her sister isn’t there to share it with her?

See, all grown up…

Here is an excerpt from the beginning of the story:

Mary Kate O’Grady sighed as she stood up from her seat in the break room. She tossed her trash away and carried her dishes into the kitchen. Resigning herself to another boring evening working in her family’s downtown Dallas restaurant, she squared her shoulders and started to walk out into the dining room. She was on waitress duty that night, and the place was busy. Truth be known, she would like to be anywhere but here.

“Better put a smile on that mug before you go back out there,” her twin sister, Beth, said from her place in the kitchen, where she was putting the finishing touches on one of their mother’s famous desserts.

“Easy for you to say, you love this place,” she retorted.

“M.K., I know you don’t like working here, but it’s a darn good thing you have this to fall back on until something more to your liking comes along. Just try to go with the flow, what do you say?”

“You’re right; it’s just that I want so much more in my life. I crave excitement and adventure. You’ve always loved this place. Even when we were kids, you wanted to be here. It doesn’t matter if you are cooking, waitressing or hostessing, you thrive on it. I don’t, I just…don’t.”

“I get that. We may be twins, but we are nothing alike, that’s for sure. I see myself running the family business someday, with Alex. You can’t wait to get out of here.” Beth shook her head.

“I have to go. You and Alex make the perfect cousin team, and I’m sure that, one day, you really will be running this place with him, if not running one of the other restaurants in the chain. Hell, you’ll probably be running the whole chain. Later, sis,” she said as she headed toward the swinging door that separated the kitchen from the dining room.

Dark-haired, brown-eyed beauty, Mary Kate, made her way back to her cousin, Alex, to let him know that she was back from her break. Alex was the stepson of her Uncle Ryan and had been managing the restaurant in Dallas for several years. He and his wife, Chelsea, both worked there, as did Ryan, his wife, Katy, and Mary Kate’s parents, Shane and Chloe.

It was truly a family business, built from scratch by Ryan, Shane and Chloe, many years before. Chloe was an excellent cook, and when she and Shane decided to open the original restaurant, they invited Ryan to move out from Indianapolis to join them in the venture. Having just lost his first wife in an accident, he welcomed the change. The place was such a success that, a few years later, the trio decided to expand. The family now owned a chain of restaurants across the country. Of course, the fact that all three of the offspring were a part of the business thrilled the family. Mary Kate did not intend to make it a lifelong career, though. How her parents would react to that news when the time came for her to move on, she didn’t know. She only knew that she had to get out. She had to find something else or she would go crazy.

Alex smiled at his younger cousin. “I hope you had a nice break, because this place is hopping tonight. I have four tables ready to seat in your section.”

Pasting a fake smile on her pretty face, she replied, “Okay, let’s get going, cuz. You get them seated and I’ll be around to take drink orders.”

The rest of the night passed in a blur. After those four tables of patrons were gone, more arrived. At the end of the evening, while she was counting her tips, she decided it hadn’t been a wasted Saturday night after all. She had raked in quite a pocketful of cash. Of course, even though the patrons who frequented the establishment were known to tip well, it was always a shock to her when the actual totals were tallied at the end of a long and tiring night.

She walked into the kitchen, where her twin was finishing up. Beth looked exhausted.

“Sis, are you okay? You don’t look like you feel well.”

“I am just tired. I’ve worked seven days without a break. At least, I have the next two off. As soon as I finish cleaning up for the night, I am going home to a nice hot bath and bed.”

“Why don’t you go on and let me finish for you?”

“Are you sure? I would have thought you would be out the door by now.”

“I haven’t worked seven days in a row. Now, go on. You know I don’t offer often, so better take me up on it.”

“I think I will. Thanks, sis.” Beth untied her apron and tossed it into the laundry bin. She hugged her sister and whispered, “Love you; I’ll see you at home later.”

Both girls, although in their twenties, still lived at home. Neither of them was ready to move out. Beth was seeing someone, but it wasn’t serious. Mary Kate was about as picky about dates as she was about her job. Until the right one came along, she would continue to live at home and work in the family business.

She finished cleaning the grill and talked to the others who were still lingering in the kitchen as she worked. When the kitchen was once again spotless, she said goodbye to the other workers as they trickled out, one by one. The only person still in the building was Alex. As general manager, he always stayed until everyone else was gone.

“Hey, Mary Kate, you about ready to head out? It’s been one busy night, and I, for one, am ready to call it a day,” he said as he walked into the kitchen.

“Sure, I’ll walk out with you,” she said. “Just let me grab my things from my locker.” She went into the break room and grabbed her purse before joining her cousin, who was waiting by the back door.

Alex walked her to her car before he got into his own vehicle and pulled out of the lot. Mary Kate waved goodbye to him as she fumbled in her purse for her cell phone. She knew her friend, Julie, would still be up, and she wanted to make plans with her for the following week. Finding a mint in the jumbled contents, she unwrapped it and popped it into her mouth. Where was that darn phone?

She emptied out the contents of her leather bag onto the passenger seat. There was no phone. Putting everything back in, stopping to pitch some old receipts into the trash, she finally had her purse back in order. “Nothing like cleaning out my purse at midnight in the parking lot at work,” she grumbled aloud as she opened the console in her car to see if she had left her phone there before work. No such luck, she thought as she realized that she must have put the missing phone in her locker after she had last used it on her break. Damn! She was going to have to go back in and get it. She was off until tomorrow night, and she just couldn’t do without her phone until then.

Looking around to make sure no one was lurking in the lot or the area nearby, she carefully got out of the car and ran to the back door of the establishment. Fumbling with her key, she finally unlocked the door and went into the break room. It was eerie, being in here alone after hours, with no one bustling about. She walked into the break room, located just off the kitchen, and unlocked her locker. Sure enough, her cell phone was sitting on the shelf. She hadn’t noticed it when she had grabbed her purse in haste earlier. She sat down at the table and dialed Julie’s number. I might as well call her now, before I go back outside, she thought as she waited for her friend to answer.

“Hey, M.K., what’s up? Did you just get off work?” Julie asked when her voice came on the line.

“Yeah, a little bit ago. I had to come back in and get my phone. Dumb me, I forgot it in my locker.”

Julie laughed. “Sounds like a typical M.K. thing to me.”

“Very funny, Jules,” she retorted. “Sorry to call so late, but I figured you were still up.”

“You know it. I got in from a date a while ago. I don’t think I’ll be seeing this one again. Can you say boring with a capital B?”

“You seem to have a lot of those. You need to be more selective, like me.”

“If I was as choosy as you, I’d never go out,” her friend replied with a giggle.

“True, that may explain my lack of a social life these days,” Mary Kate agreed. “Anyway, all that aside, I am off Thursday and Friday this coming week. Think you could swing a few days off and join me for some fun?”

“I am off on Thursday every week, so I can use a vacation day for Friday. What did you have in mind?” her friend asked with interest.

“I thought maybe we could head down to San Antonio Wednesday, after work. I am on day shift that day. Head back Friday night. Just a short girls’ trip,” she said.

“Sounds like a plan to me. I haven’t been down there in ages. We can do some shopping, go to the Riverwalk, and relax.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

“Make the plans, I’ll put in for the day off on Monday morning,” Julie said with enthusiasm.

They chatted for several more minutes before Mary Kate announced that she had better head home before her family started to worry.

“I sent Beth home a while ago and she’ll be freaking out,” she explained to Julie.

“Tell her I said hey, I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“I will tell her. She’s always working or out with the new guy in her life. I don’t see much of her anymore, either, to be truthful.”

She ended the call soon after that and picked up her purse and keys. Glancing around, making sure she had everything this time, she went to the door of the break room.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed when she touched the doorknob. Why was it so hot? She quickly looked down and saw it. But not before the smell of the thick smoke assaulted her nostrils. Smoke! But how? She had just come in a few minutes ago, hadn’t she? Had she lost track of time while talking on the phone?

Frantically looking around the room, she spotted a blanket in the corner. Thank God, someone had left it there! She quickly ran to fetch it and carried it to the sink. Wetting it first, she placed it under the crack in the door to keep the smoke out. She felt the door. It was scorching hot! She dialed 911 and waited nervously for the dispatcher to answer.

“What is the nature of your emergency?” a voice asked after the second ring.

Mary Kate hurriedly told the voice on the other end of the line the nature of her dilemma and her location. “I-I had to come back in for something I forgot. I made a call, and I guess I lost track of time. I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I got ready to leave again.”

“You are alone?” the woman asked.

“Y-yes, I am trapped in the employee break room, off the kitchen. Apparently, the fire is in the kitchen. I can’t get out. Please…send someone. My parents and my aunt and uncle are the owners. The O’Gradys, you need to contact them. Please, help me!”

“A unit has already been notified. They are on their way. Is there a window in the break room?”

“Y-yes, but it’s a very small one. It’s up high; I don’t think I can climb up there.”

“Stay put, help is on the way. Stay on the line with me until they arrive, miss.”

“I need to call my dad,” she protested.

“No, I need for you to stay on the line with me, please, Miss O’Grady. Help is on the way.  Someone is notifying your family as we speak. Please, remain on the phone with me.”

“Okay,” Mary Kate said in a low voice. She had never been so frightened in all her life.

“Now, I need for you to remain calm. Is smoke coming into the break room now?”

“N-no, I put a damp blanket under the door.”

“That’s good, quick thinking.”

“Shouldn’t I try to go out there? There is a fire extinguisher by the door. If I could get to it, I could…”

“Absolutely not, do not try to be a hero,” the dispatcher advised. “Stay where you are until help arrives.”

In the distance, Mary Kate heard sirens. She listened as they got closer and closer, screaming to other drivers to get out of their way. She said a silent prayer that they would get to her in time and that they would save her family’s business. She felt guilty about her lack of enthusiasm for her job earlier. Even if she wasn’t cut out for a life in the restaurant business, it meant everything to her family. Please, God, make them hurry.

“I-I can hear the sirens,” she said into the phone.

“Good, they should be there in another two minutes. Just try to remain calm.”

She got up and walked over to the door. Tripping over the legs of the chair in her haste, she went down. Hitting the floor with a thud, she groaned. The smoke was beginning to seep in, in spite of the blanket she had placed under the door. Her face was now parallel to the door…

 

***

 

“Who could be calling this late?” Chloe asked sleepily as she heard her husband, Shane, answer the phone. “Are the girls home?”

“I see. Thank you, we are on our way. Oh, have you notified my brother?”

Chloe sat up in bed, wide-awake now. When Shane hung up the phone and turned to her, she asked, “What is it? What’s happened?”

“We have to go, now! The restaurant is in flames, and Mary Kate is trapped.”

“What? How can she be trapped? What is she doing there alone? Where are Beth and Alex?”

“I don’t know. Ryan and Katy are on their way there and probably Alex. Get dressed and see if Beth is here. There is no time to waste.”

Chloe O’Grady hurriedly changed into a pair of jeans and threw on a sweatshirt. Running a brush through her short blonde hair, she joined her husband and daughter in the hallway, a few minutes later.

“Beth, thank God you are okay! Why was your sister still there?” she asked as she hugged her daughter.

“S-she offered to finish cleaning up for me. I was so tired, I didn’t argue with her. But I don’t understand how she is trapped. Alex always waits until the last worker leaves. I can’t imagine that he left her there.”

“We don’t have time to speculate about it. Come on, we have to get downtown,” Shane reminded them as he headed down the stairs.

When they arrived at the scene, the rescue squads were there. The firefighters were already dousing the flames, and an ambulance was waiting.

“What is going on?” Shane asked one of the rescue workers. “I am Shane O’Grady, one of the owners. I was told that one of my daughters is inside.”

As Shane spoke with the worker, Chloe spotted her sister-in-law, Katy, coming towards her. Katy hugged her and said, “Alex says that he walked Mary Kate to her car and made sure she was safely inside before he left. The only thing that makes any sense is that she must have gone back inside after he left.”

“Where are Alex and Ryan?” Chloe asked.

“They are up there, as close as the firefighters will let them stand. They are waiting for word. Come on, I will take you to them.” Katy turned to her niece. “Come with us, honey.” She pointed to where the men were standing.

Shane soon joined them as they waited for what seemed to be an eternity. Flames shot through the roof of their beloved business. None of that mattered to any of them right now. None of the O’Grady family would breathe easily until they saw Mary Kate exiting the building safely.

“Stand back, folks,” one of the firemen said. Chloe watched as the men did their jobs. Nervously, she glanced back to the entrance.

“If Mary Kate is in the break room, shouldn’t we be waiting around back?” she asked suddenly.

Shane spoke to one of the men in charge. He shook his head. Shane returned to the group and repeated what the man had said to him. In a solemn voice, he said, “They say we must stay here. It’s much too dangerous for us to be back there, since the kitchen is where they believe the fire originated. We have to do as they say. I’m sorry, baby, we have to wait here…and pray.”

The seconds slipped away, each one of them knowing that the longer they waited without seeing their beautiful daughter, the slimmer the chances became of her being rescued in time. Shane put his arms around his wife as she cried softly into his chest. Ryan pulled Beth close and comforted her as Katy went to other friends and employees who had arrived on the scene.

And then, Shane gave a shout as he saw a man, dressed in fire gear, walking around the side of the building. In his arms, he carried a woman, her long dark hair blowing in the breeze. Shane started to go towards them, but the workers held him back.

“Sir, please, let him get her to the ambulance. The rescue team will assess her condition.”

No one was stopping Chloe. She broke free from her husband’s grasp and ran to the ambulance to see her daughter.

The entire original Fab Five series of nine books is now available as a box set, too, so you can catch up, if you have yet to begin the journey. Here is the buy link.

And here is the buy link for Dallas Hot:

Check out the rest of Dallas Hot and the other books in the Dallas Fire & Rescue Kindle World here:

http://paigetylertheauthor.com/BooksDallasFireAndRescueKindleWorld.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah’s Horror…A Blessing or a Curse???

hannahs-horrorUSA Today Bestselling Author, Isabella Kole, brings you this romantic mystery just in time for Halloween! Let me tell you a little bit about it! The story is made up of three vacations over the course of a summer. The first one is in Iowa, along the banks of the Mississippi. Some of the supernatural things that take place in the story actually happened to the author… The second trip is in the mountains of Tennessee, and the third takes place in Myrtle Beach. Two college girls, one with a gift she isn’t sure she wants, and their boyfriends find themselves involved in some strange and dangerous situations. This is a spicy romantic mystery.

Blurb:

A blessing or a curse? That’s what Hannah Stone can’t decide about a special gift she’s been given.

When Hannah and her best friend, Cassie, joined by their boyfriends, set out on one last fun-filled summer of vacations before beginning their senior year of college, they have no idea just how adventurous the trips are going to be.

An old inn that sits along the banks of the Mississippi holds a secret or two, and Hannah finds herself in the thick of things, much to the disapproval of her protective boyfriend. When he reveals his dominant side to her, will it turn her off or endear him to her forever?

The Smoky Mountain trip, where unknown dangers are hiding, turns out to be a life-changing experience.

And the last vacation…a relaxing beach trip…may be the one that convinces her the ‘gift’ is a rare and treasured blessing.

Excerpt:

The man watched as the car backed out and headed down the mountain. Now was the time. He’d been watching the cabin for several days. He’d thought he had it made with two young women alone there, but then those two had shown up.

He was in need of a shower and food. Roughing it in the mountains was not his idea of a good time. He’d managed to fool those two men the night before, by cleaning up in a stream, but he wanted a real, honest to goodness, steaming hot shower.

He stepped onto the deck. The hot tub looked inviting, but he had other ideas. He checked the door. Damned bitches had locked it. He took a pocketknife out of his pants pocket and jimmied it until it gave for him. Opening it quietly, he stepped inside the door, which led to the kitchen. Where were they? He looked down at the rope in his hand. Stupid boyfriends or husbands, whatever they were, had even supplied him with the rope. He laughed to himself.

Ah, the redhead was sitting in the room with the fireplace, reading. Perfect! He crept up behind her and placed his hand over her mouth. Whispering in her ear, he said, “Stay quiet, little one, and no one gets hurt. I am going to borrow your shower, and then you and your little blonde friend are going to fix me a meal. Got it?” Cassie nodded her head. He removed his hand and waited while she fought the urge to scream.

“Atta girl, now point me in the direction of the shower and get me a towel, now!”

Cassie got up on shaky legs and led him into her room. She pointed in the direction of the private bath and told him the towels were on the shelf.

“Just to make sure you don’t get any ideas about running, I am going to have to tie you up, girlie.” He came toward her with the rope. Cassie took a step back, but he was quick, and he grabbed her wrist, flung her around and sat her down hard on a chair. He tied her wrists and ankles with the rope and sneered at her as he went into the bathroom. He picked up a scarf that was on the counter and returned to the bedroom, gagging her so she couldn’t scream.

Cassie looked around. Oh God, was he Sam? Where was Hannah? She had said she wasgoing to take a nap. Damn it, Hannah, wake the hell up and go get help while he is in the bathroom!

In the next room, Hannah was still sleeping soundly. She woke slightly and could vaguely hear the shower running in Cassie’s bathroom. Why was she taking a shower now?

Groggily, she sat up and looked at the clock on the bedside table. It was eleven o’clock. The boys should be back for lunch soon. They had gone to town for something.

And then she saw her. The girl was standing at the foot of her bed. “He is here, Hannah.”

She was gone.

What? He was here? Where? He couldn’t be in the cabin. She must have meant he was here on the mountain.

Hannah went into her own bathroom and splashed her face. She brushed her teeth, applied light make up and fluffed her curls with her fingers. Then she went into the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee.

She was just about to pour a cup when he appeared. The man walked out of Cassie’s bedroom and said, “Oh, good, I feel like a new man after that shower, and now, you have fresh coffee all ready for me.”

“Wh-who are you? Where is Cassie? How did you…”

“Inquisitive little thing, now, ain’t you? Name is Jim.”

Buy Links:

#Kindle https://goo.gl/vNEc0j
#iBooks https://goo.gl/xiJQiC
#BlushingBooks https://goo.gl/fx1VrC

Author Bio:

  • USA Today and International bestselling author, Isabella Kole, lives in southern Indiana, where she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Always an avid romance reader, she began writing several years ago, and although she has had several sweet romances published under a different pen name, Accepting His Terms is the first erotic romance in her collection.
  • If you are a fan of Regency romance, you won’t want to miss her Loving the Nobleman series, book one, Remington’s Rules, book two, Emily’s Emergence and book three, Duchess’s Desire.
  • You can find Isabella on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabella-Kole-Author/580591041984962?ref=hl and on Twitter as @blushingizzy
  • isabellahannahbanner

 

HERO TO OBEY Military Romance Anthology

Hero picI am so excited to announce that Isabella Kole is one of twenty-two authors who have put together the summer’s hottest set of stories.

Title: Hero to Obey: Twenty-Two Naughty Military Romance Stories

Authors:  22 New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling authors

Genre:  Erotic Romance-BDSM

Preorder: June 9, 2016

Release date: June 28, 2016

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeroToObey/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30461245-hero-to-obey?from_search=true&search_version=service

 

Amazon ASIN:  B01GSRNEZG

 

Amazon:  

US: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Obey-Twenty-two-Naughty-Military-ebook/dp/B01GSRNEZG

UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hero-Obey-Twenty-two-Naughty-Military-ebook/dp/B01GSRNEZG

 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hero-to-obey-selena-kitt/1123894824?ean=2940158221620

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/hero-to-obey

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hero-to-obey/id1121897308?mt=11

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30461245-hero-to-obey?ac=1&from_search=true

 

Short links:

Amazon: http://myBook.to/HERO

Kobo: https://goo.gl/Bm8640

Nook: http://goo.gl/bKnXzN

iBooks: https://goo.gl/5YebuL

 

BLURB:

 

**$0.99 for a limited time only ~ An over $40 value!**

Hero to Obey: Twenty-Two Naughty Military Romance Stories is packed with ALL-NEW sexy novellas, penned by New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors of BDSM romance.

Your hot, dominant military heroes are waiting—and they expect your complete submission.

Featured authors: Selena Kitt, Paige Tyler, Sierra Cartwright, Alta Hensley, Sue Lyndon, Renee Rose, Vanessa Vale, Desiree Holt, Abbie Adams, Tabitha Black, Zoe Blake, Bethany Burke, Alexa Day, Livia Grant, Yasmine Hyde, Isabella Kole, Cerise Noble, Kate Richards, Maggie Ryan, Lee Savino, Maren Smith, and Maddie Taylor.

 

Individual Blurbs:

 

SEAL of Her Dreams by Paige Tyler

When Navy SEAL Kurt Travers fills in for his buddy during career day at school, he doesn’t expect to fall for the teacher. But Melissa Drake lives by one hard and fast rule. She doesn’t date Navy guys—ever. Will saving her life change her mind? 

Enticement By Sierra Cartwright

Ella Gibson, his little sister’s best friend, is definitely off-limits. But when Special Forces Staff Sergeant Pierce Holden sees her about to make a big mistake with another Dom, honor, duty, and his physical attraction to her compels him to step in.

 

Wrecked by Selena Kitt

Spoiled heiress Darcy Haverford and ex-military beach bum Daniel Colvin find themselves shipwrecked on a desert island and they discover the key to survival is both discipline and surrender.

 

Stormy Weather by Desiree Holt

The storm outside whipping the surface of the bay into whitecaps wasn’t nearly as intense as the one raging inside Zane Colby. The isolation of the cottage on the little island was exactly what he needed, a place to hide and deal with the disasters threatening to destroy him. He was a warrior and used to destruction and devastation, but this time it threatened to push him over the edge. He’d hope in this sequestered environment to reach down and find his humanity again. The last thing he needed was Dara, a waif who nearly drowned in the turbulent water in her haste to run from a violent situation. How would he manage with the two of them locked up together in this situation, a woman with the needs of a sub who had been abused, and him with the needs of a Dom that had nearly destroyed him? Was it possible that in the turbulence of the situation they could heal each other?  

 

A Hero In Disguise by Alta Hensley

Kidnapped and brought to an isolated militia compound in the backwoods of West Virginia, Jessa Crowe realizes there is much more hidden in the dark depths of the hemlock trees.

She is surrounded by hate, sex, torture, and death. Only to be claimed by the devil himself—Decker Cassidy. But what Jessa soon discovers is that her captor may very well be her hero in disguise.

 

The SEAL’s Captive Bride by Sue Lyndon

In the aftermath of a horrendous war, former SEAL Rick Stanford catches a pretty little thief sneaking around the settlement he’s charged to protect. Rather than see Ally tried for her crimes, he protects her in the best way he knows how—by claiming the reluctant young virgin as his wife.

 

In His Hands By Maggie Ryan

Betsy Riddle considered it her patriotic duty to lift the spirits of soldiers fighting for their country. Little did she know that her newest pen-pal, Mr. Bossy, would be the one man who stole her heart. With every letter he received,  Major Jackson Sommersby  knew that the moment this horrid war ended, he’d be taking a certain little minx in hand and showing her that paradise was found in his arms.

 

Owned by the Marine by Renee Rose

He may live next door, but he sure as hell wasn’t the boy next door.

When Marine Sergeant Rob Gentry moves into his new apartment, the last girl he wants to date is his neighbor. Smoking hot and so cute it makes his teeth hurt, she’s not his type. Too sweet. Too innocent. Too vanilla. …or so he thinks.

 

Under His Command by Maddie Taylor

After twenty years in the field, Navy SEALs Commander Flynn Dalton is ready to put down roots.  Settled at Coronado island, he trains new recruits by day while searching for his perfect submissive by night.  Too bad the one woman he wants to claim as his own is too young, too shy, and too damn vanilla.  Relegated to the friend zone by the man of her dreams, computer analyst Cassie Hardwick tries to jumpstart her dormant social life by attending a masquerade mixer at an exclusive BDSM club.  Oblivious to what is right under their noses, both Flynn and Cassie are in for quite a surprise when the masks come off at Decadence LA.

 

Understanding the Enemy by Tabitha Black

She can resist anything. Except him.

When Lena is captured and interrogated by a handsome militia sergeant,she’s determined not to reveal anything; no matter what he intends to do to her.

But Blaze Fielding has big secrets of his own… and very special ways to get Lena to talk.

 

Devil Dog by Lee Savino

There he was, on the eve of my divorce, the yummiest thing in the coffee shop. Tall, tattooed, made of muscle. He was my hero. I just didn’t know it yet…

 

Her Captain’s Command by Isabella Kole

When a former love surprisingly arrives as the new XO on his ship, how will Captain Blaine Rogers handle her stubborn attempts to defy his authority? Will old feelings get in the way or will a spark be rekindled?

 

A Little Love by Maren Smith

From the moment he saw her tattoo, Sergeant Nolan Anderson knew Tricia was meant to be his. But they were neighbors and, worse, he was broken. She deserved so much better from the man who became her Dom and yet, now that he’d held her, how could he ever let her go…

 

Their Runaway Bride by Vanessa Vale

A surprise prequel to the USA Today bestselling Bridgewater Menage Series. Learn how the two military men save a runaway from her ruthless father. You’ve met Anne and her two husbands, Robert and Andrew before. It’s time for their story!

 

Worth Fighting For by Zoe Blake

He is determined to make her his…even if he has to fight her every step of the way. An arrogant, alpha Marine ordering her about is not Sage’s idea of boyfriend material.

Conner disagrees. For her first burglary, it was going very well…until a half-naked, hot-as-hell Marine burst in demanding to know what was going on!

 

A Soldier to Cry On by  Abbie Adams

Sergeant Anthony Jerard hunts down the wife of the soldier dying in the hospital bed next to him during the first days after he suffers a traumatic brain injury. He intends to pass on the deathbed apology of which he hasn’t a clue to the nature of. What he doesn’t intend to do, is fall ass over teakettle in love with the often captivating, but more often infuriating, little widow.

 

Call Sign: Thunder by Livia Grant

Zach wasn’t supposed to be there, but he was Allie’s only hope of getting out alive.  Even if she gets out with her life, could she survive the horrific memories of her time in the hands of her diabolical captors?

 

Passing Through by Alexa Day

The summer’s brought two surprises to bar owner Gigi Deane: the former Army Ranger she hired is the perfect barback, and he takes orders in bed as well as he does on the job. He’s told her that he’s just passing through, but as the seasons change, can she convince him to make their summer thing a little more permanent?

 

Bound By Her Captain by Kate Richards

The heat between a  US Coast Guard Captain and a beautiful, brilliant Soviet scientist might do a better job of melting the polar ice than the ship when they combine forces to hunt down a possible sea monster in Cold War Era Alaska.

 

With One Hand Behind My Back by Cerise Noble

Irene’s determined to follow her Marine, Drew –  the love of her life – everywhere. He leads, she follows; from duty station to duty station, from base to base. When he’s wounded, everything changes. Can she submit to a man who’s body was broken?

 

Exfil  by Bethany Burke

Archeologist Emily Becker’s “simple and quick” clandestine trip into Syria to recover a precious artifact turns out to be neither.   Stuck in a bombed out basement with some serious heat on her tail, she needs “exfil,” extraction from a dangerous situation by someone who knows what he’s doing.

 

Delta Force Mission Specialist Michael Duncan definitely knows what he’s doing. He would fit the bill except for one thing:  he also knows Emily, and their history is not a happy one.

Emily doesn’t know if she’s in more danger from Michael or from terrorists, but she’s about to find out.  

 

Aim for Pleasure by Yasmine Hyde

Kerrigan’s military career is coming to an end. At last she will be able to dedicate her time to the business she started years ago with her sister. She just has one more function to put on for the General she works for, then she’ll be bound for civilian life. The night before the event she lets her friends take her out to a bar to celebrate. When a moment of peace turns into a chance at passion, she is drawn in and taken on a ride of ecstasy. She never expects to see the mystery man from her one night of recklessness again, but when he turns up in the place she least expects him, she can’t keep him at arm’s length.

 

Jaxon returns from a mission just in time to celebrate his brother’s promotion. Hitting the road, he decides to catch up with an old buddy. A detour at a bar winds up being a night to remember. The next day the curvaceous beauty practically falls into his lap again, and seeing it as an opportunity to get to know her better, he pursues.

 

Can two warriors from two different branches of services, two different paths of life, really find the one in a wanton moment – and can it last for a lifetime?

 

EXCERPTS

 

Her Captain’s Command by Isabella Kole

The time had come. She took her bags from the driver, paid him and made her way up the plank to meet her destiny. She asked one of the seaman where she could find the captain, and he offered to escort her to him. And there he was. His back was turned to her. He was issuing orders to some of the crew already on board, and she could feel the heat beginning to grow in her limbs as she watched him, capable, still as hot as ever, taking charge. There was no doubt to his authority, he was in complete control.
He turned, and she presented herself to him. “Lt. Commander Vandecamp reporting for duty, sir,” she said as she saluted her superior officer.
The look of shock that crossed Blaine’s face was fleeting. Professionalism took over as he said, “Welcome aboard, Lt. Commander Vandecamp. I must say this is a surprise. Charlie, is it?” he asked.
Did he really not recognize her? How could that be? Had their four years together meant so little to him?
“Yes, I go by Charlie these days,” she replied warily.
“Let’s go into the office and get acquainted. I would like to go over some things with you. I trust you have all the necessary paperwork with you?” he asked.
“Of course, sir,” she responded.
He led her into the space that served as his office on the ship and waved his hand for her to sit. “Coffee?” he asked.
“Yes, please,” she answered, watching as he prepared two cups, adding cream to both. He had not asked her how she took hers, so maybe he did remember, after all.
He handed her a cup of the hot brew and sat down, facing her across the desk. “So, Charlie, tell me, how long have you been in the Navy? And where is your husband?” He took a sip of his coffee and held out his hand for her papers.
With slightly shaking hands, she handed the paperwork to him. She watched as he scanned over them and looked up, waiting for her reply.
“I-I enlisted four years after I graduated from college. I was recommended, after recruit training, to enter the OCS, so that is what I did. That was ten years ago,” she replied.
“I see. You moved up fairly quickly. Although, I enrolled in OCS fourteen years ago, so I guess I’m not that far ahead of you,” he said. “And your husband? A Navy man?”
Charlie took a sip of her drink before answering. “I met my husband in Officer Candidate School. We have since divorced, and he is no longer in the Navy. He chose to resign his commission.”
“Ah, I see,” he said without emotion. An uncomfortable silence followed until Blaine finally spoke again, “Charlotte Rose, I have to say I was quite surprised to see that you are my newly assigned XO. I can assure you that our past history will in no way reflect our working together on this ship. Is that understood?”
So he did recognize her! Her heart skipped several beats. Her mouth went dry, and she quickly took another sip of coffee before replying, “I understand, sir.”
“The United States Navy expects us to do a job. Any personal problems we have with each other are to remain just that—personal.”
“Of course, sir,” she said quietly.
“You are to follow my orders to the letter. If you can prove you can do that, we’ll have no problems. I seem to recall a bit of a rebellious nature in your personality. I trust your time with the Navy has cured you of that.”
She nearly laughed out loud. “Of course, sir,” was all she said in reply.
“Now, I’ll show you to your quarters, and after you’ve settled in, you’ll join me on deck. There is much to be done today.”
She stood and saluted him as her superior officer, although it rankled her to do so. “Yes, sir.”
She thought she could see a half smile escape his lips before he walked around to her side of the desk to escort her to her cabin.
“Shall we?” he asked.
“Of course, sir, lead the way.”
“I could get used to you calling me sir,” he said, half-teasingly, as he escorted her to her door.
She looked up at him in surprise.

 

Stormy Weather by Desiree Holt

 

Someone was out there in the bay in a little skiff, trying to get to shore. In point of fact, whoever it was appeared to have lost one of the oars, and was struggling against the elements to make headway. He couldn’t tell that much about the person except the figure was small and wet. Who in hell was crazy enough to let their kid out in this weather? Wherever they were, if Zane got hold of them he’d wring their necks. While he’d love to leave the person out there, he didn’t want to be responsible for anyone else’s death. But, fuck. There went his precious solitude.

Still swearing a steady stream, he pulled on boots, a rain slicker and head gear, and headed down to the little dock. It took him a while to get the bowrider uncovered and power it up. He hated exposing the beautiful interior of the boat to the elements but the skiff would be useless in this storm. He couldn’t in good conscience let some kid drown out there because his or her family was brainless enough to let them out alone in this kind of weather.

As soon as he was away from the dock, Zane cranked up the throttle and headed for the floundering rowboat. The rain pounded on him, dripping off his rain cap into his face, but he kept himself focused on his target. When he was close enough he throttled back and steered close to the rowboat. The person wrestling with the boat sat on one of the seats, waving at him and yelling something, impossible to hear over the storm. As he maneuvered alongside and got a good look at the person, shock raced through his system. This wasn’t a kid, it was a girl. No, a woman. Very definitely a woman, a fact made obvious by the way her thin T-shirt and white shorts were plastered against her body. Her breasts wouldn’t have been any more obvious if she’d been standing there stark naked.

What the fuck was she doing out here, alone, in this weather?

Maneuvering the boat on the choppy waters while fighting the wind and rain was not the easiest thing Zane had ever done. He also had to be careful he didn’t knock the rowboat and cause it to capsize. He managed to finesse it so he could idle next to the floundering boat, and pulled up on the side closest to where she was sitting.

“Come on,” he shouted. “Get in.”

For a moment she just stared at him, and he was afraid she was too nervous to move. Then she eased herself as close to him as she could, pushed herself up and reached out to him. Ignoring any niceties he yanked and tumbled her into the bowrider, pushing the throttle forward as soon as she was all in.

Heading back to the island he was driving right into the rain, and it felt like a thousand wet knives on his skin. He looked at his passenger, huddled low in the boat, hugging herself and shivering, and kicked himself for not bringing something to wrap around her. He’d just have to get her into a hot shower the minute they were back in the cottage.

No, Zane. Send her into the shower, not get her in. Or take her in. Pay attention.

The ride was choppy and chilling but at last he pulled up to the dock, cut the motor, and jumped out to tie off the boat. He reached a hand down to help his passenger out.

“Go on inside,” he told her. “It’s open.” When she didn’t move he scowled. “Don’t worry, you’ll be safe. I’m off women for the duration.”

She just continued to stand there, hugging herself, her eyes wide, staring at the scar on his face.

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” he told her. “A war souvenir. I might look frightening but I promise I won’t hurt you.”

“A-all right.” But still she didn’t move. Her eyes were filled with fear and he had the distinct feeling it wasn’t all caused by him.

 

SEAL of Her Dreams by Paige Tyler

“You’re seriously going out with a Navy guy?” From where she was leaning back on her hands on the flower-print comforter covering the bed, Melissa’s neighbor-slash-best-friend Veronica Cartwright eyed her dubiously. “I thought you had a strict no-sailor policy when it came to potential boyfriend material?”

“I do.” Melissa turned this way and that in front of the mirror mounted on the back of the door to the closet, checking out her reflection. She wanted to look nice for Kurt, but not so nice that he’d think she was interested in him. So while the little black dress hugged her curves, it didn’t show too much leg or too much cleavage, and the platform sandals didn’t scream, come and get me. “Though, to be honest, there’s absolutely no boyfriend potential here. I’m only going out with Kurt because he helped me out with my career day fiasco at school. I had twelve parents lined up for today and ten of them canceled at the last minute. If Kurt hadn’t stepped in and spent an hour playing with the kids, the entire event would have been a train wreck.”

Veronica shrugged her slim shoulders. “He sounds like a pretty good guy to me. Is there anything wrong with him other than the Navy thing? I mean, is he hideously ugly or something?”

Hideously ugly? Melissa’s lips curved. That would be a definite no. In fact, Kurt Travers was extremely attractive. Heck, she might go so far as to say he was gorgeous. There was even a part of her that was kind of psyched a guy this hot wanted to go out with her. But it was a small part, and she was smart enough to push those silly thoughts aside and forget about them. She came from a Navy family, and had seen firsthand what a woman had to deal with if she wanted to be involved with a man whose job required him to be away from home more than he was there. It had taken a toll on her mom and the family. Melissa had no desire to walk down that road again.

This date was a one-time thing. A thank-you for a man who’d helped her out of a tight spot. That was it—period, end of sentence.

Still, Kurt was freaking hot. There was no denying that. And when she’d stood close to him while they’d watched the kids run around the playground at recess, she couldn’t help but notice he smelled yummy, too. Then there was the obvious fact that the guy had a totally awesome body. Even the blue camouflage uniform he’d been wearing couldn’t hide that.

“Should I assume from the dreamy look on your face that Kurt isn’t ugly?” Veronica asked.

 

Their Runaway Bride by Vanessa Vale

 

“You will marry him.”

“I will not,” I replied.

My father stood, looming over me as I sat in one of the room’s very uncomfortable chairs. I looked at the floor, the carpet’s dark colors swirling as my eyes filled with tears. Taking a deep breath, I willed them away. My father had ruled my life, squeezed every bit of enjoyment from it until there was barely any left.

“I will not have Mr. Atherton thinking you are common. We are anything but.”

Yes, common. My father did not lower himself to be like everyone else. God forbid I stopped and petted a dog. A pedigree dog in first class. Thomas Geary did not stop to pet a dog. He did not stop to deign anyone with his miserable presence unless it was of value to him. Including me. I was just his daughter. I wasn’t a son—just a daughter who enjoyed petting dogs and helping the elderly woman on the stairs going to dinner. A daughter who refused to conform to his every wish.

“I am not common, Father. You’ve ensured that,” I countered. “But Mr. Atherton holds no appeal to me. I’ve told you that time and again.”

He walked over to me and I had to tilt my chin back to look at him. “He holds appeal to me and, more importantly, you hold appeal for him. Merging his railroad with my land holdings is crucial, Anne, and I will not have you ruining our arrangements.”

“So marriage to the man is part of the arrangement? What about love?”

Father laughed. “Love? This isn’t about love. This business venture, even this trip, it’s all about money.

Shame made my cheeks heat, for I believed in love wholeheartedly, while he did not. He’d married my mother because of an arrangement, and there had been no love between them. I didn’t remember her, but I could not imagine any woman loving my father. She was just someone to produce an heir for him, and she hadn’t even done that right. She’d made me, a female, then died giving birth to Father’s true heir. The baby boy had died as well.

He’d been stuck with me ever since. Why he hadn’t remarried and found another woman to breed, I had no idea.

I stood up and lifted my chin, met the same blue eyes as mine. I hoped that was the only thing we had in common. “I refuse.”

 

Owned by the Marine by Renee Rose

She was looking through his bedside drawer—the one where he kept the kinky shit. Like lube and butt plugs and…yeah. She picked up a hand paddle and spun it around. He ought to be ashamed of himself. Instead, seeing her curiosity sent a fresh surge of lust kicking through him.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed? Getting some rest?”

She jerked and looked up with guilty surprise on her face. “Uh…is this yours?” She spun the paddle around like she admired the feel of it—not like someone who was revolted.

“Yep.” He raised an eyebrow, doing his best to look stern. “Do you need a demonstration?” He toed the door open and folded his arms across his chest.

Her full berry lips parted, tongue darted out to moisten them. Her nipples tented the thin fabric of her shirt. “Yeah.”

Yeah?

He hadn’t expected that answer.

A flush had crept over her cheeks and her eyes looked dilated.

Oh God. He’d been thinking about spanking her ripe little ass since the day he first met her. But no…it was a terrible idea. She had no clue what she’d be getting herself into. He shook his head. “Sorry Dimples. I don’t think you have any idea what you’re saying.”

Her chin kicked up a notch. “Don’t be so sure, Marine.”

Was that a challenge? His cock liked her sass. Too much. He should definitely not be getting spanky with this girl right now. “Nope. You need to get your rest.” He raised his eyebrows and jerked his head toward the bed, doing his best attempt at daddy-dom, which he didn’t even know was in his repertoire.

She held the paddle out to him. Her hand shook. “I need a demonstration.” Her voice cracked.

“Kaitlyn.” He made his voice sympathetic. “The last thing you need is to get mixed up with this sort of thing after what happened to you tonight.”

She swallowed. “I want to forget. I need to feel something different. I mean…I think I might like it. Please?”

He’d like to say it was just out of sympathy that he responded to her pleading, but his cock surged and strained against his pants because the idea of dominating his sweet little neighbor heated his blood.

This was such a bad idea.

 

Under HIs Command (A Decadence LA novella) by Maddie Taylor

 

Her steps lagged and she came to a halt as she stared at Flynn leaning against her driver’s side door, tall and handsome with his arms crossed over his chest. Like Colt, he was obviously pissed—correction, fucking angry—if the clenched jaw and the twitching muscle were an accurate measure of his fury.

Cassie didn’t budge from her spot, not moving forward or back, even when he raised his hand and crooked a finger at her. She swallowed, hard.

“Don’t make me come and get you,” he warned in a steely voice.

Her heart leaped into her throat nearly choking her. She wanted to run away and hide, except she wasn’t twelve and couldn’t do that again. She took a tentative step forward. As she did, he stood up, waiting. She stopped again.

“Come here, Cassie. I won’t bite.” When she started moving again, he added, “A trip over my knee isn’t out of the question, however.”

Her eyes shot to his, but his expression was unreadable, a lethal calmness in his eyes. She’d almost prefer his anger. As she came to a stop in front of him, she launched into her practiced speech.

“I’m sorry for running out without an explanation. I was taken by surprise when unmasked. I hadn’t intended to stay. Regardless, I hope we can be professionals and put this incident behind us and go on as we were before.”

He stared at her silently for a moment. “Rehearsed that all weekend, I bet.”

She gasped, which made his lips twitch ever so slightly. “How did you know?”

“I’ve been a dominant for nearly twenty years, and have learned a few things about submissives along the way.” His fingers curled firmly around her upper arm as he walked her forward, away from her car.

“Where are we going?”

Her question went unanswered as he stopped in front of a black SUV and opened the door. “Get in.”

She tipped up her chin, biting her lip as she met his still indecipherable eyes. Curiously, she noticed they looked more steel blue, than gray today. “What are you thinking?”

“That we need to go someplace quiet and talk. When we’re done, you’ll have a decision to make. Either way, you are definitely going home with a red hot backside.”

 

About the Authors

Abbie Adams is an international bestselling author. She has always lived in a make-believe world, penning her fantasies for others to enjoy. Come live inside Abbie’s head if you dare.

 

Tabitha Black is an award-winning author of predominantly historical and BDSM erotica.

Having travelled extensively, she currently lives in Europe with her very own romantic hero inspiration – her sadistic Daddy-Dom – and a gorgeous, albeit indifferent, cat.

 

Bethany Burke is the Publisher and CEO of Blushing Books. She has been writing professionally since the mid 1980s.  In the early 1990s, bothered by the what she perceived as an increasing trend towards “politically correct romance,” Bethany began self-publishing her spicy romances and sending her xeroxed books out through snail mail.   With the dawn of the Internet in the late ’90s, Bethany was freed (at last!) from all those tiresome late night trips to the 24-hour Kinkos and from standing in line at the post office.  She launched her first website on a September day in 1998, went out for dinner, and came home to find that sixteen people had bought one of her books.  She never knew how they found her, but she’s never looked back.

 

Alexa Day writes erotica and erotic romance with heroines who are anything but innocent and fictional worlds where strong, smart women discover excitement, adventure, and exceptional sex. A former bartender, one-time newspaper reporter, and recovering attorney, she likes her stories with just a touch of the inappropriate, and her literary mission is to stimulate the intellect and libido of her readers.

 

Sierra Cartwright is a USA Today and #1 international best-selling author. Novels that the UK Daily Mail Online calls, “Even racier than Fifty Shades!” are available on a bookshelf near you.

 

Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and two sons… one a teenager, the other a furry rescue dog named Max. Livia started writing when she felt like she finally had the life experience to write a riveting story that she hopes her readers won’t be able to put down. Livia’s fans appreciate her deep character driven plots, often rooted in an ensemble cast where the friendships are as important as the romance… well, almost.

 

Alta Hensley is a USA TODAY bestselling erotic romance author who has had #1 top-selling books in BDSM, erotic science fiction, humor, and historical. She writes the naughty… and then the cure for it.

 

Desiree Holt – Known the world over as the oldest living author of erotic romance, and referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt

is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature.

 

Yasmine Hyde is the alter ego of Yvette Hines. Since I was sixteen and started reading romance, I found myself pulling out a tablet at the end of a book and writing an additional sex scene. Now, years later, Yasmine allows me and my muse SHE to step out of the box again in another direction. As a USA Today Bestseller I’m ready for the next road my writing will take me. So, naughty ones, take the journey with me…I dare you. If you enjoy Yvette Hines give Yasmine a try.

 

Selena Kitt is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and award-winning author of erotic and romance fiction. She is one of the highest selling erotic writers in the business with over a million books sold! Her books EcoErotica (2009), The Real Mother Goose (2010) and Heidi and the Kaiser (2011) were all Epic Award Finalists. Her only gay male romance, Second Chance, won the Epic Award in Erotica in 2011. Her story, Connections, was one of the runners-up for the 2006 Rauxa Prize, given annually to an erotic short story of “exceptional literary quality.”

 

Isabella Kole is an international bestselling author who writes soft erotic romance with a dash of discipline.

 

Sue Lyndon is a USA Today bestselling author of naughty romance. Her books have hit #1 in multiple categories on Amazon, including BDSM erotica and Sci-Fi Erotica.

 

Cerise Noble is the author of the top selling Brackish Bay series, the Women of Markin series, and several standalone books, including Bianka’s Baby, a Golden Flogger Award Nominee in the Menage category. **

 

Kate Richards is the author of over forty well-reviewed books and loves traveling the US and Canada to meet readers.She is known for her sexy, entertaining stories in all genres of romance.

 

Renee Rose is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes BDSM and spanking romance novels. Named Eroticon USA’s Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won reader’s pick awards from The Romance Reviews and Spanking Romance Reviews and hit #1 on Amazon in numerous categories.

 

Maggie Ryan is a #1 international bestselling and award winning author.

 

Lee Savino is a bestselling author who lives in a world of her own imagination, full of cowboys, werewolves and hot military men. She plans on spending the rest of her life with them, writing sexy, sexy romance.

 

Maren Smith – Fortunate enough to have married my Dominant, I am a wife, administrator at two local BDSM dungeons, and submissive to the love of my life. I have penned more than 120 novels, novellas and short stories, and am the author of the Masters of the Castle series, of which Kaylee’s Keeper reached #1 on all Amazon.

 

Maddie Taylor is a #1 Bestselling Western and Erotic Romance author. In this story, she  takes us back to LA as she continues her bestselling and very popular Club Decadence series with Under His Command.  

 

Paige Tyler is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them.

Vanessa Vale savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class when she’s not writing, .She considers herself to be remarkably normal, exceedingly introverted and fairly vanilla, which does not explain her steamy stories and her fascination with cowboys, preferably more than one at a time.