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.

Heart & Soul Series Book Five

Heart and Soul series promoAs promised, I’m back with the information for book five of our multi-author romcom series, Heart & Soul.  Catching Chase, by Anne Welch, is now available for preorder and will be delivered to your e-reading device on June 7, 2019. Here is a little about Anne’s book. This gal really knows her romcom, having written both satire and romance in the past.

Blurb for Catching Chase:

You’re invited to an all inclusive mountain resort and spa. Come and relax and let nature take care of your mind, body and soul. And its gift to you in return is LOVE!
Victoria “Vic” Brice breathes photography and longs to have her work displayed in a gallery. Much to her mother’s dismay, she spends her time shooting tourist photos at her struggling downtown Nashville studio instead of working at the family business. Will Vic give up her dreams to make her family happy, or will one phone call change her life forever?
Trevor Chase was living his dream of being the starting quarterback for Nashville’s professional football team. But when he begins playing harder off the field than on, he stands to lose everything. Longing for more than drunken nights and one-night stands, with a push from his older brother, he agrees to a week of reflection and relaxation at Mt. Montoya to get himself back on track. Will he be able to change or get more than he bargained for?
The last thing either one expected was each other. Will Trevor go back to his playboy ways, or will Victoria be able to catch Chases heart.

Buy Links:

Catching Chase, Book Five
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PF73GZS
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PF73GZS
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PF73GZS
Amazon Aus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PF73GZS
KOBO https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/catching-chase

Next week, the sixth and final book of the series goes up for preorder and I’ll have all the information for you right here, so please check back for Lizabeth Scott’s Cuddle Buddies.

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.

 

Heart & Soul Series, Book Three

Well, as promised, here I am again. This week, my book, Cali’s Cravings, is available for preorder. Here is all the info.

Preorder now for only $0.99

Cali’s Cravings

Order now for $0.99 and receive it on your reading device on May 24, 2019.

You’re invited to an all-inclusive mountain resort and spa. Come and relax and let nature take care of your mind, body, and soul. And its gift to you in return is LOVE!
Cali George is appalled when her younger sister books the two of them for a week at a Wellness Spa and Resort in the mountains of Tennessee. She hates health food and anything to do with outdoor activities. Since her latest breakup, six months ago, she works around the clock, eats junk food and is content to run around with no makeup and her long blonde hair in a ponytail or a messy bun. Her sister, on the other hand, is her polar opposite, always has been, and won’t rest until she transforms her sister and changes her bad habits.
But, when Cali is looking over the spa’s brochure and spots a photo of the resort’s hot events manager, things may be looking up. And when the man himself, Austin Butler, introduces himself to her, the week is suddenly looking better to her every minute.
It seems as though it’s love at first sight for both Cali and Austin, but could Cali be mistaken? Is Austin a player? Cali may be headed down another path of heartbreak if a certain rich female guest has her way.

Next week, I’ll tell you about book four, Loving Pierce, by Elizabeth Lennox.

 

Heart and Soul Series Book Two

Last week, I revealed the secret project I am honored to be a part of, The Heart and Soul Series. Six authors, six novellas. This week, book two is up for preorder, Lena Lane’s Morning Elixir.

Preorder now and it will be delivered to your reading device on 5/17/19.

 

Here is the information for Book Two.

Morning Elixir

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

Ronaldo Rodrigues loves living art, and body painting is his passion, he just wishes more people were aware of it. An upcoming art event—and competition—on Mt. Montoya could be his chance to make it big and be recognized around the world. His only problem is a feisty woman who’s determined to sabotage his appearance to the event.

Banker Reena Flores is in desperate need of a vacation, and her brother is sweet enough to offer her a nice getaway, at a steep discount. There’s no way she can pass it up. What he fails to mention is the rabbit food and excessive encouragement for wellness that comes with it. Her goal of leisure is quickly hijacked into an escape from active relaxation exercises—and a hunt for iced coffee.

Their expectations for the trip are quickly destroyed. Could a week change their future in ways neither expected? But more importantly, will their passion become the morning elixir they both need?

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Bethany Leigh…Brand Spanking New Author to Watch Out For

Bethany Leigh has just released her first two works with Blushing Books! Betrothed, a novella prequel and the follow-up, Freedom. I’m going to tell you a little about both of these  today. Great stories, both set in a compelling alternate Edwardian universe. You’ll giggle, gasp and smile as you read them, just like I did!

Betrothed

 

 Betrothed

Lady Cassandra has been warned that ‘the betrothal is the hardest thing a woman goes through’ – but it’s not until she’s caught attending a forbidden rally that she discovers the painful truth behind those words.

Blurb:

Lady Cassandra is betrothed to the man she loves – but she doesn’t think it right that he will inherit her family’s estate one day. So, with two friends, she attends a Freedom for Women League rally. Lady Margia and the Freedom for Women League are fighting for the right of women to vote, own property, and not be subject to the discipline of their menfolk.

The campaign could change Lady Cassandra’s future – but when she gets caught attending the rally, it makes her present life a lot less comfortable…

Set in the same alternate Edwardian universe as Freedom.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Betrothed-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018Z0TRYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447017&sr=8-1&keywords=bethany+leigh

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Betrothed-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018Z0TRYQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447119&sr=8-2&keywords=bethany+leigh

Excerpt:

Now that we were betrothed, Edmund too had the right to punish me physically; though he still needed to obtain permission from Father, who would punish me, too. That was why Mama had warned me about the betrothal. “Even though once you’re married, your husband can bare your bottom to spank you, at least you’ll know while he’s disciplining you that there isn’t a second punishment to come,” she’d told me. “Instead, what usually comes after a marital spanking is infinitely more delicious. As you’ll find out at the Bedding Ceremony.”

I’d had a horror of the Bedding Ceremony since I was a child and attended a wedding on the other side of town. After the Wedding Ceremony, everyone had gathered at the married couple’s new home for the Wedding Feast. Before the feast was served, the groom had carried the bride over the threshold and up to their bed chamber. There had been silence in the great hall while everyone listened to the thwacks and squeals coming from upstairs. Presently, the groom had appeared on the gallery, brandishing the paddle he’d been given by the bride’s father in one hand, and a blood-stained sheet in the other. All the adults had clapped and cheered and stomped. Horrified, I’d asked Mama if the bride had been spanked until she bled; Mama had laughed, hushed me and whispered no, of course not; a good, loving husband would spank his wife hard if she displeased him, but he would never really hurt her. Later, in my bed chamber, she explained about the blood.

It still mystified me how Mama could say a husband would “never really hurt” his wife. The spankings and canings I received from Father always hurt, and they were over skirts – and I’d often heard Mama yelling and crying when Father paddled her. Yet, at every Bedding Ceremony I’d attended, the bride always looked radiant when she came down to the Feast, even if she did have to sit on a cushion.

Freedom

Freedom

 

Politics and passion collide in Edwardian England when women’s rights activist Lady Margia encounters the handsome and traditional Sir Cormac Adair.

Blurb:

Lady Margia and her Freedom for Women League are scandalising the country – demanding the right to vote, own property, and not to be spanked by their menfolk. Lady Margia is determined that her campaign will succeed – whatever the cost. But how can she reconcile her beliefs with the attraction she feels towards the traditional Sir Cormac Adair?

Meanwhile, Lady Isobelle sees Lady Margia’s campaign as her chance to inherit her family estate, and, along with her maid Edie, breaks household rules and attends a local rally.

Join Lady Margia, Lady Isobelle and Edie in an alternate Edwardian universe as they hit the campaign trail, encountering intrigue, romance, spankings and surprises along the way.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018ZGS250/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447017&sr=8-4&keywords=bethany+leigh

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-Bethany-Leigh-ebook/dp/B018ZGS250/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449447119&sr=8-4&keywords=bethany+leigh

Excerpt:

He joined them by the fire when Lady Drusilla had poured tea. “I understand your rally was broken up, Lady Margia,” he said.

Lady Margia nodded. “Yes, but I’d almost finished my speech, so it didn’t matter. As long as the message went out.”

Sir Cormac reached for a scone. “That’s all right for you to say, surely?”

Lady Margia sighed. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re one of the few women at that rally who’ll be sitting comfortably right now. I find your campaign very irresponsible, Lady Margia. You spare no thought for those women currently regretting their defiance, or for the men who really have better things to do than have to constantly police their womenfolk’s behaviour and administer punishment.”

“Then they should stick to those better things to do,” said Lady Margia, “and let women make their own decisions about their own lives.”

About the Author:

Bethany Leigh is a newbie erotic romance writer published by Blushing Books. Her first novella, Freedom, is set in a kinky alternate Edwardian era, and her second, At Dead at Night, is a murder mystery set in present-day England. Her short story anthology, A Cure for All Ills and Other Stories, will also be published by Blushing Books, and includes contemporary, historical and time-travel stories set in Australia, England and the Czech Republic.

She enjoys writing (and reading!) about strong-willed heroines crossing swords with alpha heroes.

Author links:

http://bethanyleighromance.blogspot.com.au/

Twitter: @writerbethany1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bethany-Leigh-108399886191157/

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Leigh/e/B018Z9NLSK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1449447482&sr=8-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LEGEND OF BLACKHAWK MANOR

Blackhawk Manor coverThis has been a busy week in Anna’s World, starting with the release of Abraham’s Soul from LazyDay Publishing earlier in the week and my first book with Mystic Books, The Legend of Blackhawk Manor, yesterday! This one is a little something new for me, as it not only has a little bit of romance in it, but also an unsolved murder mystery from the fifties and some paranormal activity…

Let me tell you where the idea sprang from first of all.

 

Several years ago, while visiting with our son and his family, my husband and I were guests at the famed Blackhawk Hotel in Davenport, Iowa. It was an eventful weekend, with several unexplained things occurring in our room. We were later told by employees of a neighboring hotel that it was common for guests of the Blackhawk to experience the paranormal…

And so, building on that experience, The Legend Of Blackhawk Manor came to life. Yes, some of the things in the story actually happened in our room on that weekend long ago…

Are you curious now, maybe a little skeptical, perhaps a whole lot intrigued?? Let’s go on and I’ll share the blurb with you.

BLURB:

On the banks of the Mississippi, in a small Iowa town known as LeClaire, sits a quaint, two-story brick building. Known as Blackhawk Manor, a lucrative local inn, the establishment has housed many a famous name, actors and actresses, as well as singers.

Perhaps the most famous of guests, however, was a young construction worker named Robert Thorndale. Robert and his bride were spending their honeymoon at the inn when the handsome young bridegroom met his death at the hands of an unknown man. The murder was never solved and many years later, when two young college friends decide to spend a week at the historic inn, they find themselves in the middle of a fifty year old mystery. Strange appearances begin to occur, clues are left and it is up to Hannah and her friend, Cassie, to solve the crime.

Will they find the killer before it’s too late?

If that wasn’t enough to get you interested, how about a little excerpt?

EXCERPT:

Along the Iowa banks of the mighty Mississippi, in the small historical town of LeClaire, sits a quaint two-story brick structure. Known as Blackhawk Manor, the cozy inn was built in the year 1918 and in 1942 was converted by the family of the original owner to the business that continues to provide a lucrative income for the current generation.

Actors, actresses, and singers have graced the rooms of the beautiful establishment. With the Adler Theater not far away in Davenport, many sought to relax in the small river town rather than the city when their night’s performance was done. Perhaps the most famous of names to be seen on the register was not one of those theatrical types, but rather a young businessman named Robert Thorndale. Robert and his bride had signed the roster hours after their wedding. They had planned to spend a week enjoying the shops and scenery before returning to the apartment waiting for them at their home, not far from the inn. Robert was a builder for a major construction company several miles up the river. His new wife, Pamela Sue, was looking forward to making a home for her husband and the children that would surely follow soon.

Neither of them could have known that their time together was to be cut short. But, as fate would have it, on a cool summer evening in 1954, Robert met with a death too abominable to comprehend, and the life they had planned with such excitement and high hopes ended. Pamela Sue returned to their home for the funeral, but no one seemed to know what had happened to her after that. The locals would have you believe that Robert’s ghost still walked the halls of Blackhawk Manor, searching for his bride.

The current year was 2015 and two young college girls were planning a week-long stay in the quaint little town.  It was the summer between their junior and senior year and the two roommates had scrimped and saved in order to spend their last summer of freedom, as they called it, traveling and having fun. They had chosen to stay in LeClaire at the famed bed and breakfast for the first adventure of the summer. Hannah Stone was interested in the local folklore and had heard of the legend surrounding Blackhawk Manor. She had convinced her reluctant friend, Cassie Sharp, to accompany her.

“I want to know if the things they say are true. You know this stuff interests me,” Hannah said as she turned her car off Interstate 80. “This is our exit.”

“I don’t know why, but if it makes you happy, I’ll humor you,” Cassie replied with a laugh. “I can see it now, old Robert will be roaming the halls at midnight, calling out for his dear Pamela, and you’ll be recording it.”

“It’s kind of a sad story, you know. Think about it. They were on their honeymoon and they are out walking along the river one evening when someone appears from behind and tries to kidnap his precious new bride. He does the chivalrous thing and defends her, fighting off the man, only to be stabbed in the heart. He fell to the ground, dead as a doornail.”

“I know, I know, and then the would-be kidnapper runs away, leaving poor little Pamela screaming for help.”

“How do ghosts haunt, do you think?” Hannah asked as they pulled into the parking lot of the beautiful brick home.

“I guess you’re about to find out. This could turn out to be one hell of a week,” Cassie said teasingly.

“Then again, it may be boring as all get out,” Hannah answered with a giggle.

The two girls pulled into a parking spot near the front of the building and got out of the car. As they took in the sights all around them, they had to agree it was a gorgeous setting.

“Perfect for a romantic honeymoon, don’t you think?” Hannah asked.

“Don’t go getting any ideas. I have my room and you have yours,” Cassie teased as she walked around to get her bag from the trunk.

“Very funny, I don’t swing that way. You just aren’t my type. Besides, I think Chad might have a thing or two to say about that,” Hannah replied. Chad was her current boyfriend.

“I doubt that Alan would approve either,” Cassie retorted.

“Are you guys going to get married, do you think? I mean you’ve been dating forever,” Hannah asked as she lifted her own bag out and slammed the trunk closed.

“Maybe,” Cassie said with a flip of her shoulder length red hair. She was a pretty girl, with flashing emerald eyes to go with the gorgeous red mane.

The two friends walked onto the porch of the house and went inside. They were greeted by the sight of a beautifully decorated lobby. A brick fireplace graced one wall with a china blue couch and two blue and yellow floral upholstered winged chairs in front of it. The fireplace was flanked with bookcases full of books on either side and there was a table with coffee, juices and cookies for the guests. On the other wall was the check-in desk. They made their way over so they could register.

“Hi, I’m Hannah Stone and this is Cassie Sharp. We have reservations for the week,” Hannah said to the man behind the desk in a confident tone as she pushed a loose strand of her blonde curly hair out of her face. She was cute with her short, bouncy blonde curls and snappy blue eyes.

He scanned the computer. “Ah yes, we’ve been expecting you. Let me print up some paperwork for you to sign, get you some keys and you’re all set.” Once that had been taken care of, he told them his name was Steven and dinner would be served at seven. The young man was fairly good-looking, probably in his twenties and obviously interested in the inn’s newest arrivals.

“We not only serve breakfast here, but lunch and dinner,” he explained. “Of course, if you prefer to check out some of the local spots, you’re most welcome to try them. Between you and me, you won’t find any better fare than our dining room, though, and the pool is open until ten.”

“Thank you,” Hannah said as she accepted the key he held out to her.

“You’re in room five and Miss Sharp is right next door in seven,” Steven informed them.

“Thank you, if you could just point us in the right direction,” Hannah replied with a sugary smile.

“Certainly, just take a left down the hallway and you can’t miss them on the left side of the hall. Enjoy your stay. I’m on duty until midnight if you need anything. Maria will be here during the night.”

“Thank you so much,” Cassie said with a flutter of eyelashes. When they were out of earshot, she giggled. “Not bad for a sample of the local fare,” she whispered.

“Cassie, really, you are such a flirt. How have you and Alan stayed together so long?” Hannah teased.

“It’s all in good fun, harmless,” Cassie replied.

The girls found their rooms and arranged to meet in thirty minutes. Hannah walked into her own room and the sight that greeted her simply took her breath away. Cherry furnishings, polished to a high gloss, the bed was covered in a stunning dark blue and maroon paisley comforter. A dark blue throw lay at the foot of the bed and the draperies at the window matched. In front of the window sat two maroon winged chairs and a cherry table. The cherry armoire held a television set and there was a bureau for her clothes. She quickly unpacked and found hangers and a tiny closet for the things she preferred to hang. Wandering into the bathroom, she wasn’t disappointed when she saw gleaming white fixtures and marble counters. The floor was tiled and there was a Jacuzzi tub and a separate shower stall.

Slipping off her flip-flops, she let her feet sink into the thick, luxurious deep blue carpeting. “I could get used to this,” she said aloud as she grabbed a menu from the table and plopped down on the bed. “Seafood and steaks, makes sense,” she said as she perused the dinner choices. Glancing at the dainty gold watch on her left wrist, she saw that it was nearly time to meet her friend. She jumped up and ran into the bathroom, where she splashed her face with water and dried it. Taking her makeup out of the cosmetic bag she’d packed that morning, she touched up her face and ran a brush through her short blonde curls.

She was just walking back into the bedroom when there was a knock on the door. She ran to open it. “Cassie, come on in. This place is great. What’s your room like?” she asked as she stood aside to let her friend in.

Cassie looked around the room. “It’s similar, although my color scheme is gray and mauve. I’m famished. Did you look at the menu yet?”

“They have seafood, so I’m content to stay here and try out the dining room. They have an all you can eat buffet tonight.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me? You and your love of seafood,” Cassie said with a laugh. “I’ll probably have a steak.”

“Your tastes are so boring.”

“Blame it on growing up in the Midwest, on a farm, no less,” Cassie told her. “Can I help it if you big city gals have different tastes?”

“How we ever became best friends in college is beyond me. They couldn’t have paired two more different personalities as roommates.”

“True, but after that awful first few months of adjusting to each other’s quirkiness, it just all sort of fell into place. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through the last three years without you.”

“This fall will be our senior year. We have to make a pact to stay in touch, no matter where our lives lead us after graduation.”

“Of course we will. Why would you think otherwise? Let’s go eat.”

Arm-in-arm, the two friends walked down the hall to the dining room, which was located beyond the lobby. They were seated after a short wait and the view of the river from their table was breathtaking.

“Look at all the boats on the water,” Cassie said.

“There’s a barge moving downstream,” Hannah pointed out.

After a delicious dinner, they walked around the grounds, marveling at the sights. The gardens and surrounding grounds had obviously been tended to carefully. Ending the night by sitting on the porch in rockers with some of the other guests, they listened to an older couple telling some of the other guests about the legend.

“You know they make such a big deal about the young man who died on his honeymoon defending his bride, but there was also a very famous actor who died in his sleep in this very place. They don’t talk about that much,” the woman said.

“Really?” another woman asked. “I have never heard that story.”

“It’s all kept very hush-hush. Apparently, he suffered a heart attack and the maid found him the next morning when she went in to clean the room. He was in his seventies, so I guess it wasn’t that big of a deal, but still, he was pretty famous in his day.”

“Who was it?” one of the other guests asked.

“Roman Carrington, I’m sure you’ve heard of him. He played in several movies years ago and also did some work on Broadway.”

“The name is familiar. I guess the story of the young honeymooners was of more interest.”

“Well, it is much more romantic than an old man dying in his sleep,” the woman telling the story replied. “You know, the murderer was never caught.”

Hannah listened intently, but she could see that her friend was growing bored with all the talk of the deaths that had occurred in the area.

Cassie yawned. “I think I’m going to my room to call Alan before it gets too late. Are you coming?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m sure Chad will call when he gets in from his shift at the hospital.”

When they were outside Hannah’s room they made plans to meet at eight for breakfast. “We’ll plan our day while we eat. I hope to work some shopping in. I know they have some really neat shops here,” Hannah said as she turned the key in the lock and prepared to go inside.

“Have a good night. Don’t get spooked by any ghosts, young or old,” Cassie said with a giggle as she headed for her own room.

“Very funny,” Hannah said as she went inside.

Okay, that’s all I’m going to share. You’ll have to one click and read it for yourself…

This weekend, LazyDay Publishing, Mystic Books, Anne Welch and I are hosting a double feature release party to celebrate both my new releases. Lots of fun and some great prizes are on the billboard. If you’d like an invitation, send me a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anna.kristell.39 and I’ll make sure you get in.

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