Publisher:
Ellora's Cave
Date published: December 2014
ISBN: 9781419993381
Romantic Suspense, Paranormal
E-book
Reviewed by Helen
Weblink: http://www.ellorascave.com/sea-change.html
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 5
Dr. Heidi Eriksen is a marine biologist studying dolphins under a
special research project with her best friend Brad Van Dorn. They are in the
wrong place at the wrong time when an important drug deal goes down. Heidi is
shot and left unconscious in the water to drown and Brad disappears.
Jake is not your average boat bum. He rescues Heidi and searches unsuccessfully
for Brad. But he’s hiding a huge secret of his own. He’s a merman, exiled from
his people and cursed as well. Despite his story and the drug runners he’s
determined to save and protect Heidi. It proves to be quite a challenge.
I have been a huge fan of Ms. Spencer Pape’s books for many years. I genuinely
enjoy her unique method of throwing all sorts of normally disparate items
together into a book, stirring well, adding fights, drama, and humor, and
ending up with amazing stories.
This book, while quite different from her usual erotic romances, and her
steampunk series, is nevertheless almost one hundred thousand words of pure
delight.
Ms. Pape’s characters are never run-of-the-mill. Her heroines are invariably
feisty and smart. Heidi is no exception. Heidi is six feet of ocean loving,
determined, smart-talking, strong-minded scientist, able to give other people
wise advice while ignoring the danger facing herself.
Jake is an amazing hero. Strong, smart, caring for his woman and those she
cares about even when he knows he should be putting his own needs higher up on
his to-do the list. Together they scorch the sheets in the bedroom, and have
the reader alternately laughing out loud at their dialogue, and wanting to slap
the people around them upside the head on their behalf.
As always the minor characters are a joy and a delight. So many of them just
jump off the page filled with life and color. All of them are completely
individual.
Technically for such a huge book this was very clean. There was one startling
POV shift in the middle of a paragraph and a few tiny niggles such as comma
splices or misplaces words, but in such a long book it is very easy to ignore
them. Mostly even I, a very picky reader, was too busy wanting to turn the page
and find out what happened next to even write them down.
Tucked away deep inside
the story is a truly beautiful one-hundred-percent pure Cindy Spencer Pape
surprise. It’s totally brilliant. The ending is also absolutely brilliant. It’s
an intense rollercoaster of emotions, drama, personalities, tears, and even a
touch of humor. Outstanding writing indeed.
I have no hesitation in giving this book five hearts. As an erotic romance, as
a mystery-suspense romance, as a paranormal romance, it couldn’t be improved on
at all.
This is an objective review and not an
endorsement of this book.
Publisher:
Ellora’s Cave
Date published: November 2014
ISBN: 9781419993787
Comedy, Time Travel
E-book
Reviewed by Helen
Weblink: http://www.ellorascave.com/sporked-in-time.html
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 2
Busty
Russell is straight and was reared by two gay dads. Her best friend Tope
McWhite is six foot five inches of rampantly gay man. Together they run an
incredibly inept detective agency in WeHo. Their latest case involves unlimited
money and time travel to the fourteenth century Scottish Highlands.
In the interests of full disclosure I once worked for Ellora’s Cave. I enjoyed
reading Ms Black’s erotic romances. I also read and enjoy comedy, historical
fiction and gay fiction (Basically I just like reading).
However this book didn’t tick any good boxes for me. I can laugh at slapstick
comedy and over the top comedy (I loved the Keystone Kops when I was a kid) but
this story felt forced. It was almost as if Ms. Black and Mr. Grant sat down
with a list of popular Amazon key search words and determined to include them
all in every chapter, hopefully more than once.
The idea of the Dicktionary is good, but there are so many in-jokes about gay
men and West Hollywood it detracts from the story and confuses any reader who
isn’t from that scene. And flipping back and forth to the Dicktionary pulls the
reader out of the story. There were also a bunch of typos, or if they weren’t
typos, I couldn’t understand their meaning.
While the plot is thin and confused, the two main characters are completely
outrageous, and at times quite funny as is some of the dialogue. However, I
won’t be reading any future books in this series.
This
is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
Please welcome author Afton Locke today tot eh Love Romances & More Blog...
To get us started can you tell us a
little about what you are working on or have coming out?
I have extra reasons to celebrate the holidays
this year with the following upcoming releases from Ellora’s Cave:
Under
Holly’s Stockings, a quickie holiday erotic romance, releases on
11 December.
Entrance
to Ecstasy, a paranormal erotic romance (print) anthology,
releases on 24 December.
Stripper
With Spice, a contemporary, is coming soon.
I’m also excited to be part of the Tall, Dark & Alpha boxed set with 9
other authors. It will release in March 2014. My goal last January was to
increase my writing output this year, and I’ve accomplished that.
Which of your books has been the easiest
to write? The hardest? The most fun?
The short ones, such as Under Holly’s Stockings, are the easiest to write. I literally
wrote it in three days, and it didn’t need major revisions by me or the editor.
The long ones, such as Stripper With
Spice, require hard work and a lot of time. I can’t say it’s always fun,
but I do feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I’m done.
When I write a book, I like to go deep into my
characters and the world I’ve created, so they tend to be long. My strategy is
to mix up the short ones and long ones so I can get more books out to readers.
The story I’m writing for the boxed set will be short, so I hope it’s a quick,
easy process. It’s the first time I’ve had a deadline for something I haven’t
written yet, so this experience will raise the bar for me.
Which comes first, the story, the
characters or the setting?
Usually, the setting comes first, followed by the
hero. The poor heroine is usually last. What can I say? I love men. I also get
inspired when I travel. My last trip, a cruise to Jamaica and Grand
Cayman, inspired two books. The first book it inspired
was an interracial contemporary about a reggae singer set in Jamaica. I
just finished it and submitted it, so my fingers are crossed.
The second was inspired by the cruise itself. I
ended up with mal de debarquement syndrome from being at sea, but I decided to
turn lemons into lemonade and create a romantic, paranormal fantasy out of it.
The result will be Rock My Boat, the
story I’m writing for the boxed set.
What part of a book has been the easiest
to write? The hardest?
The rough draft is the easiest and most fun to
write. At that stage, I’m dealing with emotions, ideas, plot, and dialogue.
It’s also a fun adventure because I write by the seat of my pants. Then comes
the hard part, polishing and layering in the details such as setting, clothing,
mannerisms, consistency, and character depth.
Sex scenes can go either way. Sometimes I nail
them during the rough draft, but other times they’re a little too rushed and
short. During revisions, I focus on the scene and build it up. I end up adding
5 - 10K words on the longer books. My goal is to do more planning before I start
the rough draft, but I have a feeling the “pantser” in me refuses to go down
without a fight.
If you could go anywhere in the
world to write, where would it be and why?
I would go to as many places as I could, as long
as they were reasonably safe for my physical well-being. I write best at home,
but I get my inspiration when I’m away from home. When I went to San
Antonio for a writer’s conference,
I’d just finished the rough draft for Stripper
With Spice. The hero in that book is Hispanic, and being in a city with so
much Hispanic culture was perfect timing.
Some future spots I want to visit include Alaska, South
America, and more of Europe.
Some spots on my European list include England, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Portugal. I
wouldn’t mind returning to Scotland, France, and
Italy
either. There’s never enough time to see it all. Alas, I will not be taking any
more cruises. Jamaica is
calling me back for a sequel to my reggae story, but next time I’ll fly.
What books are currently on your nightstand
or e-reader that you are itching to read?
I’m always reading, and I cycle through the
following types of books: non-fiction for research or marketing, classics,
print romances by bestselling authors I haven’t read yet, and ebook romances in
the genres I’m targeting. Recently, I just read Facebook for Dummies, Dracula,
Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley, and some books by my boxed set co-authors--before
I got invited to join. I must be psychic!
After being stood up at the altar last Christmas,
Michael dreads the holiday. When a woman wearing sexy red stockings on the
subway propositions him with a day of sex, seems there’s no time like the
present to get back into the spirit of the season!
Having just lost her mother, Holly will do
anything to avoid being alone on Christmas. But when Michael arrives, nothing
goes as planned. Despite the joy of exploring each other’s bodies with all the
holiday trimmings, her emotions get in the way.
When Michael realizes the way to get under
Holly’s stockings is through her heart, he’ll have to put the ghosts of his
Christmas past to rest.
Getting back on her feet after
unemployment, Janice Sullivan, a financial analyst, treats herself to an erotic
romance convention. Winning a two-hour fantasy date with Carlos Aguilar, a
young Mexican-American stripper, she decides to have a one-time fantasy fling.
When Carlos entices her back to the
bedroom—and a few public places—for more sizzling sex, he unleashes her
passions, including a secret desire to be a chef. Janice learns there’s more to
this heartthrob than a hot body, but job security comes first.
To convince her he’s more than a
fantasy, he teaches her trust with his body. But when that trust is finally
tested to the limit, will she cling to safety or take a chance on a whole new
life?
Tall, Dark & Alpha
Blurb
He makes your heart pound and melts
your resistance away. He promises you a world of passion and you find it
impossible to resist his dark charm. When he catches your eye across the room,
you know he means business. He could be an executive, cop, shape shifter, or a
bad boy looking for a little fun. Once he has you in his sights, you can't get
away—and after one sizzling night in his arms, you won't want to. He’s Tall,
Dark & Alpha. The alpha male is the ultimate indulgence…the richest dark
chocolate…and we’re offering him to you in abundance.
Delve into the sensual worlds of
award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney
Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige
Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience.
Where readers can find me
Web site: http://www.aftonlocke.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/afton.locke
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/aftonlocke
Newsletter - The Love Chronicle:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thelovechronicle/
LOTS! I like chocolate, a glass of wine after a
weekend day of writing, and I occasionally might glance at a picture or two of
the Ellora’s Cavemen on Facebook.
Name one thing readers would be surprised
to know about you.
I could name a few. None that I want to tell,
however. Okay, here’s one. My birth only cost $5. (My parents had great
insurance.)
How do you get yourself in the mood to
write?
Discipline because often I’m not in the mood at
first. Music and sticking to a writing schedule help too.
If someone hasn't read any of your work,
what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
Plucking the Pearl because it’s the first
book in my series and my best achievement at that time. It’s a meaty book with
rich details a reader can really sink her teeth into. My current release, Rose, Exposed, is the sequel. Although
it can stand alone, it will be more enjoyable if the previous book is read
first.
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Date published: October 12, 2011 ASIN B005VQSFE6 ISBN None Assigned Erotic Romance E-Book Reviewed by Lynne Obtained via publisher.
Arianne King, a royal guard, protector of the Latros people, and sister to the queen, is intent on keeping the Deamhans of hell at bay and preventing anyone from passing through the portal and into hell. To do so would mean danger to her people and their very existence, if Bathin, Lord of the Deamhans, and his entire army are allowed to escape from hell.
Sexy, charming FBI agent, Darien Lange, is brilliant and handsome, not to mention arrogant and very good at what he does. His mission now is to pass through the portal, to find and destroy the powerful stone Bathin forged, one that concentrates and amplifies his power. The stone is what will allow the Deamhan army through the portal to destroy Earth and Celestial Wood, home of the Latros people.
When Arianne fails in her mission, unable to prevent Darien and his team from entering hell, she is overwhelmed with guilt, especially since she feels an unusual connection with the human. But when Darien reappears six months later, she sadly learns that his team is now missing and that a Deamhan resides in him. One that will only be appeased through the pains and weaknesses of sexual desire and intimacy with another.
Eager to subdue the beautiful Arianne, Darien knows just what to do for her. Barely realizing what is happening, she quickly finds herself intimately swept up into a wildly erotic adventure with him, one that eventually draws them together in an unwanted spirit bond neither is able to resist.
As darkness looms on the horizon, as Bathin and his army cross into Earth, thanks to the souls stoking the magic stone, Arianne and Darien soon discover the need to join forces and return to hell in order to preserve the goodness of their world...and destroy the stone once and for all.
UNHOLY PURSUITS by Suzanne Rock is a pleasant romp in the world of the magical, winged Latros, a people who will do whatever it takes to survive the evil threatening them.
Ms. Rock has created great characters, and it doesn’t take long to become attached to the hero and heroine of UNHOLY PURSUITS. I really liked Darien, especially when he first sees Arianne. He is so arrogant, yet confident in his skill with women. And being a gorgeous, brilliant hunk doesn’t hurt either. Arianne’s determination to carry out her own mission is impressive, until she fails. Then the reader becomes aware of her vulnerability and self-esteem issues related to being what she terms a misfit among the Latros people.
The bad guys, the evil Deamhans, are everything you would want them to be. Nasty, snarling...evil. As Arianne chides herself for her failures, it becomes clear how even more determined she is to change her misfit status and successfully keep Bathin and his hordes from entering Earth and trying to destroy her home, her people, and all she has ever known.
The plotting is skillfully done in UNHOLY PURSUITS. Ms. Rock weaves a tapestry of erotic, sensual scenes throughout this story, drawing the reader in more and more as Arianne’s and Darien’s spirits begin to bond. Despite the fact that neither wants to make it a permanent thing, I was rooting up until the end for them to finally emerge as one soul, to be of one mind. When they finally accept the idea of a permanent bonding, it is definitely the icing on the cake, even if you did see it coming. There’s nothing better than a happy ending between lovers, especially when one is being controlled by a Deamhan from hell and the other is as pure and sweet as the driven snow.
Things move along fairly quickly in UNHOLY PURSUITS, so once Arianne and Darien join forces, the reader becomes more riveted as all the hero and heroine have known literally comes crashing down around them. The reader grows anxious to see what will transpire as the Deamhans find their way through the portal, intent on exterminating the Latros people, then making a valiant effort to claim Earth as their own.
The ending of this story clearly leaves the reader hoping for a sequel that will answer a few of the questions that still linger. Yet, whether that happens or not, the reader is certain to enjoy the experience of UNHOLY PURSUITS.
If one enjoys fantasies, magic, and the conflicts between good and evil, then UNHOLY PURSUITS is a definite read. With all the sparkle and wit between Arianne and Darien, the reader is certain to be captured by this duo as they continually joust against their affection for one another, then again as they fight the forces of evil, intent on winning.
If a person is looking for a fulfilling way to spend an afternoon, then one will clearly find everything they would want in UNHOLY PURSUITS.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
CONTEST: One lucky commenter will win a copy of one of Amber's backlisted titles to enjoy. Contest is open until Friday Sept. 10th, 2010.
To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
First I want to thank you for having me here today. I have three books out this month. Ignite the Flames in print from Ellora’s Cave, Adrift an M/M/F from Loose-Id and Spend the Night with Me from Ellora’s Cave.
What makes a book great in your eyes? The chemistry between the hero and heroine. If it isn’t there there’s no reason for me to continue reading.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? I do hanging in my pool during the summer, chicken wings and boston baked beans.
Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I’m terribly shy and crumble when it comes to public speaking.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Greece. I feel in love with Greece during 10th grade History class. I’m hoping one day to visit.
If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
I’d pick two Mistletoe Studs, which was my first book published and Ignited. Both pack a punch and are filled with lots of fun toys.
If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?
Anything with rock and roll. I’m a huge Disturbed and Godsmack fan.
Which of your characters would you most likely fall for if they were real? This one is easy – Dante from Dante’s Desire. I’m a sucker for an Italian man.
Besides the bedroom, what's the sexiest part of your home in your opinion and why? My sunroom. We have sexy contemporary furniture and pieces in this room. It’s where the DH and I hang out to relax.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a multi-author series. It’s a sci-fi, my first time experimenting in this genre
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Back in 2008 when my first book was contracted. I know others would argue this, but up til that point I was afraid to admit that I was a writer.
What inspired you to write your first book? This might sound cheesy, but I was raising children and reading like two romance books a day. One day I said, I can do this. That was back in ’93. See how long it took me to get published.
How did you come up with the title?
Most times my titles come from a lyric in a song or a song title.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Just to believe in a happily ever after, because there is someone for everyone.
How much of the book is realistic?
I do draw on some real life, especially when writing the romantic suspense.
Ignite The Flames is three books in one here are the blurbs.
Splashing Good Time
Reece Collins craves a no-strings-attached, torrid sexual encounter. Problem? The only person offering is ten years her junior.Nathan Donovan has lusted for Reece forever. One brief encounter leaves him yearning for more, but when she splashes cold water on his plans, he has to choose between walking away or spanking some sense into her.
Ignited
Nikaya is celebrating her birthday with a new Mustang. As she races up the side of a mountain in her new car, a police officer comes out of nowhere. He pulls her over, spanks her then whisks her away to a secluded cabin. There, the officer—and a friend—have a few surprises for the birthday girl. Surprises that include whips, floggers, blindfolds and more.
Research Required
On the run from the mob, the last thing Ethan needs is a distraction like Bailey. She’s sexy and sassy—and he wants to take her where she stands. Of course, Bailey would never have sex with a stranger. Then again, Ethan is her best friend’s brother, so that makes him a friend too, right? And what’s a little sex between friends?
To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?
My latest release In His Arms came out yesterday – September 3. Here’s a blurb:
Owned by one man, loved by another. . .
Abducted and delivered into sexual slavery, Lori has surrendered her will in order to survive. For more than a decade, she’s been known as Summer, a lovely submissive, her owner’s possession until he gives her to his newest lieutenant, a mysterious man called RJ. Commanding and virile, RJ dominates without cruelty and possesses without threat, engendering a mixture of safety and passion. In his strong arms, Summer enjoys carnal pleasure she’s never known and tenderness she’s craved. In his heated gaze, she experiences a sense of recognition she doesn’t immediately understand until it proves dangerous in a way she could never have imagined. Bound by desire and their growing love, RJ traverses the shadowy world of human trafficking, risking all for Summer’s freedom only to learn she harbors a fateful secret that threatens to tear her from him, leading to an irrevocable event that risks both their lives.
The emotional connection between the hero/heroine. Nothing can substitute for that – not a thrilling plot, beautiful narration, fresh descriptions, or all the steamy bed play in the world. If there isn’t that magical connection between lovers, if you – as a reader – isn’t rooting for them to be together forever, then the novel has failed to deliver all that it could.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I love to eat at Mexican restaurants…I could live off quesadillas, tostados and taco chips and hot sauce. I also love to shop…show me a sale at Macy’s and I’m in heaven.
Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.
I’m extremely shy. I don’t come off that way in interviews, on the phone, or in email. But basically, I hate to be the center of attention or to perform.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Wow – hard to say, there are so many places I’d love to live. But I guess if I had to pick one, it would be San Francisco. It’s so beautiful and has such history.
What authors are on your virtual or literal keeper shelf?
Another hard question!JOn my short list would be Hilma Woltizer, Sol Stein, Dean Koontz, Cormac McCarthy, Patricia Grasso, Emma Holly, Lisa Plumley and Lawrence Sanders.
If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
In His Arms, my novel that was released yesterday. Not only is it intense and steamy, it has an incredibly moving and satisfying love story. No matter how many times I read it – and I’ve read it a lot during numerous drafts – I still cry at certain parts. I love that in a book…a story that makes me cry, laugh, sigh – one that engages me fully.
If there was a soundtrack to your latest novel, what genre/songs would be included?
Hmmm, that’s difficult to say. Since In His Arms is suspenseful in many parts, moody music would probably be good. However, one song does stand out, in my mind, as to the connection between RJ and Summer (hero/heroine) and that would be the song How Do I Live Without You sung by LeAnn Rimes.
Which of your characters would you most likely fall for if they were real?
Probably RJ from In His Arms, an alpha male who’s a definite hunk – tattoos, muscles and all – but with a tenderness towards his lady that makes my toes curl.
Besides the bedroom, what's the sexiest part of your home in your opinion and why?
LOL – my living room – there I have a nice, comfy, LONG and BIG sofa, great for all kinds of fun.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently outlining and plotting my next erotic romance, and I’m also working on a synopsis for a scifi series I’ve been invited to participate in with a group of Ellora’s Cave authors.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was nine. I wrote and illustrated my first book at that age and made several copies, selling them around the neighborhood to my friends’ parents.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I don’t think it was an inspiration as much as a need. I’ve always had to write. I cannot stop writing. It’s so much a part of me, that without it, I think I’d cease to exist. It’s literally my soul.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I tend to be witty and irreverent in dialogue and I’ve been told by reviewers and fans that I have a great knack for building sexual tension in my stories.
How did you come up with the title for In His Arms?
For all my book titles, I first go to an internet website with popular songs and look at the titles or lyrics and play with them a bit, changing them to fit my plots and the overall mood of the book, whether it’s an erotic romance, an historical, or a romantic comedy. When one clicks and seems right, I use it.
Is there a message in your novel In His Arms that you want readers to grasp?
I hadn’t really thought of one, until you asked, but I guess the message would be – never give up. Evil exists, but it doesn’t win – love does.
How much of the book is realistic?
Very much. I thoroughly researched human trafficking and the locales of my story.
To celebrate the release of In His Arms, I’m hosting contests today and all month…for today’s contest, look at the end of this blog. For further information on my other contests, please click on this link for my virtual book tour: http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/adored-book-tour/
Here’s an excerpt from In His Arms (when Summer first sees RJ, her new owner)
In the hall stood the man who’d spend the evening with her.
Involuntarily, her pulse jumped. Adrenaline accelerated her heart, driving pulsating warmth through her body at what she saw.
No more than early thirties and tall, probably six-three, he had a young man’s build—broad, muscular shoulders and a trim waist. Shoulder-length hair, shiny and clean, in a deep cocoa shade, matched his brows and shadow of beard. His sculpted mouth and straight nose added to his male beauty, though his eyes captured most of Summer’s attention.
An incredible bluish gray, they seemed translucent behind his sooty lashes, knowing, focused as he kept his attention on Hogan, speaking in low tones to him and to Farrell, another of Anthony’s men who’d escorted him to the suite.
Forgotten for the moment, Summer allowed her gaze to roam the stranger, dressed casually but expensively in a black leather coat reaching his knees, a dove gray crew-neck sweater, charcoal pants and dress boots. Sparks of interest stirred her heart, feeding her foolish fantasy that he was here to pick her up for their date. That she’d be safe in his arms, cherished, protected.
As if to contradict her thoughts, Hogan put his hand out to Farrell, palm up. His associate delivered a pistol, surely the stranger’s and unexpected. None of the other men who’d come here had given Farrell their weapons. Who was he? One of the lower-level cops Anthony had on his payroll? Summer glanced at his long hair. Did he work undercover in vice?
The weapon’s lengthy barrel glinted dully in the hallway light. “You won’t need this while you’re here,” Hogan said to the stranger. With the gun at his side, he stepped back and went into the suite’s spare bedroom.
The stranger spoke in a low voice to Farrell, his full attention on him, not her. His manner suggesting assurance he’d do as he pleased during the coming hours. There was no reason to rush or to inspect the goods.
Clients knew Anthony provided the best. His girls were young, disease-free and healthy, not allowed to smoke or to drink. Nor did he permit any use of drugs. The girls he owned had clear minds. Only in their thoughts could they escape these evenings, pretending their ‘dates’ looked like this man—remarkably handsome and virile.
The dull sound of metal hitting metal came from the bedroom, telling Summer Hogan had closed the wall safe with the pistol safely inside.
Back in the living room, he spoke to Farrell. “Find anything interesting on him?”
The overhead light glanced off Farrell’s lightly freckled forehead and auburn hair. The collar of his tailor-made dress shirt seemed too small for his thick neck, his fair skin chafing red beneath it. “Nope,” Farrell said. “He’s clean. No wires.”
A sound of disgust escaped the newcomer. “This is how I’m treated when I saved Mr. Karam’s life?”
Summer’s brows lifted slightly at the sensuous rumble of his deep voice and his words. He’d saved Anthony? When? From what?
Hogan smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes. They turned hard, wary. “We’re not about to take any chances on you being a fed. You’re not, are you?”
The stranger held Hogan’s gaze, his expression sizing up the shorter man, his expression saying he wasn’t impressed. “Not in this life. Am I coming inside or not? Don’t waste my time.”
“Never,” Hogan replied solicitously, gesturing him into the room.
Just past the door, the newcomer stopped and glanced over, catching Summer watching him.
A jolt of embarrassment overcame her. She blushed helplessly. The warmth grew, flowing from her chest to her cheeks. She wanted to turn away from him, to hide her obvious discomfort. She wanted to keep pretending she was a normal woman, one he’d met at a nightclub or through friends.
His presence and this hotel suite precluded that.
As though he’d read her thoughts—or noticed her reddened cheeks—something flickered across his handsome face. Surprise that she’d blushed? Disappointment that she wasn’t the kind of woman he would ever want?
More embarrassment flooded her, replaced quickly by unease. Her belly clenched at what his refusal of her would mean when Anthony found out. He’d accuse her of making him look the fool. Afraid of the consequences, Summer knew she should flirt outrageously with the stranger to change his mind about her, an easy role to play with such a beautiful man.
Inexplicably, his good looks and the expectation of Anthony’s punishment changed nothing. She remained rooted to the spot, staring at his eyes, held by them.
Again, something registered in his gaze. He broke it in what seemed a deliberate manner. Glancing down, he took in her full length, his eyes touching her breasts plumped by the dress’ sweetheart neckline, her narrow waist, the way the garment hugged her hips, its stretchy material revealing the soft swell of her mound.
His expression remained unreadable, refusing to tell her what he thought. And then he looked up, his eyes unexpectedly direct, appraising.
Summer’s mouth went dry at his scrutiny, or rather the sudden familiarity of it. As though she’d faced him before tonight and had worried at the time that he would reject her.
She thought back to the parties at Anthony’s compound. Had she seen him there, even fleetingly? No. She would have recalled. He wasn’t the kind of man a woman would forget. Her tattered nerves must be playing tricks on her mind.
Eyes on him, she watched as he shrugged out of his coat and tossed it on the leather chair closest to him. The soft fabric of his sweater rippled over his broad chest with each breath. Glancing lower, she studied the prominent bulge behind his fly.
To celebrate the release of In His Arms, I’m offering a contest today. One lucky commenter will have her choice of one of my following books**:
1.Lush Velvet Nights – ebook
2.Adored – ebook
3.Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
4.Close to Perfect – mass market paperback
5.Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
6.Take My Breath Away – trade paperback
** Winner chosen at random. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks
