Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #65 (16.1)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

This week, as Marshall and Lee and Denver and Dustin head back to Burnham, it's obvious that something is afoot, but what can it be? Find out in this week's episode of Moving Forward. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!


Moving Forward #65 (16.1)


Something was definitely up with Denver and Dustin, Marshall decided on the long trip back to Burnham from Galveston. Denver was texting someone on a regular basis, and every so often he and Dustin would exchange shit-eating grins. But when Marshall asked what was so amusing, they refused to explain. Lee just shrugged it off, and Marshall tried to do the same. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was up, though.

“You guys hungry? We can stop and get something to eat,” Lee suggested.

“Naw, let’s just wait till we get back to Burnham,” Denver quickly said.

Marshall half turned in his seat and gave him a curious look. “You won’t get much to eat there, unless you go to the diner.”

He noticed Lee looking at the two men through the rearview mirror. “We can eat at Milly’s, if you like. Food’s always good. You can rest a spell before you head back to Tucker Falls.”

“Um… um… yeah. Sure.” Another exchanged glance. “Why don’t we see how everyone feels about it when we get back to your place?”

“You’re acting awfully jumpy,” Lee commented. “You got a hot date waiting for you or something?”

Marshall snickered. If Denver had been seeing anyone even halfway seriously, he wouldn’t have brought his cousin along on the cruise, would he? That seemed like a no-brainer.

“Something,” Denver waffled. “You guys didn’t have any plans, did you? I mean, for when you get back?”

Marshall looked at Lee, who glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road.

“Not really,” Lee said. “Get unpacked. Make sure everything at the house is good. Maybe pick up the mail from Roy, if he’s around. Get a drink.”

“Those are good plans,” Denver said, and Dustin agreed with him.

Marshall was growing more suspicious by the minute. But those two weren’t talking, and he wasn’t in a position to accuse them of anything because he had no clue what to accuse them of.
Before he could think of anything to ask them, Denver got a text. He read it, then glanced up. “What time do you think we’ll be back? Like about three, right?”

“That sounds about right,” Lee said. “Are you going to tell us what’s going on or do I have to pull over and stop the car right here until you do?”

“Haha, funny,” Denver said, but his laugh sounded off and his smile looked forced.

When Lee  unexpectedly changed lanes, and it looked like he might pull onto the shoulder of the road,  Denver’s eyes widened. “Hey, c’mon,” he pleaded. “I just can’t. You gotta trust me on this one, okay?”

“What do you think?” Lee asked Marshall. Marshall was relieved to see the twinkle in Lee’s eye. He knew then he was putting Denver on, just playing with him to get him to talk about whatever it was they were hiding. Marshall suppressed a grin.

“I dunno,” he said, drawing the words out mischievously. “Sounds like trouble to me.” He gave Dustin a grin, and was glad to see he was smiling too, as if he wasn’t worried about anything at all. Then Marshall knew whatever it was couldn’t be a bad thing. “Maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt. This time.”

“Okay. But just ‘cause you asked.” Lee winked broadly, making no effort to hide the gesture from Denver.

“How about if I just tell you that you’ll find out soon?” Denver offered. “Does that help?”

“Guess it has to,” Lee said.

They made good time, and actually arrived in Burnham about a quarter till three. Denver and Dustin seemed antsier than ever, but Marshall had stopped worrying about it, focusing on being home and relaxing before they had to go back to work the next day. Vacation was nice, but they had work to do.
He was rather surprised to find, when they pulled up the driveway, that Roy was there. Damn, was something wrong? Lee looked concerned as well. Roy came up to the car once Lee parked.

“Roy, you the welcoming committee?” Lee joked as everyone exited the car.

“Something like that,” Roy said. His expression gave away nothing, but at least he didn’t seem upset. How bad could it be?

Denver and Dustin brought their bags out of the car, and then removed their luggage from the trunk to put into their own car.

“Thanks for everything, Lee, Marshall. That was a great cruise. See you real soon, okay?”

Marshall watched Denver and Roy exchange glances. Now he was even more suspicious than before. Something was definitely up, and Roy was part of it. But nothing was said, and Denver and Dustin got into their car and quickly took off.

Both Marshall and Lee turned to look at Roy.

“Don’t try to bullshit me,” Lee said, “I know you too well. What’s going on?”

“I’m not going to bullshit you, Lee,” Roy replied. “Never have before, and never will. Let’s just say I have a surprise for you two, and I need you both to get dressed and come to my house.”

“We are dressed,” Marshall said. “Aren’t we?”

“Well, I laid out other clothes for you. Let’s just say it’s a special occasion. You trust me, right?”

“Absolutely,” Lee said without hesitation.

“Then let’s go into your house and get this started.”

to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's happening!





Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #64 (15.5)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts!

Marshall and Lee find the perfect rings in this week's episode of Moving Forward, but something seems to be up with Denver. Wonder what that could be? Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Moving Forward #64 (15.5)


Marshall wasn’t sure what to expect, but the ring slid onto his finger without problem. He marveled at the sight of it there.

“How’s it feel?” Lee asked.

“Feels fine,” Marshall responded.

Gavin handed Lee the second ring. It too slid into place without hesitation.

“You guessed our sizes pretty well,” Lee complimented the clerk.

“I do my best,” he replied modestly.  “What do you think of these? Are you interested in them, or would you like me to show you something else?”

Marshall and Lee exchanged glances. “What do you think?” Lee asked softly.

“I think they’re perfect,” Marshall replied without hesitation.

Lee reached for Marshall’s hand, holding their two hands so they could look at both rings. “I think so too,” he agreed. “We’ll take these.” He reached into his pocket, removed his wallet, and handed Gavin his credit card.

“Excellent choice, gentlemen. I’ll go ring these up for you, I’ll be right back.”

They removed the rings while he was gone and placed them back in the box. The moment felt surreal and yet so very right. Picking out the rings only served to add weight to the reality of what they were going to do.

“Have you set a date yet?” Gavin asked when he returned with the receipt, which he handed to Lee.

“Not yet,” Lee admitted. “We only just decided to get married.”

“Well, congratulations to you both. I’m sure when you do it’ll be an affair to remember.” He smiled at them both.

Marshall had the same feeling. He guessed they’d discuss dates after they got home. He was still getting used to the idea that they were going to have a ceremony to celebrate their love. He watched as Lee put his card away. Belatedly, Marshall remembered Denver and Dustin were waiting for them. Assuming they’d finished their shopping. He was still sure there was a story behind that, since Dustin seemed to have no idea why they were doing it. Maybe Denver was buying something for a special guy back home, but Marshall didn’t remember him mentioning anyone like that. If he was dating someone special, wouldn’t he have brought the guy on this cruise, rather than his cousin?
Absorbed in his thoughts, he was jolted back to the present when he saw Lee standing beside him, looking down at him, wearing an amused grin. Marshall smiled sheepishly and got to his feet.

“I was wondering if you intended to stay here a while,” Lee quipped.

“Just thinking,” Marshall assured him. “We ready to go? Do you have the rings?”

“Right here.” Lee patted his shirt pocket. He turned to Gavin. “Thank you again for all your help, appreciate it.”

“Yes, thank you,” Marshall echoed. “Those are beautiful rings.”

“You’re very welcome,” Gavin said. He walked ahead of them to the door and held it open for them.

“You’re very lucky men,” he said. “I wish you nothing but the best. I’m sure your wedding will be beautiful.”

“It will be,” Lee said. “You take care.” They each shook hands, then took their leave.

“I wonder if I should text Denver and let him know we’re done,” Lee wondered, then quickly added. 

“Guess not, there they are.” The two men were lounging against Lee’s sedan. As Marshall and Lee approached, they sprang to their feet. Marshall noticed they had a few shopping bags with them.

“Find anything good?” Lee asked.

“Yeah, we did good,” Denver said. “How did you guys do?”

“We found the rings we wanted,” Lee said. “They’re beautiful.” He looked at Marshall, his eyes asking a question.

Marshall nodded, and Lee pulled out the box and opened for their inspection.

“I really like those,” Denver said. “They’re beautiful.”

“They are,” Dustin agreed. “You guys are really lucky. It’ll be a beautiful ceremony.”

“Yeah, whenever you have it,” Denver quickly added. Marshall thought he was acting… odd. But he couldn’t figure out why.

Lee gave Denver a measured look. He seemed to be mulling something over, but whatever it was, he kept it to himself. “Then let’s go,” he said, unlocking the car. Denver and Dustin slid into the back seat with their purchases. Lee and Marshall lingered a moment on the sidewalk.

“Is something up with them?” Marshall asked.

“I dunno, but I’m not gonna lose any sleep over it.” Lee kissed Marshall softly. “We’ll find out soon enough, I expect.” He opened Marshall’s door before heading to the driver’s side, and moments later they were on their way, heading to Burnham and home.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!



Friday, December 16, 2016

Virtual Book Tour: Kilty Pleasures

Please welcome author Nancy Fraser, who is here to tell us about her new release, Kilty Pleasures. Nancy will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter, and a set of three erotic novellas (autographed in print for a winner in the US or Canada, digital copies for international winners). The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post.



Kilty Pleasures
by Nancy Fraser

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Erotic Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~




BLURB:

Ronan MacAlister’s return to Glencoe, Maine reignites every one of Aileen MacDougall’s adolescent fantasies.

Ronan is drawn to the beautiful Aileen, who now serves as the manager for his late uncle’s business ventures. However, it’s not her business acumen he’s after.

Will being trapped in a remote cabin lead to a happily-ever-after? Or, will they discover they have differences even kilty pleasures can’t overcome?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:



Ronan retrieved the bottle of cabernet from his uncle’s stash and pulled the cork. Aileen was giving him some enticing signals...at least it seemed like it. Given his body’s immediate reaction, he hoped he wasn’t reading her wrong.

He busied himself with building a fire from the logs and kindling in the basket beside the hearth. Once he’d finished, he crossed the great room and drew the curtains closed.

Setting a romantic mood, are you? Ronan gave his pesky conscience a nudge and turned the lock on the cabin door.

The soft ‘ding’ of the microwave proceeded the heavenly aroma of pungent spices. Aileen reached for dishes on the shelf above her head, the stretch of her arms outlining her curvy figure, lifting her lush bottom. His stomach growled with an appreciation that had little to do with food.

“So,” he asked, “what’s for lunch?”

“Beef stew, salad, and homemade biscuits with butter and honey. I put the kettle on for tea and there are sodas and bottled water in the fridge.”

“I’ve decanted the wine. It should go nice with the stew.”

She graced him with another of her smiles. “We can eat here at the table or over by the fire whichever you prefer.”

He nodded toward the low table and pillows in front of the fireplace. “Why don’t you take the food over? I’ll pour us some wine and be right behind you.”

They enjoyed their meal in a companionable silence. Like Aileen, the stew was complex with many layers of flavor. The simple salad was all business and the biscuits and honey a sweet ending. The meal, like the woman who’d made it, stirred his senses and begged to be tasted over and over again.

He set his dishes aside and pushed the table a few feet to the left. Relaxing back against the pillows, he pressed the wine glass to his lips and turned his attention to the sexy beauty sitting across from him.

The glow from the fireplace played off Aileen’s silken hair, turning the reddish blonde highlights to pure gold. He wanted nothing more than to wrap the gossamer strands around their naked bodies.

She took a sip of her wine and closed her eyes. When she darted her tongue out to catch an errant droplet on her lip he nearly lost the last increment of his composure. Not having her...all of her...was no longer an option.





~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. In November 2016 Nancy will be celebrating twenty years as a published author and will release her 25th book in mid-2017.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy splits her free time between her five grandchildren. She’s also an avid traveler with Las Vegas being her favorite destination. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.



Media Links:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor  @nfraserauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004AOL61Y




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Thursday, December 15, 2016

Virtual Book Tour: Final KIll

Please welcome author Leslie McKelvey, here to tell us about her new book, Final Kill.  Leslie will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!



Final Kill
by Leslie McKelvey

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GENRE: Romantic Suspense

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BLURB:

The world doesn’t know Cat Beckett, CIA linguist and expert sniper. She does her best to keep her skills secret, but when a SEAL team is ambushed in the remote mountains of Afghanistan she doesn’t hesitate to take out the enemy. After saving the SEALs, the third Spec Ops team to be compromised in as many months, she realizes someone in her unit is giving classified information to the enemy. She suspects that Peter Mitchell, her supervisor and ex-lover, is behind the betrayal, and sets out on a dangerous quest to prove his treason.

Lt. Ryan Heller, US Navy SEAL, is accustomed to facing death. When his team is attacked by Taliban fighters he thinks his last day is upon him, until an unknown sniper saves their lives. The prickly, green-eyed beauty handles a rifle as easily as most women handle a purse, but who is she? And what is she doing in the middle of a war zone? He is intrigued, and attracted, but his instincts and her piercing, tiger-like stare tell him to tread carefully.

Afghanistan’s Bagram Valley is not the ideal place to find love, but these two are trained to make the best of bad situations. Geography alone makes starting a relationship challenging enough, but caught between extremists and an unhinged, obsessed Mitchell makes it downright deadly.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:






Cat lay down on her bed and slowly sipped the wine.  As the candlelight and music washed over her, she felt the last of the adrenaline wear off.  She sighed softly and pictured him: the eyes so blue they were almost violet, the sharp line of his jaw, the lips that made her melt, the tall, athletic body, the smile that was like sunlight to her soul.  Desire swirled in her belly, and now it wasn’t adrenaline making her edgy.  She wanted him so much she ached.

Frustrated, she sat up and put the wine aside.  She looked around the room then turned off the candle closest to her.  Shaking her head she rose, and was about to turn off the second candle when there was a soft rap on her door.  Her head snapped around.

“Just a minute,” she said after a moment of surprised silence.  Cat grabbed her robe, slipped it on, and tied the sash.  Her bare feet whispered over the floor as she approached the panel and said, “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Cate.  Can we talk?”

She was so stunned that for a moment she couldn’t move.

“Cate?”

She blinked, shook herself, and opened the door.  She looked at Ryan with wide eyes and backed up as he walked up the steps and into her quarters.  He closed and locked the door behind him then turned to her.  Looping an arm around her waist he pulled her against him.

“I changed my mind,” he whispered.


           


~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Leslie McKelvey has been writing since she learned to write, and her mother still stores boxes of handwritten stories in the attic.  When her high school Creative Writing teacher told her she needed to be a novelist, she decided to give it a try.  Finally, at the ripe old age of...forty-something...her debut novel, Accidental Affair, was contracted and published by Black Velvet Seductions Publishing.  Two follow-up novels, Right Place, Right Time and Her Sister’s Keeper completed the Accidental Encounters series, and Runaway Heart, a standalone book, was released in March of 2016.  BVS also published one of Leslie’s short stories in the erotic anthology First Submission, and her fifth novel, Final Kill, will be released in late 2016.

Leslie is a war-veteran who served with the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War, and she was among the first groups of women to work the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.  During her five years tour she was stationed at NAS Miramar and spent time on the carriers USS Independence, USS Ranger, USS Lincoln, and the USS Nimitz.  The final two years of her enlistment were spent on Guam and her squadron frequently deployed to Japan and the Middle East.

She learned everything she knows about firearms and tactics from her police officer husband, who is a weapons expert, range master, and firearms instructor for one of the most highly-respected law-enforcement agencies in the world.  She has three boys who contribute daily to her growing number of gray hairs.  Her two oldest sons are United States Marines and the youngest vows to follow suit.  She spends her off-time (kidding...WHAT off-time?) reading, taking pictures, and sending lead down range (that's shooting, for those who are unfamiliar).  One of her favorite scents is the smell of gunpowder in the morning....

Links
Amazon US   https://www.amazon.com/Leslie-McKelvey/e/B00A86ZSQW/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
Smashwords   https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LeslieMcKelveyBVS
Facebook Author Page   http://www.facebook.com/lmckelveyauthor
Twitter  https://twitter.com/LMcKelveyAuthor

Blog
www.amazonred.wordpress.com


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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Virtual Book Tour: Ariel and Ray Uncensored

Please welcome back author Candy Caine, who is going to tell us about her new release, Ariel and Ray Uncensored. Candy will be awarding a Hot pink beach tote bag (US only) to one randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post.



Ariel and Ray Uncensored (The Life and Loves of Ariel Jones, Vol 2)
by Candy Caine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Erotic Romance
               (IR, BWWM)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~



BLURB:

Sometimes Ariel Jones gets a little bored with her love life. It's not that she doesn't love her partner, hunky Ray Meyers. But lately, things have been a bit blah. But "blah" suddenly seems desirable when Ariel's sexual curiosity gets her into trouble. Then Ray steps in to not only protect what is his, but to show her the dark side of his sexuality he has hidden from her all this time...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~



EXCERPT:



As I lunged for the gun he kicked me. His boot caught me in my side, but luckily it didn’t incapacitate me, though it hurt like hell. Even though he peered at me through red, runny eyes, he was still on his feet, trying to nab me. The gun was no longer in view. I wasted no time searching for it and bolted for the door.

Only he lunged for me, managing to grab onto my ankle, causing me to fall hard. I tried to kick at him with my other foot, but he grabbed that one, too, and pulled me back into the room. I was frantic at this point. The guy was unbelievably strong and there seemed to be nothing that I could do to stop him.

As he pulled me toward the bed, I saw the wire for the lamp that was perched on the night table. I yanked it with all my might and it fell down. He turned to see what had happened and I slammed the lamp into his face. It didn’t stop him for more than a moment, but it gave me time to get up. It also enraged him.

Clutching his bloodied face, he came after me. I was halfway down the steps when he sailed past me. He must’ve missed a step. He hit headfirst on the marble tile in the center hall. I didn’t wait around to find out if he was really hurt or not and pulled open the front door.

I ran smack into Ray.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Whether she’s writing a short story or novel, Candy Caine will make her interracial romances hot and spicy. Always striving to entertain her readers, Candy tries to breathe life into her characters by running them past her husband, Robert--which often makes life interesting in their new home in Arizona.

Candy loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at candy@candycaine.com.

Visit her website at www.candycaine.com and find her books on Amazon, B&N, MyRomanceStory.com and wherever books are sold.

https://www.facebook.com/CandyCaineAuthor
https://twitter.com/CandyCaine2
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/2974928.Candy_Caine
http://www.pinterest.com/candycaine2/

Ariel and Ray Uncensored:
https://www.amazon.com/Ariel-Uncensored-Life-Loves-Jones-ebook/dp/B01N1F0I79/ref=sr_1_sc_1

I, Erogenous Jones:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N752RG2


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  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Briefs: Moving Forward #63 (15.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Things are getting serious with Marshall and Lee, as they stop in a jewelry store in Galveston to shop for wedding rings. Find out more by reading this week's episode of Moving Forward. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers to see what they've been up to. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Moving Forward #63 (15.4)


Marshall thought the store they’d  arrived at was alarmingly upscale and undoubtedly expensive. They stood together on the sidewalk, gazing at the jewelry on display in the window.

“Maybe we should just find a Walmart,” he only half joked. One quick glance at Lee and he knew that idea wasn’t going to fly.

“This is once and forever,” he said. “I happen to think you’re worth every penny, and I’m proud as hell to be with you.”

And that pretty much settled that.

“Why don’t we meet you guys at the car when you’re done?” Denver suggested. ” Dustin and I need to do a little shopping.”

“We do?” Dustin asked.

“We do,” Denver affirmed.

Marshall glanced between the two men. Something smelled funny. Whatever it was, Dustin was clueless and Denver wasn’t talking. Guess he’d find out sooner or later.

“You guys go ahead, we’ll catch up with you,” Lee said. “C’mon.” This was directed at Marshall. He placed his hand at the small of Marshall’s back and ushered him inside the fancy jewelry store.

A tall thin man with stylishly short salt-and-pepper hair greeted them with a warm smile. “Welcome to Trevor’s Jewels,” he said. “My name is Gavin. Is there something I can show you today?”

“We’d like to look at wedding bands,” Lee said.

The man never batted an eye, or gave any indication that theirs was anything other than a normal request. Marshall relaxed slightly. He hadn’t realized he’d been concerned about anyone’s reaction to two men wanting to look at wedding rings, but apparently he had been. The clerk’s attitude was certainly helpful, and not in the least demeaning.

“Of course.  Do you know what size you need?”

Both men shook their heads. Marshall had never owned a ring in his life. And he’d never seen Lee with one either. He wasn’t sure if Lee had ever had a wedding ring. That was an interesting question.

“That won’t be a problem. Did you have any particular color or style preference?”

Marshall and Lee exchanged glances. “Do you have a preference?” Lee asked. “I was thinking maybe white gold, unless you’d like something else?”

Marshall didn’t know a lot about jewelry, but he trusted Lee’s taste. “That sounds good to me.”

“Did you have a price range in mind?” Gavin asked next, and when Lee told him, Marshall had to refrain from whistling at the amount.

“Then I know just where we should start, if you’ll follow me.” He led them to a small table with two wooden chairs upholstered in a plush burgundy and invited them to sit. “I’ll be right back with a few sets, and we can see if any of them appeal to you.”

They seated themselves at the table, as they gazed about the jewelry store. This place simply dripped elegance, Marshall thought. He started to ask “Are you sure about this” but realized in time that Lee knew his own mind and left the words unsaid. He knew that when it came to him, Lee would do whatever he thought was right. Marshall didn’t consider himself spoiled, but well-loved, rather.

Gavin returned shortly with several boxes. He took a seat on the other side of the table and laid the boxes out before them, opening them as he did so. As Marshall’s eyes wandered over the rings, he couldn’t restrain his whistle this time. He’d never seen such beautiful rings in his life.

“Glad you like them.” Gavin smiled in approval. “We have one of the finest collections in all south Texas.” It was obvious that he took pride in his work, and in his company. He handed them one box at a time, allowing them time to look the contents over without pressuring them.

They were all pretty rings, but none of them was exactly calling to him. Lee watched Marshall as he looked at each one. “Take your time,” he said, “we want it to be perfect.”

They found nothing in the first group of rings, but the clerk wasn’t discouraged. “I have more, no worries. In fact, I have an idea. I’ll be right back.” He was gone for just a few minutes and returned holding one solitary box.

Someone was pretty confident, Marshall thought. But when Gavin opened the box, he discovered why.

Two white gold bands sat inside.  In the center of each ring was a row of white diamonds, on either side of which was a row of round black diamonds. Marshall couldn’t stop staring at the beautiful rings.

“I think he approves.” Lee’s voice broke into Marshall’s reverie. He glanced up at them, smiling sheepishly.

“I do approve. These are beautiful.” But would they fit?


“Let’s try them on,” Lee suggested. 

to be continued

Now go check out the other Briefers and see what they've been up to!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Virtual Book Tour: I, Erogenous Jones

Please welcome author Candy Caine, here to tell us about her new release, I, Erogenous Jones. Candy will be awarding a Hot pink Beach tote bag (US only) to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!



I, Erogenous Jones: (The Life and Loves of Ariel Jones. Vol 1)
by Candy Caine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Erotic Romance
   (IR & BWWM)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~



BLURB:

Sometimes Ariel Jones' sexual adventures get her into trouble. Real trouble. But she determines to just chalk this up to experience and move on down the road to the next adventure. She will not be tied down by marriage. Too much heartache. Too little freedom. But when she meets her match, she has to reassess. Because he's to die for and he's got his own agenda.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT :



“It’s true you know, and I had to confess,” he said, “you are such a beautiful woman.”

I could feel the heat rising into my face as his words made me feel a little uncomfortable. It should be Ray sitting with me and telling me that.

“I just love looking at you.”

I took another long sip of my wine, wishing the piano player would return. I felt guiltier and guiltier the longer I sat there. He did a few minutes later and I had just about drained my glass. The pianist began to play romantic songs and a few couples got up to dance.

Jozef took my hand in his. “Come. Now we dance.”

He led me to the dance floor and held me close. I could feel the heat from his body, which pleasantly warmed mine. The scent of his aftershave was pleasing, as well. We moved slowly to the music as he nuzzled my neck. I knew this was wrong and tried to rationalize my actions, but found it hard to string my thoughts together. I had my eyes closed for several moments while we danced, but when I opened them, the things around us began to go in and out of focus. I wondered if I’d downed the wine too quickly and it went to my head. I tried to talk, but had problems forming the words. Despite that, Jozef smiled and we continued to dance a little longer. However, when I could no longer follow him and began to trip over his feet, he said, “Time to leave.”


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Whether she’s writing a short story or novel, Candy Caine will make her interracial romances hot and spicy. Always striving to entertain her readers, Candy tries to breathe life into her characters by running them past her husband, Robert--which often makes life interesting in their new home in Arizona.

Candy loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at candy@candycaine.com.

Visit her website at www.candycaine.com and find her books on Amazon, B&N,

MyRomanceStory.com and wherever books are sold.
https://www.facebook.com/CandyCaineAuthor
https://twitter.com/CandyCaine2
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/2974928.Candy_Caine
http://www.pinterest.com/candycaine2/


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Monday, December 12, 2016

Virtual Book Tour: A Crazy Reunion

Please welcome author Cate Baylor, who is here to tell us about her newest release, A Crazy Reunion, which is Book 2 in the Crazy, Texas series. Cate will be awarding (for US citizens only) a silver necklace which reads "this isn't my first rodeo" to one randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter.  For a non-US winner, Cate will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!







A Crazy Reunion: Book 2 in the Crazy, Texas series
by Cate Baylor

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Raney Hoffman eloped with her high school sweetheart believing they’d found their happy ever after, but her world crashed down around her when he left after less than two years of marriage. Nearly twenty years later he’s back in town. Her broken heart tells her she should still hate the jerk. But her traitorous body surges into sexual overdrive at the sight of him.

Rob Coleman was devoted to Raney the moment they met in high school. After they married, his twin brother died unexpectedly and Rob’s grief thrust him into an identity crisis he couldn’t recover from. The decisions he made in that haze of grief have haunted him for nearly twenty years. Now he’s back and completely befuddled by the strength of his response to seeing Raney again.

They rebuilt their lives without the other but their unexpected reunion makes it clear their history is far from resolved.


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EXCERPT:

  

“Raney—“

“No.” She cut him off with a short gesture of her hand. “We can’t… You can’t keep doing this to me.”

He tried to get her to look him in the eye, but she just kept pushing him away as he was trying to pull her closer. He needed to know she felt it, too, but with each word and push, he felt that hope slipping away.

“Raney.” He hated the pleading in his tone but was powerless to stop it. “I know you feel this, too.”

Finally she met his gaze and the deep sadness in her eyes made him feel hollowed out. He squeezed her shoulders, only wanting to make that sadness go away, but she pushed him back again.

“Rob, no! I mean it. You can’t keep…tangling me up like this. No more.” And with that she let her hands drop from his chest and stepped away.

Then a man stepped between them, pushing him away from her even further. He registered the flashing eyes and clenched fists of Jordan, and braced himself.

Even in the daze she created when she was around him, Rob realized he’d blundered. It was a dude code that you never poached on another guy’s date. He’d done just that and was about to pay the price.


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

One liner:
Cate Baylor is a romance writer, technical communicator, blogger, craft addict, tea drinker, and geek.

Full bio:
Cate Baylor has been a technical communicator for over fifteen years. When she's not writing, she suffers from hobby addiction, which includes (but is not limited to!) reading, card making, crochet, knitting, scrapbooking, cross stitching, and home DIY. She lives in Houston with her geeky husband, neurotic cats, and precocious Yellow Lab named Tex. She comes from a long line of German-Texan farmers who are likely rolling over in their graves knowing she’d much rather stay blissfully air-conditioned than suffer the Texas heat.

Connect with Cate on her web site, http://www.catebaylor.com/
Twitter, or
You’ll also find her author profile on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/catebaylor
and LibraryThing. http://www.librarything.com/author/baylorcate




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