Celebrating Nopeming Shores - Parnaormal Romance

Readers often ask what the inspiration for a book was. On the release day for Nopeming Shores  it seems very fitting to share the unusual inspiration for the book by the two people who wrote it. J. Andrew Lockhart joins me today, adding his thoughts after mine.

Margie writes:

Current events were part of the story inspiration. I conceived the basic plot about 18 months ago, when my brother in-law was deployed to Afghanistan. I saw how difficult it was for my sister to have her husband gone.

Personal tragedy inspired the character, Gabe. Years ago, my father was violently taken from me. I think anyone who's experienced a sudden loss, recognizes the turmoil it creates. You have a million questions that can't always be answered. You wish you could have been there in that last instant of life to sooth their journey into the afterlife.

In the hours, days, and weeks following my father's death, the Holy Spirit visited me several times. Despite any notions you may have of me, I am a practicing Catholic, and I believe and love the intercessions of the Holy Spirit. They brought me great comfort.

On one occasion, my father's ghost also visited. I won't deny it was shocking to see him - frightening even. Luckily, he was whole again, and able-bodied. He walked to the foot of my bed and waved goodbye. He wore a wry smile, as if to say, it's okay now. I won't say that after these visits, everything was hunky-dory, but I had a bit of peace to cling to.

So, I had these ideas about not wanting to let go of the one who has died, and the pain survivors must endure. That became the angst Gabe and Lily felt. They were in their early 30s, and married for about six years. Although Gabe had a dangerous job in the military police, Lily and Gabe didn't let that control their future. They had plans to start a family – to have their happily ever after. In an instant, their future was taken from both of them.

Lots of times, we get the notion that spirits soar into some sort of bliss after death, and spend eternity with a smile on their face. I'd like that to be true, but I really don't believe it. In this book, Gabe is as devastated by what happened as Lily is. It's so bad, that his spirit can't leave the confines of earthly existence. God grants him the opportunity to help Lily rebuild her life and, in turn, help him sever his ties to humanity. Don't expect a religion lesson; this story is about two people coping with their grief.

My friendship with J. Andrew Lockhart led me to choose his poetry as a gentle way for Gabe to reach out to Lily. I found a kinship with Andrew because his own tragedies and together, we really understood the story and the characters.

Andrew's turn:

When Margie first asked me to write poetry for the book, I was uncomfortable about writing for a fictitious person. The more I saw, though, the more I realized that I had so much in common with Gabe.

When I was 30 I had an intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. My wife and I had a one year-old son, and I was beginning my life as an attorney. My world ended on that day.

After years of rehab and memory loss, I ended up an elementary music teacher, a father of four children, and a writer.

My story, after 15 years, has a happy ending, but many times I think about what would have happened if I had ended up like Gabe. That is what drove me through this book. It was much more emotional than I thought it would be. I would spend many nights thinking about how I would handle his situation, and how my wife would have taken it. It took me a while after the book was over to be able to write as "me" again.

I'm very glad that I did it, though. I actually learned from Gabe, and I was also able to give Margie the insight from a man who has "been there." I think it's a wonderful story.

 

J. Andrew Lockhart and Margie Church

We hope you enjoy Nopeming Shores. After you've read it, please you tell us what you thought.

CONTEST!  Has a ghost or spirit ever communicated with you? If so, tell us how or what happened. One commenter will win a copy of Nopeming Shores. Don't forget to leave your email address.

Celebrating Hard as Teak!

Hard as Teak is Kevin Marks' coming out story. As I was creating Kevin, I kept envisioning this man who was really twisting and turning inside. He'd followed his professional dreams to the point of alienating his father, yet, he'd ignored his true self. Some of his successes as a nature photographer have made the failures of his personal life less painful, but he's reached that point, and all of us do, where what used to fire him up, and get him out of bed eager to face the day has lost its appeal. Something has to give. He can't deny that once he lays eyes and hands on Teak Hildalgo.

Teak is a sexy beast. Confident, soft-spoken, beautiful. Teak recognizes what Kevin doesn't. He picks up on Kevin's inner turmoil and desires right away because he's been through it. Teak gives Kevin a taste of what he knows he desires, and then backs off, letting Kevin make the choice. They play a sensual game until Kevin comes to grips with what he's feeling. When they come together, it's erotic and powerful. Teak is totally at ease with himself, has a wry sense of humor, and brings calmness to Kevin when his world is blasting apart.

You didn't think there wouldn't be trouble, did you? That would be boring and predictable. And my books never are. 

 With Sincere Thanks

 It's always exciting and terrifying to try something new. Hard as Teak is one of those books for me. It is my first m/m romance, and I didn't write it or get it to market without help from the following people.

Jill Noble, thanks for contracting another unconventional romance by Margie Church. I'm proud to be a Noble author.

A.B. Gayle, thanks for your detailed observations and insights. I have so enjoyed getting to know you and the collaborative efforts we have since forged.

Paul Hoffman, thanks for being a beta reader and for your encouragement. You are a wonderful friend and I wish you well always.

Kate Richards, you're always first to say yes when I need a page or two read (or more) and always so succinct and clear with edits. You were one of my first Internet friends and I know we'll always be pals.

Margie Hall, you are one of my best friends and biggest supporters. MOTS, your generosity humbles me.

Bryl Tyne. My friend, my editor. You nabbed this book the second you got your hands on it. You helped me navigate some of the final tricky spots. I've enjoyed having you work on all my Noble books, and I've learned so much from you. I will always treasure some of our late-night chats. Yeah, I love you.

Now let's enjoy the blurb and a sexy excerpt. Be the first to win a copy of this book, too. Answer the question at the end.

Hard as Teak by Margie Church

Kevin Marks escapes to the north woods to reignite his passion for photography and women. But the only flame he seems able to spark is for his latest photography subject, Teak Hildalgo. Kevin's never been in a man's arms before.

Teak, the raven-haired, photographer's dream come true, is hell bent on capturing Kevin's heart. He takes Kevin, body and soul, on a romantic, sexual journey previously lived only in Kevin's fantasies. And no dream was ever this good, no truth this undeniable.

How will Kevin react? When the camera's put away, will Teak live up to his name?

EXCERPT:

Teak rocked back in his chair, studying his new friend. Kevin had that all-American-boy look. Blond hair and blue-grey eyes the color of the sky just before sunset. His coloration fit right in with almost every Scandinavian person living in the area. Except for that all-over tan. Great shape, tall, clean-shaven—everywhere from what Teak had seen—and a dick that could definitely get someone's attention. He's certainly got mine.

His body had reacted strongly when he'd come upon Kevin lying naked on the dock. The cold-water bath took the edge off the throbbing in his cock this afternoon, but what about now? When Kevin smiled, his whole face lit up. Great lips. Thinking of Kevin going down on him made his balls tense. Wonder what he'd do if I made a move?

Teak got back to the subject of having his photo taken. "You know what? It's cool. No offense taken. I'm flattered, I guess. The chicks are always on me, but it's nice to . . . ."

"To what?"

"To know they're not entirely full of shit just because they wanna get laid." Teak slid his chair back and picked up his plate. He set it on the sink. "Thanks for dinner."

"You're not leaving are you? You probably shouldn't drive."

Teak leaned against the counter. Kevin's interest in him was apparent, but he wasn't sure Kevin was tuned into his own feelings. Kevin's behavior reminded him of a first date. Does he realize it? I'll take it slow. If it's a mistake, I'll say it's the beer talking. "If you don't mind, I'll stay. I'd hate to spend the night in jail. Even the DNR guys are a pain in the ass this time of year."

* * * * *

While Teak used the bathroom, Kevin grabbed his camera and went outside. The half-moon provided perfect illumination on the frost clinging to the wildflowers. Careful not to breathe on the tender crystals, he knelt next to his subject and adjusted the camera to capture the perfect moonlit conditions.

Kevin glanced over his shoulder when the front door opened and shut with a heavy thud. Teak rubbed his hands together and then shoved them under his arms. "What are you doing? It's freezing out here."

Kevin clicked the shutter one last time and rose. The effects of his last beer made him stumble back a step; Teak grabbed his arm. Kevin broke into an alcohol-induced fit of laughter. "Just what I need—to drop this camera—and break it—or my shutter finger." Kevin wiggled his index finger a few times while laughing at his own joke.

"I suppose that thing is pretty expensive."

"Very. Let's go inside before I die of thirst, too."

"We've probably both had enough beer for one night, but I won't argue about going inside. There'll definitely be a hard frost tonight."

Opening the cabin door let out a blast of warm air. The sharp temperature contrast hit Kevin in the face, making him woozy. "Shit, it's hot in here." He peeled off his jacket and shirt and tossed them one at a time onto a nearby chair. "Do you want a bottle of water or some coffee or something?"

"I'll take the water. Wouldn't hurt to sober up a bit," Teak said. "I hate hangovers."

"You and me both." He retrieved two bottles of water from the fridge and handed one to Teak. "And if the night's still young, we can get drunk again later." Kevin laughed with his half-smashed friend and took a swig of water. "I'm going to make up the guest bed." He couldn't resist making another wisecrack. "The maid service sucks around this joint."

"You probably look stupid as hell in an apron anyway. Go make the bed."

"You're not helping? Shit, the assistant to the maid service sucks too." Chuckling, he walked to the closet to dig out some bed linens.

Kevin turned on the light. He'd used this bedroom countless times growing up and even got laid in here a couple of nights. The fitted sheet snapped as he shook it open. He made his way to the headboard to tuck in the corners.

He couldn't believe what a turn-on Teak was. The realization startled him. He'd never been sexually attracted to any man he'd met. At least not this strongly. He didn't mind watching a couple guys getting frisky with each other while they were messing with a woman in videos. But, I never really wanted to touch another guy's junk. He'd tasted his own cum many times. But from a cum-soaked pussy. He'd fantasized about sucking dick—countless times. But never thought I'd want it if I could actually get it. He unfolded the flat sheet.

With the sheets tucked in, he reached for the comforter and spread it on the bed. Lost in his lusty thoughts, he didn't hear Teak arrive and Kevin stumbled against him. Teak's arms wove around his ribs, preventing him from falling. Like the proverbial deer in the headlights, Kevin froze and didn't say a word. Pleasure whip corded his dick. His heart hammered. Resting his head rested against Teak's bare shoulder, he wondered when Teak had taken off his shirt. The trimmed hair felt stiff and foreign against his skin. No other man had ever held him this way. Kevin noticed rough calluses between softer patches of skin on Teak's hands. He soaked in the new sensations, enjoying them.

Silence thundered in Kevin's ears as he turned and met Teak's gaze. The intensity he saw nearly choked the breath right out of his lungs. What little air remained ran for cover when Teak's lips met his. The feelings reminded him of his very first kiss, heady and surreal. His lips twisted with Teak's. He'd never experienced the force of a man's tongue in his mouth or the scrape of another man's beard on his face. Not this way. Guttural sounds filled Kevin's throat. His breath hissed through his nostrils. These were the sounds of an aroused man. Except another man is turning me on.

Teak kept a loose hold on Kevin's waist. The non-threatening hold gave Kevin free reign to accept or deny him. For a long minute, he participated in the kiss as though moving with a partner in a choreographed dance. He knew what to do and how to do it, but his brain and his dick were going in opposite directions. Kevin's cock was so hard he wanted to take it out and come. His brain kept screaming at him to slow down. Confusion filled him. He broke from the kiss and focused on Teak's tattoo, glad for the distraction.

"Aren't you going to say something?" Teak asked in a soft voice.

"This is the most amazing tattoo." How fucking lame was that?

"Touch it."

With nervous hesitation, Kevin traced the pronounced veins on the dragon's side, and higher to its curved neck. Continuing to follow the dragon's neck with his index finger led to Teak's nipple. The hardened nub looked ready to be clenched in the dragon's sharp teeth. Or mine.

"Taste me," Teak said, his voice hoarse and hushed.

CONTEST: To celebrate the release of Hard as Teak, I'm giving away a copy. Tell me what appeals to you about Kevin and Teak and you could win. Don't forget your email address! 

Buy Hard as Teak 

Visit me at Romance With SASS

Release Day for Love Revisited-WET

I'm happy to  continue the romantic, sizzling love story of Noah and Reagan from WET in the Love Revisited series.This sequel is under 7,000 words, so it's a quick read but worth your time, I promise! I have Jimmy Thomas autographed covers, 3 t-shirts with this spectacular covers, bookmarks, and of course a book to give away. The contest question is at the end of this post. I can't wait to hear from you.

So, what is Love Revisited – WET about?

Noah and Reagan Landry lost their happily-ever-after once before and Noah's father is determined to keep them apart. This time, Reagan shows her intimidating ex-father-in-law exactly what she's made of.

After trying a case in England for weeks, Noah hopes for a happy reunion with his family. When he learns of Reagan's struggles, he rewards her by surrendering to her what he treasures most.

(Content alert: bondage - have I got your attention? I should. It's smoking hot.)

Need an excerpt? I can do that.

Noah was hanging up his uniform when Reggie came into the bedroom. He watched her from the corner of his eye as she shut the bedroom door behind her. After his shower, he'd been doing mundane tasks for a half hour, killing time until the kids were asleep. The soft click of the lock sent a shiver of excitement straight to his balls.

"Finally," Reagan said in a soft voice. She walked to him with deliberate steps and took the shirt out of his hands.

The fabric skimmed his bare leg as it fell to the floor, forgotten, and he took Reagan in his arms. Their lips met in a smoking-hot kiss that spoke of his repressed passion. His tongue surged against hers, and when the kiss ended, his teeth tugged her lips, leaving them looking kiss-drenched.

"I missed you so much, Reggie." His voice sounded hoarse, almost forced.

A gentle smile lifted her lips and made her eyes shine. "And I missed you, but let's talk later. We don't have more than a few hours—if we're lucky."

Noah unzipped her dress and used his thumbs to slide the soft fabric from her shoulders. His lips followed, kissing the satin skin on the slope of her neck. She moved her head, giving him access. When he suckled her earlobe, she tugged at his shirt, and a breathy sigh left her.

She stepped out of the dress pooled around her ankles.

Admiring her curves in her burgundy bra and panties, Noah thought she'd never looked sexier.

"Something is different about you. You've changed." Trailing his fingers down her arms made her nipples swell beneath her bra. "Your skin is glowing." Gazing into her eyes, he said, "You are glowing."

"I'm happy, deliriously happy to have survived our months apart, and you're home. Take me to bed."

He unbuttoned his shirt. Her gaze followed his every move. With the buttons undone, she helped him shed the garment and tossed it aside, leaving him wearing only his shorts. Her hand in his, Noah paused. He'd been thinking about making love with Reggie for weeks. He'd imagined dozens of scenarios and techniques, all with the same fantastic, spine-shattering outcome. She excited him like no other woman, and after everything she'd endured while he was gone, he wanted to prove their relationship had matured.

Their eyes met. "I'd like to do something different."

And here is how it all began!

Noah and Reagan may be divorced but their passion is far from over. For the sake of their children, they end up living together until the Navy determines Noah's next assignment. When the rain falls one night, they get wet in more ways than one.

(content alert M/F erotic, bondage, anal play)

Straddling her on the chair, with his glorious erection dancing just out of reach of her lips, he asked, "Is this what you really want?"

Her eyes remained fastened on the prize a few inches from her face. "Yes, it's been so long since—"

Noah stroked his shaft until a generous drop of pre-cum seeped out of the head. Then he dipped his fingers in the pool between her thighs and thoroughly lubricated his cock with her juices. His smooth flesh glistened as he pressed his shaft between her breasts. "Watch me," he said, motioning toward the mirror.

His corded thighs and ass mesmerized her. One muscle after another rippled while he controlled her pleasure. Her gaze locked with Noah's in the mirror.

"Keep looking," he said.

Reagan whimpered when he knelt between her knees. Straining against her silk bonds, she raised herself up, needing Noah to quench the inferno billowing inside her. "Make me come or I'm gonna scream."

"We can't have you waking the children and ruining your—"

Reagan gasped when his mouth finished the sentence in a different way. Gripping her ass, Noah raised her off the chair and buried his face in her pussy. His tongue probed and glanced off her clit with firm, stabbing motions. Her orgasm built to an explosive level, and every muscle in Reagan's body tensed, tightened, and focused on release. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears. His finger moved in rhythm to his tongue and then his digit moved lower.

"Oh god. Yeah, like that."

She held her breath as he lubed her ass and his finger pressed in.

"Now, now, now," she said. "All of it. I need it."

The friction of his finger and tongue on her hypersensitive nerve endings created sweet insanity. "Faster . . . your tongue, your finger." In the next instant, she bucked against his face and his hand, caught up in powerful waves of sexual release. Perspiration covered her and her head thrashed side to side as Noah continued stroking inside her ass and sucking her pussy. When Reagan finally caught her breath and opened her eyes, a temptress smiled back at her in the mirror.

WHEW!!!! That's WET and Love Revisited: WET. 

So, if you're anxious to win some fantastic prizes, here we go: Noble Romance surprised me with 3 t-shirts to give away! They are size Large - no arguing or negotiating on the size or the quantity! LOL 
I'm adding 3 cover flats autographed by the cover model, Jimmy Thomas and I and these winners will also get an autographed bookmark from me.
Finally, one lucky winner will get a free ebook copy of Love Revisited-WET. 

Holy cats!  

So, here's the contest question. If you were on the streets of Paris, alone and looking for love describe your soul mate. Tell me about the person you could spend a lifetime with and why.

You must leave your e-mail address with your reply so we can contact winners.

Thank you for sharing my fun release with you! I look forward to your answers.

Margie Church

You can reach me at margie_church@yahoo.com

My website and blog: Romance with SASS

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MargaretRChurch

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