Friday Night Hookup

Fiona Jayde's wonderful cover for Friday Night Hookup.

Ingrid Michaels here, announcing the release of Friday Night Hookup this past Monday! It's my new contemporary romance novella.

To begin with, let me tell you a bit about the story:

Maggie thinks that her relationship with Jake has become stale. They've been together for twenty-five years, married for nearly that long, and they are so busy with work, raising their son, and life in general, there's simply no time left for romance.

When Maggie reads a Cosmo article suggesting couples set aside some alone time, a special "date night," she decides to take matters into her own hands and takes charge of the situation (as women often have to when it comes to matters of romance and seduction) and chooses Friday for their hookup night. She sets the rules; she determines where they will meet, and what the evening's theme will be. Jake is reluctant to participate at first, but once he sees that he has nothing to do but play along and reap the sensuous dispensations of his wife, he is happy to go along with whatever Maggie wants. His only responsibility is to monitor his email or IM on Friday mornings, when she sends him the instructions. Yeah, he can do that!

The hookups work out great and their relationship burns with romance and intimacy. . . until one fateful Friday night at Shotkickers, a country and western bar on the outskirts of Tulsa. Cody, a young cowboy, intervenes in Maggie and Jake's evening, sending their role-playing game in a whole new direction.

It soon becomes clear to Jake that if he doesn't get rid of Cody, he might end up going home without Maggie tonight. But, he wonders, could that be part of her plans for the evening?

Here's an excerpt from Friday Night Hookup:

Maggie turned and faced him, but at that moment he felt as if he were seeing a ghost, unable to find the edges to her pale face, the surrounding darkness seeming to nibble at her body and threaten to claim her for itself. She might have been smiling, but the shadows smudged her features and left him feeling anxious.

Jake smiled back uncertainly as he wound his way toward her table. Maggie'd surprised him once again. For tonight's hookup, she'd gotten a haircut and changed the color. Short, dark spikes replaced the long tresses he'd so often curled around his fingers during their lovemaking. Black. Impish points, lending her an air of reckless, kamikaze youth he'd seen on so many of today's kids. The dark hair matched her heavily kohl-rimmed eyes. Maggie's heart-shaped face, the pointy chin that quivered whenever tears threatened to spill, and her long eyelashes reminded him of Tallulah Bankhead, or some silent screen era vamp, revived for the new millennium, looking Goth—and dangerous. And too damn sexy to be sitting there all alone.

He kept walking, but slowed his steps so his gaze could slide down the length of her body and he could appreciate the view. Maggie wore a new lacy black blouse with a small collar and long, sheer sleeves, and a skirt she'd hiked up way too far to be considered decent in any public place but here.

These thoughts flashed through Jake's mind as he ambled toward her, circumventing empty tables and chairs, enjoying the bewitching smile she used to accessorize the provocative outfit; white teeth in a face rising from an open-necked blouse that, upon closer inspection, turned out to have see-through mesh in the front, teasingly hinting at her abundant sensuality. His smile stretched as he recalled her words from earlier in the day: she'd be the one wearing black, red, and pink. He didn't need to be warned, knowing damn well from previous encounters which parts of her body were pink, and now that he peered closer he could see the lacy red bra beneath the blouse. It barely offered any support for her breasts: a voluptuous present for him to unwrap later.

With a cagey grin, she waved a couple of scarlet fingers.

I hope you will join me and other Noble Romance authors as we celebrate our October releases at a Release Party on the Noble Romance Publishing Yahoo Group Saturday, October 29. I hear there will be tons of prizes! I know I'm looking forward to meeting new readers and giving away a copy of Friday Night Hookup.

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Friday Night Hookup! And if Fate turns out to be too fickle to award you this prize, you can always get a copy on my Noble Romance Author page. :-)

For more news and giveaways, follow me on Twitter, FB and at my blog, Ingrid Michaels Romance.

Also on my blog, new covers and desktop wallpapers of my Noble Romance novellas; Diagnosis, Love and Friday Night Hookup.

Ingrid ;-)

First Look: "Ancient Magic"

Most of you around here know me as a writer of angels, demons, and some of you have even seen a vampire or two creeping around my Noble backlist. But today, I wanted to take a minute and tell you about my next release from Noble, scheduled for October 24th.

The story is called "Ancient Magic," and is a departure from the contemporary paranormal stories I usually write. What makes "Ancient Magic" so unusual for me is, this is swords-and-horses fantasy, a pond in which I rarely dip my toe. Of course, there's a paranormal angle, but whatever you're thinking, there's a pretty good chance that's not it. For all that, though, there's not going to be any mistaking this story for anything but what it is: a J.S. Wayne story. Complete with all the twists, violence, and hawtness you've come to expect from me. This is also my entry for the "Timeless Desire" series of novellas, and I'm looking forward to the November blog tour of the same name!


I don't have cover art for "Ancient Magic" yet, but I'm assured by the lovely and talented Fiona Jayde that I should within the week. Keep watching my spot over at http://jswayne.wordpress.com, because as soon as it hits, I'll put it up! Speaking of, on the 17th I'm hosting a VERY special guest over at my blog: Mr. Maxim Jakubowski. If the name doesn't ring any bells, Google him. If it does, you won't want to miss it. This is a huge honor for me, because I first read his erotica back when "erotica" to me meant "dirty stories to read to girls so I'd have a better chance of getting laid." And don't forget, I'll be back here on the 20th, and also blogging over at Tabitha's Nocturnal Nights!

In the meantime, though, I'm going to give you a little taste of things to come with this excerpt. It's still in edits, so there may be some slight changes from what you read here in the final, but I hope you enjoy it!

Blurb

More than two decades have passed since the Hodans invaded the peaceful kingdom of Jurav. In their zeal for conquest, they have mercilessly rent the Juravian national character asunder, starting with the temples of their gods.

Varath was raised from a young age by his uncle to one day assume his father's mantle—that of the command warden of the Temple of Noradi, the most beloved goddess of the Juravian pantheon and the deity of heart, hearth, and the fires which burn in both.

Melody would have been the High Priestess to Noradi, and her own family has groomed her with equal care against the day when the Hodan hordes would be expelled and she could assume her rightful place as the most powerful figure in the entire nation . . . and as Varath's bride.

When Varath departed to serve in the Hodan army, Melody saw it as an unconscionable betrayal. Now Varath has returned to take his father's place as the sole guardian of a temple where no one dares enter, and he has made overtures to claim the other half of his bequest: Melody herself. But can Melody see past the deceptions and lies his rebellion has forced and learn to love the man who seems to have turned his back on his own people?

     There! His battle-sharpened eyes picked out a flicker of movement in the trees beyond the moon-silvered, ruined courtyard. He stretched one hand casually toward his battle-axe; at the first sign of anything amiss, the heavy weapon would be ready to his grasp. Aside from that slight motion, undoubtedly undetectable at the distance that separated him from the interloper, he stood as still and quiet as the stones that surrounded him.

     Varath watched intently as she parted the delicate shadows of the sacred grove as if the moonlight had willed itself a pleasing form for his benefit. She drew closer, her feet making no sound on the ground beneath her as she came. Stark black and white resolved into myriad subtle nuances of silver, turquoise, amethyst, and onyx, crowned with a cascade of falling-star hair that rippled and flowed around her shoulders with every step.

     She was a woman in the same sense that a raging thunderstorm was rain.

     Oh, she had all the requisite curves and loveliness, of that there could be no denial. But she was much, much more than merely a soft collection of pleasing angles and lines that drew his eye, his hand, his desire. She was a goddess, a dove amongst crows, a sensual virginal temptress. There was something eternal in the way she moved, an intangible hint that while she could touch and negotiate her way in this world, she was still somehow untainted by it. The dirt and filth that accrued to mere mortals and the grief and pain that layered their souls could find no purchase with her.

     As Varath studied her approach with growing excitement, he wondered how this erotic apparition could possibly find any merit in him.

     She stepped lightly over the tumbled ring of once-grand columns that had denoted the inner boundary of the temple's grounds. He noted that her feet were bare beneath her gown of deep purple, piped with silver embellishment at wrists, neckline, and waist. She wore one ring on each hand, and a silver bracelet of craftsmanship that no mere human could ever hope to duplicate encircled her delicate right wrist.

     Varath's breath caught as she stopped just a hair's breadth beyond his arm's reach and offered him a shallow nod.

     "Varath."

     "Melody."

     Melody favored him with a cool smile. "How have you been keeping?"

     Varath grunted, taking refuge in his best, brusque military manner to conceal his desire to say something foolish . . . like, I love you. "I've been lonely. Can you even conceive of how stultifying it becomes to stand watch over this same ground night after night for as long as I have? If anything ever happened here, I would undoubtedly feel different." His tone lost some of its edge as she cut her eyes down toward the ground; he realized he had unknowingly hurt her with his abrupt, clipped speech.

     "You—you've forgiven me?"

And, a parting thought: If you haven't checked out Angels Cry yet, you should take a look at the reviews that are coming in for it. I'm very proud of this novel, and hope that you'll give it a look!

Until next time,

Best, 

J.S. Wayne

---

UNFORGIVEN: New Release & Contest Announcement

News and shameless bribery from Sarah Ballance

Welcome, friends and literate people! I've got some awesome giveaway information to dish (naturally, at the END of this post) but first I want to share an exclusive excerpt from my new romantic suspense, UNFORGIVEN, which kicks off a brand new series for me here at Noble Romance. It also happens to be Noble's #3 bestseller at press time, so while I'm doing my happy dance, you can all look at this:

UNFORGIVEN | Packing Heat #1

Riley Beckett's past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he's got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage's former lover, Riley. He and she didn't part ways on good terms, and he's not planning to rekindle anything now--not when he's got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options: trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

"Get on the floor, and keep your head down. Once I start this truck there's no turning back, and we're in for a rough ride."

Was there any turning back now? She almost laughed, but his serious expression wiped the thought away. Without a word, she slid to the floor and tucked her knees to her chest, hugging them close. The large opening of the shed faced the side yard, and from their position near the rear of the property they weren't far from the crest of the next hill.

If her daddy's gun was in the hands of a killer, they just might need that hill. The rifle was accurate at a distance far past the cover of the far slope.

"I hope I can still feel my way down your back path," Gage said, peering into the night. "Because I'm not going to hold this maniac's hand by using the headlights." He looked down at her and grinned. "Fortunately, I had a refresher trip this afternoon."

"Lovely. Thanks for the reminder."

He shrugged and turned the key. "How could you forget? Now, hang on."

She didn't have a chance. The instant the engine caught, the truck tore out of the shed. They took a hard right, away from the house, the suspension absorbing several rough bumps as they slid sideways over the thick, unkempt grass near the rear of the yard. From her vantage point Riley could see only the black sky outside the truck, but it wasn't hard to figure out where they were by the feel of the terrain under the tires. Old ruts on the path caused several unforgiving jolts, each one slamming her against the door and glove box with increasing intensity.

Gage didn't let up. He kept a white-knuckled grip on the wheel, and—judging from the scream of the engine—the pedal to the floor. The ride was relentless, but the angle of their ascent told her they had to be near the top of the hill. Any second now they would crest it and be out of the sights of the killer behind them—

With a horrific blast, the back window imploded. All sound seemed to fall away with the raining glass, and for a split, surreal second the world was mute. It wasn't until the truck slowed and took a sudden, thoughtless turn to the left that Riley tore her eyes from the gaping hole. The steering wheel jerked erratically, fighting the lay of the land.

Only one thing hampered the wild rotation.

With horror, she realized it was the cumbersome weight of Gage's body.

Click here to read more. (No, I insist.)

FREAKING AWESOME CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Now that you've read my excerpt (or skipped ahead to the contest part - seriously, you think I didn't see that? Uh huh...) I've got a killer giveaway to tell you about. Every Friday I'm giving away a gift certificate--winner's choice of $5 for Amazon or (wait for it...) $10 to Noble Romance. Want to know how to enter? All you've got to do is (1) wait out your 18th birthday, then (2) subscribe to my blog by email. I do love my Wordpress and Networked Blog followers, but I need your email address for this one. To kick things off, I gave out $20 this week, and there's another BIG prize coming.

BIG PRIZE COMING

First of all, those of you who skipped ahead to right here need to back up a paragraph. We'll wait while you read. ... ... ... Okay, all together now? Here's the deal. On Friday October 7 someone is going to win a big ol' e-gift certificate (winner to be contacted Oct 7 with the announcement to be made Oct 10). Guess how you enter? Yep, that's right. (Are my readers clever or what?) You must subscribe to my blog by email in order to win. Subscribing is easy. Just head to my blog and take a gander at the top of the sidebar on the left. Fill in that little box, and don't forget to confirm your subscription.

Well, you know. Unless you don't want a chance at some e-cash.

I'm still doing that happy dance no one in their right mind wants to see (not sober, anyway) so I'll thank you once again for putting UNFORGIVEN near the top, and I'll spare you the rest.

Want even more UNFORGIVEN? Check out the Six Sentence Sunday featured spots on my blog!

An Era Apart

Hey there,

My road to publication has come to an end. An Era Apart is set to release July 4 and I can't wait. Writing is easy. Editing is a damn tough job but I had my editor with me, helping me, advising me, guiding me, mentoring me, even when I was being slightly difficult (but only slightly :-)).

I hope you'll enjoy An Era Apart. Working out the plot was a real challenge and I am very fond of my characters. So, Tracy Richardson and Garrett Burnes are now waiting for you and here is how they met.

“There you are. It is about time.”
Tracy stifled a scream. Turning around so quickly she almost fell, she located the source of the voice: a tall, elegant man, standing at the foot of the stairs, watching her. Heart pounding, she couldn't move. Who was he? How did he get here? What did he want with her?
“Are you planning on standing there all day?” he said with a hint of impatience.
Although he looked cold and unfriendly, she didn’t feel threatened. What she felt was something very different and very inappropriate. Now wasn’t a good time to blush but, looking at his strong face and lean body, sudden intimate images swirled in her mind, swirled and danced as if alive. Naked images so vivid she felt desire licking her. Such an unpredictable reaction to a total stranger, she didn’t know what to make of it.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Garrett Burnes,” he said matter-of-factly.
“Ah!”
“I take it you have heard of me.”
“When… how did you get in?”
A light smirk on his full lips, he pointed to the top of the stairs. “Time is of the essence, Miss Richardson, and I do not have any to spare for stupid questions. We already ought to be on our way.”
Who did he think he was to call her stupid? “Let me tell you something, Mister Burnes: I’m not going anywhere with you, no matter what you-”
“William informed me you were a stubborn child,” he interrupted, “I believed he was exaggerating but I dare say it is a reputation well deserved.”
“My father would never…” she choked on the words, seeing red, “Never say such a thing!”
“Therefore, you shall come with me!”
That was an interesting turn of events, cooling her down. She studied him, at last taking his looks in. Under a topcoat, he was wearing a three-piece suit: a black sack coat with matching trousers and a white vest, fastened high on the chest, under a dotted necktie. Had this man been walking around with a top hat and a cane, Tracy would have thought him straight out of the nineteenth century. His outfit was eccentric, old-fashioned, yet he appeared young and dashing. She eyed him from head to toe.
“You haven’t been to Barneys recently, have you?” she said with a hint of mockery.
He shot her a blank look.
“I’m only saying this because you…” Smiling, she gestured with her hand, “Well, you know what I mean. That suit is a killer!”
“Good God! Am I to presume you have no knowledge of your situation? Do you not know where you are?”
“In my basement.” She stated the obvious, starting to wonder if his good looks matched a feeble mind.
He shook his head. “William hasn’t told you, has he?”
“Told me what?”
“Have you really come through this machinery without any knowledge of your destination?” He took a step toward her.
“Sure, but it isn’t working, and I don’t know why.”
“It is working perfectly.”
The guy must be on the edge of insanity: charming and interesting, but whacko. He was watching her, and she could see a new glint in his eyes. What was it? Maybe something akin to respect? Admiration?
“You are in San Francisco-”
Tracy wasn’t sure how the crazy man had entered her father’s lab, and she figured she’d better be a little more cautious.
“Jeez, what a surprise!” Could she use anything on the desk as a weapon?
“In 1899.” He finished the statement with dark eyes glued to her face.

And to you all, happy Independence Day!

Chris Lange
Chrislangeauthor.wordpress.com

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

Stop The Press!

It’s been a month full of accomplishments and anxiety for me. I’m not even going to TRY to lie about that.

Since the beginning of June, I’ve accrued a host of truly amazing reviews. Red Roses and Shattered Glass was given a very nice review by Whipped Cream Reviews, primarily due to the efforts of H.C. Brown, Justine Elyot, and Indigo Skye. “Angels Would Fall” received a five-cup review from Happily Ever After. I’ve found myself queried for permission to quote blogs and responses to articles I’ve written. My fellow Noble authors have kept my personal blog jumping with interviews and guest blog posts. 

That’s the accomplishment side. On the “anxiety” side of the ledger is the three works in progress I’m juggling in tandem. The Evil Day Job, which finally managed to push me one step over the edge, launching a search for something else. ANYTHING else. Anyone hiring in the wilds of Texas?

The biggest nail-biter in my world, however, has been a full-length novel that I started in April and completed in Mid-May.

Well, as of last night, my cuticles are safe. For now. (Yeah. I used the word “cuticle.” In proper context, no less. And that’s as close to a manicure as I’m ever likely to come.)

A lot of readers had a lot of wonderful things to say about my writing, especially my “Angel” stories. A few in particular I actually printed out, so that I would have them at convenient eye level in my more self-critical moments. The only major criticism, and the one that became a resounding chorus in the back of my skull, was: PLEASE tell me there’s more!!

You, the reader, asked for it. I heard you loud and clear. And unless something catastrophic occurs, on August 1^st, your wish will be granted.

I’m proud to announce that Noble Romance has accepted Angels Cry, the full-length novel tying together the threads of “Angels Would Fall” and “Angel Of The Morning.” A lot of new characters will be entering the scene, and all Hell is about to break loose. 

This is a rough draft of the blurb, so don’t be surprised if there are some changes in the final version. But it’ll give you a taste of things to come, I hope you enjoy it!

Angels Cry

Moradiel, the Soulbearer, and his human consort, Ariel, are barely managing to stay ahead of the wrath of the Angel of Death. Azrael is growing more impatient by the moment; he wants Moradiel punished and Ariel dead once and for all, and is not particular about how the task is accomplished. Knowing this, Moradiel’s fellow angels will offer him only limited aid, if they don’t try to kill him outright. In desperation, the fugitives seek refuge in the last place in Creation any sane being would look for an angel: Sin City. Las Vegas, Nevada.

Maddened by Moradiel’s defection from the heavenly Host, Azrael isn’t sane. When he arrives in Sin City to exact vengeance on Moradiel, he leaves Moradiel with a chilling warning: He intends to use Ariel for his own twisted pleasure before consigning her soul to Infernos.

But darker news still awaits them: Because Ariel did not die at the ordained time, Moradiel has started the entire universe on an inexorable countdown to oblivion.

A countdown that began with the first breath Ariel ever drew on Earth. . . .

Until next time,

Best,

J.S. Wayne