Mid Week Tease: There was a chance the bubbly could be poisoned… #MWTease

mid-week-tease-buttonHi everyone,

Welcome back to Mid Week Tease! Here’s another tease from my new novel, Hiding in Plain Sight. Things are hotting up… and I’ll be moving onto something else next week, so if you want to find out what happens next, you know what to do 😉

Hiding in Plain Sight“A-and you,” she forced out, fighting to get a grip on her emotions. It wasn’t at all like her to be so affected by someone, but in a bizarre twist of fate, the very fact that he’d surprised her, had surprised her. During her years in the service, she’d seen so many things, so many facets to human nature, that it was nigh on impossible to surprise, shock or faze her. She made a mental note to watch this man carefully. She hadn’t got any vibes from him to indicate that he was anything other than an attractive barman and waiter, but it was entirely possible she wasn’t the only intelligence officer watching the gang. Their activities were widespread, after all. Any number of countries could be keeping an eye on them, trying to bring them down. And not all of them would necessarily want to team up with the British in order to do so. The Brits had as many enemies as they did allies.

“So!” she said brightly, crossing over to the sofa, deliberately exaggerating the wiggle of her hips and bottom as she walked, hoping to distract him from her moment of being flustered. “It was very good of you to bring champagne. Shall we?”

Erasmus had followed her over to the seating area, and inclined his head, then reached for the bottle. With finesse born of frequent practice, or possibly he was an exceptional actor, he opened the bottle, snagged a glass and filled it, before handing it to her with a grin.

“Thank you.” She smiled back, waiting until he’d poured his own drink before even thinking of taking a sip. There was a chance the bubbly could be poisoned, or drugged. It irritated her immensely that she had to even take such precautions, to consider that everyone she met could be out to get her, but it was an instinct that had saved her life on more than one occasion. Besides, it was ingrained so deeply within her that she’d never shake it. She’d probably still be looking over her shoulder when she was old and grey, and long-retired from the intelligence game.

Fortunately, Erasmus didn’t seem to find anything odd in this behaviour. Instead, after filling his champagne flute, he took the seat opposite her, then leaned forward, holding out his glass. “To new friends,” he said, tipping her a wink.

Get your copy of Hiding in Plain Sight here: https://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/hiding-in-plain-sight/

Don’t forget to check out all the other blogs taking part!

Beast Denied (Beasts of Bodmin Moor #2) by Faye Avalon (@Faye_Avalon)

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today.

Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, England is an eerily enigmatic place, especially as dusk falls. For many years there have been rumors of a wild panther-like creature roaming the moor. Despite many sightings, only a few grainy images have been caught on film. An official investigation found no real evidence to confirm such a beast exists, but no evidence either that it didn’t. My imagination went into overdrive and Beasts of Bodmin Moor was born, featuring a covert pack of panther shape-shifters living amongst the unsuspecting Bodmin community.

Beast Denied, the second book in the Beasts of Bodmin Moor series has now been re-released by Evernight Publishing.

*****

Beast DeniedEmbracing the future, means confronting the past.

Naomi Flynn doesn’t intend to mate or marry. Never again will she leave herself open to the manipulation she once endured. Besides, no panther male will want her anyway once they know the truth behind what happened a decade ago.

She’s happy to burn up the sheets in a buddy-with-benefits arrangement, until a hankering for a three-way sexual adventure thrusts her right back into the arms of the man she can’t afford to remember.

Tynan Galloway doesn’t intend to watch the woman he wants throw herself at every male around, except him. A brutal assault might have robbed him of his destiny as a protector of the pack, but damned if Naomi is going to be another casualty of his fate.

When he discovers she’s in potential danger, he challenges her to deny that he’s the one man who can protect her…unaware that Naomi is determined to prove him wrong.

This is a previously published work. It has been revised and edited for Evernight Publishing.

Available from:

Evernight / Amazon / Smashwords / Bookstrand /Barnes & Noble

*****

“…the fast paced and smooth flowing plot captivates readers with lots of suspense, turmoil and romance… I was completely spellbound.” 4.5 Stars Night Owl Reviews

*****

EXCERPT:

From the safety of the hotel bathroom, Naomi Flynn could hear the two men talking, discussing who would have the pleasure of fucking her first.

Leaning back against the locked door, her blood running cold in her veins, Naomi wondered what the hell she had gotten herself into. They’d seemed like regular enough guys, at least while she’d been sharing a drink with them. They’d flirted, flattered, and teased her. So much so that they’d appeared perfect for what she had in mind.

Until they’d locked the door to the hotel room, and with the gleam in their eyes came her first flicker of unease.

A couple of hours ago, Naomi had strolled into the hotel’s bar, intent on having herself one doozy of a party. She’d thought about it long and hard. Wasn’t having sex with two men every woman’s fantasy?

It had worked for her friend. Talia McLeod might now be all loved up with her new husband, their pack’s leader, but before she and Caleb became a couple, they had a triple deal going with Joshua, Caleb’s half brother, now working overseas.

Unlike Talia, Naomi had no intention of finding her true mate in this deal, but she admitted to being more than a little curious about indulging in a ménage à trois and hadn’t been able to shake the desire to try it for herself.

Living vicariously through her new friend had given Naomi a taste for adventure, and had fed her growing hunger to push through her comfort zone and see how it felt to live without constraint. Even if just for one night. The more she’d thought about it, the more she’d wanted it.

Of course, she’d chosen human men to assuage her curiosity. They would keep the whole thing from becoming too intense, too personal. With humans, there would be no complications. No possessive pack males insisting she become their mate or wanting to mark her as theirs.

Because that would never happen. It couldn’t. Not for her.

So indulging her fantasy with the aid of human men had been her only real option. But now, standing in the bathroom of a Truro hotel as the clock struck midnight, it seemed like her only option had gone belly up.

In fact, listening to the men planning what they would do to her when she hightailed it back to the bedroom had the opposite effect from making her hot and adventurous. It made her question her sanity.

With a hard swallow, Naomi hurried over to the window. She peered out and down. Two floors up, with a drop down onto concrete. Shit.

Had things been different, she would have shifted. In her panther state, she could make short work of those two floors and leap to safety before the men even realized she was gone. But that would never happen either. Not again. Over the years, she’d barely mourned her lost ability, and it had seemed the least of her troubles. Tonight, she longed for it.

Running a hand over her stomach, she pushed back the maudlin thoughts that nudged for attention. She needed all her wits about her to deal with her current predicament.

Perhaps she could simply go out there and tell them she had made a huge mistake, that she really wasn’t ready for this and had changed her mind. She’d apologize for leading them on, for getting them all worked up. Well, to be honest she’d gotten herself all worked up. This was what she’d wanted, what she’d planned for.

She stepped back to the mirror, smoothed down her hair. Nerves, she decided. She was simply suffering from nerves. She had never done anything like this before, which made it perfectly natural to have last-minute doubts.

“Hey, babe.”

At the thump on the door, Naomi dropped the sandals hooked over her index finger.

“You planning on joining us anytime soon?”

Naomi turned to face the door. “Just a minute.”

With trembling hands, she reached around and unzipped the short black dress she’d bought only yesterday. She let it slip down her body and pool at her feet. Turning, she glanced at herself in the mirror and saw skimpy black bra and panties, designed to send a man, or in her case, men, wild.

She stepped aside, picked up the dress, and threw it over the bathroom stool. Inhaling a long slow breath, she opened the door.

*****

About the Author:

Faye Avalon enjoys writing sexy stories about strong men and the savvy women who rock their world. She has taken a roundabout journey toward her writing career, working as cabin crew, detouring into property development, public relations and education, before finally finding her passion: writing spicy romantic fiction. Faye lives with her super-ace husband and one beloved, ridiculously spoiled dog.

Find Faye at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

The Challenge – A Hot New Reverse Harem Series by Lily Harlem (@lily_harlem)

What’s reverse harem? Basically it’s having your cake and eating it, one girl, however many hot guys she can handle, no jealousy. Think of it as a tasty little nibble here and there, a few big delicious bites when the mood arises and a whole lot of flirty, steamy fun.

So, with that cleared up here’s a little about erotic romance series THE CHALLENGE by Lily Harlem. It’s a new on-going contemporary reverse harem best-read-in-order series that sizzles from the page. The first book CASTAWAYS is available for pre-order at just 99c and will release on 15th October (grab your copy now while it’s cheap!), and book two TEARAWAYS is also available for pre-order, release date 26th October.

*Please note, the entire series will be available on Kindle Unlimited*

Back Cover Information for CASTAWAYS

Olivia Bailey is up for The Challenge. Why the heck wouldn’t she be? With mariner qualifications piled high, engineering experience to rival someone twice her age, she’s ready to take on the mighty Pacific Ocean and win.

But what about her fellow crew? Five guys, four nationalities. A billionaire’s heir who likes to take charge in every aspect of life, an outback expert with a heart-stopping smile, a Spanish chef with mouthwatering moves and sexy twins who reveal themselves slowly, until it matters, then they act fast.

An adventure was what Olivia wanted, it’s certainly what she gets. Because things at sea happen in a heartbeat, friendships grow, tempers heat and desire flares. But what about when it all upends? When the unexpected happens? Will they pull together, or will fear drag the crew of The Temptress apart?

PRE-ORDER NOW – http://myBook.to/Castaways

Back Cover Information for TEARAWAYS

Having survived The Challenge, Olivia is now hitting the road with her five sexy men. Seeing them all dressed in tight leathers, with big, growling Harleys between their legs, is enough to have her pulse racing and her mouth watering. So naturally, before long bonds strengthen, love blooms and they’re all enjoying the ride of their lives.

But with little more than bikes and the clothes on their backs, how will they survive a long, arduous journey? Having a billionaire’s heir in their midst is no help when Dante Vidal is insisting on them being cashless and having to work for their supper.

Amongst all of that, Olivia finds herself performing a complex juggling act. Having Alpha males sparring, sparks flying and tempers flaring needs a strong woman to take charge. Is she up for the challenge of keeping her men happy, connected and most of all satisfied? One thing is for sure, it’s a task she’s willing to throw herself into heart, body and soul.

PRE-ORDER NOW – http://myBook.to/Tearaways

 

Excerpt from CASTAWAYS

“How is my galley?” Raul asked, pulling on a t-shirt, then settling back in his seat.

“All tidy.”

“You are too good to me, mi niña hermosa.”

“I try.”

Mason appeared on deck. “I suggest, Captain, that we shift a degree west, it will put us in line with a tiny crop of islands. Uninhabited, but it might be nice to see land on day three.”

“Good plan.” Harry nodded and looked down at the compass. He then turned the helm a fraction. “Can’t believe we’ll be on our third day tomorrow. We’ve made good progress.”

“Yeah, I agree,” Evan said, plucking a pack of cards from the pocket of his shorts. “Who’s up for poker?”

“Si.” Raul rubbed his hands together and grinned.

“I’m game,” Mason said, sitting next to him. “What are we playing for?”

“Let’s make it strip poker.” Evan twitched his eyebrows at Olivia.

“I think not.” She laughed. “That would leave me at a definite disadvantage.”

“You call having five blokes admiring your body a disadvantage?” Evan chuckled. The sun had given his cheeks a faint pink hue and his lips were shiny, as if he’d slicked on balm.

Damn it, the guy could be an advert for healthy, outdoor living.

“Knowing you lot, you’d club together and fix it so I lost.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“I wouldn’t.” Lucas shook his head.

It was the first time he’d spoken in front of everyone, but Olivia decided not to make a thing about that. “Okay, not Lucas, but the rest of you would.”

“I think it’s sad,” Raul said. “That you have so low opinion of us.”

“It’s not that.” She shrugged. “You’re just guys, with lots of testosterone and you like…” She glanced at her chest. “Boobs.”

“Boobs!” Evan burst out laughing. “Yeah, we like boobs.”

“What are boobs?” Raul asked.

“These.” She pointed at her breasts.

“Ah, boobs!” Raul grinned. “I learn another new English word.”

“I bet she could teach you some more.” Evan winked at her and dropped the deck of cards into his hand.

“Probably. But I won’t.”

Lucas took over the helm and Harry sat at the table, his elbows propped on it and leaning forward. “We play for who gets to take Olivia out on a date in Sydney.”

“Fine by me,” Mason said.

“But what if I don’t want to go on a date…with any of you.”

“Ah, you will.” Evan expertly shuffled the pack.

She frowned. “And what if I win? What do I get?”

“To choose who takes you out on a date.” Harry grinned. It was a cocky grin, as though he presumed it would be him she picked.

“What if I don’t want to go out with any of you?” How could she not? She looked around the table. Four guys, very different both physically and in personality, but each gorgeous, intelligent, witty and very eligible. Throw in sweet, sensitive Lucas who was also a lean, strong guy in the prime of his life and just waiting to be discovered, and most girls would be salivating at the thought of being able to take a pick. “No scrap that,” she said. “What if I can’t choose?”

“What because we’re all so hot it’s an impossible decision?” Harry asked.

“Well, I guess I’d have to go by personality, and thinking you’re hot might not be the best trait.”

“Hey.” He held up his hands. “I’m only saying what the gossip mags and my one million Twitter followers tell me.”

“One million Twitter followers?” Mason said. “Jeez, you really got that much to say?”

“No.” Harry shrugged and picked up his deal of cards. “But what can I do? They follow me, I don’t follow them.”

“I bet you get loads of girls desperate for you to notice them,” Olivia said. “All hoping to bag themselves a billionaire.”

“For the record, I’m not a billionaire, my father is.”

“And you’ll inherit it some day,” Mason pointed out.

“Some of it. I’ve got a sister remember. It’ll get halved.”

“But still be in the billions?” Evan said.

“I guess.” Harry looked away, a slight crease between his eyebrows.

For the first time Olivia wondered if he’d like to have grown up in a normal family, with a normal childhood. His must have been one of privilege and indulgence. How had that molded him into the man he was today? Did he regret not blending in with the crowd, or did it suit him to harness attention wherever he went?

She made a sudden decision to never treat him differently from the other crew, okay he was the captain, but other than that, he was just a guy whose father happened to be stinking rich.

And damn it, he was cute with it.

“Everyone know the rules?” Evan asked, turning his hand over.

“Aye,” Mason nodded.

“Si. Very well.” Raul grinned as he looked at his cards.

Olivia looked at hers. Not great, but it would be a start.

They played for an hour and a half. There was much laughter, quite a few insults and possibly some cheating on Raul’s behalf.

Mason took a turn at the helm so Lucas could join in and he won his hand quickly.

“Last game,” Harry said. “It’s getting late.” He glanced at his watch.

“Ah, but I want to play all night,” Raul said. “I love to play poker. Better with rum but this is what it is.”

“Nah, last one.” Harry shrugged.

Olivia pulled her fleece up around her neck. It was getting chilly, she’d be glad to get to bed.

Her last deal of the pack was a great one, and within a minute she’d won.

“Bravo,” Mason said.

“Are you sure you’re not a hustler?” Evan asked.

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” She grinned.

“You must have a prize,” Raul said.

“Okay.” She paused. “Kind as it is of you all to offer yourselves up for dates in Sydney, what I’d really like is…”

All five men looked at her. Lucas seemed to have held his breath, and Evan tugged on his bottom lip as if a whole bunch of wicked thoughts were going through his mind. Harry raised his eyebrows and Mason leaned closer.

“Tell us,” Raul said. “Anything we have, it is yours.”

“Did I see some hot chocolate in the galley?” she asked.

“Si.” Raul nodded.

“That’s what I’d like as my prize. Then to bed….alone.”

All five men seemed to sag a little as they sat back. Lucas returned his attention to the helm.

“I will do it for you. I will get your prize.” Raul stood.

“Thank you.” She passed her cards to Evan who was stacking the pack together again.

Had any of the guys really thought she’d pick one of them as her prize? Was it so obvious she fancied them all?

Oh God.

 I do. I really do.

And I’d never be able to choose between them.

 

PRE-ORDER NOW – http://myBook.to/Castaways

PRE-ORDER NOW – http://myBook.to/Tearaways

About Lily Harlem

Lily Harlem lives in the UK and is an award winning, bestselling author of sexy romance. After giving up a busy career in nursing she now spends her time enjoying her army of rescued pets and penning steamy stories. She writes for publishers on both sides of the Atlantic including, HarperCollins, Evernight, and Stormy Night Publications. She also self-publishes novels that range from emotionally charged erotic romance, to steamy ménage a trois.

One thing you can be sure of, whatever book you pick up by Ms Harlem, in whichever pairing or genre takes your fancy, is it will be wildly romantic and down-and-dirty sexy so make sure you hang on tight for the ride! Subscribe to her newsletter to get a FREE ebook.

Website – http://www.lilyharlem.com

FREE eBook – https://www.instafreebie.com/free/Mms5U

THE CHALLENGE on Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lilyharlem/the-challenge-reverse-harem-series/

THE CHALLENGE on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheChallengeReverseHaremSeries/

More Than Words – A Guest Post by Becky Flade (@beckyflade)

I started high school in September 1990 [edited to correct a typo that had me starting high school in 1900], a time when hair rock ruled absolutely. I had the concert rigged lighter – that on more than one occasion set my Aqua Net brick of teased out bangs on fire – and a denim jacket with all the lyrics to Civil War printed on it in black sharpie.

Close to twenty-five years later, I walked down the aisle to a piano solo of GnR’s seminal November Rain. We didn’t realize at the time that we were accidentally recreating the video, that bulb didn’t light until we were on our honeymoon, but we didn’t care.

A Love RestrainedA Love Restrained, my new romantic suspense releasing October 4th, though set in present day Philadelphia, involves the romance between a good girl and a bad boy who harbored crushes on the other from afar in high school during the first half of the 90’s. They reunite under the most of unlikely of circumstances and find a mature love that endures the deadliest of secrets. It only felt right to mainline the music of their teen years [and mine] while I wrote, and while I edited, and as a result there are references, subtle and overt, throughout the book.

Sadly digital remasters don’t have the same sound, the same glory, the same character, vinyl did. And I miss sitting for hours beside the radio, tape queued up, waiting for that *one* song to play so I could hit record. God, I wish I had some of those mix tapes now. But the music holds up. I found old favorites I hadn’t heard in years. And goofy crap that still makes me smile and sway my hips like Miley Cyrus partying in the USA.

Everything about A Love Restrained is my very own personal love letter, to my husband, my youth, the city I’ve always called my home, and the music that provided the soundtrack to my adolescence.

A few favorites:

More Than Words

Heaven

High Enough

Close My Eyes Forever

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

I want to put together a power ballad playlist for the book on my youtube channel. Help me? Share with me, Lucy and her fans the name of your favorite power ballad in the comments below and I’ve got a free book for a randomly drawn commenter. Good luck and party on!

*****

About the book:

Philadelphia police officer Kylee Parker is dedicated to protecting and serving. She sees the work in absolutes: right and wrong, black and white, good guys and bad guys. That is, until she chases a drug dealer into a dead-end alley and finds the bad boy she had a painful crush on throughout her teen years has turned into a more dangerous and more attractive man.

Jayson Donovan knows he doesn’t deserve someone as good as Kylee Parker. As the right hand man to a local drug-pushing mobster, he’s solidly on the wrong side of Kylee’s moral compass. But he can’t help reaching for her time and again when he knows he shouldn’t.

Even when his secrets threaten them both.

Where to purchase A Love Restrained

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | iBooks | Kobo

*****

About the author:

Home is where the heart is and Becky makes hers with her very own knight in slightly tarnished armor, their three daughters, son-in-law, two grandsons, and their psychotic cat Jaxon. When she’s not busy living her own happily ever after, she’s writing about someone else’s.

Contact Details:

beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com

http://www.beckyfladeauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BeckyFlade

https://twitter.com/beckyflade

http://www.amazon.com/Becky-Flade/

http://www.goodreads.com/Becky_Flade

Sign up for Becky’s quarterly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/7WDZj

Mid Week Tease: His lips were warm and dry… #MWTease

mid-week-tease-buttonHi everyone,

Welcome back to Mid Week Tease! Here’s another tease from my new novel, Hiding in Plain Sight. I was away on holiday in Wales last week, so I didn’t take part, but I’m back now. I’ll probably do a couple more teases from this book before moving onto something else.

Hiding in Plain Sight“You…” His expression turned uncomfortable, much to Mallory’s confusion, and he fixed his attention on the plush carpet. “You will forgive me… it seems silly in the circumstances, but… I don’t know your name.”

Mallory clapped a hand over her mouth, hoping he’d see it as a gesture of surprise, rather than her covering up her amusement at her faux pas. She’d been so focused on the task at hand, spying on the gang she was here to infiltrate, that she hadn’t been fully concentrating on her flirtation with the handsome waiter.

Hoping she’d rearranged her features into an appropriate expression, she removed her hand from her mouth and took a step towards him. “I’m so sorry, Erasmus. It completely slipped my mind. My name is Bea Winchester.” The lie tripped off her tongue so easily that she was sure even a fellow intelligence officer would believe her. But as much as she disliked lying to Erasmus—he was, after all, nothing to do with her reason for being here; rather a pleasant diversion along the way—it was essential to maintain her cover. Plus, if curiosity got the better of him at any point, he’d easily be able to check the hotel’s computer system and discover what name she had checked in under.

He closed the gap between them still further, and held out his hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, Bea Winchester.”

She took his hand, then was surprised when, instead of shaking, he gently twisted her wrist and bent to place a kiss on her knuckles. His lips were warm and dry, and her astonishment at his action swiftly gave way to arousal as he lingered there for a few moments, before releasing her.

Get your copy of Hiding in Plain Sight here: https://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/hiding-in-plain-sight/

Don’t forget to check out all the other blogs taking part!