Monday, September 30, 2013

Triple Play! Get Three of My Books for $.99 Each - Three Days Only





For three days only, from 9/30 through 10/2, we are having a huge sale on all three of my titles published through Bumble Book Press. Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, and Player are available exclusively on Amazon for only $.99! Whether you enjoy a little magic or prefer a contemporary thriller, there's something for everyone.






Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabriella and Darron at odds. 
There is more to the story than Gabriella and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabriella and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
  Where to Buy

Destiny Unveiled
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.
  Where to Buy


Description:
Joshua Handover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. 
As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn’t take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn’t know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn’t worth the price he’s paying to be a player.

Where to Buy
Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

Book Spotlight - Daring to Wish by Tracey Rogers




What happens when you dare to wish?

In an effort to regain her independence and break out of her shell, shy Eve Ward writes a daring wish list of all the things she wants to do before her thirtieth birthday. It's a good thing the list is for her eyes only, because some of the items are pretty risqué.

Adrenaline junkie Lucas Riley becomes Eve's "victim" in a kiss-a-stranger dare, and she thinks he's perfect for her one-night-with-a-stranger wish.

With Eve, Lucas thinks he's found the distraction he needs before he has to say goodbye to his bad boy image. When he finds Eve's sexy wish list, he can't keep himself from giving into temptation and sneaking a peek, and wish number eight is impossible for him to resist. Being good can wait.

Eve is thrilled when, out of the blue, Lucas offers to take her skydiving. Her sexy stranger has helped her tick so many wishes off her secret list. Her confidence has grown and now she's having fun both in and out of the bedroom. It seems too good to be true…is it? She can't shake the niggling suspicion that something's not quite right.

Content Warning: contains dizzying heights and sensual sex


Excerpt:

"Wait."

Eve froze mid-turn, halted by his husky command and the tingle radiating from his hand lightly grasping her wrist. She met his gaze and realized how wrong she'd been. He was a million miles away from being uncomplicated. The startling blue of his eyes revealed depths Eve could only imagine drowning in.

"Did you say…nice?" He leaned closer. "I would say that was a lot better than nice. I'm sure if we tried again we could manage spectacular. Don't you agree?" he drawled.

Maybe nice had been the wrong word to choose Eve relented as she noted his husky tone. It was infinitely better than nice.Try amazing! Her breath hitched as she thought of his kiss again. Knowing he enjoyed it too sent a surge of pleasure through her that settled deep within her belly. Obviously she could do some things right.

If she intended to fulfill her wishes she was going to have to find some confidence from somewhere—and fast! At the moment her confidence seemed to be firmly in the area of her knickers.

Running and hiding now seemed out of the question. Maybe confidence practice would be the lesser of two evils? She paused before facing Mr. Hotness for confidence lesson one.

"Hmm…" She pretended to consider. "Maybe you're right. However, as this was a dare I'm afraid it was a one time opportunity," she added with mock apology. "So I guess we'll never know."

"You kissed me for a dare?" His brow arched.

Eve nodded. "Uh-huh. My dare was to kiss a stranger."

"A dare, huh? I feel so…so violated." He clutched his free hand to his chest in feigned hurt, although his eyes brimmed with humor and a smile tugged at the corner of his delicious mouth.

"Don't be offended. I did actually choose you," she blurted before forgetting her cool, calm, and confident aim.

"So you really thought you could violate me then run?"

"That was my plan, yes," she said with a confidence she didn't quite feel, especially as she was distracted by the thumb lightly stroking her wrist.

"And I didn't even try to play hard to get. Guess you got lucky."

"Or maybe you did," she countered without thought, mortified as a blush warmed her cheeks at his responding grin.

"Tell me, do you like to be dared?"

Her eyes widened at the loaded question. "I…I find a challenge hard to resist."

"Damn good thing I'm a challenge."
Beachwalk Press Buy Link





A devourer of books from an early age, I spent much of my childhood stepping into wardrobes, searching for that magical snowy world where conversing with animals would be expected. When I wasn't searching for those worlds, I wrote about them instead. My first step into the world of romance was when I stole sneak peeks into my nana's books. I'm still in that world and refuse to leave.

I live in Staffordshire, UK, with my husband and three wonderful children. An avid reader and writer of romance, I strongly believe that words make the world go around.
Author Links:   Site   Twitter   Facebook 



Tour Dates September 16th  - October 2nd
This Tour is for Spotlights only.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Short Story Review - Cawing Crows and Baying Hounds by Dorothy L. Abrams




Even though Elspet and Callum were thrown together by the politics of family, she loves him with a passion she never thought possible.

When she sees his life threatened by thieves in the night, she and a squire race to defend him and her brother Alec. This brush with death raises their passion for each other and once they are alone in the little room under the eaves at Brackenbyre Inn, what begins as their own loving making transcends all possibilities when they are joined by Chu Chulain and the Morrigan in a night of love no one will forget.

 Where to Buy

 Amazon          Barnes & Noble         Smashwords          Goodreads



 About this autho
r


  
I am an avid reader and addicted writer. I write non fiction about Goddess spirituality and fiction about 12th century witches as real women or about historical women who rose above the allowed possibilities.

I start things like a domestic violence intervention program, a sexual assault victims response program and a pagan church. Then I train people to run them so I can go on to the next thing.

I am the mother of too many cats, well qualified to be a crazy cat lady except it is my partner Eric that is responsible for all these furry creatures. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)




My Thoughts  

Cawing Crows and Baying Hounds is a brilliantly depicted historical novella set in 12th century England. When Elspet's lover is attacked, she finds the spirit of the Morrigan has overtaken her and gives her the strength to help save his life. Later, as the two lay in bed, again the Morrigan visits them, this time accompanied by her immortal lover Chu Chulain.  This delightful short story has a lot of action and some pretty spicy scenes packed into only a few short pages. It also offered a new take on the Morrigan, one of my favorite deities. If you enjoy historical shorts or a good paranormal romance, Cawing Crows and Baying Hounds would make a wonderful edition to your library.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Short Story Review: Call Me Havoc by Tinnekke Bebout





What happens when the child of two free spirits meets and finds love with the most unlikely of goddesses?

 Where to Buy

Amazon       Barnes & Noble      Smashwords       Goodreads





About the Author

 Born and raised in the midwest, Tinnekke Bebout grew up slowly finding her voice as a writer. Her first non-academic assays into the art involved poetry she created while still in high school as well as her first attempt at a novel. Since leaving academia as a young woman, she has found her creative voice mostly through the genres of poetry and essays. She has recently made a foray back into the short fiction realm and is planning a novel, which she hopes to have ready by the middle of summer 2013.


Connect With Tinnekke

Face book
Goodreads
Website


My Thoughts 

Call Me Havoc is the romantic tale of an unlikely couple. It starts off from the perspective of Havoc, the son of a goddess, who tells us the interesting tale of how his parents met. Its all starts with a pair of peace loving hippies who find love. Their son is raised to see things a little differently than the average boy, but he never imagined a goddess would take an interest in him. Appearing to him first as a child, the two grow up together and share a love that is filled with wonder.  Beautifully written with lovable characters, Call Me Havoc is a fun, quick read that reminds us there is a little magic in everyone.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Book Tour & Giveaway - Two Brothers: Origin by Sofia Diana Gabel

Two Brothers: Origin (A Ramtalan Trilogy)

Genre: YA What teenage boy doesn’t want to fit in and have friends? That’s what Argus Dachel, 17, wants more than anything, but because he’s half alien, and a New Breed, that’s not as easy as it seems. And it sure doesn’t help that he and his brother, Tai, are being pursued by a secret government agency. To top it off, now in their senior year at public high school, both boys risk exposure when Argus uses his extraordinary strength to defend himself against the school bully, falls for 16 year-old Lola and then learns that New Breeds are set for extermination by another group of hostile aliens. As government agent Max Jackson gets close to discovering the brothers’ identity and the hostile alien forces close in, what chance do Argus and Tai have of survival?

Buy on Amazon | B&N

 

About the Author:

Born in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Gabel now lives in the United States with her family and hairless Sphynx cats. She has dabbled in several careers, including archaeology and wildlife biology, but writing is her true passion. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno, obtaining two bachelor degrees and has taken additional courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Ventura College in Ventura, California, and is currently enrolled in graduate school for archaeology. Like writing, learning is a part of her life. She is a multi-genre writer, with a historical romantic suspense novel, a women’s fiction novel and a science fiction novella recently published, as well as several short stories published online and in print. Her latest novel is Two Brothers: Origin, A Ramtalan Trilogy, a young adult science fiction novel. Her favorite quote paraphrased from Sir Francis Bacon: Knowledge is Power. Follow on FaceBook | Twitter | Website | Character's FaceBook Follow the Book Tour Prize is a $25 gift card Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Six Times A Charm Boxed Set Release Day and Promo Blast #Giveaway

Six Fantastic Books All In One!

Haunted on Bourbon Street-
Jade loves her new apartment-until a ghost joins her in the shower. When empath Jade Calhoun moves into an apartment above a strip bar on Bourbon Street, she expects life to get interesting. What she doesn't count on is making friends with an exotic dancer, attracting a powerful spirit, and developing feelings for Kane, her sexy landlord. Being an empath has never been easy on Jade's relationships. It's no wonder she keeps her gift a secret. But when the ghost moves from spooking Jade, to terrorizing Pyper, the dancer, it's up to Jade to use her unique ability to save her. Except she'll need Kane's help-and he's betrayed her with a secret of his own-to do it. Can she find a way to trust him and herself before Pyper is lost?
The Accidental Demon Slayer-
New York Times bestselling series! It's never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that's just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she's seen it all, Lizzie learns she's a demon slayer-and all hell is after her. Of course that's not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin, needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you've never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn't work how dangerous could a little seduction be...?
Carpe Demon-
Retired demon hunter Kate Connor must go back to work when she spots a demon lurking in the local Wal-Mart. But she'd better not arouse suspicion. This kind of thing could really hurt her husband's political career.
Girls Guide to Witchcraft-
Which is more unlikely? Meeting a single, straight, reasonably attractive, willing-to-commit man? Or discovering a secret cache of magic books? For good-girl Jane Madison, neither has a shot in hell of coming true -- until the day she finds a hidden room . . . Now she's done a bit of experimenting and found a spell that makes her irresistible to men -- even those who have previously ignored her. And another that turns a cat into her witch's familiar (a snarky, critical, self-absorbed man -- pretty much a typical male). Though her impulsive acts of magic have brought a warder (sexy, grouchy, elusive and determined to stop her from using magic) down on her, Jane's not willing to let go of this fantastic new life. Though she wonders about having things that aren't "real," she's having too much fun to stop. After all, no one ever said being a witch was easy.
How to Date a Werewolf-
Romance can be a hairy business--especially when you're a werewolf. As the owner of Get a Mate Dating Service, Rylie is more than happy to step in and lend a hand to lonely lycanthropic hearts all over town. No matter how hopeless Rylie might be in finding her own soul mate, she has a knack for helping others find theirs. Convinced that she is stuck with a family curse, Rylie is positive she will never find her true love. But when drool-worthy Jack Chandler shows up at her door, Rylie wonders if maybe the curse is finally broken. But Rylie's life is about to become complicated courtesy of the after-dark crowd. When she begins receiving strange notes and harassment from a jilted client, events careen out of control. Jack knows she's more hassle than he can handle. What he doesn't know is whether she's seriously in trouble . . . or simply delusional.
Easy Bake Coven-
For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated. A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible. This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.

Buy on Amazon | B&N | Kobo

The authors are giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of the box set.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free & Cheap e-Books Giveaway


E-Reading on the Cheap offers free and cheap ($3.99 and less) ebooks daily to your email.
To celebrate our Grand Re-Opening we teamed up with some awesome authors to give you a great giveaway.
One Lucky e-reading on the cheap subscriber will get a Verso Prologue eReader Cover

Three Lucky eReading on the Cheap Subscribers will receive $25 Amazon Gift Cards!

Sign up to get Cheap and Free Ebooks from e-Reading on the Cheap
 
Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner
  Our Sponsors - Free and Cheap Ebooks

Free

 

$0.99

$2.99

Tangled Up In TroubleDefying Fate

$3.99

A Destined DeathKiss Me HelloCuspianCry me a river]
Support these authors and fill out the form below to enter. The giveaway is open to US residents for the ereader cover and the Giftcards are open INTERNATIONALLY or where you can use them
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight - X5 by Diana Stager







Blurb
Being a socially awkward geek with anger management issues has made Travis Armstrong an outcast, but on top of that, he has visions of the future. Not that he can tell anyone, except in an anonymous online forum. When he takes a chance and meets with another group member, he winds up at The Bunker, where everyone is like him, and where, finally, he feels like he belongs.
Tara Gage has been at The Bunker since she was thirteen years old. Even among the residents there, she’s unique, and her special talents lead her to discover that The Bunker is not the safe haven it seems to be. She’s determined to escape and get back to her family.
When they each have visions of the other’s death, Travis and Tara know they have to run. With their captors desperate to get them back, they must rely on each other to get away before their visions become reality.




Excerpt
My foot jiggled in time to the song running through my head as I waited for my turn at the polygraphs. Travis was nowhere to be seen, and I was glad of that. Or that's what I told myself whenever I became aware of my disappointment at not seeing him. He drove me crazy, and really didn't seem at all exceptional, but a growing part of me didn't care about that, and just longed to be near him. Disgusted with myself, I tried to think of something else.
My thoughts were cut short when Travis and Mike entered the hallway, both looking upset about something. Their friendship puzzled me. I know Mike was trying to prod Travis into being more of a leader than a loner, but as far as I was concerned, it wasn't working. He was too introverted, too willing to follow along with what the rest of us were doing, or else go off by himself. Both of them sent anxious glances my way, setting me on edge, and just as I stood to go talk to them, the attendant called my name. Casting a last look their way, I turned and entered the polygraph room.
I tried to get through it as quickly as I could so I could find out why Mike had looked so worried. Of course, because I was in a hurry, things took twice as long as normal, and every second wasted irritated the crap out of me. By the time I returned to the hall, Mike was nowhere to be seen, and Travis was pacing back and forth. It seemed I had no choice but to talk to him.
Taking huge strides, I made it to Travis's side quickly and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned, I hesitated for just a moment when my eyes locked with his, my stomach fluttering. Pull it together, Tara! I took a breath and then said, "What's up with Mike?"
Travis's eyes darted around and he turned to look over each shoulder before giving me a weird look. "Not much," he said finally, though he seemed to be trying to communicate something with his eyes. I frowned, and watched as his eyes widened, then darted to the side, his eyebrows lifting and then drawing together. What the hell? I shrugged and shook my head. Whatever he was trying to tell me wasn't coming across at all. He sighed and opened his mouth to say something else when something behind me caught his attention.
Turning, I saw a couple of armed security guards rushing into the polygraph room Mike had gone in. Remembering Cam, a band tightened around my stomach as my heart began to pound. Security only came to the polygraph rooms for one reason, and my fears were confirmed a moment later when they exited, holding Mike in between them.
"Mike!" I screamed, leaping forward to try to get to him. They couldn't be taking him away! What had he seen? My efforts to reach his side were blocked when Travis grabbed me from behind and wrapped his long arms around me. "Travis, let me go! Let me go!" I struggled against his grip, but it was like iron and I was getting nowhere. Lifting one foot, I kicked backward and connected with his shin. I heard him swear, but he didn't loosen his hold on me.
"Tara, stop," he whispered in my ear. "He knew this was going to happen."
I ignored him and screamed after Mike again. The security team nearly had him to the entrance to the administrative section of The Bunker. "No!" I yelled. "No, you can't take him! Mike!"
His eyes were full of pain when he turned to look at me one last time. I saw his mouth form the words, "I love you." And then the door slammed closed behind him. Hot tears streamed down my cheeks, my heart ached, and though my throat was raw and sore, I couldn't stop screaming. Travis wouldn't let me go no matter how hard I pulled against him. My squirming and wiggling wasn't doing any good, but I couldn't stop. The rational part of my brain knew that Mike was gone and nothing I did would help, but at the same time if I didn't try, I'd be giving up.
Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my arm and when I turned my head, I saw one of the infirmary staff standing with a syringe in her hand. I tried to say something to her, but the edges of my vision were going fuzzy, and then everything went dark.




Author Bio
Diana Stager never met a book she didn’t like. An avid reader from a very early age, she discovered she loved writing her own stories down. She dreamed of being able to write a book, but more sensible ambitions shoved that dream onto the back burner. Over the years, she dabbled with the written word, but always had difficulty finding the right story. Then, one day the light bulb went on, an idea was born, and the rest is history (so cliché but so true).
Diana lives in Cambridge, Ontario in a house full of books. In the space that’s left, are her husband of 13 years, two children, and a cat, all of whom are adorable. She used to have a creepy fish, but sadly, he now swims in the big tank in the sky. She’s an elementary school teacher, who loves music and art.
Website: www.DianaStager.com       Facebook         Twitter
Buy Links:  Evernight Teen             Amazon         


The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a $25 Amazon GC. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight - Three Days at The Lake by Lori Beth Johnson

he Lake by Lori Beth Johnson

Genre: Romance



Amanda and Nick were the all-American couple with a perfect little family. Yet, nothing could have prepared them for the ultimate tragedy that struck and tore their family apart. 

Years later they are forced to face each other and what happened on that gut-wrenching day. Can blame and guilt be overcome? Can a dormant love heal old wounds? For Nick and Amanda, it is the only chance they’ve got.





Excerpt: 

Amanda stood at the window watching Nick at the dock. He'd been out in a canoe and now simply sat with his feet dangling, throwing rocks into the lake. She grabbed a light jacket and walked outside to join him.

"Having fun?" She sat, but bent her knees to keep her feet on the dock.

He didn't look at her as he picked up some more rocks. "Sure, just passing the time, I guess."

She nodded. "It's almost like we're prisoners here."

"Tell me about it." He threw another rock so hard that the water splashed around their feet.

"You really do not want to be here with me, do you?"

"I just don't see the point."

"I don't either, but Jake must have thought there was one."

"I'm sure that he thought we'd talk all weekend, maybe make up."

"Make up? We didn't break up. We got divorced." She reached up and tucked her brown straight locks behind her ears so that they would stop blowing in her face.

"Don't you think I know that?"

"Well, the way you made it sound…."

"I was just saying what Jake did, or what I thought he did." He sighed. "Hell, I don't know."

"You really think that's what he wanted?"

"Why else would he want us to do this?" She shrugged and he went on. "This place was special to us."
"Yeah. He let us use it for our honeymoon weekend so we didn't have to spend a lot of money that we'd need for the baby."
"Jake was a good guy."
"He really was. And we did have a great honeymoon." She grinned. "In spite of my baby bump."

Nick closed his eyes and squeezed before blinking them back open. "We did, and that baby bump was adorable."

She touched her flat stomach and an old ache settled there. "We were so happy then."

"Funny how things change."

"Funny?"

"Ironic, maybe. It's just weird how one event can turn your whole world upside down and change everything."

"I know." She stood. "I've got bread baking so I better get back inside."

"See you later."

"Sure."


If Lori Beth had to choose one word to describe herself, it would be dreamer. Beginning with the daydreams of her youth, she has spent her life spinning stories of love and family. After spending many years on a winding career path that began in retail management and included three-fun years teaching middle school English, Lori Beth decided to get serious with this thing called writing. She now works part-time in higher education student services so that she can devote as much time as possible to her craft.
Lori Beth has a B.S. in Elementary Education and is ever so slowly pursuing a M.A. in European History. She is a fervent believer in lifelong learning that can, but doesn't have to, include formal education. Music is her muse, books are her passion, and she is an avid sports fan. Go Colts! Go Reds!
Family, friendships, and social issues are central to her character-driven stories. Sometimes steamy, sometimes sweet, and often set in small towns, her tales will surely find a way into your heart.
Lori Beth and her husband reside in southern Indiana and have three children: two sons in college and one daughter in high school.

  Author Links: Site  Facebook 


Join Lori Beth Johnson on September 28th as we do a live chat at 5 PM EST at Crimson Frost Books Discussion Group

Book Blast September 25th

Monday, September 23, 2013

Book Spotlight - If You Want Me by Tara Mills



An irresistible woman. An undeniable proposal.
Even the unthinkable can sound reasonable when you mix alcohol, sexual frustration, and a bachelorette party—especially a bold proposition. Now in the light of day, Naomi’s hung over, horrified, and anxious about facing this complicated man again and the unexplored feelings their encounter brought with it.
She called, he came, but Ryan didn't exactly conquer. Is it too much to hope that Naomi will give him a do-over? She can’t avoid him, not when he’s walking her down the aisle. But who ever heard of a bridesmaid getting cold feet? 
Excerpt:

 “I really need to get laid,” slurred Naomi, sagging drunkenly against her friend Becky.

The entire table fell silent and stared at her. Every squeal over the upcoming honeymoon, every gush over the bridal gown came to a screeching halt.

Becky turned on her, aghast, then shoved Naomi upright in her chair again. “What the hell?” she hissed under her breath.

Naomi scrunched up her brow, perplexed as she weaved and wobbled, trying to focus on all the faces swimming in front of her. The female half of tomorrow’s wedding party. Each of them decked out and tarted up for tonight’s bachelorette blow-out.

“What?” Naomi asked, stupefied by the wide eyes directed her way. “It’s been six months. Six damn months!” she added in a woeful tone. “Who wouldn’t have boner on the brain?”

Two of the women across the table started to laugh behind their hands, but Becky shot to her feet anyway and grabbed Naomi’s arm, hauling her up too.

“Sorry about this.” Becky gave Melissa, the bride, a pained and apologetic smile. “I think someone’s had one too many appletinis.”

Becky grabbed both purses and slipped them over her arm and dragged Naomi through the crowded club and out to the sidewalk. She caught the eye of the first valet she saw and handed him the ticket. He dashed off to get their car.

“He’s kinda cute,” said Naomi, swaying on her heels, her eyes fixed on his back as he disappeared into the night.

Becky gritted her teeth. “Would you stop?”

“Stop what?” Naomi blinked, nonplussed.

“The horny talk. It’s embarrassing.”

Naomi frowned. “Is it? I’m sorry. I just need sex. I really want it, Beck. I want it bad.”

“So I gather. No alcohol for you tomorrow.”

That comment earned a snort. “Who cares about alcohol?”

“It makes you weird.”

“Don’t I know it!” Naomi nodded sagely. “Beck, I’m getting the strangest ideas.”

“Yeah, I noticed.” Their car pulled up and Becky caught hold of Naomi’s upper arm and steered her to the curb. A second valet came forward to open the passenger door while the first man got out and waited for Becky on the driver’s side.

Naomi gave the guy holding her door a sweet smile and cupped his ass before dropping gracelessly into the passenger seat. One of her shoes fell to the pavement next to the car. The guy bent down and picked it up. He had a funny little smile going, and if she wasn’t totally mistaken, he was chuckling.

“Like Cinderella!” Naomi laughed when he handed it to her then stuck her bare foot out the open door at him. “Don’t you want to put it on me?”

Becky snapped at her from the driver’s side, “Naomi! Shut the hell up and let the guy close your door.”

Naomi snickered and rolled her eyes at the valet, making a joke of her uptight friend. “Guess it’s time to go.”

He closed her in with a nod and a wink. She gave him a little wave that he returned as Becky pulled into traffic.

“Who are you, and what have you done with my friend?” Becky asked, blowing her bangs out of her eyes.

“She’s in here somewhere.” Naomi drooped onto her door and squinted at the strobing lights coming right at them. “Did you notice Ryan at dinner earlier tonight?”

Becky glanced sharply at her friend. “Is that what this is all about?”

“Hmm?”

“Never mind. Let’s get you home, dump a ton of water into you, and put you to bed. You need to be in good shape by tomorrow afternoon or Melissa’s mom is going to kill you, and Melissa is going to be the one handing her the cake knife she’ll use.”

Naomi laughed as she pictured the mother-of-the-bride wielding the special cake knife with color coordinated ribbons fluttering from the handle.

“That’s not gonna happen,” she assured Becky.

“Of course it’s not. Because you’re going home and I’m putting you to bed.”

Naomi gave a deep and disappointed sigh. “Party pooper.”

“And whose fault is that?”

Naomi shrugged then drifted off to sleep. She didn’t revive until the car pulled in front of her duplex.

“We’re here.” Becky gave her shoulder a shake. “Wake up. Are you awake?”

“Yeah.” Naomi blinked and rubbed her temple. “Where’s my purse?”

“On the floor, by your feet.” Becky hopped out and walked around the car. “Come on, let’s get you inside.”

“I’ve got it.” She shoved her shoulder against the door and nearly tumbled out. Luckily Becky was there in time to haul her back before she did a face plant on the driveway. “Thank you.”

Beck held out her hand. “Give me your damn purse. There’s no way you’re going to be able to unlock the front door yourself.”

Naomi didn’t argue. She took another stab at getting out and managed to close the car door without catching any body parts in it. Weaving on her feet, she clomped up the driveway, her gait even more ridiculous because she was still holding the one shoe the valet had given her at the club.

Becky had already gotten the door open and the inside lights turned on by the time Naomi made it up the three concrete steps, grabbing hold of the wrought iron banister to keep from staggering backwards on her way up.

“Should I brew a pot of coffee?” Becky asked, coming back from putting Naomi’s purse in her room.
Naomi yawned and mussed up her hair, destroying all the hard work she’d put into getting the big silky curls just right earlier that evening. “No, I can manage. Thanks for bringing me home.”

“Should I stay?”

“No. I’ll be fine.”

Becky eyed her skeptically. “You’re sure? You weren’t yourself tonight.”

Naomi covered her eyes with both hands and expelled a big alcohol infused breath. “I know, Beck,” she peered out, pouting at her friend. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you tonight.”

“I guess we all have our off days. This was yours. I’ll get over it. It’s not like you do this kind of thing, well ... ever.” Becky laughed and came over, giving Naomi a hug goodnight. “So I’ll see you in the morning?”

“At brunch.”

“Eleven. Don’t forget to set your alarm. Something tells me you’re going to need it.”

“I got it. I got it.”

Becky kissed her on the cheek, uncertainty in her eyes as she peered at Naomi one last time. “You sure I shouldn’t stay?”

“Very sure.”

“Then I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sounds good.”

Naomi limped to the door and locked it behind her friend. As soon as Becky had backed out of the driveway, Naomi kicked off her lone shoe, raced to her bedroom, and dumped the contents of her purse onto the bedspread.

“Oh yeah!” she cheered. Grabbing the phone, she went immediately to the wedding party contact sheet on her dresser and followed down the line of ushers for Ryan’s name.

He answered after two rings. Even tipsy she could hear the question in his voice. “Naomi?”

“Yes. Where are you?”

“At the bachelor party. Why?”

“Here’s the thing. I know you had a problem with me dating Sam. You were his friend and I created a lot of tension between you two. I get it. But I’m guessing some of that attitude was just bullshit. I caught you.”
“You caught me?”

“Yes, I caught you; watching me, looking at me. I could tell you were covering.”

“What’s this all about, Naomi? What’s your point?”

“If you want me, I’m yours. I’m putting on sexy lingerie right now. You have fifteen minutes to get here. You know the address.”

Naomi cut the call and eased open the top drawer of her dresser.




I write stories I like to read--contemporary romances with identifiable characters and themes.  Life is hard.  Love makes it bearable. If you enjoy stories with heat and humor, I have a title for you.
I'm a pampered wife, lucky mom to three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law, and I recently became a very young grandma. I should probably underline the word very.  Oh heck, why not the word young too?  Nah, you get the picture.  I'm also the daily monitor of one naughty dog with attitude.

Author Links:  Site    Facebook      Twitter


Join Tara Mills on September 28th at 5PM EST over on facebook at Crimson Frost Books Discussion Group for a live chat.


Tara Mills is giving away 5 copies of If You Want Me. 






Tour Dates September 23rd - October 4th
This Tour is for Spotlights only!



September 23


September 24th - October 4th

9/24 - Bookworm's Bridgette World
9/25 - Kristy Centeno
9/26 - Corey's Book Reviews
9/27 - Sexy Between the Covers
9/30- Rose & Beps Blog

10/1 - Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
10/2 - Find Your Next Read
10/3 - A Little Fiction of Every Flavour
10/3 - Indy Book Fairy
10/3 - P.T. Macias
10/3 - Musing From An Addicted Reader
10/4 - Viari Rose