This week I'm participating in Book Boyfriends Cafe's Hot for Friday! Today I'm sharing a Hot and Bothered excerpt from one of my Book Boyfriends with you today! Here's Colin from Beneath the Surface at one of my favorite times he was Hot and Bothered:
The door to the bathroom swung open, and Emma stood posed in the frame, one arm draped up over her head along the wood, the other resting on her cocked hip. It would have been innocent enough if she hadn’t been wearing the short skirt and button-down shirt they’d picked up at the emporium. Colin pressed Play on the remote control before all the blood rushed from his head and left him stupid.
One step and he was in serious trouble.
Not only did she look different, she walked differently. As if someone had dialed up the sensuality level on her movements. Normally she had a slight sway to her hips that flowed down her legs, creating a womanly swing that sent him humming. Now she strutted, exaggerating her hips with an almost twist that accentuated the toned muscles of her bare legs.
And the heels. Oh. My. God. What they did to her walk.
He almost asked her to turn around so he could see what they did for her ass, but figured he didn’t want his head to explode…yet.
Heat crept up his spine, and his heartbeat went into overdrive. As his gaze slid up over her incredible assets, he met her hooded gaze. The breath stopped in his throat.
It was the same look she’d had while they were having sex. His body responded to the instant flash of memories. Lips open as if they were panting, eyes mysterious and heavy-lidded. She stared straight at him as she advanced to the beat of the music, not looking away or over him as he’d expected her to.
She walked straight to the chair opposite him and swung a leg out to straddle it, facing away. The remote dropped to the floor at the flash of the curve of her ass cheek and the garter holding up her sheer stockings.
He bit his lip to keep from groaning. His only wish was that she’d sat on him instead.
Her body moved and twisted to the sensuous rhythm of the music, her hips gliding back and forth as if she pleasured herself on the chair. Breath bellowed through Colin’s chest.
Holy shit. This woman had no need for training. Two seconds and she had him ready to shoot his load without even a touch. He didn’t look away from the movement on the lower half of her body, begging in his mind for the skirt to rise enough to give him another glimpse of her ass. It didn’t until she stood, swinging herself around to face him in one fluid movement.
BENEATH THE SURFACE
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret gathering exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin sister, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Don't forget to check out these other Book Boyfriends at the Cafe!
BENEATH THE SURFACE is available at Amazon and B&N.
The door to the bathroom swung open, and Emma stood posed in the frame, one arm draped up over her head along the wood, the other resting on her cocked hip. It would have been innocent enough if she hadn’t been wearing the short skirt and button-down shirt they’d picked up at the emporium. Colin pressed Play on the remote control before all the blood rushed from his head and left him stupid.
One step and he was in serious trouble.
Not only did she look different, she walked differently. As if someone had dialed up the sensuality level on her movements. Normally she had a slight sway to her hips that flowed down her legs, creating a womanly swing that sent him humming. Now she strutted, exaggerating her hips with an almost twist that accentuated the toned muscles of her bare legs.
And the heels. Oh. My. God. What they did to her walk.
He almost asked her to turn around so he could see what they did for her ass, but figured he didn’t want his head to explode…yet.
Heat crept up his spine, and his heartbeat went into overdrive. As his gaze slid up over her incredible assets, he met her hooded gaze. The breath stopped in his throat.
It was the same look she’d had while they were having sex. His body responded to the instant flash of memories. Lips open as if they were panting, eyes mysterious and heavy-lidded. She stared straight at him as she advanced to the beat of the music, not looking away or over him as he’d expected her to.
She walked straight to the chair opposite him and swung a leg out to straddle it, facing away. The remote dropped to the floor at the flash of the curve of her ass cheek and the garter holding up her sheer stockings.
He bit his lip to keep from groaning. His only wish was that she’d sat on him instead.
Her body moved and twisted to the sensuous rhythm of the music, her hips gliding back and forth as if she pleasured herself on the chair. Breath bellowed through Colin’s chest.
Holy shit. This woman had no need for training. Two seconds and she had him ready to shoot his load without even a touch. He didn’t look away from the movement on the lower half of her body, begging in his mind for the skirt to rise enough to give him another glimpse of her ass. It didn’t until she stood, swinging herself around to face him in one fluid movement.
BENEATH THE SURFACE
Too many secrets…
Hidden in a quiet town along the Tennessee border, a secret gathering exists where the privileged fulfill their darkest desires. One of their members initiates a desperate act designed to bring home his lifelong obsession: Emma Hartwell.
A past not forgotten…
Drawn back to her hometown by the psychic connection with her twin sister, Emma must fight the stubborn silence of those around her in her quest to find her missing sister. Colin McIntyre hopes to make up for his past mistakes with Emma by helping her, but his own ties to the Gathering might be exposed along the way.
Time is running out…
Exposure could be dangerous for his family, along with himself and Emma. Can they fight the secrets and lies to rescue Emma’s sister… and their own chance at life-long love?
Don't forget to check out these other Book Boyfriends at the Cafe!
BENEATH THE SURFACE is available at Amazon and B&N.
As you all know, we've had some unusually wintry weather here in the southern US this year. And we're moving into our spring season, which always brings a ton of rainy days. There's nothing I love better on a cold, wet day than soup of some kind. Something about soups and stews warms me from the inside out. Comfort food.
A friend recently raved about a chicken chili recipe she regularly made for family and after trying it myself, she should rave some more!
This recipe made a full big crockpot for less than $20, not including spices – most of which I had on hand already. There was enough soup for me to feed two families and send leftovers home with everyone. In addition to the toppings listed, we served chips and salsa, and cornbread – this is the south, after all. Add a crockpot bags, and clean it was a breeze. I hope you enjoy.
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
8 cans White Northern beans
1.5 quarts chicken broth
2 to 3 onions, chopped
3 teaspoons garlic salt
8 oz. green chilies, chopped
3 teaspoons each ground cumin, oregano, coriander
Pinch each of ground cloves and cayenne pepper
Half teaspoon creole seasoning
10 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cooked and diced—I just put in a whole package, which was about 6 large)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese and green onions, chopped
Combine beans, broth, garlic and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Heat oil in skillet; add onions and cook until clear. Add chilies and spices, mixing thoroughly. Cook 20 minutes more, then add to bean mixture. Add chicken. Simmer another 20 minutes.
Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with cheese and green onions (or whatever toppings you prefer).
A friend recently raved about a chicken chili recipe she regularly made for family and after trying it myself, she should rave some more!
This recipe made a full big crockpot for less than $20, not including spices – most of which I had on hand already. There was enough soup for me to feed two families and send leftovers home with everyone. In addition to the toppings listed, we served chips and salsa, and cornbread – this is the south, after all. Add a crockpot bags, and clean it was a breeze. I hope you enjoy.
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
8 cans White Northern beans
1.5 quarts chicken broth
2 to 3 onions, chopped
3 teaspoons garlic salt
8 oz. green chilies, chopped
3 teaspoons each ground cumin, oregano, coriander
Pinch each of ground cloves and cayenne pepper
Half teaspoon creole seasoning
10 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cooked and diced—I just put in a whole package, which was about 6 large)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese and green onions, chopped
Combine beans, broth, garlic and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Heat oil in skillet; add onions and cook until clear. Add chilies and spices, mixing thoroughly. Cook 20 minutes more, then add to bean mixture. Add chicken. Simmer another 20 minutes.
Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with cheese and green onions (or whatever toppings you prefer).
Photos used with permission from Wikimedia
Onion photo from Jonathunder
We have some unusual weather here in the southern US recently. Our winter storms usually consist of 1 to 2 inches of snow that shut the city roads down for a day or so. This past week we got 8 inches of snow! Once it started coming down, roads were impassable in about an hour. Schools closed – even my evil day job closed (which never happens).
Was I excited? Yes! About the snow? Well, it was pretty, so yes. But I was more excited about the time off.
Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn't nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he's born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here's why:
1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)
2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it's catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.
3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don't do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.
[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
It's a Reader Snowman![/caption]
That's just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!
Dani
Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn't nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he's born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here's why:
1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)
2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it's catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.
3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don't do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.
[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
It's a Reader Snowman![/caption]
That's just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!
Dani
Music provides a large amount of inspiration for me. I listen to music a lot, and often wake up with a song playing in my head. (I just hope it's one that doesn't annoy me. Nothing worse than a bad ear worm!)
Every one of my books has a theme song or playlist. I use them to zero in on a particular character’s motivation or state of mind. Music also sets the mood for certain scenes or conversations.
Recently I ran into a snag with Nate's book (Backstage Pass Book 4) and realized that the heroine, Sara, didn't have her own song. So I started going through my music. Usually, I'll run across something that will just click, and I know it's right.
But nothing came up for Sara. Then one morning, I woke up with a song running through my head – one I hadn't heard in many years, but I instantly knew it was Sara’s theme.
http://youtu.be/bhWEI6-_w9E
Love this! Not slow or sad. Even though Sara’s past has granted her the right to be those things, she chooses to focus on the present. Working hard and enjoying life – preferably with the man who has treated her like a little sister for years. Here's hoping she gets him for an eternity, not just the weekend that he's offering.
What's your favorite "old school" song?
Dani
Recently I ran into a snag with Nate's book (Backstage Pass Book 4) and realized that the heroine, Sara, didn't have her own song. So I started going through my music. Usually, I'll run across something that will just click, and I know it's right.
But nothing came up for Sara. Then one morning, I woke up with a song running through my head – one I hadn't heard in many years, but I instantly knew it was Sara’s theme.
http://youtu.be/bhWEI6-_w9E
Love this! Not slow or sad. Even though Sara’s past has granted her the right to be those things, she chooses to focus on the present. Working hard and enjoying life – preferably with the man who has treated her like a little sister for years. Here's hoping she gets him for an eternity, not just the weekend that he's offering.
What's your favorite "old school" song?
Dani
I'm about to embark on a treacherous adventure – one fraught with numerous areas of danger and opportunity for failure. Will I come out the other side triumphant – or not?
I'm instituting a Day of Rest.
I know it sounds melodramatic (well, I am a fiction author, after all), but I really am worried this might be something I can't stick to.
You see, over the past year, I've learned something about myself: I'm a workaholic. I will spend all day on the weekend in front of a computer – the sad thing is, I'm not always writing. As an author, there is always a push to do more in terms of promotion, outreach, and yes, getting more books on the shelves – yesterday, if not sooner.
Don't get me wrong. As an introvert, I'm surprised by how much I enjoy interacting with readers online. Planning special events is so much fun. Heck, even just thinking of things to make you smile, well, makes me smile. But an author’s online presence today can be time-consuming. Add in an Evil Day Job, husband, kids, and cats – not to mention all the characters clamoring for attention in my head… Exhausting.
The perfectionist in me won't let me stop. I'm afraid if I do, I'll never succeed. I'm also a little afraid that if I ever do stop, I won't be able to start again.
There's a problem, though. I'll let you in on an artistic secret: the busier an author is, the more stress and concern on an author’s mind, and those characters?
They Go Silent.
It's an author's worst nightmare. One I've experienced too often lately. Yes, I can push through and get stories to work – but why do that when I can prevent it in the first place?
Sounds easy, right? But I know myself too well. The siren call of the To Do list is loud, all encompassing sometimes. I'll have to build my resistance muscles. So if you don't hear from me on a Sunday, you'll know why.
Do you enforce a regular day of rest? What usually gets in your way? What do you do to "rest" and rejuvenate?
Dani
I know it sounds melodramatic (well, I am a fiction author, after all), but I really am worried this might be something I can't stick to.
You see, over the past year, I've learned something about myself: I'm a workaholic. I will spend all day on the weekend in front of a computer – the sad thing is, I'm not always writing. As an author, there is always a push to do more in terms of promotion, outreach, and yes, getting more books on the shelves – yesterday, if not sooner.
Don't get me wrong. As an introvert, I'm surprised by how much I enjoy interacting with readers online. Planning special events is so much fun. Heck, even just thinking of things to make you smile, well, makes me smile. But an author’s online presence today can be time-consuming. Add in an Evil Day Job, husband, kids, and cats – not to mention all the characters clamoring for attention in my head… Exhausting.
The perfectionist in me won't let me stop. I'm afraid if I do, I'll never succeed. I'm also a little afraid that if I ever do stop, I won't be able to start again.
There's a problem, though. I'll let you in on an artistic secret: the busier an author is, the more stress and concern on an author’s mind, and those characters?
They Go Silent.
It's an author's worst nightmare. One I've experienced too often lately. Yes, I can push through and get stories to work – but why do that when I can prevent it in the first place?
Sounds easy, right? But I know myself too well. The siren call of the To Do list is loud, all encompassing sometimes. I'll have to build my resistance muscles. So if you don't hear from me on a Sunday, you'll know why.
Do you enforce a regular day of rest? What usually gets in your way? What do you do to "rest" and rejuvenate?
Dani
This time I’m torturing straightlaced, uber planner Jacob Blackstone has his life mapped out… His detour with impulsive KC Gatlin was a wild aberration…until he found out that she gave birth to his child. #bookrelease
"I WANT MY SON."
When Jacob Blackstone sees his former flame holding a baby with the Blackstone blond curls, the Southern millionaire knows the child is his. But why would down-on-her-luck bartender KC Gatlin keep Jacob's heir a secret? Now the bachelor who wanted a family on his own terms must rush to convince the fiercely protective beauty he's daddy material.
KC must tell Jacob the truth about why she kept his son from him or risk losing her beloved baby. When the gorgeous mill owner suggests a trial run at domesticity, she can't resist. But is true love part of this baby deal?
Follow the journey of the founding family of Black Hills, South Carolina.
Amazon B&N Harlequin
"I WANT MY SON."
When Jacob Blackstone sees his former flame holding a baby with the Blackstone blond curls, the Southern millionaire knows the child is his. But why would down-on-her-luck bartender KC Gatlin keep Jacob's heir a secret? Now the bachelor who wanted a family on his own terms must rush to convince the fiercely protective beauty he's daddy material.
KC must tell Jacob the truth about why she kept his son from him or risk losing her beloved baby. When the gorgeous mill owner suggests a trial run at domesticity, she can't resist. But is true love part of this baby deal?
Follow the journey of the founding family of Black Hills, South Carolina.
Amazon B&N Harlequin
I'm working on Mill Town Millionaires Book 3, Luke and Avery's book. Bear with me while I dig in deep at the beginning and get this off to a good start.
This afternoon I'm hanging out with some cool authors to celebrate Ella Sheridan's new release, TRUST ME (Book 2 in her Southern Nights series). Join me and authors Ella Sheridan, Angel Payne, Sandra Owens, and Emma Leigh Reed for some good, old-fashioned, honky-tonk fun on Facebook! You can join the party here today from 12-2 CST.
Sis and I were having a texting meltdown after she'd had one of THOSE days. You know the kind. When everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Yeah, THOSE days.
These conversations make me feel kind of helpless, because there's not much I can say to help – and I feel like I should help. Without thinking, I finally told her to go online, and look at pictures from the place that she was vacationing at later this year. To imagine herself being there, and how much she was going to enjoy it.
[caption id="attachment_1003" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani in Dublin, Ireland park[/caption]
It wasn't until then that I realized I've been doing exactly the same thing for a month. I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted to go on a little weekend writing retreat, all by my lonesome, sometime this spring. While hubby was completely agreeable, the decision will rest on the same thing it always does – finances.
So I have no idea if I will get to go, but I've been searching online for hotels, places to eat, walking trails – and with each picture, I feel calm and happy.
That may be sad to some, but I consider it to be self–medicating — without the happy pill. I can take that trip any day. :)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Store in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
If you could take a virtual vacation anywhere at all, where would you go?
Dani
Dani in Dublin, Ireland park[/caption]
It wasn't until then that I realized I've been doing exactly the same thing for a month. I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted to go on a little weekend writing retreat, all by my lonesome, sometime this spring. While hubby was completely agreeable, the decision will rest on the same thing it always does – finances.
So I have no idea if I will get to go, but I've been searching online for hotels, places to eat, walking trails – and with each picture, I feel calm and happy.
That may be sad to some, but I consider it to be self–medicating — without the happy pill. I can take that trip any day. :)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Store in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
If you could take a virtual vacation anywhere at all, where would you go?
Dani
To me, there's nothing sexier than a man in pursuit of a woman. Jake has been craving KC for over a year. Now she's right in front of him, and he can't wait for another taste!
I hope you enjoy this My Sexy Saturday excerpt from THE BLACKSTONE HEIR, Mill Town Millionaires Book 2.
“Excuse me, guys.” Leaving his brothers staring after him, he made his way around tables to cross the room. They’d been in their corner for an hour while KC tended bar and she hadn’t looked directly at him a single time. Every second without that connection had itched below his skin until he couldn’t even concentrate on the conversation. He’d deliberately kept their relationship out of the local headlines, but Jacob was desperate enough to risk a little limelight right now.
Oh boy. His attitude made him very afraid he might step into stalker mode now that the possibility of seeing her around was very, very real. Some days, thoughts of KC had made him feel as if he was losing his mind.
He braced himself for KC’s special brand of sarcasm. Something that had been noticeably lacking this morning.
“Jake. What brings you in tonight?”
You. Jacob ground his teeth together. Not because the shortening of his name bothered him, but because hearing it said in KC Gatlin’s husky voice reminded him of evenings being soothed by her presence after an upsetting day with his mom. Reminded him of long nights between the sheets. Far too distant memories.
“Do I need a reason? Can’t I just enjoy the opportunity to watch a beautiful woman work the crowd?”
For the better part of a year, such a simple comment would have had her eyes sparkling, those full, naturally red lips tilting into a luscious smile, her mouth ready and willing to talk back. But not tonight.
“You never came to watch me before,” she said, then dropped her gaze to the bar and started scrubbing, leaving him bereft once more. So, she wasn’t gonna make this easy.
Available for pre-order on Amazon, B&N, and Harlequin.com. On the virtual shelves February 1st!