Archive for August, 2010
Love by Design
Love by Design by Jambrea Jo Jones releases today!
A Soldier can be programmed for war, but what about love?
Zeke Andrews and his band of soldiers volunteered to be experimented on by the government to help protect the world from an invading force of aliens.
Is there more to the programs implants than he thought?
An overwhelming urge fills his soul when he meets an intriguing woman.
Could it be science or love? Cassandra Dawson could have the answers. Is Zeke man enough to find them?
Jambrea is holding a contest to win a copy over by her blog. Go see!
Meet the Heat–Mari Carr
Rounding up our Meet the Heat summer is the prolific Mari Carr. Man, that woman has a huge backlist. And in such a short time too! I’ve had the pleasure of critiquing nearly all of Mari’s work and my favorite is Everything Nice.
Everything Nice is a stand-alone follow-up to Sugar and Spice (which was also awesome!!). Charlie wants Allie. Allie and Alex want each other—and Charlie. But does Charlie want Alex? Plunging headfirst into a ménage is one way to find out…
After Alex confesses to Allie that he wants both her and his best friend Charlie in his bed, Allie skips town like a thief in the night. Now, six years later, Allie is back in their lives, all grown up and more alluring than ever. What starts as a night of three friends catching up turns into intimate explorations in Charlie’s truck…and Alex’s shower…and his king-size bed…
While Alex and Allie are thrilled with the threesome, Charlie struggles with the idea of sharing Allie and with his newfound feelings for his best friend. A hot encounter at the office—with Alex bent over his desk—only confuses Charlie further. It’s up to Alex and Allie to convince him that two plus one can equal love.
And here’s an excerpt…
Copyright © MARI CARR, 2009
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.
“So, how long have you been in love with Anderson?” Taylor asked.
Allie turned to look at him briefly before letting her gaze drift back to the man in question. “Forever,” she confessed, the alcohol loosening her tongue. “How long have you been in love with him?”
Her question was nothing more than a taunt, a petty way to strike out against the man and she expected him to ignore her challenge, offer a flat out denial, call her a fool.
She’d only come to suspect Taylor’s feelings toward his best friend since they’d moved home from college. For some reason, after their return, she’d begun to watch Taylor as much as Anderson. A fact she couldn’t even begin to explain to herself as the man had been a thorn in her side for most of their childhood. To say they butted heads often was an understatement. Ginny had teased her about her volatile relationship with Taylor, once claiming that they were both too much alike.
She was surprised to hear his heavy sigh of resignation.
“How did you know?” he asked.
Allie offered him a light laugh, despite the fact her heart felt far from happy. “I’m not blind.”
Taylor nodded as if her answer were enough. “It would seem that blindness only affects Anderson.”
“He doesn’t know?”
Taylor chuckled, though the sound offered no mirth. “Never came up in conversation.”
“In twelve years?”
“He’s not gay, Allie.”
She raised her eyebrows at his words. “I wouldn’t have said you were either, if your list of female conquests was any indication.”
“You’re right. I’m not gay,” he admitted. He turned away from watching Anderson and moved closer to her. His intent gaze, while making her uneasy, drew her toward him like a moth to a flame.
“Care to explain that statement?” she asked, the alcohol in her system making her say things she’d never have had the nerve to voice otherwise.
“Ever heard the term bisexual?” he replied sarcastically.
She scowled, but before she could chastise him for being such a smartass, he grinned at her and ran his hand down her cheek in a more-than friendly way. “Allie, I love women too. I love being with women, making love to them, tasting and touching them.”
“But you’ve been with men as well?”
“A couple in college,” he confessed.
“Neither of them stole your heart?” she asked, silently wondering why it felt so natural to be having this far-from-normal conversation with a man she’d always suspected detested her.
“My heart’s not available,” he answered simply.
“It belongs to Anderson?”
Taylor glanced back at his friend. “He’s the only man I’ve ever truly found myself attracted to—in a forever kind of way. I can’t help wondering what it would be like to be with him.”
She nodded. “Well, that certainly explains why you hate me. I never realized it before, but I suppose I’m the competition.”
Taylor’s eyebrows lowered, furrowed. “I don’t hate you, Allie. I never have.”
Allie was surprised by his answer. “But I thought—”
“Allie,” Taylor interrupted, moving closer to her. “You aren’t the competition. You’re part of the equation.”
Before she could respond, his lips lowered to hers, taking them in a kiss that was gentle and hard at the same time, tentative and possessive in the same breath.
She tried to understand what was happening but the alcohol left her brain feeling fuzzy, while Taylor’s kisses and roving hands left her body feeling very warm.
When he pulled back, Allie opened her eyes. “I’m drunk. And confused,” she admitted, and Taylor laughed, drawing his finger softly down her cheek again.
“Soon, hellion. Soon it’ll all work out. You’ll see.” And with that enigmatic comment, Taylor got up and walked around the bonfire, joining in the conversation with Travers and Anderson.
Allie took a deep breath and struggled to understand what had just happened. She looked around at the other people at the party. No one seemed to have noticed Taylor kissing her, everyone engrossed in their own conversations.
What the hell am I doing?
Kissing Alex Taylor—a confessed bisexual who happened to be in love with the same man as she—was not smart.
Shit, she was drunk and depressed about her life. Her mind was playing tricks on her. There was no way she could have possibly understood Taylor’s intentions correctly. He couldn’t have meant that he intended to have her and Anderson, could he?
She struggled to take a deep breath and a feeling of claustrophobia closed in on her as she realized she could give in to his desires far too easily. Apparently Ginny had been right. She and Taylor were similar people with similar hopes and needs.
But if she succumbed to Taylor’s invitation, where would that leave her?
Here, she thought sadly. Stuck in this same godforsaken town waiting tables at the fucking diner. The image of her exciting new job offer floated before her eyes.
Stay or leave?
Stay or leave?
She felt someone watching her and her gaze traveled to Anderson. She saw him studying her, his eyebrows lowered. So many emotions seemed to be controlling his face, she couldn’t tell what he was thinking or feeling. Curiosity, anger, jealousy, concern?
So she’d been wrong. One person had seen the kiss. One person had seen it all.
Head on over to International Heat to check out all the fun stuff Mari has planned for this week. She’s holding a contest or two 
Meet the Heat–Lila Dubois
Lila is nuts. Certifiable. Her twitter handle says it all really. Crazybutcute. lol
My favorite Lila work is her Monster series from Samhain Publishing. Here’s the blurb and an excerpt from the first in that series, Lights, Camera…Monsters.
When monsters need a makeover, they head for the one place that can make it happen. Hollywood.
Book 1, Monsters in Hollywood series.
Luke is desperate to save his people. A lifetime of sneaking in to human houses and watching movies has convinced him that if he can make a great movie about monsters, humanity will change its opinion of them. With his friends at his side, all in shiny new human bodies, Luke heads for Tinsel Town.
A rising Hollywood producer, all-business Lena knows a good story when she sees it. Luke? He’s just another amateur who wants to get famous. But Luke’s too gorgeous to pass up. And there’s something vulnerable about him that leads her to throw caution to the wind and invite him to dinner.
One night of incredible sex later, Lena wakes up next to the surprise of her life. She’s sleeping next to a monster. Literally.
Appearances aside, she finds herself wanting to help Luke save his people. But they’ve got more to worry about than just human prejudice.
Some of the monsters would rather stay in the closet—and to make them all stay there, they’re willing to kill.
Warning, this title contains the following: multiple orgasms, spanking, misuse of kitchen utensils and sex with monsters.
Excerpt
Lena cocked her head to the side. “If the story you want to tell isn’t about your three-way relationship, what is it about?”
Luke certainly wasn’t going to tell her here, in fact, the plan was to avoid telling her the full truth for as long as possible. “It’s about us, about what we are.”
“And what are you?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
Lena reached across the table and grabbed his wrist, two fingers settling on the soft inside. “You have a pulse, so you aren’t A.I. Enhanced military super solider?” she guessed.
“No.” Luke was distracted by her fingers on his wrist. They were soft, with white and pink nails, her skin delectably pale against the dark tint of his human flesh. She started to pull her hand away, but Luke wrapped his fingers around hers, holding her in place. They both looked at their tangled hands, and in an instant, the atmosphere at the table changed.
Luke imagined how they would look pressed against one another. The dichotomy of skin tones on the grand scale of their full naked bodies. Lena’s fingers curled into his, stroking the hollow of his palm, and Luke swallowed. Please let that be the opening strains of human mating rituals.
“I think I know a way to solve our problem.” Lena’s voice was butter smooth and velvet soft. He raised his gaze from their locked hands to her face. Blue eyes peeked at him under dark lashes.
“We have a problem?”
“I think we do. You want me to agree to make a movie about what you are, but won’t tell me precisely what that might be.” Lena slid her fingers from his, then reached up and ran her index finger from the tip of his eyebrow, down over his cheekbone, to the corner of his mouth. “So it looks like I’ll have to find out all on my own.”
She sat back and signaled the waiter for the check.
Check out International Heat to see what Lila has planned for this week.
Meet the Heat–Valerie Tibbs
If I had to describe V in one word, it would be super-talented.
Exhibits A-D:
V also designed the header for this site and my signature banner as well. Yes, I only wear V. 
Check out her website for more evidence of her amazing talent.
V is over at International Heat all week. Pop in and comment for a chance to win.
Never Say Never–free read
My short story, Never Say Never, is included in Dreamspinner Press’ August newsletter.
You can read it here.
Meet the Heat–Jess Dee
Jess Dee broke my heart. Okay, not exactly. When I sent her Only Yours for critique I got it back with a lot of , “And how does X feel?” So to be more specific, she cracked the ice wall enclosing my heart and let all the feelings out. Thanks Jess. Muahh!
Today, I’m featuring A Question of Trust, which contains my favorite character of Jess’. Connor. *happy sigh*
How do you choose between love and honor?
Menage and More Anthology
Madeline Jones is having the time of her life with Gabriel Carter, a man who fulfills every one of her sexual fantasies. She’s sure it can’t get any better than this…until Gabe introduces her to his best friend.
When Connor Regan enters the mix, sparks fly. Suddenly Maddie wants more than just Gabe, she wants Connor, too. The two men seem happy to oblige.
But threesomes have a way of getting complicated. Hearts can be broken. Although Gabe and Connor play by a strict set of rules designed to minimize the damage, true love does not always adhere to the guidelines.
Sometimes, to fulfill the dream of having the love of a lifetime, even the most comprehensive codes of honor have to be challenged.
Warning: This book contains spicy sex scenes, uninhibited voyeurism, m-f-m passion, anal play, and a new sandwich recipe.
Excerpt
In full view of Connor, Gabe turned Maddie’s still flushed face to his and kissed her.
Connor watched as Maddie’s lips softened and relaxed into the kiss. He watched her mouth open to Gabe’s probing. Her pink tongue met his darker one, and damn, he wanted to be the one kissing her, making her sigh like she’d just got a taste of heaven.
Christ, he wanted to be the one showing her heaven.
When Gabe pulled away, Maddie moaned her disapproval. “Later, baby,” he promised, then looked up at Connor. His mouth curved into a knowing smile. “She’s all yours,” he said with a wave and walked away.
“Don’t I wish,” Connor muttered under his breath.
“Wish what?” Maddie answered. Her voice was all lazy, her pupils tiny pricks of black in her hazel eyes. With her kiss-swollen lips, her beaded nipples and her luscious body, she looked like sex personified.
“That you were all mine,” he told her without skipping a beat.
She stood up, drawing her wrap around her shoulders. The glow from a light above her caught the gold glints in a wisp of her hair. She didn’t look like sex. She looked like an angel.
“I’m Gabe’s,” she said. “You know that.”
He too got up and touched her shoulder, indicating she should walk ahead of him. “I’ll share,” he told the back of her head. “You know that.”
Her footsteps faltered. “A Maddie sandwich,” she mumbled to herself
That’s when he grinned. “Is it on the menu?” he asked. “Because I would like to order one. To go.”
She almost tripped, but he caught her arm, steadying her, and led her out of the restaurant. Her skin felt like silk beneath his fingers and he did not let her go until she was seated in the rental car and he had no choice.
The minute he switched on the engine Maddie spoke. “Connor—” She floundered, seemingly at a loss for words. “I…it’s… Look, it’s not…” Her voice dropped off and she shook her head. “How am I supposed to respond when you say something like that?”
He glanced at her and lowered his voice. “Tell me you want a bite too.”
The full moon and clear sky provided enough light in the dark of the night for Connor to see her color deepen. “I… I…”
“Okay, I’ll make it easier for you.” Christ, that virginal blush played havoc with his hard-on. “Tell me you don’t want a taste.”
She blanched. “Connor. Dear God, how did we even get on to this subject?”
When he noticed her nipples poking through her shirt, bathed in the moon’s soft rays, it was with a certain measure of satisfaction. This time Gabe was not the one who had induced the response. Connor’s desire hit him like a blow to the gut, hard and fierce. “You can’t do it, can you? You can’t deny you’d like to be the middle of a you, me and Gabe sandwich?”
She stared out of her window, silent for a long time. “I can’t do this, Connor,” she said at last. “I can’t play these games. I’m with Gabe. You know that.”
Such strong words. So why did she sound so unconvinced by them? He couldn’t help it, he had to touch her. Reaching out, he tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear. Beneath his hand she trembled.
“What if…” Shoot, he had to change gear, had to pull his hand away, “…this wasn’t a game. What if the two of us, Gabe and I, turned your sandwich into a reality?”
Maddie let out a shuddery breath. Fog steamed up her window.
Connor forced his attention onto the road in front of him. “What if I really did join your pajama party?”
She whimpered out loud.
Focus on driving. Don’t crash the car because you’re thinking with your groin. “You, me and Gabe, sweetheart. What do you say?”
Maddie opened her mouth, but no words came out, just a strangled groan.
Think outside the box, Maddie, he urged in silence. Open your mind to any possibilities, not just the obvious ones.
Connor pulled up outside Gabe’s building. He turned to her, took her hand in his, and noticed with satisfaction that she did not draw away. “Here’s a new puzzle for you, Maddie. One only you can solve.” Her skin was warm and just a little damp. Nerves? “A man sits down to dinner. He meets a woman who makes his world shift slightly off its axis, who makes him hard as a rock and horny as hell. But the woman has a boyfriend—the man’s best friend. Tell me, Maddie, what happens next?”
Maddie stared at him, her face wild. Her chest rose and fell in uneven ripples, like her choppy breath.
“Ponder that one, sweetheart,” he said and swung open his door.
Maddie sat where she was, looking dumbstruck.
He circled the car and opened her door, waiting chivalrously as she climbed out. They walked up the stairs to Gabe’s apartment in silence, but Connor could sense Maddie’s tension, could hear her knuckles crackling as she clenched and unclenched her fist.
He let them into the flat.
“I know the answer to that one,” Maddie said as Connor put his keys down.
Connor’s heart rate slowed.
Maddie ran her tongue over her lower lip. “The…the woman goes to bed.” She nodded, as though to emphasize her answer. “With the man’s best friend. Just like she did last night and the night before that.” She gave him a tight smile. “Goodnight, Connor, and thank you for the lift.”
Maddie turned towards Gabe’s bedroom.
Before Connor had time to register the crushing disappointment wrought by her departure, she swung back round and their eyes locked. Gone was the contained woman who’d answered with such certainty. In her place stood a vixen with fire in her eyes and lust in her gaze.
His heart slammed into his ribs.
“Damn you, Connor.” Her whisper was harsh. She took three paces forward and poked her finger into his chest. “Damn you for putting me in this untenable situation.” Without giving him a chance to defend himself, she raised her head in defiance, swore out loud and pressed her lips to his.
It was over too soon. She’d messed with his brain and sent a hurricane hurtling through his stomach and it was over. He hadn’t even had a chance to appreciate her actions before she pulled away.
“No!” She couldn’t leave. Not now, not like this. He grabbed her arm, halting her retreat. He looked into her eyes, acknowledged the hunger and the confusion and the awkwardness he saw there, and then he kissed her.
Connor had experienced his share of first kisses. Some were nice, some were hugely erotic, some needed practice and one had just been bloody awful. Indescribably bad. Kissing Madeline Jones was like nothing he had ever encountered before.
Never, ever had a kiss stopped his heart beating before kicking it into overdrive. His pulse drummed to an erratic, irregular rhythm, pounding so hard it sent blood roaring through his ears, drowning out sounds.
Her lips parted to his seeking tongue, offering him entry into the warm, wet cavern of her mouth. He tasted wine on her breath, and honey, and a bewitching mix of woman and desire. Lord, a man could become inebriated on her taste alone.
Time lost meaning as her tongue twined with his, as she wrapped herself around him, pulled his chest to her breasts, brought her hips to his groin. Space no longer existed, it was just him and her. Together. He felt himself slipping, dropping and falling into Maddie. Whatever she ultimately did or did not agree to, Connor knew it would never be enough. One kiss was all he needed to know that with Maddie he wanted everything.
And then she groaned, twisted and pulled away. She stared at him in horror for perhaps five seconds, pressing her fingers to her puffy lips. Then she looked at her hand as if not comprehending what it was, before wheeling around and racing down the hall.
When there was nothing left but the soft echo of her footsteps ricocheting through his head, Connor found his voice again. “I’m coming after you, Madeline Jones,” he promised her absent form. “Sooner than you think.”
See why? *sigh*
Check out Jess over at International Heat all week. She”ll be giving away goodies!
