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Showing posts with label Paranormal Erotic Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal Erotic Romance. Show all posts

Monday, November 24, 2014

Forbidden Temptation. Knights of Stone by Lisa Carlisle.



Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over Lisa Carlisle, author of Knights of Stone, Highland Gargoyles, Book 1, a paranormal erotic romance.

ASIN: B00O9EHH5E

Number of pages: 100 

Book Description


Gargoyles, tree witches, and wolf shifters have divided the Isle of Stone after a great battle twenty-five years ago. When Kayla, a tree witch, hears about the unconventional rock concerts in the gargoyle’s territory, she sneaks from her coven and into their territory to see for herself. Night after night, she returns to see one in particular shift into human form and play guitar at these unconventional shows.

For several nights, Mason has kept watch for the pixie-like female. He plans to seduce her, thinking she’s a visitor from another island. When he discovers she’s one of the tree witches, he retreats, attempting to keep his distance. The temptation is strong, but forbidden.

Kayla and Mason attempt to meet in secret, but other elements on the isle command their attention. A magical cloak created by the three clans on the island is thinning, leading to repercussions for all the clans. Kayla and Mason are caught in the middle of it, and their actions may change the fate for all.

Available at  Amazon    BN   ARe    iBooks    Kobo

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win one of three digital copies of Dark Velvet, the first part of the Chateau Seductions series.

Interview Time!


How did you come up with the title?

Knights of Stone is also the name of the band in the story. Since they’re gargoyle shifters, a clan of brothers, it fit.

Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story.

There’s a forbidden romance between a gargoyle and tree witch. Their clan and coven forbid them to associate after they divided their island in a battle many years prior.

Tell us about your book cover and how it relates to your story.

The cover features the gargoyle shifter Mason in human form with the island’s ocean environment in the background. If you look closely in the water, you can see his gargoyle image.

Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details.

I have had such a tremendous response to Knights of Stone with readers asking me to write more that I’ve decided to turn it into a series. More hot gargoyle rock stars to come.

I also have several other romances released this fall, including Dark Muse and Rock My Senses, both paranormal romances.

Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

I loved writing the opening scene in Knights of Stone when you see the gargoyle shifters transform on stage. Also, any scene where Mason and Kayla were together, struggling against their feelings was fantastic to write.

Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.

I love writing in cafes or libraries, but usually end up writing on my sofa.

It’s time to promo. What is your favorite marketing tool?

I spent a lot of time on Facebook, chatting with authors and readers. Find me there if you want to connect—Lisa Carlisle. I’m also on Twitter--@lisacbooks.

What genre/genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

I write in several genres. My professional writing career began in nonfiction and I still write articles. In fiction, I write paranormal romance, new adult, contemporary, military, and even suspense. My favorite at the moment is paranormal romance, but I may have more military romances in the near future.

Do you prefer to write short stories, novellas or novels? Why?

I write all of the above, but mostly read and write novellas. They are perfect for an evening or two.
Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon.

I have multiple. On Halloween, Rock My Senses was released, part of my paranormal erotic romance series with Ellora’s Cave. It features a computer geek by day/ rock guitarist by night, a fun character to explore.

Dark Muse also just came out, part of my Chateau Seductions series set at an art colony on a remote New England island. It includes a romance between a socially awkward painter and elusive rock guitarist. I love losing myself writing about the castle setting—would love to visit there myself if it existed. ;)  

Excerpt


Five torches blazed on the stage all at once, lit by an unseen force. The audience erupted in cheers as the dancing lights from the flickering fire basked the statues. The flames lowered, casting the gargoyles in an eerie, almost reverent glow.

Movement. So slight, Kayla wondered if it was simply a play of light and shadows in her anticipation for the change. She fixed her gaze on the statue in front of her, the one she’d gravitated to each time she’d had snuck out to see the show. Its massive gray form stood straight on two legs built for sturdiness. Its chest jutted out proudly. Gray wings with detailed feathers etched in the stone arched from a point below its shoulder blades. Eyes cast straight ahead on a face that appeared to be a mixture of canine and lion. Its right hand twitched, so slightly she would have missed it if she hadn’t stared so intently. Then a clawed foot inched forward.

Murmurs of astonishment burst from the crowd as the transformation began. Their cries of fervor grew louder as the monstrous statues transformed into taller, slimmer figures with the bronzed skin of warriors who battled under the midday sun. The tartan fabric fell over their thighs as they stood erect, covering their nudity.

Kayla barely blinked, mesmerized as always, as the statue before her stood to full height, taking on the form of a human male, but with beautiful raven wings. Hair just as black snaked rebelliously past his chin. The stony eyes flickered with animation, turning to a mossy green. His deep gaze seared the audience, seeming to burn anything in the path. When he found Kayla, he stopped.

His expression was unreadable, but the intensity in his unblinking eyes made her swallow. She froze under the scrutiny as if hypnotized, unable to break eye contact. Her stomach lurched, heart pounded, and every muscle in her body tightened, fueled with blood now scorching through her veins. His penetrating appraisal affected her so. When his eyes took on a smoldering glint, her skin tingled and a red-hot awareness grew between her thighs.

He broke the stare and continued to assess the audience. She gasped, not realizing she had been holding her breath, and panted while she tried to breathe at a normal rate. He turned on robust legs and strode to a guitar stand. She tore her eyes from him to note the other gargoyles. They, too, had shifted into the form of striking males. One had black hair draped further down his back, one had long blond hair, and two had reddish-brown hair—one wavy and shaggy, the other straight. They took their place at other  instruments. She sought the guitarist again and caught the first sound of the pick striking the strings. On hearing the guitar projected through the amp, the crowd roared again, pressing Kayla forward.

The freak show was about to begin.

Spotlights flooded the musicians, powered by solar panels near a massive amplifier. The guitarist continued playing and the others joined in, playing a raucous crossover between hard rock and heavy metal. The one with long blond hair grabbed hold of the microphone and belted out a shattering cry that sounded like a call to battle. The crowd went pin drop silent to listen and then cheered in unison as the band played on. The front man sang piercing growls and low croons about the Knights in Stone, the protectors of the ancient forests, battling against the evil tree witches.

Kayla’s coven. 

About the Author



Lisa loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent, caring heroines. She feels very honored to be a multi-published author since she's wanted to write since the sixth grade. Her travels have provided her with inspiration for various settings in her novels, including deployments while she served in the Marines. She lived in Parris Island, the California desert, and Okinawa, Japan. She also backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris, France, as an au pair before returning to the U.S. and buying a book store. She now lives in New England with her husband, two children, a cat, and many fish.

Visit Lisa Carlisle








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Friday, October 17, 2014

Paranormal Erotic Romance. Life Reignited by Sabrina Garie.



Today I’m thrilled to welcome over Sabrina Garie, author of Life Reignited, Divine Temptation, Book 2. So sit back, relax and check out this scrumptious Paranormal Erotic Romance.

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
ISBN:  9781419991691

Number of pages:  87 novella
Word Count: 24,000

Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win one of the following: 2 e-copies of Life Reignited (Book 2, Divine Temptation), 2 e-copies of Thirteen Nights (Book 1, Divine Temptation) or 3 decks of Ellora’s Cave Playing Cards.

Book Description


Phoebe lives trapped between two worlds. Born an Amazon warrior, she’s sworn to serve the Greek pantheon. It’s her work as a scholar in the human world that gives her life passion and purpose and eases her heart—which shattered when the pantheon forced her to abandon her human lover.

Alexander Xenos is world renowned classics expert, who has dedicated his life to the study of ancient cultures and promoting peace. His fame and global adventures hide a hole in his heart, ripped out by a beautiful, gentle scholar, who shut him out cold after the most intense love affair he'd ever had.

Thirty years later, Sander meets his long lost love, only to learn she's an Amazon, the mythical gods are real, and they are about to go to war. And Phoebe, who still sets his blood to boil, is in the thick of it.  He'll have to prevent a conflict between the Greek and Norse pantheons or lose her again—this time permanently.

Available at Ellora’s Cave

Interview Time!


What inspired you to write this book?

A couple of years ago, some critique partners and I decided to write an anthology together.  Each of was had to have a club run by a siren proprietress.  We had free rein to write any type of story—the siren sisters would be the connecting link. While we never did produce the anthology, I did write the story, which became Thirteen Nights, Divine Temptation 1.   I feel in love with the secondary characters, and wanted them to have a happy ending.  As luck would have it, Ellora's Cave launched its VaVaBoomers series which was love stories for those over 50, which gave me the opportunity to write Phoebe and Sander's story and give it to home. Life Reignited is part of two series: VaVaBoomers and Divine Temptation.

Tell us about your book cover and how it relates to your story.

For the cover artist, I identified the power of ancient knowledge as a key theme of the story and she knocked it out of the park. You have the hot guy in a library, just crackling with magic and power.  The hero, Sander, wins battles using knowledge and his mind.  While Phoebe, the heroine, is also a scholar she is an Amazon warrior and tends to fight with her fists first.

Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details.

I am finishing up Hope Restored, Divine Temptation 3. The heroine is Marta, who appears in both Thirteen Nights and Life Reignited. She's not very likeable in Thirteen Nights so I use Life Reignited to soften her a bit, but not completely. In Hope Restored, we learn why she is the way she is, which makes her past actions very forgiveable. Here's a short section, where Marta meets Paean, our hero, for the first time.  Her prickly personality is front and center until Paean is forced to look below the surface. 

A tall, leanly-muscled woman, over six feet, light brown hair pulled back in a French braid glared at him. The aristocratic beauty of her face was marred by a stare that spit venom and a mouth pursed so tight her lips were barely visible. Dark circles rimmed her eyes. She rubbed her hand as if it had been hurt. “That case is dangerous,” she growled. “Take better care of it.”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Ya think?”

She was a prickly pear. “Let me see it. I know a little first aid.”

He put his guitar and backpack down to examine her outstretched hand, surprised she let him touch it. He turned the arm toward him, noticing an unusual tattoo on her shoulder—the kill markings of an Amazon warrior. Fury erupted in his gut, clawed up his chest into this throat. Even after a millennia, the wound remained raw. Not that it was her fault. She would have no idea who he was. He’d been thrown off Olympus so long ago, his name disappeared from the common language. Maybe somewhere in an old dusty old scroll the historians no longer picked up, there was reference to him, but he doubted it.

“Are you going to patch it up or just stare at it?”

“Not liking my bedside manner or you just a grouchy patient?’ He couldn’t stop the resentment from leaking into his tone until he looked deep into her eyes. She wasn’t angry, she was tortured.

What sort of personality does your hero have?

Sander is geeky, fearless, with a sexy British accent and an Angus McGyver I-can-fix-anything approach to life. He's equally at home trekking through the savannah, searching for artifacts in Scandinavia, writing a blog, teaching a class or presenting a paper. He doesn't do love. He never got over Phoebe, or the pain of losing her.

What sort of personality does your heroine have?

She's stoic, moving forward with life even though she has a hole in her heart the size of Texas.  She's an Amazon, who struggles with being an Amazon. She'd be happier doing research, writing papers, and being bonded to her love, who she had to leave because of her obligations to the gods. She's a little fearful of upending the apple cart, but ultimately learns that it takes more courage to rebel against authorities than it does to fight your enemies in a fist fight you were trained from birth to win.

Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.

I write on my couch, with my feet up.  The room is silent. I know many prefer to write with music, but that does not work for me.  The only downside is that I don’t have soundtracks for my books that I can share with readers.

Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon.

I do write books is series.  Life Reignited is part of my Divine Temptation Series with Ellora's Cave, all centered on Amazon women, obligated to the Greek Pantheon, who find a way to be with the men they love. Often, in many paranormal books we find the men who are bonded warriors. I switched that, and made the women's tribe the group that flows through the series.  Divine Temptation includes Thirteen Nights,  A Flicker of Power (1.5 available free), Life Reignited, and coming next year, Hope Restored.

If you could make changes to a story you’ve already written, which would it be and why?

I am happy with the story in Life Reignited overall. One thing I would do if I rewrote it today would be to add hints of a romance between Forseti, the Norse God of Justice, and his head Valkyrie, Sigrid.  There is one suggestion of this, but it could easily be written off as the action of a body guard.

Excerpt


Copyright © SABRINA GARIE, 2014
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Sander wished Phoebe didn’t feel so enticing. Her unique orchid scent wove its way through his bloodstream, mucking up his focus. He couldn’t square the gentle, quick-witted, brilliant scholar he loved as Cassie with the sad-eyed, battle-scarred Amazon warrior called Phoebe fitted against him. His body remembered her. No other woman ever came close to her creativity, capabilities and stamina in bed. She taught him what it was like to fully lose himself in a woman, and he’d never been able to replicate it. He finally understood why—it was never a fair fight. A human woman could not match a physically enhanced being. He’d always thought she was the love of his life, but did he even know her? Nothing made sense, except the hard-on straining against his zipper. Her physical impact hadn’t dimmed. At all.

When Phoebe stabilized, she led them back to her room at Neutral Ground. She appeared perfectly fine after a fight that would have killed most humans. At her door, she pressed her thumbprint on a small indent above the handle, then pushed it open.

“How did you open the door?” He peered inside. “And what did you do to merit this suite?” Molded ceiling, velvet coverings, red and gold Persian carpets and antique furniture that reminded him of a bedroom he’d find in Buckingham Palace. He was sure the paintings—Botticelli’s Birth of Aphrodite, Rubens’ Judgment of Paris among others—were the artists’ originals. Phoebe was right. This would be an intellectual candy land if his emotions weren’t tied up into knots.

A distraught laugh whispered out of her. “I ticked off the Elders and a portion of the Greek pantheon resistant to change. Neutral Ground is one of six safe havens worldwide sanctioned by the Council of Pantheons. Anyone who threatens me here is subject to death. Outside, well you saw for yourself. The DNA lock is an added protection, just in case. Thank you for coming to my rescue, by the way. My fighting skills are not what they used to be.” Her cheeks burned red. Was she embarrassed?

“You’re welcome.” In the corner an inlaid mahogany desk piled high with ancient scrolls drew his attention. “Are those what I think they are?” Her eyes followed his gaze and her eyebrows rose in what looked like an aha moment, then an indulgent and very real smile lit up her face. It was the first time tonight he’d seen the vivacity that lived in his memories, and he’d sneaked glimpses of her all evening.

“Yes, they are. Ancient scrolls documenting the history, culture and science of the Greek pantheon. I even have an original of The Republic by Plato, and Sappho’s poetry. You’re welcome to take a look.”

As a classics scholar, he read ancient Greek, Latin, Scandinavian, Teutonic and Celtic languages. This was a treasure trove he couldn’t resist. “Aren’t you afraid of ruining them?”

“They’re protected by pantheon magic. They can’t be destroyed.” She hooked her arm through his and guided him to the corner. After scrutinizing the pile, she picked up a scroll and handed it to him. Her fingers lingered on his hand longer than necessary. Sparks ignited under the touch. This was the woman he remembered—glowing eyes, an impish grin, with ancient knowledge flowing around her as if it were part of her aura. If there were more lines radiating from her eyes and lips, they softened her, made her more the Cassie he had adored, less the unknown Phoebe.

He took the scroll in one hand and pulled his reading glasses out of his jacket pocket with the other. He got the spectacles a year ago and wasn’t used to wearing them but his eagerness for the scrolls overcame any hesitation.

“They suit you,” Phoebe said.

He nodded, too absorbed by the parchment now open on the table. “You remembered The Odyssey was my favorite. This is truly Homer’s original copy?” A shiver ran down his spine. It wasn’t every day a man meets his personal deity.

“Yes, it is.” She moved closer, her hair brushing his ear as she leaned over to look at the text with him. Phoebe’s floral scent, the heat of her body skated along his skin, threw his concentration off, something that never happened. If his mind questioned the emotions he thought he once felt for this woman, his body didn’t. Given his age, he thought he could move past physical needs.

Apparently not.

His cock stiffened like that of a hormone-driven teenager in heat. By the way Phoebe squirmed, he’d guess she felt it too. Like in London, when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

“Take a look at this passage in its original. You can see why it’s commonly misinterpreted.” 
Phoebe’s arm brushed his, sending electric charges exploding beneath his skin.

“The article you published on this created controversy. I was impressed with the argumentation. Now more so. This passage makes interpretation harder, not easier.”

“You’ve followed my work?” Her face beamed with happiness and a soft pride. “I’m glad. I’ve read everything you’ve published, and follow your blog, Found Worlds. You’re making history and culture popular.”

Her praise shot jolts of warmth into his chest. That smile and her soft breasts brushing his arm unlocked the door to his memories. Unbidden, images of naked, sweat-drenched bodies tumbled out. Yes, he’d followed her work, justifying the way he gobbled up her writing as respect of one professional for another. With her next to him, touching him, he had to admit now it wasn’t true. Through her words, he stayed connected to her. And she, him.

About the Author



Sabrina Garie is on a journey to create the most kick-ass heroine romance fiction has ever known and the hero who can take her. A believer that big, audacious goals spice up life, she relies on coffee, red wine and laughter to make those goals (and her characters) come alive.

When not at the computer, she wrangles vegetables and extra helpings of homework into her star-spangled, fashion-loving progeny, kowtows to a fat cat and reads, a lot. As a child, she wanted to be an astronaut, just to see what’s out there. Now, she just makes it up.

Visit Sabrina Garie 


    Web/blog        

Twitter@sabrinagarie

       Facebook          

Goodreads   



Friday, October 4, 2013

A Sexy Bounty Hunter, Undeniable Desire, and a Paranormal Bond. Kane's Bounty by A.S. Fenichel.



Happy Friday everyone! It’s been quiet around here lately but hold on tight because you know I get a little crazy in October. After all, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Truly, what better month is there to celebrate all things paranormal? That said I’m thrilled to welcome over A.S. Fenichel, author of Kane’s Bounty, a Paranormal Erotic Romance. Ah, such a fabulous combo! Paranormal plus steamy romance. Scrumptious mix. 

I think you all know what I’m going to ‘say’ next. That’s right. Grab your favorite cuppa, feet up and relax while you delve into an intriguing interview and learn more about this sexy book. I have a strong feeling that this one’s a five star read, folks!

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Date of Publication: May 8, 2013
ISBN: 9781419945052
ASIN: B00BGBY3FA

Number of pages: 163
Word Count: 55,103

Cover Artist: Syneca



Ellora’s Cave      Amazon     BN

GIVEAWAY! A.S. Fenichel is giving away two eCopies of Kate’s Bounty and two print copies of Mayan Saviors (open to US shipping). Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for your chance to win.

Book Description


Telepathic bounty hunter Kane has one rule—never get involved with a fugitive.

It’s a simple assignment with good money at the end. Picking Lena up is no problem. Protecting her when her ex-husband, mercenaries and another bounty hunter threaten her turns into the fight of their lives.

Together, the Stones of Adeline and Lena are powerful magic. She never considered the complication of the sexy bounty hunter and her undeniable desire for him. Their paranormal bond will need to be strong if they’re to survive together.

Let’s Interview!


SKY:  What made you choose the main setting for your book?

A.S.:  Kane’s Bounty starts in a bar in Savannah, Ga. It is a kind of “traveling” book. The hero and heroine spend a lot of time running away and toward things. They travel to Mexico, Baltimore, rural New Jersey and Boston. I chose places that I’m familiar with and love. I really like the differences between a beach in Cabo and a prison in Boston. 

SKY:  If you could spend an hour in real life with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

A.S.:  Kane is hot and a really good guy. I don’t know if an hour would be enough time. ;)

SKY:  Tell us a little bit about the conflict in your story. 

A.S.:  Kane, a psychic bounty hunter, has been hired to bring a fugitive back to prison. Lena escaped prison in order to save her life and protect her secret. Thorn, Lena’s ex-husband, wants her back so that he can use her powerful gifts for his own nefarious reasons. 

Kane has only one rule – Never get involved with the fugitive. But when he sees that Lena is in real danger he can’t abandon her to the mercenary her husband has sent to bring her in. 

SKY:  Are you currently working on another story? If so, we’d love some details. 

A.S.:  I’m working on a book about Joshua, Kane’s brother. He has his own set of issues to deal with and a lot of people who want him dead. 

However, before that, I have a holiday book, Revving up the Holidays releasing November 22. Here’s the blurb for Revving Up the Holidays!

Workaholic Isaac hasn’t been back to his hometown since his father’s funeral two years earlier, pushing his family away because of a painful secret. Hanukkah and a forced vacation lure him back to Atlanta, where he’s reunited with his two lost loves—an old motorcycle and his sister’s best friend Giada. While rediscovering his passion for both the bike and the woman, Isaac rebuilds his heart.

Giada has lost her Christmas spirit since returning home to care for her dying parents. Left alone, she struggles to return to her successful teaching career, choosing instead to stay in her hometown. Only the unexpected return of her high school crush Isaac brings any joy to the season.

The transitive nature of Isaac’s visit and Giada’s fear of abandonment keep them from sharing their whole hearts, but certainly not their bodies. Their desire for each other is hotter than flames on a menorah and they take advantage of their limited time together by burning up the sheets. But once their secrets are revealed, their hearts will do all the thinking.

SKY:  Did you enjoy writing one scene above all the rest? If so, share.

A.S.:  I found one scene in Kane’s Bounty really challenging and since it turned out so well, it’s now my favorite. Kane is psychic. He can read feelings and minds if the other person is willing to make the link. There’s a scene where the lovemaking is happening only in their minds and yet it’s one of the most erotic I’ve ever written. I think that’s my favorite. 

SKY:  Tell us about your favorite writing environment. Is it indoors, outdoors, a special room, etc.

A.S.:  I write in my sunroom. I have a chaise lounge that overlooks the very large lake we live on. I watch the sun rise most mornings with my cat purring by my feet. Not bad, right?

SKY:  How long have you been writing? How long have you been published?

A.S.:  I’ve been writing for about twenty years and I’ve been published for two. 

SKY:  What genre/genres do you prefer to write? Are there other genres you’d like to write in the future?

A.S.:  I’m published in Erotic Contemporary, Erotic Paranormal and Historical. I love them all. 

SKY:  Do you prefer to write short stories, novellas or novels? Why?

A.S.:  I feel like every story has a certain amount of words necessary to make it good. I have written 400 page books and 100 page novellas. I’m a slave to the story, so as long as it takes, that’s what I write. :)

SKY:  Do you write books in series? If so, share a bit about the series you currently have published or are coming soon. 

A.S.:  The Mayan Destiny series is my first three books. Mayan Afterglow, Mayan Craving and Mayan Inferno are erotic, dystopian, paranormal stories about finding love after the End Of Days. You can check out Mayan Afterglow for FREE right now on Amazon, B&N and at the Ellora’s Cave web-site. 

Thank you again for having me visit. I truly enjoyed the wonderful questions. 

SKY:  My pleasure, A.S.! And thanks for sharing more about your work with us. Great interview. :)

Excerpt


A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, please exit this site.

An Excerpt From: KANE’S BOUNTY

Copyright © A.S. FENICHEL, 2013

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One


The overcrowded bar didn’t stop Kane from spotting his mark the moment she walked in. Even if he hadn’t seen her picture, her nervous demeanor would have given her away. It was too crowded to get a psychic read on her, but there were other ways to find a fugitive. 

The mug shot hadn’t done her justice. Lena Cruz could stop traffic. Her curves were exactly the kind a man liked to run his hands over and other body parts came to mind too. Her dark hair just touched her shoulders and those bright hazel eyes darted nervously to every corner of the room. 

She even looked at him for a second or two. He smiled and moved to lift his glass in her direction, but her focus shifted before he had the chance. He followed her gaze to the corner of the room. 

“John Porter,” Kane mumbled. He had to make an effort to relax his grip on the glass before he ended up with a hand full of Jack Daniels and cheap glass. He shrugged and downed the remaining whiskey before getting up and moving to a barstool that was closer and had a better view of the corner. Porter wasn’t alone. He had a couple of his bodyguards with him and a blonde wearing too much makeup. 

The band finished their set and the crowd noise lulled for a few seconds. 

“It’s nice to see you, Lena,” Porter said. He stood and kissed her cheek. 

“I need your help, John.” 

Porter’s eyes darted around the bar. “You shouldn’t—” 

The jukebox kicked on, and Kane couldn’t hear the rest of their conversation. 

It made no difference. She was a mark, no more, no less. He was hired by the bail bondsman to pick her up and bring her in. What she was doing talking to a notorious money launderer was irrelevant. 

He’d wait. No need to tip off Porter. Someday he might have to pick the scumbag up and he didn’t want to blow his cover. He signaled the bartender and ordered another Jack on the rocks. 

Something niggled at the back of his senses. The atmosphere changed and a familiar mind slipped into his consciousness. “Wade, NO!” 

The words were not out of his mouth before Shamus Wade torpedoed through the crowd and crashed into Porter’s table. 

Kane was on his feet. He didn’t move forward. Interesting distraction. 

All three men and the blonde who was sitting with them stood up as drinks splashed in every direction. Lena stood gape-mouthed, and Wade grabbed her arm. He stood a full foot taller than her and probably outweighed her by a hundred pounds, but she pushed at him and slapped his face. Wade’s beady eyes narrowed. Closed-fisted, Wade punched her in the head. 

Mistake. Kane took a step toward them to get a better position and wait to see how the situation played out. 

Wade’s head spun around, sensing Kane for the first time. When their eyes met, Kane just smiled and shook his head at the ill-laid plans of the other hunter. 

The crowd went dead silent. The music screeched to a stop. Lena looked dazed for a moment and then her knees began to buckle. 

Wade sensed the change in the focus of the crowd. Men and women alike were glaring at him and moving closer. “It’s okay, folks. This is my wife. We’re just heading home now.” 

The bartender had already dialed 911. Kane could hear the conversation behind the bar. A woman with colorful full-sleeve tattoos, flanked by two enormous men, stepped forward. “I don’t care if she’s your momma. You ain’t going anywhere with that woman. We don’t care for men who beat their women around here.” 

“It was just a little misunderstanding. Right, Lena?” Wade looked scared as the crowd moved in on him. Kane felt the building tension and rage in the bar. Anger and fear pulsed in the room, creating a dull ache in the back of his skull. He was sure Wade could feel it too and it was the cause of the hunter’s fear. 

Wade still clutched Lena’s right arm tightly. 

Lena’s eyes rolled back in her head and she leaned against Wade, forcing him to release her arm and grab her around the waist. 

Kane moved in another two steps and sidled off to the left. The crowd pushed forward and Wade pulled his handgun. He waved the Remington 9mm in the direction of the crowd. 
Mistake two. 

John Porter and his associates bolted for the back door as soon as the weapon came into view. 

Kane rushed in just as the two large men and the tattooed woman charged Wade. Lena slipped from his grasp and the gun hit the floor. Kane closed the gap, threw Lena over his shoulder and headed for the back door. 

He heard as much as sensed the change in the crowd as the fight started. Kane didn’t know how long it would take the police to arrive or if Wade would get away before that happened. He had to get her to a safe place. He could take her to local law enforcement for extradition in the morning. 

The rear exit led out to a narrow alley. Before they’d reached a hundred feet from the noisy bar, she pounded on his back. “Put me down.” 

“That was a fine performance, Lena. Why don’t you continue with the knocked-out act for a few minutes more?”

About the Author



A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back. 

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in both erotic and historical romance, A.S. has 5 books currently available and three more under contract with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. 

Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

Find A.S. Fenichel on the Net



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