Guest Blog - Toni Sands - Orchid Pink

Sensual, sassy, sexy … three words to make your heart leap … three words that belong together in erotic romance. Finding myself here on Leap Year’s Day is a privilege. It’s not something that can happen for another four years! So I’ll try my best to entertain you on this special day. If it’s the first time for four years that you’re celebrating your birthday or anniversary on the actual date, then I send extra warm wishes and congratulations.

I like to read about heroines who fit the three ‘S’ words. Most of my own heroines, hopefully, fit the bill too. Until recently, all my published stories were contemporary though there’s a novella, Taming the Wild Man (Xcite Books) which is set in a futuristic world. You could call in on my website later and check out the extract. I’d love to know what you think, especially if you haven’t come across my work before.

So how does my latest heroine, a Victorian lady, whose story begins in the year 1900, measure up to the three ‘S’ words? For starters, Adelaide, outwardly demure and fulfilling the dutiful daughter image, loves sensual things. This is a gift for me because I feel precisely the same. And these are the words that lend themselves so well to erotic writing. A little touch is often all you need to create that special mood.

There are certainly dark secrets, spicy scents and intense and disturbing emotions rippling throughout Orchid Pink.

The following extract comes from the latter part of the novel when Adelaide and her friend, Ruth, are enjoying a little art appreciation.

Two young ladies disported themselves beneath a willow tree in a breathtaking mosaic of legs, arms, breasts and buttocks. We were both transfixed by the fine lines and sweetness of the subjects and the fragile pastel shades of wild flowers dotting the lush grass. The willow fronds seemed to sway in the breeze while the bold young ladies frolicked.

The next picture was a pencil sketch depicting a pretty girl seated beside a bath tub, one leg propped on its edge as one hand stroked between her thighs. Her eyes were closed and her stance and dreamy expression brought back memories, heightening my senses and quickening my breath. I took another sip of the sweet, powerful liquid and felt the first trail of desire, as muscular as whatever I was drinking. Ruth linked her arm in mine and I became acutely conscious of her knuckles brushing my breast.

No one was more surprised than me when I found myself writing a novel with a bi-sexual heroine. She’s also my second heroine from a time gone by but Orchid Pink has beaten my new novella as regards time of publication. What these two books have in common is a sensual, sassy and sexy heroine though of course each is clothed to suit her era. I enjoy writing about women who push boundaries and Adelaide Beauchamp certainly does that.

It’s been great to talk to you. I hope you’ll enjoy meeting every one of my heroines. I couldn’t give Adelaide a delectable, handsome hero but you’ll find plenty of those elsewhere in my writing. Enjoy!

*****

Demure Adelaide hides a passionate nature beneath her elegant gowns. After hiring a delicious new maid, Daisy, she can’t wait to initiate her into the delights of the orchid house. Though resenting paternal pressure to marry businessman Thomas, Adelaide finds excitement in his touch and his erotic whisperings. Yet, when he reveals his sinister side, she seeks solace elsewhere. Christmas brings snowflakes, also a vivid reminder of a heart-wrenching past. Intrigue and obsession rock this Victorian household as Adelaide’s poignant search for love leads her into storms. Will she ever bask in the sunshine?

Orchid Pink is available from Amazon UK, Amazon US and All Romance eBooks, as well as other good eBook retailers.

*****

Toni Sands lives near the Black Mountains in Wales. Many of her ideas arrive while she’s walking by the river or travelling by train and she also finds inspiration when visiting London. This is where she enjoys roaming galleries and gazing at colourful window displays. She drinks too much coffee and often talks to strangers. Her erotic romances feature in collections by Virgin Black Lace and Accent Xcite, both paperbacks and e-books. She writes to entertain, sometimes finding, as in the case of her new heroine, a character will pop into her head, demanding to have her story told. Toni enjoys networking and belongs to the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She’d like to keep on writing as long as her readers keep on reading.

Website: http://www.tonisands.co.uk 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tonisands

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003351233701&ref=tn_tnmn#!/profile.php?id=100003351233701&sk=wall

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003351233701&ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Orchid-Pink/358346187513266

Guest Interview - Cherie Nicholls - Leashed By The Wolf

It gives me great pleasure to welcome a personal friend and member of our awesome Critique group UCW to my blog today. Cherie's debut novel Leashed By The Wolf released today.

Mechanic Laney St. Clair doesn’t want much in life. All she wants is to run her father’s garage as she sees fit, her brothers to stop treating her like she is still their baby sister, and for Heath Marsterson to realise that under all the grease and overalls she is a grown woman, ready, willing, and able to show him just how talented her hands can be.

Heath’s an alpha shifter who knows he needs a mate to help him rule. A strong woman who can stand with him and up to him when needed, a woman who can help keep his pack safe. What he doesn’t need is a fragile human whose family protects her as if she’s made of spun glass. No matter how persuasive little Laney-girl tries to be or how much he wants her, Heath knows she’ll never be strong enough to handle his true self no matter what she says, moans, screams…

Now, tell me, does that not sound great? I know Cherie is just a tad excited today, lol.

Hi Cherie, how excited, nervous, etc are you?

ARGH !!!!!

*Big Grin*

Hi Doris and everyone!!  Thanks  for  inviting me to visit

Q.Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

By day I am an IT geek and by night an author, makes me sound like some sort of super hero….but I am not, which kinda sucks. I would love a cape!..... Anyway I love to write shifter stories with a little bit of domination thrown in the luck.

And you write them so well. I may just be one of Cherie's biggest fans, folks!

Q. What made you write ‘this’ story?

Hmm, I am not sure really. It started out with a small idea about a woman waiting in a bar and just grew from there. Leashed by a Wolf grew from there and I fell head over heels for Heath. *swoon*

Q. Tell us about your cover.

My cover was designed by Amanda Kelsey and it is stunning. Not that I am biased or anything. It shows Heath and Laney off perfectly.

Q. Describe a typical day’s writing for us

Pfft! Typical? Is there such a thing? I have a day job which means I have to write around that and to be honest depending on what time I get home I may not write at all. But when I do get the time to really focus I require two things, coffee and music, directly plugged into my ears so that all I see is the world I am creating.

Q. What inspires you?

Everything and anything. It’s as simple as that really. From a passing stranger, to advert, to a partially overheard conversation. Anything can spark that little gem of an idea and send my mind off racing creating new worlds and characters.

Q. If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

I am an IT manager so I guess I would be just an IT Manager……which made me have “sad face” thinking about it.

Q. Do your characters ever surprise you?

Yes! Sometimes I have no idea where the things I am writing come from. There is no lead in or suspicions and then BAM! Curve ball! People think a writer controls the stories they write….yeah I wish…. The characters have their own ideas and will most def let you know what they want you to know only when they are ready and not before.

Q. What could not do without when you’re writing?

Music…….I can’t write a single word unless I have earphones on and music playing.

Q. What words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring authors out there?

Try it. I have been writing, without telling anyone for years. My stories were my hidden little treasures until 2010 and I met a group of ladies who inspired me to try my hand at writing something and sending it to a publisher.

If the first publisher doesn’t want it, keep trying, never give up if this is your dream. There is the perfect publisher out there for everyone… you just have to find them.

Hear, hear, Cherie!

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten year’s time?

Writing, enjoying life, wondering if Joe Manganiello has realised yet that I am the perfect woman for him……you know the usual!

LOL! He is yummy. *says this old married lady, looking over her shoulder to make sure hubby is not wacthing* 

*grin*

Q. Do you have a favourite quote?

I have two I think….

Don’t worry until there is something to worry about

And

Positive thinking leads to positive results

Q. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Yep, all the time. The “well” runs dry and I can’t think of a single thing to write. But, thankfully, it doesn’t last for long……usually.

Q. What other books can your readers look forward to?

Well, I have another book coming out in March, part of an antho with some random strangers! NO HITTING ME DORIS!!!!!  Hahahah nope, The Blood Bar Chronicles Book One – The Alphas comes out in March, my story is the second in there The Alpha’s Vixen. The whole series is about a group of women in go to a writers meeting one night in a new bar and the adventures they have from there….I won’t spoil it but let’s just say…..Mermen, Shifters, Vampires and Time Travellers….and that’s just the first book!! 

Random strangers huh. Well, that's it. No more Markus cuddles for you! 

And folks, as one of the random strangers in it *glares some more at Cherie* that anthology is pretty hawt!

Q. And finally can you share an excerpt with us?

Of Course!! 

Excerpt

Heath took a step back from her warm, inviting body, growling low when she went to follow him.

“Laney we can’t do this,” he said in one rushing breath. He watched the tempting little vixen take a deep breath of her own, grabbing for control before she looked up at him, the confusion and hurt clear in her eyes.

“Why not?”

It was a simple enough question for her to ask. After all it was barely a minute since he’d had her pinned up against the truck, but to answer her truthfully could lead to more, so much more than Heath could handle right now. Bringing Laney into his life would be dangerous for them both. The old Alpha—the man who he had ousted—was back and had started to cause problems for the pack. But he couldn’t explain that to Laney, at least not now.

“Because we can’t, Laney. Do you know what your brothers would do to me if they found out I kissed you?” he said instead, making his wolf howl in protest as he pulled his coat more securely around her body.

Just like that, Heath watched as the sexy, cool, well-kissed woman disappeared and the woman he knew, the rough-edged tomboy, came roaring back. Her eyes, full of cold fury, turned on him.

Slowly she pulled both lapels of his coat out of his hands and stepped to the side away from him. Never once did she break eye contact with him.

“I apologise.” There was nothing but contained fury in her voice. “I should have realised you wouldn’t do a thing without checking with every male in my family.” She snapped each word at him.

“Now come on, Laney-girl, don’t be like that.” He reached for her again. He figured he had hurt her feelings and that didn’t sit well with him.

“No, it’s okay.” She stepped back out of reach. “I understand if you’re not man enough to stand on your own without my family backing you up. I understand you’re scared of them. It’s okay.” She shrugged out of his coat and handed it back.

“But you need to realise I am not some sweet innocent girl. I’m nearly thirty years old, and this is not the Middle Ages where only the married females have sex. I was away at college for four years and I know exactly what I like.” She ran her gaze down his body. “I thought that I liked you, that maybe you could help me scratch an itch, but I am woman enough to admit I was wrong. Have a good evening, Heath. I plan to.” Laney’s gaze wandered over him one more time before she walked back into the bar.

Heath watched her go. For once both his wolf and his human were in agreement, and both were confused. Laney knew damn well he wasn’t scared of her brothers; he only had a healthy respect for them that any sane man would. But the one thing that seemed to focus both sides of his soul was her reminder that she wasn’t a child, that another man had laid hands on her.

That’s where his confusion came from, because both sides had growled one word when she had talked about her past, a word he had never thought of when talking to a woman—any woman—until now.

Mine.

Thanks so much for having me Doris! This is my very first release and I hope people like it!

They will love it Cherie, it's such a great story!

Find Cherie on the web here

Blog: http://cherie-ramblingsoapbox.blogspot.com/?zx=ce08dea70d945bf1

Web: http://www.cherienicholls.co.uk/

Link to “Coming Soon” section of Liquid Silver : http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13203

Publisher link: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/

Buy link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leashed-By-A-Wolf-ebook/dp/B007E5C5MK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330374940&sr=8-1

Six Sentence Sunday

My six today are once again from Lure Of Forever, which now has a release date - March 7th!

*dances*

Her hands shook at the image of doing just that, and she yelped when the shaking spilled the hot brew over her fingers. Before she could react, he was there licking the chocolate off her fingers, and she stopped breathing. Time stood still as she sat watching him lick those digits, and when he cupped her chin to make her look at him, the heat in his gaze lit up every inch of her frozen skin, until she felt on fire from the inside out.

He smiled at her and his thumb swiped across her bottom lip. He raised it to his mouth and sucked the drop of chocolate off with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Hmm, I could get addicted to hot chocolate."

******

Till next week, folks :-)

Check out the other Authors participating in Six Sentence Sundayhere.

An Interview with H.C.Brown

I am delighted to have bestselling Author H.C.Brown on my blog today and she has kindly agreed to be grilled by yours truly about all things writing. So please join me in a very warm welcome.

Wonderful to have you here J

Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

H.C.  Well, instead of the usual bio, I'll  tell you a little about myself. I live close to the beach in Queensland Australia. I'm married to a very wonderful man. I've had 23 books published and have had many best sellers. This year I was delighted to receive a nomination for Favorite Author in the TRS CAPA Awards for excellence in romance writing. Two of my novels, Cyborg Doms:Fane and Love Revisited Nash & Paul also received nominations. I write in a variety of genres but always romance with big alpha males and happy endings.

23 books! I feel as though I ought to curtsy ;-) Great Stuff H.C. 

Q. What made you write  A Tryst of Fate?

H.C. Well I'm a pantser and offered to contribute a novella to Noble Romance Publishing's Timeless Desire collection. I started writing  A Tryst of Fate and the story grew into a full length novel.  I had just finished writing Lord & Master a historical BDSM novel set in 1775 and had the idea to have a man sent back in time, who would be the complete opposite of what was considered 'normal'. Colt Daniels is six-five and built like a linebacker and I had so much fun writing about his exploits in 1775. Of course, as usual my plots end up as tender love stories. The novella I finally wrote for the Timeless Desire Collection ended up being Time to Live.

Ah the joys of being a panster...

Q. Describe a typical day’s writing for us

H.C. I never edit and write on the same day. Edits always take preference and once finished I usually work on blog posts emails etc. On writing days, I write from noon until six. I try to write 2000 words a day but 10,000 a week is about usual.

Q. What inspires you?

H.C. Music, scenery, people—in that order. 

Q. If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

H.C. Well, I'm an international all breeds cat judge. I used to teach physics and chemistry but I love history. Right now writing is my world.

Q. Do your characters ever surprise you?

H.C. Always I never know what they are going to do next. LOL

That sounds so familiar.

Q. What could not do without when you’re writing?

H.C. Coffee.

LOL I hear you, though I would have to add chocolate to that list.

Q. What words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring authors out there?

H.C. Learn your craft, listen the advice of published authors and don't listen to  people who try to put you down. Trust me, someone will always try to rain on your parade. So trust in yourself and never give up.

Wise words indeed.

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten year’s time?

H.C. I'd be happy to be alive. On the NY Times Best Sellers list would be a bonus.

Q. Do you have a favorite quote?

 H.C. "If I die before I say 'I love you' it's because I didn't have the time."

Q. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?

H.C.  Not writer's block, my characters demand to have their story told.  The stresses and commitments of life are the only thing that prevents me from writing. I think if I ever had writer's block it would mean my story is so boring my Muse has fallen asleep and I would delete and start again.

Q. What other books can your readers look forward to?

H.C. I have a fantasy romance Dragonfae in the submission process as we speak and currently I'm polishing a contemporary M/M BDSM Hurt Me Good.

Hmm, like the sound of those.

Q. And finally can you share an excerpt with us?

A Tryst of Fate

Chapter One

Colt Daniels lifted his bidder's card. "Thirty thousand."

"The bid is thirty thousand pounds. Come now, ladies and gentlemen, this portrait of Lord Alexander Swift by Benjamin West is dated 1775 and is in extraordinarily fine condition." The auctioneer at Sotheby's surveyed the silent crowd with a critical gaze.

Taking a casual pose, Colt flicked his gaze to the opposing bidder. The man in the slick Italian business suit met his gaze with a slow smile. Colt lifted his chin and stared at the painting. From the moment he had laid eyes on the portrait of the handsome young man in the Sotheby's catalogue, he had wanted to buy the painting. Lord Alexander Swift's troubled gaze held a distant loneliness, as if reaching out to Colt across the centuries.

A strange twist of fate had brought him to London in the form of an inheritance on his thirtieth birthday… A distant relative had bequeathed him the townhouse once owned by Lord Swift in Berkeley Square. Over the past year, he had restored the house to its former glory and now he required this painting to complete the task. During the years Lord Swift had owned the property, the painting had hung at the top of the stairs, facing the front door. For some unexplained reason, Colt had a compelling desire to finish the house by restoring the painting to its original position, in time for the anniversary of Alexander's death on June fourth.

"Forty thousand." The man in the suit lifted his bidder's card.

Colt sighed. With his fortune to back him and the prestige of being the owner of some of the most famous galleries around the world, he rarely had people bid against him for very long. They should know better. If Colt Daniels wanted a painting, Colt Daniels would go to any price to secure a purchase. He cleared his throat. "Seventy thousand pounds." He shot the opposing bidder a cold stare.

After the usual pause, the hammer came down and Colt moved to the clerk to settle the account. "Have it shipped to 42 Berkeley Square, Mayfair." He turned and strolled back to the painting to gaze at Alexander.

Warmth pooled around Colt's heart. He reached out to touch the man's pale cheeks, tracing a finger over the long blond curls, tied back in a queue. The young man appeared to be about eighteen in the portrait, slight of build with delicate features, yet Colt's research revealed West had completed the portrait on Swift's twenty-fifth birthday, the day he had inherited great wealth and lands from his father. Colt rubbed his chin. One would think His Lordship should be overjoyed on such an occasion, and yet Alexander's blue gaze followed him with heart-wrenching sadness.

"West has captured the essence of his subject, don't you think?"

Colt turned to see Business Suit gazing at him with a friendly smile. "Essence?"

"My name is Jake Williams. You may have heard of me?" replied Business Suit in a cultured Boston accent.

"Can't say that I have, sorry."

"Ah—so you don't know about the letters." Jake Williams inclined his head toward the portrait. "The love letters between Alexander and the Honorable David Fitzhugh. In a time when the crime of sodomy held the death penalty, to write love letters to a man… my God, can you imagine the implications?"

Colt straightened his shoulders. "You have these letters?"

"I most certainly do! Copies of the original documents are in my book, The Gay Lords." Jake took a card from his jacket and gave it to Colt. "I know you're restoring Alexander's house; perhaps we could meet over lunch and I'll give you the details I didn't put into print."

In truth, Colt craved information about Alexander. Living in the young lord's house and seeing each room as if through Alexander's eyes, Swift had become his obsession. With a laugh, he met Jake's hazel eyes. "I'm free now."

"Great, how about having lunch at The Square? It's a great restaurant." Jake smiled. "We can walk from here."

"Sure." Colt followed him out of the foyer into the busy street and they turned in the direction of Bruton Street. "So how did you come by the letters?"

"I bought them, along with a few other sundry items, at an auction—in Boston, of all places!" Jake fell into step beside Colt. "At first I thought they were written by a woman until I researched the names. Most of them begin with 'my love' or 'my dearest', so until I took note of the addressee… well, what a bombshell."

"How did the letters end up in the States?"

"I believe, due to the anti-sodomite movement at the time, Fitzhugh took flight to America." Jake sighed. "Of course, there is no proof he fled England under suspicion of sodomy. Nothing I researched points to him having a gay lover during his life. I do know he joined the colonists in the War of Independence and died in Boston in 1790." He stopped outside a bookstore. "Look, I'll grab a copy of my book. You must see the portrait of David Fitzhugh."

Colt stared into the shop window, his gaze not focusing on any item. His mind reeled. Even in this enlightened world, homophobia caused misery and distrust. He reflected on his own youth. Sure, he had taken his share of beatings from the local thugs, but now at six-five and built like a linebacker, no one crossed him. On the contrary, the beatings and the snide remarks, had made him more resolute to succeed in everything he did. He respected love in all forms. Gay, straight—who the fuck cared as long as that wonderful connection happened between two consenting adults? He almost felt sorry for people who could not see love if it hit them smack in the face. So many refused to recognize or understand that the sweet love between two men, or women for that matter, held the same deep emotion as straight love. Anger welled from deep inside fueled by the oppression he knew Alexander would have endured during his life. Those twisted sons-of-bitches would not have understood how cruel they were to deny the freedom to express love without prejudice.

 In Alexander's time, for a gentleman to touch a man's arm or cast a suggestive look could lead to prosecution for sodomy, a hanging offense. God knows, in those days they used the sodomy accusation to destroy many people's lives.

"You gotta see this." Jake thrust a book into Colt's hand. "Kinda spooky, don't you think?"

Colt gazed down at the glossy illustration. A trickle of ice slid down his spine. The portrait of the Honorable David Fitzhugh depicted a tall, muscular man with dark flowing hair—and the royal blue eyes that stared back at him were his own.

 Oooohhh I like that ending!

Buy Link : https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/a-tryst-of-fate-ebook-p-744

Watch the book trailer for a Tryst of Fate here:

 http://youtu.be/mXBJiwPw-dE

You can find H.C. on the web here, so do stop by and check her out.

Web: www.hcbrown-author.com

Blog: http://www.hcbrownauthoroferoticromance.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hcbrownauthor

Thank you for having me today, Doris J 

It was my pleasure H.C. Come back soon.

Why Do I write regency menage? Guest blog and GIVEAWAY!

I give you the delectable Raven McAllan with her newest release Almost Entente Cordial. Raven has kindly agreed to give one lucky commenter an e-copy :-)

The contest closes midnight March 2nd GMT.

Over to you Raven...

*******

Why do I write regency menage?

Why not contemporary menage? Or ordinary regency romance?

I don't have an answer to that. I write, full stop. Yes, I guess I have an idea, a tiny glimmer of my characters, but that's it. I start writing, and them—wham—it's not up to me any more. They take over. They tell me who they are, what they are, and where they intend to go and end up. I try to deviate at my own peril. They rule not me!

 I never thought I'd write historical, it wasn't something I thought I could do. But I can, and I do. And will continue to do so.

 This book Almost Entente Cordiale is different, in that is set at the turn of the century. Bonaparte is still a threat, and all French aristocrats who were spared, still remember the real threat of the guillotine.

 Enter Christianne who had managed to escape to England, and was viewed with suspicion. Could she be a spy?

 Well on, but someone else could!

I found the idea of Alastair and Julien's reasons for their relationship intriguing, and once Christianne came on the scene, even more so.

 I love a good complicated triangle. And do we ever have one here. the thrill of trying to sort their problems out, in a bygone age with constraints we laugh at today is more than challenging, and oh boy do I relish it. I just hope I do it justice.

 So here's a blurb and a tease.

 And if Doris lets me one lucky poster (within a week) will win an ecopy of  Almost Entente Cordiale…..

A woman with two husbands—husbands who are lovers. Is this a relationship doomed to failure?

Only she can decide.

When Julien returns from France, he did not expect to find his lover ballock-deep inside a woman. Especially when that woman is his own wife!

Christianne knew Alastair had a lover, but she did not expect that lover to be the husband she thought was dead.

As a marriage of convenience turns passionate, can the three of them make their illicit relationship work?

Or will Christianne have to choose which husband to keep?
 

And a real tease….(I hope)

"Well, my dear, an you wish to voyeur, perhaps you wish to give us direction?"

Ah, she so disliked that sarcastic, aristocratic, tone he could affect. No matter she had discovered he used it unknowingly at times of great agitation, it displeased her. Therefore...

"Oh, of a surety M’Lord. The first is to change the tone in which you are speaking. Sarcasm becomes no one, and is assuredly most unbecoming. To say nothing of deflating another’s ardor." There let him make of that what he will!

Alastair bowed elaborately; to the degree he was able when still close to another body, its cock still teasing his arse, his own cock unabashed, hardening by the second, and proud with it. Christianne felt her eyes drawn over and over to those magnificently proud appendages, one so recently tested, one so long ago. She knew both men watched as she took a breath, and ran her tongue around lips suddenly dry. She saw the predatory gleam come into both sets of eyes. Ah, perchance that was the way the wind blew? How she pondered, did she feel about that inclination? Was she interested in what she had heard was called an ménage? As much as the idea excited her, increased the sensations already invading her, it was something to contemplate at a later date. For now she had other ideas.

 She chose to ignore those questions being silently posed and focus on the immediate, in a way she felt could be almost as satisfying. At least for the two semi naked, aroused men in front of her. So, voyeurism was to their liking as well? How would they feel as she feasted her eyes on their exertions? Time to find out. She drew a deep breath once more, and again watched their eyes, this time fixed on her swelling breasts. Definitely thought provoking, and intriguing. However,

"My Lords, I wish, an I so feel you both do, to see you continue your..." How could she vocalize without sounding a light skirt? Pah, no matter. "Your fucking." She spoke, her French accent adding hints and innuendo to her words. "I wish to see you satisfy each other once again. It excites me also."  Now was not the time to be shy, or hide behind euphemisms. "So, who is going to fuck who?" One perfectly arched eyebrow rose in query. "I believe I should now see you Julien enjoy the delights of Alastair inside your arse, should I not?" She could feel her pussy wet with her own desire, knew that if she had curls hiding it they would be coated. Her muslin slid over her mound, sensitizing it further. Lud she ached to feel her fingers inside herself, rubbing her stiff nub and making herself come. For many a long year, they had been her salvation. Christianne dragged her thoughts from herself to the men still standing half dressed and regarding her with speculation.

"So?"

Alastair nodded. "So, my dear, you are correct in your assumptions. Perchance you will agree to accompany us to our..." He smiled. "Our as in mine and Julien’s bedchamber, where we can all enjoy its considerable comforts?"

He emphasized the word ‘all’ and wondered what her reaction would be. He felt secure in his reading of her interest when he and Julien had signified their joint interest in her. Although not openly expressed, the intrigue was there to be pursued.

He watched, his own interest in her increasing as she cocked her head to one side, one slender finger slipping just inside her lips. Lud why was that non-innocent gesture called cocking? He knew without looking, Julien’s cock would be in the same state as his own. Up for anything! If naught else it proved their interest in women, well one woman was alive and stiffening. Time would tell whether the said interest extended to more than being watched. For non knew more than she, the reason for that frantic fucking amongst the sweet scented roses.

"Mm, and if perhaps I accompany you both, what then?" The smile flashed towards him was that of a coquette; flirtatious, inviting and provocative, designed he felt to intrigue. He was, and by their almost telepathic communicating, knew Julien felt as he did.

"My dear, as we are gentlemen, we defer to you."

"Vraiment?"

He shook his head, amused. He had noted on previous occasions how she slipped into her native tongue when highly emotional. It could make for interesting times. Luckily his own command of that language was good, and since knowing Julien, both in the sphere of work and love, was considerably better.

Now he simply inclined his head. "Bien sûr"

"Then shall we withdraw?"

"After we are fully dressed I think. For we need not upset the servants more than usual. Already, Alphonse will be tearing his hair out regarding dinner."

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Thanks a million, Raven. Almost Entente Cordial release is imminent. Be sure to leave a comment to be in with a chance to win. I was fortunate to have read this in its draft form, and let me tell you it's HAWT!

Distractions

Distractions come in many forms, most of which I can tune out, but there is a certain, little distraction, I'm finding impossible to tune out.

This was Budda at gone midnight last night. Wide awake and ready to paaarrrttayy. Just as well, he's so cute. He's now six months old and the world, and in particular, mummy, is one big playground.

And he loves, loves, loves my netbook. Unless he is actually nursing to sleep, like he's doing now, he wants to join in. Cue me fighting little Mr Octopus for the possession of the blessed keys. Cue me ending up tickling him to distract him, which results in both of in fits of giggles, and no writing gets done at all.

Thankfully I have been knee deep in edits, and I did manage to get these done, albeit with many a heart stopping moment, where Budda hit a key and half the page was deleted. Thank goodness for the undo button on word..... and breathe....

I have a thousand and one story ideas flitting about in my head, but nothing has grabbed me enough yet to be able to write without getting distracted by the amazing non sleeping baby.

Or rather the amazing, will only sleep while mummy is holding me, baby. Yes, we have reached that phase, and will probably have another year before he comes out of the other side of this one, if his siblings are anything to go by. Separation anxiety has also kicked in big time when he's awake. He's perfectly happy, as long as he can at least see me, but much prefers being in arms. Thank heavens for slings. I'm not big on housework, but some things need to be done, invariably with Budda reigning supreme from his position on my back.

And if that wasn't enough there is also big brother and his human ping pong ball impressions.

This is him and one of the girls. The next one up, and the one he seems to be incapable of getting along with for any length of time. When they do get along it's a hoot, as you can tell!

It was half term here last week and oh my that was 'fun'. United Nations had nothing on me, truly. Hubby may have received a few 'please tell me you're about to rescue me' texts at tea time. Especially as I was also editing four upcoming releases at the time.

*makes mental note to time her submissions better*

The good news is that three of the four are all done and dusted, which just leaves Lure Of Forever.  I'm waiting on final edits, and will hopefully have a release date to share soon. I'm very excited about Lucas's story. I think, after Sven, Lucas is my favourite hero.

And talking of heroes, I'm editing, rewriting book two in the Giovanni Series, and I just happen to have stumbled on the perfect picture for Marco Giovanni. This fits the first look Elise gets of him to a T. She interrupts a work out....

and he's pretty annoyed with his useless nanny...

I leave you with a little snippet.

Elise remembered that conversation with a certain amount of dread now. How she was ever going to pass for the flamboyant sister was beyond her. They were as different as chalk and cheese in personality; in looks they were identical right down to the two annoying freckles on their jaw line.

Bother it all to heck and back, where is the front door key. How was she ever supposed to find anything in this mad bag?

Mimi grabbed hold of the strap, and the entire contents of the bag spilled all over the door step, yet still no key. Before she could bend down to retrieve the contents the front door opened and Elise forgot to breathe. The man stood glowering down on her had to be at least six foot two of hard muscle, perfectly showcased in vest top and low slung joggers. She'd interrupted a workout if the fine sheen of perspiration on his face was anything to by. Ice cold blue eyes, framed by heavy lashes, sat in a proud, patrician face, covered in a day's worth of stubble. He raised his hand to push his slightly too long, black hair away from his face and the musk of hot, sweaty male, mixed with the faint scent of his cologne invaded Elise's senses. Her fingers itched to touch the impossibly broad shoulders and she hastily dropped her eyes and balled her hands into fists to resist giving in to the impulse. This was Marco Giovanni?

****

Marco groaned when he opened the door to see the devastation on his door step. Oh goody the nanny is back.

“Ciao Mimi, where have you been?” He smiled at his daughter who gave him a bear hug, before wriggling to get down, when she spotted Agnes the housekeeper.

“Yeah okay, just one before dinner, Mimi.” His tone turned frosty when he addressed Elise.

“I am assuming you have not allowed her to stuff herself full of junk again? Cat got your tongue, woman? Ah let me guess, you forgot your keys again?”

He winced taking in the shirt that, quite frankly, ought to be burned. Damn it, he paid the woman enough to buy clothes more in keeping with her position. At least she had some decent trousers on for a change. His eyebrows rose when he heard her slightly breathless reply.

“Certainly not, I do not forget things, I just..urm .. Well.”

“Mislaid it again, have you Miss Donovan? You seem to be mislaying a lot of things lately.”

“Yes, well, that is about to change I can assure you Mr. Giovanni,” she mumbled under her breath. She bent down to retrieve the contents of her garish bag and gave him a perfect view of her tight ass. Hell, he had no business noticing how the fabric of her trousers clung to those long legs and showed the curve of her bottom off to perfection. Who’d have thought it…? What are you doing? That’s your nanny, man, hands off!

“Here let me help you with that, you’ll be there all day.” His voice was gruffer than he intended it to be, but bending down next to her had brought him close enough to notice her subtle feminine scent— something light and flowery and very unique to her. How come he never noticed how good she smelled?

“Hah, I knew I had the key. Here it is!”

Elise straightened at the same time as him. Holding the key triumphantly in the air, she stepped away from him. Her foot caught on the door step, and Marco told himself later, he had to grab her around the waist to stop her from falling over. The contact brought her firm breasts in direct contact with his chest and he heard her gasp. He felt the connection like a kick to the gut and all his blood rushed south. Hot damn! It had been too long since he held a woman in his arms, if his instant arousal was anything to go by. Why did his libido have to remember its existence now, when he held his nanny in his arms, his nanny for god’s sake? He shifted, grateful for the loose fitting pants helping to hide his hardening cock.

“Urm, you can let go of me now. I should see to Mimi.”

Her breathy whisper raised his blood pressure a few more notches and he automatically pulled her closer, taking a deep breath of her enticing scent.

“Mimi is fine. Have you changed your shampoo?”

“My shampoo?”

“Si, there is something different about you.” His voice sounded rough even to his own ears and she looked, damn, she looked frightened. Her expressive chocolate brown eyes widened in alarm and her curvy frame trembled in his arms. He forced himself to let her go. What the hell was going on here?

“No, I'm sure I don't know what you mean.  I really must go and see to Mimi, excuse me.”

She grabbed the bag along with Mimi’s stroller and looking uncertain for a minute; she straightened her shoulders and walked off in the direction of the kitchen.

Marco shut the front door a little too sharply, his body still tingling where it had touched hers. If he didn’t know better, but no that was impossible. She must have just decided to take his orders on board finally and he was pumped full of adrenaline still following his workout. That was the only explanation for the sudden primal interest in Mimi’s nanny. She was strictly off limits and he needed a long cold shower.

*chuckles to herself*

I do like this story and Marco stands no chance, lol. Neither does Elise it has to be said...

Anyways, must rescue the baby, who I dared put down and is now wide awake of course. And run a bath for the nine year old, who is home from school. She was injured in her very first Rugby tournament yesterday.

 *sigh*

Everything hurts today, she says :-(

She is covered in bruises, limping and still has a lump on her head. So much for sport being good for you...

Would love to know what your top distractions are and how you deal with them.