Sale! Sale! Sale! Take the edge off with Edgeplay by Annabel Allan

Edgeplay by Annabel Allan99¢ from December 20-31!!
Hurry! This is one great sale for one hot book and (as you see) it won’t last forever!

By day, Ava Goode is in the insurance game, getting her work done and being a model employee. But by night, she retreats to her secret world where she Dominates those that seek to submit to her.

This private world gets turned upside down the moment she meets Gabriel Burton; a man who is not only successful, but works for her father—and dating men in her father’s office is a big no-no. But, it’s hard to resist your deepest desires, especially when they kneel before you and kiss your feet, like a good boy.

Edgeplay by Anabel Allan

New! The Journeyman’s Trial. Part 2 in Lisabet Sarai’s Toymaker’s Guild series

The Journeyman's Trial by Lisabet SaraiLust is a lubricant to creativity at Randerley Hall. But what happens when two Toymakers fall in love?

Blurb:
If she builds it, will they come?

Technically brilliant and thoroughly wanton, Gillian Smith has found her vocation: designing innovative erotic devices for the Toymakers Guild. Lust is a lubricant to creativity at Randerley Hall. But what happens when two Toymakers fall in love?

The Guild’s tribe of talented, uninhibited engineers has embraced Gillian as one of their own. Edward Thorne, the perverse genius who founded the Guild, undertakes to train her in the skills she’ll need as a journeyman, from practical mind-reading to transcendental orgasms.

As Gillian labours to impress the charismatic Master, her enigmatic fellow journeyman Rafe both entices and frustrates her. Their passion seems to go beyond mere appetite, but in Randerley’s promiscuous and permissive environment, does love make any sense?

When the Toymakers receive a commission to equip London’s most exclusive brothel with the latest sexual technology, Gillian has the chance to demonstrate her formidable abilities as well as to help Rafe exorcise the demons of his past. She doesn’t realize she’ll be forced to choose between Rafe and her future in the Guild.

If you like intelligent, lusty women and kinky steam punk sex toys, pick up a copy of The Journeyman’s Trial.

The Journeyman's Trial by Lisabet SaraiSeries blurb:
Defying the repressive morality of the Victorian era, the Toymakers Guild uses advanced technology to fabricate bespoke sexual artifacts for the discrete pleasure of select clients. Its members are not only brilliant engineers but also sexual renegades seeking freedom from the prudish society that surrounds them. These are their stories.

Buy links:
Kinky Literature – https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/618-the-journeymans-trial-the-toymakers-guild-book-2/
Amazon  US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MQV4Y86

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MQV4Y86

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1118032

Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-journeymans-trial-lisabet-sarai/1140567579?ean=2940165096259

Kobo –  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-journeyman-s-trial-the-toymakers-guild-book-2

Add on Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59740783-the-journeyman-s-trial

The Journeyman's Trial by Lisabet SaraiOnline excerpts:
PG-rated:
https://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2021/11/sneak-peek-journeymans-trial-out-next.html

X-Rated:
https://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2021/12/a-message-of-paradoxical-pleasure.html

The Porographer's Apprentice by Lisabet SaraiSpecial deal! Get The Pornographer’s Apprentice, The Toymakers Guild Book 1, for only 99 cents during the tour!  Buy links here:
https://www.lisabetsarai.com/pornographersapprenticebook.html

Rave Reviews for The Toymakers Guild Book 1

There are many more plot points, but I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of this book. It has varied and steamy sex scenes that will take your breath away, a plucky heroine who doesn’t always come out on top (ahem), but who always prevails in her quest to be accepted as a Toymaker.  ~ Fiona McGier, Goodreads

With thoughtfully written characters, hot sex scenes, and a well-paced and interesting plot, the Toymaker’s Apprentice leaves you asking only one question….when is the next book in the series coming out? ~ The Phantom Tollbooth, Amazon

[A] fast paced, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining story as Gillian gets intimate with the staff and technology, only to find that there is a plot against the Guild that she takes on to save the day. I can’t wait to read what happens in the next book! ~ Arthur Royo, Amazon

The Journeyman's Trial by Lisabet Sarai

Victorian nerds:
Greetings. My name is Lisabet, and I’m an engineer.

In the so-called real world, I design and write computer software. I also manage development projects and mentor other engineers. I’m surrounded by smart people who enjoy the puzzles of technology and who like to make things work. It’s a challenging but exciting environment, an environment in which solving a tough problem can be as satisfying as… well, maybe even as satisfying as an orgasm. In a different way of course.

In The Journeyman’s Trial I’ve indulged myself by bringing some of that excitement into the story. The Toymakers Guild is basically a group of young Victorian nerds. Archie’s a genius with electricity. Rafe’s a chemist as well as a creative mechanical engineer. Jia excels at clockwork artifacts and optics. My heroine Gillian has skills in all these areas, but what fascinates her most is mathematics and computation. In a world where computers don’t really exist yet, she’s trying to create them and figure out how to make them work.

Then there’s the Master Toymaker, a genius who not only knows how to design and build physical devices, but who also has a deep understanding of human thought and emotions.

The novel includes pseudo-technical descriptions of the outrageous sexual artifacts the Guild produces. I suppose that some people might get impatient with my flights of engineering fancy, but for me, that has been part of the fun in writing this series. I love imagining how innovations that are commonplace today might have been realized in the Victorian era, given the technical limitations of the period.

Is the book realistic? Well, yes and no. I’ve taken a lot of technical liberties, but in fact the second half of the nineteenth century was a time of great progress and innovation.

And what about the sexual insatiability of my characters?

I’ve known, and loved, a lot of nerds in my life. Contrary to the stereotypes, really intelligent people are often very active sexually. They have a richer, more  elaborated understanding of desire and the many ways it can be fulfilled. None of the characters in The Journeyman’s Trial is based on a real person, but I’ve been involved with quite a few brilliant individuals who had similar attitudes – open-minded, experimental and focused on giving and receiving pleasure.

Just like Gillian and her uninhibited colleagues.

The Journeyman's Trial by Lisabet SaraiExcerpt:
At the foot of the stairs, she almost collided with a lean, dark figure. If he hadn’t grabbed her by both shoulders, they both might have tumbled to the floor.

“Why, hello, Jill!” A cocky smile lit the young man’s aquiline features. “I haven’t seen much of you lately.” He held on to her for considerably longer than was necessary to stabilise them. When he let go, she continued to feel his hands, heating her skin through the fabric of her garment.

“Good afternoon, Rafe.” She brushed some imaginary dust off her somewhat wrinkled lab coat. It was true that she’d barely spoken two words to her fellow journeyman since he’d rescued her on the moors two weeks before. Half the time he hadn’t even been at the dinner table. She’d wondered if he was travelling again. “I’ve been occupied with learning my new duties. The Master has been training me.”

His eyebrows arched. “Training, hmm? I’d like to know more about just what that entails!” He ran his fingers through his unkempt black locks. “I never got any sort of training from the Master. Of course, he hasn’t been around much. If I recall, he left Randerley only a few weeks after I joined the Guild.”

“When was that?” She wasn’t sure how she felt about the brash, forward young man who’d stolen a kiss within half an hour of her meeting him. Well, perhaps stolen wasn’t exactly the right term, but still, he seemed to have quite familiar manners.

“Two years ago last Christmas. Seems like a lifetime.”

“And before the Guild?”

His expression darkened. “I don’t really want to talk about that. Anyway, I’ve got an appointment with the Master in two minutes.”

Gillian stepped back to give him free access to the stairs. “You mustn’t keep him waiting, then.”

“But I’m really delighted to run into you.” He chuckled at his own jest. “Care to go riding with me tomorrow afternoon?”

“I’ve got quite a lot of work—”

“Tomorrow’s Saturday. Even that slave driver Featherstone takes Saturday afternoon off! Come on, Jill. Say yes!” His hand was back on her shoulder, casual, warm, maddening.

“Well… I grew up in the city, so I’m not much of a horsewoman.” She had to admit to being curious about Rafe. With his loose-limbed grace and easy smile, he was definitely attractive. Shouldn’t she be focused on her training, though?

“We’ll put you on Dorothea. She’s a sweet, biddable mare who won’t give you any trouble. And Samson likes her.”

“I don’t know…”

“I’ve got to go!” He squeezed her shoulder briefly and ran his fingers through her curls, then bounded up the stairs. “Meet you at the stables tomorrow at three,” he called out as he climbed out of sight.

“But…” There was no one to listen to Gillian’s excuses. In any case, why should she object? Rafe was a fellow member of the Guild. It was only fitting they should get to know one another – perhaps intimately.

The Journeyman's Trial by Lisabet SaraiAbout Lisabet:
Lisabet SaraiLisabet Sarai became addicted to words at an early age. She began reading when she was four. She wrote her first story at five years old and her first poem at seven. Since then, she has written plays, tutorials, scholarly articles, marketing brochures, software specifications, self-help books, press releases, a five-hundred page dissertation, and lots of erotica and erotic romance – over one hundred titles, and counting, in nearly every sub-genre—paranormal, scifi, ménage, BDSM, GLBT, and more. Regardless of the genre, every one of her stories illustrates her motto: Imagination is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

You’ll find information and excerpts from all Lisabet’s books on her website (http://www.lisabetsarai.com/books.html), along with more than fifty free stories and lots more. At her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com), she shares her philosophy and her news and hosts lots of other great authors. She’s also on Goodreads, Pinterest, BookBub and Twitter. Join her VIP email list here: https://btn.ymlp.com/xgjjhmhugmgh

 

Reading through a tough time: Welcome JL Peridot

When the holidays go well, they give us everything we ever dreamed of about festive love and generosity of spirit. But they don’t always go well, do they? And sometimes reading is the best solace we can find.

When going through a tough time, I sometimes turn to a good book to get me through. It’s hard—stress saps my focus like nothing else. But even the rudest and most chaotic of books can offer peace and quiet like no streaming service does (except maybe Nois.li).

So, with just a few weeks to go until the new year, here are a few of my favourite tips for getting through the holidays the literary way…

Choose books with a guaranteed happy ending

Romance is a great place to start. Love stories and romantic subplots can exist in every genre, but for a story to be called a “romance” by industry standards, it needs to have a happy ending.

For this reason, romances are often (unofficially) touted as comfort reads, but there are other genres you can rely on too like cozy mysteries (mysteries that aren’t dark and bloody), gentle fiction, and inspirational fiction. Note that the latter two tend to be broad categorisations that encompass both non-religious and religious fiction. If either of these may stress you out even more, be sure to look up the book’s labels and reviews before reading.

Happy endings and lovely reads:

  • Not Suitable For Work by Skye McDonald
  • On Location by Sarah Echavarre Smith
  • Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur
  • Hidden Gem by Enni Amanda

Re-read a book you loved before

It’s tried and tested in your book, so don’t be shy about reaching for it again—this goes double for books you’ve re-read multiple times. There’s no shame in craving familiarity and predictability, especially in unpredictable circumstances.

Adjacent to this—for anyone who just can’t bear to pick up the same old book again—is asking close friends to recommend a book they loved that made them feel good. Knowing they’ve previously cherished the story that’s in your hands may bring about that much-needed feeling of companionship and camaraderie, while possibly giving you extra insight into someone dear to your heart.

Re-reads and recommendations I’ve enjoyed:

  • Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
  • Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce
  • The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
  • Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Prioritise compelling over classic

By the time we reach adulthood, we will have been bombarded by recommendations for books we “should” read. Yeah, you know what that’s like. Well, forget it. As an adult, you are surrounded by “shoulds”—practically drowning in them. Many “shoulds” are valid of course, most come from well-meaning people. But you don’t have to put up with this in your leisure time.

Give yourself permission to choose books that suck you in. Fun reads. Trashy reads. Pulpy reads. Easy reads. Do this in the name of self care.

No recommendations here, just questions:

  • What book grabbed your attention the moment you saw it?
  • What book have you always wanted to read but were too embarrassed to pick up?
  • What book would you regret not reading if it were to disappear?
  • Where are you likely to find your favourite fiction tropes?
  • Who wrote that book you absolutely couldn’t put down; what else did they write?

Get lost in a series

When you know you’re in it for the long haul, a good series gives you a safe place to return to at the end of the day. Or throughout the day, if that’s what you need.

Whether the books follow a continuous story arc or give you a bunch of standalones with overlapping events and settings, you can more or less expect a “same same but different” quality between books. That is, every book will deliver something you loved about all the other books, even if most everything else has changed.

No recommendations from me. Goodreads Listopia has thousands!

All right, bookworm, here’s where to find more books without going broke…

  1. Book promotion platforms (eg. StoryOrigin, ProlificWorks) — Consider this your best-kept secret, as indie authors turn to these platforms to reach new readers. As such platforms offer only limited access directly to readers, your best bet will be to subscribe to a couple of newsletters from indie authors in your genre. That puts you just a few clicks away from a massive rabbithole of books, many of which will be discounted, free, or available for review.
  2. Book promotion mailing lists (eg. eReaderIQ, Books and the Bear, Book Doggy, The Book Circle, Discount Book Man) — These mailing lists are book catalogues, often curated to your taste in genre, delivered directly to your inbox. Books appearing in these catalogues tend to be on sale or available for free, either permanently or as part of a limited time promotion.
  3. ARC (advance reader copy) websites (eg. NetGalley, BookSprout, BookSirens, Hidden Gems) — These sites are a great source of free books, as long as you’re happy to write a review. Although some readers love writing detailed reviews, it’s not always expected. Most of the time, a star rating and a few words about what you liked or disliked is enough. If you’re an avid reader and you tend to keep track of your books anyway, signing up for ARCs is an excellent way to keep your e-reader topped up.

And that’s a wrap for 2021! Thank you for reading my content here on Nomad Authors.

And thank you ever so much, Dee and Jan, for hosting me 🙏

About JL Peridot

JL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. She currently resides in Boorloo (Perth, Australia) on Whadjuk Noongar country. Subscribe to her newsletter or visit her website at jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work. She also keeps a blog of random thoughts, updates and cool things she’s found.

Her latest indie release is a steamy futuristic office romance, It Starts with a Kiss 🚀

It Starts with a Kiss — out now!

It Starts with a Kiss by JL PeridotCeleste is a talented engineer who doesn’t realize her job’s going nowhere fast. She’s a little naïve. She’ll cut code and solder cables forever as long as Owen’s around. Owen, on the other hand, knows exactly how badly things suck—he just doesn’t care. Sure, his skills aren’t what they used to be, but they’re still better than what Halcyon Aries deserves.

Then it happens. The company’s toxic management team finally cross the line. As both techies race to upgrade the station and to free the team from their oppressive contracts, they come to learn that life—and love—can only ever be what you make it.

Strap in for a steamy office romance in space, because sometimes It Starts With a Kiss!

About JL Peridot

JL PeridotJL Peridot writes love stories and more from her home beneath the southern skies. When not chipping away at her current WIP, she’s chomping down on a new favourite book, watching Netflix, and chilling real good. Subscribe to JLs mailing list for banter, updates, teasers and the occasional microfiction.

Website: http://jlperidot.com

Blog: http://jayelle.pink

New Release and in the spirit of Christmas…

Finding a Christmas Miracle by Jan Selbourne and Anne Krist

Just in time for Christmas–but with two stories that are good to read all year long–Jan and Anne Krist send your way, Finding a Christmas Miracle.

Blurb:
Two exceptional novellas featuring two men engulfed in a war no one understands or wants—Vietnam. They’re both hoping for a miracle with little expectation of finding it.

Jan Selbourne lends her award-winning writing talent to A Miracle in the Outback. Nick Saunders is in a hurry to escape a family argument and also to return to his Army base in Wagga Wagga. He doesn’t need another complication. Rachel Garth is a woman with a broken down car, a small girl, a deadly snake, and a baby on the way. She needs Nick’s help. He doesn’t know it, but he needs hers, too.

In award-winning author Anne Krist’s The Miracle of Coming Home, Army PFC Tom Stabler wins a trip to his parents’ Nebraska farm for Christmas. He needs the time away from the war. Lately, he’s been feeling lost and too alone. Trouble is, being home is almost as bad. Then Susan Swensen arrives, just as sweet and pretty as he remembers. Can Susan help him find himself again, or will it take a miracle?

Buy link:
Amazon Kindle

Excerpt:
Finding a Christmas MiracleA Miracle in the Outback
Noelle’s face turned red as she let out another loud wail.

Ellie pointed to the crib. “Mum, Noelle’s crying.”

“I know, I know.” Rachel closed the sliding glass doors and pushed the hair out of her eyes.

Another louder squeal.

“Mummy, Noelle.”

“I can hear her, Ellie,” Rachel snapped, and went to the sink to wash her hands. “The whole bloody street can hear her.” She picked up the little noise machine and felt the wet clothing. Pulling off the soaked nappy, she reached for a clean one to wrap around the squirming baby.

“Scream, feed, and pee,” she muttered as she opened her blouse. Like an alarm clock, every three and half hours, day and night. So different from quiet, placid Ellie and she was so tired. As soon as the little piranha finished feeding, she’d give Ellie colouring pencils and toys and try to snatch an hour’s sleep.

Rachel rested her head against the back of the sofa and reached over to Ellie. “You are such a good girl, come sit next to me. When we go shopping tomorrow, I’ll buy you a present for helping me with this noisy baby.”

Twice a week, she pushed the pram, with Ellie sitting on the toddler’s seat, to the shopping centre. Always early to avoid the heat and between feeds so Noelle would, hopefully, sleep. Then wash the pile of baby clothes and nappies. She’d take a few more dollars from her stash and buy more disposables.

Fifteen minutes later, Noelle had fallen asleep against her breast. She gently laid her in the crib, turned on the fan, and lay on the sofa.

A shrill noise jerked her awake. Blinking, she sat up and rubbed her eyes as the front doorbell shrilled again. No way was she climbing the stairs to see who it is. They can come back later when her mother was home. Probably the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Last week it was the Mormons and she’d told them where to go in very blunt language.

She lay back down and felt herself drifting off when footsteps on the side path made her sit up. Two men in suits were walking towards the sliding glass doors. They looked around the back garden before knocking.

Now alarmed, Rachel hesitated before opening the door a couple of inches. The two men produced ID badges.

“Rachel Garth?” The tall man with piercing eyes asked.

“Yes.”

“Detective Thomas and”—his hand flicked to the man beside him—“Detective Jones. Sydney City Police. We’d like to talk to you.”

 Finding a Christmas Miracle

The Miracle of Coming Home
Susan Swensen flew into the small three-bedroom house she shared with Carol Buley and Mildred Hammersmith. “I won!” she shouted. “I won, I won, I won!!”

Carol stepped out of her bedroom and into the hallway, brushing her hair and already In her blue flannel pajamas. “Won what?”

Susan dropped an envelope on the scarred coffee table and threw off her wool cape, tossing it onto the used couch dressed up in a winter slipcover. A Christmas tree displayed prominently over the center cushion. Brightly wrapped gifts beneath a midnight-blue sky scattered with stars filled out the rest of the space. This was the second year the women had used it to hide the worn arms and cushions of the sofa, and it saddened Susan somewhat that it would be the last. The three would graduate from nursing school in June and go their separate ways.

She reached to remove the pins that secured her white cap to her blonde curls and then slid the bobby pins onto the edge of the cap before placing it carefully on the table. Then she picked up the envelope and removed the letter she’d read three times already.

“Susan Swensen. This is to inform you that your submission to the Home for Christmas contest sponsored by WCHI Radio Chicago has won one of seven prizes. WCHI has confirmed that PFC Thomas J. Stabler will be transferred from Saigon, South Vietnam to Norfolk, Nebraska (via Omaha, Nebraska) on or about December 16, 1970 until December 27, 1970. The Department of Defense is relaying this information to PFC Stabler’s commanding officers and to him. WCHI is happy to be a part of this Christmas homecoming. Thank you for your heartfelt submission. Merry Christmas! John Marbury, President, WCHI Radio.”

Susan looked up at Carol with a smile that felt like it might split her face. “Tom is going to be able to come home for Christmas.”

A little about us:
Author Jan Selbourne:
Jan SelbourneJan Selbourne was born and educated in Melbourne, Australia and her love of literature and history began as soon as she learned to read and hold a pen. After graduating from a Melbourne Business College her career began in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting, working in Victoria, Queensland and the United Kingdom. On the point of retiring, she changed course to work as secretary of a large NSW historical society. Now retired Jan is enjoying her love of travelling and literature. She has two children, a stray live in cat and lives near Maitland, New South Wales.

 Author Dee S. Knight:
A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website (www.nomadauthors.com). Fortunately, Dee’s high school sweetheart is the love of her life and husband to all three ladies! Once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.

Contact Jan:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Newsletter:

 Author links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Newsletter
LinkedIn
Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas

Charity Sunday: The Heroes Journey

Charity Sunday: Dee S. Knight

How Charity Sunday works: for every comment made on this blog post, I will donate money to the charity named. The same promise is made for every blog site listed in the group–click the Linky Links link at the bottom of this post to see the list of participants and read/comment on any of them to see a donation go to that blogger’s charity. We’re all different! Thanks for your help and your participation!


THE HEROES JOURNEY: WARRIORS FINDING THEIR VOICE AND TELLING THEIR STORY IN TRANSITION

Every year, hundreds of thousands of veterans and first responders transition from service into civilian life. It’s a challenging time that often results in loss of identity and changes so significant it seems like they are changing planets. For our warriors to live the life of prosperity they deserve, they must rediscover their voice and tell their story. That is our Mission at The Heroes Journey.

As writers, we have learned about Joseph Campbell’s Heroes’ Journey to tell how our hero (or heroine) goes from the ordinary world at the beginning of a book to completing a mission to a successful ending. That is the same journey some of our military are taking to resolve the same kinds of changes in their lives: leaving the familiar world behind to be thrust into an environment of war and then to return home. Telling their story in order to understand the adjustment is a fitting use for the method so many of us use for our own storytelling. Except the results are more life-changing!


The Man of Her Dreams
The Man of Her Dreams by Dee S. KnightBlurb:
A woman who has traveled thousands of miles searching for a tall man with brilliant blue eyes, a man she’s been dreaming of for months. A man whose life is in danger—or so the screwy woman having dreams and visions says—but who doesn’t believe for one minute in the occult. A man who has been thought dead for two years and who disappeared with a bundle in stolen cash. How will these three people come together? And who will be left standing at the end of their encounter?

Buy link:
Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt:
“What did you mean that after seeing me you thought you might be in the right place?”

A few moments passed while Cassandra considered what to say. People so often took her precognitions the wrong way. Finally, she screwed up her courage and turned to him.

“This is going to be hard for you to understand. I’ve… seen you before. I’ve had dreams for the past several weeks that feature you pretty prominently. I recognized you as soon as I saw you.”

Dan glanced at her, incredulity plain on his face and then he chuckled. “I have to admit, I don’t think any woman has ever told me that she dreamed about me before. Not literally, anyway. You mean you had a dream about a guy like me.”

“No, I mean I dreamed about you, you specifically. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true.” She looked out the window to the side of the road, seeing only pines and a house here and there, in the growing darkness. Dan didn’t speak immediately.

“What is it you dream? Something enjoyable, I hope.” His words were light but his tone made it clear that he wasn’t happy with the subject.

“Actually…” She turned to look at him again, “I’m glad you asked, because I wondered how I was going to bring this up. I dream that you’re dying. Drowning. You need to take special care around water.”

Dan glanced at her again, his lips compressed and his eyes narrowed into slits. “Not so pleasant then. Good thing I don’t believe in that sort of stuff. I noticed you’ve got California plates. The land of nuts, they say. No offense, but maybe there’s some truth to that.”

Cassandra glared at Dan. “You’d do well not to toss around old clichés and misconceptions, considering how many there are about the South. I appreciate your stopping and helping me as you have, but let’s not go any further down this path of conversation.” She lapsed into silence.

Fortunately, Dan didn’t try to engage her in any more talk. She’d have to consider how to bring up the subject of her dreams again when maybe he’d be in a more receptive frame of mind. She hadn’t traveled over three thousand miles to give up after one brush off.

After several minutes of tense silence, he pulled up in front of the Green Hills Inn. “I’ll wait here while you find out if they have a room.”

Cassandra went inside, returning shortly with a key. Opening the back door to reach for her suitcases, she said, “Thanks very much, Dan. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me. Take care of yourself, okay?”

“Wait a minute.” Dan jumped out of the truck and grabbed her suitcases. “I’ll take these up for you.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Just get on inside, will you?” he said harshly.

Cassandra scowled, but walked through the lobby to the elevators, where she jabbed the Up button. At room 410 she slid the keycard into the slot and opened the door just enough to admit herself. Turning, she wrestled her suitcases from Dan.

“Thanks again. Bye.”

As she backed into the room and dropped her bags beside the bed, Dan put his hand against the door to stop it from closing and followed her in.

“Wait just a damn minute,” Cassandra started, “you’ve got no right to come into my room. Just because you helped me out doesn’t give you any claims, and I’ll thank you to leave. Now.” Fire filled her tone. She’d been single long enough to know how to take care of herself, but she was a little tired for a fight.

“I’m not asking for any claims, lady. I’ve just got something to say to you, and I think it will be in your best interest to listen up. There’re a lot of superstitious notions still believed by some people in the South, but most people are going to look at you like you’re crazy if you go around telling them you’ve been seeing and hearing things. And rightly so, to my way of thinking. So just a friendly word of warning. However long you’re in my town, you’ll get along better if you keep your little loony visions to yourself.” He had stepped right up to her and looked directly down into her eyes.

Your town?” She felt the heat from his body and his breath softly blowing her hair. Although she knew she was frowning and appeared in control, inside she trembled. Like a tug-of-war, he had the power to pull her closer while she fought to remain steady, cool, and calm. Or at least appear that way. With effort, she steeled herself.

My town, California.”

“Point taken. Now you can leave. Or do you have any other words of wisdom to pass on?”

His eyes fell to her mouth then slowly moved back up to her eyes.

“I’ve wanted to do this since I first saw you,” he murmured. Grasping her shoulders, he lowered his head and kissed her, softly at first, but then harder as his body began to respond.

Without meaning to, Cassandra moaned, falling into the kiss as she leaned into him. His lips were soft and warm. He used them to massage hers and coax them into opening. His tongue was light on her lips, silky, brushing them as if to imprint their texture and form. She forgot for a moment that she had only known this man for a couple of hours.

Just as he tried to slip his tongue between her lips, she came to herself and pushed against him. She caught her breath and without thinking, slapped him hard across the face.

Shock filled his eyes, and then anger as he stepped back. She could see her handprint on his cheek and knew that it had to have hurt, because her hand hurt. Putting her fingers to her lips as though to erase his kiss, she stared at him.

“I hope you enjoy your short time in Greenwood and have a safe journey when you leave. Dill will take good care of your car. Goodnight, Ms. Hudson.” He turned and stormed from the room. A minute later, alerted by the unmistakable noise from the diesel engine, she strode to the window and watched him pull away from the motel and onto the street.

Cassandra took her bag of toiletries into the bathroom and undressed for her shower. Although she was shaken from the kiss and her initial reaction to Dan Morgan, the water beating against her body helped relax her. By the time she had put on her soft cotton gown, she knew she could sleep.

However, she hadn’t been in deep sleep very long before the dream started again.

Author Dee S. Knight:

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website (www.nomadauthors.com). Fortunately, Dee’s high school sweetheart is the love of her life and husband to all three ladies! Once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.

Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

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New! The Moon Crossing a writing partnership

The Moon CrossingWhat do a scifi/fantasy romance writer and historical romance writer have in common?

Well for Jan Selbourne and me it was a mutual love of writing.

After reading Perilous Love, I became a fan of her writing. In Perilous Love, Jan dragged me through a gambit of emotions including being very annoyed I had to go to sleep and wouldn’t get back to her book until much later the next day.

Jan and I talked writing and went back and forth a bit. I’m not sure how the conversation started but I said we should write a book together. I love her style and her attention to detail, so I thought we could work together to create a story.

It started more in fun – well, what could we write together. I don’t know how we settled on alternate history but it seemed to work. History was involved which hit on Jan’s strengths and it being tweaked and a bit different.. well that describes me I think.

Both Jan and I write as we go. There’s no grand plan or outline. We sit down and write. How in the world were we going to write a story together? So we talked through ideas. Some were rubbish and others were brilliant. Once we had a rough idea of where we thought we were going, we started writing. We started this in 2020 so with all the COVID and political unrest and difficulties, we tapped into the conspiracies of government and big business. Corruption is one of the themes in the book but also coverups.

Jan picked the names. I hate picking character names. In my head they are character 1 or character 2 or something similar until they coalesce into something more. One thing we did discuss was Susan needed to be strong. Moments of stress didn’t result in her breaking down in tears or falling apart. We tapped into her fears and let the reader see them. At one point, she’s walking through a dark tunnel. She feels like the walls are closing in and her fear climbs. Tapping into those feelings are key for the development of the character and progression of the story.

We opted to swap chapters. I’d write one then she’d write one. When it was her turn to write, I had to force myself to not go in and read behind her. I loved reading where she took us and our characters. After reading her chapters, I had to catch my breath. I tapped into the characters and thought okay, what’s next?

There were moments when I thought ‘huh, hadn’t planned to go there’ but as I read what she wrote, I was amazed and thrilled. Her writing inspired my writing. I hope mine did the same for her.

There were times she said – I’m writing this scene – I was perfectly okay with that because there were scenes I knew I wanted to write. I think our styles complimented each other nicely. By tapping into our strengths, I think it gave our story more depth and breadth. I also think it strengthened our friendship.

BLURB:
USA Today Bestselling Author Eileen Troemel and 2019 winner of Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the year silver medal for Historical Fiction Jan Selbourne present an alternate history, sweet romance of life after the Moon Landing in 1969.

In 2030, World Correction Center – the Earth’s most secure prison – is a miserable place to land. Since it’s on the moon, it’s inescapable. It contains the worst criminals Earth has ever seen. So why are the brilliant minds across the globe being sent to this black hole of the justice system?

When world-renowned archeologist Micky Cooper is charged with embezzling, his sister Susan knows it’s a set up. It’s up to her to prove his innocence. Susan thinks she might be paranoid but she swears she’s being followed and should she trust the nice man whose cousin has disappeared as well? Was it just a chance meeting or is he against her too?

Teaming up with Greg Tanner, a man equally resolved to prove the innocence of his cousin, Samantha Tanner – a world leading linguist. Susan and Greg seek clues wherever they can find them but they’re barely keeping one step ahead of those who want them to stop.

They begin to unravel the web of lies, fraud and cover up. Just when they start to put the pieces together, Susan and Greg are forced to run for their lives. With a nudge from Samantha, they find someone to help. Is this woman an ally? Or simply part of a greater conspiracy to hide the truth? What exactly is on the moon and why are the Earth’s greatest minds being sent there to serve time?

Buy link:
Universal: https://books2read.com/mooncrossing

Excerpt:
Finally at the front, she saw the little line on the sidewalk. The signs said no matter what, stay behind the line. Why? Did they think her powerful enough to break through a steel cage and bullet proof window? She forced a smile on her face as she fought her own rebellious nature. Putting her toes on the line, she raised her eyes to meet those of the officer.

The officer behind the window glanced her way. She flashed a sweet almost innocent smile to charm him. He paused momentarily, “State the name of the prisoner.”

“Micky… Michael James Cooper,” Susan heard the whir of the computer through the thick walls as the officer typed in her brother’s name. Biting her lip, she waited.

The officer stared at the screen, an eerie green reflection on his face. He glanced at her, frowned, and glanced back to his screen. “He’s not assigned,” the officer said.

“Can you tell me when he will be assigned,” Susan asked stepping closer to the window. She stepped over the line, but no one burst out of the doors to drag her away.

With his Adam’s apple bobbing, the officer looked into her pretty blue eyes. He licked his lips as he took in her tight sweater and her curves. Pencil skirts highlighted her narrow waist and flat stomach. Susan saw the desire she endured from men since she got breasts at ten. Men. She tried to keep the disgust she felt hidden.

“He’s been assigned,” the officer said reluctantly shifting his eyes back to the screen. “There’s no backlog of prisoners. They either get a prison in the US, or they go off to WCC.”

“What’s WCC?”

“World Correctional Center,” he informed.

“Sergeant Brady,” she read off his name from the tag on his gray uniform, “I know you get a lot of flak from people all day long, I don’t want to cause trouble. I want to send my brother some food and other creature comforts.”

Sergeant Brady adjusted his belt as he stood behind the glass and metal counter. “Most likely they sent him to the moon,” he said. “Those designations always take longer to get in the system.”

“May I ask you a simple question,” Susan said putting on her ‘I’m a dumb girl act’.

“Anything I can do to help,” Officer Brady said, grinning when she gave him a half smile.

“I thought they only sent the worst criminals there,” she said leaning forward to give him a better view of her cleavage. “I know Son of Sam and Charles Manson were sent to the dark side of the moon. Why would they send my brother who… well he did something with the computer, and they said he stole money.”

“It’s all up to the International Department of Justice,” Officer Brady said leaning towards the glass. “They assign the prisoners to the prison.”

“You’re so kind,” Susan beamed at him. “Who can I contact…”

“You can’t and you are beyond the line,” snapped an officer behind Brady, who jumped to attention.

“Oh, forgive me,” Susan said stepping back. This man was not swayed by her helpless girl act. “Thank you for your assistance.”

Turning away from the head of the line, Susan felt a flush rush across her face. How dare they? The dark side of the moon. Why send her brother? They convicted him of embezzlement. Murders, mass murderers, traitors were all sent to the dark side of the moon.

Meet the Authors:

Eileen TroemelEileen Troemel:
USA Today Bestseller Author Eileen Troemel writes action packed and emotionally powerful fantasy, scifi, romance. She’s versatile and writes in many genres.  She’ll try almost any genre if it means she can tell a good story.  In addition to her writing, she loves to read, crochet, and research genealogy.  Her best days are spent with her family of three adult daughters and her husband or writing. 

LINKS:
Website: https://eileentroemel.com/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/EileenTroemel
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EileenTroemelAuthor/ 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eileentroemel/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-troemel-6667825b/
MeWe https://mewe.com/i/eileentroemel
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7868345.Eileen_Troemel

Jan SelbourneJan Selbourne:
Jan Selbourne was born and educated in Melbourne, Australia and her love of literature and history began as soon as she learned to read and hold a pen. After graduating from a Melbourne Business College her career began in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting, working in Victoria, Queensland and the United Kingdom. On the point of retiring, she changed course to work as secretary of a large NSW historical society. Now retired Jan is enjoying her love of travelling and literature. She has two children, a stray live in cat and lives near Maitland, New South Wales

Website: https://nomadauthors.com/JanSelbourne/index.html
Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JanSelbourne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661584.Jan_Selbourne?from_search=true
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Selbourne/
/B0184OSZ6E/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/

Charity Sunday: Raising Men [Women] Lawn Care Service

Charity Sunday: Dee S. KnightHow Charity Sunday works: for every comment made on this blog post, I will donate money to the charity named. The same promise is made for every blog site listed in the group–click the Linky Links link at the bottom of this post to see the list of participants and read/comment on any of them to see a donation go to that blogger’s charity. We’re all different! Thanks for your help and your participation!


Raising Men [and Women] Lawn Care Service is a charity I’d never heard of until a few weeks ago when they were featured on a morning talk show. I was intrigued. A man one day had the idea of involving kids in giving back to their communities. Talk about a single person making a difference! This is one of the most basic forms of charity—giving locally and directly to those in need. The idea is this: have a kid commit to cutting 50 lawns (or shovel snow or rake leaves) for elderly people (or other needy people) for free in the child’s own community. If they make their commitment, the founder will travel to the child’s town, cut a lawn with him/her, present the shirt that represents reaching the commitment (each 10 lawns cut earns a new colored shirt), and presents a new lawn mower. The rewards can be unimaginable for the child and for the community, too. I love this idea. Please comment on this blog and I will donate to this interesting and worthwhile cause!


The Man of Her Dreams
A contemporary, paranormal erotic romance

The Man of Her Dreams by Dee S. KnightBlurb:
A woman who has traveled thousands of miles searching for a tall man with brilliant blue eyes, a man she’s been dreaming of for months. A man whose life is in danger—or so the screwy woman having dreams and visions says—but who doesn’t believe for one minute in the occult. A man who has been thought dead for two years and who disappeared with a bundle in stolen cash. How will these three people come together? And who will be left standing at the end of their encounter?

Buy link:
Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt:
The road sign indicating that Greenwood was only seventeen miles away was a blessing. It had been a long day and all Cassandra wanted was dinner, a drink of something strong and a hot shower. All of that would be hers, she promised herself, once she got to her goal, Greenwood.

I can keep going for another seventeen miles. Then, after dinner, drink and a shower, she would fall into bed and hopefully have a good night’s sleep, without the dreams that had plagued her for the past two months.

She sighed with relief as she passed through the town of Abbeville and saw another sign that said she was a mere thirteen miles from Greenwood. Smiling in anticipation, she picked up speed only to hear a loud bang and feel the car pull sharply to the right. With a firm hand on the wheel, she coasted to the side of the road.

The problem was, unfortunately, with the front tire. As she stooped to take a look, she cringed. It was definitely more than flat, it was totally blown out. Damn. That meant buying a new tire rather than just getting this one patched.

She stood and slammed her hand on the hood in frustration and fatigue. After more than ten hours of driving that day, this delay was the last thing she needed.

Sighing, and then laughing, more as a means to keep from crying as anything else, she opened the passenger door to find her cell phone. The sound of a diesel engine drew her attention to the back of her car, where the largest pickup truck she had ever seen was stopping behind her, its four-way flashers blinking.

The late afternoon sun blinded her slightly, so she put her hand up to shade her eyes. Even so, all she could determine was a shape coming toward her, tall, broad-shouldered, with a wide chest narrowing to a lean waist and hips. Long legs propelled the man toward her. When he got closer, he smiled and she could see straight, white teeth and the bluest eyes she had ever seen, set into a tanned face. His hair was dark brown and a little shaggy, but all in all, he was a wonderful specimen of manhood. A dream of a man, literally.

When he stopped beside her, she looked up into his face in amazement. “It’s you!”

Author Dee S. Knight:

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website (www.nomadauthors.com). Fortunately, Dee’s high school sweetheart is the love of her life and husband to all three ladies! Once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.

Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K

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Steamy romances on sale!

BVS Anthologies on BookFunnel

Black Velvet Seductions has added published romance anthologies on Book Funnel! Check these out for some sexy and very romantic reading!

Three Nomad Authors are in these anthologies: Jan Selbourne, Alice Renault, and me, Dee S. Knight. In addition, Anne Krist makes an appearance in Mystic Desire. You’ll love these stories!!

Mystic Desire

Mystic Desire is a collection of short paranormal romance stories. This is a Mystic Desire: Sexy, steamy romancechance to read and discover the work of a diverse group of very talented authors.

The themes in this book are varied, as are the collection of characters and artifacts, including Native American dream catchers, mystical jewelry, and characters such as lustful vampires, hot warlocks, a grumpy leprechaun, a ghostly terrier, a zombie apocalypse and things that go bump in the night.

From soft and tender love to hot passionate, kinky sex, there is something for everyone in this anthology.

The Sweetest Magic of All–Alice Renault
When a sexy apprentice witch and a hot warlock go back in time to locate a magical amulet, they find more than they bargained for. It’s May Eve, the most magical night of the year, and normal rules don’t apply…

Through the Veil–Jan Selbourne
A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside. Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.

An Awareness of Evil–Dee S. Knight
Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.

Life Saving–Anne Krist
Saving lives isn’t just for adults. Sometimes the innocent magic of a child can do the job better.

Desire Me Again

Desire Me Again anthologyThe hopeless romantic believes that a soulmate exists for each of us. That there is one person who makes us feel how good it is to love them. For some couples, things trigger them to push that love away. They find out too late they’ve lost true-love. Sometimes genuine love deserves a second-chance at the happy ending that eluded them the first time.

Desire Me Again is an eclectic assortment of short stories exploring a second-chance at love. The collection is as diverse as the authors who wrote them. Here’s a chance to read the work of talented writers you may not have read before. Within these pages, there are blends of tender, often moving and thought-provoking stories.

Featuring: Annabel Allan, Patricia Elliott, R.M. Olivia, Carol Schoenig, Virginia Wallace, Gibby Campbell, Dee S. Knight, Alice Renaud, Jan Selbourne, Zia Westfield

A Convict’s Prayer–Jan Selbourne
Famine, disease, poverty and crime dominates 19th century Ireland, and Eleanor Craddock is just one of the thousands convicted of stealing to survive. However, it is her brother Thomas’s treachery that sentences her to transportation to Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania, Australia) for fourteen years. The only thing that keeps Eleanor going is her prayer that one day she will earn her ticket of leave, because only then can she apply for her two children to join her on the free emigration scheme.  This prayer is sorely tested during the long 13,000-mile journey on the convict ship Hope, the brutal Hobart Cascades Female Factory and her years as an assigned servant to the wealthy Ian Franks. Richard Barnett, horse trainer for Franks finds it almost impossible to break through Eleanor’s hard defensive wall until a theft of important documents.  This is a true story of two people finding love again.

The Holiday Mermaid–Alice Renault
Adam fell for surfer girl Rowena the second he saw her. But just as their summer fling was becoming serious, she left him without any explanation. Now, with Christmas just a few days away, she’s back… and Adam discovers that she’s a shape-shifting mermaid, from a Clan that hates humans. Can he love her as she is? Can she brave her family to be with Adam for good, not just for Christmas?

Second Chance–Dee S, Knight
Sandy Henderson had been a sweet, wholesome girl in her first year of college, sure of herself and totally in love with her high school sweetheart, Tom Pritchard. Then something happened that shattered her dreams, her confidence, her will to live. When she meets Tom again many years later, she resists taking a chance on love because of her secret, but Tom won’t give up on her. On them. Or will he, once she tells him about her past?

Cowboy Desire

For me, Cowboy Desire is the best BVS anthology yet—14 compelling stories Cowboy Desire anthologythat are all different and (what else?) include cowboys. Damn good writing!

The Long Paddock—Jan Selbourne
This is one of my favorite stories in the book. Jan delivers a real taste of Australia and wonderful romance!

Space Cowboy Blues—Alice Renaud
Even a universe isn’t wide enough to keep love at bay! Find out what it’s like to be a space cowboy who falls in an impossible romance.

Bird that Sings—Dee S. Knight
Is reincarnation a myth? Maybe so, but something strange is happening to Owen Gilchrist on his Montana ranch.

I think any reader will find something to like in these three anthologies. Give them a try, especially since they’re now available on Book Funnel!

Hurry! There’re just a couple days left to Fall Into some Great Reads!

Fall Into These Great Reads--N.N. Light

Celebrate autumn all month long at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s fourth annual Fall Into These Great Reads Bookathon. 35 books, 29 authors, $75 Amazon gift card up for grabs plus discover why these books are all recommended by N. N. Light!

It’s not all great books and authors, either. One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon (US) gift card!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US account to win.

Runs September 1 – 30. Only two days left!  The prize drawing will be held on October 1.

Rafflecopter prizes

8 Romantic Tracks for Your Playlist Pleasure: JL Peridot

Sometimes I read with music playing in the background. When it’s the right kind of music, and I’m in the right kind of mood, it seems to add to the atmosphere of the book. The same goes for writing. Good sounds bring an energy that feeds the imagination.

Today, I’m rounding up eight of the gorgeous, romantic tunes that have graced my playlists over the last couple of years. Hope you like them!

8. Lo-Fang — You’re The One That I Want


This slow jam cover of that song from Grease — yep, that one indeed — features sultry vocals, warm percussion and woeful strings. It’s the perfect soundtrack to heavy emotional moments, perhaps where we learn the truth of what the MC and LI mean to each other even before they know it themselves.

7. Crywolf — Lemniscate


Another delectably moody song, only this time with airy vocals against a dreamy backdrop. Ideal for a paranormal romance or urban fantasy, maybe? I’m picturing that crucial moment in a vampire or shapeshifter story, where we walk the precipice between fear and love; savagery and compassion; immortality and the fleeting preciousness of life.

6. Ledes Diaz (feat. Santos Real) — Despacito


There are so many covers of Luis Fonsi’s Despacito, but I chose this one for its mellow and fat kizomba beat, plus Ledes’s smooth loverboy voice. Call it a chilled out, feelgood version of Fonsi’s smoking hot original, nicely matched with that turning point where the MC and LI realise their mutual attraction and look forward to the rest of the book together.

5. The Motans — 42


This wordy, easy-listening pop track from Romania carries an introspective yet optimistic mood. If you structure your playlists to suit the ups and downs of a story format, I’d pop this just after the middle. Right about where the LI comes up against a challenge that could easily be overcome with the right kind of effort.

4. Le Flex — Tangled


If you saw my post on retrofuturistic love songs, you’ll recognise this synthpop track. It’s got some serious romantic crush vibes, like say the kind you’d hear playing when the MC first falls for their love interest. It captures that dreamy split second where they realise they’re really into that person, and experiences that anxious joy of not yet knowing if those feelings are reciprocated.

3. Lo Moon — Tried to Make You My Own


An atmospheric track with a sexy beat, intriguing melody, and lush, layered vocals. Maybe this is our couple’s first pinch point, or those reflective scenes after a big fight: don’t leave me, I want you, here’s what I’m willing to do. Thank you, Stefanie Simpson, for recommending this song.

2. Nico Santos — Play With Fire


How’s this one for an angsty NA or YA romance? Even if you ignore the on-the-nose lyrics, this track conveys frustration and inner conflict within that smooth, high-produced contemporary commercial pop sound.

1. Blackpanda (feat. Mabbi) — Antes de Que Acabe el Verano


This song is a versatile one. The lyrics tell a “will they or won’t they” story, but that dreamy sound and driving beat might also work to foreshadow a “they definitely will”. In that vein, I’d call this one a good addition to a friends-to-lovers playlist, perhaps even a boy/girl-next-door kind of story.

Thank you, Nomad Authors, for having me today!

About JL Peridot
JL PeridotJL Peridot writes love letters to the future from her home beneath the southern skies. She currently resides in Boorloo (Perth, Australia) on Whadjuk Noongar country. Visit her website at jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work.

Preorders are now open for the relaunch of her steamy futuristic office romance, It Starts with a Kiss.

It Starts with a Kiss — preorders now open

Celeste is a talented engineer who doesn’t realize her job’s going nowhere fast. She’s a little naïve. She’ll cut code and solder cables forever as long as Owen’s around. Owen, on the other hand, knows exactly how badly things suck—he just doesn’t care. Sure, his skills aren’t what they used to be, but they’re still better than what Halcyon Aries deserves.

Then it happens. The company’s toxic management team finally cross the line. As both techies race to upgrade the station and to free the team from their oppressive contracts, they come to learn that life—and love—can only ever be what you make it.

Strap in for a steamy office romance in space, because sometimes It Starts With a Kiss!