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!
If you’ve been watching the news at all, you’ve probably heard about dozens of charities set up to help people get out of Ukraine and/or Afghanistan. The charity I’ve chosen this month is one I heard about on a news show and it sounded good to me. It’s Save Our Allies. Their mission: “Our Mission is to rescue American Citizens, Permanent Residents, SIV Holders, and other special populations from conflict zones and contested areas. For those brought to the United States we help them navigate the many challenges of being a Refugee in order to form a successful and productive life here at home.” Their current mission is to help evacuate civilians from Ukraine to a safe location. I heard about this group through a trusted source, so I feel comfortable donating to them. Please leave a comment on this blog post and I will send a donation to Save Our Allies. Thank you!
Passionate Destiny is a book with its roots in another war—the War Between the States. It takes place in Virginia near where I used to live. It’s fiction but might it be based in fact? Well, maybe…
Blurb:
When Margaret Amis-Hollings inherits an old house in Virginia, she never suspects she’ll be sharing it with a very loving ghost. Or that her interest will be divided between her spirit lover and the very live man who’s renovating the place. Suddenly her life is intertwined with a soldier from a previous century and with his descendant, Aaron Belton, who has a secret concerning her home. Is it coincidence or the power of a past love that makes her want to share her life—as well as her destiny—with Aaron?
Excerpt: “What do you mean I’m being cut?” Dr. Margaret Amis-Hollings, professor of women’s studies in the sociology department at Hardis College, shot out of her chair and stared at the dean, Sally Smith, who remained seated.
“Calm down, Margaret.”
“Calm down? Calm down? You just told me that I’ve lost my job.” Pacing, she raked her hand through the tangle of auburn hair that never seemed to stay contained in barrettes. A million things went through her mind, not the least of which was how she would make her rent, her car payment, buy food.
“Oh my God, how am I going to live?” Collapsing in the chair she’d just vaulted out of, she turned to face her friend and boss. Her expression was half despair, half anger, all shock.
“I’m so sorry, Margaret. The board has ordered more budget cuts. It hasn’t been easy. You know how we’ve had to scrimp for the past few years. Now we even have to cull courses we think aren’t serving the full interests of the students.”
“But—but…” Tears choking her throat, she couldn’t at first finish her sentence. “But the women’s studies classes? They’re vital.”
In fact, she had thought the reason for meeting with Sally was to discuss the addition of a new offering: Women Villains. She’d been so proud of the catchy and intriguing title and even had the hook for the course description. “What makes ‘Jane the Ripper,’ and how do her contributing factors differ from Jack’s?” She’d anticipated sharing the materials she’d already prepared, and hearing Sally’s happy response when she revealed the number of students who’d already indicated an interest.
She’d planned for questions of course, but anticipated support and excitement from Sally. The last thing she imagined was being let go.
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.
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!
Luke’s Wings https://lukeswings.org/ “is dedicated to reuniting wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans with their loved ones by providing complimentary airfare during recovery and rehabilitation. … Luke’s Wings was founded in 2008 after learning that the government does not always provide flights for family or loved ones to be bedside after a service member is injured. This is where Luke’s Wings steps in to fill the gap for the months and years ahead.
“Families are completely on their own to travel back and forth between their everyday lives and their new reality. Luke’s Wings provides complimentary airfare to wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans and their loved ones keeping military families connected during recovery and rehabilitation. These flights bring mental, physical, emotional, and financial support, empowering wounded service members to overcome challenges they face every step of the way.”
On a personal note, I spent months at a time in several different hospitals when growing up for surgery. It’s not at all the same as what our wounded warriors go through, but it is similar in one small aspect: I was separated from family while waiting for surgery, after surgery , and during recovery and physical therapy. I understand why having family members present for recovery and therapy is a huge help, lending support, encouragement, and love. Allowing the reunions of wounded military members with their families would be a tremendous benefit.
May I tell you about Naval Maneuvers? Three novellas tell the stories of three servicemen and their loves. I dedicated the book to my dad, who proudly sailed the seas for 24 years and for my second father, who believed “once a Marine always a Marine,” and who demonstrated the finest qualities of the Corps in love of his country and family.
Blurb: Men and women of the armed forces experience lust and love pretty much like everyone else. Except, well, there is that uniform. And the hard-to-resist attraction of “duty, honor, service” as a man might apply them to a woman’s pleasure. All things considered, romance among the military is a pretty sexy, compelling force for which you’d better be armed, whether weighing anchor and moving forward into desire, dropping anchor and staying put for passion, or setting a course for renewed love with anchor home. Explore the world of love and the military and see just how hot Naval Maneuvers can be.
Excerpt: Carie made her way around the side of the building and nearly ran into Todd, who lounged against the weathered wood siding. He looked better than good in a pale blue polo shirt and jeans. Top-Sider boat shoes with no socks gave him that naturally casual look that no model could successfully carry out.
“I was hoping you’d come,” he said.
“You were pretty obvious,” she said dryly.
“I knew you were smart enough to catch the hint. I just didn’t know if you’d follow it.”
How could she not? The moment she noticed him she’d remembered the feel of his being deep inside her. But that didn’t change a damn thing. They shouldn’t be here, not together.
She held her head high and tried to look down her nose at him—nearly impossible since he was taller than she, but she had perfected the attitude long before meeting Todd Baxter. Senior Chief Todd Baxter. “I wanted to walk the beach while I was here, that’s all.” Todd grinned and Carie melted inside.
“Lucky for me, I wanted to walk the beach, too,” he said. “Quite a coincidence, huh?”
She snorted in disbelief and slipped off her sandals. Brushing by him, she was glad he didn’t try to kiss her or hold her. But then she frowned. Why didn’t he try to kiss her? She’d wanted to jump his bones right there in that Norfolk hallway. They had to maintain propriety then, but here, no one would see them. What held him back? She knew an unfamiliar sense of self-doubt. Had she mistaken his feelings before?
Nonsense. Carie knew what they’d had was more than mere lust. It had been lust of stupendous proportions, far beyond a few days of burning out. Then what held him back? Knowing the military regulations preventing officers and enlisted personnel from having a relationship, you idiot.
Damn. She finally found someone she clicked with, and he had to be an enlisted man in the Navy.
The sand felt good between her toes, cool and squishy. Gulls screeched overhead and on the sand, where they snatched up sand crabs and poked around for scraps sunbathers might have left. Surf pounded to the shore and then surged forward, the sharp white of its foam sharp against the dark, wet sand before the water was absorbed. The sun beat down, making her wish she’d worn her bathing suit under her jeans and tank top so she could take a quick dip, and remembered to bring a floppy hat to shield her face.
Suddenly, something was plopped on her head. She dragged it off to look at it. SFC Baxter was stamped on the inside of a white sailor hat, brim folded down.
“I kept it for sentimental purposes when I made chief,” Todd said. When she raised her brows, he continued. “I brought it in case you came without a cover. I remember you were sensitive to the sun when we went to pick up your clothes.” He smiled. “And I know you’re quick to freckle. Not that I don’t like your freckles a great deal. Ma’am.”
She cringed at his use of “Ma’am,” though it was the proper term for him to use when a superior officer was a woman. But she smiled inside that he’d remembered such a small thing like the sensitivity to the sun suffered by all redheads. Chagrined, she put the hat on and pulled it forward, shielding her eyes from the sun.
“After all that time in North Carolina, how in hell did we never mention what we did for a living?” She couldn’t believe her stupidity. Martha had nothing on her for not asking the right questions.
“In Carolina we had lots of other things on our minds. I knew you’re a lawyer. When I thought of you, I never wondered how you spent your time at work. I just thought of how you spent your time with me.”
“That’s pretty shallow.”
Todd laughed. “Not to a man.”
Stupid answer. But it had been his very maleness that captivated her. Well, and orgasms. Who’s shallow now?
“Look,” he said, his hand out in a request for understanding. “It isn’t as though I didn’t want to get to know you better. I did. I do. But when we’re together I can’t keep my hands off you. I can’t stop thinking how I want to touch you, kiss you, do other things to–”
“When were you going to tell me you were in the Navy?” she asked.
He sighed loud enough that she heard it over the sound of the waves. “I don’t know. I guess when we slowed down enough to talk. There wasn’t much time.”
There hadn’t been. In Asheville, if they hadn’t been eating or sleeping, they busy in other ways. And there hadn’t been much eating or sleeping going on.
“I think they should put a plaque on the outside of that room for the fewest number of times the occupants left in four days. I couldn’t get enough of you.” Carrying his shoes in his left hand, he stuck his right hand in his pocket and strolled along beside her, barefoot. “I still can’t.”
“You didn’t exactly write and tell me that.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t want to assume too much, not knowing if you wanted me again as much as I wanted you. Call me shy.” He grinned, and she burst into laughter. “Besides,” he continued, “you’re the one who left saying, ‘It’s been fun.'”
She dipped her head, acknowledging the fact. “And you agreed.”
“Carie, I was scared.”
He sounded sincere, but really? He stopped and stared out across the breakers. She stared along with him, wondering what he saw out there. “I’m pretty set in my ways,” he said, and she had to strain to hear him, he spoke so low. “I’ll be honest, I haven’t been a monk, but sex with you was different. You made me think of things I’d never considered before.” He studied her face. “Do you understand?”
“I think so,” she said softly. “I wanted you more than anything. I’ve never had time or energy for a relationship. I’ve given all I have to my career. But I think I want more now.”
Todd reached to cup her cheek but then dropped his hand. “Like I said, I’m not a monk but there’s been no one since you.”
She wanted him. More, she needed him. “Nor for me. It wouldn’t have been the same. Nothing before you was ever that intense. Nothing else has ever touched me.” Pain struck her heart. “I want to kiss you so damn much.”
Before he could say anything, she turned and began walking again, sticking her hand in her pocket so she wouldn’t be tempted to reach for his hand. She’d had to hold herself back from stepping into his arms in the hallway on base. Here, on a near-empty beach, she had to exert even more will power. “That was then, and this is now. Vacation and real life seldom mix.”
“Funny,” he said. “Given the chance, I’d mix vacation and real life in a New York minute”
“Me, too,” she admitted. “But we can’t now. You’ve ruined everything.”
She felt him stiffen beside her. Idiot! You make a living saying the right thing to sway people’s opinion and you screw up like that?
“This is my fault how?” he asked quietly. She hadn’t seen him angry, but she had an idea this quiet voice was the prelude.
“You’re in the Navy but you’re not an officer.” It might sound petty, but regs were regs. “Why aren’t you an officer?” Okay, and that sounded whiny. But damn it, she felt whiny. “That attorney friend of yours said you were a mechanical engineer. Weren’t you offered OCS?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. After I received my BS and again after I earned my Masters. I didn’t accept because I didn’t want to be an officer.”
“Why not?” She spun to face him, the arm holding her sandals outstretched in confusion. She’d never met anyone who would turn down the chance to make more money and have more prestige.
“I like working, using my hands, being with my men—on the job and off.”
She started walking again. “Well, too bad you like sleeping with me. Or you seemed to. God knows, I loved being with you. And now it’s all over.”
“I’m surprised at you, counselor. The regulation obviously was written for two people who work together. It’s to keep one from having undue power over the other. We don’t work together.”
“It’s military regulations. You don’t mess with them. I don’t mess with them. I work to uphold them, not bend them to suit my desires.”
“I love your desires.” He pulled her hand from her pocket. Linking their fingers, he stepped closer and they continued their stroll across the sand as though the world hadn’t just turned on its axis. “Right here, right now, it feels like we never left Asheville. The view is different but we’re the same.”
Carie opened her mouth for air, suddenly needing more than she had a moment ago. But she couldn’t gather the strength needed to take back her hand. “The view isn’t the only thing different.”
He frowned. “Was I the friend you had planned to surprise this weekend?”
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.
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.
N.N. Light’s Book Heaven reminds us that August is considered to be the last month of summer. September brings school starts, cooler weather (at least for those of us beneath the north star and not the southern cross), and the the beginning of holiday thoughts. August might be our last time for discovering a new author or book. Maybe a binge-worthy book!
Hurry! The end of August is almost here! Check out the N.N. Light Binge-worthy Book Festival. Find a surprising author you’ve never read and enter to win a $75 Amazon gift card!!
Look for my two books that have already been featured (Only a Good Man Will Do and One Woman Only) and look for The Cinderella Curse on August 31–the last day of the festival.
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!
This month’s charity is Folds of Honor. https://www.foldsofhonor.org/ The mission of Folds of Honor is: “To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. … Honor their sacrifice. Educate their legacy.” So, this charity helps two ways that are near and dear to my heart—it helps give people who need the boost an education they might not be able to afford, and it honors those who have given much. Please comment!
I wrote Burning Bridges as Anne Krist. It’s not an erotic romance, but it’s a book full of emotion and is a true love story. The hero, Paul Steinert, is in the Navy and is about to ship out for Vietnam when he first meets Sara Noland. Perhaps his child could have benefited from Folds of Honor!
Excerpt: Virginia Beach, Virginia – January, 1970
“Of all days to debate about whether to wear the short skirt or the shorter one,” Sara wailed to her best friend, Cindy. “We’ll be lucky if we aren’t late.”
The blue Volkswagen Beetle sped down the highway. Or as fast as it could speed, with the tiny engine pushing from the rear, and Sara having to shift gears so often because of traffic and lights. She huffed in frustration.
“Oh, we have plenty of time. I had to make sure I looked just right. You never know who we’ll see,” Cindy replied with her usual assurance.
“I hope you’re right.”
“You worry, Sara, and things always turn out okay. Just keep your mind on driving and we’ll be fine.” Cindy clasped her hands and shrieked with excitement. “I can’t believe our parents bought us tickets to see Michael Wales!”
That brought a real smile to Sara’s face. “I know! Our parents are the best.”
She flicked a knob on the radio as she veered into the parking lot, silencing Neil Diamond’s “Holly Holy.”
“See? I told you. You worry too much. We’re here with a good ten minutes to spare.” Cindy flipped her straight blonde hair over her shoulder. She turned the rearview mirror toward her and applied a fresh coating of lip gloss.
“We’re only ‘here’ if I can find a place to park.” Sara maneuvered her little car up one aisle and down another, until finally, “Good! There’s one.” Before she could get to the space, a sleek, red Corvette swung in.
“Oh, no! That was our space,” Cindy cried.
Two men unfolded themselves from the little sports car, the driver with olive skin and hair as dark as the passenger’s was golden. The men started toward the building. Suddenly, the passenger looked at Sara and then back at the space.
The low-hanging sun framed him, a fair giant with short hair and the physique of a warrior. For a brief moment, Sara pictured him with sword and shield at the helm of a Norse sailing vessel. Her heart fluttered and her breath caught. Then she brought herself under control.
The girls watched as he talked to the dark-haired man and gestured to them. The driver looked around then shook his head before continuing toward the building. The blond shrugged apologetically at Sara and followed his friend.
“Shoot! I thought maybe he would have a heart.” Sara eased off the clutch and started forward again.
“They were cute.” Cindy swerved in her seat to watch the men as they picked their way through the parked cars. “I wonder what the chances are of seeing them–”
A piercing whistle cut through Cindy’s words. “Stop, Sara! The blond guy is waving at us.”
Sara turned to look behind them. The blond man was indeed waving, gesturing for her to come toward him. “What does he want?” she muttered. Deciding to ignore him, she drove on, turning to the right.
He whistled again.
“He wants you to pull around there. He’s still waving.”
“Oh, all right,” Sara grumbled. “But make sure your door is locked, Cindy. And don’t roll your window down.”
Cindy laughed. “You sound like my mother. What do you think is going to happen right here in the parking lot?”
Sara managed a U-turn and drove to where the man stood. Rolling her window down an inch, she said loudly, “What is it?”
He bent down to peer through the glass at her, a lopsided grin on his face. Good Lord, he was cute. Muscled shoulders and arms, angular, strong features, hair a rich blond, and dark, sapphire-blue eyes.
“Oh, my heavens,” she heard Cindy say under her breath.
For once, Sara understood her friend’s meaning. His grin made her stomach do flip-flops and her palms sweat.
“I don’t bite,” he said around a chuckle, motioning to the almost closed window. “I just wanted to tell you, there’s a place right over there. I think you can squeeze your Bug into it.” He turned and pointed at a half space at the end of the aisle, a couple of cars away.
Flashing him a look of gratitude, she put the little car in gear and pulled into the spot. The tall, handsome stranger followed.
When Sara turned off the engine, the guy opened the door for Cindy and held out his hand to assist her. Out of nowhere, a sharp pang of jealousy struck Sara. Its intensity and suddenness disturbed her. After all, she didn’t know this man; what difference did it make if he and Cindy hit it off?
By the time she collected her purse, stepped out and made sure the doors were locked, Cindy and the mystery man were like old friends. Again she felt the Green Monster strike, and gave a mental shake to rid herself of its clutches.
“Sara,” Cindy said, smiling dreamily at the tall man, “this is Paul Steinert. Wasn’t he just wonderful, finding us this space?” She tittered.
It was all Sara could manage, not to gape. Cindy always flirted but tittering was something new.
“Paul, this is my best friend, Sara Noland.”
Paul smiled and held out his hand. “Hello, Sara. I’m sorry about the other space. This one is closer to the door, though.”
She locked gazes with him and her tongue twisted in her mouth. Surges of heat flew through her body. If his smile had that effect, what would his touch do to her? Something wonderful.
No, something forbidden.
Buy or Read for free on KU: mybook.to/BurningBridges
About me: 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. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity. Be sure to check out Jan Selbourne’s and my newsletter where you can find exclusive free stuff to read.
How Charity Sunday works: for every comment made on this blog post, I will donate money to the charity named. That’s it—that’s all you have to do. Your comment = my donation. Thanks for your help and your participation!
Mission Based Trauma Recovery
I recently heard about a new charity and I am featuring it this month. It’s called Warrior Canine Connections. “Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) model to help recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.” The program uses golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers for their longevity, strength, and temperament. One thing I like about the program is warriors train the dogs for service, and that connection—from puppyhood through adulthood—helps the warrior/trainer as much as it helps the eventual warrior/owner as he or she recovers from a stressful duty. Please visit their website for some amazing videos and graphics. This is truly a worthwhile organization!
No book excerpt this month. Thanks for joining me!
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.
<a href=”https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=294166&type=basic”>Click here</a> to see the list of other authors participating in today’s blog hop! I hope you’ll visit them too, to find out about the charities they are supporting.
This is a blog hop. Be sure to check the link at the bottom to see posts from other authors! Desire Me Again
Blurb for Second Chance:
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?
Excerpt: The sun had just set when Sandy carried their tea to the dark porch. Keeping the porch light out would at least make a cursory effort at keeping the mosquitoes at bay.
Tom stood when she came out and he relieved her of one of the glasses. In the July heat, condensation would soon coat the glass as the ice melted. At least a breeze blessed the evening air. Kids road their bikes up and down the street, but as darkness became thicker, mothers’ voices called them home. Fireflies inundated the yard, their tails flashing on and off.
“I miss fireflies. They don’t have them in the Northwest.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. How long have you lived there?”
“I moved to Milford about five years ago. It’s a small town but it has a college, so I finally graduated.” She propped her bare feet on the edge of the chair.
“That’s good. I’m about to finish my MBA, though I hardly need it to run the hardware store.”
She sipped the tea, feeling the sugar rush from the simple syrup she’d added to the pitcher. While in Idaho she’d gotten used to unsweetened tea, but she’d have to start making the sweetened variety again once her mom lived with her.
“That’s what you’re doing, running your dad’s store? Do you like it?”
She felt more than saw Tom’s shrug. “Not especially. But Dad needed to work less and Joey won’t graduate from State until next spring. He and Dad have always been closer than Dad and I, and I think the plan had always been for him and Joey to work the store together. As far as I know, that’s still the plan. I’ll be able to change course then, though God knows what I’ll do. What do you do in this small town where you live?”
“I teach second grade. Of all the careers I considered growing up, teaching was way far down on the list. But I’ve found I love it.” She might have said that teaching was bottom of the list, but she’d since discovered that there were far worse jobs.
She snuck a glance at Tom and found his grin facing her. “What?” she asked.
“I couldn’t be more surprised if you’d said stripper.”
Sandy lurched forward, her feet hitting the decking as her drink fell from her hands, shattering the glass Tea spattered across her bare feet and up her shins.
“Oh! I hope I didn’t get any of it on you,” she exclaimed. “Darn glass got slippery.” She started to stand when Tom slapped his hand across her forearm.
“Stay where you are. With the light out you won’t see the glass. Where’s the broom?”
“Behind the back door. My sneakers are back there, too. Can you bring them?”
“Sure. Stay here.” He disappeared into the house.
Sandy took a shuddering breath. She would stay there, and give her heart a chance to stop racing.
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. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.
This is a blog hop. Be sure to check the link at the bottom to see posts from other authors!
Fairy tales now can be as much fun as they were back in your childhood—especially brought into the present day and with an adult twist. Beware! Things are hotter now!
Blurb:
Another erotic fairy tale with Princess Katherine and Prince Cole.
Susan Baer, founder of Baer Hugs, health centers for women, longs to find her special someone. Sadly, there are no prospects in sight. Suddenly, three men come into her life. All successful, all gorgeous, all blond. And posing their own unique problems. One is too rough and hard in his treatment, one is too soft and wants her to take charge. The last is…well, let’s just say he’s unavailable. *sigh* Can any of them turn out to be “just right?”
Excerpt: It was five minutes before nine o’clock in the morning at Baer Hugs, a health club for women. No need to check the big Seth Thomas clock on the wall for confirmation, Susan could set her watch by them. At the same time each weekday morning, every trainer, aerobics instructor and nutritionist, who wasn’t involved in a class, found a way to observe the parking lot and front entrance. That’s when Duncan Morrison arrived for work.
Not that she blamed them for wanting to stare. He was gorgeous. Over six feet of rippling muscle, the smooth grace of a ballet dancer and shoulders broad enough to carry the weight of the world. Make that two worlds. They were broad. She knew because she saw them flex and settle each day when he took off his suit jacket. It did such things to her insides that she almost missed the dimples deep enough to swim in or the way the slightest amusement could make his lips turn up in a smile and light the deep, rich blue of his eyes.
Yes, his shoulders were a distraction. Almost distraction enough to keep her mind off the way his blond hair tipped his ears and had started to curl against his nape.
The difference was Susan Baer didn’t have to stand around and watch Duncan make his way in from the parking lot in order to quench the lust in her heart. He was her assistant. She could gaze at him all day. Nonetheless, this morning she stood where the hall gave way to the lobby of the building and watched, right along with everyone else.
Sighing, she gave in for a moment to the natural tug on her emotions, the strong need to share her life with someone, to end the loneliness she’d always felt. She wanted to love and be loved, and now, at this point in life, she was ready and able.
In the business world, all she’d wanted to prove, she’d proven. A good portion of what she’d wanted to accomplish, she’d successfully completed. But when it came to personal goals, she hadn’t even begun.
So, considering where she’d started and where she was now, it was grossly unfair that she wanted to do more than gaze at Duncan. It was harder and harder to ignore the tingle that radiated through her each time they touched. Almost impossible to keep the longing out of her voice when they talked about anything non-business related. And she wondered how he missed the fact that she wandered into his office to ask questions she already knew the answers to. Undeniably, the attraction was driving her crazy. Yet she had to remember that he was an employee.
And, of course, there was the annoying fact of his being gay.
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. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.
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This is a blog hop. Be sure to check the link at the bottom to see posts from other authors!
Blurb:
As one of a set of triplets, Jonah Goodman has always stood out as the least academic—and the last one to take the world, or commitment, seriously. Thing is, that’s not really who he is. But who can he convince of that? Not his family, who see him as they always have. And maybe not his one love, the sweetheart he left behind in high school but with whom he is now sharing an erotic holiday. Will he get his second chance to prove to Kelly that he is a loving man who wants more than a sensual few days, but a real relationship with the woman he lost once and doesn’t want to lose again? With that chance and Kelly’s love, Jonah knows that a “good man” can become a better man.
Excerpt: He left the car under the cover in front of the door and strode into the lobby. A petite brunette stood at the registration desk. “May I help you?”
“Yes, I’d like a room.”
“For tonight?”
“Yes.” Jonah dug his wallet out of his back pocket and removed his VISA.
“One king or two queens?”
“One king.”
The girl typed furiously and then looked up. “We only have two queen rooms.”
“Then that will do.” He didn’t give a flying fuck how many beds were in the room as long as it had one as a minimum.
Jonah tapped his card on the counter and then walked to the door to look out at Kelly sitting in the car. He wasn’t dreaming. That really was Kelly Shepherd sitting in his car and they really were checking into the Family Inn.
“Just one person?”
Oh yeah. He hadn’t actually checked in yet. “Two.”
“Oh.” What the fuck? Did that sweet young thing just frown in judgement?
“Luggage?”
“No.” There was that frown again. He glanced down at his clothing, looking a little wilted now after the wedding and imagined what it looked like, his checking in with someone, obviously coming from a party of some sort. But again, what the fuck? She worked in a no-tell motel. Lots of people probably checked in here in for a quickie.
That thought shocked him. Kelly Shepherd was no quickie. If anything, she was the love of his life, the one he’d never forgotten but never felt he deserved. The rich girl whose daddy owned more than half the town and rented most of the rest. And he was…
For the first time, he saw himself as Daniel had seen the three of them since childhood. Well-loved and well cared for bastards. Yeah, no kids had ever had better parents but that didn’t change his parentage. Who was he to hold Kelly Shepherd in his arms?
Just as he started to turn toward the door to leave, the desk clerk asked, “First floor or second?”
“Look, I don’t mean to be rude but just pick out a vacant room, tell me how much it is, run my credit card, and give me the key. My bride has been waiting in the car long enough.”
Her eyes widened. “Your…your bride? Why didn’t you say so?” Her fingers flew across the keyboard. She took his VISA and gave it back after a few seconds. “Park right out there in front of the light pole and you can come in through the front doors. Take the elevators to the third floor and go all the way to the end. That whole wing is empty so you and your wife can have some privacy.”
“Thank you, uh”—Jonah looked at her nametag—”Ms. Clark. I appreciate it.” Without waiting for more conversation, He dashed back to the car. Minutes later, holding Kelly’s hand tightly, he walked quickly back through the lobby.
“Congratu— Oh!” Little Miss Desk Clerk exclaimed. “You didn’t wear white.”
“What?” Kelly asked, slowing Jonah down with a tug on his hand.
“I said, you didn’t wear white. To the wedding.”
Shit. After almost talking himself out of taking Kelly up to the room, now interfering Ms. Clark was going to do the trick for him.
“No. That would have been inappropriate.”
Jonah saw Ms. Clark’s eyes widen again as he realized the spin her mind put on Kelly’s words. Then that damn frown returned. Jonah wrapped his arm around Kelly’s shoulders. “Come on, sweetheart. Our room is ready.”
“Okay,” Kelly said, gazing into his eyes with the love a real bride would have for her new husband. No, wait. That was a look of confusion. No matter. He pulled Kelly to the elevators and punched the button with his index finger. Once inside, he took her in his arms and kissed her with all the heat that had been building in him all night. To his relief, Kelly responded in kind, pushing her fingers through his hair and holding his head to hers.
When the elevator slowed and then stopped, they stepped into the hallway. Jonah checked the room number on the key card holder and turned them to the left. In her heels, Kelly had a hard time keeping up, so he swept her into his arms.
At their room, she took the key card from him and opened the door. Once inside, Jonah was certain his heart would burst from needing, from wanting, from years of unfulfilled dreams, all about to come true.
“What did that girl mean?”
“What girl?” Jonah took he shawl from her shoulders and folded it loosely on the dresser.
“The girl at the front desk. What did she mean about my not wearing white?”
“Oh, that.” He emptied his pockets onto the dresser, and deftly removed a condom from his wallet. “I told her we’d just been married.”
“What? Why would you do that?” Kelly moved away from his fingers that were trying to find how to unwrap her wraparound dress.
“Because she kept making judgmental noises and frowning. She made me feel guilty for bringing you here.”
“So, when she noted that I wasn’t wearing white she assumed that I wasn’t a virgin?”
“Probably.” Jonah took a step back and gazed at her. “Does that bother you? Because it damn sure bothers me that she dared make any assumptions about us.”
Kelly smiled. “You of all people know that I’m not a virgin.”
Jonah groaned. “Can we please not talk about that night again? And especially not now?”
Kelly smiled. “Sure, we can do that. And do I care what that little girl downstairs thinks? Not a whit. I just care what you think, Jonah. Here and now.” With a flick of her wrist, the tie came loose and the dress flowed to the floor. There, standing before him in all her glory wearing only a lacy bra and little satin short-short things, was the woman of his desires.
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. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.
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!
I’m sad to say that my charity of choice this month has to do with helping our fellow citizens put food on their tables. This past year has devastated many households—mostly by loss of jobs or by striking down those who could work. World Central Kitchen helps folks get nutritious meals all over the world, but this year, during the trials of COVID-19, they have worked within the U.S. Their mission is: “WCK uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies through times of crisis and beyond.”
WCK has a top rating in Charity Navigator. The organization started with two people and an idea—an inspiration to all of us who wonder if “I” can make a difference! You can. WE can! I hope you will comment below and help me make a good donation to World Central Kitchen.
For my book this month, I’d like to introduce you to The Cinderella Curse, on sale now as pre-order. In it, one man makes a huge difference in Charlotte Gambrell’s life by showing her her own beauty.
Blurb:
One evening, in a land far away, a wife spins a story for the amusement of her husband. Like the original tale, this contemporary Cinderella is definitely for those who love romance and a HEA. However, she adds a few touches of the erotic. For her husband, you understand.
In this tale, Charlotte dreams of her prince, James, but learns about beauty and love from her fairy godfather, Cooper. She might not lose a glass slipper, but her heart is in danger of being left behind. One thing for sure, by the time our Charlotte arrives at the ball, she’d sure like to know which man is her real Prince Charming.
Excerpt: When they finished eating, Charlotte started rinsing the dishes for the dishwasher. Cooper took a plate out of her hand and put it in the sink. “Leave that. I’ll get it later.” He dried her hands with the dishtowel and looked intently into her eyes.
She backed away and lifted the ends of her mouth slightly, suddenly very nervous. “No, I don’t want to leave all of the clean up to you. I’ll help.” She turned back to the sink. Cooper leaned against the counter with his arms crossed.
“Charlotte, don’t be scared of me.”
She looked at him in amazement. “Scared of you? I’m not scared of you, I’m scared of myself.” She looked down into the sink where she rubbed the dishcloth over the same spot on a glass. Cooper took the glass from her and put it in the dishwasher.
“I think this is clean enough,” he said. He gently pushed her out of the way and finished rinsing the dishes in the sink. When he was done, he turned to look at her as she stared out the patio door, into the dark.
Charlotte had put the kettle on for tea while Cooper was busy at the sink, and the whistle abruptly blew, shattering the quiet that had fallen over the kitchen. When Charlotte turned to get the kettle, she ran into Cooper’s broad chest.
He put his hands on her arms to steady her, then before she could move away, bent his head for a light kiss. “There’s no need to be scared of either one of us,” he said, raising his lips a whisper above hers. “We’re friends, aren’t we?” He brushed his lips gently over hers. “And friends shouldn’t be so nervous around each other.”
Nipping at her lips he pulled her with him to turn off the kettle, diminishing the whistle to a muted burbling noise. “Do you really want tea?” he asked, his voice suddenly deeper. She shook her head, never moving her eyes away from his. A faint smile crossed his face. “Good.”
Cooper stood back from Charlotte. “Here’s your first lesson,” he said. “Look at me and tell me what you see.” Charlotte gazed into his face, intently searching for some hint of what he meant. Her brow puckered as she studied him.
“Your eyes look darker than normal, and a little…intense.” He smiled and nodded his head.
“Right.” He kissed her quickly, running his hands up and down her arms. “Anything else you notice about me that’s different?”
“Your voice sounds funny.” Cooper winced slightly. “I mean different. Deeper, kind of hoarse,” she added lamely.
“That’s okay. Those are both signs that a man is getting turned on. Usually they’re accompanied by lots of touching like I’m doing now. And then there’s the obvious indication.” He glanced at his fly and Charlotte followed his look. Her eyes widened as she saw the thick, long bulge straining against his jeans.
“Being turned on often happens just through touch and sight, but real seduction happens using all of the senses. Smell is really important, not just with perfume but also a person’s normal scent, soap or shampoo, and certainly the scent that comes when a man and woman are ready for each other or after they’ve just been together.” He leaned forward. “Your hair smells like fresh air right after a rain. Now I’ll always associate that with you.”
He leaned away to look into her eyes. Charlotte was staring intently at Cooper, concentrating on all he was telling her. “Sound lets your partner know when something feels good, or when it isn’t exactly what you want. Little whispers of how you feel are something I like, although not everyone does.” Leaning in again he put his mouth against her ear. “Will you let me know when I do something you like, Charlotte? For instance, do you like it when I run my tongue along the edge of your ear?” As he did, she inhaled sharply, then let out a ragged sigh. She nodded.
He leaned back to see her face and smiled. “Good. I liked it, too. Did you know that the tongue is incredibly sensitive and that it’s covered in taste buds? That lets me taste you, Charlotte, and sampling your flavor is very erotic, both in your mouth and in other places.” He nipped at her lips, but didn’t push her to go farther.
“I didn’t know it was so complicated.” She sounded breathless.
He laughed low in his throat. “It isn’t really. I’ve probably explained it badly. Much nicer to learn from experience. Come on.” He took her hand and flipped the light out in the kitchen.
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.
Excerpt:
