A brand new “Misplaced” book releases

This just in from Mari Carr:

It’s here! It’s here! The third book in the Foreign Affairs series with Lexxie Couper, Misplaced Lessons is out today!!! Lexxie and I have had a blast working on these stories. Don’t tell the other books, but…I think Misplaced Lessons might be my favorite of the bunch. It’s fun and sexy and romantic and silly. Amy, the heroine, made me smile. I’m not sure I’ve enjoyed writing a heroine quite this much since Riley in Saturday Night Special. I hope you’ll give the book a read and, if you’re just hopping into the game, Misplaced Princess and Misplaced Cowboy are available now. Buy links can be found here.

Misplaced Lessons

Foreign Affairs, Book Three

A forced-sex fantasy is one thing—waking to find a scruffy man binding you to a bed is quite another. Amy fights him, until she realizes her friend must have set up the sexy scenario. They’ve swapped lives, with Harper flying to Australia and lending her Chicago home to Amy. While she’s surprised Harper would go to such lengths to help her fulfill a fantasy, Amy figures…why not?

After days of nonstop travel, Andrew arrives at the home he shares with his sister, Harper, with sleep on his mind—until he finds a naked intruder in his bed. Subduing the beauty, he assumes she’s the blind date his pal had tried to set him up with. But would Mike actually sneak the woman into Andrew’s house? Seems so. And he’s not one to turn down such a gift.

By the time each has learned the other’s identity, Amy and Andrew have shared the most intense sexual experience of their lives. And they certainly don’t want to stop now.

Inside Scoop: This sexy life-swapping tale includes BDSM with a side of ménage.

Excerpt:
“I’m not going to hurt you.” His words sounded ridiculous even to himself. He’d gagged her and was now straddling her naked body, holding her legs to the mattress with his own after tying her to the bed. Regardless of who she was or why she was there, she’d be insane not to be afraid of his intentions.
She twisted her head, trying to dislodge the shirt from her mouth.
“If I take it out, do you promise not to scream?”
She blinked rapidly then nodded her assent.
He pulled the material away, ready to replace it if she broke her vow.
“Untie me.”
“No.” Andrew reached up to touch his tender cheek, his fingers finding the raised welts she’d put there with her long nails. “Who are you?”
Her breathing was labored, coming in hard pants after their fight. Even so, her gaze hardened and he knew she wouldn’t talk.
Something inside him cracked. He’d been traveling for days, stealing only a couple hours sleep here and there. This woman had broken into his house. She had some nerve acting like he was the villain. By God, he’d make her talk.
“I’ll give you one more chance to answer my question. Tell me who you are or you won’t like the consequences.”
She stilled beneath him, her intelligent gaze sizing him up. He should climb off the bed and call the cops. If he was in his right mind, that’s exactly what he’d do. Having her arrested would certainly be the kinder response. As it was, he wasn’t in the mood to be merciful.
Instead of answering, she threw his question back at him. “Who are you?”
“None of your business. Give me your name. Now.”
She bit her lip nervously. “I’m Amy.”
Amy? Mike’s Amy?
Andrew leaned back on his haunches, his mind whirling. Had Mike set this up? Past experience had obviously convinced his friend he’d never consent to a blind date. But would Mike actually go so far as to throw this woman into his bed?
Andrew knew the answer. It was more than possible. It was actually quite probable. Mike had the extra key to the house. He knew Harper was away and Andrew was back in town.
Andrew recalled a lifetime of little surprises his best friend had tossed his way. The high-class call girl who’d shown up at his door on his twenty-fifth birthday. The so-called conference that had really turned out to be an impromptu weekend trip to Vegas, complete with nonstop gambling and a private show with five of the hottest strippers Andrew had ever seen. Or this past year when Mike had managed to score tickets to the Super Bowl, but told Andrew they were headed to Indianapolis for his cousin’s bachelor party. He’d let Andrew bitch for three hours in the car about missing the big game, only letting him in on the surprise when they’d reached the entrance to the stadium.
Mike was the master of the unexpected, so it wasn’t farfetched that his friend would go to this extreme in a hookup. It would also explain his friend’s easy capitulation when he refused to go on a date with the woman earlier. Mike didn’t push the issue because he knew Amy was already here.
He grinned as his annoyance lifted. Amy was beautiful and feisty, with a hot accent. Australian, if he wasn’t mistaken, though he’d need to hear her say more before he could be sure. His best friend knew he was a sucker for a girl with an accent. For the second time in one night, it looked like Mike was going to be able to say, “I told you so.”
And since Mike had gone to so much trouble, far be it from Andrew to look a gift horse in the mouth.

———————

Misplaced Lessons is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon and is coming soon from Barnes and Noble.

Mari Carr
www.maricarr.com
New York Times Bestselling Author

AUSSIE AUTHOR SHOWCASE

During the month of January the Down Under Divas are having some very special guests over for tea. Or coffee, or maybe even something stronger. It’s our first ever Aussie Author Showcase.

We’re going to introduce you to some authors you might not know yet. Some have been published for a while, some are brand newbies to this author thing.

We’d love it if you came on over to the Down Under Divas and joined in the month long party.

Jess

Another Mari Carr Release

This time, a Samhain book!

SLAM DUNK

Who says you can only score on the court?

A story from the Black & White Collection.

Trey Donovan is mourning the end of summer with fellow teachers when Ellie Hunter walks into Tully’s Bar. Better yet, she’s now a former rival basketball coach and the newest science teacher at his high school. He can’t think of anyone better to fill the vacant assistant coach job. In fact, if he plays his cards right, she might end up his perfect match off the court, too.

If she stops holding him at arm’s length long enough to give him a chance.

Coming off a year of bad decisions that not only broke her heart, but cost her a job, Ellie has good reason to swear off workplace romances. Her undeniable—and undeniably mutual—attraction to Trey is a serious threat to her resolve. Especially since Trey’s too-easy capitulation to her boundaries stings just a little too much.

Funny thing, though. When she sees Trey dancing with someone else, the edges of her vision turn decidedly green. And when another man tries to kiss Ellie, Trey sees red.

Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to fudge the rules. Just a little. After all, casual sex doesn’t count. Right?

Product Warnings: Lots of red-hot, half-dressed court presses complete with sex toys, food, bubble baths, strip poker and, oh yeah, balls.  

Slam Dunk is now available at Samhain Publishing – or your favorite ebookstore.

Jess

Mari Carr has a new release

Mari has a brand new book out at Ellora’s Cave.

And the exciting part? It’s the first book in a new series called Cocktales.

It released on the 20th of September, and you haven’t read it yet, go, now. Get your copy!

Party Naked

Cocktales, Book One

Stephanie Harper is perfectly happy co-owning Books and Brew, where she slings drinks and entertains her friends with cutting wit and a cynical take on love. She’s convinced she has no time for anything deeper than sex; she has a business to run, after all. And her thrice-married mother has proven happy every after doesn’t exist.

Jarod Nolan begs to differ. Chance has him running into Steph—and giving her a ticket—one morning, but it’s fate that finds him in her place of business that same evening. A sizzling one-night stand ensues, and although Stephanie escapes before he wakes the next morning, Jarod is already sure she’s worth the chase.

Steph’s more than willing to party naked with the hot cop, but she’s adamant they’re driven by lust, not love. Jarod is prepared to prove otherwise, even if it means giving up one of the things he and Stephanie do best…

What’s that old saying? Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?

————

You can get your copy of Party Naked at Ellora’s Cave.

Meet the Heat welcomes: Anne Rainey

Yep, we said we had a surprise, and here she is! The newest member of International Heat…

ANNE RAINEY!

Welcome, welcome, welcome to International Heat. We are so excited to have Anne join the crew. Well, do you blame us? Have you read her books yet? They are brilliant!

So, like with Lexxie, I put together a couple of questions to ask Anne. I figured it would be way cooler for her to tell you all the info, rather than hear it from me second hand.

Here’s Anne…

Jess

—————

1)      Anne Rainey: Pen name or real name?

Pen name. Writing hot stories is fun, but it means I need to be all mysterious and crap. lol

2)      If it’s your pen name, how did you come up with it?

I had about five different combinations. My cousin picked the one he liked best and I went with it.

3)      Tell us about your books.

I write contemporary romance. Some are very erotic, but most fall under the steamy category. My characters are regular people. Construction workers, bookstore owners, mechanics, coffee shop owners. They’re us really! Muddling their way through a relationship and hoping to find their very own happily-ever-after.

4)      You write searing hot erotic contemporary romance. Any other genres you’d try your hand at?

I’ve written one vampire romance titled “A Diamond at Midnight”, which can be found at The Wild Rose Press. I’m planning another titled ‘A Taste of Mary”. It’ll release in 2011 with Samhain Publishing. I’m open to any genre, with the exception of historical romance. I just don’t have what it takes to write historical.

5)       Which is your personal fave of all your books, and why?

Ah, that would be “Forbidden Fruit”.  Ava, the heroine, is a total tomboy. The hero inadvertently makes her feel ugly and so she gets revenge. I can relate to Ava because I was always the tomboy. “Forbidden Fruit” will forever be special to me. (Note from Jess: You’ll find an excerpt of Forbidden Fruit at the bottom of this post.)

6)       My fave question: You have to have a menage with any two people. (Yep, someone’s holding a gun to your head.) Who are they?

Quentin Elias and Jason Statham. Both are sexy as sin and yes, bald. So hot!

7)        What’s coming soon from Anne Rainey?

What She Wants is coming August 3rd to Samhain Publishing.  My first hero with a tattoo and he’s bald.
Here’s more about it:

(Note from Jess: Awesome, awesome cover!)

Summer just got a whole lot hotter…

Summer Chase has already loved and lost once and she has no intention of going through that pain again. But when a hunky Camaro driving P.I. shows up at her B & B looking for a room for the week, she sees something more than a hard-bodied guest.  For the first time since her husband’s death, Summer’s sexual interest is awakening, and she’s not about to hit the snooze button!

Gage Knight is a P. I. in desperate need of a vacation. His impromptu trip to Cape May, New Jersey seems just what he needs to relax and unwind. But when he knocks on the door of Chase’s Bed & Breakfast and comes face to face with sexy owner, Summer Chase, relaxing drops to the bottom of his to-do list. Now all he wants is a tasty Summer treat, and he plans to take his time, savoring the curvaceous beauty one inch at a time.

Question is…can she watch Gage drive off into the sunset when the week comes to an end?

You can read an excerpt from What She Wants here.

8)         Are you offering a prize this week on International Heat?

Yes! Comment on my blog posts this week. I’ll be picking three winners from the comments. They’ll have their pick of ONE of my current releases, ebook or print. Also, Friday, there’s a BONUS contest. I’m keeping that one under wraps until Friday though. Hehe!

___________________________

Forbidden Fruit: An Excerpt

“You look incredible, Ava. Every man in this room wanted you the instant you walked through those doors. Including me, baby.”

Ava forced herself not to react to the heat and promise in his words. She had a few questions for him before things went too far.

Pushing back enough so she could look into his eyes, Ava nearly swallowed her tongue. He was so tall and she was all of five foot four. He made her feel more feminine than any skirt ever could. She pulled herself out of her wayward thoughts and asked, “What about the woman I saw you with a few minutes ago? Do you want her too?”

He frowned down at her, as if he had no idea who she was talking about.  “Huh?”

Ava rolled her eyes. “Don’t tell me you don’t know! She practically flung herself at you.” He still looked bewildered, so she added, “Blonde. Tall. A chest that looks like maybe it’s been under a knife.”

Ah, there it was. Recognition at last. Mention boobs and a man’s memory suddenly became crystal clear. She wanted to smack him. She wanted to kiss him. Maybe she’d do both before the night was through.

“First off, I wasn’t with her. She came onto me. I turned her down. She’s not the woman that has my dick as hard as a damned tire iron right now, Ava; that would be you.”

She stubbornly ignored the erection pressing against her belly—or tried to anyway—and narrowed her eyes on him. Luke wasn’t a one-woman man. He liked variety. A fact that had left her feeling raw on more than one occasion.

“Maybe she’s not the one you want right now, but I’m betting you jotted down her phone number.” She needed to know. At the very least, Ava needed to know that she was going to have his full attention tonight. If only for one night. Ava badly wanted to experience the whole of Luke McGiffin. Preferably before reality came crashing back in on her with all its merciless force.

“I told her I wasn’t interested. She wrote her number on my hand by her own volition, but I went to the bathroom and washed it off.”

He held out the hand in question. Even in the darkly lit nightclub, Ava could see the smudged ink. She shrugged, secretly pleased that he’d washed off the hussy’s phone number before coming to her.

Luke’s hand grasped her waist and her heart skipped a beat as his heat seeped through the silk of her blouse. “If it hadn’t been for that little pit stop, I would have been the one dancing with you instead of Pete and Griff,” he growled. Ava felt her blood sing in her veins, all at once on fire and raging out of control.

Another slow song picked up where the other left off. They moved to the music. Ava let her mind drift in the sensual haze Luke weaved around them. After a few minutes, she became aware that he’d somehow maneuvered them down a long empty hallway, well away from everyone else. It was dark, shadowed, and not quite as loud in this part of the nightclub.

Luke tipped her head up, his blue-eyed heat all but demanding her undivided attention. “Come home with me, Ava. Let your guard down for just this once and come home with me.”

“Because you’ve seen my legs, Luke?” She was desperate to scream ‘yes!’ The sickening truth of it was she’d follow him anywhere. But she was just woman enough to want to know which version of Ava Sweet he wanted. The tomboy animal lover or the skirt and strappy sandals version she’d created just for him. “You can see that I’m a flesh and blood woman so now I’m worthy of your attention? Is that it?”

Luke’s hand tightened on her jaw and she winced. He loosened his fingers a fraction, but didn’t let her go. “I told you on the phone I’d seen past the clothes a long time ago,” Luke chastised. And then in a much softer tone, “My comments to Pete hurt you. I’m sorry, baby. But damn it all, I didn’t want him thinking of you in a sexual way. I don’t want any man thinking of you in that way. Only me. Don’t let my big mouth ruin what we could have.” His tone went as soft as velvet sliding over her skin. “We’ll be good together. I know it in my bones. You know it too. Let me make you feel good.”

He didn’t wait for her answer. Luke’s head swooped down as he took her mouth in a scorching show of possession and need.

Ava did the only thing she could in that space of time. She dug her hands into the luxurious softness of Luke McGiffin’s hair and hung on for the ride. No matter the reason for Luke’s sudden interest, she was being given a chance to make love to him. Ava wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

——————-

Meet the Heat: Lexxie Couper

It’s week 2 of International Heat’s Meet the Heat festivities, and our spotlight is shining on Lexxie Couper.

This sweet, charming looking woman, who you just want to take in your arms and cuddle, is in fact as twisted as they come. Seriously. You read any of her books yet? Twisted! The thing is her books are also brilliant. The kind of book you cannot stop reading once you’ve started, because the horror and the eroticism – not to mention the incredible romance – suck you straight in and don’t let go until you’ve finished the last page. Even then, elements of her books stay with you for days as you ponder some of the scenes over and over.

I tried hard to describe Lex and to better define her work, but found it impossible, so I thought it would be better if she defined herself. I sent off a couple of questions for her to answer. Below are her responses, followed by an excerpt from my all time fave Lexxie Couper book, Savage Transformation, which releases later this year. (Yep, it’s the sequel to Savage Retribution, which was my literary introduction to Lexxie Couper.) PLUS, PLUS, PLUS… I have an exclusive preview of her cover too. It’s brand new, it’s stunning and it’s never been revealed before.

So….Meet Lexxie Couper…

1) Your pen name is Lexxie Couper. Why?

Lexxie comes from a very C grade, sex obsessed cult sci-fi tv show called The Lexx. The Lexx was a bio-mechanical spaceship that was also the most powerful weapon in the known universes. Man, I got hooked on that show. When my first submission was accepted (Shifting Lust with Changeling Press) I was in the middle of a Lexx bender, hence Lexxie Couper comes from one of my best friends who has always believed I’d one day be a famous author and has read just about everything I’ve written.
2) You write dark, twisted and incredibly sexy paranormal romance. Do your books reflect the real you?

LMAO If I say yes, are you going to be scared of me? Wait, you also said incredibly sexy, didn’t you? Well, in that case, yes, yes they do

3) Why dark, twisted paranormal romance? (I happen to know you’re equally talented at writing contemporary, erotic romance.)

Okay, firstly thank you *smooch* Secondly, I honestly have no idea. I love reading scary books (Stephen King has been my favorite author since I was in Year Five). When I was in high school I wanted to be the Australian version of King, but I’m also an incredible romantic. I sincerely and completely believe in true love and happy ever afters. Being scared and being in love so deeply your heart aches are not that far apart on an emotional and physical scale, you know. Both make your heart race, both make your palm sweat and both make you cherish life. Okay, that sounds really weird. Maybe I really am a dark, twisted person after all?

4) Which is you favorite Lexxie Couper book?

Oh this is a hard question. Ummm….I think Death, The Vamp and His Brother. The notion of making the Grim Reaper not only a female but my heroine, and have her fight to SAVE lives, as well as fall in love with an Aussie…well, it tickles my funny bone

(Note from Jess: Death, The Vamp and his Brother released this month in print at Samhain Publishing. Click here to purchase in print, or here to purchase the ebook.

5) Who is you fave Australian?

On a sexual level – Hugh Jackman or Eric Bana (both at once would be nice *grin*). On a more grown-up, responsible level – Dick Smith. What Dick Smith has done for this country as not only a business man, but as a philanthropist is both awe-inspiring and heart warming. His patriotism for Australia makes me proud and his unwavering love of this country and belief it can be an even better place to call home for everyone moves me to be a better Aussie myself. (betcha didn’t expect that answer, did you? lol)

6) If you had to have a menage with two people, who would they be? (And yes, you have to answer).

My husband (of course) and David Tennant (he of Dr. Who fame). If I exclude my husband and have a totally fantasy ménage (because David Tennant’s going to jump in my bed the second he visits Australia *snort*) I’d go with David Tennant (still. Yes, I’m that much in lust with him) and Robert Downey Jr in Tony Stark/Iron Man mode

7) If you had to have a menage with two Australians, who would they be?

Oh, Eric Bana and Hugh Jackman. Wait, i forgot to list my husband just then, didn’t I?

8) One of your ex-pupils (from your teaching days) approaches you to say they found your books at Amazon – and read them. How do you respond?

Laugh my arse off. Then ask then to write me a five page essay comparing and contrasting it to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

SAVAGE TRANSFORMATION: The Blurb

The Second Book in the Savage Australia trilogy

Sydney Detective, Jackie Huddart’s gone home to visit her childhood friend in Tasmania, the smallest state in Australia. The trouble is, her childhood friend seems to be missing, and someone wants Jackie to find her. Someone who knows exactly what Jackie is.

As Jackie begins the hunt to find her friend, she is joined by the very mysterious and way-too-sexy Riley Wilson, a man who seems to have just as many secrets as she. Which may explain why Jackie feels like she is the one being hunted. But by who?

(Note from Jess: See? I told you the cover was stunning.)

SAVAGE TRANSFORMATION: An Exclusive Sneak Peak

Marshall Rourke’s groin wouldn’t listen to him. It stiffened in immediate interest the second Jackie Huddart turned to face him, the pit of his belly joining in the fun. That his body reacted so quickly to the woman was a problem, that his inner beast enjoyed the entirely carnal reaction more so.
This hadn’t been part of his plan.
Yeah. Sure. That’s why you packed your black silk boxer shorts.
Forcing aside the desire to step closer to Jackie, press his nose to her neck and take a deep breath, he stood motionless. He needed her to digest what he’d just said before anything else. She would react two ways, of that he had little doubt: one, she wouldn’t believe him, two, she’d break down and beg him to help her find her friend. The standard response to an announcement such as his.
Unreadable eyes the color of ancient amber studied him. Her hands clenched into fists at her side.
Here it comes. The rejection. The denial.
Without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away, heading towards the bright green VW in which she and Delanie McKenzie had arrived.
Marshall raised his eyebrows. Okay, that wasn’t what he’d expected.
“Hey?” he called, following her. “Did you hear me?”
The woman didn’t respond. Her shoulders snapped straight under the black cotton of her shirt, the fists swinging by her sides balling tighter.
“Hey,” he repeated, increasing his speed to keep up with her. Damn, she was quick for someone so friggen short. And still in human form. “Hey! Didn’t you hear what I-”
She turned. So fast he didn’t see her move. One minute he was admiring the graceful beauty of her back, the next, he was flat on his back, the heel of her shoe pressing into the base of his neck as she rammed her foot against his collarbone.
Holy smokes, how did she do that?
“I’m going to give you two options, Mr. Rourke.” Her voice was even and smooth, like buttered whisky. She glared down the length of her petite body at him, eyes still unreadable, heel pressing harder to his throat. “You can tell me exactly where my friend is, or I can call the cops and have your Texan arse thrown into jail.”
A cold ribbon of unease unfurled in Marshall’s chest. It wouldn’t do for the local authorities to be made aware of his presence in the country. He wasn’t in Australia on official business. In fact, he wasn’t on official business period. If his boss found out where he was, he’d face the dressing down of a lifetime, with a suspension and possible confinement period thrown in for good measure. The P.A.C. Unit Director had no tolerance for agents doing their own thing, no matter how right that thing was.
He shifted underneath Jackie’s foot, the asphalt biting into his shoulder blades as he did so.
Jackie’s heel shoved harder still to his neck, pressing on his windpipe and he stopped moving. “Time’s running out, Mr. Rourke.”
A low growl deep in his dual existence rumbled through his chest. He may be experiencing an increasing level of discomfort, but his beast, the ancient, primal creature that it was, seemed highly amused by his situation. And aroused.
Marshall stopped himself from rolling his eyes. Great. Just what he needed. A horny, laughing dire wolf tainting his judgment.
Shouldn’t have put the idea of Jackie Huddart as a sex object in its primitive, instincts-driven head then, should you. That’ll teach you to pack silk boxer shorts.
He ground his teeth. “Listen,” he began, but her driving heel cut him short. Christ, she was going to asphyxiate him with her goddamn size six shoe.
Amber eyes regarded him. “Thirty seconds, Mr. Rourke.”
“I know what you are.”
Jackie’s eyes widened – a fraction. “And what am I, Mr. Rourke?”
He looked up at her, her heel making it difficult to breathe, her sweet subtle scent making his want to drag in breath after breath after breath. “A were-Thylacine.”
Jackie Huddart didn’t move. She became a statue, her stare fixed on him, her knuckles white. “A werewhat?”
Despite the heel cutting off his air supply, Marshall grinned. She was good at hiding her surprise. With a face like hers – stunningly gorgeous and completely expressionless – she’d win a lotta poker matches. “A were-Thylacine,” he croaked, curling his fingers around her ankle in a tight grip. If he needed to he’d flip her off him. “A shape-shifting Tasmanian Tiger.”
Her poker-face didn’t change. Neither did the position of her foot. “I think you’ve been watching too many movies, Mr. Rourke. This is Australia, not Transylvania.”
He gave her another grin, the discomfort in his lungs beginning to turn into a painful burn. This was not how he saw this unfolding. “Transylvania is traditionally the home to vampires, Ms Huddart.” He shifted slightly, the minute action earning him a sharp increase in pressure on his throat. “Australia however, is the home to many vampires and werewolves, Declan O’Connell being one of them.” Her eyes widened again – the reaction to the Irish alpha wolf’s name almost undetectable. She was good at hiding her emotions. Very good. But he was better at exposing them. He pressed his fingers harder to her ankle, the fine bones like hot steel under his grip. “Tasmania however,” he continued, preparing his body, his beast, for whatever came next, “is the native habitat of the shape-shifting Thylacine. To be precise, the last shape-shifting Thylacine.” He let her see his teeth in a grin he knew was borderline wolfish. “You.”
Once again, her reaction surprised him. He expected to be attacked. Or for her to shift into her other form and then attack. What he didn’t expect was for her to remove her foot from his neck and step back away from him.
He snapped to his feet, brushing down his backside, still half convinced she was going to throw herself at him with that same preternatural speed she had before.
Could be fun.
He looked at her, ignoring the suggestive comment, as enticing as it was. Having Jackie Huddart throw her tiny little body at him in the right circumstances was down right appealing.
“Tell me where my friend is.”
Her voice was cold. Very calm, almost indifferent, but cold all the same. She stared at him, fists bunched, her small frame radiating an energy he understood all too well: pent-up fury and tenuous restraint. She was having difficulty controlling her inner beast. A state of being he existed in twenty-four seven.
Especially since Einar’s “retirement.”
The dark thought extinguished the rising heat in Marshall’s body and he grit his teeth. His ex-partner was never long from his mind. Nor were the man’s actions since P.A.C. “let” him go. Daeved Einar’s activities were not only thoroughly documented by the Paranormal Anti-Crime Unit, they were classified Security Level Red. That he knew about them at all would be grounds for immediate dismissal.
That he’d contributed to Einar’s freedom was an atrocity he could never forget.
“Where is my friend?”
Jackie Huddart’s low growl snapped Marshall’s mind from his ex-partner with a start. He focused not only his gaze, but his senses on the woman standing before him. The fingers of her right hand were wriggling. What did that mean?
You will have the time to figure that out. If she falls for this next bit.
“I can’t tell you that, darlin’.” She stiffened at the word and he tucked the reaction away for further analysis. “But I can take you to her. If we leave now.”
“You can tell me where she is, or I can arrest your arse and charge you with aiding and abetting an abduction.” Her eyes flashed gold fire. “Since you know so much about me, you know what I do for a living. Unless you want to share a cell with an ‘Australian native’ big enough to break you in two with his bare hands I’d suggest you start talking now.”
The pit of Marshall gut tightened. His inner beast growl. He studied her, weighing his options. He needed her. More than she needed him. He had little doubt she’d find Delanie McKenzie without his aid, but would he be able to find Daeved Einar without her?
You haven’t been able to so far.
He ground his teeth. Fuck.
Pulling in a steadying breath, Jackie’s delicate scent tickling his olfactory nerves until his balls grew tight, he stepped forward. Play it cool Rourke, or you’ve lost her.
“I can’t tell you, Detective Huddart,” he said, emphasizing her rank, “but you need to believe me when I say, if we don’t go now, the person who has taken Delanie will have her skinned and gutted before the cops can even think about putting out an APB.”
The brutal description drained the blood from Jackie’s face. The first true reaction he’d elicited from her. Her jaw bunched and she stepped toward him, closing the small distance he’d left between them. He wished she hadn’t. Her unique scent, unlike any he’d tasted before, filled his breath and his balls, already heavy with a carnal interest grew heavier. Oh, boy, he hadn’t counted on this.
“Who are you, Mister Rouke?” Her heat folded around him, a thrumming contradiction to the icy rage in her eyes. “If I’m to trust my best friend’s life in your oh, so mysterious hands, at least tell me who you are.”
He looked down into her face. A gentle wind blew at her hair, lifting the burnished chestnut curtain from her temples and his chest squeezed. This close, he could see the faint smattering of freckles across her nose. This close he could see the gold chips in her eyes. This close he could see the fine bone structure of her skull, the soft fullness of her lips.
This close, his inner beast could feel the ancient magick of hers.
Feel and crave.
Damn it, he hadn’t counted on this at all. “I’m no threat to you. That’s all I can tell you.” It was a lie – he was a threat. At least, what he was doing threatened her life, but he couldn’t think about that now.
She studied him; face expressionless, eyes conflicted. She wanted to tell him to go to hell, but the fate of her friend held her tongue. The fingers of her right hand wriggled. “You have exactly thirty minutes. After that, if Delanie is not standing before me safe and well, I will call the cops.” She paused. “Or tear your throat out.”
Again, his inner dire wolf reacted to her – a deep, base reaction. It wanted her. It wanted to mate with her.
And so does your inner man, Rourke. Fess up.

——————————–

Jess

Meet the Heat

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It’s time to Meet the Heat.

Sound like gibberish?

Really, it’s not. You might know that I’m part of a fantabulous group blog called International Heat. You might also know we have a lovely Yahoo group known as HeatWave.

And now, in case you’ve forgotten us, we’re running a ten week long program where you get to meet all the IH members – authors, editors, cover artists, reviewers .

So stick around for some wonderful blogs. Each week everyone at IH will feature one IH member. That same member will run the IH blog and HeatWave group. (Check out International Heat for all the links you need), There’ll be titillating info about the member, sexy pics (No, not about the member, just of sexy men), smoking hot excerpts, prizes (Oh, yeah, how could there not be prizes) and an awesome surprise we’re getting ready to reveal. (No, don’t ask me now. I’m not ready to tell you yet.)

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s meet the heat.

Jess

Rhian Cahill’s Coyote Home

We’ve waited a long time for Rhian’s Coyote series to make it’s debut.

The good news is, it’s finally here!

You can get your very own copy of the first book in this wonderful paranormal romance series at Ellora’s Cave.

I confess, I have read it, and I loved it. So much so, I even managed to convince RC to send through the second book.

And no – don’t be asking me for it. You’ll have to wait until that too releases at EC to read the story. I promise, it’ll be worth the wait!!!

Now, go and read the blurb and the exclusive snippet RC sent through, and then click on the link and buy the damn book!

Jess

COYOTE HOME:

The Blurb:

Coming home was never going to be easy for Rowan Wilder, but after six years she didn’t think it would be this hard. First she can’t control her inner coyote, then she has to deal with her mate and the madman out to get them both. Determined to take her rightful place in the pack, Rowan must face each hurdle and succeed. To fail could mean losing her life.

Quinn MacClellan is more than ready for the return of his mate and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and by his side. He couldn’t protect her years ago, but things are different now and he won’t let anything or anyone separate them again. Together they’ll confront all obstacles and ensure the future they both deserve.

Exclusive snippet:

“Are you ready for me, Rowan?” Quinn spoke against her mouth.
Her eyes popped open and staring into his, she gave the slightest of nods.
Her world spun as Quinn lifted her from the floor and turned. Her stomach dropped as he threw them both on the bed. His weight pressed into her, trapping her between his hard body and the soft bedding. Rowan didn’t get a chance to catch the breath that flew from her lungs. Quinn’s mouth took hers in a savage kiss that burned all thought of breathing away.
Their tongues dueled, each forcing their way inside the other to taste and take. Yielding, she allowed him to control the kiss. Aching with want, her hands began to roam his body. Frustration at finding the barrier between his skin and her fingers brought a growl to her throat. She tugged at his clothes, bit his lip to get his attention. Quinn surged back, separating their mouths, each of them left gasping for breath.
“Clothes. Off. Now.”

Coyote Home is available now at Ellora’s Cave.

For more info, visit Rhian’s website at:

http://www.rhiancahill.com/

Jennifer Haymore’s A Touch of Scandal releases

You may not know this, but Jennifer Haymore is possibly the single most important person in my writing career. I stand in awe of her writing talent, and I bow at her feet when it comes to her talent as a mentor. Jennifer has spent more time on my books than any person should have to. And every time she looks at them and provides feedback, the stories improve dramatically. Without her I would not be half the writer I am today. I cannot ever thank her enough for her insight and her brilliance.

So you can imagine how shocked I was by her news. If you haven’t heard, Jennifer has breast cancer. She was recently diagnosed and is now fighting the battle of her life. It’s difficult to offer support and love when one lives on the other side of the world. I hope in a small way I can make a difference, just by letting you know that Jennifer’s latest book, A Touch of Scandal,  was recently released. And if you don’t have your copy yet, well, go now and get it!

Jennifer, I’m sending positive thoughts your way all the time. You are gonna beat this.

Jess

A Touch of Scandal

By Jennifer Haymore

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he’s convinced he’s been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett’s powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

____________________

Read an excerpt of the book on Jennifer’s website.

You can purchase the book at all major bookstores including:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Books-A-Million

Borders

Chapters Indigo

IndieBound

Nook freebie

Yep, you know that Vivian Arend’s Wolf Signs is currently being offered as a freebie at Kindle.

But did you know, it’s also free at Barnes and Noble?

For a limited time, you can download the book free, direct to your Nook.

Just click here.

Jess