RAE LAMAR_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Today is the final day of 20 Days of Romance. Rae Lamar is closing out what has been a wonderful month of love, and romance.

There are fewer things in this life more special and more precious than watching nature in its finest hour. And there are fewer things more romantic than sharing those precious moments with the one you love, especially when that one has been a friend, and now the lines of that friendship are beginning to blur.

Rae Lamar's excerpt from Dawn of Aris gives us a real picture of romance. Take a peek...

 

EXCERPT | DAWN OF ARIS
  Shortly before dawn, Luke opened his eyes.

The bed was empty, a written note resting in the place where Aris’s head should have been.

Tossing the note, sheet and blanket aside, he grabbed a pair of cargo pants and a shirt from his suitcase before entering the bathroom to freshen up. After leaving the suite, he caught the elevator, rushed through the lobby and out to the patio and gardens that led to the beach where he spotted a lone figure standing in the distance near the water’s edge.

Luke quietly entered Aris’s space and sat in the sand a few feet away from her, watching as she took a step forward, the tide kissing her toes as it ebbed and flowed. He dropped his head and curbed his urge to chide her about leaving him early morning notes on pillows and wandering out onto the beach in the dark by herself, knowing that the danger of her decision wasn’t lost on her…just like she’d already known that he would read her message when he woke and eventually join her so she wouldn’t be alone.

He looked up to see her glancing over her shoulder at him, aware of his presence before he could say one word. Her grin revealed that he hadn’t startled her at all, that she had expected to turn and see him there.

That made him smile.

When she shifted her eyes back to the water, his chest tightened as he realized how much he wanted to always be there for her, wherever and whenever she needed him.

Minutes later, the sun peered over the water. He watched as she wrapped her arms around her body, taking in the magnificent blends of red, orange and yellow as the sun rose and cast its beauty over the ocean. Glancing over her shoulder again, she blessed him with a bright smile that reached her eyes. He nodded, acknowledging the beauty of the moment and how fortunate he felt to share it with her, to see the pure delight on her face as she lifted her gaze and looked at the sky.

Luke continued to stare, the melodic sound of Aris’s laughter lifting the weight of his worry. When she began to kick her feet and dance in the waves, he smiled again, relieved to know that—despite the fear and confusion he’d seen in her eyes as they further blurred the lines of their friendship just hours ago—at least for now, in this moment, she seemed…happy.

"I love this," she finally said, looking out over the ocean to the horizon. "So beautiful."

He nodded again, still watching her.

Marveling at how beautiful and fragile she truly was.



Release Date: March 3 (Now Available for pre-order on Amazon.com)

 
BIO


Rae Lamar is mild-mannered consultant by day and fiction writer by night who currently resides with her husband in Atlanta. On a perfect day, she can be found on the top floor of a swanky beach resort, sitting on the balcony of an ocean-front suite with a book in her hands and food at her fingertips.




CONNECT WITH RAE LAMAR:

Website: raelamar.com

Status: facebook.com/raelamar


It's been wonderful having a bevy of talented authors showcasing their talent this month. But don't fear, please come back next week for our March Madness event, which begins Monday. Several authors will be sharing posts and giving away books, gift cards, and so much more every day, Monday through Friday. You simply need to leave a comment for a chance to win.


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WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

 

SHARON COOPER_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Love is a game of chance, a game that sometimes causes us to lose everything including our shirts when the stakes are high. But when there's passion, desire, and love coming into play, one man will risk all to gamble for the heart of a woman hired to protect him. When the professional lines are crossed, desire and romance can become blurred.

Sharon Cooper shares an excerpt from her novel, Sin City Temptation, on today's 20 Days of Romance post. Will the stakes be high enough for Trinity Layton to risk everything for? You'll have to read on to find out...

Blurb:

Is love in the cards?

Former police officer Trinity Layton will do anything to keep her personal security business afloat even—babysit professional poker player Gunner Brooks. Bizarre incidents have been plaguing the poker tour, and Trinity has been hired to keep Gunner safe. But when the gorgeous playboy convinces her to pose as his girlfriend, she might be the one who needs protecting, as their passionate charade quickly becomes all too real.

 

Excerpt:

Gunner blew out an exaggerated breath. “Listen,” he drew closer and grabbed her hand, pulling her up from the chair, “I’m sorry for overreacting and if I embarrassed you, I’m sorry. I know you’re more than capable of handling assholes like the guy downstairs, but the thought of him putting his hands on you…” He backed away and adjusted the baseball cap on his head. He eventually turned back to her. “I didn’t like it.”

Trinity only stared. “I don’t know what to say. Except for ‘thank you.’” She slowly approached him. “In my line of work, guys that I date just assume that I can take care of myself. So coming to my rescue or shutting down advancements from other guys never happened. Your chivalry made me feel…special.”

Gunner pulled her into his arms. “You are special. Very special.”

He lowered his head until his lips covered hers. His tongue dueled with hers and Trinity knew she should push him away, but she couldn’t. She wanted him so badly. The more time she spent with him, the weaker her defenses became. Desire and need swam through her as the battle in her head continued. It wasn’t until Gunner gripped her butt that common sense kicked in.

“We should stop,” she said and tried to push him away, but he tightened his grip.

“I don’t think so. That kiss and the one from earlier clearly show that we are attracted to each other.”

Trinity met his gaze and took a nervous swallow. Saying that she was attracted to him was an understatement. Lately he was all she thought about, whether she was awake or dreaming.

“You’re right. I am attracted to you, but we can’t do this. Whatever this is.”

With his arms still wrapped around her, he placed feathery kisses on her cheek and worked his way down her neck.

“I disagree,” he said, his voice muffled against her neck. Trinity’s eyes drifted shut as she leaned into him, totally wrapped up in how good his mouth felt against her heated skin. “I think we should explore whatever this is between us and see where it goes.”

Trinity opened her eyes and sighed. She had to stop this and she had to stop it now.

“Gunner.” She pushed against his shoulder, this time freeing herself from his grip. “I can’t do this. You’re my client and I’m so sorry if I’ve led you on. I honestly didn’t mean to. I…I…I’m sorry, we just can’t do this.”

Gunner leaned against the back of the chair. His gaze trained on her. “So what you’re saying…” He rubbed his chin. “…is that we can’t see where this will lead because I’m your client.”

She nodded. “Yeah. I have already behaved unprofessionally, and for that, I’m sorry. The kisses, neither of them, should have happened.”

“Well.” He stood and moved over to the small mini bar, pulling a bottled water from the refrigerator. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I guess there’s only one thing to do.”

Trinity tilted her head. “And what’s that?”

“You’re fired.”

© 2015 by Sharon C. Cooper

Buy Links for SIN CITY TEMPTATION:

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a metal sheet worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. from Concordia University in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication. Sharon is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

 

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WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

 

MICHELLE STIMPSON_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

In the ordinary business of daily living, women can stop feeling sexy, no longer receive the romance from their husband, or take time to appreciate the wonderful things about their husband. This is especially true for new mothers. Sometimes, we lose our way in marriage and forget to cherish one another with the small acts we committed in the beginning of the relationship.
When your husband remembers just how sexy you are, and takes the time to make you feel as special as you did when you first became involved, it can lead to a very sensual encounter.

In today's 20 Days of Romance post, Michelle Stimpson shares the appreciation of a good man towards his woman, in an excerpt from her novel, No Weapon Formed.




EXCERPT:

The start of a romantic scene between LaShondra and Stelson Brown in No Weapon Formed.

 

Stelson led me into his office. The green trees and clear sky peeking through the vertical blinds gave me an appreciation for God’s handiwork. If only I’d had this landscape to gaze upon every now and then, my job would have been easier to bear.

The spacious room housed his desk, a full couch, a conference table for eight, and a wall full of plaques and certificates attesting to the company’s excellence.

Stelson shut the door behind us. “What’s up?”

I twirled to face him. “I did it.”

“Did what?”

“Took a leave of absence.”

The residue of anxiety drained from his countenance, replaced by a full grin as the corners of his eyes softened and lifted. He snatched me into an embrace and kissed my forehead. My cheeks. Finally, my lips. “Thank you.”

I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about the Zoe incident. Frankly, I was too embarrassed. I wished I hadn’t told Jerry, either.

“You’re welcome, baby.”

He tilted my chin up with an index finger, kissing me more deeply than before. A surge of fire ran from my head to my feet and back up again. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d kissed. Really kissed.

“I’ve got a present for you.” His warm breath swept my nose.

“A present? How’d you know I was going to quit my job today?”

He walked to the office door and pressed a gold button to lock it. “I didn’t. I just knew that whenever, wherever my prayer was answered, I’d have a special thank you ready.”

I squinted. “A thank-you gift?”

He twisted the plastic rod that closed the blinds. “Yep.”

I whispered, “Stelson, what are you doing?” though I already knew the answer. Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of becoming a new mom, I’d forgotten how marvelously spontaneous my husband could be.

BUY THE BOOK:

AMAZON



ABOUT MICHELLE STIMPSON:

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994.  She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002.  She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking.  Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace.  She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.

Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship,in Dallas, TX. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations, and she has taught writing classes at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.

 

 

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WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

 

 

 

 

LA QUETTE_ 20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

There's nothing like the love of a good man. And there's nothing more passionate and heated, when that man is sexy, confident, and makes you know that you're his.

La Quette shares that kind of love, passion, and desire in today's 20 Days of Romance blog post. Check out an excerpt from her new release, Divided Heart: Queens of Kings Book 2.






OVERVIEW:

She broke his heart...to rebuild his soul.


The last two years of Heart MacKenzie Searlington's life have been a constant forward motion of change. She's been promoted to NYPD captain of the seventy-fourth precinct in Brooklyn, a job she never wanted, but is slowly finding her way through with the help of a dedicated second in command and a house full of exemplary officers.


Married to the sexy and powerful mogul, Kenneth Searlington, Heart is living all of the dreams she never knew to ask for before she fell in love with the man that stole her heart. Although Kenneth bathes her in his love and devotion, insecurities from the past still haunt her and cast a dark veil over their union.


Kenneth Searlington knows only one thing, he worships his wife. He has a singular purpose: to love her as hard as he can for the rest of their lives and to neutralize any threat that dares to come up against them. But how does he protect them when that threat comes from the woman he loves?


Thrown by a devastating loss, Heart allows pain and despair to drive a wedge so large between them they may never be able to recover. Pushed beyond his limits, excluded and taken for granted, Kenneth has to decide whether to allow darker urges to control him, or to use his rage to fight for the one thing he adores, Heart.


Can they mend the rift, or will a divided heart end their legendary love?


**This book is part of a series and should be read in the order it was written.**

EXCERPT:

He was a tall man with alabaster skin and midnight locks that fell beyond his shoulders and down his back. He was dressed in a crisp grey business suit that made his crystal blue eyes sparkle. He wore a knowing smile that said, “I know you know that I’m the ish.” He was a cocky bastard, true, but she had firsthand knowledge of just how amazing he really was. She also had firsthand knowledge that everything that self-assured smile promised, he was more than capable of delivering. He sat on her desk with his long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles. Easy, calm, confident, and sexy as all hell.
“You know you’re risking life and limb by sitting on my desk like you own it, right?” she asked as she closed the door behind her. She looked around to make certain the blinds on her office windows and doors were in a closed position, this was a moment that was meant solely for the two of them.

“I may not own the desk, but I own the woman that it belongs to…so I kinda do own it if you think about it,” he said as the silky sureness of his voice traveled across the room and pulled her to him.

Before she could say just how it happened, she was standing in front of him between spread legs, falling into the broad expanse of his chest. “You own me do you?” Her voice hitched as she felt his fingers skate from her fingers to her arms causing her skin to sizzle.

“I thought that’s what these rings we wear meant? I own you, you own me? Was I wrong?” He leaned in and placed a light kiss on her cheek, and just like any other time his skin met hers, a sensual burn began to singe the area where his lips had rested for only a brief second.

“Mmmm,” she moaned. “You bet your pretty ass we belong to each other.” She wrapped her hand in his long tresses and pulled him to her, letting her body sink into his and searching for the connection only his kiss could bring. She found his warm, soft lips and mewled into the decadence of the pleasure they ignited inside her.

 “God I wish we were home instead of in my office.”

ABOUT LA QUETTE:

A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaQuette spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator. Writing--her escape from everyday madness--has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.

She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Amazon, and her Facebook group, LaQuette's Lounge.

BUY THE BOOK:

Smarturl.it/DividedHeart

I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

CHRISTINA JONES_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

Emotional creatures, women sometimes experience difficulty in expressing their feelings to the man of their dreams. Whether it stems from fear of rejection, or some other deep place within, we can sometimes have a misguided way of showing the one we love that we want him ohhh so bad!

Author Christina Jones shares that type of love in her 20 Days of Romance blog post as she shares an excerpt from Catch Me If You Can.


OVERVIEW:

Diligence. Focus. Agility.

For Naomi Prescott, it’s not just a cute little saying. It’s a critical mantra, words to live by if she wants to retain her freedom, and more importantly, her life. Impeccable planning is the only way to ensure she sets off the small flutters that will trigger the big ripple she needs to pull off the score of a lifetime — no matter the stakes.

FBI Agent Marcus Calloway is a straight-shooter… if you overlook his sometimes unconventional, law-skirting, expensive ways of solving a case. A big arrest would do wonders to restore his reputation, and he has one woman in mind: Jolie Voleuse

Unforeseen circumstances force them into a closer proximity than either — especially Naomi — would like to be. Sparks fly, and as surely as fire ignites,eventually their undeniable chemistry combusts into a passion that neither expected as they join forces in the dangerous pursuit of a common bounty.


EXCERPT:

 “I’m not going anywhere,” Marcus chuckled. “Do you know what time it is?  I’m about to shower, then go to sleep.  You should do the same.”

Naomi licked her teeth, trying hard to think of something a little more articulate than “I’m grown. I’ll do what I wanna.”  When nothing came to mind, she simply opened the door, but before she could make it out, Marcus was right there, slamming it shut as he pulled her away.

“Naomi, I’m not kidding. It’s late.  I’ll take you tomorrow, but we’re in for the night.  I didn’t go to the beach earlier when you didn’t wanna go, because we’re supposed to be sticking together.  You can stay in.”

“Let. Me. Go.” Naomi hissed through clenched teeth, trying to pull her arm from Marcus’s grasp.

“Are you gonna stay in?”

“No.”

“Then no.”

At that, every other emotion Naomi felt turned into anger. Marcus didn’t want to let her go dance it off? Fine.  She had another way to disperse her anger, and since no punching bag was available… he would do just fine.

She aimed for his jaw, sending a swift punch that he barely dodged, but he let her go.

“What the hell, Naomi?”

“I told you to let me go,” she snapped, ending her statement with a smirk as she turned for the door.

“And I said we’re staying in.”

This time, he grabbed both arms, to keep her from swinging, but Naomi was prepared for that. She jerked her head back as hard as she could, and tried to ram him, then grinned in satisfaction when he shoved her away to avoid the blow to the face.

She turned around, hiked her dress up around her thighs and got into a boxing position, heels and all. “We’re dancing or we’re boxing, Marcus.  Your call.”

He sucked his teeth. “I’m not afraid of you, Naomi, I’m trying not to kick your ass.”

“Yeah… how about you try not to get your ass kicked instead?”

And… she attacked.  At first, Marcus easily dodged the lazy blows she aimed at him, but Naomi could tell he had to work a little harder the fiercer she got.  She handed out body punches, crosses, jabs, hooks, and uppercuts until finally she landed a body shot to his stomach.

“Goddammit, Naomi, will you cut this out?” He asked, slapping her fist away as she tried to catch him with another jab to the jaw.

“No. I’m sick of your face!”

She screamed, shocked when he caught her wrist with the next blow, pulling her close to try to grab the other.

“I’m gonna handcuff you to the toilet if you don’t stop.”

“You’d have to catch me first, jerk!” She slammed her heel down over his bare foot, but had the modicum of mercy it took not to grind it in as he let her go.  She scrambled across the bed, determined to go, but Marcus caught her ankle and pulled her back.

The impact of her body against the mattress took her breath away, giving him the necessary time to flip her over, climb on top and pin her to the bed.

“Will you stop? Please?”

Chest heaving, Naomi pulled the last of her energy into a head-butt attempt, making Marcus swear as he reared back. “Naomi!”

“Shove it! I’m sick of looking at you, sick of hearing you, sick of hearing about you, sick of smelling your cologne, sick of being around you!”

What she didn’t mention was the illness she’d started developing over the days he didn’t come by the gym, the times he didn’t touch her when he flirted with her in front of the parents, and she didn’t admit she was positively unwell over the feeling of his lips on her forehead that day at the gym, wishing he would kiss her lips instead.

Instead, she hardened her expression into a fierce scowl, wishing her eyes could set his hair on fire as he hovered over her, keeping her immobile. In the meanest, most scornful tone she could muster, she asked, “Why won’t you just go awa—“

Marcus must have heard something else in her voice. Before she could finish her statement, his mouth was on hers, swallowing those harsh words as teeth clicked and tongues wrestled in a passionate kiss that Naomi wouldn’t have stopped if she could.  He dominated her mouth, teasing, and tasting and dipping and sucking until moisture began to pool between her thighs.

 

 

BIO: Christina Jones is a budding author on a mission to show the beautiful — but not always pretty — journey of love in all stages, with a focus on people of color. When she’s not immersed in writing it, Christina is an avid reader of her favorite genre, African American romance.

Her first published work was released in November 2013, and since then, she has released ten titles:

Love and Other Things, Strictly Professional, Unfinished Business, The Trouble With Love, Finding Forever, Chasing Commitment, A Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Didn’t Mean To Love You, Catch Me If You Can, & Fall In Love Again

 Christina resides in Arkansas, with her husband and daughters.

 

Author page on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christina-C-Jones/e/B00H5FYEDC

Read her blog: www.BeingMrsJones.com

Follow her on Twitter: @BeingMrsJones


I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until the next time I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY