Happy Mother’s Day everyone!  Call Me Miz will release from Ellora’s Cave this Friday, May 18th so I’m posting another snippet from my first paranormal story.

Thomas shifted slightly, just enough to block the exit even better. “Let’s keep it simple–last one with a stitch on, wins.”

Miz looked at his single article of clothing, his shorts.

Cocky bastard thought he could strip boots, shorts, tank top and a towel off her before she could jerk down his fancy boxers.

She relaxed, flexing her muscles, loosening the joints in elbows, hips, knees and for effect, she cracked her knuckles.

“Let the games begin.” 

Check out more great Six Sentence Sunday Authors at the Official Site.

Have a great week!

Gem

Hi everyone! What an exciting week.  Dreamcatcher Newsletter debuted a new look on Tuesday. If you haven’t seen it yet click the miniature cover on the sidebar and take a peek. Six Sentence Sunday Author, Pippa Jay’s new book, Keir, is featured.

I’m also happy dancing for Call Me Miz. My first venture into a new genre comes out in twelve days on May 18th.

So today–six more sentences from Call Me Miz:

Miz rather desperately needed to puke but she hated an audience even if it was just a big cat.

He didn’t seem inclined to stop her when she staggered to her feet, stumbled to a pine tree and leaned against it, vomiting for the second time that day.

Beads of sweat made her body shiver and her teeth chattered as if it were a cold night instead of hot and humid.

She slid down the trunk and sat with her back against the tree and her knees defensively up between her and the beast.

“That was some nasty stuff you had in you,” she told him and closed her eyes.

She’d always heard you saw your life pass by when you faced death, but when she opened her eyes and saw his big maw coming at her all she could think was, Oh shit. 

 

Check out more great Six Sentence Sunday Authors at the Official Site.

Thanks for stopping by,

Gem

• Call Me Miz releases from Ellora’s Cave on May 18th.
• May Newsletter is open-read for newbies who’ve never enjoyed before.
• Pinch of Naughty Trivia Contest–$15 GC  from (choice) Amazon/B&N
• Pippa Jay, Guest Author, book release-Keir, May 7th.
• Flirt continues.

 Click on above to read full newsletter.

Have a great week!

Gem

Hey Gem! I brought Carter Hope along with me to visit your place today. He was kicked out of the house by Mario

CH – I was not kicked out.

OB – That’s what you think. Mario told me to pick you up on my way to Gem’s. Said you were breathing down the electrician’s necks.

CH – I don’t trust them. I went to high school with one, and he cheated on a history exam.

OB – Let it go, Carter. That was years ago. Surely you did some things in high school that you’re not proud of.

Carter raises one blond eyebrow. I decide to drop the subject.

OB – Anyway, I brought you over here to show Gem and her readers how charming you are. Don’t spoil it.

CH – Charming? Huh. No one’s ever called me charming before. That’s not author-code-speak for “wuss” is it?

OB – Of course not. Now, can we get started? Ahem.

I pull out a list of questions Mario wanted me to ask Carter.

OB – Is it true you have a freckle on your right hip that marks a very ticklish spot?

CH – What the—

Carter snatches the list out of my hand and scans it.

CH – Mario!

He reads through the list, and his face softens until there’s a slight redness coloring his cheekbones and a smile curling his lips. I glance at Gem, and we both silently “aww”

OB – I’ll take that as a “yes”, then.

He folds the paper tenderly and slides it in his shirt pocket.

CH – I thought you wanted to know my favorite color, or last movie I went to, or some damn thing.

OB – Okay, fine. What’s your favorite color?

He smiles again, the glint in his eye no longer embarrassed. It’s dripping with devilishness.

CH – Brown.

Mario’s eyes are brown, which is a pretty good indicator that I’ve lost him at this point. He rubs the shirt pocket, his attention no longer on Gem or me.

OB – Uh, maybe I should just post a blurb for Flipped. I don’t think you’re focused enough for this.

CH – Yeah. Okay. That’s good.

OB – *sighs* Gem, hand me a pen, I’ll write out the blurb. 

Carter and Mario have been best friends for years. Their joint project to flip a house for a profit brings them closer than they thought possible, but is their friendship is too precious to sacrifice for a night of lust?

Carter Hope would do just about anything for his best friend. When Mario Gutierrez gets the bright idea to buy an old house together to flip, Carter swears he’s out of his mind. Unfortunately, Mario is hard to resist. After one weird conversation at a bar and one meaningful look across an empty beer bottle, Carter isn’t sure he’s not the one flipping for his friend. They’re both tops, so to make this work, one will have to give in and roll over.

To thank your readers for putting up with this strong silent type guy, I’d like to offer one commenter a digital copy of Flipped. Do you have any questions for Carter? I’ll make sure he answers any left in the comments, and announce a winner in the morning.

I see Carter edging toward the car, so I’d better get going. Thanks, Gem!

Flipped * Twitter * Facebook * Website

Thanks for bringing Carter and sharing him with us today, Olivia. It was fun! For those who stop by today to chat with Olivia and Carter, leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Flipped.

Hi! Good morning. Does it make me shallow that I frame my covers, hanging them on my office wall like trophies?  Today, I’m sharing six sentences from  Call Me Miz and proudly displaying my new *ahem* art acquisition.

Call Me Miz Snippet:

Oh for God’s sake. 

Miz squinted down at the heap of misery tucked in the shadows.  

Had the light from her flashlight not reflected off a glint of metal, she might have missed the big cat, suffering and almost hidden.

 His fierce gaze threatened death to her if she came closer.

“Well as to that, boyo, it’s not me who needs help.”

Miz talked shit in a soothing voice as she walked around the animal caught in a conibear trap. 

                               Cover by Syneca @ Ellora’s Cave

Check out more great Six Sentence Sunday Authors at the Official Site.

Have a great week!

Gem

Review Site: JERR

Reviewer: Barbara McCormick

Rating: 4.5 Stars & Recommended Read

Heat Level: H

What Barbara said: “…a lovely romance, with characters that will stay with you long after you finish the book…The way [Eleanor] stands up to the pushy, dominating Cyrus will warm your heart. Cyrus starts out as a man who must control every aspect of his life, yet with a sensitive streak to soften him, making him a perfect hero… Their lovemaking, which has an unusual beginning, is delightful and oh so hot, contributing to a marvelous story to start spring with and I recommend it.”

Read Full Review

BLURB:

Eleanor Lacey’s husband is as dead as their sexless marriage. While she waits for the law to decide if she’s widowed or divorced, she leaves scandal in Connecticut behind and flees to Texas to begin anew. But she needs money—fast. What better way to earn her grubstake, than by cooking meals for the richest rancher in the state?

Cyrus Burke works hard for every penny he makes and prides himself on knowing where to cut costs. He doesn’t want a wife cluttering up his life. His housekeepers are good enough—round the clock employees tending his sexual appetite, too. Mrs. Lacey applies for the position and looks like a promising candidate. Delicious in fact, as smooth and creamy as a tasty tart.

When Eleanor and Cyrus come together, it’s a recipe for hot love—take one wickedly willful widow and one arrogantly masterful man, add a dash of decadent desire, a pinch of sizzling naughty, and turn up the fire.

An Excerpt From: PINCH OF NAUGHTY

Copyright © GEM SIVAD, 2012

All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

“Eleanor, I didn’t give you permission to leave.” The sound of water splashing on the floor accompanied his warning as his wet feet hit the floor.

She slammed shut the door and took off running, making it down the stairs and outside to the swing with him following close behind.

“Eleanor, you sure you want to conduct our business out here?” He came out on the porch, his nakedness outlined by the house light.

She edged behind the swing, keeping it between them. Speechless, she gazed at the beast stalking her. His bare feet were big, his long legs topped by muscled thighs and the evidence of his manhood jutted rigidly in front of him as if it were made of steel.

Gauging the distance to the steps leading to the ranch yard, Eleanor risked a glance away from the savage.

“You run off the porch and I’m gonna chase you,” he drawled, crossing his arms over his chest. Waiting for her next move, he added, “Might be kind of fun.”

“Don’t you have something better to do than tormenting me?” she asked tartly.

“Yep, I figured on doing it in that bed upstairs. But if it’s the porch you’ve decided on, I’m flexible.”

“If you’ll put on some clothes, I’ll come back into the house.” Eleanor drew in a deep breath waiting for him to agree—then she’d get off the porch and run like hell toward the big gate and the town beyond.

“Nope, no point in it,” he said. “They’d be comin’ back off as soon as you hit the door.”

“Your brains were addled by a head injury, right?” Cornered and unconvinced she could persuade her cowboy boss to come to his senses, she gripped the railing, ready to sprint for the steps.

“Eleanor, did I not agree to haul your desserts to town?” If he hadn’t been stark naked it would have been a reasonable question.

“I don’t know what you agreed to. Worse yet, I don’t know what I agreed to,” she muttered, inching her way closer to her goal.

“Did I not tell you my housekeepers had night duty too?” he growled.

“You didn’t say night duty included cavorting naked in a bathtub with you,” Eleanor answered swiftly.

“You haven’t done much playing in your life, have you, Eleanor?” he asked. Then seeing her glance toward the steps again he said sternly, “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

As soon as he went through the door, she studied her escape to nowhere, hesitating before she started her descent.

“Eleanor.” His voice cracked out like a whip drawing her gaze to where he stood draped in a blanket that covered him from neck to knees. “Sit down in the swing. We’ll negotiate some.”

Dreading the coming conversation, she took a seat. As soon as her feet left the porch floor, he walked to where she sat in the swing, unfurled his blanket, wrapped it around both of them, and slid next to her, pulling her tight against his bare thigh.

Eleanor gasped, jerking in shock when Cyrus reached down and untangled her clenched hands, laying the right one on his bare leg.

“Just settle down. All we’re doin’ is talking a bit.” He covered her fingers, capturing her hand between his warm palm and warmer thigh, sending heat scorching through her. Lazily he propelled the swing into motion, his left arm embracing her shoulders, her body hugging his.

“Eleanor, the way I see it, we made a deal and finalized it last night. If you didn’t agree to the terms, you shouldn’t have accepted the contract.”

Before she could protest further, he dropped his head and nuzzled her neck.

“Did you not enjoy yourself?” he whispered the question in her ear.

“I’d rather not speak about it.” She averted her gaze, staring at the barn.

He moved his hand, pulling hers with it in a slide through the fine hair on his thigh. Her fingers clenched, grabbing his skin in a pinching hold, preventing the upward climb.

“You brand me, I put my mark on you in the same place.” His low chuckle brushed across her ear, his breath warming her as he leaned closer with his promise.

She released her grip.

“Burns where you touched me,” he drawled. Then, instead of rubbing his own leg, he dropped his left arm to her side and put his hand on her thigh, mirroring the spot she’d pinched.

“Right about here,” he said, stroking her limb, his heat radiating through her skirts.

“What do you want from me?” she asked desperately.

“Well, aside from two meals a day, a clean house and you warming my bed, I wouldn’t mind you dropping the Mr. Burke and calling me Cyrus.”

Since she’d just been arguing with herself about the same thing, her answer was already framed. “Mr. Burke, I’m your temporary housekeeper. Using your given name would signify we have a relationship other than employee and employer.” She closed her eyes and sighed, holding her head rigid where it lay against his shoulder.

“Not interested in anything else, huh?”

“What? Resident doxy, slattern with a mop? Of course I’m not interested in anything else.” She grabbed his arm, stopping the hand on her thigh from moving higher. “I have to maintain a reputation above reproach in order to be tolerated in town when I set up my shop. It will be hard enough keeping my presence here on your ranch a secret. Flaunting an illicit relationship is unthinkable.”

“Your reputation is safe with me, Eleanor. Mable knew that when she sent you out here.” Cyrus shrugged and sent the swing gliding back and forth again.

Since his fingers had resumed their slow crawl, towing her hand toward his shaft, Eleanor didn’t find his reassurance convincing.

“We’re sitting here in a porch swing, you’re totally nude under this blanket and the men in the bunkhouse can surely see your intentions are not honorable.” She wasn’t stupid, just hopeful somehow the men would remain quiet.

“You don’t need to worry about them talking. My men have sense enough to keep their gobs shut. If there’s gossip it won’t start here.” He squeezed her thigh and slid his hand upward again.

“I expect Aunt Mildred will be instrumental in spreading the news if she finds out I’m here.” Eleanor turned her head and unintentionally rubbed her cheek against his chest. His warmth against her face made her want to purr. Instead she quelled the urge and sat up straighter.

“Nope, that’s not going to happen either,” Cyrus told her. “That would be Henry’s wife, right?”

“Yes,” Eleanor agreed. “But during my visit with them it was clear Aunt Mildred loved gossiping. I don’t think she can resist.” She didn’t tell him that Aunt Millie’s favorite topic was him.

“Henry’s not likely to want his dirty laundry aired in public.” Cyrus made a disgusted noise, pulling her tighter into his embrace.

“Uncle Henry is henpecked and Mildred doesn’t listen,” Eleanor explained.

“She understands she likes to eat and they’ll be out on the street if she runs her mouth.” Cyrus interrupted.

“Why?” Eleanor craned her head backward, trying to see his face in the dark.

“Why do you think Mable sent you here?”

“Well, because I needed a job and a place to stay.” Eleanor started to explain again.

“Nope,” he said. “Because Mable knows when Henry can’t stifle his wife, I can.”

“How?”

“I own the bank.” Cyrus said calmly.

“You are in banking, like Grandfather?” Was this yet another manipulation on the part of her family to conduct a business transaction? Eleanor froze.

“Nope,” he drawled. “I just don’t trust others to manage my money so I built my own, got a state charter and set up a bank close to home. I hired your uncle away from the bank in Paris.”

Eleanor didn’t know whether to warn him or not. It was common knowledge in the family that Uncle Henry had been sent to Texas to expand the family’s banking interests.

Cyrus’ laughter rumbled under her ear, changing the direction of her thoughts.

“You’re enjoying this. Aren’t you?”

“Yep.”

His callous enjoyment of her ordeal made her stiffen, wiggling to get free from his embrace. Her inclination to caution him evaporated. If the Alcotts gobble you up, so be it, Mr. Cyrus Burke.

“The way I see it,” he drawled, “you’re a respectable woman who fell from grace while doing right. Now you’re reclaiming your place in society by doing wrong with me. If you consider it that way, it all seems pretty damn laughable.” He pulled her back down, adjusting her body against his side, her head again resting on his chest. “You worry too much, Ellie.”

“Eleanor,” she corrected him.

“Ellie, we’ve got six weeks to have some fun and I’m all for enjoying your stay while you’re here.” His fingers stroked her thigh, leaving a trail of heat there. His soft laughter brushed across her senses.

“Bet I can make you scream again.” He smoothed the folds of her dress, his caress lighting a torch in the flesh beneath.

“You are shameless.” Eleanor flushed with embarrassment at his reference to their coupling the previous night. She’d been unable to stifle her cries during one incredible orgasm.

“Yep,” he agreed. “Never found much use for shame. I’m more into tasting,” he murmured in her ear before he nibbled her earlobe. “And smelling,” he brushed his nose against her hair, rubbing his face in the strands, inhaling the scent, “and touching.” He shifted her slightly, covering her hand again.

Eleanor shivered, another wave of heat flushing her skin as he lifted her hand and cupped it around his engorged shaft. He made soothing noises in his throat, sounds that became a low hum of pleasure as he guided her fingers up and down, stroking the hard length she palmed.

It was so hot inside the blanket at first she didn’t realize he’d lifted her skirt. She shivered as the heat from his hand painted a blush of desire up her thigh. When his fingers brushed through her nether curls, she whimpered.

“You give in to temptation often, Eleanor?” he asked.

“Never,” she answered honestly.

“That’s too bad, Ellie,” he murmured. “Everyone ought to try a pinch of naughty from time to time.”

 Pinch of Naughty

Available @ 

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Back to the cowboys today. I’m posting a final snippet from Pinch of Naughty.

Cyrus watched as Eleanor, of the cult of pure womanhood, held the rubber in her hand and peered down at his cock preparing to sheathe him.

“I-I-I… I don’t know how,” she stuttered.

“Think of my dick as a tool you’re covering.” Swear to God, he felt as long and thick as her rolling pin when he growled his instructions.

Cyrus brought her hand to his engorged member, wrapping her palm around his naked length before he leaned back on the mattress.

“Familiarize yourself with my equipment, Eleanor.” 

Check out more great Six Sentence Sunday Authors at the Official Site.

Have a great week!

Gem

Hi everyone. It’s blog hop time again. Jump on board the Love-a-Tree Tour Bus. If you’re up for meeting new authors, sampling some great writing, and enjoying a little green magic during this weekend, visit the participating blogs and leave a comment on each. That’s all it takes to be entered in the drawing on Sunday for a chance to win E-books, Gift Cards, and/or a Nook Simple Touch. Come on. It will be fun.

And now for my sample of earthy romance from Call Me Miz, my latest title coming soon from Ellora’s Cave. I’m walking on the wild side with Miz, or rather riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. My heroine, Missouri Hess,  is a witch/healer who lives in the hills of West Virginia.

If her world isn’t weird enough, she meets Thomas, a shape-shifting jaguar on assignment for a sub-agency of the NSA. He’s in Bitter Creek Holler tracking an elusive pack of werewolves–but when he meets the local witch, it’s not shifters on his mind.

Excerpt: The sound of the Harley’s motor throbbed in the otherwise still night as Miz rounded the curve toward the store. It was a full moon, so her lights were almost unnecessary. She inhaled the fresh air and… Dammit–no.

When the gift that cursed her kicked-in, her opinion didn’t count. She was already slowing, listening to the silent cry of misery calling to her.

Miz wanted to gnash her teeth and snarl, which was a pathetic attitude for a healer. She didn’t go willingly, but by-damn she went. She parked, climbed down the sloping drainage ditch that separated the road from the trees, and entered the forest.

The  hovering branches  blotted out the light of the moon and Miz shuddered, switching on her flashlight.

“Oh goddesses of moonlight, healing, crop growing, fish swimming, trees, air, sky, earth and any other frigging thing you want to claim—hear me. If my ass gets eaten by a goddamned bear out here, you’ll be sorry.”

Her stupid threat had Miz hoping the deities up there were asleep. Damn this shit. It better be the President of the United States I’m saving.

The flashlight she gripped in her hand now pointed like a divining rod that had just sensed an underground stream.

Oh for God’s sake. Miz looked down at the animal tucked deeply in shadows. Had the light from her flashlight not reflected off a glint of metal, she might have missed the big cat that lay suffering. His fierce eyes threatened death to her if she came closer.

“Well as to that, boyo, it’s not me who needs help.” Miz talked softly, at the same time walking around the animal caught in a conibear trap. She squatted on her heels and touched the huge back paw. The cat flinched under her touch, flexing its claws, retracting them then spreading them again.

She studied the beast. It was a big male of an indeterminate species of cat. Not something she would have thought to find in West Virginia. On the other hand, what did she know? The fact was, unless she freed the animal soon, the lethal jaws clamping him in a body grip were going to squeeze the life from him.

“Nope, can’t let that happen.” She ripped the strings from her boots and squatted next to the trap’s spring as the beast’s chest heaved, fighting for air. 

“Got your ass caught tonight, didn’t you?”  She laid her hand on his hip and talked shit in a soothing voice. “I just want it understood after I rescue your sorry hide, you’ll leave me alone.” 

She met his gaze. He seemed intelligent. “You look smart enough. I’m surprised you—” A low rumble interrupted her nervous chatter.

She used her boot strings to tie off the top spring, pulled the string through the bottom spring loop and stood, hauling up on the shoestring until the spring was compressed and both sides met. The cat’s ribs were released from pressure. He grunted, and twitched his tail angrily as he tried to stand. But he collapsed weakly to the ground, staring in misery at her.

“Well, mister.  Misery’s my specialty. Let me have a look.” She murmured reassurances as she squatted over him, pressing her hands against his chest. Whoa. Gray streaks of death swirled through the cat’s lungs, continuing to block his breathing.

“What the fuck is that? Some sonovabitch poisoned you too?” What she was seeing inside the cat didn’t make a lot of sense. “Doesn’t matter. Whoever did it needs to have his ass kicked from here to Sunday.”

She spread heat through his body, her magic clearing the dark streaks from his lungs and healing the bruised muscles and ribs. Without warning, the cat heaved himself to his feet, staggered for a moment and then sat down facing her. They stared at each other.

The flashlight illuminated him clearly. He was magnificently beautiful, his golden pelt dotted with black rosettes.

 “You sure ain’t from these parts, sunny,” Miz drawled.

Coming Soon from Ellora’s Cave.

I’m giving away, a $10 Amazon Gift Card and Winner’s Choice of any title in my backlist.  To go in the drawing, leave a comment and tell me what you’re doing to celebrate Earth Day.

On Sunday, (Earth Day, 4/22 at 7:00 pm EST) the Just Romance Me Crew will be at Gem’s Place (my chat room) to announce the hop winners.

Good luck!

Have a great weekend,

Gem

Who: You!

What: Authors Partying Again

When: Friday 4/20/12  4:00 a.m. EST –>Sunday 4/22/12 (Earth Day) 7:00 p.m. EST.

Where: JustRomanceme.com

Why: It’s Earth Day and we want to

What’s in it for you: A chance to discover new authors, sample their wares, check out earthy hunks, and win E-books, Gift Cards, and/or a Nook Simple Touch.

Hope to see you here!

Gem

P.S. Authors and readers are invited to an Earth Day Chat @ Gem’s Place Sunday night at 7:00 p.m where winners will be announced.

Congratulations, Mel 

(bournmelissa)

You’re a winner!

Thanks everyone for participating in the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

Have a great week!

Gem