AGE OF LOVE by Alina Adams

In 1998, when I was twenty-eight years old, as my fourth published romance novel, I wrote “When a Man Loves a Woman” for DELL, featuring a heroine and hero who were both in their early 40s.

In 2011, when I was 41 years old, I got the rights back to my book and re-issued it electronically as “When a Man Loves a Woman: Enhanced Multimedia Edition.”  This required, among other things, re-reading a story I hadn’t given all that much thought to in over a decade.

And here’s what I realized: My 40 year olds… sounded like 28 year olds.

They were just a little too clever, a little too snarky, a little too… young.  And they weren’t nearly tired enough.  (My husband asked, “Do they have kids?”  “No.”  “Well, there you go, then…”)

With all due respect to my husband, I think it was more than that.

The fact is, I was a very mature 28 year old.  Serious, ambitious, responsible, downright dismal, at times (those who knew me then, feel free to concur, below).  But, it still wasn’t enough.  No matter how mature you are as a 28 year old, you have no idea what life is like as a 40 year old.  At best, you’re making a close enough to fake it guess.  At worst, you miss the mark completely.

 

The things you value in a romantic relationship at 28 are not the same as they are at 40.  Which inevitably changes your motivation.  Which inevitably changes your choices.  Which inevitably changes your actions.  (One hopes.)

On the flip side, the actor Kenneth Branaugh once said that he would never play Romeo again because, at his age, he didn’t think he could convey the proper amount of youthful enthusiasm, passion, recklessness, and naiveté.

I’ve never been a fan of younger characters.  Unless your life has involved war or an equally exceptional catastrophe, I just don’t think your average twentysomething has earned his angst, and the lack of self-awareness, not to mention, depth, doesn’t appeal to me.

In another of my books, “Annie’s Wild Ride,” the hero and heroine meet at the age of eighteen while attending the Air Force Academy, but then I quickly age them into their mid-thirties for the remainder of the story.  I was twenty-five when I wrote it.  I plan to digitize it next.  I kind of dread re-reading it.

The thing is, I’ve always been drawn to older characters, ones who’d lived enough to have rightfully earned their world-weary airs, their cynicism, their neurosis and their defense mechanisms.  When younger characters display those traits, they just seem to be going through the motions without understanding the genuine, underlying feelings.

You know, kind of like I did with “When a Man Loves a Woman.”

Interestingly enough, the book got some of the best reviews of my career, with several critics drawing particular attention to the fact that it was nice to see an “older” hero and heroi

ne.  (Now that I’m older than they are, I’m not sure how thrilled I am with the designation.)

Nobody said they didn’t sound their age, nobody quibbled with my characterization (well, based on years; there were certainly other objections), nobody took offense at my audacity in writing “above myself,” as it were.

Nobody except me.

For my next project, I think I’ve found a loophole around the issue.  I’m writing a serial, “Counterpoint: An Interactive Family Saga,” where readers will tell me where they want the story to go next, and I’ll compose the subsequent book according to their wishes.  The best part is, since it’s an on-

going series, the characters age along with me.  Clever, huh?

Then again, maybe I’m the only one this kind of incongruity bothers.  Have you ever read a book where you felt the characters weren’t acting like their chronological age, either too young or too old?  And do you think this has to do with where the author was in her life when she wrote it?

In other words, do writers have to be close to their characters’ ages in order to write them authentically?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Alina Adams is the New York Times’ best selling author of soap opera tie-ins, figure skating mysteries, and romances, including Annie’s Wild Ride and When a Man Loves a Woman.  Her latest project is Counterpoint: An Interactive Family Saga.  In addition to turning her own backlist into enhanced e-books, she has produced enhanced e-books for others, including Dan Elish, whose middle-grade fantasy novel, The Worldwide Dessert Contest, now includes its own original musical score.  Learn more at http://www.AlinaAdamsMedia.com

 

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Winner for my Touch of the Gods: The Wager three ebook giveaway

 

 

Nikki's comment ".YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!"

You will get your ebooks today! Congratuations. And don't forget everyone, Touch of the Gods: The Wager is free today through Sunday! On Amazon.

Get free copy here!

 

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Giveaway Winner Sara Brookes

Huge thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate Chasing Sin by entering my giveaway. Congrats go to Vanessa N who was drawn at the winner of a storm chasing t-shirt. I'll be contacting you before the day is out!

Sara Brookes
www.sarabrookes.net
@sara_brookes

 

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Winner from the TRS Party Candy Benzer!

My winner today is Candy Benzer!

Thanks for the comments from everyone. I really do appreciate it!

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Thanks for particpating in my little giveaway for the TRS release party!

 

Get Touch of the Gods: The Wager here!

I want to thank all who participated in my contest today and coming out to check out my newest release Touch of the Gods: The Wager. I greatly appreciate it. Tomorrow I'll be mentioning the winner of my three ebook giveaway. I'll email those books by 8pm EST.

And for those who want to get their own copy, it's for sale at $1.99 usually, but will be free from Friday through Sunday on Amazon!

Thanks again!

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Excerpt: The Price of Passion (PG:13/Contemporary Romance)

 

TITLE:  The Price of Passion

SERIES: The Morning After

AUTHOR: Stephanie Morris

AUTHOR URL: http://www.stephaniemorris.webs.com

GENRE/THEME: Contemporary Interracial Romance

PUBLISHER: Sugar and Spice Press

URL TO THE BUYING PAGE: http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=150&zenid=6vsfkckik6skq0ht1udqpsv995

EXCERPT RATING: PG-13

BLURB:

Sierra Walker has never met a rancher as charismatic as Kaden Stasso. After an unexpected night of passion, she was now expecting a very special Christmas delivery. But if Sierra gives in to the formidable dad-to-be marriage proposal of convenience only, she knows she'll only be getting herself back into a position she vowed to be in again.

Kaden Stasso won't concede to anything less than marrying the woman who carries his child, for it is deeply engrained in his culture to take care of his own. But this marriage was to be in name only. Yet, neither he nor Sierra could refute the strong connection between them. No matter how much he or Sierra wants to deny it, they both start to realize that the price of passion might be higher than either of them expected.

EXCERPT:

Like Kaden himself, like his own mother had been.

To him, this issue was not debatable.

Sierra carried his baby. She would be his wife. And his child would share his name.

They’d be together on holidays, like a real family was. Kaden would be there on Christmas morning.

Maybe because he had so few good memories of his own Christmases, the thought made him very happy.

Yes, he’d be present for every event of his daughter’s or son’s life—the birth, school events, doctor’s appointments, everything. Just as it should be.

Leah had robbed him of parenthood once; he refused to let it happen again.

There was no room for negotiation.

The fact that Sierra was every bit as manipulative as Leah didn’t matter right now. No child of his would be a bastard, wear the label and be talked about. Not if Kaden had anything to say about it.

“We don’t even know each other,” she complained.

“It’ll happen.”

Reaching up, she grasped his wrists and tried to shove him away. In her eyes, he saw fear. A softer part of him wanted to ease up, tell her that everything would be okay, that he wasn’t the monster she thought him to be. He’d fought against her discomfort concerning men, of him, on their night. And he’d won. But he wasn’t about to do it again.

She was no different than any other woman.

A few months ago, she’d made her bed and invited him to lie in it. He planned to do just that.

“You don’t even approve of me,” she protested.

“Who cares?”

Her eyes drifted closed and her breaths came in uneven, small bursts. “I care.”

“We had a night together where we got along,” he said, recalling her sensual reaction to his touch and the slide of satin as he’d removed her clothing from her body.

He’d cupped her breasts in his hands, relished in their fullness and their response as her nipples beaded, begging for his caress. Even now, his body reacted just to the memory of her low moans. “We approved of each other just fine then.”

“Don’t remind me.”

Oh, but he wanted to. He’d been good enough for her that night, even if that wasn’t the case now.

“You have to see that this is a ridiculous idea.”

“You have to see that it isn’t.” His hold tightened once more on her shoulders. “What sort of mother would intentionally subject her child to being a bastard?”

“A bastard?” she parroted, disbelievingly. “This is the twenty-first century, Kaden.”

“Not in this town.” Even when he’d been young, when several single women had been having children, he’d been teased.

“You’re being archaic.”

“You’re naïve,” he retorted. “We’re in a small town and people will gossip. You’ve heard about my past with Leah. I heard about your pregnancy at the pharmacy. Think about it.” Kaden spent his entire childhood battling the label of not being wanted, getting into more trouble than he knew what to do with.

His mother had been called down to the principal’s office as many times as Kaden had. By the time he’d finished school, he’d been suspended at least two dozen times. He wouldn’t have been looked down on or taunted if he’d had a father.

“It’s more complex than that. I can’t get married again.”

“Why is that?”

Her hazel eyes clouded. She opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again. She had secrets, he saw, and he wanted every one of them discovered.

“It’s just not possible.”

“Not good enough—not good enough for me, not good enough for the child we made.”

He didn’t like the idea of being tied down again anymore than Sierra did. He’d promised himself he’d never let another woman finagle him, but he was prepared to forfeit his sanity for his own flesh and blood. Sierra had no choice but to do the same.

He threaded his fingers into her hair, then said, “This isn’t about you and me anymore.”

Her hazel eyes were wide, revealing, alluring. It had been her eyes that first fascinated him, making him want to know her better. They’d sparkled when she laughed, then later, they’d darkened with a passion that matched his.

“I’ve already sworn not to shut you out. Isn’t that good enough?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Every child deserves a father, no matter how you feel about the man you’re pregnant by.”

She sighed. “You’re out of your mind.”

“Possibly.” Despite the statements Leah had launched at him, breaking his heart, he had loved baby Jacob with his entire being, which was still in shambles from losing her. The loss of one baby who meant everything to him strengthened his determination not to lose another, especially one that was truly part of him. “But I’m willing to let you choose the date.”

“You can’t force me to marry you.”

Removing one hand from her hair, he cupped her chin, caressing the soft skin, his thumb brushing the side of her throat and resting where her pulse raced. “Would it be such a terrible thing?” he asked, softly, inquisitively.

 

 

 

 

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Enjoy another look at Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice Cover

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The explosive noise almost deafened Alexandria as the glacier cracked open fifty feet below her, sending a shiver of fear straight through her body. There was no escaping the ice when it fractured. She’d been on Gunsight Mountain many times and knew Sperry Glacier like the back of her hand. The entire mountain should have been stable—it had been categorised that way when she’d checked with the United States Geological Services that morning, and the weather had stayed cold throughout the day. Hell, the sun wasn’t even shining on the glacier because of the cloud cover that had moved in after lunch.

Having spent her youth climbing the mountains right outside Columbia Falls, Montana, she was comfortable surveying the massive ice floes on the northern mountains for the USGS. More than once she’d escaped danger on the ice, but this fissure was scaring the crap out of her as it opened up a few inches from her feet.

Her team of three scientists and two climbers had already descended another hundred feet down the southwest side of the mountain, too far to offer help if she fell into the crevasse created by the fracture.

Alexandria took a fleeting look at her team, worried one of the guys would act heroically and try to save her. They needed to escape to safety, not play saviour. In hindsight, they shouldn’t have split up, but the day was almost done and she’d told them to start heading home while she packed up the last bag of equipment.

The sound of the cracking ice echoed across the mountaintops as she watched her team scramble across to the rocky slope three hundred yards away. The distance looked astronomical, too far to climb without help on the unstable ice, but she would have to try.

The shattering sound of the ice breaking drowned out her calls to her co-workers. The crack widened below her, and sweat drenched her brow and dripped down her back. The split in the ice raced towards her, gaining speed with every inch. The weather was freezing on this mountain, but fear made her blood run hot.

Her legs shook as she gauged the distance again. Her heart pounded and she leapt, clearing herself from danger. Her sigh of relief was short-lived as the rope securing her to the mountain snapped. Her foot slipped and her legs gave way. She found herself face down on the hard ice. Her cheek stung as she scraped across the snowpack and her body started to slide towards the crevasse.

Before she fell over the edge of the fissure, her foot caught on a chunk of ice and she stopped moving. Fear pinged around her brain, and for a second she was at a loss as to what to do next. Contacting rescuers on her radio was her only hope of survival. With her right hand she pulled out her radio and brought it to her face. The wind picked up and flung the black case out of her hands. It skittered across the ice.

“Crap!”

Alexandria’s traction failed and she dropped closer to the opening in the ice. Again she caught a foothold and stopped a few inches from the crevasse. Every attempt she made to crawl up failed. Her hands slipped farther, leaving her numb with fear. The freezing trench below would swallow her up and take her life.

She grasped a rift in the ice, and rescue seemed a reality. If she could hold on, someone would make their way over to rescue her. The seconds ticked by, seeming to last forever. Her foot cramped and her hand seemed frozen, but she was safe. She watched the clouds overhead, wondering if this would be the last time she ever saw the sky. Thoughts of death freaked her out. She didn’t want to go down that path, but every time she moved she slipped farther into the icy channel.

The stress relief techniques she’d learned in survival training came into play. She breathed deep, slowing her heart rate and trying to focus on solving her problems, not freaking out. Then the ice hold broke and her feet went over the edge of the crevasse. Her heart sank and her breath whooshed out of her lungs.

Images of her dad filled her mind. His smiling face as he’d finally made it to the top of Mount Everest. Then years later, when he’d gone back up the mountain and passed away during a horrible storm, as she’d held him in her arms. This wasn’t how she was supposed to go. She was a survivor. Everyone said so. The storm that had taken her father on that high summit hadn’t killed her, and neither had the car crash that had taken her mother. She would beat this damned glacier.

Alexandria shouted out a prayer. “Damn it, whoever is listening up there, save me!”

Her fingers were losing traction, and every movement of her legs made her slip farther into the crevasse. “I'm running out of time here!”

She shut her eyes, knowing her next view would be her last. Her head span and her bowels clenched. She opened her eyes for one final glimpse at her beautiful Montana. Shock coursed through her when she saw a man standing above her, wearing a red jumpsuit and a white ski cap.

“Grab my arm,” he said.

She reached up tentatively to take his hand, but her body slipped farther into the gap. “I don’t know if I can.”

“Trust me, reach up.” Confidence poured forth from him. He was tall, and his muscles were evident even under the winter gear. Alexandria didn’t doubt for a moment that this man had the ability to pick her up and toss her over his shoulder like a ragdoll.

Her ragged breath shook her body. Could she trust him? But how could she not? Why hadn’t he set up a Z-pulley? She’d made a mistake sending her crew ahead, and now this bonehead was trying to rescue her by grabbing her arm. This was crazy.

For more information on Sara York books visit http://sarayork.com

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Excerpt: Long, Slow Surrender (PG:13/ Interracial Contemporary Romance)

 

TITLE:  Long, Slow Surrender

AUTHOR: Stephanie Morris

AUTHOR URL: http://www.stephaniemorris.webs.com

GENRE/THEME: Contemporary Interracial Romance

PUBLISHER: Amira Press

URL TO THE BUYING PAGE: http://www.amirapress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=331

Blurb:

Michelle Lewis has always been attracted to handsome, easy-going Connor Sakuma. There is only one obstacle in her way...Theodore Sakuma, Connor’s younger strait-laced brother. Theodore has planned to marry Michelle since they were kids. Michelle is sure of one thing. She wants Connor, not Theodore.

Connor Sakuma is astonished when Michelle approaches him for help in thwarting his younger brothers’ attraction to her. He has no idea how a fake relationship between him and Michelle is going to help the situation. Yet, it could prove to be the perfect opportunity to act upon his own secret attraction to Michelle.

One thing is for certain, when things are set into motion, Michelle will make it her mission to see that Connor gives her plan a try even if it is one long, slow surrender.

Excerpt:

“Could you turn down the lights a little?” she asked. He whipped his head in her direction and she offered a small smile. “To set the ambiance in case Theodore shows up.”

He stood, flipped the light switch, and the room turning a deep shade of indigo, the last bit of sun long gone. Connor sat down, looking more determined than ever.

Ah, sweet progress.

She curled up on the couch, struggling to contain her smile. The movie was actually good. A great drama, with action and some steamy love scenes. She wasn’t brave enough to stare pointedly at Connor during the intimate moments, but she did peek out the corner of her eye. His jaw looked pretty tight, and there was a bead of sweat on his upper lip. She shifted a little on the couch, and crossed her legs at the ankle.

When a knock sounded at the door, they both jumped. Connor shut off the TV quickly and room went dark.

Michelle looked at the clock. Ten thirty? Already? Gee, time flew when you were watching porn, um, a movie.

“That’s Theodore, isn’t it?”

“Definitely,” Connor answered.

Theodore.

It was show time.

Michelle looked at Connor, shirt untucked, chest untouched, and she glanced down at her own still-ironed look. Even the couch, with all its comfortableness, couldn’t get rid of the starch.

“Great. We don’t look like we’ve been doing anything.”

Connor looked at her with a deadpan stare. “Usually women just get this look about them. Some sort of natural response.”

She wanted to laugh at him, but darn it, she needed to think. This was important to get right. “No, Connor, remember this is supposed to be a heated affair. We need to look like you can’t stand one minute without touching me. Remember,” she stressed the words, “Theodore needs to think he doesn’t have a chance.”

The doorbell rang, and Connor lowered his voice to a furious whisper. “This was your idea. What are we supposed to do? Get a little down and dirty on the carpet while magically opening the door so Theodore walks in?”

She looked at the carpet and got a nice visual. She decided right then and there that someday, someday indeed, she would get down and dirty on the carpet with him.

The knock on the door lasted longer this time.

“Hang on a second. I’m coming,” Connor shouted, still standing several feet away from her, looking completely untouched. Michelle took a step toward him. “Look, this is supposed to be a real date. What would Theodore expect to find?” She wanted to know exactly what was expected when it came to a sultry and torrid affair because she hadn’t the slightest idea.

His smile was slow, but provocative. “Sweetheart, if this was a real date, you’d be lucky to have your clothes on.”

She almost drowned in the absolute hedonistic image he provoked.

Clothes.

Crap!

She looked down at her clothes. They were definitely too tidy. Something had to be done about that. Quickly. She shook her head free of her lustful thoughts. Not now.

“Okay. Here, let me do something with my shirt. I should undo a few buttons or something.”

She reached frantically for her buttons, Theodore now knocking insistently and firmly at the door. Well, he could just wait. Very quickly, she undid the tiny buttons, popping them free.

She pulled the stiff cotton material free of her pants and made the rather huge mistake of looking at Connor. Her fingers froze. His eyes were leveled on the brown, lacy bra she wore underneath her shirt. Okay, her chest was somewhat small, but she liked to think of herself as pert.

The way Connor was looking right now, as if she were a delectable treat he wanted to devour, she was beginning to like small and pert, but she really did need to get a move on. Unfortunately, none of her muscles seemed to work.

Connor finally spoke, his voice a little hoarse. “You need to button up. Theodore definitely doesn’t need to see you like this.”

She almost reminded him that was exactly why she’d unbuttoned them, but decided now was not the time to debate it. She fumbled a little. The buttonholes had mysteriously shrunk a few sizes too small, and her hands had grown much clumsier.

With a low curse, he brushed her hands aside and began the task himself.

“Connor, don’t button them up right. I’m supposed to look ravished.”

His hands froze. Right on top of her breasts.

Oh, my.

He muttered something under his breath, but she couldn’t make it out. “Connor, focus. Connor, your brother is on the other side of your front door.” His hand brushed against her skin. She jumped. “Connor, you need to hurry up.”

The knock on the door lasted longer this time.

Connor looked up, eyes dark with lust. “Don’t speak to me right now. I just need to get these damn buttons fastened. How did you manage to find a shirt with so many buttons? I told you I wouldn’t be able to handle priesthood well.”

“How long has it been?” she asked, trying to distract both of them.

“Two months.”

She bit her lip to hold back her groan.

He gritted his teeth, and his finger brushed against her nipple.

She emitted a choked gasp.

Her nipples grew even perkier, clearly visible under the brown satin. Connor’s breathing turned shallow.

Oh, my.

Not knowing what else to do, she apologized. “I’m sorry.”

He stopped fumbling with the buttons and focused on her face. A deep blush appeared under his skin, very noticeable underneath the shadow of whiskers clinging to his jaw. Her fingers lifted, craving the touch.

“You haven’t done anything. I should be the one apologizing.”

She started to explain that she was apologizing for her nipples and his breathing problem, but realized this was not what a sexy, sultry seductress would do. Yet, there had to be something she could do. Her breasts were in his hands; there was definitely something she could do.

And so, she kissed him.

 

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Prince of the Universe - Excerpt 3 R

I think we have time for another. :)

Things start to get a little more intense between Merry and Vega. ;)

 

Vega stared at the frightened woman. What had possessed her to look at his mark, the mark all Aldarrans wore? His was different, bearing the royal crest, but she clearly recognized it. How?

"Woman, what do you know of Aldarra?"

She glanced at the younger girl and looked back at him. The terror lining her pale face raised all sorts of questions.

"Not here," she whispered. "My office."

She turned. Vega released her arm and followed, his gaze traveling over her lush form. He couldn't help himself, could any male not notice? When he'd first made eye contact, his heart raced with an excitement he hadn't known in years. She was the woman in the image his ship’s instruments had captured.  Her curves beckoned even more seductively up close, her brightly-patterned skirt swirling around her shapely calves. The sight reminded him yet again how long he’d been without a female. And this female was certainly appetizing. But once she learned where he came from, her friendly demeanor had changed. What had frightened her so terribly?

She led him into another room, and took up a position behind a large desk. Arms crossed, she stared at him. Some of her terror had softened, though her guard remained up and she appeared ready to flee at any moment. He noted the window behind her. Would she jump?

"Who are you?" she asked.

"I am Vega."

"I know that already, smart-ass. Where are you from and why are you here?"

"You seem to know where I’m from already. As to why I’m here, I can’t divulge that. I cannot risk my location being discovered. You know of my planet, perhaps others do as well. I would rather go unnoticed."

Something about her stance relaxed a little, though her arms remained folded under her breasts, pushing the ample flesh up. His mouth nearly watered, his groin stirring already. Her presence wreaked havoc with his intentions.

"You’re in hiding?"

He shrugged, wondering why he had the urge to tell this woman everything. Something inside sensed she could help him. Still, he had to use caution.

"I prefer solitude."

"Vega, why are you here? Did someone send you?" The tremor of fear laced her voice again. The urge to ease it came on suddenly strong. He frowned.

"In a manner of speaking. But I seek no one."

Her shoulders lowered another measure. "But why here?"

"The mountain is secluded. The town large enough to blend in and provide necessities. It will suffice. Now I have a question for you."  Her tension rose again, palpable in the small room. "Who are you hiding from?"

"Wh-what?" Her eyes narrowed. "I’m not hiding from anyone. What makes you think that?"

"The cloaking stone in your shop. It is tuned to your energy, but who is it protecting you from?"

"I thought it would protect me from all of you … look, I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to make sure you’re not here to try and … why don’t we finish outfitting you and you can be on your way."

He held back a smile at the sass poking through her fading fear. She hadn’t given many details, but it was enough. She’d obviously met someone of his race previously, and from this reaction, the experience hadn’t been pleasant. Nevertheless, he suspected she possessed answers that would help him on his mission. And he couldn’t deny the idea of having a reason to be near her pleased him.

* * * *

Merry stared at the Aldarran in her office. No doubt remained what he was, where he came from. But why was he here?  Judging from his reaction to the fact someone here on Earth knew about his world, he appeared as confused as she. That surprise also convinced her he clearly didn’t know her, and didn't actively look for her. If Mantimius had sent him, he would have recognized her and she’d be on her way to some distant planet by now, she was sure of it.

She kept her arms firmly folded, until she realized the position pushed her breasts up and almost out of her blouse. The appreciation in his stare sent odd tingles skittering through her, but she forced them aside. Hot or not, she had to get this man out of her store. The last time she'd let herself be seduced by one of those monsters, she'd lost so much.

"So? You can have whatever you need, no charge, just let me box it up for you. Do you have a vehicle to carry it in?"  She stepped cautiously around her desk. With the barrier no longer between them, her confidence faded.

She tried to stay as far from him as possible, but he grabbed her arm when she neared. Fire seemed to flare from his touch, but it was accompanied by a healthy burst of panic. She tried to tug free but he didn't release her.

"Who seeks you, woman?"

She forced an angry glare onto her face and tugged on her arm again. "Let go of me! It’s none of your business why I have the stone."

"You will tell me. I need to be sure I have not walked into a trap."

"What? A trap?" God, she sounded like an idiot! "Look, I just happen to think it’s pretty, okay?" Another tug. His grip remained unyielding.

"It is fully armed. You know how to work the stone. Do I assume you have its mate?"

She stared at him and nodded. She couldn't lie. But she’d be damned if she’d tell him any more than that. She wanted this Aldarran, no matter how much unlike Mantimius he was, out of here. Now! She tugged again. He remained unmoving.

"It’s in my apartment. And no, you can’t see it."

A corner of his mouth quirked and her gaze lingered on his full lips. Utterly kissable lips. Stop that, Merry! Damn, these freaking aliens sure knew how to get under her skin. And unlike the men of Earth, they weren’t obsessed with tall willowy blondes who weighed less than one hundred pounds soaking wet. She could see the appreciation in Vega’s eyes for her soft round curves, and despite her intentions, she responded to it. Almost as quickly, she slammed on the brakes and forced the longing threatening to engulf her back into its closet. Even brief imagining led to dangerous territory, and she refused to venture into it. Still, the fact she had such a strong reaction to Vega eased some of the concerns she'd lived with every day for the last several years.

"You have information, woman, that I believe may aid my mission. You will tell me now."

She laughed. "Yeah, right, like you can just come in and order me around. Let me tell you something, ET, this is my home, my store, my territory. And it’s none of your damn business why I have the stone or why it’s functioning."

She had barely finished when she found herself pressed tightly against him. Her brain screamed a warning, but no sound escaped her lips. Didn’t matter. His mouth would have silenced her with the way he devoured her, plundered her. In a matter of mere seconds, she’d forgotten her vow and responded like a love-starved woman. Which, she supposed was actually true, but when a man could kiss like this and have her melting in half a moment, she didn’t really care. The sensations he stirred made her feel more alive than she had in years. His tongue drove into her mouth, igniting a firestorm of wanting in her veins. Any residual fear dissolved like steam under the heat of the onslaught. She could only react.

Her hands crept up to his shoulders, sliding through his thick hair. His tongue teased hers, coaxing more flames to life. Her nipples, now hard and tight, pressed against his chest, and she fought the urge to rub against him to increase the delight. Her pussy grew slick and hot, in anticipation of the promise his kiss held. When his hand slipped over her ass, squeezing her roughly, reality seeped back to her brain. She stiffened, felt his body tighten in response. Then he abruptly released her.

"Forgive me, I meant no –"

She held up a hand and looked away. her body still in the grip of the fiery passion he’d sparked. Her legs shook with the effort to remain upright. To look at him now would undermine her determination to get him out of here. Quickly. "Forget it. I’ll get your things boxed up and you can get going."

He reached out and tilted her chin back, forcing her to look at him. Damn him! She tried to pull free, but his grip, while oddly gentle, would not be shaken. His lips pressed together, almost in distaste. Did he regret kissing her? He heaved a deep breath.

"I need your help. I had not planned on seeking assistance for more than supplies. But it is clear you know where I’m from. I need to know how much you know and from whom you learned it."

Her resolve weakened further. Damn him to hell and back! The impassioned plea struck at every part of her heart that ached when thinking of abandoned kittens. Be strong, Merry, don’t let him in. It’s too dangerous.

"I realize you are also frightened. I mean you no harm, in fact, I can provide protection, should you need it."

She hadn’t thought of that. Maybe he wasn’t a psycho like Mantimius, and he might be the only one who could protect her should the maniac decide to look for her.

"Woman, I need-"

"Merry."

"What?"

"My name is Merry. You know the Merry in Merry’s Melodies? I prefer that to woman."

Some of the tension ebbed, softening his stance. "You will help me?"

"I don’t know if I’d be much help. But I understand a little about your planet, and maybe I can make your transition easier."

Was she out of her ever-loving mind?  But he clearly needed her assistance while he lived here, at least enough so he wouldn't be noticed. Or he’d bring every government agency down on this quiet little corner of Pennsylvania. How long did he plan to stay? Hopefully not very long.

"Thank you. Merry."

"You’re welcome, Vega." A sudden recollection erupted. "Vega. Prince Vega?"

"You know me?"

"I know of you. To be honest, I would have thought you dead."

His eyes narrowed, his expression murderous. Her fear returned.

"You know Mantimius!" He advanced on her, fists clenched.

She backed away, one hand on her throat.  She stopped when he halted. Realization seeped in and a bit of her courage returned. Oh God, he didn't think she'd actually enjoyed her time with… She had to convince him otherwise, diffuse that anger. "I do know him. I hate him! I wish I'd never … He is the most evil, horrible … being I’ve ever met."

Relief softened the planes of his face. He nodded, expressive eyes revealing his understanding. Just as quickly, the softer emotion had been replaced with steel. "That’s who the cloaking stone is for."

She nodded again. "I ... when you first recognized it, I thought he had sent you to find me."

Vega's mouth twisted in a grimace and he growled. "I will destroy the insect, and end his stolen reign. He murdered my father, my brother, and tried to murder me. All to plunder the planet and force the people to serve. But my forces and I managed to escape the very night he stole the throne and have been in hiding ever since. We have been preparing for our return to Aldarra, where we will destroy him."

Her primary fear now securely debunked, Merry realized she had a whole new problem. No way was she getting caught up in his inter-galactic war. She stifled a groan. This whole surreal day seemed like something on the science fiction channel. She had to get rid of this guy. Fast!

"Maybe I’m not really the best person to help you … I mean, I know nothing of how to take over a planet. If you need a gift for your grandmother though, I’ve got just the thing."

His confusion only made him seem more, well, human. He was, sort of. Was he also capable of transformation? Would he be as hideous as Mantimius? She shuddered. Agreeing to help him had to be one of the stupidest things she’d ever done. She should have just sent him on his way. No matter, she'd fix that now.

"I have been waiting years for this chance. My men have been in training, and I must complete mine. There are certain things I need to strengthen myself to remove Mantimius from the throne, from Aldarra, from his very existence. I will kill anyone who dares try to stop me. In order to train properly, I need to ensure my location remains undiscovered. That’s where I’ll require your assistance."

 

Things should start to get real interesting real soon! ;)

Gianna Simone

 

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New Release MOONSTRUCK

I'm pleased to announce my latest release from Changeling Press.

 

She’s a beautiful werewolf who packs heat. He’s human and he’s moonstruck.

 Agent Rilee Winter of the Paranormal Crime Unit has caught a challenging case. A valuable diamond has been stolen from philanthropist Pierce Brannan and the suspect is her twin sister.

 Rilee’s assignment is to work with Pierce, find the Nightskye diamond and bring her twin to justice. The moon is full, Pierce is sexy-as-sin and Rilee’s lycan blood is running high. She’s a cop. He’s a victim. She’s a werewolf. He’s human. It’s hot. He’s moonstruck. It’s complicated.

 

BUYLINK

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1825

 

Thanks for reading my excerpts. Have a wonderful evening.

BJ 

 

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Our Special Guest!

New York Times bestselling author Alina Adams is at TRS on 5/14/12! Visit her on the web at www.alinaadamsmedia.com. Comment for a chance to win her latest book, Counterpoint: An Interactive Family Saga in a mobi format.Thank you!

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