Sizzling Sensuality

To Die For

2011-09-09T16:00:00.001-07:00

TO DIE FOR
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic - Romantic Suspense - Novel
February 2011
Cover Art © 2011 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-61124-054-2 (e-book)
ISBN 978-1-61124-976-7 (paperback)

The sound of her voice saved a cop's life...and put a target on her back.

Zoe White's got a voice to die for and the full-figured body to match it. Sad that it's taken another officer's near tragedy to spur Detective Frank Ludwig into finally making his move. Now that he has, Frank's determined to be Zoe's hero when her unselfish act skylines her to a killer. It doesn't take him long to realize Zoe doesn't need a hero. She's a survivor, perfectly able to defend herself...and Frank, too, when the chips are down.

What's a guy to do when his woman "man's up" before he does?

Then he learns just how much Zoe has sacrificed to recover from past demons, and how determined those same demons are to destroy her again. He realizes there's more to being a hero than fighting bad guys. A true hero helps the woman he loves retrieve the final fragments of her shattered life. Yes, Zoe can clearly defend herself. Now he's depending on her staying alive long enough so he can be the hero she needs.

Available at:
Amber Quill Press
Amazon
All Romance Ebooks

Reviews:

FIVE HEARTS! I love how this book starts out. The relationship between Zoe and Frank is unique in a way that you don't find in most books. Ms. Willows really put it in perspective that not all heroines need a hero, but they would love to have a partner. Someone who is there for you as back up if needed or just moral support. Frank is a very type "A" kind of guy who wants to be the one that saves the day while Zoe just wants to survive. I loved reading this book because just when you think you have it figured out, there is another twist. This book is a great read and I recommend it to anyone. The loves scenes are hot and show that men aren't the only ones who can dominate. Ms. Willows shows us a side of the hero that you don't see very often. She shows us that they can be vulnerable and cowardly in certain areas of their life while being the alpha male in others. The interaction between Zoe, Frank and the other characters leaves you laughing or wanting to smack one of them. Overall, a great read; one I will read over and over and probably still be surprised by the ending. ~JCaraway, The Romance Studio

FIVE NYMPHS! The author wrote a very realistic story about starting over, only to have the past come crashing back... The relationship that Frank and Zoe have is explosive, once some misunderstandings are resolved. Both try to experiment with different scenarios so that old hurts are not triggered. As the story unfolds, the suspense will also keep you interested and involved. I will be reading this again and recommend this book, even though the subject matter can be very emotional. ~Amazon Nymph, Literary Nymphs

4.5 STARS! To Die For was hot, steamy, and exciting all rolled into one heck of an erotic romance. Zoe is a mystery, but it was interesting to see her let her guard down and allow Frank inside her past. Frank is a typical cop, good at protecting others and amazing at showing his softer side. When these two hit the sheets, they turned up the heat. The constant danger kept me on edge just the way I like it. There were secondary characters galore but none that I would expect to have their own story. The author was very good at keeping them involved by not allowing any to take over the story. I enjoyed To Die For and would recommend it to anyone looking for a little bit of action to go along with the amazing sex. ~Stefani Clayton, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Excerpt:

Fear clawed at Zoe's gut, fighting its way to the surface. Pringles of the monster she'd buried zinged beneath her skin, searching for a way out.

People. She had to be around people. If she went home, another monster might be waiting. Zoe wouldn't risk it--not until she had control firmly in her hands. Not until she could face whatever hell awaited her with dignity and strength.

Having my .38 in ready reach wouldn't be bad either.

Gun trumped knife every time. Too bad she'd gotten out of the habit of carrying the weapon. Zoe would rectify that once she got home. Being without threat had made her lackadaisical. If she wasn't diligent...

Dead. She'd be dead.

No. That's why you have the black belt...to protect yourself.

Could she keep her wits about her to remember how to use that skill? Besides, all the martial arts moves in the world couldn't win over a gun. She needed that weapon in her possession.

Zoe gasped for breath, fighting hyperventilation.

Denny's. That's where she could go. Open all night. Always someone there. A favorite place for cops. She'd grab a bite and order her thoughts, make a game plan.

Zoe scanned the jumble of signs, looking for that familiar yellow one. Had she passed it yet? She'd been so upset she barely remembered leaving the precinct. Where the hell was she? Certainly not pointed toward home. She nearly wept with relief when she spied her beacon a block ahead. A Holiday Inn Express was across the street from it. That was an option she hadn't considered. She'd check in for the night, maybe two, get a room on the top floor and hole up until this was over.

She snorted at her foolishness. Clearly, this was never going to be over...until one of them was dead. Zoe didn't plan on that being her.

She eased into the parking lot and found a spot right next to the restaurant. Maybe luck was on her side tonight. Pulling in slow breaths to calm her shattered nerves, she cut the engine. Xavier didn't know where she lived. Chances were slim he'd recognize her on the street--as long as she kept her mouth shut. The encounter was an isolated incident, nothing more. Why would Xavier care? He was rattling her to show he was a big man, nothing more. Old fears ran deep, though. Too deep.

He knows where you work now.

True. Zoe wondered if her subconscious had steered her to take an alternate route home.

Silly. The shooting was across town. There's no way he could--

She cut off the thought. There was always a way for a determined person, and he'd sounded damned determined. Thank goodness, her parents were vacationing in Maui and her sister visiting friends in New York. Xavier couldn't have picked a better time to make his move. For another panicked moment, Zoe wondered if he'd planned this. Just as quickly she dismissed the idea. Xavier never planned anything; he was volatile and driven by rage and a very short-temper.

Damn it all, she'd thought this was all in the past. Now she'd inadvertently crossed paths with him. His threat wasn't an idle one. Xavier would hunt her down. It was only a matter of time.

Not if the cops get him first.

Zoe was counting on that. Talk about determination. Xavier had killed a police officer tonight, seriously wounding another. He was a marked man. She prayed they got to him before he got to her.

A thorough look around confirmed her safety. Still, she didn't let her gaze or attention wander as she looped her purse strap over her shoulder, clutched the hobo bag against her side, and stepped from her F-150. Her rubber soled ankle boots thunked on the sidewalk. Zoe wasted little time getting inside. Once the doors closed behind her, she let the hostess's smile scatter the dark shadows lingering in her mind...at least for the moment. The woman's nametag identified her as Jennifer.

"One?" she asked.

"Yes, just one," Zoe said.

Jennifer plucked a menu from the box behind her. "Table or booth?"

Under normal circumstances her answer would be table. Tonight Zoe didn't want to be that exposed. "Booth. Away from the window." Her back against the wall with a clear view of the entrance.

"Right this way." Jennifer led her down the aisle, nodding to other diners as she took Zoe into the bowels of the restaurant.

Zoe saw the men and women too late. Twelve police officers and detectives occupied a large section of tables in the back room where Jennifer intended to seat her. Zoe tapped at the woman's long white sleeve in a vain effort to subtly catch her attention. Again, too late. One by one the men and women stopped what they were doing, all eyes latching onto Zoe. Chairs rumbled against the carpet as they stood...and applauded her.

She wanted to crawl in a hole and never come out. The only thing that kept her feet rooted in place was the pride on Frank Ludwig's face. Zoe's heartbeat triple-timed. If he only knew...

"Come join us." Officer Joanie Robertson yanked over a chair from a nearby table, while Frank's partner, Theo Garcia, waved Zoe their way.

Only that morning Robertson had gone out of her way to avoid her. Zoe was their hero tonight. Tomorrow things would go back to the way they were. Zoe didn't want to muddy the waters by socializing.

She'd heard what some of her co-workers said behind her back; a few even said it to her face. Some of them meant well; the others didn't. Zoe'd learned to live with scathing remarks, dirty looks, and kindhearted suggestions. After all, she had only herself to blame for the way she looked. She wasn't a small girl. But Frank--hot Frank who shared her bed in Zoe's nightly fantasies--accepted her with no questions, no attempts to change her. Their friendship was unconditional.

"No, thank you." A polite smile came with her refusal. "It's been a long shift. I need to decompress." Then she squeezed into the booth, her back to them, and accepted the menu from Jennifer.

"Anything to drink?"

A bottle of your cheapest wine. And put a straw in it. "Iced tea, no lemon."

"Coming right up."

Zoe stared at the menu. Conversation behind her fell to whispers. Words swam before her eyes. Damn, she was going to start bawling right here. A shadow blocked the light. The second she glanced up, Frank slid in beside her.

"Scoot over." He butted her hip against hers.

"What are you doing?" Zoe refused to budge.

"I'm sitting with you. What does it look it?"

She flicked her fingers toward the opposite seat. "Then sit there."

"You know I can't sit with my back to the door."

"It looked to me like that's what you were doing over there." She motioned to the party behind them.

Frank shrugged. "I lost the toss. Only fair way to determine seating when you have a table of cops." He nudged again. "Scoot."

It occurred to Zoe that she could move to the other seat. That meant leaving the brief joy of having Frank next to her. The man made her feel all kinds of crazy happy inside. Safe and sheltered, small and feminine. Worry and fear didn't dare bother her with Frank by her side. His sheer personality warned them away. She wanted to lean into his solid body and cry her heart out.

"How nice you ran into your husband." Jennifer slid a tall glass of iced tea across the booth.

Reality slapped Zoe's daydreams to bits. "Oh, he's not my husband."

Frank plopped his hand over hers and squeezed. "Not yet."

Jennifer's smile drained the power grid. "When's the wedding?"

"We're not engaged either." Zoe slipped her hand from under his and grabbed her straw.

"Not yet." Frank dropped his hand to her thigh, shocking Zoe senseless. Her clit cheered at how near he was. Juices flowed in anticipation of more. "I'm still trying to get her to notice me."

Jennifer's gaze ping-ponged between them. Her smile dimmed while she pondered a response, or planned how she could get Frank for herself. Although, he was a bit old for her. Hell, he was a bit old for Zoe, too, but that didn't stop her from lusting after him. She'd calculated around a ten-year age gap. Her fantasies of him pressing her against the nearest wall and fucking her senseless didn't care. A thread of jealousy twined its way to the surface. If Jennifer started flirting--

"Then I'm guessing this will all be on one ticket?" Jennifer finally asked.

"Absolutely." This time Frank draped his arm around Zoe shoulders and squeezed.

Zoe steeled herself against the rush of emotion. What the hell was he up to? She was going to have to stock up on batteries before she went home tonight--if she went home--and she just might send the bill to Frank.

"We still need a few minutes," he told Jennifer.

"I'll make sure your server knows."

Zoe waited until Jennifer's back was turned, then shrugged his arm away. "Quit joking. I'm not in the mood to be played with." A lie. Most nights she wanted nothing more than for Frank to play with her. Zoe stabbed her straw amid the ice cubes and took a long sip. Although at the rate her horny was building, dumping the glass into her lap might be a better idea.

Frank rested his forearms on the table, body half-turned her way--which was quite a feat since he took up as much space as Zoe. "I'm not joking or playing. Consider this our first date."

She stirred the ice, refusing to meet the gaze burning a hole through the side of her face. Tolliver's death was going to have long-term repercussions. "Look, it's been a long day. I know how grateful you are that--"

"It's got nothing to do with gratitude." He leaned closer, warmth surrounding her. "Open your eyes, honey."

She was clueless and didn't feel like dancing around whatever he was hinting at. So she let her silence build a wall between them.

Frank eased away, taking that warmth with him. Zoe's heart cried for the loss.

"I don't think she could've seated us at a smaller booth." Frank planted his feet on the floor and pushed the booth back. "That's better."

"Is that even allowed?" she whispered.

"What's she going to do? Lock me up? I'm the poe-lease." He thumbed his chest.

Zoe snickered. She knew she shouldn't encourage him, especially when she was still displeased over his previous antics. She pretended her tea held more interest, which earned her his body bracketing hers once more. This is how it'd feel if they had sex--Frank looming over her, taking charge of their pleasure. God, she ached!

"Sure you don't want something a little stronger than tea?" he asked.

"Driving." Zoe drew her finger through the moisture beading her glass.

"I'll see you get home safe and sound. After what you did today, you deserve a drink...or two." His arm brushed hers. She'd rather have it around her again, even if he'd meant it as a joke.

"My truck--"

"I'll either make sure it gets to your house, or I'll pick you up in the morning." Long fingers traced hers. "You're shaking."

Fear coupled with a looming adrenaline crash did that to a person.

"What can I get you two cuddlebugs tonight?"

Zoe and Frank jumped at the server's abrupt appearance. Norma hovered at the table, pad in hand, gray hair combed back in a tight ponytail that dangled in its mesh bag, making it resemble something you'd pull from a bathroom sink drain. Zoe didn't bother to correct Norma's assumption they were a couple. What harm could come from pretending?

"The lady would like a glass of merlot. We'll have patty melts with fries." He glanced at Zoe for confirmation, then, at her nod, told their server, "And an order of onion rings."

"Coming right up." Norma shot off. Zoe had never seen anyone move so fast.

"I'm going to need the wine to scrub my veins from this high cholesterol meal." She pushed her tea aside. Frank took it for himself.

"It's comfort food, and we damn well deserve it. You especially. We're alive. It's time we started taking advantage of that."

He'd closed her in again, his body nearly surrounding her. Zoe didn't give an inch. This was what it felt like to be near the man. She soaked it all in for her fantasies later.

"You saved a man's life tonight, Zoe. That sweet voice of yours gave DiCarlo hope to hang on. Because of you, he'll see his wife and kids again. There isn't a cop on the force who hasn't heard about it, or listened to it play out over the radio."

Did they also hear Tolliver's last gasping breath? She hadn't been able to save him. It was a miracle she'd stopped Xavier when she did. A quirk of fate. Hearing her voice intrigued him enough to spare DiCarlo...and make her his new target.

Ay chica...such a pretty voice. Like an angel in the night. Maybe I come see you, eh? Clip those wings again. Your friend here, he ain't gonna last. I cut him deep. Try, bitch. You're next, and I'm gonna make it hurt.

"I'll bet the sound clip's already gone viral," Frank said. "You know the newshounds have glommed on to it."

Yes, they'd already started swarming the precinct for information as she left work.

Zoe grabbed the merlot when the glass appeared and gulped down half.

"Easy, honey." Frank put his arm around her, fingers tracing soothing circles on her shoulder. "The guys are on it. They'll figure out who this asshole is and put him behind bars."

Oh, God. "They...they don't know who he is?" A drop of wine splashed on the back of her hand. She was shaking, but she couldn't loosen her death grip on the glass.

"Not yet. He wore gloves, had a ski mask on. Took the knife with him. Left no trace."

Shit. Now what? She stared at that drop of wine, frozen on her skin as if time itself had stopped waiting for her to woman-up.

"I...I know who he is." Zoe barely heard the words herself, so surely Frank hadn't. She wasn't sure she could dredge the courage to say them again.

"What? How?"

Her pride took a nosedive, but it was a small price to pay for taking a cop killer off the streets.

"Xavier Sanchez. We lived together years ago. I'm the reason he was sent to prison in the first place. That threat he made to me over the radio was real." She drained the glass and signaled Norma for another.

New Release: Leather & Lace by Caitlyn Willows

2010-10-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

LEATHER & LACE
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic - Short Contemporary
October 2010
Cover Art © 2010 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-759-5

Purchase link

They’re back again - the hot couple from One To Grow On -- and they’re more than ready to live out a few more sex-filled fantasies.

Nine years of marriage haven’t dimmed the fires of fantasy that fuel Judi and Reese Osbourne’s lust for each other. However, children make living those fantasies tricky. Reese has the ultimate present for his wife on their ninth anniversary. The kids are with Grandma, the house is theirs for the weekend, and redesigned for pleasure.

After a hard day in court, Judi comes home to a quiet house and a hot husband wielding a willow switch. What’s a needy woman to do but get out of her panties as fast as possible…especially when she learns two guests are waiting in the wings to join them in a fresh ménage fantasy…or two.

A willow switch, a hot husband, two hunks… Happy Anniversary to Judi!

Excerpt:

…“The weekend is ours.” He squeezed her butt cheek. “Starting right now. You need to be fucked good and proper. Need to come until you’re spent enough to sleep the day, then come some more. And this tight ass of yours…”

He landed a hard smack over her backside. Judi gasped, rubbed her belly over his cock, and felt her pussy start to cream at the feel of his hard thigh.

“It’s going to burn.” He smacked her again. She arched into him, offering her neck to his mouth.

Reese eased away. “Roll the window down, then close the door.”

Heart thrumming in time with her swelling clitoris, Judi did as he’d ordered. She tossed her purse to the passenger seat, then turned with a smile as she closed the door and leaned against it. Her smile faltered when she saw the willow switch in his hand. Her gaze stayed riveted to it, mind shutting down while blood drained to her crotch.

“Willow is the traditional gift for a ninth anniversary.” Reese sliced the switch through the air.

Judi’s breath caught. Her ass could already feel the stroke upon it. Her thighs quivered.

“It took me a while to find the perfect switch, but I think this will do nicely.” Another whish, this one so close the hairs on her arm lifted. She stifled a groan.

“Bend over into the window. For this you may leave your skirt down. We wouldn’t want to wear your ass out too quickly.” Amusement laced his words. “After all, we have the whole weekend to rebond and it’s been a bit since we’ve had the luxury of a good session…”

:) Caitlyn

New Release: Best Laid Plans by Cassie Stevens

2010-08-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

BEST LAID PLANS
by Cassie Stevens
M/M Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary
August 2010
Cover Art © 2010 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-735-9

Seth Foster's biggest mistake wasn't being in Jason's arms...it was running from them. Running and hiding are what Seth does best. Running down a football field, hiding from the world and himself what he truly feels inside. He thought tearing down the old house would purge the memories. He didn't realize buying the place would bring Jason Gentry back into his life.

Jason Gentry purged the heartbreak and all the anger that came with it years ago. It comes rushing back at the first sight of Seth standing before the old house. So does ache and want...and Jason's determination to see the house restored, to show Seth some things are worth saving. It doesn't take Jason long to realize that the thing that needs restoring the most is Seth. How can Jason give Seth what he most needs without further losing his heart in the process?

Jason has one night to re-introduce Seth to the life he never should have denied. One night to remember forever. If you love someone, let them go...right? Yeah, right...then run the other way before heartbreak catches you.

Purchase Link

Excerpt:

Seth Foster stared at the monster from the safety of the rusted iron gate guarding its front portal. No wonder parents forbid their children to go into the place. The house was an accident waiting to happen. A one-hundred-year-old monstrosity held together more by luck than nails. Doric columns rammed the edges of the wraparound porch into place, determined something would hold everything in place--they were probably the only thing sturdy about the house. Yet the porch still sagged in defiance, a perfect match to the rest of the three-story structure.

It was as gray and drab as Seth remembered. Scary in its own right, not needing the embellishment of tales woven in the dark where the only light came from a flashlight held under the storyteller's chin. Shutters guarded the windows...barely. In the right light, you could tell they'd once been painted dark green--the paint had soaked into the wood. But the last fleck of white paint on the rest of the house was long gone--picked away by trespassers, bored kids, or torn away by the elements.

Weeds cluttered the lawn as they always had, victims, too, of the weather. Today they were shin high. Oddly, morning glories twined around the iron fence rails, adding the only color to the place--pinks and purples.

Someone probably dumped some seeds along the edge.

Seth could appreciate the attempt. He'd been a kid once. The house was his playground then, his and all the other kids in the area, despite parental decree to stay away. Seth wished he'd listened.

"They say it's haunted."

Seth started at the voice behind him--close behind him--too close. His heart raced; his body...clearly had a mind of its own. Odd how the years that separated them hadn't wiped away the memory of that voice, or the other memories with it.

Before Seth could answer, Jason Gentry stepped next to him. Seth refused to glance his way, not even surreptitiously from the corner of his eye. He knew what the man looked like--it was hard to miss when his photo hit the pages at least once a year. Vanity made Seth wonder if Jason had noticed Seth's image also flashed through the media.

Seth wrapped his hands around the top rail of the rusted iron fence and kept his gaze forward.

"Yep, that's what they say," he finally replied.

"Its legends grow every year." Jason's chuckle wiggled through Seth, setting off tremors Seth wished he could deny. "Now it's our generation warning their children to stay away from the old Jefferson house."

"They should stay away. It's a safety hazard. A lawsuit waiting to happen for the owner." But Seth knew its allure was too great to resist.

"Which is now you," Jason said.

"Yes, me." Word traveled fast, even in a town this size, but then community was community. Although, Seth would bet Jason had as many and varied connections as he did.

"I was surprised to find you were the other bidder."

Not nearly as surprised as Seth was to learn it was Jason who'd forced him to up the sale price. Didn't matter. Seth was willing to pay whatever he had to in order to buy the house.

Jason shifted Seth's way. This time Seth couldn't resist a quick side glance. Want carried to him on the wings of Jason's scent--he still used Irish Spring.

"Why'd you buy it?" Jason asked.

"Why'd you want to buy it?" Seth countered.

"Memories?" Was that a shrug?

Seth sighed, nodded. "Yeah...memories."

Seconds passed, time when Seth was all too aware of Jason's perusal. It sent prickles down his spine. Memories of another time when Jason slowly peeled Seth's shirt from his shoulders, caressed his skin like ancient treasure, dotted kisses down--

"I noticed you went bald a while back."

So...Jason had been following Seth's media coverage. He resisted the urge to rub his hand over his head.

"I was losing it anyway. Makes it easier to play."

"Oh? Are you still in the game? Word out says you're thinking of retiring, that you referred to your last injury as a wake-up call. How are you doing with that, by the way?"

No sense denying it. Seth wasn't in town to make points with anyone or show-off. "Knee hurts like hell when it rains. Hip aches when I sit too long. Ribs are good to go, but I have my chiropractor on speed dial. As for my head...migraines are a bitch and sneak up on me when I least expect it. So yes, I'm retiring."

"Good. I know your parents have been worried. The glory faded for them the first time you took a hard hit."

He'd been talking to Seth's parents? When? And why hadn't they mentioned it? God...if they knew...

Forcing bravado he didn't feel, Seth did rub his head. "But I'm keeping the head just like it is. The ladies seem to like it."

"So I've noticed. I hardly recognized you without the latest starlet slash ing nue slash socialite dripping from your arm."

Jason's sarcasm cut through Seth's fa ade quicker than a ceramic knife through butter. He shot the man a full glare and the impact of seeing Jason face-to-face finished the job. Seth's heart was exposed, pounding, aching, damning him to hell once more. An erection those aforementioned ladies lusted after swelled his Jackson Tate trousers.

Smile lines crinkled the corners of Jason's brown eyes, emphasized his kissable lips. Seth longed to trace his finger down Jason's pointed nose, then dot a kiss to the tip. He was clean-shaven and tanned, teeth blindingly white in that hint of a smile. Brown hair curled around his ears and down his neck, not too long, not too short. And probably just as soft as Seth's fingers remembered.

Jason wore a long-sleeved dusty rose shirt with the cuffs rolled up to expose strong forearms and the collar open, tempting a tongue to delve into the V and taste. Light gray trousers hugged his trim hips, and Seth longed for a rear view to see if Jason's ass was as tight as he remembered.

He took a small step back, needing to put some distance between them. Jason represented everything he'd fought to deny, and here he was, undoing all the efforts Seth had taken to prove it was wrong, a mistake, a lie.

He found a smirk in his bag of tricks and unleashed it. "What can I say? They know a good thing when they see it."

Jason's eyebrow lifted. "Indeed."

How could one word have so much damn power? Mean so many different things?

"The look fits you," he added. "I can appreciate the...allure."

Jason turned away, leaning forearms on the fence rail. The snub hit below the belt. Seth longed to grab his arm and force Jason to look at him again. An image of him standing behind Jason leaped into his head, their trousers around their ankles and--

"What are your plans for it?" Jason's question cut through Seth's fantasy and yanked him back to reality where he belonged.

"I'm going to tear the son of a bitch down."

"So much for memories."

"Some aren't meant to be savored." Seth let his anger build, hoping it would chase away the other feelings and the temptation that went with it.

"Ohhh...I see. You blame the house." He snuffed and turned his head Seth's way. "That house didn't make you gay. You're gay because--"

Fists at his sides, Seth closed the distance between them, hovering over Jason. "I am not gay. I have scores of women who can swear otherwise."

Jason was far from intimidated. In fact, he didn't budge. "Okay, I'll give you that one. The media is awash with the list of women you've fucked. You're bisexual."

"It was one time!" He jerked his index finger up, right in front of Jason's oh-so-perfect nose. "It was the night. The storm. The fear. One time!"

"Technically, I believe it was five times that night."

"Shut the fuck up!"

Jason merely grinned, lifted that dark eyebrow. "Yes, we certainly can't risk someone overhearing that one of NFL's all time great running backs is gay. Excuse me...bisexual. Oops...there's that word again. Imagine the ripple of fear that would send through locker rooms everywhere. Clenched butt cheeks and cupped genitals all around. Perhaps a little envy and disappointment a few of them didn't know that back in the day."

"I'm not going to stand here and listen to this shit." He avoided brushing Jason's delectable backside as he walked by. It wasn't easy. No matter how he denied it, Seth wanted to yank those hips to his groin and dry hump Jason until they both came.

"Go ahead and run, Seth. After all, it is what you do best," Jason said calmly. "But you can fuck a thousand women twenty-four seven and it still won't change a thing. It is what it is. Deny it all you want, but don't blame that house. A house that's over a hundred years old, has withstood earthquakes, the elements, and time. A house with a rich history before it fell into neglect and became neighborhood fodder for ghost stories and a forbidden playground for kids."

Seth meant to keep walking. His feet were glued to the sidewalk, trapped by Jason's words, his voice.

"You're Seth Foster. Do something with all that purported money that came your way instead of using it as a weapon. What greater gift to the community you came from than to restore one of its historical homes?"

"And I suppose you're going to tell me you bid on the house to do just that."

The silence lasted so long Seth looked around to make sure Jason was still there. "Well?"

Jason leaned his elbows on the fence rail. "I bid on it because you did."

Confusion screwed up Seth's face. "What?"

Jason shrugged one shoulder. "You're not the only one capable of petty acts of revenge. You wanted the house, and I wanted to make you pay to buy it." Another shrug and then he pushed away from the fence and stalked toward Seth. "You act like you're the only one who was affected that night. Did you even stop to think about what you did to me afterward? How you hurt me? Shut me out? Left me? After all our years together, everything we did, and you just walked away without another word."

He circled Seth now, and Seth very much felt like prey being sniffed out. A mate being targeted. He stood statue-still waiting for something...anything...everything.

"I must've killed you a dozen times over in my books," Jason told him. "Made you the lackey, the villain, the imbecile. Then the lover, the hero." These last words whispered over Seth's ear, so close the heat from Jason's breath slithered down Seth's collar.

"Isn't it time we put the past behind us?" he asked. "Turn this place into something good and purge the night that changed us both?"

Seth's gaze wandered toward the behemoth. Jason was still so close Seth could almost taste him. "White elephant. Money pit."

"True enough." Jason pressed against his back. Seth longed to lean into him, feel those arms around him, give in to what he'd denied himself all this time.

"I'm between books," Jason said. "You're a free agent. Maybe we could do some of the work ourselves. Put to use those rusty skills we used to have working with my dad on construction."

"Yeah." Seth snickered. "We'll just be a couple of working stiffs."

"Stiff indeed."

The words gave Seth the hard-on from hell.

New Release: Soleil by Caitlyn Willows

2010-08-10T10:12:00.001-07:00

I'm very pleased to announce my latest release with Loose Id -- SOLEIL, a scorching hot menage story, dark and emotional. They're a threesome when the story opens. Will they still be together when the story ends?

SOLEIL
by Caitlyn Willows
Contemporary Erotic Romance - Menage
August 2010
Cover Artist - Valerie Tibbs
Loose Id
ISBN 978-1-60737-835-8

Click here to purchase.

Lori knew their demons and desires, knew true horror firsthand. They’d shared the climatic point of that nightmare years ago. It was an event that linked Lori, Mac, and Blake forever and eventually bonded them body and soul. The heart involved, the love, was rarely mentioned. Saying it out loud threatened Lori’s control, and she was very much about maintaining control over every aspect of her life. Blake and Mac have no problem placing control in her talented hands, in and out of the bedroom, especially in the bedroom…between them…safe, comfortable, and oh-so-hot. But the demon who brought them together now threatens the control upon which their bond was built and is now set to ruin everything they’ve worked to have and hide…and them along with it.

EXCERPT

Waiting in breathless anticipation, Mac Jordan stood in what little shadow existed in the ballroom, trying to hide a trouser-swelling erection he knew had left a wet spot.

Lori Belcher was the most beautiful woman Mac knew, and he knew a lot of women. Dated them, fucked them, lived with one or two, even considered marrying one in an attempt at what the world considered normalcy, which had failed before he’d executed the idea. Thank God.

No one compared to Lori. She knew his demons and desires. Knew firsthand what true horror was. They’d shared the climatic point of that nightmare years ago. An event that linked him, her, and Blake Patterson forever and eventually bonded them body and soul. The heart involved, the love, was never mentioned. Saying it out loud, admitting it, threatened control -- Mac’s, Blake’s, especially Lori’s -- and Lori was very much about maintaining control over her life. And he and Blake loved her enough to let her have it, no matter how much they’d grown to resent her dominatrix persona.

It was probably a mistake to seek her out tonight, but Mac couldn’t help himself. He had to be with her one more time while they still had the illusion of anonymity. That would all change come morning. Maybe even sooner.

Come morning, when the news media started rehashing “the Southland’s most shocking murders,” the three of them would be front-page news. Would the limelight reveal the three were a threesome? Probably not. They had been discreet, after all. But it would make future liaisons difficult, if not impossible, for a long time to come. So Mac had to see Lori tonight. Blake wouldn’t be long in following.

A private call for her to meet them would have done the trick. Lori wouldn’t have hesitated to meet them anywhere. But since she and Mac were both scheduled to attend Oliver Holbrook’s fund-raiser for cancer research, why bother with the facade? The event was packed. Someone here was bound to make the years-old connection between him, Blake, and Lori in the days to come. A few would even know Lori as Soleil -- one-third of Oliver’s triumvirate of legendary dommes, a trio now minus one since Maneater had announced her retirement the month before.

Mac shrugged. People could think what they wanted. They would anyway. Mac needed Lori in his arms, in his bed. He literally ached to have her, physically and emotionally. Ached all the more because he couldn’t do much to protect her from what was about to happen.

Hell, he couldn’t protect any of them.

Lori’s smile brightened when she spied him. How she managed to see him… Mac smiled back. The woman had excellent radar where he and Blake were concerned.

She truly did look like sunshine. “You are my sunshine.” The song would always feel like a knife to the heart in bad ways and in good.

He shook the memories away and watched her thread her way around the tables toward him, pausing every now and then when a couple on their way to the dance floor stopped to speak with her. Each time she was gracious, patient, a true lady.

A goddess.

Her long blonde hair beckoned fingers into its depths and promised gold in return. Few men knew how soft and thick it felt; only those she truly trusted were allowed the honor. Mac could count that number on one hand.

Her red silk dress draped her body, hinting at generous curves rather than broadcasting them to the world. Understated elegance, unmatched beauty. The hem rippled above her perfectly cut calves; matching red high heels showed her legs to their full advantage.

Lori walked past the last table and picked up her pace. Her smile brightened. His heart did that little hiccup, liked he’d driven over a hill too fast. Mac reached for her at the same time she lifted her arms to embrace him. Then she was flush against him. Relief flooded his senses at the connection. This wasn’t a social hug. It lasted too long, was too tight, too perfect. Anyone paying attention could see the bond between them. It was all Mac could do not to clamp his hand over her ass and grind his cock into her belly, kiss those full red lips.

“What a wonderful surprise.” Lori nuzzled against his cheek and inhaled. Mac loved when she did that, like she was reimprinting his scent on her soul. It made him feel so male.

Lori drew back but kept her pelvis pressed to his. “Is Blake with you?” Her brown eyes sparkled with affection.

Mac slipped his hands to her waist, ordering his thumbs not to wander upward to her breasts. “Soon. Right now he’s circling the wagons.”

The light in her eyes dimmed. She’d been frustratingly stubborn over this whole thing, glaring into space with jaw clenched when they tried to talk about it. Mac knew doing so resurrected the memories Lori tried to bury.

“I see,” Lori finally said. “And you?”

Mac managed a halfhearted grin. “Circling you.”

She traced the smile line bracketing his mouth. “You worry too much.” With a glimmer of mischief, she added, “Have you eaten?”

He chuckled and tapped his index finger against the tip of her nose. “Pot, kettle, black. As for eating, I could fill my answer with all sorts of naughty little innuendos --”

She feigned a gasp. “Is that what’s wedged between us? An innuendo?”

“Well, I’ve never had it called that before,” he said with a laugh.

“And certainly never little either.” Lori winked and put some distance between them. “So…have you eaten? I can have the kitchen whip you up something.”

He cupped her elbow, then tickled his fingers down her arm until he could lace them through hers. “All I want is you. I need you, Lori. Now. Tonight.” Before everything goes to hell tomorrow.

“I’ll get my purse.” No question, no hesitation -- that was the nature of the relationship the three of them had. They were always there for one another. She leaned in as if to kiss him, then whispered, “How do you always know exactly when I need you?”

The emotion her words churned was almost too much to bear. He drew in the scent of her, just as she’d done with him. Words escaped him. Mac gave her another hug, kissed her cheek, and spied Oliver Holbrook headed their way, her small red purse clutched in his hand.

“Looks like Oliver’s anticipated our need.” He kept his arm loosely around her waist as she turned.

Lori’s heat shimmered around him. “Ah, he is the best.”

Mac had to agree. Oliver anticipated everyone’s needs and met them with unerring accuracy. The man was ageless. It seemed he hadn’t changed in the fifteen years they’d known him. No gray dared to pepper his blond hair. No lines crept over his tan features. He was as fit and trim as the day Mac and Blake had met him. The man oozed class, whether in a tux and diamond cuff links or jeans and a T-shirt. One of the most influential men in California, if not the world. A business nod from Oliver Holbrook meant success, and he’d nodded at Mac Jordan and Blake Patterson years ago when he suggested they open up their own security and investigation firm. It was by far one of the best moves they’d ever made.

“I thought you’d want this.” Oliver handed the purse to Lori. His subtle smile blessed their need for a private moment.

“Right as usual.” Lori kissed Oliver’s cheek. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Oliver zeroed in on Mac. “I’ll have room service send up a little something. I doubt you’ve eaten much today.”

Two comments in the space of five minutes? Either they knew him too well, or he was looking emaciated. Mac had a feeling it was the former. He hadn’t eaten much. His stomach was too twisted in knots.

Lori pressed her palm to Oliver’s chest. “I’ll call down later.”

Oliver grunted a response, then lifted her fingers to his lips. “Have a good time. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. But then, you both already know that.” He dropped a quick kiss to her hand, then walked away.

Hand against her lower back, Mac guided her toward the exit. “I understand Blake finally got you to agree to stay here for the duration?”

“I let Blake book me a suite for a couple of days to appease you both. Plus it allowed me to enjoy a glass or two of wine tonight without having to worry about the drive home.”

Oliver would have seen she’d gotten home. Mac didn’t call her on what he suspected was a half-truth. If she’d caved to Blake’s demand to lie low, maybe she was more worried about tomorrow than she let on. Or maybe she’d done it to shut them up.

“But I’m not missing work tomorrow,” she added.

Okay…perhaps not so worried after all.

He and Blake should have taken a direct stand with Lori on this, convinced her to go somewhere safe with them until the media storm was over. Instead, Mac and Blake continued the pattern so ingrained in their relationship, giving Lori the control she needed in her life. There were times when that was the hardest thing to do. Lonely times. Scary times. Like now. Damn scary. If they fucked this up, he and Blake would never forgive themselves. How hard could they hold on to her before they risked losing her completely?

Mac couldn’t bear the thought. That’s why he’d come here now, while Blake planned a full and aggressive charge for tomorrow.

“Let us at least set you up with a bodyguard to help keep the wolves at bay.”

Lori turned her head his way as they neared the elevator, where several others waited. “Don’t.” Command edged her voice. “If you came here tonight to wear down my resolve, you can leave. I agreed to the suite. Anything or anyone more is only going to draw undue attention to me. You know I can’t have that. You’re making entirely too much of this.”

She glared up at him. What was the sense in arguing? He wanted the night in her arms, not them being at odds…again.

“So what is it?” she asked. “Stay or go? I left a lovely chocolate-raspberry cheesecake back there begging for my mouth.”

Mac’s neck hairs bristled. He hated when she used her domme tone with him. He was one of her men, damn it, not a client, although he more than enjoyed when she took the lead in the bedroom. There was only so much a man could take.

He drew Lori to a stop far enough away from the elevator to avoid being overheard. “Is that what I have to do? Beg for your mouth? If Blake and I beg you to be watchful and have a bodyguard, would you finally agree?” Anger welled up. Mac couldn’t fight it. “Wait, I get it. You’re the domme. It’s your responsibility to see we get what we need. Well, we need you to --”

Lori pressed her palms into his chest, her forehead against his chin. “Not tonight, Mac. Please. I need this. I need you. I don’t want to argue anymore.”

He closed his eyes, breathing in her scent, absorbing the feel of her body next to his. “Agreed.” Mac kissed her forehead, fought the urge to pat her ass, then moved them toward the elevator once more.

“Besides,” she said in a low voice, “if it’s the domme in me you want, then I’m the one who decides what you need. Are you willing to give me all the control in the bedroom?”

Mac managed a chuckle and bent near her ear. “Don’t I always, sweetheart?”

Her sly smile chased the clouds away, and she picked up her pace, silently commanding Mac to follow.

The doors opened as they neared, and they crowded inside the elevator with ten other people. Everyone seemed to have the same destination -- the twelfth floor. It made conversation impossible, but the tight quarters wedged Lori against him. She flexed her ass cheeks, somehow using the exercise to stroke his erection. He slipped his hand around her waist, splaying it over her belly, and anchored her against him. Dry humping her where they stood sounded like a damn fine option to him. Mac didn’t mind an audience. The more the merrier.

Lori subtly rocked her hips over his erection. Mac braced himself against the wall and inched his hand higher until his thumb brushed the underside of her breast. He felt more than heard her gasp and nailed her hip in place with his other hand. He indulged in a pivot of his own. She turned her face toward his and licked her lips. By the time the doors opened, her eyes glimmered with the promise of hot sex. Mac could barely see straight.

Lori led the way to her corner suite with a stride that boasted the confidence she commanded as Soleil. He’d be lying if he said she wasn’t intoxicating. Mac would never go the discipline route, but he sure as hell loved when Lori took the reins of pleasure in the bedroom. After all these years, all the times they’d been with each other, the want still existed stronger than ever. And when it was the three of them together…

A shudder down his spine threatened to make him come. Uncaring if anyone saw, Mac squeezed his cock into submission. He caught Lori’s I’m-going-to-fuck-you smile from the corner of his eye. She fished the key card from her purse and handed it to him.

“Want to stick it in?”

Another shudder quivered down his spine. “You’re evil.” He snatched the card from her.

Lori giggled and squeezed his left butt cheek. Her tongue found its way into his ear. His steady hand stabbed the key card into the lock, but his insides were mush.

She danced by when Mac shoved the door open. “I’m going to take my makeup off. I won’t be long.”

Mac admired the sway of her hips. “I’ll amuse myself while I wait.”

She spun around and kept walking backward. “Don’t amuse yourself too much.” Lori gave him her back. Her husky laughter settled in his gut, then slithered to his groin.

“Take your time, sweet cheeks,” he called out. He stroked the ridge of hard cock swelling his trousers, wishing she’d turn around, fall to her knees before him, pull his aching erection from its prison, then suck it deep into her hot mouth. Lori kept walking. He squeezed his cock, gave it a hard stroke, then slid his hand to his abdomen. “I can diddle fart with the best of them.”

“Whew…don’t I know it!” she shouted.

Mac laughed at the verbal uppercut, letting Lori win the moment.

He followed her path through the living area and into a bedroom large enough to fit three king-size beds. Lori had left the bathroom door half-open. Her dress lay in a pool of red silk on the creamy leather armchair.

Mac scooped the dress up to his face, inhaling Lori’s essence as he walked to the closet. The ache grew to a breathtaking intensity. At this rate, he wasn’t going to last long tonight.

He hung up the dress, then did the same with his suit, making sure trousers and jacket flanked the silk and hopefully absorbed Lori’s scent. Mac was down to his boxers when a pair of red heels flew out of the bathroom.

“What? Am I your maid now?” he asked.

Lori responded by throwing her red lace bra and satin panties out. Mac had no choice -- he stripped his boxers off and tossed them toward the bathroom. He missed the shot by a mile. Admitting defeat, he snagged the panties on his way to a bed made for loving.

Gold braid secured black bed curtains to the floor-to-ceiling posts. It was the only flash of color in the otherwise neutrally decorated suite. Set on a platform, the king-size bed was the focal point of the room.

Mac yanked the covers down and crawled in. The mattress cradled him in comfort. His cock pointed skyward, harder than any of the four posts could ever hope to be. Mac brought Lori’s panties to his face. The smoky scent of her arousal slithered through him. He rubbed his cheek into the satin, then brushed the scrap of red down his chest, over his nipples, and tickled around his navel before twirling it around his cock.

His balls drew tighter, ready to shoot. Mac fisted satin and cock, squeezing hard to fight the rush. His hips didn’t listen. Propelled by lust, they pumped his erection into his grip. Mac snarled and jerked his hands to his sides. He flexed his fingers into the sheet, pulling in hard breaths to shore up his resolve while he counted backward from one thousand. It wasn’t easy with Lori’s panties dangling over his penis, crotch perfectly poised over the head, taunting him to come into them.

“That’s the most tempting sight I’ve seen in a long time.” Lori stalked his way, naked as the day she was born, long hair pulled over her shoulders so nothing hid her full breasts. She was fresh faced and damned sexy with curves that personified her as woman.

“I look at you, and I want to come.” The bed dipped with her weight as she crawled up between his feet.

“I know the feeling well.” Mac’s words came out shaky.

Her hair fell forward, tickling his legs. Goose bumps lifted the hairs on his body. Lori’s gaze swept over him. She dipped her head lower, draping a curtain of silky blonde over his calves. Her breasts touched Mac; he gasped. Her hard nipples dragged up his legs. His balls contracted, hard and ready to burst. Her soft hair kissed them, then brushed over his cock. She nuzzled her breasts against his thighs and rubbed upward, capturing his testicles first and then his dick between.

Mac wanted to fuck her breasts. Wanted the suction of her full lips while he did so. Wanted to shoot his jism between those beautiful tits, then rub his cum over them. Then let his semen glue them together while he fucked her again, true and hard.

“Fuck me, sweetheart.”

Lori licked her lips, gaze measuring his erection. “I decide when you get fucked and when I allow you to come.” Dipping her head, she blew a hot breath over his balls. Mac’s damned hips pushed his cock higher. The panties trickled down. Lori peeled them away and traced her tongue up the underside of his cock.

Mac groaned and beat his fists against the mattress. “Please. I swear, it’s torture tonight.”

Lori twirled the panties on her finger. Mac suspected she was giving him a chance to rein in some control. He blessed her for it.

“Is it, now? I could bind your limbs to these four posts and show you what real torture is. Pull a cock ring from my bag of tricks and leave you hard and ready for my pleasure only, until your balls turn blue from the cum trapped in them. Trapped like you’d be…at my mercy.” Her low, husky voice sank into his bones.

“God, honey.” His cock twitched, seeking her attention. A word from him and Lori would do all that and more. But for him, fantasy was so much more fulfilling than reality.

Mac snagged a strand of her long blonde hair and curled it loosely around his finger. “Softer than the finest silk.” He tickled it over her cheek, loving the way she sighed and closed her eyes.

He tugged gently, urging her nearer until her nipples brushed his chest hair. Lori moaned and rubbed through it, gasping when Mac cupped her breast and pinched her nipple.

She braced one hand on his chest and eased away. Mac was torn between reluctance and anticipation -- he wanted her now, but he also knew from that damn sexy gleam in her eyes that she was planning something good.

Satin panties circled his cock. Mac spread his thighs, inviting her to love his balls with the material. Lori tied the panties around his erection instead. The double knot lay perched in his pubic hair; the ends fluttered down against his testicles.

“I can’t wait either tonight.” Lori swung astride him, aimed, and seated his penis deep inside her pussy.

Mac gripped her hips to keep her still. Fire pulsed up his cock. Tingles crawled over his balls -- they loved the feel of her ass pressing down on them. Lori braced her fingers over his forearms, letting Mac have his way. He focused outward, drinking in the sight of her. How was it possible she got more beautiful with every year?

He slid his fingers upward to her breasts, thumbed her nipples until she groaned and rolled her hips. Another rush overwhelmed him. “I’m not coming without you, sweetheart.”

“Damn right you’re not. You don’t come until I’m ready.”

The command in her voice nearly made him a liar.

He brushed his hands under the curves of her breasts, over her ribs, down the stomach she worked so hard to keep flat, yet which still retained that sweet cushion of softness he loved.

Lori tensed when he neared the scars below her belly button. After all this time, she should know they didn’t matter. They never had. But they still made her self-conscious and shoved the Soleil part of Lori aside.

Mac fought memories of his own, and with them, the fear that he and Blake had almost lost her before they’d gotten the chance to know her, a chance for all this. Panic made his heart race.

Lori averted her gaze, cheeks pink with embarrassment. The want between them diminished. Mac refused to let it die.

Smiling, he brushed his thumbs against her pussy lips. Her clit rested atop the double knot -- a blood ruby on a satin pedestal. Drawing her juices from her folds, Mac traced his thumbs over the peak, first one and then the other.

“Play with your tits and fuck me, gorgeous.”

“Say please,” she ordered, seizing control once more.

“Please,” he whispered.

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Reid's Story Just Released! Save Me From Myself by Cassie Stevens

2010-07-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you clamoring for Reid Hansen's story, here it is!

SAVE ME FROM MYSELF by Cassie Stevens

Readers of Caitlyn Willows' IF LOOKS COULD KILL and MAGIC MAN met Reid Hansen and wanted more. Reid also made an appearance in Caitlyn Willows' SECRETS WE KEEP.

Reader of Cassie Stevens' COMMITTED and BETRAYED met Reid Hansen and wanted more.

For all those readers who wanted more, this story is for you.

(And for those of you wondering why Cassie Stevens and Caitlyn Willows would be using the same character.... Caitlyn and Cassie are one and the same. :))

SAVE ME FROM MYSELF
by
Cassie Stevens
M/M Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary
July 2010
Cover Art 2010 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-720-5
Purchase link

Reid Hansen has always had a "thing" for Marines. But not for former Marine, now up and coming fashion designer, Jackson Tate. In fact, Reid would rather see Jackson dead.

Jackson Tate has more success than he'd ever imagined, and all the stress that goes with it. Who better to help pull him back from the edge than Reid Hansen? But his fateful and unexpected presence in Jackson's life resurrects the ghost of the Marine Reid once loved, the Marine Jackson served with, the Marine who died saving Jackson's life, and it's quite clear that Reid has no intention of offering Jackson the salvation he seeks. In fact, it seems Reid would rather deliver that final shove that destroys him.

Jackson is the last man Reid wants to meet. Their lives first intersected on an Iraqi desert years before. Now, finally face-to-face, resentment, anger, and guilt put them at odds. Grief and the truth bind them. And then there's the unrelenting want fueling their actions. A craving neither can deny.

Yes, Reid's the one man who could save Jackson from himself. But who is saving whom?

Excerpt
Few things rattled Reid Hansen. He never walked into any situation, personal or business, without being fully informed and prepared for anything. He prided himself -- no, pride was a word filled with hubris waiting to happen. Reid racked his brain looking for a similar comparison. That he'd allowed his thoughts to stumble tonight was yet another signal of how easily even the most prepared could fall from grace.

Reid knew how to read people, how body language broadcast feelings, emotions, and needs. He shuddered to think what he'd see if he dared glance at himself in one of the floor-to-ceiling mirrors ringing the ballroom. Thankfully, the crowd cut off his view. Why couldn't the crush of people cut off his view of the man of the hour -- Jackson Tate. Even from a distance, the impact of seeing Jackson cut Reid's cut into ribbons of fire and pain.

Other than the occasional photo spread Reid had stumbled upon in the newspapers, he hadn't seen Jackson in more years than he wanted to admit. They'd never officially met, but the animosity was there just the same. Reid was a fool to think he could be in the same room with Jackson now. One glance dredged up all the pain and grief like it'd happened yesterday. He'd wanted the man dead then, wanted Stan back and Jackson Tate's blood and guts strewn across the Iraqi sands instead. Seeing Jackson now, in all his supposed glory, Reid still wanted him dead.

Jackson's broad shoulders filled out the tuxedo he'd designed. After all, if a man couldn't wear the clothes he'd designed, what would that say about his label? He'd also managed to tame his shaggy blond hair into the semblance of gentleman tonight. Jackson's night to shine, all eyes were on him, on the clothing line unveiled hours before. Wealth and all the prestige that went with it were a hand grasp away.

But Reid knew. He could read the man like a book, like every other man and woman in the place. It was Reid's job to read people. Every facet of his life required that talent -- business and personal. What he saw in Jackson was a mirror to Reid's own grief. A man on the cusp of the pinnacle of success, haunted by the monster he'd created -- the clothing line everyone clamored to have for their closets. God only knew what else lurked behind those brown eyes. It sure as hell wasn't joy, despite the blinding white smile Jackson flashed to those around him. He'd been given a gift -- life. He'd been give a talent -- designing. And what Reid saw was a man ready to throw it all away, wasting the precious moments fate had given him while Stan's body lay six feet under.

Damn, I thought I was better than this.

Apparently not. Apparently, old ghosts were easy to resurrect. Control was Reid's middle name. He'd be doing good to exercise a bit of that on himself. Failing that, he knew a fellow dom or two who could help him exorcise the hate festering inside.

"Something wrong?"

Reid blinked away the emotion crushing him and managed to give Cabot Logan the semblance of a smile. "A little distracted with some of the court cases coming up." He hid the lie behind a feigned sip of golden champagne. He hated champagne. Grabbing a flute at these events gave everyone the impression he was part of the party while it gave Reid something to hold on to while he mingled. Rarely did a sip actually pass his lips.

"I appreciate you coming tonight. I know how busy you are."

Was that sarcasm in Cabot's voice?

"Come on" -- he clapped Reid on the back -- "I want you to meet Jackson."

Reid wanted anything but. He ordered his feet to follow Cabot through the tangle of guests and models -- both male and female -- and keep his eyes off the exit doors somewhere behind him.

Cabot was the best of the best. He'd made himself Jackson's benefactor and head cheerleader, singing the man's praises, wearing his clothing. Cabot had been trying to get Reid to meet Jackson for months. Reid had agreed to come to the show tonight; he couldn't very well walk out now without explaining more than he wanted about their past connection.

"Great show tonight," Cabot said over his shoulder.

"Yes, I saw all the A-listers in the front row." And, yes, that was sarcasm in Reid's voice. Somehow, Cabot had managed to get all of Mesquite's wives front and center, Reid's sister included. It was one of those rare photo ops of the heartbreakers who'd married the rock band brothers.

"He'll be the go-to man for all the award shows now," Reid added.

Cabot paused to let Reid walk beside him. "And he'll hate every minute of it." His voice was low, as if he shared a great secret or the key to a conspiracy brewing. "You have no idea what it took to get him to agree to this tonight. He was very much about making affordable clothing for the average person. Now this..." Cabot waved his hand over the crowd. "He's not happy with me at all."

He's not? Reid pulled his shoulders back and dared a look in Jackson's direction. He couldn't see him for the crowd. "Then why did he do it? Why did you insist?" Reid felt stupid for asking. He knew Cabot well. The man did nothing without a good reason. He was methodical in his business practices.

"Because" -- he started walking again, drawing Reid with him like a well-caught fish -- "being on the red carpet, with celebrities clamoring for his designs will have the average person haunting the stores for his affordable line of clothing. We're not talking shoddy junk here. This is a good, quality product at a price people can afford. His business will soar and all those people he wants to help will benefit. And his goal is to help a lot of people...everywhere."

Well...perhaps Reid couldn't resent the man too much.

As if by decree, the crowd parted before them, giving Reid and Cabot a clear path to Jackson Tate. Deep brown eyes glanced in their direction. Half-filled champagne flute was poised before his lips. The gold liquid highlighted what little tan Jackson had. Long fingers pinched the glass awkwardly, his little finger thrust out to balance what appeared to be an unwieldy burden.

"Then why the long face?" Reid asked Cabot. "He looks like a deer caught in the headlights." Like Bambi's mother.

"Because that's how he feels." Another conspiratorial tone against Reid's ear. "Like many creative people, Jackson prefers to cave-up and be left to his own devices. He is the consummate introvert, more comfortable on his home turf. Stock prices for every antacid on the market have quadrupled since this show was conceived. I thought another friendly face would help get him through the night."

Reid almost told Cabot that his face wasn't it. That Reid was just as likely to exploit Jackson's weakness and have him curled in a ball at his feet, sniveling like a baby...all for the sheer sin of having survived an Iraqi firefight when Reid's lover did not.

But then Jackson set the champagne flute on the tray of a passing waiter, his gaze still on the men headed his way. He dropped his hand to his side, fingers flexing in and out of a fist. Reid wondered if he was getting ready to take a swing at him. Though why he'd dare was a mystery. They'd never met. If Jackson knew Reid at all in connection with Stan, it was that they were friends, not lovers. In the heat of battle, however, don't-ask-don't-tell could have easily given way to deathbed confessions. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and Jackson could very well have a serious prejudice, which he should have gotten over long ago, considering his line of work.

That's when Reid spied the telltale quiver in Jackson's hand. The man was scared.

Cabot breached the remaining few steps with outstretched arms -- one to Jackson, the other to Reid. "Jackson Tate, Reid Hansen."

Smiles, nods for those watching. Their hands came up at the same time. Clasped in the standard greeting. Jackson's grip tightened. Then he gripped both hands over Reid's in a double shake that sent tremors up Reid's arm.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you face-to-face. I've heard a lot about you over the years."

He squeezed Reid's trapped hand a little harder, like it was his lifeline. Relief washed over his strained features. His smile softened.

Reid's heart slipped to his throat. "Nice to meet you as well," he replied. Now...where the hell was that exit? The last thing he wanted was to be this man's lifeline, or to be his friend, or...anything else.

"When was the last time you had a decent meal?" Reid asked.

Yeah...some habits were too hard to break. He'd asked the question out of habit; after all, it was his job to see others got what they needed. Clearly, that trumped everything else. Plus he'd always had a soft spot for Marines...even those who'd formerly served. Problem was, there wasn't anything soft about how he felt right now.

And that was the last thing Reid wanted to feel for Jackson Tate.

Purchase link

:) Cassie
www.cassiestevens.com

Into The Night - Now Available At Loose Id

2009-11-17T12:33:00.001-08:00

INTO THE WILD
Book 3 - Into The Heart Series
by Caitlyn Willows

Erotic Romance - Paranormal - Shape-shifter - Menage
November 2009
Cover Artist - Marci Gass
Loose Id

They’ve bonded as friends, working side by side over the last six months – jaguar shifter, human, and calico cat. Now a freak lab accident bonds Cristían, Jeremy, and Lupe as lovers.

Lupe delights in her new human form. Wishes can come true. They made her human and gave her the men she loves. She will defeat anyone who dares threaten her new status and her men.

Jeremy thrills yet fears his new role as shape-shifting jaguar, but his relationship with Lupe and Cristían are more than he ever dreamed. The mysteries left to be resolved and the people trying to kill them taint it all. One thing he knows…no one will separate them.

As for Cristían… He’s been blessed with love where he never expected to find it. Now a force from beyond tells him he created a monster only he can destroy. How can he do so knowing it could cost him the two people he loves the most? Or is he the monster he fears?
Excerpt:

The soft whirr of the centrifuge hypnotized Cristían Duarte. He stared, unblinking, while the red digital numbers ticked down. There was nothing else to do at this point but wait and hope.

It had to work. Please let it work.

He was running out of DNA. Replicating what he had had failed so far. Each time he needed an original source, and with Rose dead, there was little of the original DNA remaining. He'd extracted it from her toothbrush, hairbrush, the sheets where she'd last slept, and the ground soaked with the blood from her murder.

The memory stabbed through his gut. Her big brown eyes had stared lifelessly at the stars, her mouth frozen in a scream she didn't have time to utter. The coppery stench of blood had tainted the air, mingling with the stench of the wildfires that had plagued the surrounding area, creating a horror to add to those already crowded in his head. Her throat had been ripped open with one massive bite. She'd never seen it coming, never had the chance to defend herself.

Cristían closed his eyes. Only minutes prior to her death, his clan had been enjoying a well-deserved run in Balboa Park, never realizing death would visit them. Rose's death blow had been delivered from a threat they never knew existed—mountain lions, another clan of shape-shifters. Until a year ago, the mountain lions hadn't known about the jaguar clan either, and they weren't happy about the discovery.

The mountain lions were volatile and quick to defend their people from outside threats. Cristían couldn't really blame them. They'd lost everything to humans. And discovering other shape-shifters had brought to life stories they'd thought were myths. Tales from their ancestors of other shifters, of wars fought and civilizations destroyed. They were prepared to do whatever it took to protect themselves and their lands, even if it meant killing what they didn't understand.

Finally an uneasy peace was forged between their two clans. A treaty set in place. However, suspicions still lingered on both sides, and grief still clenched Cristían's heart.

He lined up the fifteen petri dishes into three rows of five, then laid out two glass pipettes, in the hope keeping busy would banish the memory. It didn't work.

The jaguar clan had lost a woman that dark night six months ago…and the children she carried. All their hopes and dreams for a future were now dust on the wind, Rose and her babies' ashes mingled with Mother Earth, as was custom. Cristían wished he could join them and was ashamed to admit he'd thought about it more times than was healthy. He'd kept those feelings to himself and poured out his grief and rage in body-racking sobs each night. Soaking one of Rose's pillowcases with his tears while he cried, then masturbating in a desperate attempt to reconnect with her. He knew he wasn't the only one who cried. Her death cut the clan to the core of their being. She was their heart, their hope for the future.

It was one of those things they didn't discuss; doing so would release the floodgates holding back all the grief and anger pent up from centuries of loss. Their homes and cities destroyed; family, friends, and lovers gone forever. When one was generally long-lived, forever was a very long time. Joining them in death…

Cristían swallowed against the pain. A coward's way out or a merciful end? He shook the darkness away. Death would mean a complete loss of hope. He refused to accept it. Two friends helped keep him whole. He wouldn't lay grief over his death upon their shoulders. Jeremy and Lupe deserved better than that.

He couldn't say when he took that step away from the dark abyss or what prompted his new plan. At some point, he realized Lupe had given him a reason to live, and Jeremy, the faith to try. Once he set foot on that path—remaining alive—nothing deterred him. What was the sense of having a state-of-the-art laboratory if not to use it to its fullest potential? New hope bolstered his morale, followed quickly by one failure after the other. He carried on, though, determined to find the solution, to continue setting measures in place for success.

He'd resurrect Rose or die trying.

“Brrrow?”

Smiling, he glanced down at the calico cat threading herself between his legs. Lupe truly had been his lifeline to sanity these last months. They'd met one day when he was helping Wyatt and Trina Caldwell move. Lupe had let Cristían know in no uncertain terms that she deemed him worthy enough of her attention. Cristían had bought Trina's old house, and Lupe moved in with him. However, neither of them had seen the place in months. The lab he currently did his research in had become their sanctuary; the sprawling mansion above it, their home.

He hated the cavernous house but loved the superior, high-tech lab. And it didn't take Cristían long to realize why Jeremy Gibson had moved into the house—why go home when everything you needed was right here?

It probably wasn't the wisest decision to have a cat in a lab, but Lupe was her own feline and would have her way. It helped that she was respectful of the experiments he and Jeremy worked on. Lupe's presence helped him and Jeremy deal with any residual loneliness and isolation as well, though that was nonexistent with his best friend by his side 24-7.

Lupe made sure they ate, comforted them when disappointment dragged them both down, and best of all, gave them unconditional love. All she demanded in return was affection, food, and to sleep in one of their beds. She never failed to make him smile or lift his spirits, and she was better than any girlfriend he'd ever had.

Cristían squatted down to her level. She batted the buttons on his lab coat, then tapped her paw against his chin. “No worries, little warrior.” He smiled when he said her nickname. The little cat had earned the title honorably when she'd fought a member of the mountain lion clan and won, paws down. Of course, that made her not very popular with that faction of shape-shifters, but to Cristían's jaguar clan, Lupe could do no wrong.

“What the hell is that cat doing in here?”

Cristían stiffened. Okay, perhaps one member of the jaguar clan wasn't a Lupe fan. Barry Page had always had his weasel-faced snout stuck so far in the rules that he shit protocol. Cristían watched as he trotted down the stairs and stormed their way. The loose black trousers Barry wore rippled under his forceful stride, the matching shirt molding to his torso. The color rarely varied. Barry claimed it helped remind him of his true self and their heritage, suggesting he was the only one who did so.

Lupe arched into the hand Cristían ran over her back, then cast her sage green gaze in Barry's direction and instantly dismissed him with a flick of her tail. Cristían tried not to laugh. He'd flicked his jaguar tail at Barry more times than he could count over their long association. Barry just wasn't someone he was eager to see.

“Leave her alone, Barry.” Distracted as always, Jeremy still didn't hesitate to come to Lupe's defense. He was always so quiet, so focused on his work, that Cristían usually forgot he was in the same room with him.

As Jeremy's reward, Lupe slinked his way and twined herself around his legs. “You're my best girl, Lups.” Jeremy gave her head a quick rub.

Barry snorted. “She's your only girl. You never leave the estate.”

“Everything I want is here, and I've got a hand that does just fine for personal tension.” Jeremy held up two beakers, one with clear liquid, the other, blue-green, studying them under ultraviolet light. “I'm on a roll here, and women have a tendency to sidetrack me.”

Cristían had never seen a man more determined to prove or disprove his own theory. Jeremy's dedication matched Cristían's. They shared the lab—Jeremy on one end of the long stainless steel counter, Cristían on the other—bounced theories off each other, and never once called the other one to task for seeking answers.

Barry picked a long blond hair from his sleeve, grimaced, then fed it to the flame on Jeremy's Bunsen burner. “Then maybe you should try a man.”

Jeremy grinned and watched the thickening liquids swirl in their glass containers. “Who says I haven't? You offering?”

That was a door Jeremy really didn't want to open. Barry could get…possessive. Cristían knew that from experience. In a clan whose numbers were dwindling, one got relief where one could, or went outside the clan, something Barry would never do. Barry didn't necessarily take what he wanted, but once he got something, he wasn't inclined to let go.

Jeremy poured a drop of blue-green liquid into the clear. “I could go for a blowjob. Just make sure you zip me up when you're done.”

Cristían smothered his laugh. It came out a sputtered snicker instead and earned him Barry's infamous snake-eyed glare.

“Whoa. Didn't expect that.” Jeremy drew back from the beaker he held. Lupe craned her neck for a look at what he was talking about. His concoction was now a small vortex of purple and gold. He poured the contents of both beakers into a larger one. He lifted the container to the light, his grin widening. The vortex grew, spinning faster. Pinpoints of glowing white flecked within. “It looks like a tiny nebula or galaxy. A star factory.”

“Just make sure it's only yourself you blow up when that shit explodes,” Barry said.

“And deprive you of the pleasure that is me?” Jeremy's grin widened more, his brown eyes glimmering. “Never.”

Lupe meowed and rubbed hard against him.

“Jealous, puss?” Barry laughed when she growled at him.

“Don't call her that.” Cristían watched the centrifuge's timer count down the final ten. “She doesn't like it.”

“What's wrong, puss? Don't like a little competition?” Barry swiped for her, grabbing her tail when Lupe tried to dodge him.

“Let her go!” Her yowl barely covered his and Jeremy's protests.

She hissed and rolled onto her back, claws and teeth bared. Jeremy kicked Barry's shoulder, sloshing his experiment on the floor. It splashed onto Lupe. She whirled around, eyes wide with fear. Barry grabbed the scruff of her neck and hoisted her into the air, holding the spitting little cat at arm's length.

Cristían and Jeremy took a step in his direction. However, as Cristían was more than aware, Lupe was completely capable of defending herself. She swung her lower legs up and speared her back claws into Barry's forearm. He screeched and let her go. Lupe landed on all fours. She gave him a dismissive chuff and a flick of her tail, then tucked behind Cristían's legs to clean her fur.

“If you had more experience with women, that might not have happened.” Cristían couldn't resist the jab. Barry deserved the rebuke and the bloody claw marks going down his arm. Cristían scooped Lupe into his arms. “It's probably not a good idea to lick that, little one. Let's get you cleaned up. No water. I promise.”

She purred and kneaded her paws into his chest. The centrifuge beeped out the end of its cycle. Great. His own experiment was ready for the next step. Lupe curled herself around his neck, leaving his hands free. He popped the top on the device and lifted out the tray of vials.

“I see there's no offer to help me.” Barry snagged a wad of paper towels from the stack on the opposite counter and dabbed at his wounds.

“You had it coming.” Cristían watched Jeremy study the glowing mass. Judging from his frown, it looked like another failure. The solution appeared to be losing momentum. Cristían felt his pain. He'd thought for sure Jeremy had had the breakthrough he'd been looking for.

“I'd say 'fuck you,' but I wouldn't want either of you to get your hopes up.” Barry pressed the towels against his arm.

“Our loss. More's the pity.” Cristían set the vials beside the petri dishes he'd prepared earlier, then carried Lupe over to the sink counter against the wall to wipe her fur. “Did you come down here for a reason or just to harass us about our work again?”

Barry smacked the paper towels into the biohazard trash can and stomped his way. “Your cougar's waiting for you upstairs.”

Frieda was there? This early in the morning? Was the sun even up yet? What the hell could she possibly want this time of day? She was a beautiful woman, but gods, was she a pain in the ass. If he didn't need her for the next phase of his experiment, he would have ended it long ago. Hell, he never would have become involved with her in the first place. Beauty only went so far; the woman had no substance.

“Mountain lion, Barry. Have a little respect. You know they're very picky about their name.”

“Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. Mountain lion, cougar, puma. Lupe or puss.”

Lupe growled at him. Barry wasn't making any friends here today.

“Who gives a fuck? She's not happy you've kept her waiting, and she sure as hell can't keep her hands to herself. She was all over me.”

Typical Frieda. That's why it was so easy to lure her into his bed. She had the morals of an alley cat, not the bearing of a potential queen.

“I'm not very thrilled that one of them is at this estate.”

Cristían blotted a heavy paper towel over Lupe's thick fur. Deep purrs rumbled up. “It's part of the treaty the clans agreed to. The treaty you helped broker, remember?” Unrestricted access to everything the other possessed—and that included communal homes like the former Prentice estate—and all technology.

They were supposed to be open books to each other, in the hope their clans could benefit from one another's knowledge and grow and survive. It was only a matter of time before they all started working in each other's labs. Cristían hated the idea. They could use the lab at the Braden Science Institute all they wanted, but he sure as hell didn't want to be rubbing elbows with them at this lab. Here there was the luxury of privacy. Neither he nor Jeremy wanted to give that up. Not even to the jaguar clan. Considering Barry's near-constant presence, Cristían suspected tensions and suspicions were mounting at Braden over their exclusive use of the Prentice lab. It could be worse. Fortunately, Wyatt and Joaquin were too busy with business and babies. However, that left the worrying and grunt work to Barry.

“Yeah, I know all too well. Trust me, I'm monitoring the situation.” Barry leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. Lupe turned her back to him. “I don't like Frieda up there unsupervised. What if she comes down here?”

“They've all been down here before, and experiments are frequent on both sides of the fence. They won't know what we're doing.” Cristían parted Lupe's fur, chasing a drop that wiggled down to her skin. She sat down with a resigned sigh and started to clean Barry's blood off her paws.

“Do either of you know what you're doing?” Barry snapped his finger toward Jeremy. “Our Mensa genius is over there trying to disprove his own theory that celestial impacts helped create us shape-shifters in the first place. There are some who would view that as blasphemy. It's a slap in the face to all that our people revere.”

True, though Cristían had been too wrapped up in his own quest to think about the religious significance to both their peoples—jaguar and mountain lion. Considering everything the jaguar had been through, it was hard for Cristían to believe in unseen gods anymore.

One thing both clans had in common was the belief they were born of star dust. Jeremy's linking their ancestral origins with impact craters on Earth seemed to support that. Now he was trying to prove otherwise.

“And you—” Barry thrust that scolding finger at him. Cristían fought the urge to snap it in two. “If they knew what you were doing. Good gods, Cristían, you're trying to clone Rose!”

He bowed his head. Lupe braced her paws against Cristían's chest and butted her nose against his. He scooped her into his arms and let her cuddle him. He loved the feel of her soft fur between his fingers. It reminded him of Rose's when she shifted—soft, thick. Of the old days when their biggest worry was planning the next celebration of life.

Barry dropped his hand on Cristían's shoulder. “I miss her too. You know that. But this is wrong, especially now that the rest of our people have moved on to new relationships.” He might as well have said leprosy; his tone implied it.

Cristían shrugged off his touch and set Lupe on her feet. She sauntered over to see Jeremy. “I haven't moved on.”

“Then what do you call Frieda?” He jerked his thumb toward the stairs that led up into the main house. “Much as I dislike our association with these shifters, I certainly don't want us all to come to blows over a love affair gone wrong. If she's only a diversion for you, end it now, before things get out of control.”

Cristían squared his shoulders and faced the shorter man. “I can't. I need Frieda. If I'm successful, Rose will need a compatible host body. With her feline-shifter traits, Frieda fits that role to perfection.”

Barry's eyes bugged out. “Gods of hell, Cristían! You're no better than a skinwalker!”

Rage boiled up inside him. They'd fought that entity for years—an evil directly responsible for the genocide of Cristían's clan. There was no greater insult. Cristían's claws extended as his hands morphed into his black jaguar form. The clink of glass as Jeremy set his work aside cut through his anger. A moment later, he felt Jeremy's heat next to him. The intent was clear—Jeremy was making a stand with him, taking sides. Cristían refused to let his friend's blood spill over words, and fighting among themselves wasn't going to help matters. But Cristían wouldn't stand there and be insulted either.

He willed himself to shift back to human and seated the form in place with a deep breath.

“Get out,” he told Barry, jerking his chin toward the stairs. “While I'm still able to remember you loved Rose as much as the rest of us.”

Barry's lip curled. “If you're planning to do this, you've already forgotten.” A crisp pivot carried him away. His soft soles tapped on the linoleum, then scuffed up the stairs. Barry's gaze was locked on his cell phone as he punched in numbers, most likely to tattle to Wyatt and Joaquin. The door at the top opened and banged shut.

Blessed silence filled the lab. Cristían pulled in the strands of peace Jeremy and Lupe offered, shoved aside a sudden headache at the base of his skull, and returned to his experiment. Static arced from his fingers to the stainless steel table. Cristían muttered a curse and jerked his hand back. Slender bolts of electricity spread across the table and everything on it before it finally dissipated.

“What the hell…” One stride brought Jeremy to his side. “That shouldn't have happened.”

A loud pop cut in before Cristían could reply.

He and Jeremy swung their gazes to the reenergized liquid at Jeremy's workstation. It swirled, sizzled, and grew with every millisecond. Pop turned to bang, and it doubled in size. Sparks shot upward, showering miniature fireworks everywhere. Some kissed the floor spill. The droplets came to life. Spiral bands spread out and began to rotate counterclockwise. Lupe growled and backed away, one foot at a time. Her fur shimmered where the solution had splashed her earlier. And the mass in the beaker continued to grow, to pulse in time with the bands on the floor and the remnants dampening Lupe's fur.

Gods, what had they created? It looked like the thing was communicating with all its parts!

“Uh-oh,” Jeremy muttered.

Not something one wanted to hear in a lab.

“I think we need to get the hell out of here.” Jeremy scooped Lupe up in one arm. He grabbed his laptop in the other hand, leaving the cords behind while he kept one eye on the out-of-control experiment.

Cristían did the same, shoving as many of the petri dishes as possible into the pockets of his lab coat and praying he could get them to safety without breaking them. Then he stacked the vials on the laptop. They were the last part of Rose he possessed. He clutched the vials and the computer to his chest and spun around for the stairs.

Time slowed. Each step felt weighted. The roar built. Then the flash—gold, purple, beautiful. Breathtaking beauty, earsplitting noise, and then…nothing.

Secrets We Keep - Now Available

2009-10-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

SECRETS WE KEEP
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotica - Contemporary (Menage) - Novel
November 2009
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-596-6

Secrets we keep from our spouse, our lover, each other...ourselves. Secrets buried inside, some to fester, some to bloom. Secrets on a collision course that can't be avoided and must breathe the light of day...

Dylan Mitchell is dedicated to two things -- his wife and his job. He's the agent who does whatever it takes to get his man, even if that means literally getting his man. It's part of the job, his duty. Besides, Dylan gets to hook-up with his hot-as-hell wife, Susan, once a month for a night of unfettered sex. It's all good. Right?

Ah...but those secrets.

It's not just a job anymore. Emotions are involved -- his, Susan's, and Cabot Logan's, the man Dylan is supposed to put behind bars. His two worlds aren't about to overlap, they're going to collide. Real world and undercover. Secrets revealed. Secrets Dylan's kept from himself.

But Susan has a secret of her own. So does Cabot. Those secrets and that of others are on a collision course of their own. And the aftermath will change everything...forever...

EXCERPT:

The bar was cooler than Susan Mitchell liked. It chilled her nipples, making the already hard points thrust high in her bra in a desperate attempt to keep warm. Or maybe they were just looking for him, anxious for the heat of his mouth, the flash of his tongue, the shafts of pleasure that shot through her when he suckled extra hard.

God, he could make her come from that alone…almost. The man knew his way around a woman’s body, knew how to take command and pull her to the pinnacle of ecstasy and keep her there until he was ready to make her come. Come hard and long, a full-body experience--the Holy Grail of orgasms.

He was adventurous, too. They both were.

Shivers quaked down her body. She bit back the moan that built from the memory of his hard body pressing deep into hers, filling her. Susan dipped her head to hide her smile as the bartender headed her way.

He slapped a thick, square white napkin on the polished oak bar in front of her. “What’s your pleasure tonight, ma’am?”

She bit back the response that he would be her pleasure. The statement fell under the realm of too much information. Instead, she gave the bartender a slight smile. “One Coke, two cherries.” No rum tonight. Susan wondered if he’d noticed, what she would say if he did. Rum and Coke was her drink. She really shouldn’t be having the Coke, but that would make him suspicious--something she couldn’t afford.

The bartender darted away to fill her order. Tiny ice cubes clinked into the tall glass. In less than twenty seconds, the man slid the drink in front of her, then dashed toward another customer four seats away before Susan could read the words etched along the vines and roses tattoo that snaked up his beefy arm. Good guy or bad guy? It was so hard to tell anymore.

She stared at the dark liquid, counting the bubbles that kissed the surface. Her hand shook as she lifted the glass. Condensation marked her fingerprints. Maybe she should have wrapped the napkin around it first.

Now you’re getting paranoid.

Who could blame her, considering all that was at stake.

Susan curled the napkin around the glass and smeared the prints she’d left there. It was the best she could do. Lips closed around the thin red straw, but she didn’t drink. Her stomach was a mass of butterflies with an added dose of queasy on top. A carbonated beverage wasn’t the best choice right now, but she couldn’t sit here and drink water without drawing more attention than she wished, and liquor was absolutely out.

She had to be alert, ready at a moment’s notice…for everything…and anything. Still, she had to maintain the ruse of bar patron, and Coke would suffice. The cherries were an extra bonus they’d enjoy once her date arrived. He’d trickle the juice down her throat and lick up until he reached her lips. Then he’d thrust his tongue between them, reclaiming her as his and his alone.

Susan hadn’t expected to be this nervous. It wasn’t like she was a virgin. After all this time, she should be used to these hook-ups. They’d certainly done more daring things before, but nothing this dangerous. She’d been a bundle of nerves and anticipation for days, bringing herself to orgasm whenever possible to quell the ache between her thighs. It did little to soothe or calm her heart. Even now, it pounded against her ribcage, waiting and wanting. Once the night was over, it’d break under the crushing loneliness left in the wake of this liaison.

“Make sure the pretty lady at the other end of the bar gets a refill.”

Susan glanced up at the sound of the man’s voice and caught his gaze in the mirror facing them. His lecherous smile widened as he lifted his beer in a toast Susan refused to return. She resisted the urge to point out he had foam stuck to his black pencil-thin mustache.

“No, thank you,” she replied. Polite, firm, and chilly. She prayed he got the message. These hard-won liaisons were their lifelines to sanity. Nothing must ruin them. The place was different each time, but their monthly appointments a given for six months standing.

She shifted her gaze to her own reflection, further shunning interest. She’d dressed for him, at his command. Long brown hair loose, black dress showing a hint of cleavage, but not too much, no hose, no panties, and four-inch heels that were killing her feet, but really made her calves look hot.

All right, maybe not as discreet looking and average as she was supposed to be, but they only met once a month, and he needed all his fantasies fulfilled in that single night. So did she, for that matter. Come morning, she’d be sore. Well-fucked, he called it. He wasn’t wrong.

Susan brushed her fingers over the strand of pearls around her neck. A single oblong pendant dangled from it, pointing to the valley of her breasts. This was new, sent to her only that morning with his instructions to wear it tonight. The odd clasp had been a son of a bitch to hook. She hoped the little clamps held. It had to have cost him a fortune, not that money was an issue for him. Not now anyway.

Her skin warmed under the necklace, imagining how it would feel when he removed the pearls and his hot lips replaced them. Susan crossed her legs and squeezed her thighs. Hard nipples now had a little friend joining them. All three points demanded attention, but the one nestled in the cleft of her body screamed for release. And it wanted it now.

Susan toyed with the stem of one cherry, flicking it back and forth, watching it bob on a sea of ice next to its partner. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t focus her thoughts away from him and from what tonight would bring. It had to be a sin to want someone so badly. If so, she’d gladly go to hell for it. She’d be headed there anyway for not sharing the secret she held inside with him tonight. He’d have to understand it was for his own protection, have to understand when things became too complicated to meet with him, have to understand when…

She caught movement out of the corner of her eye and snapped her gaze back to the mirror at the same moment her would-be suitor slid onto the stool beside her. Couldn’t the guy take a hint? Alarm raced her heart. Could there be more to it? Had he been sent here to spy on them?

“May I help you?” Ice filled her words.

The man’s too-white grin blinded her. “Let me count the ways.”

“I’m meeting someone. Sorry, not interested.” Not now, not ever.

“Ah…husband.” He glanced at her left hand.

Susan looked, too, giving herself away. She’d removed her wedding band before she’d left the house, but the fact she’d looked was clear indication a ring should be on her finger. No tan line marked the spot. They were careful about that. Oh-so-careful about so many things…and foolishly negligent with others.

“That’s okay,” he said, leaning closer. He reeked of booze. “I like a little walk on the wild side myself.”

He dropped his hand to her knee. Susan jerked away and wrapped her fingers around her clutch purse. She’d deck the guy if she wasn’t so afraid a scene would draw the wrong attention.

“No, thank you.” She hopped from the stool. The man blocked her exit. He moved fast for a drunk.

“Come on, baby. A woman like you is either a pro or a horny housewife on the prowl. Either way I’ve got the stuff to deliver.”

She bit back a scathing retort.

He edged closer, nailing her in place with his hands locked at her sides on the bar. Susan’s stomach roiled from the cloud of alcohol pouring off him. Her rising anger chased away the urge to gag.

Where the hell was the bartender? Or did the jerk think a woman like her didn’t deserve protecting?

A knee to the crotch? Her drink dripping from his pointy nose? Both sounded great, but were far from the low profile she was supposed to maintain. Any deviation would end her night before it got started, and could eliminate future dates sooner than she wanted--a thought she couldn’t bear since circumstances were going to end their hook-ups in three months. Until then, she wanted every minute they could steal.

The edge of the bar dug into Susan’s back and pushed her chest out. The guy moved in for the kill. She leaned farther away. If he so much as breathed on her, she’d--

“Hey! You! Back off!” the bartender snapped.

Finally.

Then long fingers clamped over the man’s shoulder, fingers she’d recognize anywhere. Susan sagged with relief.

“You heard the man.” Dylan’s deep voice caressed her. “The lady’s not interested.”

The guy jerked his chin around, glaring up at Dylan. “How would you know?”

Dylan’s grip tightened. Susan gloried in the wince twisting the other man’s face. Both men wore dark gray suits, but Dylan filled his with the bulk of a linebacker, while this jerk looked like he’d been playing in his father’s closet.

“Because she’s mine.”

She held her breath waiting for Dylan to add, Bought and paid for. The words went unspoken. Instead, he wedged his hips against the guy’s ass, threatening him in a different way. “Unless you’d rather take her place.”

The man’s eyes and mouth widened with horror. “No fucking way. I’m getting the hell out of here.” He scrambled for freedom, but not before Dylan added another hip thrust to make sure the guy got the message. Then Dylan stepped to one side. The man took off like the hounds of hell snapped at his heels.

It was hard not to laugh. Harder still not to wrap her arms around her hero. Impossible to bank the love she knew blazed from her eyes.

Dylan didn’t call her on the lapse from protocol. He gave her a wink with his smile, then caught her fingers in his own. The devil danced in his golden brown eyes; angels blessed his magnificent body.

“Come, sweetness. I believe a darkened booth is calling our names.”

She gripped the lifeline he offered, knees shaking with every step she took forward. “We aren’t going to your room?”

He burrowed his face into her hair until his lips met her ear. “Such impatience. I’m in the mood to savor the experience tonight.” He flicked his tongue around her ear, then nipped the lobe. “Come.”

She bit back the urge to tell him she’d like nothing better than to come. Right here, right now.

New Review: Betrayed by Cassie Stevens

2009-08-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

BETRAYED
Book 3 - Together
by Cassie Stevens
M/M Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary
April 2009
Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-508-9

The hardest betrayals are the ones that hit you in the heart...when you're stabbed in the back.

In the aftermath of the murder of his ex-wife, Damien Walker turns to the one man he knows can help him and his sons through the ordeal. Vic Williams' love and support is unconditional. So is the hate and rage his mere presence generates. Betrayal comes quick and from within, from persons who would rather see the men lose everything than to allow them one second of happiness. A betrayal that forces Damien to make hard decisions and admit even harder truths.

Betrayed is a great conclusion, to the angst ridden rollercoaster ride Cassie Stevens has presented to her readers. There were many unexpected twists and surprises in this conclusion and the actions of some of the characters were appalling, and demonic. Betrayal was the theme of this story and the ultimate betrayal came by the hands of those that were supposed to be nurturing, loving and trusted. The tragedy of the situation Damien had to face was only bearable with Vic by his side, the two discovered new strengths within each other to help them through this time. Betrayed is a great read and I very much enjoyed how Ms. Stevens wrapped it all up. For better enjoyment of this series the books should be read in the order they were published.

Read the full review here

Tangled Web by Cassie Stevens - Now Available

2009-05-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

TANGLED WEB
by Cassie Stevens
M/M Erotic Romance - Novel
May 2009
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-523-2
Purchase Link: www.amberallure.com/TangledWeb.html

Some ancient histories are best left unexcavated.

Given their occupation, Rick Ramone and Val Lancaster were destined to meet. They even knew the date and time...until someone else's agenda pushed them together sooner than they'd anticipated. All Rick and Val want--besides each other--is to research ancient civilization, not trek through the rain forest on a rescue mission that weaves suspicion with every step.

A tangled web of lies. The refuse of someone else's past affairs. With each strand of deceit unfurled, Rick and Val discover they have much more in common than a degree in archaeology.

Excerpt:

Rick Ramone stood before the sealed crypt, wiping the sweat from his brow -- a combination of anxiety, excitement, and the humidity of the Guatemalan rain forest. He didn't dare let his hopes rise too high. In the last two months, he and his colleague, Scott Shephard, had discovered four such crypts in this ancient Maya city. Each time they thought the crypts might be in pristine condition they met with disappointment -- looters had violated every one in search of treasure. The remains of each find -- still valuable for the information they provided -- had been left to the junior archaeologists of their team to study and catalog, while he and Scott searched in other directions. They had a six-month window of time, after which the chances of being allowed back to this particular area for the next season were slim...unless they found something big.

In the last month, they'd tunneled through enough earth to build a mountain, removing boulders of limestone in steamy tropical heat, poor ventilation, and dim light. After days of frustration, their latest search had now ended over a thick layer of chert, a clear Maya sign of a crypt below. And there, beneath the quartz chips, lay the capstones -- the top of the tomb itself.

Taking opposite sides, Rick and Scott wedged crowbars under the largest slab and pried it off, praying the capstone didn't shatter. There was a poof as centuries-old air escaped -- a good sign this tomb hadn't been violated. A miracle in and of itself. They waited for the stale air to dissipate, mopping sodden handkerchiefs over their faces. Rick twisted his into a band and tied it around his forehead to keep the sweat out of his eyes.

"You want to go first?" He wiped his hands over the seat of his jeans.

Scott slicked back his damp blond hair and reseated his straw hat. Hours in the sun had weathered the corners of his eyes into deep brown crinkles.

"It's your turn to go first." He clapped Rick on the shoulder. "Good luck."

Rick gave a single nod and lay flat on the ground near the opening. After taking a deep breath, he wedged his upper body through the tomb ceiling and fanned a flashlight around the enclosure. His breath caught at the sight.

Against one wall lay the skeletal remains of a long-dead Maya. Pottery surrounding the remains contained remnants of liquids and food. Tiny bone and jade figurines also lay about. On the walls, only a single hieroglyphic painting adorned the tomb.

They'd finally done it. He could hardly believe his eyes, and blinked just to make sure he wasn't imagining it. No doubt about it. This was part of a royal tomb -- the find of a lifetime. Afraid he'd pull out and learn it was all a dream, Rick finally forced himself to crawl away from the passage. Scott's expectant face hovered inches away, blue eyes wide and anxious.

"Well?"

"It's clean." The words came out in whispered, awestruck wonder. Rick cleared the emotion from his throat with a cough and brushed dirt from his denim shirt. "We're the first to see this tomb in fifteen centuries." He slapped the flashlight into his friend's hand.

Without hesitation, Scott ducked into the hole for a look. Minutes later, he pulled out, speechless with wonder. "Ohmygod," finally whispered out.

Rick grinned at the validation of his feelings echoed in his best friend's voice. "I couldn't have said it better myself. I'll start taking pictures. You tell the others."

Still half dazed, Scott stumbled toward camp to spread the news, while Rick busied himself with outside photographs. With each click of the button, he added another item to his mental to-do list. This was a chance of a lifetime -- his and Scott's first truly major find. He'd never forget this moment. Yes, others could do the work, but this was...

He nearly laughed out loud -- this was theirs. The culmination of years of study, hard work, and determination. They'd gone through a lot to get to this point. There were times the dream seemed out of reach -- especially in those years Scott went through the University of San Diego on a full scholarship while Rick did a stint in the Marine Corps to pay for college on a GI bill. But here they were, a true testament to what the words "best friends" meant.

Scott had even stuck by him when Rick came out about being gay. Not too many others had. They were too afraid he'd "get" them. Though some came around, Rick never forgot the slight. He forgave it, but didn't forget.

He glanced up at the sound of stampeding feet. This time he did laugh. Scott led the charge back to the site, while other members of their team ran behind him overladen with a ladder and floodlights.

"Is there anyone left back at camp?" he asked.

"If there is, they won't be there long," Scott replied.

Rick laid the Minolta inside his backpack, zipped it up, and squatted near the opening with him. Taking care to avoid a cave-in, the team pushed the capstones all the way off to widen the entrance, set the floodlights in place, and threaded the ladder through the hole.

"Now, you go first." Rick waved his hand toward the ladder.

Sketchpad and pencil clutched in his grip, Scott didn't hesitate to take the lead. Rick grabbed his backpack and followed on his heels...or rather, his fingers. They descended slowly, in awe of their surroundings. A dry, musky smell surrounded them in the coolness of the tomb, so did the silence. If anyone above them spoke, Rick didn't hear them.

"So much to do and so little time left," Rick muttered as he pulled the camera from his pack and lifted it to his eye. Flash after flash highlighted the magnificence of the interior. He added more items to the growing list of things he wanted to accomplish before the season ran out.

"True, but I doubt either of us will be able to sleep. We can make good use of those hours." Scott was optimistic as always. No one was more upbeat and positive. "Don't forget, we've got the interns arriving soon -- they can do the cataloging. I wish we'd had an opportunity like that when we were starting out. I probably would have shit myself if I'd catalogued a find like this my first trip."

"Me, too." Hell, he was ready to shit himself now with excitement. "I'm really glad we were allowed to do it." The interns were semi-qualified help -- they had the education, now needed the experience -- Rick and Scott sorely needed.

They'd fought a quiet yet steady battle with their university and finally won the approval to hire interns, convincing the board of regents that offering this field adventure would add prestige to the university and possibly increase enrollment. Nothing could be better for their fledgling archaeologists than a little hands-on experience. It had been a satisfactory victory; they'd be arriving in three weeks. Unfortunately, the group was limited to those who could afford to pay for the trip themselves, which was a major selling point with the board of regents. Eventually Rick and Scott hoped the university would be willing to bear the cost for those who showed the greatest potential. With a find like this, they might find backers elsewhere, too.

Rick's media card filled up about the same time as Scott's sketching arm gave out, yet they were both still reluctant to leave. Unfortunately, with the clock ticking, they knew other work needed to start, so they ascended the ladder. The season's end was a scant four months away. Even with interns arriving, Rick and Scott still had a hell of a lot of work to accomplish in too short a period of time.

Rick had stepped from the top rung when Corbett hurried their way. The man looked more like a tourist on vacation than an archaeologist. He wore Bermuda shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and huaraches...always, showing off yellowed feet, cracked and dry, with toenails so thick an arc welder couldn't cut them. The sight grossed Rick out every time.

Corbett lifted a wave Rick's way. "I just got back from a supply run. Brought a visitor for you back with me -- your dad."

What the...

"That can't be good news," Scott muttered.

"I suspect not." Rick dusted his hands on his jeans and pulled the handkerchief off to wipe his sweat away. It didn't help.

"I hope Naomi's all right."

"If she wasn't you'd know. She'd tell you herself." If she could. Now Rick worried.

Scott and Naomi were so much in love it was a wonder they weren't joined at the hip. She'd wanted to come on the dig this year, but obligations at Ramone Import/Exports kept her occupied. That and the fact August Ramone pitched a royal fit over the very idea of his precious granddaughter living in the rain forest for six months. The old man wasn't thrilled Rick was here, but then Rick had also refused to live his life by his grandfather's edicts or with the family money. August had come close to a having coronary when Rick revealed his sexuality, which made everything prior to that announcement pale in comparison. And still the man tried to manipulate Rick to fall in line with his plans -- which had nothing to do with anything other than himself or his company.

"Want me to go with you?" Scott asked.

No telling what had brought his father here, but Rick doubted it was good news. Scott was nearly family. The only person who had trouble accepting that fact -- his grandfather -- wasn't here. And Scott would most probably worry himself sick over why Charles Ramone had come to see Rick. Scott wouldn't be doing anything but pacing while Rick talked to his father.

"Yeah...come on."

They strode across the compound, stopped every so often by someone wanting more scoop on their discovery, only to dash off to see for themselves. The excitement was contagious. Rick couldn't wait to get back to work. With each step dread built. It wasn't good news. Good news would have brought his father right to the tomb they'd just uncovered, wanting to share their joy. But he was sequestered in the tent Rick and Scott shared. Not good.

Rick stopped short when he walked into the tent and saw his father pacing a slow path in the limited space. His heart raced, dreading the words to come. Anxiety rolled off Scott, who stood behind him. His father glanced up. They regarded each other silently for a few seconds. Each was a mirrored reflection of the other; the only exception was a sprinkling of gray in his father's dark brown hair.

"Rick." His father gave him a nod. No hug, no smile, just a nod. "Scott." Another nod to him.

"Dad." Rick stepped all the way in, letting the screened tent flap fall. Scott ducked it and stood beside him.

"Something's wrong," Scott said. "Naomi? Charles...is it Naomi?"

His father looked away. "Let's sit, shall we?" He motioned to the cots, then sat in one of the two canvas camp chairs.

Scott sank onto the cot. Rick eased down beside him and leaned forward, elbows on knees, palms open.

"Just give it to us, Dad. All at once."

His father nodded and let out a breath. "A short time ago, word reached us of a Central American Indian tribe caught in the middle of a drug war. Their village is located on the Honduran-Nicaraguan border -- eastern end. Not far from Puerto Lempira. A dozen people from our company formed a team to go down there. Help them move to a safer area. Offer first aid. Take them food, clothing, and medical supplies. I was against the idea from the start, so was Jay. But..."

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking everywhere but at them. "Your grandfather thought it was a wonderful idea. Thought it would be good PR for the company. So our people went -- we lost contact with them a week ago. The GPS signal just...died. We understand there's been a lot of fighting in that area and are concerned our people have been hurt." His Adam's apple bobbed with his hard swallow. "Naomi went with them."

Scott muffled whatever curse burst out, but the white-knuckled fist on his thigh told how he felt about the news.

Rick didn't blame him. He could barely breathe, much less think. What the hell was his grandfather thinking? What was Naomi thinking?

"What's being done to find them?" Rick managed to ask, although he had a sneaking suspicion what the answer would be.

"That would be the other reason I'm here," his father replied. "You have military training and have worked this region many times. Who better to go than you? Jay's gathering a dozen more people for a new group. He's even hiring a nurse to accompany them in case he needs the extra medical help. He's taken care of most of the details on our end, but he doesn't know the language or the area the way you do. He doesn't have the skills you do. We need your help."

As if he would hesitate. "I'll leave right away."

His father retrieved a thick brown leather packet from the ground and handed it to him. "Here's a map of the region and money to pay expenses for this expedition. Jay and the others will meet you in La Ceiba day after tomorrow. I'll wait in Tegucigalpa for word."

Rick frowned. "Why there and not La Ceiba?"

"I have other business to take care of there."

Of course, efficient as always. Why not mix in a little business while he waited for someone to save his daughter from this asinine scheme. "I can be ready to leave in under an hour. We'll ride out together."

"You're sure as hell not going without me," Scott told them.

Rick wanted to remind him about the site they'd uncovered, its importance, the fact time was limited. Inconsequential in light of this revelation. Nothing was more important than the one you loved.

"Good." Rick stood. "Let's get packed."

Scott snagged his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. "Ready."

If only everything was as simple. Finding Naomi sure as hell wouldn't be. Rick prayed they'd find her alive...and unharmed. Considering the unrest in this part of the world, he knew he was asking for a miracle.

Committed Reviewed by Literary Nymphs

2009-04-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Literary Nymph Reviewer Mystical Nymph has given Committed by Cassie Stevens a 4 nymph review!

COMMITTED
(Book 2 – Together)
M/M Erotic Romance
Cassie Stevens
Amber Quill Press – Amber Allure

FOUR NYMPHS! I loved Damien’s desire to protect Vic from exposure, and Vic’s determination to expose them both, to prevent Damien from being charged with murder. The sex between Vic and Damien is blistering hot, the love and passion intense and the emotional bond tight and lasting. Despite the difficulties these two men face, they are perfect for each other and always have the best interest of the other at heart. Add in dealing with their commanding officer, police interrogators and concern for two young boys who have lost their mother, you have an action packed story you’ll be sure to enjoy. – Literary Nymphs

New Release: Committed by Cassie Stevens

2009-03-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

WARNING: EXPLICIT EXCERPT

Committed (the sequel to Addicted) has just been released by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure!

COMMITTED
Book 2 - Together
by Cassie Stevens
M/M Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary
March 2009
Cover Art © 2009 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-492-1

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, especially when Vic and Damien are doing their best to cover their tracks and hide their relationship from the Marine Corps. But it seems they succeeded too well. When they return to base, Damien is questioned in the weekend murder of his ex-wife…and his only alibi will ruin both their military careers.

Stories in the Together series are:
Addicted by Cassie Stevens
Committed by Cassie Stevens
Betrayed by Cassie Stevens

…“You.” It sounded more a whimper than another gasp. “I just want you.”

The declaration shattered the remnants of Vic’s jealousy and fears. But it only enhanced the driving need to mate. After grabbing the hem of Damien’s shirt, Vic hauled it over his head. He licked his lips at the sight of the pebbled brown nipples. He cupped Damien’s pecs and traced his thumbs over the peaks.

Long fingers combed through Vic’s hair. Damien cradled the back of Vic’s head and tugged it down. His eyes were half-closed with that “take me now” look that had always driven Vic wild with lust.

“I need you, Vic. I love you.”

The words brought a rush of tears to Vic’s eyes. So much emotion…he’d never grow tired of it or of Damien. He blinked his vision clear and feathered his tongue over Damien’s collarbone. Damien arched his neck and his body leaned with him as he urged Vic’s head closer to his nipples. Vic plucked one between his lips, rolling the tight bead of flesh around and around. Soft sighs begged Vic for more. Damien’s shoes thudded to the floor. He toppled backward to the sofa, taking Vic with him and using the sofa arm to finally wriggle free of his clothing.

Vic groaned and hovered over that beautiful body, all his for the taking. He clutched Damien’s sac and marveled at the length of cock that reached for his mouth. Thrusting his fingers deep into Damien’s anus once more, he thumbed his testicles. Pre-cum glistened on the tip of the penis. Vic suckled the salty dewdrop to his lips, rubbing until it smeared deep into the corners of his mouth. Damien thrust his hips upward. Nails gouged into Vic’s shoulder. He relished the pain, knew exactly what he needed…what they both needed…

Heartbreakers - Now Available

2009-03-10T07:39:00.001-07:00

Heartbreakers Now Available At Amazon

FIVE BLUE RIBBONS - Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies

HEARTBREAKERS
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotica - Contemporary - Print Anthology
February 2009
Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-893-6

They're the rockers every girl wants and every man craves to be: talented, good-looking, wildly successful, and money to burn. Mesquite is all these things and more. But success comes with it's own price. Everyone wants a piece of the Tristan brothers. Brian, Paul, Caz, and Nick stick tight to guard themselves from the vagaries of the world. Who better to sneak under their defenses than four little heartbreakers made just for them?

What About Love? - A secret weekend, a loved denied -- secrets of the heart are hard to bear alone. Brian and Lexy parted by mutual agreement after a hot and heavy weekend neither would ever forget.

Crazy On You - From the second Paul laid eyes on Ceci, he knew she was the one. Too bad she was his brother's girlfriend. It takes a little bit of fate and a bawdy challenge to get Mr. Missionary and Ms. Vanilla moving. But a hard nudge is sometimes all someone needs to "go crazy on you."

If Looks Could Kill - Caz and Brooke have made no secret of the fact they rub each other the wrong way. All the world knows if looks could kill they would have done each other in years ago. But then, looks can be deceiving.

Magic Man - Nick's voice has always been magic to her ears. But never in her wildest imagination did Gaby ever expect to find magic in his fingers, or between the bodies of two gorgeous men, or in the lifestyle her parents embraced.

Maneater - Now Available

2009-02-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

MANEATER
Caitlyn Willows
Contemporary Erotic Romance - Menage - BDSM
February 2009
Cover Artist - Anne Cain
Loose Id ISBN 978-1-59632-872-3

Good things come to those who wait. It’s a motto Julia Green has come to live by. It keeps her world ordered and structured, and when you are a successful businesswoman by day and a well respected dominatrix by night, order and structure are paramount. But even Type A overachievers need a challenge. How can she resist the lure of three gorgeous men who want to hire all her services? Challenge? These three keep her on her toes, and give Julia much more than she bargained for: an alpha male whose natural dominance lets her submit, a protégé who wants that special lifestyle in which Julia has thrived, and a sexual submissive who craves a woman to take charge in the bedroom. Good things have come…over and over again. Julia needs them all and now that she has them, she’s never letting go, especially not the man who holds not only her body, but her heart.

Excerpt:

“I feel a shift in the Force.”

Spencer’s words might sound like bullshit, but Evan could tell by the faraway look in his eyes that he meant every word. Besides, Evan felt it too. So did the clients sitting beside their desks. Whatever had happened in the lobby was enough to halt all conversation in midstream. A flash of blonde caught his eye, then sunlight as the back door opened.

“Excuse me,” he told the supplier. “I’ll be right back.”

Panic welled up for the second time that day. Evan couldn’t believe Phoebe had made good on her threat to quit. Once he cleared the office door, he darted down the hall and out the back. Phoebe had her sneakers on and was halfway to the parking lot.

“Wait!”

She turned a smile his way and kept walking backward. “I’m going to get lunch. I won’t be long.”

“But the phone…the clients.” Had she gone nuts?

“Julia’s got that covered.” She spun around and bounced off. He’d never seen Phoebe so…buoyant.

By “Julia,” he presumed she meant Julia Green. If so, the woman was as good as her word. It’d been a little over an hour since he’d called her service, and already a temp hire was in place. The fact she hadn’t bothered to introduce herself was a little annoying; since they were up to their ears in work, he could forgive the slight. But he was still going to take a few minutes and meet her.

Evan hurried back inside. He realized the difference in the atmosphere immediately -- the shift in “the Force” that Spencer had mentioned. The rock station Phoebe loved wasn’t on. Someone had replaced it with classical music and at a volume low enough to soothe and placate a person, not blast them away. He was surprised at the difference the type of music made.

He paused long enough in his office to tell his visitor he’d be “just a few minutes longer,” then went through to the waiting room. The empty waiting room. Stunned, Evan stared at the vacant chairs. A woman sitting at Phoebe’s desk, juggling phone calls while she organized stacks of mail, design concepts, and sample binders, finally caught his attention. She’d opted for a telephone headset that kept her hands free yet busy. How it managed to stay in place without messing up her French twist was, he was sure, a miracle. Of course, he’d always been mystified how women got their hair to do the things they did with it.

Evan studied her as she worked, processing one call after the other with an efficiency that made Amy’s diligence pale in comparison. Finally it dawned on him what she was wearing. He’d never seen so much brown in one place in his whole life. Everything the woman wore -- everything except for those huge, black-rimmed glasses -- was some shade of brown. Her faux-suede skirt hugged her hips, then flared to her shins. Her beigeish blouse looked like it was a size too large. Nails? Evan glanced at them. Natural, he decided. Buffed, but not polished.

He had an uncanny feeling that this wasn’t what Julia Green normally looked like. The word “camouflage” came to mind. Like she was trying to hide herself. Yet, while she might be trying not to stand out physically, professionally, his first impression of her was “unforgettable.” The power radiating from her sent shivers down his spine.

God, he loved women who could kick ass.

Somehow sensing his presence, she ended the call and smiled up at him. She extended her slim hand his way. “Hello, I’m Julia Green.”

Evan accepted the handshake. It was firm, confident. More pluses. “Evan Fairfax. Julia Green, as in the owner of Julia’s Gems? I never imagined --”

“Amy and I are old friends. I promised her that if you called, we would supply the very best for her team while she was gone. Needless to say, I was glad that you did. I wouldn’t want Amy to worry needlessly. She should take her time off to enjoy bonding with her baby and firming up her family unit.”

“And not worrying about us,” he added.

“Exactly.” She pulled her hand away and handed him the stack of mail. “Everything’s sorted for you.”

He wrapped his hand around the bundle. “Thanks. I’ll go through it during lunch.”

“Which will be as soon as Phoebe returns,” she answered. “She’s bringing back sandwiches. Perhaps we can all sit in the conference room and get better acquainted, go over the schedule.”

Evan’s eyes narrowed, her take-charge attitude rubbing him the wrong way a little. She was just a temp, for God’s sake, not their real office manager. “Sounds good.”

Were her eyes brown, or did he detect a hint of green there? Hard to tell with those glasses. Did she really need to wear those ugly things? Why not contacts? She was pretty enough, and it looked like she had a weak prescription. Her eyes would really stand out without them. Or was that why she opted for glasses? To help with her little-brown-mouse routine? Her skin was flawless, her makeup light. Evan sniffed. No perfume. And such a long neck. Her pulse fluttered at the base, as if begging for his lips…

Evan mentally shook his rambling thoughts aside. He jerked his head toward the empty waiting room chairs. “What happened to all the clients?”

“I handled it. It was a mix of vendors, decorators dropping off sample designs and swatches, walk-in clients who weren’t scheduled for appointments, things of that nature. I’ll bring in all the information during our lunch meeting.”

Julia turned her back on him to answer the phone. Her apparent dismissal grated on Evan’s nerves. She might be their salvation, but he’d be damned if he let her take over. He raked his gaze down her back to that shapely bottom she’d hidden behind her drab clothes. It’d been a long time since he’d had a woman over his knee. Too long.

“One moment, please.” She placed the call on hold and glanced up at him, eyes bright. “Yes, sir? Was there something else?”

Sir…damn right. “No, we’re good now.” And now that he had her full attention, Evan turned his back on her. She still managed the last laugh, only she didn’t know it.

He was hard as a rock.

* * * * *

Julia pulled in a slow breath. She’d wanted a challenge. She just hadn’t expected it to be so soon and catch her so unaware. Seeing Evan Fairfax across a crowded room didn’t give justice to the full impact of the man. He reeked testosterone. The wave came close to knocking Julia to her shaking knees. She expected him to peel her panties off with his teeth and shove his face in her crotch. Even more surprising, she was perfectly willing to let him do so. He called to that submissive side Julia rarely let others see. Or rather, rarely found anyone willing to take that command.

Just a few minutes in the man’s presence and Julia could tell that Evan fit the alpha role naturally. A born leader, a Dominant in all his glory. He’d take her all right. Push her up against the wall with those firm hands, nail her there with a look, and strip her for a leisurely taste. Splay her on top of the counter before her and run his tongue over all her secret places. Then push her to all fours on the floor and stab his cock deep inside. Oh, yes. Julia found herself getting wet. And there’d be nothing she could do about it. Nothing she’d want to do about it, except take every blessed inch.

His blue eyes missed nothing, despite the dark circles under them testifying he needed a good night’s sleep. She’d sensed him delving beneath the surface of her disguise, searching for the woman hidden within. He wasn’t dumb. Evan Fairfax had caught on right away that she was more than she purported to be. She’d have to be oh-so-careful. A momentary twinge of panic hit her. Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. She could easily assign someone else to work at Diamond Dust. She’d just tell them that she’d filled in until the temp could come on board. That was plausible. As for the issue of them wanting to hire Maneater…

Indecision plagued Julia, an even rarer event than meeting a man dominant enough to tempt her.

“You must be Julia Green.”

A hand appeared before her. Julia blinked and slipped her fingers into it, wondering how the man had managed to sneak up on her. “Yes.”

“Richard Hall. A pleasure to have you here. We were drowning. I didn’t realize how much we’d grown to depend on Amy. I hope we haven’t sent her screaming from us forever. I can hear her now, ‘I’d take twenty hours of labor over you guys any day of the week.’”

Julia laughed. She liked him instantly: his ready smile, his charm, his sparkling brown eyes. And the man knew how to dress. Where Evan oozed testosterone, Richard’s aura projected self-confidence. She’d been expecting someone self-absorbed, since Amy indicated he spent a lot of time checking his appearance when he thought others weren’t looking.

“Perhaps I can help you and your partners find some middle ground,” she said. “I understand the business has grown by leaps and bounds lately. A new game plan might be in order.”

“I agree, especially now when things are going crazy. A little self-evaluation never hurts.”

Odd that the little phrase had come her way twice today. “We can discuss a few things over lunch.”

“Wonderful. Amy’s office is the first on your right, by the way.”

A charmer with focus, one who wanted to get right down to work with few preliminaries. The pleasing-to-the-eye package hid a shark inside. Julia could appreciate that; however, a little tempering wouldn’t hurt. Then she caught the flash of pink in his cheeks. It happened so quickly, she might have missed it if she’d blinked. Richard was nervous! Hiding inside his business mode and apparent vanity were his shields. Realizing that brought her protective self to the fore.

“Richard, you are such a slave driver.” Julia started as a man appeared around the corner of her desk. “Spencer Griffith.” The last partner she had yet to meet extended his hand, which she shook. He gave Richard a look. “You could have offered her coffee or water, maybe even showed her where the restrooms are.” He gave a slight, disgusted shake of his head. But Julia saw the smile tugging at the side of his mouth and realized it was said in jest. “My apologies, Julia. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water? Give you a quick tour of the office?”

Another protector, quickly covering Richard’s unease. A caregiver as well. He wanted everyone happy and comfortable, but he’d just demonstrated that he wouldn’t do so at the cost to his partners. For him, though, they would also be his primary concern, even above his own needs. Julia wanted to lay the world at his feet.

“I’m fine. Thank you.” Another firm handshake. “Although knowing where the bathroom is might come in handy.”

The comment earned her a polite chuckle, yet neither of them enlightened her as to the whereabouts of said restroom. Fortunately, Phoebe’s return covered any possible awkwardness.

She jerked her thumb over her shoulder -- “Everything’s in the conference room” -- and slipped into the seat Julia vacated.

“Excellent.” Julia gathered the work she’d collected in the short time she’d been there, hooked her purse over her shoulder, and sidestepped the men. “Gentlemen, I’ll be waiting.”

Evan cut her off before she could reach the conference room. “Did you see who delivered this?”

He waved Maneater’s signature invitation in front of her -- black cardstock edged in gold. She’d calligraphed the penthouse address and time on the back in her own hand. Julia couldn’t tell whether fear or excitement lit up his face. She hated not being able to read a person. This one -- Evan -- definitely threw her instincts off-kilter.

“It was delivered with the mail.” She moved the heavy sample books to her other arm. “Why?”

He flicked the envelope up between two fingers. “There’s no return address. No mailing address. Just our names.”

“What is it?” Richard took the invite from him and smiled. “Well, I’ll be…”

Spencer glanced over Richard’s shoulder and flushed. “Oh.”

Julia craned her neck. “May I know --”

“No!” they all said in unison.

Trying not to laugh at them was nearly impossible.

“I was just wondering how it arrived. Thanks,” Evan muttered.

Like boys with a purloined Playboy, they ducked in to their office. The last thing Julia heard before she continued on to the conference room was, “There’s an RSVP number. Call it.”

Julia smiled when her cell phone shuddered against her ribs from inside her purse. “Here we go, gentlemen.” And she had exactly one afternoon to lock onto their personalities before Maneater met with them tonight. One afternoon to decide whether her libido needed to take a hike or go for it. Having met the three up close and personal, there was little doubt what she’d do.

She wanted them -- all three of them. And she wanted them now. Julia didn’t know whether to laugh or cry over the predicament. Once Maneater took the three, any snippet of a chance with Evan disappeared for Julia. But wasn’t that doomed before it started? She didn’t realize she’d truly wanted a start with Evan until this moment. Now she was mourning the loss of something that had never been and never would be. Was it best to take what she could get rather than nothing at all?

She closed the door to Amy’s office and locked it for ensured privacy while she called Oliver. He let the phone ring four times before he answered. She sighed, growing irritated. Teaching her a lesson, no doubt. She heard the smirk in his voice when he answered. Smart aleck.

“I’m going to need a little help tonight.”

“Really? How odd.”

She reaffirmed her assessment. Smart-ass.

“What can we do to help you with your…challenge?”

Two could play this game. Julia had learned that from the master himself. “Now, dearest, don’t you always know exactly what I need?”

Oliver chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I do. The question is, are you ready to receive it?”

She was glad they weren’t face-to-face.

“I’ll see if Lori and Rachel are available. They always give a good demonstration.”

“Will you be there too?” she asked.

“I’ll be around. Discreetly, of course.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Into The Night - Joyfully Reviewed

2009-02-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

INTO THE NIGHT
(Book 2 – Into The Heart Series)
Paranormal Erotic Romance (Shape-shifters)
Caitlyn Willows
Loose Id

Focusing on an unsavory secondary character from the previous story, Into the Lair, Caitlyn Willows’ Into the Night has a striking redemptive note to it. Trina is truly a reformed woman. The sex between Wyatt and Trina is scalding, but there are also male-male and ménage interactions. The plot is fairly easy to decipher, however, there is a little twist that may catch the reader by surprise. This story stands alone, but without reading Into The Lair first, Trina’s actions and transformations aren’t nearly as startling. A pleasing tale, Into the Night is a satisfying addition to Ms. Willow’s shape-shifter series. – Chris, Joyfully Reviewed

Magic Man - Caitlyn Willows - Now Available!

2009-01-18T09:21:00.001-08:00

MAGIC MAN, the fourth and final story of my Heartbreakers Series, has just been released. All four stories will be compiled into a print anthology called HEARTBREAKERS and will be available sometime next month! In the meantime, here's a little bit about MAGIC MAN.

MAGIC MAN
by Caitlyn Willows
Book 4 - Heartbreakers
Erotica - Contemporary (Menage) - Novella
January 2009
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-455-6

The concept was simple -- go undercover to a sex club to find a killer. The execution was a bit trickier for Gaby Keating. She turned to the one person who could help her -- her father, attorney Marvin Keating, one of the "movers and shakers" in that community. His refusal falls on deaf ears as they both knew it would. Gaby didn't get to be where she is as a police officer by playing it safe. But that's just what Marvin intends she do. His world, his rules, his associates who will prepare Gaby for the assignment...and go with her.

Nick Tristan's voice has always been magic to her ears. Gaby can't count the times she's rocked out listening to Mesquite. But never in her wildest imagination did she ever except to find magic in his fingers or between the bodies of two gorgeous men or in the lifestyle her grandmother scorned and her parents embraced.

Stories in the Heartbreakers series are:
What About Love? by Caitlyn Willows
Crazy On You by Caitlyn Willows
If Looks Could Kill by Caitlyn Willows
Magic Man by Caitlyn Willows

Excerpt

Enjoy!

Caitlyn

Five Blue Ribbon Rating From Romance Junkies

2009-01-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

WHAT ABOUT LOVE?
Heartbreakers - Book 1
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FIVE BLUE RIBBONS! Caitlyn Willows really drew out all my emotional hotspots with WHAT ABOUT LOVE? In a matter of moments I was drawn into this storyline and found myself experiencing anger, hurt, tears, and even adoration right along with the characters. I'd love to say I want Brian for myself but he and Lexy are so perfect together that I couldn't imagine even trying to tear this couple apart. This story is sexually charged and intense as well as endearing – all the things I've come to appreciate in Ms. Willows's storylines. Ms. Willows does a beautiful job capturing the essence of this musical group as a whole but also allows readers to see each as very different individuals. Fortunately readers can get to meet each of the characters up close and personal through the other stories in the HEARTBREAKERS series. – Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies

CRAZY ON YOU
Heartbreakers - Book 2
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FIVE BLUE RIBBONS! CRAZY ON YOU is the second book in Caitlyn Willows' HEARTBREAKER series and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. With today's paparazzi it's easy to understand just how quickly rumors and lives can spiral out of control but these brothers seem to be very down to earth and devoted – not just to each other but their loved ones and fans as well. I found these characters to be charming, realistic and lovable but also refreshingly vulnerable. Ceci and Paul complement each other beautifully and even though they're both typically 'vanilla' or 'Mr. Missionary,' as Paul's brother, Caz likes to tease Paul, it's obvious that with the right incentive and opportunity anyone is capable of enjoying a little 'kink' in their love life. The next title in this series, IF LOOKS COULD KILL, is already available and yes I have already read it and it's definitely noteworthy as well. Caz and Brooke rub each other the wrong way but under the right circumstances there's no denying the sexual sparks that ignite between them. – Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies

IF LOOKS COULD KILL
Heartbreakers - Book 3
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FIVE BLUE RIBBONS! IF LOOKS COULD KILL is the third story in Caitlyn Willows' HEARTBREAKERS series and it's definitely a hot read that will incite readers to pick up copies of the other books in the series. The tension between Caz and Brooke is captivating right off the bat and plays out in ways that leave you envious – especially once they're forced to confront their desires and able to be true to themselves. This is a wonderful addition to the HEARTBREAKERS series and if you haven't had the opportunity yet, I'd suggest picking up the other books in this series. – Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies

Book 4 - Magic Man - is scheduled to release on 18 January 2009.

The Heartbreakers print anthology will release in February 2009 and be available at Amazon.com!

What About Love - Five Stars From JERR

2008-12-16T09:23:00.001-08:00

WHAT ABOUT LOVE?
Heartbreakers - Book 1
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FIVE STARS! What About Love is the first book in The Heartbreakers series and it is an auspicious beginning. This modern day fairy tale never disappoints. The characters are extraordinary people whom the reader quickly comes to care about. Brian is even keeled and unspoiled. Lexy is caring and self-sacrificing. Things seem to fall together just a little too easily for our star-crossed family, but the reader accepts it readily because they are all so deserving and have been kept apart by another’s treachery and greed. While missing ten years of life with the people you love could never be called lucky, Mesquite would not be the success it is today if Brian had had other responsibilities to distract him. He is lucky to step into instant family life with practically no stumbling blocks to hinder his progress. Brother Paul, Cici the abandoned fiancé, Lexy’s ex-boyfriend and her boss are secondary characters who have a big role in moving the plot along smoothly with no lags in momentum. The sex between Brian and Lexy is as earth shaking and real as they both remembered. What About Love is a happily ever after, feel good kind of story that will leave you smiling. - Karen Haas, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

If Looks Could Kill - Just Released

2008-12-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

IF LOOKS COULD KILL

Caitlyn Willows

Book 3 - Heartbreakers

Erotica - Contemporary (Menage) - Novella

December 2008

Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat

ISBN 978-1-60272-439-6

Caz Tristan and Brooke Hansen have made no secret of the fact they rub each other the wrong way. All the world knows if looks could kill, they would have done each other in years ago. Unfortunately for Caz, his brothers have out-voted him in their bid to hire Brooke as the new manager for Mesquite. Now, forced to work together, Caz admits he lacks control where Brooke is concerned, and if there's one thing Caz prides himself on, it's his control.

As a power player in a man's world Brooke learned long ago she had to have bigger brass ones than the big boys with whom she was forced to play ball. Control was never more important and she's taken the motto "Never Let Them See You Sweat" to heart in the boardroom. But in the bedroom it's a completely different matter. Behind closed doors Brooke would love nothing more than to give complete control over to a trusted lover. Never did she realize the one man who could do all that and more for her is the very man she's shared daggers with over the years.

Yes...if looks could kill... But then, looks can be deceiving.

Excerpt:

He could smell her perfume—a whiff of something citrusy—as she shook his hand, then sat across from him, giving him an unintentional shot of cleavage. His gaze had wandered to the spot, hoping for another glimpse. Nick’s knee nudge reminded Caz of his manners, but by that time Caz was way beyond polite. He wanted more than the tease of perfume. He wanted to crawl under the table, shove up her little red skirt, and wedge his face in her crotch. Let her try to keep her composure under the onslaught of his tongue.

She allowed him momentary victory when she slid her gaze away from him and toward the table. Before he could bask in the glory, however, those dark blue eyes locked back on him, daring him to be the first to blink. A cattle prod up the ass would have had less impact. His balls felt the burn in her eyes, yet she had the nerve to sit there, calm and cool, as if nothing had passed between them.

Now she wouldn’t look at him at all. He’d been “dismissed” as she outlined ideas and plans. Oh, she’d spare him a glance from time to time, but Caz knew it was more of an afterthought to ensure he wasn’t “left out.” Rage boiled inside him. More conflicting emotion warred inside his head.

One minute he wanted to grab the back of her neck and force her to look at him and him alone, see him as a man, her man, right before he plundered her mouth in a kiss her clit would feel. The next minute he wanted to step behind her, massage the tension from her shoulders, run his hands down her suit jacket, open those buttons, and cup the treasure guarded within. Her breasts would surge into his hands. He’d nibble her neck, tease the nipples, and show her a pleasure like none she’d known before.

He wanted her at his feet, then he found himself wanting to be at hers. Agony spawned a killer headache and threatened to split his cock in two. How in the hell was he supposed to survive working with this woman? He had to get back some measure of control, had to purge her from his system and his head, once and for all.

New Reviews!

2008-11-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

INTO THE NIGHT
Book 2 – Into The Heart
Paranormal Erotic Romance (Shapeshiters)
Caitlyn Willows
Loose Id

BLUE RIBBON RATING 4! I enjoyed unveiling the mystery of INTO THE HEART 2: INTO THE NIGHT. The struggles within Wyatt’s pack and the dynamics of Wyatt’s relationship with Trina are just two of the areas I liked. On one hand, she is his least favorite person, but at the same time he is drawn to her in ways he doesn’t understand. Much like opposites attracting and love being the flipside of hate. Wyatt is so alpha that you don’t know if you want to slap him or snuggle with him. This is a heartwarming story of love, betrayal and new found peace. – LadyBirdRobi, Romance Junkies

A CORNER OF MY SOUL
Paranormal Erotic (contemporary/suspense)
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FOUR HEARTS! The climax is chilling and satisfying. [A] spooky and engrossing novella. – Lynn Bushey, The Romance Studio

ADDICTED
Contemporary Erotic M/M
Cassie Stevens
Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure

FIVE ANGELS! Cassie Stevens has written a wonderful story centering around two career Marines in Addicted. Both Vic and Damien have worked hard to gain their current positions in the military, and hidden their true sexual desires. I had a feeling that Vic and Damien didn’t communicate before their breakup and was happy to see the two men makeup with a bit of BDSM loving. The characters are just the way I like my gay male characters to read, hard, determined, successful, with no silly girly softness allowed. I also enjoyed the fact that they are both wonderful fathers who put their children’s need ahead of their own. Their passion and lust was clear, but the love overpowered all the other emotions. Ms. Stevens is preparing to write a sequel to Addicted, and I for one am counting the days until its release. – NeNe, Fallen Angel Reviews

4.25 STARS! Cassie Stevens has written an excellent story of love lost and found again and both characters were well drawn. Vic, the Gunnery Sergeant who loved his boss and hated him at the same time; Damien who was still smarting from the sting of betrayal even after such a long time and wanted to show Vic who was the boss in the office, while what he needed was to be in Vic's bed again. The sex was incredibly hot when the two men got together, and the BDSM scenes were well done as their situations were reversed and Vic became Damien's Master… I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a hot romance with some spicy BDSM thrown in! – jessewave, Reviews by jessewave

CRAZY ON YOU - Now Available

2008-11-16T09:03:00.001-08:00

CRAZY ON YOU
Book 2 – Heartbreakers
Caitlyn Willows
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

From the second Paul Tristan laid eyes on Ceci Powers, he knew she was the one. Too bad she was his brother's girlfriend. A good brother steps aside, and Paul always does the right thing even if it kills him.

The fire between Ceci Powers and Brian Tristan died as quickly as it was lit. In its place was a wanting so fierce, a love so intense, she could barely stand the ache. How can she leave one brother for another?

It takes a little bit of fate and a bawdy challenge to get Mr. Missionary and Ms. Vanilla moving. But a hard nudge is sometimes all someone needs to “go crazy on you.”

Explicit Excerpt:

...Paul held Ceci as close as he dared, rubbing what he hoped were soothing circles on her back, muttering words of comfort, while she cried. She held him as tightly as he had that beer bottle the year before—as if she’d be lost if she risked letting go. He was partly to blame for her misery. If only he hadn’t pushed Brian to move forward or let her go. But he’d been desperate for his own closure, desperate to see Ceci happy. How could he have anticipated this?

He wanted to knock the shit out of Brian right now. Hell, they’d come close to blows when Paul learned Brian had proposed to Ceci. Learning Brian already had a wife he’d conveniently forgotten about… If not for Ceci’s intervention—she’d fallen nicely into the role of peacekeeper from the start—he would have decked his brother.

How could anyone forget about a wife? How could Brian not have mentioned her to any of them in the first place? Their parents were going to freak.

“Damn him!” The words exploded from his mouth.

Ceci lifted her head from his shoulder, fingers flexed against his chest. A little closer and her palms would cup his nipples; a little lower and her fingers would be able to toy with the hard flesh. The knowledge shot down to his groin, adding more substance to the cock already hard beyond capacity. An erection swelled down one leg of his jeans. That’s what he got for not wearing underwear. He placed his hands over hers, intending to move them. Instead, he pressed them flat, stealing the sensation he longed for and trying not to show how much it devastated him that he couldn’t have it honestly.

Tears glistened in her sea-green eyes and spiked her long lashes. Mouth parted, lips moist and full. It mystified him again why Brian could not be all over her all the time. How Brian could drift away from her the way he had, when Paul ached for just a glimpse of her, held his breath for the sound of her voice, the kiss of her constant laughter, the light in her eyes.

“Don’t,” she said. “You heard him. He thought Howie had handled all the paperwork for the annulment. It was a wild, crazy weekend ten years ago.”

“But he didn’t tell us.”

“Do you tell him every detail of your sex life?”

Ceci had him there. They weren’t teenagers anymore. Sharing sex tales had ended in high school. But it pissed him off that Ceci was defending Brian. Where was her outrage, her fury? She was crying, for fuck’s sake! Brian had broken her heart, and here she was, sticking up for him. As far as Paul was concerned, that was only more proof Brian didn’t deserve her. But if Ceci loved him, Paul would do everything in his power to make sure she had him, even at the cost to his own heart.

“Don’t you worry, baby. I’ll make sure this gets fixed fast so you can have the wedding you want. I’m not going to let anything spoil this for you.”

She pressed closer, angling her hips a whisper away from his. Too close for Paul’s fragile libido. Her body heat poured over his pelvis. His penis pulsed with a life all its own, demanding he thrust forward and cover that last few millimeters between them.

“Paul…I…”

He braced his hands on her hips and gently set some distance between them before she could feel his hard-on, before he gave in to the urge to grind it against her. All he wanted to do was yank her back and kiss her, haul that cute black-and-white sundress to her waist and wedge her against the nearest wall while he showed her what loving a woman was all about.

She slid her hands over his shoulders, reclaiming the distance he needed. Paul’s resolve started to crumble. It would be so easy to take advantage of her turmoil, so easy to swoop in and have her, to know what it felt like to be wrapped in her arms and buried in her heat. And lose her completely because of it. Because if he made love to her once, Paul knew it would never be enough. One of them would have to go, and since he’d be the one at fault…

He grabbed her fingers and took a small step away, holding her hands between them for a shield against his emotions and the aching cock that so wanted to throw caution to the wind and go for it...

ALSO AVAILABLE:

WHAT ABOUT LOVE?
Book 1 – Heartbreakers
Caitlyn Willows

Contemporary Erotic Romance
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

A secret weekend, a loved denied -- secrets of the heart are hard to bear alone.

Brian Tristan and Lexy Claremont parted by mutual agreement after a hot and heavy weekend neither would ever forget. An agreement each regretted the moment it was made. Imagine their shock when they learn they are still married, a revelation made on the heels of an announcement Lexy never wanted to hear, one that has both of them asking, “What about love?” and discovering someone else had a secret agenda of their own by keeping them apart.

:) Caitlyn

Some Great New Reviews!

2008-11-07T11:17:00.001-08:00

INTO THE LAIR
Book 1 – Into The Heart
Paranormal Erotic Romance (Shapeshiters)
Caitlyn Willows www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptIntoTheLair.htm
Loose Id www.loose-id.com

FIVE ANGELS! Don't be fooled into thinking a book about an archeology adventure or mystery will be boring or tame; this is an erotic story! Lauren and Sebastian have sex in every location, position, and opportunity they find. The couple is very creative and this is a sensual tale that will leave you needing a way to cool off as you read! But the book has more than hot sex to appeal to the reader. This is a very imaginative story that includes shape shifters, possession, and an evil plot to steal souls from someone on the expedition. Lauren and Sebastian sense that something is wrong from the beginning but they are not sure who can be trusted and who are the bad guys however, people other than them depend on the funding for their main project so they feel compelled to go and insure the continuation of their life's work. I loved the characters of Lauren and Sebastian and hope they will appear in the sequel that is the story of two of the secondary characters from this tale. I can't wait to read book two, titled Into the Night! Ms. Willow's imagination is so creative and fun that I will watch for other works by her and read them. I hope she plans to write more books for this series! – Stephanie B, Fallen Angel Reviews

INTO THE NIGHT
Book 2 – Into The Heart
Paranormal Erotic Romance (Shapeshiters)
Caitlyn Willows www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptIntoTheNight.htm
Loose Id www.loose-id.com

FOUR ANGELS! Into the Night is the second book of the Into the Heart series about shape-shifters by Caitlyn Willows. Both Trina and Wyatt are major secondary characters in the first book and it is the events of the first story that have lead to the strange events of this story. In this story, the physical relationships between the jaguar clan and Trina and Wyatt are much more graphic and explicit. Wyatt seduces Trina while he is still in his jaguar shape and the clan doesn't limit sexual relations to just one-on-one male and female intercourse. If this bothers you then you probably won't enjoy this story. Both the characters of Trina and Wyatt exhibit changes in their personalities and I think the changes in Trina are definitely for the better. She is becoming less self absorbed and more likable. The sexual relationship developing between Wyatt and Trina isn't the only thing this story is about. The jaguar clan appears to be being stalked and hunted down one by one to be killed and the clan needs to pull together and figure out why and how to stop their enemy. Trina just may be able to offer them some insight that they need to solve the problem but can the clan learn to trust her in time? If you enjoy a good sexual shape-shifting story filled with drama and intrigue, then you will like Into the Night, but I recommend you read the first book, Into the Lair, first for some crucial stage setting! – Stephanie B, Fallen Angel Reviews

LUST LETTERS
Contemporary Erotic
Caitlyn Willows www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptLustLetters.htm
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat

In Lust Letters, Heather and Danny are very erotic pen pals. Their graphic, lusty letters have a few purple prose but mostly they are incredibly descriptive and kinky. Their provocative letters are lovingly written. Danny's homecoming was just as amorous and hot as I thought it would be! Lust Letters is a hot story about a couple who make the most of being apart. – Nannette, Joyfully Reviewed

What About Love - Now Available

2008-11-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

WHAT ABOUT LOVE?
Book 1 – Heartbreakers
Caitlyn Willows www.caitlynwillows.com
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/WhatAboutLove.html

A secret weekend, a loved denied -- secrets of the heart are hard to bear alone.

Brian Tristan and Lexy Claremont parted by mutual agreement after a hot and heavy weekend neither would ever forget. An agreement each regretted the moment it was made. Imagine their shock when they learn they are still married, a revelation made on the heels of an announcement Lexy never wanted to hear, one that has both of them asking, “What about love?” and discovering someone else had a secret agenda of their own by keeping them apart.

Excerpt:

…He tossed the phone to the bed and hot-footed it to his bathroom, unzipping and stripping as he walked. His dick felt desert-hot as he wrapped his fist around it. He remembered the tangle of white sheets, her silky hair shifting through his fingers, how damn tight and wet her pussy felt when he plunged into her. Brian had thought of her so many times over the years. How could anyone forget such a perfect weekend? If only they hadn’t been so impulsive. If only they’d been in different stages of their lives. Yeah…he’d thought about it a lot. Day and night, especially at night, when he was wrapped in the arms of a pale substitute for Lexy, lost in the fantasy it was her.

He shoved his trousers to his ankles and fondled his tight balls, while his other hand flashed over his cock. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this hard, this desperate to come. Through lids half-closed he watched pre-cum ooze from the tip. The image of full lips, a sensuous smile, and a talented tongue washed over him. Lexy could suck cock like nobody’s business, make him wait until he thought he’d die, then suck him dry until his balls collapsed.

Brian shot his load into the green towel dangling on the bar, then braced himself with one palm against the cool tile wall while he tried to catch his breath. Reporters and photographers were going to hound them no matter what. Maybe a phone call would settle everything without them ever seeing each other, but it felt like the coward’s way out. He’d man-up and go to her, make it all right, and explain to her husband or boyfriend—a woman like Lexy Claremont would have been snagged long ago. And at that moment Brian regretted again that man wasn’t him.

Lexy was his favorite mistake, but the mistake hadn’t been in marrying her. The mistake had been letting her slip away…

Model Behavior - Five Heart Review

2008-10-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

MODEL BEHAVIOR
Contemporary M/M Erotic Romance
Cassie Stevens
Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure www.amberallure.com

FIVE HEARTS! Cassie Stevens has written a great storyline for these two characters… Brad has idolized Derek for years. He’s also built as a well rounded, caring, helping individual who puts others first. It’s fun and erotic to watch Derek’s defenses crumble as he realizes that Brad is not the egotistical man he expected. Ms. Stevens does a great job showing the two men having to reexamine the stereotypes they’ve built, especially Derek. She also builds in the paparazzi inundation that celebrities have to deal with even though hers are a little more humane than some whose antics are well publicized. This is a good read for the depth of the characters, dialogue, scenario transition and hot sex. – Dee Daily, The Romance Studio

Addicted by Cassie Stevens Just Released

2008-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

ADDICTED
by Cassie Stevens
Gay Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary
Book 1 - Together
September 2008
Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-380-1

Vic Williams has been planning for this moment for ten years--the day he crossed paths again with the man who broke his heart. He rehearsed his look of indifference, his cutting remarks, even while he imagined Damien Walker on his knees before him begging his forgiveness...among other things. What he hadn't counted on was the love that slammed into him the second he saw Damien standing in front of him.

Damien Walker is stunned to discover the man who'd broken his heart is now the lesser ranking Marine under his command. He craves the chance to make Vic suffer for walking out on him all those years ago, but no more so than he craves that special something only Vic can give...and the love they once shared.

Forced to reconcile their differences for the sake of their military careers, Vic and Damien are rapidly pulled under by an addiction to each other neither can control...or live without a second longer.

Excerpt:

…The chair sighed as Damien sank into it. It sounded too much like his own sigh whenever Vic slid his cock deep inside his ass. Damien grappled for something to put distance between his feelings and this man. Something to erase the image of himself staring up at Vic with a flogger in his hand ready to give Damien everything he needed. Anything…

He kept his gaze locked on the stack of paperwork, not on the man easing into the chair opposite him. “I understand you were recently promoted. Pretty young to be a gunnery sergeant.”

“Right place, right time, took advantage of opportunities. And, with all due respect, sir…you’re pretty old to be a captain.”

The dig hit its intended target. They both knew it was a lie. Rank didn’t come easy, whether you were officer or enlisted.

Damien scribbled his signature again and flipped to the next page. “How’s your wife?” The question came out as a sneer. He couldn’t help it. Hurt soured his stomach and left an acidic taste in his mouth.

“Happily married to the man of her dreams,” Vic replied. “Yours?”

From the periphery of his vision, Damien saw Vic’s eyebrow quirk. “Moved on to bigger and better things and took my two kids with her.”

“Two kids, huh? How’d that happen? She siphon the cum out of one of your condoms?”

Damien’s head snapped up. Rage boiled from his eyes.

Vic was already on his feet and heading for the door. “I’m sure you don’t need me up your ass while you sign all that. The corporal will be in soon to get you started on your computer. I’ll get the folder from you later…sir.”

It took every ounce of will and discipline his body possessed to stay in his seat, when all Damien wanted to do was haul Vic back here and show him who was really in charge…

Caitlyn's Kisses Volume V - Now Available

2008-09-20T14:50:00.001-07:00

CAITLYN'S KISSES - Volume V
by Caitlyn Willows
A Print Anthology of Erotic Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60272-920-9 (Paperback)
September 2008
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
Also Available at Amazon.com

Included in the anthology are the following short stories/novellas...

One To Grow On - Reese has something extra special planned for his wife's 30th birthday�the fulfillment of Judi's widest sexual fantasies...and maybe a few of his, too.

Tainted Love - Pride and fear have kept Quentin away. But lost, lonely, and burned out, he's come back, and he's praying they can forgive that he tainted the love they once had.

Midnight Rendezvous - There's something about midnight that brings out the lust in Vanessa Morgan. The inky darkness, the stars glittering in the sky...and the two hunky men watching her from the building next door.

A Corner Of My Soul - Natalie's become a part of his mind. Now Doug has to shut her out to save their lives. That alone is a tricky balance that could cost him the love he holds so dear.

Lust Letters - Months of foreplay in lust letters that threaten to singe the paper they are written on are teasers for the main event when Hannah's Marine finally comes home and takes his naughty wife in hand.

Laying Low - New Review

2008-09-20T14:17:00.001-07:00

LAYING LOW
Contemporary Erotic Romance (Suspense Elements)
Book 2 - Teamwork
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FOUR HEARTS! Caitlyn Willows does a good job building Matt and Allie as dedicated FBI agents. There's some great dialogue between them about their relationships with their families, the things they miss, the hard parts of the job. We get some background information from the first book in case you missed it and some build up for the next in the series. Mostly we get two hot people relaxing and having erotic sex at every opportunity! They seem to have a lot in common besides their working rapport. The great chemistry between them that has made them trust one another while working together is just not enough. Both enjoy a little exhibitionism, some mild BDSM. Every chance they can find or make they indulge in the one thing that helps feed their need for an adrenaline rush with sex. Things are almost going too well. Each is well written dreading what may come next in their careers and life and relationship. Ms. Willows has penned a very erotic book set in one of my favorite places in the world. – Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio

Caitlyn Willows Contest At Author Island

2008-09-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

INTO THE NIGHT, book two in Caitlyn Willows' Into the Heart erotic paranormal series, was just released (Book one, INTO THE LAIR, is a 2007 Dream Realm Award Winner) which gives Caitlyn two fantastic reasons to celebrate! And Author Island is helping me do so with a great contest!

Want to win the Shapeshifter Tarot card deck that helped guide Caitlyn's muse through the writing of INTO THE NIGHT? Then head on over to Author Island for information on how you can enter.

Into The Night - Now Available At Loose Id

2008-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

INTO THE NIGHT
Book 2 - Into The Heart Series
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic Romance - Paranormal - Shape-shifter
September 2008
Cover Artist - Marci Gass
Loose Id
ISBN 978-1-59632-770-2

It’s an experience too farfetched to be real, but Trina Tate knows she holds the memories of another woman's soul. Memories that cry out to be with the man, the king she once loved. Drawn to the park each night Trina watches shape-shifting black jaguars running...and mating...and craves to be a part of that. Is she shifting herself or is that too only memory?

Wyatt Caldwell has resolved himself to a life without his soulmate. He's lost the love of his life twice. Duty now occupies him -- duty as head of Braden Institute, duty as leader of the shape-shifters. But once he sees Trina roaming, searching the park fully nude, body and soul calling for his touch. How could he possibly resist?

Excerpt:

Trina pulled in a hard breath. A thousand different scents assaulted her. She shook her head to clear it and tumbled to one side. Vertigo. Damn, it was happening again. Trina caught herself before she fell and eased down onto the cool grass. Nausea roiled in her stomach. She wrapped her arms around her midriff in a desperate attempt to keep from throwing up. The buzz in her head grew to a roar. She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain she knew was coming. It slammed into the back of her skull with the force of a sledgehammer.

She tucked into a fetal position, shaking arms clutching her knees. Blackness clouded her mind, and she felt herself drop into a void. Her body convulsed, as if it were trying to leave the confines of her skin. Trina couldn’t say if the seizure was real or just the workings of her troubled mind. Finally, the sensation passed, and she peeled her eyelids open.

She was sprawled on the ground, her fingers digging into the soft grass like a lifeline. Deep gouges bloodied her forearms. She panted, as if she’d run a marathon, each hard breath amplified as the pain in her head drifted away.

Trina pushed herself upright. She felt weak now, every movement an effort. Braced against the tree once more, she hugged her knees. This was why she'd sought the jaguar shape-shifters out. She wanted answers. Needed them. Except the pull of sex, the smell of sweat and hormones, the magic of whatever they were, had taken over instead. She’d been compelled to strip off her clothes, to watch, to join them.

Then Wyatt had been upon her, tracking her, reeking of sex and maleness, asserting his dominance. And she caved, letting him do whatever he wished, take whatever he wanted. The loss of control, the total submission, affected her in ways she’d never imagined. The old Trina would have nipped that in the bud without blinking. But this person she’d become, this person she didn’t recognize…

She buried her face in her hands to squelch the rush of tears. Trina didn’t know what she’d become. She needed help -- their help. Somehow she had to convince them to do so, convince them she wasn’t crazy or nosy or whatever she’d been before. She needed to convince herself, too. She didn’t know which task was harder, getting someone to believe she'd changed, or trying to believe it herself.

No, she knew what was hardest -- asking for help in the first place. It’d taken her a great deal of soul-searching to get to this point -- finding the clan and following them. She couldn’t let the opportunity pass now. The chances of finding them again would be few after tonight; they’d be more watchful now that she’d gotten too close. Of course, Trina could always corner Wyatt at the institute.

Just like he could corner me.

Trina’s pulse leaped at the thought. She hugged herself at the memory -- the promise -- of his hard, hot body looming over hers. Here was a man who took control without asking, who took it because it was his right. If he could do all this to her in the space of an hour and with an audience, what would he do if he had privacy and all the time in the world? The things he could do to her body! The things he could do to her heart.

She shook her head. No, being alone with Wyatt Caldwell was a big mistake. It was better to get this over with tonight. To make the shape-shifters listen and give her the answers she needed.

If they could.

Trina pushed to her feet and brushed her hands down her T-shirt. Her ragged nails snagged on the cotton. Her forearms stung. She didn’t want to see how much damage she’d done to herself while she was out of it. The truly bizarre thing was that, by morning, any sign of injury would be gone anyway.

It was one of those new mysteries happening to her, like how she could now see in the dark, how her body healed overnight, how her sense of smell rivaled that of a bloodhound. She’d learned to accept the enhanced abilities; after all, what other choice did she have? But the isolation, turmoil, and confusion they caused were driving her slowly insane. Or maybe she’d always been close to the edge, and these events were accelerating her decline. The last few nights she'd spent watching the jaguars was the first time she’d felt connected to anything in six months. No wonder she’d hesitated to shatter that by approaching them.

God, you’re pathetic.

Trina winced at the words her conscience threw at her. The last time she’d heard those exact words had set her on a course from which she’d sworn she'd never deviate. Never again was she going to be the victim in any way, shape, or form.

Trina sighed. That decision had isolated her as well. How ironic she’d be suffering this -- she looked at her hands -- whatever this was, now.

She lifted her chin and tried to catch the clan’s scent. A cacophony of smells slammed into her -- the zoo, the residue from the autumn fires, the ocean, vehicle exhaust. Blood.

Fresh nausea clenched her stomach before she considered it was probably her own blood filtering into the mix. She’d only had six months to learn how to deal with a super-sensitized sniffer. Sorting smells in the rain forest was vastly different than doing so in the city.

Trina shook her head. No, this was a lot of blood. Something big had been killed and recently, too, since the stench of decomposition hadn’t set in. Now that was a smell she’d never had a problem identifying. Living in the rain forest, life and death were never more than a hundred yards away, and nature quickly reabsorbed the loss. But this…

She debated on whether to call the police. The conversation played in her mind. I think something’s dead. No, I don’t know what. I don’t know if it’s a person. No, I don’t know where. Somewhere in Balboa Park. No, I’m not a fucking psychic. This isn’t a crank call.

Trina sighed and let it go. Without specifics, there wasn’t anything she could do to help. She clenched her fist against her thigh and forced her attention on finding the clan. Except too many scents vied for her attention, making it difficult to sort them out.

Now what? Did she wander the park, hoping to run into them? Disillusioned, she wrapped her arms around her midriff as she determined her next move. Wyatt’s scent drifted upward. Trina smiled. Of course, he’d been all over her. His scent would naturally be on her.

She inhaled and felt a rush of goose bumps over her skin. Her breath hitched as her body remembered the hard thrust of his body. She scuffed her hands over her arms in a futile attempt to banish the desire burning inside and then lifted her nose to the air to catch Wyatt’s scent.

There. Trina expanded her senses and caught a whiff of the rest of the clan. They’d congregated not too far away. Pulling in a breath and warning her libido against getting sidetracked, she headed in that direction.

A Corner Of My Soul - Review

2008-08-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

A CORNER OF MY SOUL
Contemporary Erotic Romance (Suspense Elements)
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat

FOUR ANGELS! [A]n exciting, erotic adventure from beginning to end. Doug and Natalie have great chemistry and are both delightful, intriguing characters that were fun to get to know and easy to like. I really enjoy Ms. Willows’ smooth, comfortable writing style and the heat she adds to every story. A Corner of My Soul is a fast-paced romp with sensual, sexy encounters that are sure to excite and delight readers. – Tammy, Fallen Angel Reviews

Eight bad reasons to have sex

2008-08-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

This article on CNN.com this morning:

Eight bad reasons to have sex

By Judy McGuire

(The Frisky) -- As I'm sure you're well aware, there are many good reasons to have sex. In fact, sometimes you don't need any reason at all -- other than, say, loving your partner.

However, sometimes a lady finds herself doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons. That's what we're here to cover. So if you find yourself in any of the following situations, please extricate yourself as quickly as possible:

Revenge: The most popular very-wrong reason to have sex, revenge sex never ends well.

Hooking up with his best friend because you're angry at your boyfriend will get you nowhere. If you do manage to break up their friendship, then you're stuck with an untrustworthy dude (if he did it to him, he'll do it to you).

Even worse, there's always the (strong) possibility that he went right back and told his buddy and the two of them are now comparing notes over high-fives and hot wings.

Ego gratification: You must be fine if that scorching hot bartender took you home. Or not. Men have been known to do some unsavory things for physical gratification. The fact that he's willing and able doesn't say squat about your appeal.

Appliance envy: Your roommate "doesn't believe" in air conditioning. You can't afford premium cable and are addicted to "Weeds." You're desperate to try out Wii Fit. All of these desires are perfectly rational.

However, they are absolutely not worth the price of waking up next to someone you otherwise cannot stand. (Well, except for the AC, but that's only if it's above 100 Fahrenheit.)

Weight loss: Yes, you may have read those women's magazine articles about how being physically intimate can help you shed pounds. However, a 120-pound woman burns only 57 calories during 15 minutes of sex. That's less than half a Hostess Ho-Ho. The sweat could do nice things for your skin, but your waist will remain the same size.

Clarity: Ever since you were nine years old and saw that topless Kate Moss Calvin Klein ad, you've had a hunch you were same-sex oriented.

Unfortunately, the thought of sharing this with anyone scares you, so you get yourself a boyfriend. But you can't stop thinking about that ad....

Mercy: Empathy for a sad soul is one thing; holding an intimate pity party is quite another. Oh, and you know that saying, "no good deed goes unpunished?" It goes triple in this instance. Misery loves company -- good luck getting him out of your apartment.

Quid pro quo: I'm not knocking or talking about the sex professionals out there -- this is for the amateurs among us. Just because he bought you a lobster doesn't mean you need to give up dessert. Catch my drift?

Fame by association: He's famous, you want to be. Contrary to what you might've surmised from that old Pamela Des Barres book, "I'm With The Band: Confessions Of A Groupie," fame is not transmissible through intimate contact. However, lots of other things are, so watch out.

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Bartering Sex For Stuff Or Services

2008-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

I found an interesting article on CNN.com this morning. Of course, I don't recommend this, but it was enlightening. Here's the link and I've also posted the full text below.

Bartering Sex For Stuff Or Services

By Michelle Goodman

(LifeWire) -- While she was studying in Brazil during college, the one thing Stephanie Gerson longed to do before leaving was spend time in the thick of the Amazon rain forest. Unfortunately, she couldn't find a tour that would take her past the forest's edge.

Survey at college finds 27 percent of men and 14 percent of women willing to trade favors or gifts for sex.

So, when a college-aged busboy at a resort she was visiting began flirting with her, she asked him if he thought a tourist could survive alone in the jungle.

"He laughed and told me I was nuts," says Gerson, 27, who works part-time in online marketing for a chocolate company in San Francisco.

Then he told her that he'd grown up in the jungle in a nearby indigenous community. That was all Gerson needed to hear. Although she wasn't attracted to the guy, Gerson flirted right back in the hopes that he would be her jungle tour guide. It worked. The busboy wormed his way out of work, and the two headed into the rain forest.

"It was amazing," Gerson says of her adventure in 2000. "We built our homes out of palm leaves, I saw animals I'd never seen before, he taught me the medicinal properties of all the plants, we picked fruit off the trees, we swam with and ate piranhas. And, of course, we had sex ... for almost two weeks."

Body currency system

Gerson never felt sleazy or uncomfortable with her unspoken arrangement with the busboy.

"It was a good barter both ways," she says. "I got to stay in the jungle, and he got to have sex with a cute, young American girl."

Such trades aren't so unusual. Throughout history, humans have used their bodies to get what they want -- from ancient Egyptian ruler Cleopatra, who cemented her power through liaisons with Roman rulers Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, to the man and woman who were arrested at a Fort Wright, Kentucky, motel in late June for allegedly swapping sex for gasoline. Regardless of our motivation, scientists say we're hardwired to use our bodies as a bargaining chip.

A recent study of 475 University of Michigan undergraduates ages 17 to 26 found that 27 percent of the men and 14 percent of the women who weren't in a committed relationship had offered someone favors or gifts -- help prepping for a test, laundry washing, tickets to a college football game -- in exchange for sex. On the flip side, 5 percent of the men surveyed and 9 percent of the women said they'd attempted to trade sex for such freebies.

And although they weren't hard up for resources, the students surveyed "recognized the value of this socioeconomic currency system," says Daniel Kruger, research scientist at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, who published his findings in the April issue of "Evolutionary Psychology."

"It's more about getting what you want than getting what you need," he says. "Unless you think everyone needs a $200 Louis Vuitton bag."

The handyman hookup

But unattached coeds aren't the only ones who barter with their bodies. Some professionals will attest that their skills are, well, sexy.

"Women are turned on just by the simple idea of their guy getting off his ass and doing something for them," says Rocky Fino, author of "Will Cook for Sex: A Guy's Guide to Cooking."

It works both ways, he adds.

"Give it to me first thing in the morning, and I'll play [handyman] all day," says Fino, a 39-year-old father of two and part-time construction worker.

Ben Corbett, a 39-year-old contractor from Boulder, Colorado, credits his tool belt with prompting the barrage of come-ons he fields from female clients -- most of them married -- on a regular basis.

"It starts with the flirting, and it just progresses," says Corbett, who has run a construction and remodeling business for 20 years. "They'll touch my hand, and there's all this physical contact. Or they'll run around in their pajamas."

"Once," he says, "I was painting the hallway right outside a client's bedroom, and she was lying on her bed like a girl at a slumber party with her legs up and her arms crossed and her head resting on them, asking me if I had a girlfriend.

"It's all about the fantasy of being taken by the rough-hewn construction guy," muses Corbett, who, despite the temptation, has avoided getting sexually involved with his clientele for fear of jeopardizing his business.

It's the biology, stupid

Call it crass, sexist or gender stereotyping all you want, but there are thousands of years of biological programming at work here, says Dr. Chris Fariello, director of the Institute for Sex Therapy at the Council for Relationships, a nonprofit relationship-counseling group based in Philadelphia.

Plain and simple, a partner who provides more resources -- wealth, shelter, home repairs -- is seen as more attractive and stands to reap more sexual rewards.

Or, as Fariello puts it, "I don't get anybody in my office who says, 'My husband sits on the couch all day and eats bonbons, and I want to have sex with him all the time.'"

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Into The Lair Wins Dream Realm Award

2008-08-17T16:17:00.001-07:00

It is my pleasure to announce that my paranormal erotic romance, INTO THE LAIR, has won the Erotica category of the 2007 Dream Realm Awards.

Excerpt page for Into The Lair

List of Dream Realm Award Winners and Finalists

Caitlyn

Lust Letters - Now Available

2008-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

LUST LETTERS
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary
August 2008
Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-328-3

Hannah Buckner is having an affair -- with the shower attachment, the bathtub faucet, her husband's pillow...and anything else she can fit between her thighs. And it's about time her husband knew in vivid detail just how she spends her lonely nights. Half a world away, Danny Buckner is hoping for cookies, but a whiff of Hannah's latest letter has a familiar scent that has nothing to do with baking and everything to do with being hot. Better than phone sex and more addictive that chocolate, her letter leaves nothing to the imagination. And Danny has a few details of his own to share. Months of foreplay in lust letters that threaten to singe the paper they are written on are teasers for the main event when Hannah's Marine finally comes home and takes his naughty wife in hand.

Midnight Rendezvous - 5 Enchantments

2008-07-13T08:51:00.001-07:00

MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS
Caitlyn Willows
Ménage (M/F/M)
Amber Quill Press-Amber Heat

5 ENCHANTMENTS! This is a steamy story complete with voyeurism, bondage, as well as ménage. It’s creatively written, leaves no stone unturned, and is phenomenal for the imagination. I loved the pictures Ms. Willows left for me with her words. The scenes with the chocolate and the strawberries were very intriguing. I have never read a voyeurism book before, and I found this one fascinating, as well as romantic. I loved the end when the three of them got together, I also loved her gifts, very cool. This story is both romantic as well as exciting. I totally enjoyed it. Great job Ms. Willows. - Desiree de Cleves, Enchanting Reviews

Into The Lair - Dream Realm Finalist

2008-07-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am honored to announce that INTO THE LAIR is a finalist in the 2007 Dream Realm Award.

INTO THE LAIR
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic Romance - Paranormal
October 2007
Cover Artist - Marci Gass
Loose Id ISBN 978-1-59632-578-4

Sebastian and Lauren Garner think it's the chance of a lifetime when they are invited on a unique expedition to search for the secret of long life. But it's an experience that holds more adventure than they anticipated. It's a chance of a lifetime, all they have to give up is their souls. Deep in the Yucatan jungle, the Garners are running out of time to save themselves. Does the key to salvation lie in an ancient one who has cast his spell over them, or does he too have an agenda of his own? Who do they trust when all seems lost? What do they chose when the promise of the world and forever is within their grasp?

"There is nothing even remotely predictable about Caitlyn Willows' smoking-hot story of love, lust and betrayal. An engaging hero and heroine lead the reader on a fast and delightful roller-coaster ride through the complex world of sexual experimentation and ancient mysteries. Willows never skimps on the romance, the sex or the action, and the result is an erotic romance unlike any other. Utterly unputdownable!" ~Lacey Savage, award-winning author of erotic romance

"Wow! That's the best word I can come up with to the describe this story. Adventurous, erotic, poignant, passionate...and that just begins to describe it. A must buy for any reader who enjoys searing romance peppered with jungle adventure, shapeshifting intrigue, and timeless devotion. ~Adrianna Dane, award-winning author of erotic romance

FIVE STARS! [A]n incredible book, with all of my favorite elements; love, sex, mystery, sex, adventure and, oh, did I mention sex? Lauren is a beautiful, intelligent young woman who is desperately in love with both her husband and her career. Sebastian is equally in love with Lauren, equally intelligent and a HUNK! They are having a wonderful time being back in civilization, so that they can have all the sex that they want. My, do they want a lot of sex! They have graphic, kinky, erotic and elaborate sex that they couldn--t have on the dig because there were too many people around them. I felt orgasmic just reading about their sex. Even better, they loved only each other. The many secondary characters help the plot move seamlessly along. The mystery began early in the story and continued on throughout the plot as the adventure continued. I kept thinking that I knew what was going to happen, but Ms. Willows was too good for me and did not allow me to figure out the mystery until the book's end. Brava, Ms. Willows, you have given us another wonderful read!~Marcy Arbitman, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

This novel has it all…a loving relationship between the married characters, deceit, betrayal, long held ancient secrets, poisoned darts and deadly villains. The multiple secondary characters give great depth to the piece, helping to keep the plot interesting and suspenseful. As the story progressed, I kept wondering what the Prentices were up to and why, but Ms. Willows well written story kept me guessing until the very end. Good work! ~Pam, My Book Cravings

Oh my! Grab a fan and your man before commencing to read Into The Lair. This is one hot story. I really loved reading about a long-time married couple who were still lusting for each other as much as when they were first wed. The devotion between the two made the novel special. Solid pacing, interesting characters, and an original plot topped it off. If you enjoy erotic romance with a splash of m/f/m interaction, you’ll take pleasure in Into the Lair. ~Chris, Joyfully Reviewed

FOUR STARS! A young couple is swept into a world of danger and betrayal in this creative and entertaining story. Their chemistry is explosive, and the steamy erotic encounters are hotter than the jungle setting. The secondary characters are all well developed and add to the mystery to a plot that will keep you hooked. ~Gail Pruszkowski, Romantic Times

Also available at Fictionwise and All Romance Ebooks.

Excerpt page

Legacy - New Review

2008-06-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

LEGACY
Contemporary Superheroes Gay
Cassie Stevens www.cassiestevens.com/excerptLegacy.htm
Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure www.amberallure.com/Legacy.html

FOUR STARS! Cassie Stevens has written a delightful short story with the perfect balance of fantasy and reality/lust and romance. The characters are well developed with enough emotional issues to help the reader to relate and sufficient struggles for the reader to root for our protagonists. I think what appealed most is that the story focused on a single day and yet gave the reader enough background within the story to invest in the present action. Short stories can have difficult endings with the reader wanting more or feeling unsatisfied. This does not happen with “Legacy;” this story comes to a very satisfying conclusion! - Matthew, Rainbow Reviews

Tainted Love - New Review

2008-06-21T12:34:00.001-07:00

TAINTED LOVE
Menage M/M/F - Contemporary
Caitlyn Willows www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptTaintedLove.htm
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat www.amberheat.com/TaintedLove.html

Sexy and sensitive, Tainted Love explores the dynamics of three people loving each other as much as a couple and knowing it can work. The clashing personalities, the deep and honest love they have for each other plus the wounded feelings make Tainted Love a fascinating and believable story. From the first page the scorching hot sex will singe your fingers and char your eyebrows if you aren’t careful. Tainted Love gave me a very juicy look at a ménage a trios that showed me heart and soul as well. - Lisa, Joyfully Reviewed.

A Couple Of New Great Reviews!

2008-06-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

ONE TO GROW ON
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Caitlyn Willows
www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptOneToGrowOn.htm
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat
www.amberheat.com

Joyfully Recommended! One To Grow On is deep-down sexy. I don't know if it is fair to write that much sex in a story of that length. Every break is needed so that you can breathe again. If there was a way to get there, they attempted it. All I can say is wow. One To Grow On is definitely a good read to get your imagination going and I Joyfully Recommend it. – Vicki, Joyfully Reviewed.

THIEF OF HEARTS
Historical Erotic Romance
Caitlyn Willows
www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptThiefOfHearts.htm
Amber Quill Press/Amber Heat
www.amberheat.com

FIVE ANGELS! I always like to read a book by Caitlyn Willows. She has a way of weaving robust and vital characters that make the read most enjoyable. Even the well-blended secondary cast added a good addition to the story. Thief of Hearts is not only well-written but flows beautifully, adding such in-depth scenery that just opens up like a lovely garden springing to life. Could Pilar and Raphael get any sexier? I love the way her Aunt Beatriz wishes to protect her young and how Raphael notices how she is quick to safeguard Pilar. The scenes were often mixed with wit and added a great blend to the story. I found this entertaining read filled with romance, passion, a bit of intrigue and wonderful characters that leaped from the pages. – Linda L., Fallen Angel Reviews

INTO THE LAIR
Erotic Suspense Paranormal Shape-shifter
Caitlyn Willows
www.caitlynwillows.com/excerptIntoTheLair.htm
Loose Id
www.loose-id.com

This novel has it all…a loving relationship between the married characters, deceit, betrayal, long held ancient secrets, poisoned darts and deadly villains. The multiple secondary characters give great depth to the piece, helping to keep the plot interesting and suspenseful. As the story progressed, I kept wondering what the Prentices were up to and why, but Ms. Willows well written story kept me guessing until the very end. Good work! – Pam, My Book Cravings

Oh my! Grab a fan and your man before commencing to read Into The Lair. This is one hot story. I really loved reading about a long-time married couple who were still lusting for each other as much as when they were first wed. The devotion between the two made the novel special. Solid pacing, interesting characters, and an original plot topped it off. If you enjoy erotic romance with a splash of m/f/m interaction, you'll take pleasure in Into the Lair. – Chris, Joyfully Reviewed

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

Legacy - Just Released

2008-05-24T18:46:00.001-07:00

LEGACY
by Cassie Stevens
Gay Erotic Romance - Paranormal/Superheroes
May 2008

Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure
ISBN 978-1-60272-274-3

It's the biggest day of David McKay's life threatens to implode when the custom-made suit he's ordered isn't delivered. No problem. He'll just borrow the one delivered to his best friend across the hall. After all, they are always borrowing things from each other and it's a great suit -- a power suit. Yes, David will definitely soar to the heights with this baby on -- in more ways than one.

It's a big day for Max Westchester, too, one he's been training for his whole life. With one phone call the family legacy becomes his to bear and along with it the suit that will give him untold power to accomplish his role. It's a heavy responsibility, one he has always been told is his and his alone. So, why is his best friend flying around the city in the thing? One thing he does know -- the instant David gets home, the suit is coming off.

The job of his dreams, the experience of his life...why shouldn't David take it a step farther and go after the man he loves, especially when Max is so anxious to get him undressed?

Excerpt:

A cold sweat trickled down David McKay's back and yet he couldn't stop pacing between the window and his apartment door. Where the hell was the deliveryman? David had paid to have the suit delivered yesterday. He never should have taken the chance, not on the most important job interview of his life. But going back for the tailored extravagance meant taking more time off from his current job. Waiters were a dime a dozen in Los Angeles, and David could be replaced in the blink of an eye. He couldn't take the risk, especially considering the money he'd laid out to put his best foot forward, and how badly he wanted this job with Global Advertising.

"I am strong. I am confident. I am strong. I am confident. I am a professional. I know my work." David recited that mantra even in his sleep.

Friends, family, and professors told David he'd have no problem landing a job right out of college. With his credentials and hot portfolio of ideas to back him up, ad firms would be hot for him. Mentors suggested he should start low and work his way up the ladder to his dream job at Global. David had taken the advice to heart, but in two years he'd yet to find any job in his chosen field, not even as an intern. He was done listening to others. It was time to trust his instincts. The hell of it was...his confidence was shot. His morale was in the toilet.

Now it was down to the one company he wanted more than anything else. The one he'd wanted to go for from the start.

Doubt niggled at him like flea bite. If he wasn't good enough for the lesser profile companies, why would a prestigious firm like Global want him?

He mopped sweat from his upper lip. At this rate he needed to shower again before he left, but worried about missing the delivery. And if the suit didn't come?

David did an about-face and strode to the window for another look. The only other suit he owned was from his college graduation. His body had somehow morphed since then--broadening in his shoulders, becoming leaner in the hips. There was no making do with it. All the tailoring in the world couldn't add fabric to the jacket.

Now his stomach churned. He never should have spent so much money on a suit. Something off the clearance rack from J. C. Penney would have been just as good. Where the fuck was his head? He could have borrowed a suit from Max. The man had offered many times and they were close to the same size--the thought amazed him because Max was so damn great looking. Did it matter so much that the very idea of wearing something that had touched Max's sculpted body did things to David that were probably illegal in some states, definitely illegal in some countries, and most assuredly illegal in some galaxies far, far away?

A quiver of excitement rolled through David, swelling his cock. Such was his obsession for Max Westchester. David wanted him as much, if not more, than the job at Global. Fear of rejection kept him from making a move. They were neighbors, good friends. A wrong move would be more than awkward.

So he contented himself with Max as his imaginary lover...often. Wherever David was naked--or not--Max was there in his arms, exploring him, licking him, doing all those delicious acts that made David's cock hard and his balls tight.

"Damn it." David shoved his hand in his jeans and rearranged his penis to a more comfortable position. Impossible. The only comfort would be in having it limp again, preferably after a night in Max's bed. The thought doubled his agony.

Shit. He didn't have time for a jack-off session. If he missed this interview because of his own stupidity...

He glanced out the window just in time to see a delivery van pull up. The driver jumped out, suit box in hand.

"It's about damn time." David ran to the door and whipped it open. He could hear the man's footsteps scuff up the stairs to the second floor like he had all day. David's patience snapped. He raced to meet him.

The guy's brown eyes bugged out when David rushed him, probably thinking he was going to get mugged or something. David felt bad about startling him, but...

"Sorry, I've just been waiting for this. Important day."

"Sign here." He thrust a clipboard David's way.

David's hand shook as he scrawled his name in the minuscule rectangle and handed the board back. The instant it hit the driver's fingers, the man shoved the box into David's arms and hurried away.

Good. Just enough time to jump in the shower. He rasped his hand over his face. Another shave just in case. "Best foot forward. Think it, act it, be it. Strong. Confident."

Long strides carried him to his bedroom. He set the suit box on the edge of his full-size bed, scored the tape around the edges with his pocket knife, then slid the lid free.

"Damn it!" David smacked his fist into the mattress. It was the wrong damn suit. "What the fuck!" He flipped the lid over and groaned. The delivery was for Max, not for him.

Now what? He had two hours before the interview and Global was twenty minutes away by surface streets. There was no way in hell he'd risk freeway traffic jams today.

Well...it's not like Max hadn't offered to loan him a suit.

David pushed out a hard breath and lifted the hanger. Draped in shimmering plastic, the suit didn't have a wrinkle on it. He slipped his hand under protective covering and fingered the material--a light gray wool blend with what looked like flecks of blue woven in. It wasn't too far from what he'd picked out, his being shot with blue pinstripes.

Max would understand. He had offered. And hadn't he encouraged David to go for it? He'd gone to work hours before, so David couldn't ask. It'd be okay. He was certain of that.

He looped the hanger on the hook behind his closet door and lifted the plastic sheeting. The fabric shimmered under the light and screamed power suit. He brushed his hand over it. It even felt alive, like it reached right out and touched him.

Go.

David nodded, like he was answering a command, and hurried into the bathroom. His skin tingled with a combination of fear and excitement. His heart raced with every move. He recited his mantra over and over, focusing on the positive, focusing on winning the job. He saw himself sail through the interview, professional and sure of his words. Saw himself smiling, shaking hands. Then he pictured the moment afterward. It would be unusual. His would be the last interview of the day. They wouldn't keep him waiting for an answer. He was the man they wanted.

David knew hiring on the spot wasn't the norm. But this was his dream, his positive reinforcement, and he damn well got to live the moment in his head. As he'd discovered the last two years, sometimes that was the only moment a person got. He was going to enjoy the fantasy while he could. Rather like he did when he thought about Max.

His penis lifted as the man's name filtered through David's head. David laughed and gave it a rub. "Don't make me have to tie you down." The threat didn't help.

He did his best to ignore the menace while he shaved. Hard-ons were a way of life for a man, rising at the least provocation. He'd pretend it didn't exist and warned it not to show off during the interview.

Fifteen minutes later, he dashed the barest amount of Old Spice over his cheeks, reveling in the sting. He went with tried-and-true for aftershave since he'd never found any other brand he liked as well. And since he was also going for confidence, David didn't want to spend his time worrying that he reeked.

"Yep...strong. Confident. And not bad to look at either."

Yeah...don't get cocky, his conscience chided.

Again, he nodded to confirm he'd heard loud and clear, then hurried to dress. The suit called to him. It seemed like he barely reached for it and the hanger leaped into his hand. He placed it on the bed and pulled out underwear--another extravagance, slate blue silk boxers to match the suit. He was building his image from the skin up, projecting success. Act it. Be it. And he loved the feel of silk against his body.

Before he realized any time had passed, David stood before his dresser mirror. Everything he'd ever wanted to be reflected back. The suit clung to him like it was custom-made. No one would guess it wasn't his. He felt energized, ready to take on the world. All he ever wanted was his for the taking.

David smiled. "Damn. I am strong and confident."

He raked the comb through his hair one last time, snagged his portfolio of faux PR campaigns, and headed for the parking garage across the street. The world looked like a brighter place. He realized he was humming as he hurried along. The sun was shining, the air cool, the sky...well, there wasn't much to do about the smog. He could really smell it today, but there were other scents mingled in there he hadn't noticed before: fresh coffee from the Starbucks a block away, bread baking at the Subway next to it, the floral tones of perfume from a woman walking down the other side of the street, someone cooking bacon. He heard things, too: laughter, tears, muted conversations, an argument, the screech of tires, sirens, gunshots.

David snapped his mind into place. His imagination was working overtime. He chalked that up to nerves. As he dug his car keys from his pocket, he realized he wasn't in the parking garage. He was standing at Global's entrance, the glass doors gleaming.

"What the..." A glance at his watch showed only five minutes had passed, yet here he was.

God, he'd spaced out on the drive over. His watch must be busted and he had no idea where he'd parked his car. Panic set in. If he'd missed this interview...

He pulled in a breath and walked through the doors. His gaze went to the huge clock behind the receptionist's desk. Okay, maybe his watch wasn't broken. It didn't make sense...

"Good afternoon," she said with a smile. "How may I help you today?"

"David McKay. I'm here for an interview." I'm here to start the rest of my life.

"Twelfth floor, Mr. McKay. They're expecting you." She handed him a visitor badge and waved toward the bank of elevators. Nice, shiny elevators that were taking him to his future. David felt it, knew it.

One hour later he was standing outside the Global building as a new employee. They'd even asked to keep his portfolio to review for some of their pending campaigns. He walked away from the entrance, smile growing larger with every step. And when he was certain he was out of sight of the receptionist, he pumped his fist in the air...

And shot skyward.

A Corner Of My Soul Receives Five Star Review

2008-05-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

A CORNER OF MY SOUL
Contemporary Erotic Suspense
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat

5 STARS! This new offering from Caitlyn Willows is unlike anything I’ve ever read from her. While reading her work is usually a guaranteed substitute for foreplay, this dramatic story of suspense and intrigue left me feeling nauseous from the tension at times as well as breathless with the passion at others. I loved Doug for wanting to get to know Natalie, to woo and court her before he fell into the sack with her even though he knew from the beginning how she felt about him. I loved him even more when he read in Natalie’s mind that she’d come to protect him and he felt humble gratitude. I could identify with Natalie’s belief that she was best for the job because, to save someone she loves, she would fight harder than anyone else. She wouldn’t give up before there was no breath left in her body. I was also thrilled that when I thought I had everything figured out, there was another twist that surprised me. With the building sexual tension and the wonderfully escalating danger, by the end I felt my emotions had been manipulated by a master. Don’t miss A Corner of My Soul. - Karen Haas, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Grey's Anatomy

2008-05-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

The 8 May episode of Grey's Anatomy was heart-wrenching and beautifully done. I was very moved and brought to tears by the brain tumor patient and his secret boyfriend, both of whom are military. Their kiss before surgery was filled was passion, then the angst when the father caught them and the patient refused to acknowledge the boyfriend in order to protect his career. And the soldier remained in the waiting room...waiting...waiting. So sad. So very sad. The patient died. The soldier got a last goodbye...a kiss to the man he loved. My kudos to the writers and the actors involved.

You can watch the episode online at www.abc.com.

Cassie
www.cassiestevens.com

JERR Gives Midnight Rendezvous Five Star Review

2008-05-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS
Ménage – Contemporary – Erotic
Caitlyn Willows
Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat

Read The Excerpt

5 STARS! This story is so hot I blushed as I read it. Toys, iced water, or your best boy-toy is definitely must for Midnight Rendezvous. I’ll never look at strawberries and chocolates the same way again. This lust inducing offering from Ms. Willows is as much fun as it is sexually stimulating, many times leaving me breathless but grinning. What a feel-good story! Both our heroes are sexy as heck and they only get better as their personalities are unveiled. I appreciated that, despite being beautiful and adventurous, Vanessa exercised caution in accepting the invitation and her date did everything possible to insure she would feel safe, lending a sense of reality to the story that made the fantasy even steamier. The characters were very inventive in creating imaginative fantasies based on the historical aspect of the party they attended and their relationships with each other to play out for their mutual enjoyment. The story is so well written that I felt safe enough to relax and hot enough to enjoy the ménage fantasies right along with them. You’ll want to read this one right away. - Karen Haas, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

I've Been Tagged

2008-05-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

I've Been Tagged by friend and author Lyndi Lamont for a meme. (In case you're wondering, Wikipedia defines a meme as "any unit of cultural information, such as a practice or idea, that gets transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another".

So, here are six random things you may not know about me:

1. I don't eat dessert...ever.

2. I don't like chocolate and can barely tolerate the smell of it.

3. I discovered years ago I'm allergic to beer. I love beer, but every time I drank it I couldn't breathe.

4. I have terrible motion sickness. I take Dramanine everyday when I travel. Sometimes even the elevator can make me sick. And I can't go into one of the "crazy houses" you sometimes see in amusement parks (the ones where water runs backward). I get dizzy, disoriented, and sick and have to leave immediately.

5. I love the beach and the water, but I am afraid of drowning and don't swim very well. Plus my vivid imagination often conjures up visions of great white sharks and hidden whirlpools ready to drag me to my doom.

6. I love dogs. I love animals. I love nature.

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Fifth Annual Family Chocolate Festival

2008-05-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Mother's Day!

For those of you who love chocolate, Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, California will be having the Fifth Annual Family Chocolate Festival on May 10, 2008. There will be cooking demos, chocolate tastings, food and gift vendors, and fun stuff for the kids.

For more information, go to their website at www.qbgardens.org.

:) Caitlyn
www.caitlynwillows.com

Teamwork - A 2008 Golden Quill Finalist

2008-05-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

TEAMWORK
by Caitlyn Willows
www.caitlynwillows.com
An Anthology of Erotic Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60272-986-5 (Paperback)
June 2007
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
www.amberheat.com/Teamwork.html

4-1/2 STARS!!! Scorching BDSM, ménage and voyeuristic sex scenes combine with a continuing love story to fill the pages as only Willows can do. Each of the five stories in this book is better than the last, proving this erotica author has staying power. – Lisa Kelly, Romantic Times

FBI Special Agents Matt Oliver and Allie Quinn have a reputation for doing whatever it takes to stay alive and get the job done. It’s an added plus that part of their undercover assignment includes unfettered sex. Included are the tales…

Inside Man - Little do Matt and Allie realize what doing anything will involve when they come together for what is supposed to be a simple job…or how distracting that “anything” will be.

Laying Low - Can Matt and Allie, now on vacation, keep those sparks flying? Hot sand and warm tropical waters are the perfect backdrop for a couple who like their liaisons on the daring side.

Loose Ends - As Matt and Allie reassume their fake identities, each wonders if they can maintain that do-anything reputation now that love is barreling their way.

A Real Man - Doing whatever it takes to complete an undercover mission holds new meaning to a man in love with his partner—a partner he now has to share with another man.

Never Too Late - Simon Petrocelli and Emily Keating lost everything dear to them, including each other. Will Fate grant them another chance or is it too late?

Romantic Times Gives Four-Star Review To Caitlyn's Kisses, Volume IV

2008-05-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

CAITLYN'S KISSES - Volume IV
by Caitlyn Willows
www.caitlynwillows.com
An Anthology of Erotic Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60272-946-9 (Paperback)
March 2008
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
www.amberheat.com/CaitlynsKisses4.html
ALSO AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

4 STARS! These seven sexy and playful stories run the relationships gamut. There are those about relationships beginning, ending and the delicious fun in between. The tales may be short, but readers are not shortchanged in terms of emotion, sensuality and passion. - Sandra Garcia-Myers, Romantic Times

Love and adventure, earthbound and in the stars, naughty and nice, you'll find it all in these seven steamy tales of erotica from the pen of Caitlyn Willows.

Previously available only in electronic format, these short stories and novellas have now been combined for a paperback edition! Included are...

Bring Me To Life - She's ready to starting living again, and she knows just the man to help her do so. All she has to do is get him to admit he wants her as much as she wants him.

All Four One - United for a common goal, two couples discover a perfect joining of body, mind, and soul.

My Salvation - As his soul hovers between eternal bliss and endless damnation, she returns from the grave to help him earn his salvation.

Gypsy Fire - She felt the fire for him long before the legendary coin sliced their fingers and mingled their blood.

Bend Me, Shape Me - Will their sexual acrobatics help them rekindle those fires of youth...or send them to the emergency room?

Playtime - The tables are turned when the husbands decide to give their ladies a little playtime.

The Boys Are Back - The boys are back and they're coming for Melanie Jordan. How's a woman supposed to choose between to-die-for twins?

Behind Closed Doors

2008-04-27T12:47:00.001-07:00

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
by
Cassie Stevens
www.cassiestevens.com

Gay Erotic Romance - Print Anthology
April 2008

Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure

www.amberallure.com/BehindClosedDoors.html
ISBN 978-1-60272-941-4

They are men who play by their own rules, even while they try to conform to what society might dictate. Their public lives are an open book, but behind closed doors their hearts are all that matter.

Also available at Amazon.

Previously available only in electronic format, these short stories and novellas have now been combined for a paperback edition! Included are...

Model Behavior - Photographer Derek Sloane makes sure model Brad Doyle knows he doesn't "do" models. Brad vows he will be on his best behavior...no matter how hard it is.

Secret Lovers - A lifetime of living in secret? Or a lifetime of living alone? The answer isn't so simple when careers are at risk and a friendship could be lost.

The Things We Do For Love - She knows what he needs and knows just the man to give it to him. He'd do anything for the man he loves. Anything and everything.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell - They loved each other more than life...twelve years ago. They are men now. And they know choices have to be made even as they realize some secrets are best left hidden.

A Corner Of My Soul - New Release

2008-04-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

A CORNER OF MY SOUL

Caitlyn Willows
http://www.caitlynwillows.com/

Erotic Romance - Short Paranormal

April 2008

Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
http://www.amberheat.com/CornerSoul.html

ISBN 978-1-60272-254-5

Natalie Gray has lived in a corner of Doug Carlyle's soul since the day they met. She's his light in a dark world, the good that cuts through the evil his mind too often sees. She's his anchor, his heart, his future. The world and all its horrors can wait. This is the time for them. He wasn't anticipating someone else had a different agenda. He won't be caught unaware again. Natalie's become a part of his mind. Now he has to shut her out to save their lives. That alone is a tricky balance that could cost him the love he holds so dear.

Excerpt:

Doug Carlyle reeled his fishing line across the water, hoping to entice a bluegill into grabbing the fly. It was all about patience. He’d learned that from the cradle up, right here at the family cabin each summer. The lesson had served him well in life, and so had the hours perched on his dad’s knee—or grandfather’s or uncle’s. When work was especially tough, Doug wrapped himself in the love of his family, if only in his mind. Here on the lip of this beautiful freshwater lake, he could recharge from the horrors his work thrust his way. Sunlight glinted off the blue-green surface like a million stars at night. The breeze shifted through the towering trees and calmed his soul.

It was especially nice to be here when summer heat melted a person to nothing in the city and all the crazies came out. Although, with late afternoon thunderstorms starting to move into the mountains, it might wind up being colder than Doug preferred. If the rain got too bad, he’d not only be stuck inside the cabin, but stranded when the roads washed out. Just him and the thoughts and voices of others that crept into his mind.

He sighed and cast his line again. He had books, beer, supplies, blankets, and extra jackets in the closet if the walls closed in and he needed to walk it off. He’d manage. He always did.

Doug couldn’t remember when he’d realized he was different from other children. In his family, his ability was a given. Doug was glad for that. They had the “sight,” as his grandmother called it. They’d shown him how to use it wisely, how to deal with some of the things he saw that weren’t so nice, how to protect himself. Still, no one was happy when he’d decided to go into profiling. The discipline involved with that work helped him hone his gift, have it mean something.

The family respected his need to make a difference, but they worried. He’d seen it in their minds. They helped him stay grounded despite their concerns, giving him distance when he needed, wrapping him in love when he needed that, too. Without that he risked overload. It had happened to his older cousin with near lethal results—another reason the family didn’t want Doug involved in police work of any kind. At that point it was a little too late. Doug had made the commitment and wouldn’t back away from it. He monitored himself daily, sometimes hourly, to keep in check and notice the internal signals telling him it was time to clear his head of the garbage collected from other people.

So he lounged in one of the two Adirondack chairs on the dock built by his maternal grandfather, cold beer and bottled water in a cooler by his side, the cabin, with the wooden steps Doug and his father had built the year before, a mere stone’s throw away. The motorboat tied next to him bobbed as if begging to be taken out for a spin. His family had left the day before, giving Doug a few days to cleanse his mind before heading back to work. He missed them, but he also treasured this quiet time. No one’s thoughts to intrude on his. No having to put up his blocks. At least no one in his general vicinity.

People occasionally occupied other cabins dotting the lakeshore. The closest at the moment was at the farthest end a mile down, and Doug could tune the honeymooners out. It wasn’t easy when their passion poured his way. With his family gone, and with the distraction they’d provided, sexuality from the couple seeped into Doug’s head, adding to the agony of being away from the woman of his dreams. He felt like a voyeur beating off each time to give himself relief, imagining himself sliding into Natalie Gray while he did so.

Oh, well…what they don’t know…

Smiling, he cast his line again. That’s when he felt the presence of another drift into his head, and not just any other person. Natalie was coming up the road.

He parked his fishing rod in the bracket and stretched to his feet to face the arrival. Nothing the honeymooners could project would equal the feeling of seeing Natalie pull her Ford Taurus to a stop before the cabin, right behind his Jeep Cherokee. She’d lived in a corner of his soul from the first time they’d met the previous year. At the time they’d both been involved with other people. He’d known the instant he saw her that she was the one…and he hadn’t been able to do a thing about it, except be patient and wait until the time was right.

He’d ended his own relationship right away. Doug couldn’t continue being with Bette when he knew she was out there. It wasn’t fair. He liked Bette too much to use her. Two months later, Bette met the love of her life. Now they were married with a baby on the way. It didn’t take long for Natalie to be single once more either. Still he waited for that perfect moment, wanting her more than anything else, yet content to get to know one another better.

He’d felt a nudge from the universe that last time they’d had coffee. It wasn’t the most opportune time since he was leaving for the cabin within hours. Once she was finally in his arms, Doug knew he’d never want to let her go. All he could do was sow a seed for when he returned—a subtle touch up her arm, along with a promise to see her when he got back. The warmth that had pulsed from her when he’d done so had made it doubly hard to leave. He’d missed her like crazy every day since, took her image with him to bed each night in the crowded cabin. No wonder he’d caved so quickly from the honeymooners. Now Natalie was here, firing up his libido, wiggling into his heart all the more.

Doug opened his mind and probed hers. She was here on business, but he also felt joy overlaid on the dark news she had to deliver. Happiness rippled through her when she lifted a wave and a smile his way. He waved and smiled back, heartbeat racing in time with hers. His erection rivaled the size of the pine trees around them. He shoved the tips of his fingers in the pocket of his jeans and watched her pick her way down the wooden steps toward him, wanting her more with every inch that brought her closer.

She’d gone casual for her visit: jeans, sneakers, and a dark green T-shirt that came a hair shy of clinging to her torso. Her long brown hair was pulled up in a ponytail that dangled to her shoulders. Sunlight filtering through the treetops and dark clouds glinted off the red highlights. When left loose, her hair shone like treasure. Doug knew it would feel like thick strands of silk running through his fingers. He wanted to drown in the smell of her, that combination of scents unique to Natalie alone.

“I should have known better than to try to sneak up on you.”

Who needed the sun when there was a smile like that beaming on him?

“When did you know I was here?”

Doug shrugged. “Probably when you turned down the road. It’s hard to tell. I was fishing, pondering the lint in my navel, and wondering when the newlyweds on the other side of the lake were going to go at it again.”

Natalie laughed. “Hard life.”

He grinned. “Very hard when they’re hot and heavy.” And I want you so bad I can taste it.

She’d reached the bottom step. Her brown eyes sparkled with humor. She was genuinely glad to see him, despite her original reason for seeking him out. Doug wanted to delay that discussion as long as possible.

“It was a long drive for you. Would you like a beer or a bottle of water?” He reached for the small cooler between the chairs, already knowing her selection.

“Sure.” Obviously she knew he knew. Doug liked that. Natalie had always accepted him for what he was. Not once had she questioned anything.

Her long fingers brushed his as she took the water. A tingle zipped up his arm and he felt the jolt of impact in her head. Perhaps putting up some walls would be polite.

“I would have called, but someone’s cell phone seems to be off.” Natalie twisted the cap off and took a long drink.

Doug’s gaze locked onto the slender column of her neck as she swallowed. The image of her lips wrapped his cock, sucking him down doubled his agony. “What can I say?” He shrugged a shoulder and motioned her to one of the chairs. “Spotty service. Forgot to bring the charger. I’m on vacation.”

“The dog ate my homework. The sun was in my eyes. My shoelace was untied.” Natalie eased into the low-slung chair with a contented sigh. “God, it’s beautiful up here. I haven’t been to the mountains in ages. I could fall asleep right here, right now.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wake you in an hour…if the storm doesn’t open up first.”

They eyed the darkening sky.

“It looks like the clouds might win that race.”

“You realize if it starts to rain we’ll be stuck here for a bit. You don’t want to dare those roads in a storm. Flash floods, mudslides…”

Natalie took another sip of water and stared at the lake, now turned gray-green and choppy from the approaching storm. “I can think of worse fates than being stuck in a mountain cabin with you.”

Doug grinned like he’d hit the jackpot. As a matter of fact, maybe he had.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “Your pole’s bent.”

Thinking of the erection swelling his jeans, Doug started to glance down.

“Your fishing pole,” she said with a snicker.

Doug laughed at himself. “Sorry.”

“No, you’re not.” She gave him a wink and polished off the water.

“You caught me.” He pulled the rod from its brace and reeled in a bluegill. “Looks like you’re my good luck charm. This is my first bite since I’ve been here.”

“Always happy to help.”

“Stay the night, and I’ll be happy to cook you dinner as your reward.”

Natalie eyed the sky, then cast him another sidelong glance. “Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

“Great.” He unhooked the fish and placed it in the second cooler of ice. As much as Doug wanted her, there was that nasty business that had brought her here. “Now that we’ve had foreplay, want to tell me why you’re really here?”

All trace of humor faded. Doug was damn glad he’d put his walls up. He didn’t want to see the darkness in her mind; she was going to share it soon enough.

Natalie closed her eyes, rested her head against the back of the chair, and folded her fingers over her stomach. “Give me a bit. I’d like to soak up a few more minutes of peace.”

“Take as long as you need.” Doug tossed out his line. Anything to keep the darkness in the world at bay. Anything to keep her with him as long as possible.

New Books On My Shelf

2008-04-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to acquire new books. I thought it would be fun to share my recent acquisitions. :)

Dragons (The Enchanted World)
Fabled Lands (The Enchanted World)
Wizards and Witches (The Enchanted World)
Magical Justice (The Enchanted World)
Fairies and Elves (The Enchanted World)
The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
A Complete Guide To Faeries & Magical Beings by Cassandra Eason
A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Bedding The Heiress by Cathy Maxwell
Palmistry To Go by Dodie Ulery (Publisher: The Lotus Circle)

Caitlyn
http://www.caitlynwillows.com/

New Release - Midnight Rendezvous

2008-04-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS
by Caitlyn Willows
Erotic Romance - Short Contemporary - M/F/M Menage
April 2008
Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber
Amber Quill Press - Amber Heat
ISBN 978-1-60272-249-1

There's something about midnight that brings out the lust in Vanessa Morgan. The inky darkness, the stars glittering in the sky...and the two hunky men watching her from the building next door. Each night her exhibitionist soul caters to the voyeur in them. Each night she craves the touch of a body to hers, but how can she possibly choose one of them when she really wants them both?

She's the hottest woman Enrique Calderon and Luke Graham have ever known. What started by accident when they glimpsed her through their windows late one night, has now turned to sweet obsession. Soon watching isn't enough. They crave the touch of her skin, a whiff of her scent, the heat of her body...together. Pooling their resources, these two best friends plan a midnight rendezvous of their own for the woman of their dreams. Now...if only she'll accept the invite.

EXPLICIT EXCERPT:

Vanessa Morgan loved the inky darkness of midnight. She would have loved it more if she didn’t live in the city. Bright lights stole the brilliance of the stars. That didn’t stop her from looking, though, from imagining herself splayed on a blanket of soft green grass, warm summer night breeze caressing her skin, and laid out for the two delicious temptations in the apartment building across from hers.

She’d discovered Enrique Calderon and Luke Graham the previous month as she’d stood before her sliding glass door watching the night, dreaming of a man—any man at that point—to fuck the daylights out of her. One hand had rolled her nipple to a hard point, while the other plunged deep into her pussy. Then she’d glanced up and seen them watching from their apartments, nude, long fingers stroking their cocks as they stood before their own doors. She’d come seconds later, quivering as their jism splashed against the glass doors.

Enrique had rubbed his cock over the thick cream, and she’d imagined it smeared over her belly. Two windows over and one floor up, Luke had flicked his finger over the ejaculate, held it up for her to see, then looped his tongue around the digit. Another orgasm had shuddered through her.

For the last month it had become their nightly ritual. Tonight was no exception. Her heart pounded with anticipation. Juices trickled down her inner thighs. She knew their names, their professions…did they know hers? Did they know each other? It shouldn’t matter, but Vanessa knew that soon their midnight rendezvous wasn’t going to be enough. She craved the feel of their muscular bodies pressing her into the mattress, those heavy cocks pounding into her. Soon she’d have to make her move, choose one. It hardly seemed fair.

She placed a kitchen chair in front of the window and opened the drapes—the curtain to her stage. The sight of them waiting for her across the street hardened her nipples. Her arousal scented the air. Both men were gloriously naked, every muscle of their hard bodies defined by the lamplight around them. She’d used her resources at her law office to find out who they were.

Enrique worked construction with his father’s company, his Hispanic skin darkened all the more from days in the sun…from the waist up. A good ten inches of cock thrust up from a nest of dark curls.

Blond Luke was equally impressive. Being a stunt man kept him fit and agile. Nature hadn’t shorted him in the penis market either. In that respect, he and Enrique could have been twins. Luke was scuffing a towel over himself tonight. He must have had a late shoot and just showered.

Vanessa licked her lips, longing to suck the droplets from his skin. Was it so wrong to have them both?

Luke caught his erection in the sling of his towel and sawed back and forth. Vanessa palmed her breast and squeezed, then shifted her attention to Enrique. His dark-eyed gaze swept over her body. Her skin pebbled under the caress. When his gaze settled at the apex of her thighs, Vanessa sank into the chair and spread her legs wide. God, what she wouldn’t give to have one of their heads between them right now, hot tongues exploring her folds.

Groaning, she plucked at her nipple and traced her other hand around her clit. She imagined herself draped in Enrique’s arms, his callused fingers working her breasts until the sensation was too much to bear. Luke would wedge her thighs apart, mapping her pussy to one orgasm after the other. Weak and too spent to move, they’d carry her into her bedroom, drape her over her bed and spend hours fucking her. And when she thought she couldn’t come anymore, they’d show her that she could…and would.

Vanessa tossed her head back and twirled her fingers around her clit. She might offer a halfhearted protest to them. Neither would listen. These were men. Men who knew what they wanted and weren’t afraid to take it. Knew what she needed and weren’t afraid to give it to her.

She opened her eyes to them. Hands stroked thick erections now. Steely determination locked their sights on her. Those eyes would bore into her soul as they fucked her.

Why hadn’t they made a move? Why hadn’t they already come to claim her? She had their phone numbers. Why the hell didn’t she call them? If they burst into her apartment right now…

Vanessa arched into a groan. Could they see her pussy juices clinging to her bare labia and want a taste?

She fumbled for the dildo on the floor beside her. A flick of her thumb turned it on. Her gaze shifted between the two men. She could almost hear their moans as she plunged it deep inside. It could never match the feel of one of them pounding away.

Their fists moved faster. Luke reached between his thighs and fondled his balls. Vanessa knew from early on he liked that. Enrique stood, legs astride, hand clutching his dick. Once he caught her gaze, he glanced down at his cock, as if silently ordering her to come suck it. He’d be the type to force her to her knees and hold her head in place while her lips worked his erection…and Luke worked her from behind.

Her pussy clutched at the dildo. She was too close to coming. Once she did, they would, too. Generally, that meant the end of the show for the night. She wasn’t ready for that, not that she ever was.

What must they think of her, playing exhibitionist each night to their voyeurism? And yet they still showed up. Well…they were men after all. Hot-blooded, hard-bodied, big-dicked men!

Orgasm rolled over Vanessa in sweet waves of release. She forced her eyes open and saw Luke catch his orgasm in the towel. Enrique… She snapped upright. One hand braced on the glass door, while the other gripped the base of his cock. He’d choked off his release!

Did that mean he was going to stay longer? She should call him. Right now! Invite him over, beg him to…

A knock at her door jerked her around. She clutched for something to cover her nudity, as if she expected someone to burst in and witness her wanton act. That’s when she realized…

Who could be at my door at midnight?

She glanced over her shoulder to the apartment complex across the way. Both men were still at their windows and were frowning, most probably because she’d jumped up abruptly. Crazy as it sounded, it made her feel protected. Not that either of them could do anything from way over there, but still…

Vanessa snagged her robe from where she’d tossed it on back of the couch and rushed to the door for a look out the peep hole. A man stood in the hallway with a large, flat, white box tied with black satin ribbon. Judging from the navy slacks and white shirt with a delivery logo over the pocket, she presumed his purpose was to leave the box. Memories of bachelorette parties she’d attended filtered through her head—strippers disguised as cops, fireman, and UPS men. Maybe he’d gotten the wrong address.

“Could I help you?” she said through the door.

“I have a delivery for Vanessa Morgan,” he replied.

In the middle of the night? It’d better be a damn fine gift. I swear if one of my friends sent me a stripper… “From whom?”

“The card just says it’s from your midnight rendezvous.”

Vanessa’s knees buckled. Which one? Her hand shook as she unlocked the deadbolt and slid the security chain free. She could barely hear the man’s instructions to “Sign here” and couldn’t have described him after the fact if her life had depended on it.

She leaned against the door once she’d re-locked it, mesmerized by the heavy box. One tug and the ribbon would slide free. Were they watching her? Maybe just the one who’d sent the package. Did she dare look? A sudden bout of shyness made that impossible.

Placing it on the apothecary table—the center point in her small, bright living room—Vanessa sank into the armchair before it. If Enrique and Luke were watching, they could see her. She rubbed her fingers together as she pondered whether to yank the ribbon or slip it free with leisure. Her nipples rasped against her terrycloth robe.

Plucking the black satin between thumb and forefinger, she pulled and it slithered into shimmering pools at the sides of the white box. Hard breaths heaved her chest in anticipation of what was inside. She grabbed the sides and lifted the lid. A costume nestled in white tissue paper. Two cream vellum cards were on top of that.

Hands shaking, Vanessa opened the first card. Feathery script stared up at her. She couldn’t tell if it had been done by hand or on computer, but each letter was precisely aligned and each commanding word heated her blood a little more.

Your presence is required. A car will pick you up tomorrow night at seven. Be ready. Wear your long hair down and nothing but you beneath these clothes. It’s time we meet. You’ll be attending the annual celebration in honor of the Ladies’ League of Benevolence, held at the Historic Duran-Ortega Rancho. All you need do is wear this and be there.

“Oh…my…” She could scarcely breathe.

The league had been formed over one hundred-fifty years ago by the Duran and Ortega families. Their adjoining ranchos had been further linked when the Duran sisters married the Ortega brothers in 1849. History eventually revealed the men in the families had a little Zorro thing going on. Their efforts helped thousands of the poor. The charity celebration commemorated their efforts. Traditionally, attendees dressed in honor of them—the men as those infamous masked heroes and the women as their beautiful wives. Obviously, historical accuracy in period attire wasn’t a prerequisite. Romance and love were the order of the evening since those were what had built the foundation. Vanessa had always longed to go, and now…

Her fingers shook as she spread the tissue paper away. White smocked blouse, off-the-shoulder, and low-cut—elastic around the neckline would make it easy to pull down and expose her breasts. A red satin corset, chamois soft, not stiff. A flowing black skirt. And beneath it all…black slippers.

And nothing beneath. One of the men was claiming her. Which one?

She opened the second card. Need shot electric shocks down to her pussy with the first words.

Take the black ribbon and tie it into knots close together.

Lay naked on your table, pussy pointed toward the window for the world to see.

Wrap the ends of the ribbon around your hands and rake it over your clit.

Imagine yourself being filled completely.

Come. Come hard.

Tuck the ribbon, scented with your juices, in your blouse for the party.

No other perfume should mar your perfection.

And tomorrow night, other hands will hold the ribbon.

And you will come again…and again.

Vanessa’s clit throbbed in response. She pulled her head up for a look across the street. Both men had their drapes closed. She still had no idea who’d sent the costume. But she was sure of one thing—she was going to do exactly as the notes demanded.

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