Hackett impresses me with this series. She takes tough and broken people and brings them together in a dangerous situation. They are faced with losing someone they want to be with but have held back because they think they aren’t right for the other person. Again, this is a combo of military, paranormal, romance and other aspects. I LOVE how she makes the women strong and determined even if they aren’t able to overcome the people they are fighting against. They try and they are smart about it. Smith and Kinsey both have feelings for each other. Smith had a bad first marriage so he’s sworn off relationships. And the Kinsey is kidnapped…. multiple times. Kinsey grew up in an abusive household and she’s made the choice to be a happy person but underneath it all, she lacks confidence in her own value. Smith is determined to find her. She just a part of the team and so delicate but he discovers her strength in all the shit she’s put through and his love for her. It’s a solid story. I read it in one sitting – unusual for me.
Hackett has done it again. She’s thrown military, humor, paranormal, romance into a big pot, mixed it up and come up with a solid story which makes you feel all the feels. January and Seth do not like each other. In their first encounter, January gave Seth a black eye. She’s an archeologist and he’s part of team 52. They fight and bicker but they also get real when they need to. This is a great addition to the series and I’m looking forward to the third one.
Hackett has mixed military, paranormal, thriller, and romance. She threw this all into a jar and dumped it out into a story which I could not put down. Lachlan is a hardened military man who is married to his job. Rowan is a scientist who is involved in a gig at the polar ice cap. They discover something new and different. The problem is the artifact wreaks havoc. In comes Team 52 and hardened military guy meets his match in lonely scientist. There’s humor, danger, mystery, and all the feels. It’s steamy and smexy while having a good plot which makes it so you don’t want to put the book down. This book kept me up until 3:30 in the morning.
He goes to the island as an innocent favor for a friend only to fall into an unexpected engagement.
Chris Sullens, a globally recognized hotelier, only intended to stay in Vinalhaven for a single day. So why would he forsake his hard-earned vacation to assist a gorgeous and spirited innkeeper with organizing a wedding?
Rowan Kelly is determined to throw her cousin a stunning island wedding despite the incomplete and unstaffed state of her newly inherited inn. The stubborn woman is not interested in having Chris meddling in her plans, but she has no choice. He’s there to stay—at least for the next two weeks. Besides, Chris is absolutely confident his charm will chip at her grumpy outer layer.
But there is a lot more to Rowan Kelly than what meets the eyes. Her tempting curves and siren-like voice alone challenge his self-restraint. But when he suddenly becomes the devoted “fiancé” of the tenacious woman, even Rowan can’t deny the fire they ignite when they touch.
It’s all fun to play her husband-to-be at first. But as mysterious incidents keep happening, Chris wonders if his presence on the quaint island is jeopardizing Rowan’s safety? But can he leave her now when he craves her every minute of every day?
Today we have Benjamin Starwell from Amber Daulton’s Arresting Benjamin. Let’s find out more about him and his story!
For the record, what’s your name and where are you from?
Hey, Eileen. Thanks for inviting me to chat today.
I’m Benjamin Starwell, but since my dad is also a Benjamin, rather a Ben, everyone calls me Benji. Some people snicker about the shortened form of my name because of that movie with the scruffy dog, but I don’t care what people think about me. I grew up and still live in Denver, Colorado, and the last thing I want to do is leave. I might have to, though. It all depends on how things work out with Belle.
When you look in a mirror, what do you see? Physically and personality-wise?
I see a dedicated, hardworking, and stubborn man with blue eyes, a perpetual five o’clock shadow, and shaggy, auburn hair that curls around my ears. I’m pretty broad in the shoulders and chest, and I top out at about six-feet-two. I’m loyal to those I love. When I set my mind to something, I do it. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts.
What’s your goal in this story? To make amends with Belle. A few months back, we had a one-night stand, and I skipped out on her. I regret that more than anything else I’ve done in my life.
What conflicts are you facing?
Whew! Where do I start?
Belle has a stalker who’s leaving her threatening messages and trying to derail her music career. The threats keep escalating, and the police aren’t worth their badges.
Then there’s Meghan, my estranged sister. She’s back in town with a ton of baggage, but she’s acting like her shit don’t stink. Though I’m relieved she’s left her drug lord boyfriend, she’s dumped all her problems on my lap and expects me to fix everything.
I swear, if it wasn’t for the women in my life, I’d be bored.
What did you think the first time you saw Belle?
Hot. Mouth-watering, screw-me-sideways hot. I don’t mean to get too graphic, but it was like all the blood in my body pooled between my legs and zapped my commonsense. Not that I melted into a puddle at Belle’s feet. I have more self-control than that. But honestly, I was a goner. That’s why I disappeared on her the next morning.
What is your occupation? Are you any good at it?Do you like it?
My dad opened Ben’s Auto Repair years ago when I was little, and when he passed on, I inherited the business. Everything I know I learned from him. I love my job. Though I’d rather get my hands dirty and work on an engine, I’m usually stuck in the office filing paperwork, calling suppliers, or taking inventory of my stock more often than not these days. That’s the curse of being the boss.
What skill do you have that you’re proud of?
Other than being an awesome mechanic (no arrogance there, I really am good), I’m fairly skilled at playing the keyboard. I’ve always enjoyed music, whether I’m playing or listening to it, but I had to choose which of my two great loves to pursue when I was a teenager—the garage or music. I picked the former. I just didn’t have time for both.
Do you own your own home or rent?
I live in a two-story duplex and share a central wall with Lando, my landlord. Crazy name, right? It’s like the man was born to be a landlord, but I don’t have room to talk with a name like Benji. Anyway, he’s the best. Lando hasn’t upped my rent in years, and now that he’s getting older, he deducts my payment when I mow the grass and do general upkeep on the house.
What event in your past has left the most profound impression on you?
Meeting Alan. Meghan was in the process of getting her life back together, so she brought home her new boyfriend for a family meet and greet. Al blew me away. I was expecting a womanizing drunk since Meghan always went for pricks like that, but Alan was anything but. He was polite, sober, and genuinely liked her. At the time, he was estranged from his own brother, and since Meghan and I weren’t close, we found common ground and bonded. Even after Meghan went off the rails and broke up with him, Al and I stayed friends. He’s like the brother I never had.
What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
You’ll meet three characters in my book that will have a story of their own.
Belle’s friends, Shea and Trevor, will have a second chance romance in Trevor’s Redemption, which is now available for preorder at the low cost of 99 cents.
Arresting Alan, starring you-know-who, will be released in April 2024. Alan’s no longer hung up on my sister, and I want him to find happiness and love with someone else. He’s been through a lot and deserves only the best.
About Amber Daulton
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Benji wrapped his arms around her from behind. “We’ve already christened your bedroom. What’s next—the kitchen counter, wall, or futon? I prefer the balcony, but it’s too damn cold.”
“The counter.” She giggled. Did that girly sound come from her mouth?
He shifted her in his embrace and cupped her cheek. The shadows dancing across his face deepened his blue eyes like ocean waves in a midnight storm. He gripped her waist and lifted her into his arms.
Belle clamped her legs around him and clutched his strong shoulders. Their mouths meshed and tongues twisted together. The oh-so-yummy shaft in his jeans pressed against her belly.
He carried her to the kitchen and bumped into a chair. “Ouch, damn it.” The wood screeched on the floor as he hobbled, nearly dropping her.
She laughed, holding him tighter. As he sat her by the sink, she sucked his bottom lip between her teeth. A husky groan escaped his mouth. “You’re wearing too many clothes.” She plucked his dress shirt from his jeans and yanked off her blouse.
Benji jerked the shirt over his head. His undershirt followed. He skimmed his index finger beneath her bra strap, lighting a trail of heat along her shoulder.
“Yes. There.” She gripped his hard arms as he teased her throbbing pulse with his tongue. Then he laved his naughty touch across the swell of her breasts. His breath fanned her like a sauna. “No. Wait.” She grappled for him as he twisted from her hold.
“Naked. Now.” He pushed up her skirt and pulled down her thick insulated stockings. “Shit.” The fabric bunched around her boots, so he unzipped the leather and tossed them over his shoulder. The boots thumped across the room. Then he pulled off her hose and panties.
Belle unbuttoned his jeans and pushed down the denim.
His hard cock sprang from a bush of dark curls with a pearl drop moistening the tip. He gripped her hips and speared her in one long thrust.
“Oh, God!” She arched her back and banged her head on a cabinet door.
Blurb
A one-night stand, a surprise baby, and a mysterious stalker.
Mechanic Benjamin Starwell can’t stop thinking about Belle Hamlin, the ballsy musician he slept with and skipped out on months earlier. He never meant to get her pregnant, but he’ll do whatever it takes to win back her trust and be a part of his child’s life. His desire for Belle drives him to be a better man, but he’s worn thin with a garage to run and his estranged sister dumping her troubles on him.
Belle’s juggling impending motherhood, her indie rock career, and a stalker who’s determined to see her fail. Even though she’s desperate to get her priorities straight, she pushes aside her past hurt and welcomes Benji back into her bed. She never expects him to slip into her heart.
When the danger escalates, they face the greatest challenge of all—protecting their unborn child.
Vortex of Desire is Black Velvet Seductions’ latest Sci-fi Romance Anthology. It contains an amazing group of authors who journey beyond space and time to prove love has no boundaries. Join us as we venture into perilous worlds and explore hidden desires which lie beyond the wormhole; or discover a torrent of adventures here on earth and experience love that will not be denied. Whether it’s a trek through the stars or an escape into new realities close to home, Vortex of Desire has something for everyone: mystery, humor, sweet to spicy romances, adventure and suspense. These diverse writers will transport you to new realms and introduce you to intriguing life forms, aliens, exotic creatures, mad scientists, and monsters. Buckle up and get ready to experience the twists and turns of Vortex of Desire. We hope you enjoy the voyage.
Eden Dome
Eileen Troemel
Brenna must escape or submit to the rules of Eden Dome. Supervisor Mallow attempts to force her to be with him. He intends to teach her how to be submissive. Brenna has no intention of following the rule but she’s held back by her love for one person, Jet. He’s her only friend and the only one she wants to be with.
Jet has loved Brenna since he was ten though he’s never told her. The Dome rules forbid mixing between males and females until after a female has produced two children by different male. Jet will not let harm come to Brenna. But the only way to protect her may be deadly.
If Jet and Brenna defy the rules of Eden Dome, will they survive the outside world? Or is it as toxic as the elders say?
What if you’ve known the love of your life since he was six years old and happens to be your little brother’s best friend? But the man whom Callie runs into in the middle of the desert in Morocco isn’t the little Brandon Rossi she once knew. He is a work of art.
Brandon Rossi is the boy-next-door in a rock star package. As the front man of the rock band Canis Major, a visual artist, and an avid stargazer, he expresses his thoughts and feelings through his music, arts, and tattoos. When he hits an invisible wall that hinders his ability to create, he starts on a quest to find inspiration. Who knew Brandon’s ultimate inspiration comes in the form of an unconventional beauty with golden eyes? He did. He always knew because she was the one who got away.
Calliope Chen-Bisset, a hard-working Parisian art gallerist, has gone through many hurdles in life. She was once broken, but she has put herself back together—piece by piece. But she never thought she’d be whole again until a blast from the past reminds her of who she is. The years haven’t dulled their connection. They’ve intensified it.
Brandon is willing to lay down everything for her now that they get their second chance, but will Calliope trust him like she once did? Will she let a little fact that he is her brother’s best friend stop her? Or will it be her past that cast a shadow on their future?
This book has mature situations and some domestic violence themes, though without graphic depiction, which may be considered triggers for some. However, it is also a story of rising from the ashes stronger. Reader discretion is advised.
Today we have Ryan Naylor from Amber Daulton’s Ryan’s Temptation. Let’s find out more about him and his story!
Who are you, and what do you look like?
Hi, Eileen. Thanks for inviting me over. The cookies are delicious, by the way.
My name is Ryan Naylor, and I’m a doctor at the Holmfast Medical Clinic in Denver, Colorado. I’m six feet tall with broad shoulders and a lean build. My blond hair is short but long enough that a few locks often fall into my eyes, which are dark-brown. The cleft in my chin drives Chanel crazy. She loves dipping her finger in it.
What’s your goal in this story?
To survive. You always think something bad will happen to someone else—never to you—but I learned the hard way. Believe me, having a serial killer for a stalker is no picnic.
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
Free time? I don’t know. I’m used to always being on call, on the go. I’m a bit of a workaholic, actually. But if I really didn’t have anything to do or worry about, I’d take a trip to the mountains and go hiking, or maybe biking. Perhaps whitewater rafting. With Chanel, of course.
Do you own your own home or rent?
Rent. My apartment is actually right above Chanel’s apartment, just two stories up.
Do you get by, live comfortably, or live extravagantly?
I live comfortably. Lots of people think doctors are wealthy since the cost of health care is astronomical in this country, and I know some doctors, especially surgeons, are well off. Not me, though. I’m just your standard men’s health doctor. I have lots of bills, including college debt, and I don’t own or want to own a sports car. The cost of living is absurd, and I took a pay cut when I left the hospital to work at a private health clinic.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Chanel. She’s the funniest person I know, and her humor leans toward sarcastic. She can just give me a look, and I know what she’s thinking or if she’s about to tease me. Our connection is deep and powerful.
Do you have a pet? What kind? If you don’t, what kind would you like to have?
I haven’t had a pet since I was a kid, but I surprised Chanel with a mixed-breed puppy last Christmas. She named the dog Angel.
If you could spend the day with someone you admire (living or dead or imaginary), who would you pick?
I’d choose my dad. He died from diabetes-related complications when I was ten. Before he passed on, I was a normal, carefree kid and only cared about video games and ice cream. Afterward, I spent more time playing outside to keep active and studied more to do better in school. Losing him changed the course of my life. I wanted to become a doctor so I could help people.
What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue and why?
Pride. Back in school, I married my college sweetheart, Kate. I loved her, but our jobs and responsibilities drew us apart. I should’ve listened when she told me she was unhappy, but I let my pride get in the way. Even though I’m happy with Chanel and love her more than life itself, I wish I would’ve been a better husband to Kate. Though, if I had been, we might still be married. I can’t see anyone but Chanel in my life, so I wouldn’t change what happened with Kate if I could.
Tell us three things about yourself that the readers do not know about.
Hmm, let’s see…I love margaritas, I once faced down a gunman in the ER, and I can’t sing worth a damn. Really, a dying toad has a better voice than me. It’s pathetic.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes. Even though my book has its dark moments, it’s ultimately a story about love, strength, and the fragility of the human spirit. Life is all about taking chances. If something goes wrong, do your best to keep your head up and move on, or try again.
What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
Two of Chanel’s friends show up in my story. Belle is the mouthy musician who helped Chanel and me out of a jam, and Shea is the reserved computer graphics designer at the TV station where Chanel went off the deep end. Amber, my author, has already written their books. Belle meets her match in Arresting Benjamin, and Shea’s love life spirals out of control in Trevor’s Redemption.
About Amber Daulton
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Ryan came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and rested his chin on top of her head. “Dipper will be after us again if we return.”
“I’m enjoying our time here, but if we hide for the rest of our lives, then he’s won.” Please, God. Let Ryan understand. She leaned against her lover’s chest and teased the hair on his forearms. His warmth seeped into her. “Mackeroy and Detective Boyle promised to catch Dipper within a week, but they didn’t. Even after he shot up the motel and killed two people, they still can’t find him. Now, another woman has died. Who’s next?”
“I’m as disgusted as you are, but running back into danger won’t help us—or anyone. We’re only witnesses, not trained professionals who know how to locate and apprehend psychotics. Let’s give Boyle and the boys in blue a few more weeks.”
She sighed, stilling her fingers. He didn’t get it.
The married couple in the Lazy Pines Motel room next to theirs had died from stray bullets. Another motel patron had suffered a heart attack from the barrage of ammo ripping into the building, but at least he survived.
Bile burned up her throat. Those people would still be alive and whole if she and Ryan had never been there. How many more had to die before the police caught Dipper? Would the bastard ever stop searching for her? She couldn’t be indirectly responsible for another death—her soul couldn’t take it. She turned in Ryan’s hold and dipped her finger in his cleft chin.
He wasn’t a coward. No way.
He’d stood on the frontlines so many times—from facing down a gunman in the emergency room to fighting diseases and keeping a smile on a dying patient’s face. Some of the stories he’d told her damn near broke her heart.
Only one option remained. Her heart clenched from the sorrow sweeping through her. If Ryan knew the thoughts swirling in her head, he would probably tie her to the bed. She might like that under normal circumstances.
“Okay. I’ll stay.” The lie fell off her tongue like poison. She brushed her palm across the whiskers dotting his cheek. Oh, Lord. She would miss him. They lived in the same apartment building, so of course, they would see each other again after all this—if she hadn’t already made a date with a casket. The muscles in her shoulders cramped tighter. She would live. She had to.
“Let’s go to bed. I want you naked and safe in my arms.” He teased his lips over her hairline and down to her temple. “I’m going to lick the little button between your legs until you spiral into a thousand pieces.”
She shivered. He could do it too. Why couldn’t she keep her lover and do the right thing? Too bad life wasn’t fair. Mackeroy needed bait to draw Dipper out of hiding, so why not dangle what the lunatic wanted right in his face? Hell, yes. Two could play this game.
To save lives, Chanel would volunteer as bait.
Blurb
Wrong place, wrong time. Now she’s running for her life.
Beautician Chanel Leroc can wield a pair of scissors like nobody’s business. After she witnesses a murder and lands on a serial killer’s hit list, she has to figure out how to protect herself—and fast. The killer tracks her down, but her sexy new neighbor, Dr. Ryan Naylor, drives the brute off.
The police dump the pair in a witness protection program, which doesn’t last long. Either the killer has a connection to the police, or he’s far more intelligent than they realize. All Chanel wants to do is get back to her safe life and get to know her neighbor better. Instead, she and Ryan hit the road and try to survive on their own.
How will they stay alive and keep their blooming romance intact with the killer hot on their trail?
Fresh from a breakup, Sapphire Blake embarks on a new journey as a college student. Freeing herself from the expectations of others, innocent Sapphire experiments with her new casual lover, Vera Richland.
Handsome, smart and intimidating, Julian Richland finds himself enthralled with Saira Quinn, a powerful woman willing to pay top dollar for his time in the bedroom. To pay his debts and continue his lavish lifestyle, Julian discovers a world filled with sex, drugs, and lies.
Vera introduces Sapphire to her brother and sparks fly. Julian sees a sexy vixen who he wants despite her conservative background. He desires to school her in passion but he must keep his budding relationship secret.
Will his secrets and his desires put Sapphire in danger?
When Joanne McCarthy was given the opportunity to join a company as a Construction Diver, in a world dominated almost completely by men, a long-held dream finally came true.
Joanne was aware the career she had chosen didn’t have a glass ceiling for women that would be difficult to shatter—It had one of solid steel which couldn’t be penetrated.
Or so she thought.
Less than four years later, the respected construction diver found herself in a position she never imagined was possible. Somehow, Joanne had found a way around the steel barrier and was now running her small part of the world.
Boston Canon, a respected scientist, cared about the ocean and the creatures who call the environment home.
When he and his business partner finally received permission to research the ocean and reef nearby a new platform, he was elated.
What he wasn’t prepared for was the beautiful woman in charge. A woman whose work was in opposition to his own.
Can these two find common ground?
Or will their opposing work goals tear them apart?
The first 10 chapters were first published in the Run the World Anthology
Susan Horsnell bio
Susan Horsnell writes romance from sweet to hot.
Strong social themes are a feature in her books.
She grew up in Manly, NSW, Australia, and has traveled Australia and the World on postings with her Naval Officer husband of 48 years.
She lives with her husband and fur baby – Gemma-Jean, a young Jack Russell Terrier, in a small village in the mountains in Queensland, Australia.
Since retiring from a nursing career of 37 years, she has been able to indulge her passion for writing. The family enjoys traveling the country with their RV when not at home renovating.
While I waited for Asher to call back, an idea formed. I grabbed Miles and Isaac, and after getting back into our gear, we hit the water, swimming the short distance to the recalcitrant leg. Glancing around, I saw the other three were perfectly positioned and embedded in the sea floor.
Indicating for Miles to open the toolbox holding the welding equipment, Isaac and I set it up and started working on the joint. We hoped by using the welder the heat might free anything that was holding the leg in place. Our intention was to force the joint apart.
I closely studied the area where the extension joint circled the leg, and Isaac, who had assisted in assembling the components, did the same. He pointed to a slightly wider part of the metallic join where we could begin, and I brought the welder to life.
Everything from that point happened faster than the speed of light. There was an almighty explosion, and I was thrown through the water. A searing pain in my arm raced up to my shoulder and exploded inside my head. Everything turned black.
