She resists him hard, but the beat of his heart echoes her own.
Rae Allen doesn’t believe in the happily-ever-after. After watching her mother deteriorate from a broken heart into a full depression, she vowed never to fall in love. She is living her dream, traveling the world, and getting paid for it. She does not need a man.
Dean Rowland has no complaints. He has a thriving business, more money than he’ll ever need, and supportive family and friends. Even after his fiancée ditched him at the altar, he kept going like nothing had happened. Swearing off women and affairs was his best decision.
One spring afternoon in Georgia, their lives collide. Rae’s first impression of Dean is that he’s hot; her second is he’s an ass. Dean isn’t expecting a sassy redhead trespassing into his property, let alone having to play host to her. Unknown to them, this unexpected weekend is only the beginning that will change their lives forever.
Until Rae’s rockstar best friend, Brandon, comes into the picture, stirring up jealousy and doubt between them. Struggling with unexpected passion, longing, and distrust in this emotional rollercoaster ride, will they recognize and embrace love when being in love is their biggest fear?
Every fairytale princess gets her happy ending but what about the villain?
Before I was named The Evil Queen, I longed for my own happy ending. My tale is one you will not expect. With vampire hoards attacking my home, I make a decision to save the ones I love. Now I’m having to live with the consequences of my actions.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall. Who’s the most fearsome of them all?
Based on Snow White fairy tale, Rotten to the Core is told from the Evil Queen’s point of view.
Today we have Jeremiah Borden from Amber Daulton’s Arresting Jeremiah. Let’s find out more about him and his story!
First, what is your name and how old are you?
Good morning, Eileen. It’s great to be here.
My name is Jeremiah Borden, but everyone calls me Jim. I know, it’s weird. Jim is usually short for James, and Jerry is short for Jeremiah, but I can’t stand the name Jerry. Just—ugh. Anyway, I’m thirty years old.
What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?
I’m a parole officer in Denver, Colorado, and I travel all throughout the tri-county area to visit my paroles. I have the highest rehabilitation rate for the officers in my district, but I’m no longer content with my job. Someone I work with betrayed me to the most powerful crime lord in the city. How can I keep working there when I don’t know who to trust?
What made you get into the situation you’re in now? Why?
Someone in my parole office stole some private files from me and gave them to a few gangbangers, who then went after my sister, her boyfriend, and me. A lot of crap went down and that should’ve been the end of it, but nope, I can’t let bygones be bygones. I need to know who betrayed me. It’s driving me nuts, so I did something very stupid and highly illegal. That mistake landed me and my new girlfriend, Calista, in hot water. Boiling hot, I tell you. Things will get better, though. I have to believe it.
What other conflicts are you facing?
One of my parolees has rejoined his old gang and is now slinging drugs again. He’s gone missing while I’m on suspension from the office, so I can’t help the police to track him down. Of course, that doesn’t stop him from targeting me, Calista, and her daughter.
On top of that, Cali’s violent ex-boyfriend is back and someone else is stalking her.
How many siblings do you have? Are you close or estranged?
Mia is the only one. We’re kinda close but not as tight as I wish. My job as a parole officer is sometimes dangerous, so I’ve erected a wall between us. I can’t let it bother me. I’ll do whatever I can to keep Mia—and my new ladylove, Calista—out of the crossfire. And yeah, I’ve gotten in more than my fair share of fights with some out-of-control parolees over the years. I know I can be a hardass, but that doesn’t give anyone the right to shoot at me.
If you could spend the day with someone you admire (living or dead or imaginary), who would you pick?
My dad. Two years ago, a drunk driver hit my mom’s minivan, and my parents died on impact. Mia and I were riding in the back. We both suffered concussions, and I broke my arm, but at least we survived. Losing my parents was tough, and I’m grateful I can’t remember the crash. My mind has blocked the memories.
Anyway, I’ve always looked up to my dad. He was a police sergeant and wanted me to follow in his footsteps. I wanted to make him proud, so I became a parole officer with plans to later join the Denver PD. After losing my folks and breaking my arm a second time, I finally decided law enforcement wasn’t right for me. I’d like to explain that to Dad since I never had the chance to tell him when he was alive. I think he would be proud of the man I am now, but he’d probably shake his head in how I got to be that man. I guess I’ll never know.
Do you have a pet? What kind? If you don’t what would you have if you could?
I have a cat, Niko. He’s an orange tabby and spoiled rotten. He thinks he owns the house and I live there to serve him. Well, the second part is true. I love that damn cat, and he takes full advantage of me because he knows he can.
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
I’d spend the day in bed with Calista. If lounging all day—rather, working up a sweat—isn’t an option, I’d be just as happy going to the movies or doing something fun with Calista and her daughter, Lacey. Lace is a smart kid, and I wish I could call her my own, but I’m determined to be the best father figure she would ever need.
Why do you think your author chose to write about you?
After Amber wrote Mia and Mason’s book, she saw how angry and frustrated I was. She wanted to give me a happy ending. Unfortunately, she has a thing for damaged, tortured heroes, so she put me through hell before slapping a big red, shiny bow on my life. I really should have a talk with her about that. What kind of crazy woman forces a man to fight when he’s already covered in bruises and has a broken arm? *he tsks* Just not right.
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.
“Why don’t you make yourself comfortable in the living room?” Calista abruptly stood and gathered the plates. As she leaned over the table, her V-neck blouse and gemstone necklace dipped low. Her cleavage swelled beyond the cups of her bra.
Yum. What a woman.
She cleared her throat with a soft rumble.
He jerked his gaze up to see her smirk.
“Done staring?”
“Hell, no. I could admire your form for hours.”
She grinned. “I’ll call Lacey and tell her goodnight. Then I’ll get dessert.”
“Need help?” He stood, reaching for his glass, but she grabbed it first.
“No, thanks. I—um—I need a few minutes alone.” She dropped her gaze and hurried into the kitchen. Her ankle-length skirt hugged her hips.
Look at that ass. Round, juicy, bitable.He shook his head. Cool it. She needed a breather. He’d pried a bit too much into her personal life, but she did the same with him.
He bypassed the adjacent living room and headed down the hall. Which door? He opened the last one on the right and flipped the light switch.
Damn. She was summer heat and sexy innocence. The white wicker bedroom set and sunflower-design bedspread couldn’t belong to anyone but Calista. His Calista.
A lone window overlooked the road at the rear of the building complex, and the plastic blinds clanked as he closed them. The perfume bottle on the vanity caught his eye. He sprayed the liquid contents into the air. Goddamn. That was her scent. His heart thumped faster. The floral aroma tightened his gut.
After stripping off his dinner jacket, he freed the buttons on his dress shirt and let the fabric gape. Then he kicked off his shoes and leaned against the wall to remove his socks. His arm knocked against his holstered handgun, so he withdrew the .22 from his belt.
Heat bloomed in his face. He should’ve asked Calista’s permission before he brought the firearm into her home. If she found it, she’d probably lecture him. He wrapped it in his jacket and placed it on the floor, out of the way.
“Except for the sling, I look pretty good.” He nodded at his reflection in the vanity mirror and yanked off the blasted sling. His shirtsleeve stretched tight over the hard, bulky cast.
He’d visited Rieger’s doctor the week prior for a checkup. Soon. The doc would cut off the fiberglass soon.
Candles topped the dresser and vanity, so he grabbed the lighter from the nightstand and lit the wicks. Then he turned off the overhead light. The soft fiery glow soothed his eyes. He jumped on the bed and angled himself on one arm and a mountain of pillows.
Footsteps echoed down the hall.
He puffed out his chest. If he misread her signals, then he’d crossed the line. He hoped to hell he hadn’t.
Blurb
When love and duty clash, his every action might be his last.
Injured Parole Officer Jeremiah “Jim” Borden never expected Calista Barlow, the sassy blonde waitress he’s craved for months, to ring his doorbell. She slips into his heart—and his bed—but he’s obsessed with a gangland investigation that threatens his career and maybe even his life.
Calista doesn’t trust easily, not with a daughter to protect and the stalker who keeps calling her. After her violent ex-boyfriend returns, she finds solace in Jim’s arms.
Jim may have to forego his need for answers to protect the ready-made family he adores, but how will he and Calista escape an unseen enemy that is always one step ahead of them?
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.
Stardust
S.K. White
After Roger survives a tragic accident, Liddy keeps vigil at her critically injured twin brother’s side. While sitting beside Roger, she notices strange and unexplained things that cause her to question her vision. Meanwhile… Ethan Hunter has a secret. Will Liddy ever figure out the marshal’s secret, or will it remain hidden forever?
Tagline
Galactic Marshal Ethan Hunter tracks an escaped prisoner hiding on earth and discovers an irresistible woman who could change his life forever. Will Ethan stay or go?
All Anastacia wanted was to control what she saw. But no one controls death.
Anastacia Geist escaped to New Orleans in hopes to control her ability to see spirits and other entities. Her gift, turned curse, gained the attention of more than her fair share of supernatural visitors. Lost in the dark and cold, she failed to see a future.
Mel Coster moved to the city of his dreams, filled with history and nightlife. His days of being his father’s business lackey were in the past, and his dream of opening a bar with his friend lay ahead. Until his future was stolen.
A chance meeting in City Park turns strangers into partners. Mel agrees to help keep spirits at bay while Anastacia learns to control her gift if she agrees to help him catch a killer. Through clues, detective work, and dark entities, they find something even death can’t overcome.
Finding someone to love her as much as her cat does, shouldn’t be this difficult! Sarcastic yet sweet Mellie, is cursed in the love department. Struggling to figure out who she is beyond her plant obsession, Mellie fails to maintain any relationship. When a handsome stranger, with an annoying knack for showing up everywhere she goes and ability to go toe-to-toe with her sass, moves in across the hall, even her cat can see Mellie’s in trouble.
A prophecy that kills your love life. Or a love life that could end up killing… well everything and everyone. Take your pick. Erich, the bookish son of Athena, has sworn to never give his heart away, thanks to the best romance killer of a prophecy the world has known. When Athena asks him for a favor, Erich’s curiosity gets the best of him, and he packs up his books and best friend and goes. Things spin out of control when Erich’s heart is enchanted by the woman who lives across the hall, with her sharp wit, love for plants, and annoying cat.
When the world of myth and magic becomes more than something she read in a book, Mellie discovers she’s more a part of Erich’s world than either of them realized. As they battle both their attraction to each other, and monsters from the underworld, one thing becomes clear – love can either save their lives or destroy them.
Today we have Mason Harding from Amber Daulton’s Arresting Mason. 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 the interview. I haven’t done one in a while.
I’m Mason Harding from Aurora, Colorado, but I moved to Denver to live with my brother. That’s where my story takes place.
Mason means “stone worker,” and Harding means “hardness.” It’s kinda funny. From the cradle, I had no chance to grow into a big softy of a man. Thanks, Mom and Dad. But, whatever. It worked in my favor since I’m as hard as they come.
Tell us a bit about Arresting Mason.
After ten years in prison, I’m now on parole and determined to live straight. Then I meet Mia Eddison. She’s the hottest woman I’ve ever seen and way out of my league, but I can’t stop thinking about her. We have an instant connection and things are going great, but then her brother—my parole officer—finds out about us. Things spiral out of control from there.
What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?
I’m a mechanic, and yeah, I’m pretty damn good at the job. I like it too. My dad taught me everything I know about cars, and even though we don’t talk anymore, I’m still grateful to him for showing me the ropes. In all honesty, I didn’t plan to be a grease monkey growing up—in fact, I never really thought about the future when I was a stupid teen—but then I landed in prison and everything changed. A few years before my parole, I participated in an automotive work/study program to brush up on my rusty skills.
What is your family like?
Alan is supportive but overprotective. After all the crap I’ve put him through, though, I understand why he watches over me like I’m still a kid. His son, Danny, is adorable. I love my nephew to death, and I’m determined to not set a bad example for him. My parents and I are estranged. Alan is pressuring me to make amends with Mom, but I don’t think it’ll happen any time soon.
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Most people in my situation would probably say going to prison, but not me. The most terrible thing I ever did was when I robbed a liquor store with some friends. I knew it was wrong, but did it anyway. That mistake affected the outcome of my life, and there’s a part of me that wishes I could take it back. Then again, I don’t think I would change anything I’ve ever done or had done happen to me because I’m happy right now. I have Mia and a great job, and I probably wouldn’t have either without doing the mistakes I’ve made.
Who was your first love?
I’ve had a lot of girlfriends before I met Mia, but never loved them. I cared about them, sure, but after being cheated on a few times, I’d learned to step out first before the girl I cared about stabbed me in the back. I regret doing so, and I’ve vowed to never hurt Mia like that. She’s my first love, and I know better than to throw away her trust.
How would Mia describe you?
That’s a loaded question. Mia would probably say I’m more stubborn than she is and that I have a temper problem. That’s true. I’m a hothead, and I let my emotions control me too often. She would also say I’m gorgeous and the best lover she’s ever had (at least I hope she would).
Why do you think your author chose to write about you?
Because I’m sexy. No, not buyin’ that? All right, well, let’s see. My author, Amber, chose to write about me because she believes everyone deserves a second chance at life and to right their wrongs. Color me surprised, though. I didn’t think anyone would care about my story. I went to prison for ten years for a stupid, drunken mistake, but now I’m free and determined to stay out of trouble. It’s difficult, yeah, but I’m a stubborn man. I also have a good woman in my life. Mia is everything to me, so I’ll do what I must to stay away from my past. Amber wanted to show my redemption, and I can’t thank her enough for it.
What do you wish your author had not told others about you?
That’s a loaded question. I like Amber a lot, but she deserves a spanking for revealing all my secrets. The main thing I wish she would’ve kept quiet is the incident in the shower room. I was still in prison at the time, and a few pricks attacked me. Though I managed to fight them off before they got what they wanted from me, it was the most humiliating experience of my life, and not something I wanted blasted all over the Internet. But since you can read about it in my book, I guess I’m all right with telling ya about it here.
What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
Jim Borden, Mia’s arrogant brother and my parole officer, needs a lady love to knock him down a few pegs. Alan deserves a story too. He’s raising his son alone after his ex-wife skipped town, and I would do anything to see Alan happy with a good woman at his side.
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.
“Which one is your car?” She glanced around the crowded parking lot. A few streetlights pushed back the darkness and shadows. The restaurant served customers until midnight on the weekends, but no one loitered in the lot, at least from what Mia could see.
“Don’t have one at the moment.” Mason hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. “I took the bus. It stopped a few blocks from here.”
“Would you like a ride?” She pulled the car keys from her purse. “I feel a little ridiculous we met here tonight. I just wasn’t sure if you were some kind of freak.”
His eyebrow lifted, and he closed the distance between them as a tiger would zero in on its mate. A sexy, masculine smile curled his lips. “Have you made up your mind yet?”
“I’ll let you know in the morning.” Desire trickled down her spine. Mia nodded toward the passenger side of the car for him to hop in.
He confiscated her keys instead to unlock and open the driver’s side door for her like a gentleman. Then he leaned closer and nuzzled her temple with his nose.
Not sure if he planned to seduce her in the parking lot or if he merely wanted to tease her, Mia pressed her hand to his chest and tried to think straight. “You’re the first guy I’ve gone on a date with since my divorce. I haven’t slept with anyone since Evan.”
He tunneled his fingers through her wavy, chestnut-brown hair. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time either. We’ll take it slow or fast, whatever you want, but I promise you one thing. After I’m done with you, you won’t even remember that bastard’s name.”
Oh, God. She almost melted right then and there. “Fast. I want you, Mason.”
“Take me to your place and you can have me.”
Blurb
Once you’re in a prison gang, you’re in it for life. That’s what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother—his parole officer—catches them together and doesn’t approve.
Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets, but never expects those secrets to threaten her life.
When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason’s return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?
This is truly happening, she thought, and I’m the sacrificial lamb. But she didn’t belong here. She wasn’t one of them. She didn’t want to be a Maiden, a devil’s paramour.
Her parents kept secrets from her. But until Mel Morgan travels to Creek’s Hollow, those secrets stayed hidden away. Now, Mel discovers she comes from a long line of witches, and she’s been chosen to battle the evil that has invaded this tiny town and her life. As she uncovers shocking family secrets, Mel finds herself falling fast for the handsome sheriff and she forges friendships with a clairvoyant and a professor of the paranormal. But will Mel’s newly discovered witch powers be strong enough to defeat an evil relative and an even more sinister demon named Belial? She’s about to find out when all hell breaks loose.
I wrote the novella Elizabeth, published by Magnolia Blossom, because it is about a city journalist who must adjust to a small town in rural Australia. She deals with lifestyle differences and learns to adapt, make friends, and find true love where she least expected it.
Set in the fictional town of Bandara in western Queensland in 1996-1997, the story focuses on a love triangle between Elizabeth, city lawyer Paul Ricci, and handsome farmer Keith Starling. Elizabeth must choose between Paul and Keith, but she doesn’t see things clearly until a few hidden truths start to pop out in the novella.
The story is fun and flirty – it’s the prequel to the Starling Sisters series, a trilogy coming soon.
Much of the novella’s setting is based on a country town I lived in when I was a reporter for a rural newspaper. A few elements in the story are based on real memories , including stumbling around in the cattle saleyards, interviewing the football team (and not reading their names aloud after), and living in an apartment where there were King Brown snakes in the backyard and poorly designed doors.
Writing Elizabeth brought light into my world, reminding me of the beauty of rural Australia. I hope that romance readers wanting to know a bit about the outback will enjoy the story.
Here’s a peek at the story:
I tried getting up from the ground, but my sneakers’ rubber soles glided into the mud again, and my body caved into gravity for the second time. I got on all fours to balance myself as the cattle grunted and shook their heads while their tails swung the pesky flies away. My notepad was soiled, and only God knew where my pen went—it disappeared somewhere in the smelly mud. The camera was protected inside its hard case, but I would have to check it later.
“What are ya’ bloody doing in here?” a deep, masculine voice boomed as a strong hand grabbed my arm, pulling me off the ground.
“I plan to get a close-up photo of the cattle for a story I’m writing,” I explained, squinting at the man’s sky-blue eyes. “I’m Elizabeth Martin from the Maranoa Herald.”
“Keith Starling.” The man shook my hand while his eyes sparkled with friendliness, betraying his otherwise stern face.
Dressed in jeans and worn leather boots, Keith reminded me of “The Man from Snowy River,” a poem by Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. He adjusted the collar of his blue cotton shirt and tilted his felt Akubra® hat, which pressed down his blond curls.
“Well, you don’t belong here,” he growled. “Next time, you better bloody ask one of the staff instead of sneaking around—”
“I don’t belong here?” I started to feel rage crawl up from my gut, ready to explode. “How am I supposed to get a story when no one wants to talk to me? I tried interviewing your cowboy mates out there, and do you know what?”
“What?” Mister Cowboy placed his hands on his slender hips.
“They all ignored me!”
We stared at each other. Our bodies paralleled one another with dominance, feet wide apart, chests out, and shoulders straight. Neither of us relented.
“Oi, Starlo! Get the girl outta there!” one of the farmers called out from the platform above us.
“She’s all good, mate!” Keith yelled back, then turned to me. “I’ll give you an interview.”
Blurb
It’s 1996 and Elizabeth has to choose: work for six months at a country newspaper, Maranoa Herald, or lose her job. Convincing herself this is just another stepping stone, Elizabeth leaves the city and her fiancé, lawyer Paul Ricci, for a small town in rural Australia. Despite the scorching heat and pests, Bandara holds a charm of its own—Keith Starling, a handsome farmer with sky-blue eyes and a spellbinding smile.
It’s 1996 and Elizabeth has to choose: work for six months at a country newspaper, Maranoa Herald, or lose her job. Convincing herself this is just another stepping stone, Elizabeth leaves the city and her fiancé, lawyer Paul Ricci, for a small town in rural Australia. Despite the scorching heat and pests, Bandara holds a charm of its own—Keith Starling, a handsome farmer with sky-blue eyes and a spellbinding smile.
What happens when Elizabeth returns to the city and discovers what Paul’s been hiding from her? Will she choose her career or everlasting love in the country with Keith? Find out in this steamy Australian romance novella, a prelude to the Starling Sisters series.
An orphan. A deity. And a kiss that breaks hell loose.
And it was a scorching hot kiss, too. My name is Katarina. Last week I was stuck in a dead-end life with a soul-sucking government job as my only future. I figured I’d die there.
Then Kaden blitzed into my life with those golden, all-seeing eyes of his. I should have been suspicious. Instead, I was swept away in a glorious tide of Kaden’s affections. With one kiss, he ignited my world; and not just in a good way. Becoming a goddess comes with risks. With the government chasing me and a rebellion hounding me… everybody suddenly knows who I am — and I don’t like it. And that deity who started all this trouble?
Well, he’s also a shifter. Three shifters, to be exact, and they’re all mine. Or I’m theirs; depends who you ask. Oh. And I have to master my magic. If I don’t figure out my new powers fast enough? I’ll die. No pressure, right?
