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.
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.
