Saturday, December 31, 2011

Snippet Saturday – Endings

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Today’s snippet theme is Endings. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

tc_sp_bodycravings_smallAn snippet from Body Cravings

Glancing at her desk, her gaze landed on the calendar. Gasping, Amara noted the date. She hadn’t realized today was the day.

A shaft of sorrow filled her. Absently, she rubbed her hand over her heart as she wondered when the pain would fade. It had been over three years since those last hurtful words justifying his actions had been aimed at her by her fiancé Kevin.

“You’re lousy in bed and that’s why I had to get my needs filled elsewhere.” She had thrown him out as his last insult was hurled. “No man wants to get frostbite in bed. Call me when you melt.”

At that moment, with all her contempt, she had wished him dead. She had hated him with every fiber of her being.

“Amara, are you okay?” Jacques asked with concern in his voice.

Pushing back the memories, she nodded and glanced up at him, smiling. She didn’t think it was very convincing but he watched her a moment before returning his attention back to the sheaf of papers.

Holding herself very still she tried to stop the memories, but they overwhelmed her. Hours after their last words, when the police came to tell her of his death, she hadn’t wanted to believe. They said the crash had happened less than two miles from her house. Since he had no family and she was listed as his next of kin, she had gone to the morgue to identify him. The sight of his lifeless body made all the pain and self-doubt rush to consume her. She had pushed it aside to plan his burial.

At his funeral, which she paid for, she learned the truth of his duplicity. A woman approached her, spraying venomously that Amara had killed him with her selfishness. Amara had no idea what she meant. She had thought Kevin was happy, that they were in love. The woman pulled a little boy forward who was the exact image of Kevin, and proceeded to tell the child to study the woman who’d killed his and his unborn sister’s daddy. A glance at the little boy, who appeared to be no more than three years old, and the sight of the woman’s enlarged belly made Amara realized that Kevin had been cheating a long time. Maybe Kevin had been right, she had driven him to cheat. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t known.

The whispers and titters around the room had increased as the woman’s ranting escalated. Amara had been too numb to even think or move. Dominique Rule, her friend, led her away to a private room. Imani, her sister, joined them and tried to help console her. The room quickly filled with friends, old family friends and various Trescott Cove residents that she knew, who wanted to know if she was okay. Her other friends Sienna Zain and Hunter Willis quickly came and cleared the room of all the people who cared but at that point were too much to take. She didn’t need their concern or pitying glances. The incident had killed whatever love she’d had for Kevin and the guilt she felt.

Coming back to the present, Amara watched Jacques engrossed in the contracts he was reading. Something had always held her back from real fulfillment or entanglements and she never realized what it was, at least until now. Silently she admitted she still hadn’t fully gotten over what Kevin had said about her. She had tried one-night stands and they had only left her empty. It had been over a year since she had been with a man and hadn’t had any serious connections since Kevin.

You should leave well enough alone. You’re successful, have a great home and are happy with your life as it is, Amara thought.

Happy? Are you really happy? her inner voice asked.

Amara jumped when Jacques spoke.

“Thanks for all your work on this.” Jacques signed the papers and stood.

Pushing aside the thoughts, she focused on business. Standing quickly, she put out her hand. Jacques accepted it in a firm grip. Goosebumps raised along her skin. Biting her lip, she cursed her attraction to him.

Jacques spoke again. “Sampson was correct about your discretion ... and tenacity.”

Pleased with his compliment, Amara came around her desk to escort him out. “Thank you. Congratulations on acquiring Tevron Corp. I’ll forward the copies to you at Falcone International in Milan and give Sampson the original when he returns.” At the door, she waited for him to step through and leave.

Jacques stopped and studied her, an unfathomable expression on his face. “Amara, I want to give you a gift for all of your hard work. What do you want?”

The words tumbled out before she could even think about them. “I want you naked on a chair and ready to do whatever I want.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.


Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Lauren Dane
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Selena Blake
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
Leah Braemel
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels

Friday, December 30, 2011

Satin Notes - New Chapter Posted


A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Satin Notes - New Chapter Posted


A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Satin Notes - New Chapter Posted


A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Non-Carolers Song


Welcome to my Blissemas post. Be sure to comment at the end of my blog for a chance to be entered into the Blissemas drawing for a Kindle!

There are so many memories I have for Christmas. When I wrote my book Veils Rising I took the memories I had of Christmas growing up in St. Thomas. There is a different feeling to Christmas on the beautiful island where I grew up. When the holiday approached I would feel an excitement in the air. I’ve always equated Christmas with the smell of the baking of carrot cake, tart, and sweet bread. The sound of the steel pan playing a Christmas Carol. There is nothing like it.

One of my favorite memories was the Christmas carolers who performed in Emancipation Garden. I still remember my first time I went. I was in awe of all the various team of carolers that were there. Singing and having fun. Those in the audience joined in. One year especially I remember there was a friendly bet between two groups. One called themselves The Non-Carolers. And from the name you guessed it. The non-carolers didn’t sing all that well. Yet their enthusiasm and the good-natured rivalry between the two groups entertained everyone. It was a carol sing off that had people talking for a long time. It enhanced a tradition and became one. It was a Christmas memory that I treasure to this day.

Even though I now live in New York I still observe the some of my family traditions . I hope you enjoyed my non-carolers memory.

What are some of your holiday traditions?


Your comments here will give you an entry in the BLISSEMAS drawing for the grand prize for a kindle. The drawing will take place at the end of Blissemas. Check out more about Blissemas and the other great post here.

Have a joyus holiday season and may the new year bring you lots of wonderful moments!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Snippet Saturday – Family

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Today’s snippet theme is Family. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

onyxmoonrising_smallAn snippet from Onyx Moon Rising

Zaila nodded and walked around the clearing. Her eyes dilated and went blank. Suddenly, she gasped and then collapsed, shuddering. Rushing over to Zaila, Tashana picked her up.

“Zaila.” Tashana touched her face.

It was so cold. Zaila’s heartbeat was sluggish.

Jaynat touched her shoulder. “Let me.” She touched Zaila and murmured an incantation.

Tashana saw something move beneath Zaila’s skin. Suddenly, Zaila sat up and hit Jaynat in the chest, sending her across the clearing. Zalia turned in a blur and hit Tashana. Flying backward, Tashana flipped in the air and landed on her feet. She saw Jaynat use a tree as leverage, walk up it and lock her legs around the limb. Zaila stood and black smoke engulfed her. Tashana started to go to her and stopped, coming up against a barrier. Reaching out to touch it, she realized it was a shield. Zaila had locked them out and whatever she was fighting in. Using her power, Tashana tried to break down the shield. It wouldn’t budge. Jaynat was trying the same thing, but nothing worked.

A glance back at Zaila through the shield showed that a woman had taken shape. Zaila was locked in a furious fight with her. The woman shifted to smoke again. Using it against her, Zaila clenched her fist and twisted her hand while pushing out. The sound of Zaila’s chant rose on the air as her full power flared to strengthen her spell. Time stood still for a moment, then the woman shrieked. She solidified and clutched her chest. Blood bloomed from between her breasts.

The woman turned and looked at Tashana. “You’re all going to die.”

Zaila threw a fireball at her and the woman burned and melted away. The shield dropped. Tashana raced across the clearing, reaching Zaila the same time as Jaynat. Zaila staggered and almost went down. Gripping her from both sides, they held her. Her head lolled as she passed out. From past experienced they knew Zalia would be out for a few hours. Tashana opened a portal to take her home.

Stepping into Zaila’s bedroom, she and Jaynat lifted her up and took her to the bed. Laying Zaila down, they stepped back. She was pale but fine. Turning Jaynat motioned Tashana to the door. Not wanting to leave, she reached for Zaila’s hand.

You don’t have to stay and watch me sleep, Zaila spoke in her mind her voice weary.

You should rest, Tashana replied.

I will as soon as you stop hovering. I’m tired, not dying. Go away. Zaila sounded grumpy.

Chuckling, Tashana stood, watched her one last time and went out the door.

Jaynat was waiting for her. “You must find Sanjay.” There was urgency in her tone.

Tashana frowned. “What did you see?”

Jaynat looked at her. “Blood and death.”

Tashana gasped at the pain on Jaynat’s face.

Jaynat waved her hand. “Go, Shana.”

Urgency filled Tashana as she turned and ran.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.


Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Lauren Dane
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Selena Blake
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
Leah Braemel
Louisa Edwards
TJ Michaels

Friday, December 09, 2011

Satin Notes - New Chapter Posted


A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Snippet Saturday – Secondary Characters

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Today’s snippet theme is Secondary Characters. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

carnalawakening_msr_smallAn snippet from Carnal Awakening

Raising her voice so it could be heard, Shay said. “I’d like to apo—”

“Now chĂ©rie, I know you’re not going to apologize and ruin the afterglow. Hell it was almost as good as a rip-roaring bout of sweaty sex.” A languid voice interrupted her.

Knowing who it was Shay smiled.

“Hunter,” another voice hissed.

With a glance to her left, Shay took in the twinkling eyes along with the wicked grin on Hunter Brooks’ face. From Flame Brooks’, Hunter’s sister, embarrassed expression Shay could tell Flame wished she were somewhere else. Flame hated being the center of attention while Hunter thrived on it. They were family to Mia and good friends.

“What? I said almost. It’s not like we’re not all adults here.” Hunter stated.

There was a mummer of agreements.

“And I’m sure we…“ Hunter paused, her eyes alight with mischief. She looked at her sister Flame then amended. “Well at least some of us know what I’m talking about.” She purred as if savoring each word.

There was more agreement tinged with laughter.

“Shay it’s always a pleasure coming here,” Hunter winked. “And the entertainment is always a side benefit. Don’t take away from—“

Flame interjected, “Do you always have to be the center of attention?”

Hunter glanced at her. “Of course. You should try it sometime. You might like it.”

Flame glanced at Hunter, up and down, then turned to Tevin who had returned and was standing next to her. Flame reached up pulled him down and kissed him. Hunter’s mouth dropped open. Everyone hooted. Shay who knew how straight-laced Flame was, enjoyed the show especially Hunter’s reaction. Flame released Tevin slowly. He looked stunned. Shay stifled a smile at the look on his face.

Flame sauntered away then looked back at Hunter. “For once you’re right it does feel wonderful.”

Hunter laughed then smacked Tevin on the arm. “Hah. Now that’s what I call entertainment.”

Glancing at Hunter, Shay mouthed her thanks. Hunter nodded, winked again, and then said. “Come on handsome, I have my eye on that Sigal vase in the back.”

Holding Tevin’s arm she led him toward the exclusive merchandise in the large room to the left. The regular noise level of the shop started to pick up as people dispersed. Observing the shop for a few minutes to make sure everything was okay, Shay turned to Mia.

Before she could say anything Mia turned walked away pushing the doors into the back room. Following her, Shay glanced back at Mikhail still standing silently across the room. Going through the doors she lost sight of him. Turning she noticed that Mia hadn’t gone far. She was standing in the doorway leading to the small flower nursery attached to shop.

Walking over Shay said, “Stay here a little bit while I take over for you.” Shay squeezed her hand gently turned and went back to the doors leading to the shop.

She glanced back and saw Mia walk down the aisle of the nursery. Seeing the slump in her shoulders as she disappeared behind some of the foliage Shay’s fist clenched. The callous words spoken by Ms. Cramigla had shaken the usually unshakable Mia. She imagined her fist connecting with Ms. Cramigla’s perfect face and breaking her nose, maybe a couple of teeth. She hoped Ms. Cramigla tried to see through on her threat of trying to ruin her. She would be in for a big surprise. The reputation she had built at Exotic would hold. She wasn’t anyone’s pushover. Making a mental note to place a few phone calls Shay went out the door into the store.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.


Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Lauren Dane
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker

Satin Notes - New Chapter Posted


A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

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