Ink Motions with Ashley Ladd

Bio:
I write erotic romance: MF, MM, MFM, and MMF. Usually contemporary, often romantic comedy, military, and sometimes paranormal (vampires, time travel, ghosts, witches, demons, shifters, futuristic).

I live in South Florida with her husband, five children, and beloved pets. I love the water, animals (especially cats), and playing on the computer.

I've been told I have a wicked sense of humour and often incorporates humour and adventure into my books. I also adore very spicy romance, which she weaves into her stories.

Where you can find me:

Twitter

Total-E-Bound books

Ellora's Cave Books

 

Ink Motions - Interview

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

Ideas come from everywhere: sometimes dreams, newscasts, overhearing conversations, watching people, TV shows, things my kids have done… Often one novel will get inspiration from more than one source that merges together.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create?

I’d like to think I create. I am more of a pantser, however. I start with a loosely drawn map, knowing a few high points and the end destination, but the inbetween usually comes as I write.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when

Interesting question. There are many muses. When I come up against writer’s block I read. Reading good books inspires me to write again. So many many authors are my muses.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

Off the top of my head I think 70. That includes 34 for Totally Bound, 12 for Ellora’s Cave, at least 8 for New Concepts Publishing, at least 6 for Awe Struck, 1 for The Wild Rose Press. Obviously, my math isn’t adding up. Goodreads lists 72 books for me which doesn’t include my soon to be released books and works in progress.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

I love to read Sherryl Woods’ books so I suppose that also makes her my idol. Of course I love the romance but in addition there’s a strong sense of family and community.

I also really enjoyed a book I recently read by Tina Wainscott. The imagery was so picturesque, the characters so vibrant, that I absolutely loved the book and look forward to reading more by her.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?

I love comedy but I also enjoy overcoming the monster plots.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

First, read a lot, especially in your chosen genre. Second, just write. Permit yourself to make mistakes. You’ll fix them when you go back to edit.

 

What is a good villain?

I think The Mummy is a good example of an excellent villain. He’s a very powerful, scary adversary yet in his mind, he is on a noble quest.

Blurb:

Guy Rogers is extremely attracted to his new realtor, Tom Beaudreaux. As a passionate vegetarian and animal activist, he’s ecstatic that Tom is a kindred soul. He could never be with a carnivore. Unfortunately, Tommy isn’t really a vegetarian or animal activist. He never said he was either, he just didn’t eat meat when he was with Guy. And maybe he emptied his house of all meat and dairy products before inviting Guy over. In fact, Tommy’s family owns the most popular barbecue restaurant in town and if his family has their way, he’ll manage the new location.

When Guy finds out that Tommy eats meat and his family owns a restaurant that is a monument to eating meat, he’s livid and doesn’t know if he wants anything else to do with Tommy.

But then Guy’s life gets crazy –his dad’s paranoia blossoms into violent dementia, he gets arrested for picketing a doggy mill, and then he winds up in even more legal trouble. When Tommy sticks by him through all his trouble and does everything he can to help him, Guy wonders if he’s been too militant and narrow-minded. Perhaps he can learn to live with people who have opposite views.

 

Excerpt:

Gunshots rang out as they turned onto Guy’s street.

Tommy looked at him and mouthed, “Shit! You don’t think…?”

“I hope not. I don’t know.” Guy pressed the gas pedal to the floor and the car shot forward, fish-tailing.

Tommy fisted the door, hanging on tight. “I hope we’re wrong.”

Guy’s intuition told him he wasn’t. His knuckles turned white they held the steering wheel so tightly. Unafraid for himself but scared for his dad, he pulled into his driveway and jumped out of the car, with Tommy close on his heels.

The woman next door ran outside screaming, tearing out her already tattered hair. She pointed at her front door. “Your father’s shooting up my house and is holding a gun at my dad’s head. He’s going to kill him. You’ve got to do something.”

Tommy yelled as he began dialing on his phone, “I’m calling the police.” As if on cue, police sirens blared in the distance and grew louder by the second.

“I’m going in. I have to stop him.”

“Wait for the police. Don’t put yourself in danger,” Tommy ordered forcefully.

“I have to take the chance. He could kill someone before the police get here. I can’t let that happen.” He put himself in harm’s way for animals, so certainly he could risk his life for his own father and other fellow human beings. He had no choice. It would be his fault if someone got hurt.

So he ran through the open door flailing his arms, hoping he would be in time. “Dad! It’s Guy. Don’t do anything. I’m here. You’ll be okay.”

“He’ll be okay? What about me? He’s got a shotgun pointed at my head threatening to blow it off,” the elderly neighbor cried.

 

Buy link:

https://www.totallybound.com/business-or-pleasure

Ink Motions with Dena Garson

 

Dena Garson loves to read romance - the hotter the better. When one of her BFF's said "one of us should be writing this stuff" she took up the challenge. If she isn't writing, she's making beaded jewelry and somehow still manages to make it into the office on a regular basis.

 

Website:
http://www.denagarson.com/

Blog:
http://denagarson.wordpress.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dena.garson.7

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DenaGarson

YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1a-DzYifYaR4vLcauTmJQ

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson

Ellora’s Cave Author Page:
https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/dena-garson/

Amazon Author Central:
http://www.amazon.com/Dena-Garson/e/B007ER5E58/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

 

Interview with Dena

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

Ideas have come from dreams, day dreams (like when I'm driving to or from work), and conversations with friends. I make sure I have access to paper and pen at all times and have been known to get up at 3am and make notes.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create

Both. Most of the time I'll write out a scene or two first. I've usually sketched out the overall plot in my head when I start writing. But I have learned recently that I do better with an outline to refer back to.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when

Thor. I have the hots for Thor and pretty much any stud muffin in a kilt.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

Oh wow. I have seven books published with Ellora's Cave right now but I'm not sure how many WIPs I have. Off the top of my head there are five that are at least 10% written and three are more than 50% written.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

I love a great many authors for their characters and their stories. But Shana Abe's writing style is probably my favorite of all. It's lyrical and I always feel as if it should be in one of those fancy, curly, script fonts. She paints pictures with words that are so easy to see that I can never put down her books.

 

What is your favorite plot line type?

I don't really have a favorite plot line to either read or to write. I read stories that grab me and I write stories that speak to me. I suppose if I had to narrow it down it would be Quest plot lines or Journey/Return plot lines.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Sit your butt down and write the best story you can. When you have a marketable story, figure out which publishers are looking for your type of story. If (when) you get rejected don't give up. Just because publisher X doesn't want your story doesn't necessarily mean it sucks. It may just mean that it isn't right for them and their business model. So go look at publisher Y. Your story may be right for them.

 

What is a good villain?

One that challenges the hero/heroine and forces them to tap that well of strength they didn't know they had.

 

 

“Attention all passengers. Flight 2498 to Chicago with continuing service to Indianapolis will begin boarding in just a few minutes. Standby passengers should check in at the desk.”

As soon as the announcement came on the overhead speaker, Jeanie grabbed her purse and the paperback she was planning to read on the plane. “Hey, I better run. I need to grab some coffee before we board. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay. Call me immediately if you come across anything interesting on this trip.”

Jeanie laughed at Trish’s emphasis on the N in the word “interesting” that hinted at her desire for something more exciting than a normal workday. “I will. And don’t forget about GT. You know he gets in a snit if he doesn’t get his loving during the week. And the brat isn’t picky about who he gets it from.”

“I’ll make sure that overindulged cat of yours is taken care of.”

Jeanie disconnected their call then gathered her things to head to the café. She stopped when a deep, somewhat familiar voice floated through the raised newspaper across the aisle.

“Most men would get in a snit without their weekly loving.”

Unsure if the disembodied voice was directed at her, Jeanie tried to peer over the newspaper to see who it was. One corner of the paper folded down to reveal the face of one of the auditors from the company Jeanie worked for. He was the “cute one” all the girls talked about. She racked her brain, trying to think of his name. Steve something.

Relieved she sort of knew who was speaking, Jeanie said, “Well, yes, I would think so.” She slid her purse strap over one shoulder and stood. “But GT is especially demanding,” she added with a lift of her chin, surprising herself with her audacity.

Steve’s gaze scanned her from head to toe. “I see.”

She willed herself to not blush or squirm under his scrutiny but her pale skin immediately registered the slightest change in body temperature. The quick but appreciative light in Steve’s eye made her even warmer. She prayed her ears weren’t turning bright red or, if they were, that her hair would hide that fact. Looking like a sunburned radish wasn’t what she was going for now that she’d finally met “Steve the Stud”.

“The Stud” folded the paper and laid it across his lap. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your conversation but I couldn’t help but overhear that last part.” He pulled on one earlobe. “It sounded a little odd to ask someone else to, uh… Well…”

Jeanie stifled the laughter bubbling up from seeing Steve uncomfortable with his own line of questioning. All because of a cat. Although Steve wouldn’t know GT was a gray tabby. Whatever. That fact made the thought even funnier.

“I suppose that did sound a little strange.” Jeanie smirked, not worrying if she sounded like a doofus. “By the way, what is your name? We’ve been passing each other a lot this month but I’ve never stopped to ask.”

“You’re right. We never have met officially.” He stood and offered his hand in greeting. “Steve Waltman. Audit.”

Jeanie shook his hand and looked into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. That had to be one of the reasons the girls in the office were all smitten with him. Not only did he fill out his jacket nicely but the sandy-blond hair and blue eyes were a traditionally lethal combination. And so far he seemed to be a nice guy, with a sense of humor to boot.

If she wasn’t careful she could be in serious trouble.

“Jeanie Madison. I’m in Accounts Payable,” she said, letting her hand linger in his a little longer than usual.

“Jeanie. It’s nice to put a name to a face. We have been coming and going at the same time these days. Where are you off to this morning?”

“Indianapolis. What about you?”

“Same.” Steve tucked his folded newspaper under his arm. “You going in for the transition?”

“Yeah. You too?”

“Afraid so. Looks as if we’ll be hanging out together this week.”

A little flutter started somewhere deep in Jeanie’s belly. She wasn’t sure if it was from hunger or nervousness at the thought of being in the same location, probably even the same hotel, as Mr. Hottie for a whole week.

“Guess so.” Erotic images of Steve and herself in a hotel room triggered another burst of heat through her body. A little distance might be best before her cheeks burst into flame. “I was just going to get coffee.” As a second thought she added, “I’ll make you a deal. If you’ll watch my bag and save my seat, I’ll grab some for you too.”

Steve checked his watch. “That would be great. Black coffee with a couple of creamers and a sweetener.”

He reached for his wallet but Jeanie waved him away from it. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get it.” She pushed her suitcase up against her vacated seat then turned to make her escape.

“Thanks. I’ll buy next time.”

“All right,” she tossed over her shoulder as she picked her way through the somewhat crowded aisle.

It was just a short walk to the café but it gave her time to settle the butterflies in her stomach. However it wasn’t long enough to halt the naughty thoughts rolling around in her head. As she waited in line she watched the girl behind the counter decorate the top of someone’s drink with a mound of whipped cream and a swirl of chocolate.

In Jeanie’s mind that mound of whipped cream belonged on Steve’s bare chest.

Or perhaps lower.

With a cherry on top.

 

BLURB for Loss of Control:

 

Jeanie’s lousy boss has sent her on yet another business trip. At least this one has a bonus—she gets to work with “Steve the Stud”, the office hottie who makes all the women weak-kneed, for the whole week. When she finds him to be smart and fun as well, she has no clue how she’ll finish the trip while staying professional.

Steve got burned the last time he dated a coworker and has vowed to never put himself in that position again, no matter how much he can’t stop thinking about Jeanie and her freckles. When Jeanie finds evidence of fraud, Steve works more closely with her than he imagined. It’ll take all his control to maintain his promise while Jeanie struggles with an ethical dilemma.

A Blush® contemporary romance from Ellora’s Cave.

 

BUY LINKS:

Ellora’s Cave

 Amazon

 Barnes & Noble

 All Romance eBooks (ARE)

 Kobo

 

Contracted: Firestorm Encounters (Phoenix Intelligence Agency, Book #5)

Here is the 2nd news I hinted at that I have.

Firestorm Encounters (Phoenix Intelligence Agency, Book #5) has been contracted by Totally Bound will be released on November 7, 2014. It goes up for pre-order on September 26, 2014.

Here is the blurb:

Firestorm Encounters
By: Taige Crenshaw
Totally Bound
Coming November 7, 2014
Series: Phoenix Intelligence Agency, Book # 5
Genre: Paranormal/Interracial
Length: Novella
Format: E-Book

What do you do when you find a man who sets your senses aflame but being with him could cause repercussions?

Kaitya Erutan is finally at ease with her two sides—Amazonian Warrior and Firebird—and she doesn’t need complications. Yet a little quirk of fate makes her realize what she wants. She’s overcome by desire burning through her when she sees him—a man who sets her pulse racing. Sometimes life throws the most pleasurable of curves, and Kaitya isn’t about to let this sexy man go. Be it destiny or something else, she doesn’t care—all she knows is he will be hers—and she his—in every sense of the word.

Fyodor, the Shadow King, has responsibilities to his people who have been displaced by a madman’s plan. Breaking out of the shadow of his father’s deception is a tough undertaking—his focus is on the task and he doesn’t need any distractions. From the moment he arrives at the Phoenix Intelligence Agency, he realizes he might not want anything to shift his attention. But he is about to get it. Kaitya resonates in his shadow and she will not be denied. Not that he could resist her—Kaitya’s deceptively laid-back attitude hides the core of a woman who is as determined and stubborn as he is. Her beauty is surpassed only by the depths of her soul. Kaitya is out to have everything he can give and demand that he go even further.

Each action and choice will change the course of their lives. They will need each other to face whatever comes. When will meets passion it will blaze under firestorm encounters.

~~~~

Yay! Very excited about my upcoming release. I’m working on other books in all my series and hope to have more news soon. :)

Ink Motions with Lucy Felthouse

 

Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women's Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, is book editor for Cliterati, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

 

Interview

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

Ideas come to me from anywhere and everywhere. They can be people, places, books, TV, films, overheard conversations… the trick is making sure you write them down before you forget!

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create

I just sit down and write, and hope that what comes out isn’t a load of rubbish!

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when

My muses change quite regularly—I’m shallow like that ;) It’s often the hot male celebrity I’m currently obsessing on, which is, at the moment, Tom Hiddleston. For example of my favourite muses, check out my Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/cw1985/hot-guys/

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

If we’re just talking full-length novels (if you include short stories and novellas, I’m into the hundreds), then I’ve written two solo novels, one co-authored novel and am currently working on another co-authored novel. I plan to start my next solo novel later this year.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

I don’t really have a writing idol. I read lots and widely, so there are many, many authors out there that I admire.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?

Again, I don’t really have one. I read and write very widely in several genres—I love variety!

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Read lots in your chosen genre, learn to edit yourself and don’t give up.

 

What is a good villain?

One you love to hate.

 

 

 

Excerpt from Stately Pleasures:

 

Alice took a deep breath, in through her nose and out through her mouth. Repeated the process once more. Then, realising she could sit there all day doing it and not feel any calmer, she forced herself to step out of the car and close and lock the door.

She bent to peer into the wing mirror of the vehicle and checked her hair and make-up. Satisfied, she straightened, then turned on her heel and walked quickly across the driveway to the great house before her nerve failed her.

Davenport Manor was currently open for visitors, so she walked in through the front door and was met by a smiling elderly lady.

‘Can I help you?’ the woman asked kindly.

‘Yes, please.’ Alice twisted her hands together nervously. ‘I’m here to see Mr Davenport. I’m here for an interview for the property manager’s role.’

‘Yes, of course,’ the woman replied, ‘that’s today, isn’t it? Follow me; I’ll take you to Mr Davenport’s office. But just hang on one second.’

She ducked through the doorway into the next room and spoke with her colleague. Alice guessed she was letting her co-worker know she’d be gone for a few minutes. A few seconds later, she was back. ‘OK, follow me, Miss …’

‘Brown,’ Alice said, then fell in behind the other woman as she led her to Mr Davenport’s office, and the interview that could change her life for ever. It was hardly surprising that she was shaking like a leaf.

Alice quickly felt lost as their journey took several twists and turns along dim corridors – their blinds drawn to protect paintings, tapestries, and furniture from the sunlight – and up a flight of stairs. She had a few seconds to worry about finding her way if she was lucky enough to get the job, then, suddenly, her guide stopped outside a door and turned around.

‘Here you go, Miss Brown. Mr Davenport’s office. Good luck with your interview.’

Alice smiled and thanked the elderly woman, then smoothed down her skirt, which also conveniently helped wipe the nervous sweat off her hands. She stood up straight, gave herself a mental pep talk about being more than qualified for the role, and knocked on the door.

‘Enter.’

Alice knew that voice could only belong to Jeremy Davenport. The posh accent, and the fact he’d said “enter” instead of “come in”, screamed money and an upper-class upbringing. Alice was suddenly nervous of her broad Midlands accent and lowly background, despite the fact she’d worked her backside off to get into a decent university in order to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree and then a Master’s degree. No matter what she sounded like, or what her past was, she had all the skills necessary to do the job she was about to be interviewed for.

Suddenly, she realised that she’d left rather a long pause before opening the door, and she turned the handle before the occupants of the room thought they were about to interview some kind of simpleton who couldn’t follow a simple instruction.

Fixing a polite – but hopefully not inane – smile onto her face, Alice stepped into Jeremy Davenport’s office. Her first thought – which certainly did nothing to help her nerves – was good God, he’s hot.

Jeremy sat behind a desk, with a heavily pregnant woman sitting beside it. Alice barely noticed the woman. All she saw was him. A man with cropped dark brown hair, hazel/green eyes, a jawline you could cut bread with, and lips that looked capable of doing incredibly wicked, sexual things to a woman. Or a man. Alice had no idea what his sexuality was, but she found herself hoping he liked women.

She chastised herself. Even if he did like women, he wouldn’t go for someone like her. A Plain Jane, with mousy brown shoulder-length hair, blue eyes, average height and above average weight. Alice had always known she’d never be a supermodel, so she’d worked extra hard academically, and here she was. About to be interviewed for her dream job.

 

Blurb:

Alice Brown has just landed her dream job. Property manager at Davenport Manor, a British stately home. It’s only a nine-month contract to cover maternity leave, but it’s the boost up the career ladder she so desperately needs.

Unfortunately, things don’t get off to the best start, when Alice finds her boss, Jeremy Davenport, in a compromising position. Far from being embarrassed by what’s happened, Jeremy turns things around on Alice and makes her out to be the one in the wrong. So when he and his best friend and head of security, Ethan Hayes, then throw an ultimatum at her, she’s so stunned and confused that she goes along with their indecent proposal.

When the dust settles and Alice has time to think about things, though, she realises that perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing. There are worse things she could be doing to advance her career, after all.

 

Buy links:
http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/stately-pleasures/

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20718063-stately-pleasures

Blackstone Haven: Vol. 2 - Cover Art

I’ve been hinting that I have news. Well here is the 1st part of my news.

Blackstone Haven: Vol. 2 – includes book 3 & 4 of series – Power of Enticement (Blackstone Haven, Book #3) and Power of Rhythms (Blackstone Haven, Book #4), coming in trade paperback on September 5,2014 from Totally Bound.

Yay! Very excited about my upcoming release. There is more news to share. :) Will share the other part soon. :)

Ink Motions with Kira Shayde

 

Kira enjoys studying love, sex, and relationships, and has a thing for Shifters. As a romance writer, she explores somewhat atypical pairings and settings, and can’t help adding a twinge of societal awareness to her works. But the focus is always on the developing romance, hot sex, and happy endings. You won’t find any hard-core BDSM in Kira’s stories. She prefers her hero and heroine to share the power and share the love.

Kira Shayde links

website: http://www.kirashayde.com

twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kirashayde

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirashayde

Interview

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

I’m a lucid dreamer and I have very detailed dreams! For my book, Bane of Her Desire, I dreamt of a world where the humans had been delegated to animals, and the animals had become humans, but retained their ability to return to their animal form. The structure of human life such as societal organization, politics, law enforcement, etc., were quite different as these shifters brought both instinct and higher thought to their conflicts and solutions.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create

I’m more of a pantser than a plotter. Once I get an idea, I sit down and begin typing. The characters reveal their thoughts and actions as if they were real and I’m simply privy to their world. Sometimes I get a good story, sometimes it goes nowhere. I have tried plotting and it just doesn’t work for me. I do try and sketch out major plot points though once I feel a story is going somewhere.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when

My husband and my kids. When I get stuck, they are great at helping me brainstorm. Also music helps put me in the mood if I need to feel a certain way to write a scene.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

I have four completed works, two novels and two novellas, although only the two novellas are published at this point (one under a different pen name). I am in the midst of writing two additional novellas to follow Bane of Her Desire. I like that world and the characters.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about their writing that captures your soul?

I love Lora Leigh’s Breeds series. She created such an imaginative world. And her writing style is so emotional. It really speaks to me.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?

I don’t have a particular plot type that I go for. I love adventure and humor in books and I do not like weak heroines in constant need of rescue. Past that, I tend to prefer paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy romances, but a great book is a great book regardless of the genre or theme. I just finished reading a medical romance by Caroline Anderson involving a married couple struggling to find the romance again in their marriage, and I loved it!

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Work with critique partners or join a critique group once you have your first book written. Be prepared to have your feelings hurt. Set the book aside if need be to give yourself time to digest the suggestions and comments. Write something else. Return to your first book with a clear head and keep editing it.

 

What is a good villain?

Tough and nearly undefeatable, but in the end, of course, the hero and heroine are stronger and smarter. J

 

 

BANE OF HER DESIRE

Passion and danger on the Serengeti.

When Holly Ainran’s brother goes AWOL from an elite military force in New Tanzania, she confronts Commander Bane Ojore, a rare gray lion shifter. Sparks ignite, but Holly finds a challenge in taming this brooding, hostile beast.

Bane does not expect the daughter of a high-ranking Parliamentary executive to be a smart, code-breaking expert, adamant about abolishing the lion caste hierarchy and ending the lion-hyena conflict. Nor would he expect such a stunning lioness to fall for him.

But Bane’s job is to find the traitors supplying weapons to the hyenas and all signs point to Holly’s brother. Holly won’t give up on her brother though…or Bane. As their passion escalates, so do the risks, the danger, and ultimately, their love.

 

 

EXCERPT

 

Bane held his breath, the tension building inside his chest until he thought he would explode. Her scent had been driving him crazy ever since he inhaled the sweet, feminine aroma of her heat when she entered the base. Then he got a look at her, and it was all he could do not to take her right there and then. Her luminous eyes were the color of rich, dark gold naturally outlined in black, contrasting with her clean-scrubbed ivory skin. Her lips were rosy pink, and when she blushed, a pink veil spread across her cheeks. He thought of where else she’d be pink, and his groin tightened painfully.

When she shook her head, sandy-blonde wisps escaped her long braid, and he had to shove his hands behind his back or he would’ve reached out to tame the errant strands.

She could be his poison. But she was a mere babe, an innocent, and he felt a knot in his gut. She’d never know the truth about her brother or what her brother had done.

“Another message, sir,” a corporal announced, entering Bane’s office. The man spied Holly and grinned. “Excuse me, sir. Wasn’t aware you had company.”

Bane gave his underling a withering look, and the corporal’s grin vanished. “Th-the message, sir,” the man stammered, extending an envelope to Bane.

“Dismissed.”

The corporal nodded and hastily vacated the office.

Bane had aimed his order of dismissal at Holly as well, but given the way she tilted her head, a wry smile on her pretty face as if challenging him, she wouldn’t leave unless he forcibly evicted her. He held back a smile as he pictured her fighting him as he dragged her out of his office, her warm body wriggling against his, her indignant cries giving way to passionate begging.

His heart rate wasn’t the only thing that spiked. Damn the woman and her heat scent. She might as well be sitting in his office naked.

However, the message couldn’t wait. Weighing his options, he tapped the envelope against his hand. Ultimately he decided to open the envelope and pull out the folded paper. He quickly scanned it, then set the paper on his desk, and rubbed his mouth in frustration.

“Bad news?”

He didn’t bother looking at her. “Unknown. The message is coded.”

“Let me help,” she said, sounding bright and earnest. “I have experience cracking code.”

Bane sighed. “Miss Ainran, you are young. I’m guessing eighteen? First time away from home–”

“I’m twenty-six,” she interrupted dourly.

Bane lifted his gaze, and she shrugged. “I’ve always looked younger than I am.”

She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, which had the unfortunate effect of outlining her breasts and nipples. He forced himself to ignore that.

“I’m not a kid, Commander Ojore. I know how to handle myself. I spent my childhood on border patrols with my brother Fix and his friend Kipper before they joined the Alpha Force.”

The name rang a bell. “Kipper Lumbwi?”

Holly nodded. “You’ve worked with him?”

“Not directly.” Bane stared at Holly until she fidgeted in her chair. Finally he asked, “Kipper Lumbwi is a friend of yours?”

“Kipper was my brother’s best friend when they were young. He was at our house all the time, until they both joined the Alpha Force.”

Bane frowned. The situation with Fix Ainran was more complicated than he’d thought.

“Is there something wrong?”

“Kipper Lumbwi is involved with radical groups aimed at dismantling the caste hierarchy.”

Holly snorted in derision. “Can you blame him? The castes are archaic. Why should someone be relegated to a particular line of work or be forbidden their choice of mate solely because of the caste of their parents? What about the concepts of democracy and free will?”

Bane’s mouth thinned. “Spoken like a naive, sheltered little girl.”

Eyes flashing, she sprang from her chair. “I am not naive, Commander Ojore.”

“Social stratification is a necessity, Miss Ainran, facilitating trade and providing a sound economic institution.”

“You sound like you’re reading from a textbook,” she jeered.

Bane suppressed his reply and studied her. Perhaps she was not so much naive as stubborn. “The caste hierarchy reduces incompatible matings. By preventing lions from mating outside their born castes, the hierarchy ensures a pride’s socioeconomic compatibility. All members of a pride are on the same page, so to speak. This increases the stability of the pride.”

He turned to look out the window again. “The daughter of a parliamentary executive would be expected to join a pride led by a first-caste alpha male,” he said quietly.

“As I said before,” she said. “I will choose my own mate, regardless of what caste he’s from. I will choose him because I love him. And I will not share him.”

Bane returned his attention to her, analyzing her. “And what will your father have to say about that?”

“My father knows how I feel. He believes the system can withstand change.” She lifted her chin as if daring Bane to contradict her.

He did not.

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