 My teaser this week is from Whiskey and Moonshine. Colt hadn’t expected Mal to come after him. He’d hoped it would happen but was still unprepared when Mal showed up. Phillipe was meeting him at a coffee shop and then would drive Colt back to Phillipe’s apartment. It was a nice day, so Colt decided to walk the few blocks, grab some coffee and a snack, and wait for Phillipe in a small park across the street.
Hands full of his order, Colt slid out the double front door as a group of people walked in the other side. He had to hold the bag with his name on it up when a small child ran by so he didn’t bash the kid’s head with his bacon-and-cheese sandwich. Once on the sidewalk, he juggled everything in one hand for a few seconds so he could wrestle his phone from his pocket to let Phillipe know where he’d be waiting. Someone bumped into him from behind, and he almost lost the coffee and chai. “Sorry,” he grumbled, even though he wasn’t at fault. The person behind him shoved harder against his back, and Colt thought he, or she, had stumbled and fallen, using Colt to catch themselves. He started to turn around and see what was going on—possibly he could assist—when a second person pushed him from the side. “What the…?” The cardboard tray with the hot drinks tumbled from Colt’s hand and hit the pavement. Colt barely had the chance to process that when someone grabbed his arm from behind. The second person slapped the bag of food from his other hand and grabbed his other arm. He was trapped between them and hustled around the corner into an alley. Colt tried to yank his arms free and turn the tables with a few of the moves Mal had taught him. He failed miserably and ended up with his face slammed into a wall. “Look at you, all dressed up. I tried to talk to you in Nashville, but I guess you’re too good for your old buddies.” He knew that voice. The hair on the back of his neck rose, and gooseflesh pebbled his skin. A shudder ran down Colt’s spine. “Nice clothes, fancy haircut, and little Colt thinks he’s all that and a bag of chips,” a second voice sneered. Memory of pain accompanied the voice. “Saw you on TV. We want in on your scam.” 
Mary Rundle has a new MM paranormal audio out, Blaclwood Pack book 7: Serpent's Teardrop. And there's a giveaway! The Blackwood Pack saga continues… This is part of an on-going series by Amazon Bestselling Author, Mary Rundle, and catching up on previous titles is advised. Readers of the past books will enjoy meeting old friends once more as the pack does what it does best ̶ caring for one another and helping shifters everywhere. Brian, a.k.a. “The Loch Ness Monster” has searched for his Fated Mate in vain for more than 600 years until he scents Reif in the frigid waters of the lake. But his mate seems to be purposely eluding him, so Brian turns to the Shaman of the Blackwood Pack to help find him. Reif, one of a line of ancient shifters thought to be extinct is drawn to Brian but must focus on completing a mission to free his enslaved people from the clutches of an evil group. Despite his powerful attraction to Brian, he hides from him, believing it’s the only choice he has. That changes when Reif surreptitiously kisses Brian while he’s sleeping, setting off a chain of events that puts both of them in mortal danger, and the powerful Blackwood pack resolves to help them stave off the wrath of vampires and witches. Along the way, both Brian and Reif learn some hard lessons about the mutual trust necessary to achieve the happiness and fulfillment both have sought for hundreds of years. A heartbreaking confession, an action-packed rescue, a riveting courtroom battle and many unexpected twists and turns make this passionate love story by Mary Rundle impossible to put down once you’ve read the first page. Amazon US eBook | Amazon US Audio | Amazon UK Audio | Amazon Germany Audio | Amazon France Audio | iBooks Audio | QueeRomance Ink | Smashwords | GoodreadsGiveaway Mary Rundle is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card and a “Love Queens” mug with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47207/? Excerpt
“Ye know it’s my Fated Mate?” Brian asked, in disbelief. “Yes, my spirit told me,” replied Kieran. “Go ahead, I promise we’ll help you find him.” “Him? Are you sure?” Brian asked. “Yes,” Kieran said, softly. Relieved to know that much at least, Brian began, “I was doing a back float when a passing boat’s wake carryin’ my mate’s scent washed over me. Shifting, I dove down, searching for it, but twas weak and quickly dissipated. That night, I searched again and the scent was stronger, but as I followed it, I realized twas at least an hour old. It led to the shoreline, where I shifted and climbed onto the bank, but there was nae a trace…even though I felt its presence. “Every night, the same thing happened, even though I went into the water at different times…sometimes early, other times later, but twas always the same...except for last night,” Brian said. “After cruising the loch, I waited until the sky turned pink before I shifted and climbed aboard my boat. As I headed below, I felt someone watching me and I sensed my mate was somewhere near the marina’s buildings, but still I could nae see him.” Brian was getting agitated by this time, prompting Kieran to lay a calming hand on him. After a few moments of silence, the sea serpent continued. “I decided to search the area lookin’ for a clue to help me figure out who he was, but could nae find anything. I know he was close by, because I again could feel his stare and sensed his presence,” Brian said, his frustration now evident. “Please Shaman, I need yer help. I dinna know why my mate is hidin’ from me, but I feel something is amiss and he needs me.” “Of course, we’ll help you won’t we, macushla?” Kieran asked, glancing at his mate. “My mate’s right, Brian,” answered Logan. “Our Alpha regards you as a member of the Blackwood Pack so whatever needs to be done, we’ll do.” After hearing a chorus of ‘absolutelys’ and ‘count-me-ins’, Brian felt his sea serpent relax, confident his mate would soon be found. “Thank ye, thank ye, I canna tell ye how much I appreciate it,” Brian said, with a sigh of relief. “So,” Logan then proposed, “I think the first thing is to figure out what shifter can swim and breathe underwater while disappearing when he’s on land. Slate, Ian, any ideas?” “I haven’t ever heard of a shifter doing that,” answered Slate. “I could ask my research team to look into it.” “Let’s keep that as an option but, right now, until we know what kind of shifter Brian’s mate is, I think we should keep this to ourselves,” Logan said. “Sorry, Logan,” said Ian, “I’ve studied every shifter alive today and none of them can do both things.” “Maybe he’s a myth,” Zane offered. “But he’s real!” exclaimed Dakota. “Yes, I know, but maybe we can find a myth or legend that describes a shifter who can do what Brian’s mate can,” Zane insisted. “Just like the stories that described someone like David and Daniel.” “That’s a great idea,” Kieran said, clapping his hands. “I’ll do a search,” said Zane. “Do that, bro,” said Logan, “and I’ll talk to Maximus and Mystia to see if they can shed any light on this shifter.” “Why don’t we help Brian search?” asked David. “Yeah,” said Slate, “we can spread out on land while you’re in the loch, Brian. Why don’t we stake out the places where we know he’s left the water?” “Macushla, we can fly over the loch to look for him,” said Kieran. Logan nodded, then asked Brian, “Do you know if your mate is ever at the surface?” The sea serpent thought for a moment before answering. “Canna tell. The scent was auld when I found it and parts of the trail had vanished.” “Okay,” said Logan, “Kieran and I will fly over the loch tonight while the rest of you will be stationed at the previously known exit points. Since we don’t know what we’re dealing with, I’ll have Groose assign a couple of enforcers to each team.” “Macushla, Brian’s mate is not a threat!” exclaimed Kieran. “I know that babe, but he may view us as a threat. I want the enforcers along so it gives us time to explain who we are and why we’re there,” answered Logan. “Do you see anything wrong with that, Brian?” “Naw, I’m fine with it,” Brian said. Author Bio
The first book I ever wrote was Dire Warning in 2017 and, much to my delight, it became an Amazon Best-Seller. Readers loved it and I was on my way to chronicling the Blackwood Pack, seven brothers who are gay wolf shifters in search of their fated mates—stories about love at first sight with twists and turns, angst and humor, romance and adventure and, of course, happy endings. As my books began to be translated into other languages, I also became an Amazon International Best-Selling author and then achieved the honor of becoming an Amazon All Star due to their popularity. My tenth book, Darkness Master has just been published and audible versions of the entire series are in progress. I love the M/M paranormal genre because it gives my imagination a lot of territory in which to roam. My mind can really run wild and come up with some amazing stuff when it doesn’t have to stay inside the box. My readers tell me they feel like they’re members of the pack as the stories unfold…as if they’re right there in the middle of the action. Others tell me it’s like watching a fast-paced movie. My writing style pulls no punches…readers love it and are always clamoring for the next book. Stories come to me as if channeled by my characters, all of whom I love (except for a few villains). They are eager to recount their lives, loves and adventures and are not inhibited when it comes to revealing steamy, sexy details. I currently live in the Northeast and love the beautiful change of seasons, my husband, and our quirky calico cat, though not necessarily in that order. I’m always happy to hear from my readers and can be reached through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or my website. Author Website: https://www.maryrundle.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/maryrundle69 Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/maryrundleauthor/ Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryRundle69 Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryrundle69 Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14246427.Mary_Rundle Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/mary-rundle/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Rundle/e/B0763CDQQ6 
Click on the banner to find a great collection of books.  40 amazing authors. 40 amazing books! Charley Descoteaux, Elizabeth Noble, Brigham Vaughn, Anne Barwell, V.L. Locey, TL Travis, Avery Cockburn, Garrett Leigh, Kiki Clark, Amarra Skye, A.D. Ellis, Toshi Drake, Liv Rancourt, Susan Scott Shelley, Morgan Brice, Talia Carmichael, Jamie Lynn Miller, Anyta Sunday, Rhys Lawless, K-lee Klein, E.J. Russell, Jodi Payne, Louisa Masters, Con Riley, Annabelle Jacobs, Stella Shaw, Clare London, Emy Calirel, JP Sayle, Sue Brown, Lillian Francis, BA Tortuga, Lisa Henry, Rebecca Cohen, Jay Northcote, Roan Parrish, Leta Blake, RJ Scott, Kasia Bacon, Rye Cox.      My teaser this week is from Scintilla. In this scene Brandon, a magical human, meets his werewolf boyfriend's grandmother. Holding out one hand to Brandon, Raul’s grandmother said, “My grandson has forgotten the manners I raised him to have. I am Natalia Antonia Pilar Varela Fierro, and the head of this family.” She patted Brandon’s cheek. “You call me Natty.” “Um, Yaya—Grandma—this is Brandon Lynch,” Raul groused. Brandon laughed and gave Raul a playful jab in his side. “You told your grandmother about me?” “Told me about you? Ha, that’s understating it. He’s done nothing but talk about you since last autumn.” “Yaya!” This time Raul’s voice cracked. Natty stood on her toes and kissed Raul’s cheek. “It’s my privilege as matriarch of this family and your grandmother to tell your secrets when it benefits you.” Raul growled, but Brandon could tell it was a good-natured growl and probably something they did in jest all the time. As if to emphasize Brandon’s thoughts, Natty growled in return then they both laughed. “I should’ve known better than to tell you,” Raul muttered. “Ah, but you did.” Natty leaned closer to Brandon and pretended to whisper in his ear. “And he’d do it again.” “Ma’am thank you for letting me stay here,” Brandon said softly. “Call me ma’am again and you’ll see my wolf and it won’t be pretty!” Natty pointed at Brandon. “Oh, young man don’t you grin at me that way, I’m completely serious.” Her demeanor changed to a more somber one. “You’ll be safe here and anyone important to my nieto is always welcome.” She turned to Raul. “Our meal won’t be ready for another half hour. I changed the sheets and put fresh towels in the guest room at the end of the hall, across from Elena’s room.” “Thanks.” Raul gave his grandmother a peck on her cheek and turned to Brandon, taking his hand. “I’ll show you.” He almost ducked out of range when Natty’s spoon came at him again. “Now what?” “None of your hanky panky either.” “Yes, yaya,” Raul mumbled. Brandon snickered. “She foiled my plan.” “Don’t worry, I have a back-up plan,” Raul teased and jumped out of reach, hauling Brandon with him. As Brandon followed Raul through the house and up a flight of stairs he heard Natty call out, “I mean it, Raul!” “I like your grandmother.” “I think she might like you more than me,” Raul said and laughed when they reached the top of the steps. Scintilla is on sale this month for 2.99.
 This week my snippet is from Bait. It's part of the Circles mystery/suspense/thriller series. It can be read as a standalone.  “Did you sleep with him?” Linden asked quietly. Something cold and raw speared Tyler’s gut and bloomed across his chest. The sharp sting of acid under his tongue oozed across his mouth. It took everything he had in him not to cough, puke, and scream at the same time. Not that something like that was possible anyway. He pulled in a deep, shuddering breath, suppressed a shiver, and put his hands on his lap under the table. In an attempt to quiet his nerves and gather his thoughts, he curled his fingers around his knees and gripped hard. Shaking his head slowly, Tyler said, “No. I never slept with any of my students.” Linden leaned back in his chair and continued to study Tyler. It was unsettling to say the least. Tyler had to put a lot of effort into meeting Linden’s gaze without wavering. If he flinched away from events in his past and didn’t set the record straight, Linden would never trust him or believe in him. Tyler desperately wanted Linden to believe in him, trust him, and be his friend, though he wasn’t sure why. “Tell me about Dimas Praede. You did have sex with him.” It wasn’t exactly phrased like a question, but Tyler nodded and whispered, “Yes.” The cold in Tyler’s chest was replaced by unexpected anger surging through him. “What did you come here for?” He slammed his palm on the table and noticed immediately that Linden didn’t so much as twitch. “You decided I was guilty before you walked through that door, so why not just arrest me now?”  Head on over to the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group to read even more snippets! Bait is available in paperback, eBook and in Kindle Unlimited.
Cate Pearce has a new queer fantasy book out (ace, lesbian, pansexual/bisexual), Black Crown book 1: Traitors of the Black Crown. And there's a giveaway! Three women will betray the black crown. A Knight. A Duchess. A Queen. Raena Schinen narrowly escaped when the Queen’s guard murdered her entire family. If Raena’s survival is exposed, she’ll be next. For fifteen years Raena has hidden as a male Knight, “Sir Rowan”, consumed by her vengeful desire to assassinate the Queen. The moment Raena is close enough to exact her revenge, she is unexpectedly exiled to a foreign land. There she serves the common-born Duchess Aven Colby, whose suspicious kinship with the Queen further threatens Raena’s delicate secrets. Just as they become united in a common goal to curb a looming invasion, unexpected heat and romance blossoms between “Sir Rowan” and Aven. The peril demands they set out on a journey to form clandestine political alliances, risking the Queen’s wrath, and drawing Raena and Aven closer together. But no one in the kingdom could have imagined the sinister foe rising from below the surface. In order to save themselves and those they love, Raena, Aven, and the Queen must recognize who are the oppressors and who will unite against the Black Crown. Publisher | Publisher Hardcover | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GoodreadsGiveaway Cate is giving away a Barnes & Noble gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47202/? Excerpt CHAPTER ONE RAENA’S SPRING “Knights of Hawk’s Keep. Come with me, you’re next.” Raena and Finn stood from the wooden bench and left behind their weapons and armor. Clad in fighting pads over their tunics, they followed the man into a sitting room. The humble space held nothing but five chairs and was lit by candle sconces on the stone walls. “Sit.” The man gestured. Finn and Raena’s chairs scraped the stone floor as they settled into them. Raena studied the man as he paused to look through a scroll bearing the Prince’s mark. Like most elder men of Candor, he had chestnut hair to his shoulders and a clean-shaven face. Raena thought his countenance was pleasant, though his skin was marked with deep crimson blemishes as if wine had soaked into it. He wore a decorative silk tunic of emerald and gold, the colors of House Payton; colors of the Queen’s house. It made Raena’s chest clench. The man spoke with a low timbre. “You two are the only knights from Hawk’s Keep? I thought Lord Sylas was sending three.” “Aye, we are the only two,” Raena answered. “I am Sir Rowan, son of Brande. This is Sir Finley, son of Wain. Sir Cames was the third, but he fell from a horse yesterday and has broken his arm.” Raena took care to deepen her voice and speak with authority, as she had practiced. There was an art and science to passing as the man she claimed to be, and confidence made all the difference. She disliked the notion that she may appear arrogant upon a first introduction, but better to be represented as an arrogant man than to reveal her secret. “I see,” the man grumbled, “did he at least come with Lord Sylas, to spectate the events today?” Raena glanced at Finn, whose eyes narrowed with concern. “No, sir,” Finn said. “He was told to stay in the tents and rest. He was given several teas of nightflower from the healers.” “Hmm. Very well, but the Prince will be informed,” the man retorted. “Let's begin. I'm called Sir Han'gahan, I'm a personal guard and knight to Queen Zarana and Prince Zander. I'll be explaining the events of the Knight's Trials to you, and I'll also be getting your history so we may tell it to the crowd." "Our history?" Finn asked, scratching at the russet stubble that coated his cheeks. "Aye," Han'gahan nodded, "there will be the greatest crowd you've ever seen, probably the greatest crowd ever assembled in all six kingdoms. The Prince wants every knight to have a story to excite the spectators. You should tell me all your achievements so I may share the details the Prince prefers. He is rather particular, as this is the first Knight’s Trial he’s ever conducted.” Raena resisted the urge to look again at her friend Finn at the mention of sharing “everything”. She felt a ball of worry growing inside her gut, clenching her insides. “Alright, both of you are a bit young,” Han’gahan said. “How long have you been knights for Sylas?” “Two years,” Finn replied. “We are the same age, twenty-three.” Han’gahan shrugged. “As I thought, you are barely men. Well, it might be a short tale of your conquests, as we haven’t seen war in Candor since you were likely born. But we’ll do our best. Let’s start with you, Finley, since you are apt to sharing. Was your father a hero of the Equinox battles?” Finn rubbed his hairy face again, an anxious tic. “Not particularly, no. He was a guard for Hawk’s Keep, so he stayed and defended it from any chance of invasion by Ediva. He would have fought for Candor, if he’d been needed in the legions.” “Hmm,” Han’gahan grunted. “Well, Ediva didn’t make it that far into Candor’s borders since the soldiers held them off at the Calam mountains, didn’t they? That’s all right though, lad. Anything else your father did, of note?” Finn shook his head. “Very well,” Han’gahan said. “How about your own notable achievements, what have you done as a knight? Have you killed any bandits or…whatever you do, in Hawk’s Keep?” “We have seen bandits and the forest-raiders; the Ruvians,” Finn bit his lip. “I haven’t killed any, no. They are usually scared away, back into the pines. We do train for war, spar, and fight one another. We learn about the kingdoms and the famous battles of the Equinox.” “As all knights do,” Han’gahan muttered. “Maybe you hunt, then? Have you killed anything at all?” Finn shrugged. “I’ve killed boars.” Raena grew restless with Finn’s simple humility. “We have a demonstration, sir. Every year Lord Sylas hosts a festival and we display our skill for combat. It’s swordsmanship, poleaxe defense, and archery. Finn, er, Sir Finley, has taken second prize. Many knights compete from a variety of Candor’s noble families.” “There you go, lad,” Han’gahan clapped. “We can use that. Let’s talk about you then, Rowan. You’re a Boen-looking thing, aren’t you? Pardon me for saying it, but I haven’t seen golden hair and hairless pink flesh like yours in twenty years or more. You must have some Boen ancestors, long ago?” Raena straightened up and raised her chin. She had never been in a position to tell her false origin story alone. Lord Sylas had always introduced her as Rowan to visitors, and answered if they had questions about her heritage. Telling it now to one of the Queen’s knights, no less. “Perhaps. I’m a bastard, so there’s no telling.” Han’gahan smiled. “Aye, nothing wrong with being a bastard. Your mother must’ve been Boenish. I’ve met your father, Brande, and he is as dark as any Calamytan. What a dog then, to go after another woman’s bed. I know he fought in the Equinox, so we will mention that when we speak of you. How about you? I don’t suppose you’ve killed bandits, or anything bigger than boars?” Raena shook her head, “I haven’t. I trained as a squire under Lord Sylas and was knighted by him, the same as Finn.” Those were easy words to say, as all of them were true, at least. Han’gahan waved his hand. “No matter. Perhaps you boys can prove yourselves in the Knight’s Trial today and have something to start telling tales about.” “Rowan is being humble, sir,” Finn said. “He shared that I was second in the knight’s demonstrations, but he neglected to mention that he was first.” Author Bio Cate Pearce was homeschooled on a Christmas tree farm in rural Western Washington. At age eight she was fed-up with a plotline on Star Trek TNG so she wrote her own episodes on a Commodore 64. She has been a writer ever since, but only recently decided to share that information with you and the world. Cate has two children which she delivered at-home with the assistance of saintly midwives. Cate is unapologetic in her fervor for feminism, queerness, and Christian faith. Aside from writing, her "day job" is to prepare organizations for response and recovery from catastrophic disasters. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. Author Website: https://www.catepearce.com/ Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/catepearceauthor Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/cate_pearce Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cate_pearce/ Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20768928.Cate_Pearce Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cate-Pearce/e/B094P5G4BD/
Courtney Maguire has a new MM paranormal historical romance out, and we have the cover reveal: Blood Bound. And there's a giveaway! Two hundred years can strain even the seemingly eternal love of the youkai. When Hideyoshi’s coldness drives them apart, Hiro finds comfort in his friendship with Takanori, a vociferous human man he met at a ramen shop and can’t seem to keep away from.. Everything Hiro had to fight for from Hideyoshi, Takanori gives freely, making it all too easy to turn away from his responsibilities--and Hideyoshi--in favor of something sweeter. But while Hiro is off playing human, danger is brewing among the Youkai. Hideyoshi, still reeling from his breakup with Hiro, struggles to uphold the promise they made to the Hunter leader, Kyo, but the Youkai’s loyalty has been challenged by Hiro’s abrupt disappearance. With Hunters literally banging at the door, Hide must find a way to bring Hiro home or risk igniting the war they’ve spent the last two hundred years trying to prevent. Warning: graphic violence, terminal illness, depictions of grief and depression/mental illness, suicidal actions Publisher | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Giveaway Courtney is giving away an eBook copy of book two, Blood Pact, with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47206/? Author Bio
Courtney Maguire is a University of Texas graduate from Corpus Christi, Texas. Drawn to Austin by a voracious appetite for music, she spent most of her young adult life in dark, divey venues nursing a love for the sublimely weird. A self-proclaimed fangirl with a press pass, she combined her love of music and writing as the primary contributor for Japanese music and culture blog, Project: Lixx, interviewing Japanese rock and roll icons and providing live event coverage for appearances across the country. Author Website: https://www.courtneymaguirewrites.com/ Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyMaguireWrites Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/PretentiousAho Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymaguirewrites/ Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19774498.Courtney_Maguire Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/courtney-maguire/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B082S34S7W
AG Meiers has a new MM contemporary suspenseful romance out: Night Watch. And there's a giveaway! A romance at midnight, but happily ever after at dawn? Complicated… Hunter Jones is stalling. One day, he’ll be a lawyer in his family’s prestigious firm, but just not yet. Instead he is working the nightshift at the Burlington Inn. It’s the perfect place to hide from everything that’s wrong with his life. Once—just once—he did something reckless and it has haunted him ever since. Romance is the last thing he needs. But then a tall, dark, and sexy stranger checks into the hotel... Detective Cole Sawyer’s life is a complete clusterfuck of his own making. His lies have ruined his chances at a fresh start, and his anger and insomnia constantly get the better of him. Cole has no business getting involved with the honey-sweet night auditor. But with every late night encounter staying away gets more and more difficult. When a dangerous stalker targets Hunter, Cole realizes just how far he’s willing to go to protect the man he never should’ve been with in the first place—and Hunter starts to wonder what it’ll take to rescue Cole from himself. Night Watch, the first book in The Burlington Inn series, is a contemporary hurt/comfort romance. Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & NobleGiveaway AG is giving away an Amazon gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47205/? Excerpt
I stole another glance at the man across the front desk in the dimmed light of the entrance hall. I didn’t get many check-ins during the night shift. The Burlington Inn focused on extended stay business travelers. Most of our rooms and small apartments were rented monthly to companies along the Route 128 corridor. Of course, sometimes we had late arrivals, but a guest walking in after midnight was unusual. The guy’s skin tone was ashen. He looked like he hadn’t shaved for two, maybe three days. Dark shadows hid under his bloodshot eyes and deep lines etched into his face. There was a faint bruise on his left cheek. He’d barely looked at me since he came in. His gaze seemed to focus on a spot on the counter, and his hand kept pushing through his dark hair as if it was the only way to keep his eyes open. I knew the feeling too well, but six hours of sleep earlier today had helped a lot to restore my usual balance. And then, work was my happy place right now, so all was good again. If I had an overactive imagination, my mind would jump straight to one of those vampire movies Skyler had been so crazy about for a while. They always started with a pale, hunky-looking stranger, all dressed in black. I verified with a quick glance. Oh my God. Dark, washed-out jeans and a black t-shirt stretched tight over his broad chest and shoulders. He was tall, too, at least six feet. If Skyler were here, he would probably be freaking out right now. The guy was total sexy vampire material. Just that my pale stranger didn’t show up mysteriously and unexpected in the middle of the night—Cole Sawyer had a reservation. Impatiently he tapped his ID on the counter. I tried to shut down my runaway imagination and focused on my job. “Did you ask for a room on the ground floor, sir?” I asked. He looked up for the first time. “Huh?” “Do you have a preference regarding the floor—for your room?” “No.” His voice was low and all gravelly. “I don’t care which floor, but I prefer windows that can open.” “All our windows open. That’s not a problem.” I checked the reservation again. Tilda had preselected a room during her shift to expedite the late check-in: Room 124—right next to the elevator. The whole place was more or less empty, but she picked one of the smallest rooms. Tilda was real cheap sometimes. Well, Sawyer was my check-in. “Tell you what. I’ll give you one of the Executive Suites on the second floor. It’s a small apartment, two rooms, kitchenette, and a balcony with a large screen door. All guestrooms in the back are away from the main road, so it’s nice and quiet. This one faces west and can get a little warm in the afternoon, but there’s a tree in front, so it doesn’t heat up too badly, and you can always open the balcony door. Does that sound okay?” I always babble a little when I’m trying to impress somebody, just until now, I hadn’t realized I was trying to impress him. “Okay, sure.” He nodded like a man who really didn’t care much. “It has a King-size bed. More space for—” Cole Sawyer looked up. His eyes shimmered icy gray. Shit. I wasn’t even sure myself where I’d been going with that sentence. “You’re tall and…” I was about to say build but caught myself in the last second and ended lamely, “…there’s more space for legs.” Mission accomplished—I had his full attention now. He slowly raised an eyebrow, and I could practically see him trying to decide if I was drunk or was just missing a few marbles. But then, he grinned, and my heart skipped a beat. Not only did my tall, dark stranger have a sense of humor, he also looked gorgeous with his slightly crooked smile. “Thanks. I appreciate it,” he said. Appreciate what? The upgrade. The compliment. My face on fire. Luckily, I inherited my mom’s Italian complexion. I moved to the other side of the counter to program the keycard for the room. That gave me a minute to recover. “One or two keys, sir?” I asked. “One is fine.” “Okay, this is your keycard. I can really recommend Katie’s Café next door. It’s a nice place. They’ve got a great selection of sweet and savory breakfast pastries. Two coupons for free coffee are included with your stay.” I handed everything over and after quick directions to his room, Sawyer strode down the hall. I checked out his broad shoulders and nice ass when he waited in front of the elevator. Why not? This was probably the last I would ever see of him. I worked at the hotel from eleven to five thirty in the morning, not really a good time to socialize with any of the guests. Author Bio
Eighteen years ago, AG Meiers came to the US for adventure and stayed for love. Currently, she lives in New England with her husband and two awesome kids—balancing work, friends and family, and writing. When she has some free time, her favorite thing to do is travel and visit new places. Her past trips have already brought her to a variety of countries on four continents. She never passes up an opportunity to experience different cultures, diverse people and amazing locations. Even though she has been dreaming up stories all her life, she has only recently started to write them down and share them with the world. As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after. Author Website: https://www.agmeiers.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/ag.meiers.1
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