Craving Erotic Romance...

is a group blog from several sassy erotic romance authors!

Find out about our latest releases, read scintillating interviews on Mondays, beat mid-week blahs with Hump Day Help Wednesdays, and see hot hunks on Fridays. Saturdays are "Open Mike" and full of surprises! And then, there's always our guests...!



Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Hump Wednesday Feature!

Elephants and Ever-Afters
by Suzy Shearer


PRE-ORDER!
AVAILABLE: Wednesday, May 17th
Heat Rating: SEXTREME
Word Count: 98,087


For plus-sized Laura, 55, sex means she’s in charge, she just needs to find a man who’ll accept that.
When she meets the sexy-looking Tobias Duncan she thinks he’s a bull elephant charging everywhere but all the same he strikes a chord deep inside her. 

BLURB

It’s like a clash of wills when Tobias Duncan, 57, meets Laura Keell, 55 but neither can forget the impact each had on the other. To Laura, Tobias is just like a charging bull elephant, but he still presses every button. For Tobias, Laura is everything he’s ever dreamed of.
Tobias tries everything he can to find out where Laura lives, he just can’t forget this beautiful plus-sized woman. Both try to forget, but when a chance meeting with a friend of Tobias means he can see Laura again he jumps at the chance. But there is a problem that neither share.
Tobias wants a woman who dictates the terms during sex. And Laura? Laura loves to be in charge. They drop hints over a few weeks until a rather interesting event sees Laura confess. Their romance goes from casual to sizzling almost overnight. Nothing can come between them as their love grows—that is until a tragedy strikes.
Will death separate these soulmates?
(Siren Sensations: Erotic Consensual BDSM Romance, M/F, HEA)


STORY EXCERPT:  
When the train finally pulled into Central railway station, Laura pulled her warm black jacket over her cream top, slung her tote over her shoulder, and stepped from the train. After getting a taxi from the station to drop her outside a large building in the centre of Sydney’s business district, Laura checked the tenants’ board, confirming the solicitors she needed were on the third floor. Rather than use the lifts and trying to get some exercise, Laura opened the exit door and began climbing the stairs to the third floor, her heart pounding in wonder what the meeting would mean for her.
As she reached the third floor and went to open the door with her left hand, it was suddenly slammed open, knocking her backward. Somehow she managed to grab the door knob as she fell saving her from a dangerous tumble down the long steep flight of stairs.
“What the fuck?” A loud bull-voice screeched down at her.
Laura went to stand, putting her hands on the ground, only to have her left wrist send a bolt of agony up her arm. Twisting, she managed to get to her feet using the nearby railing. Standing, she glared across at the attractive man before her.
Before she had a chance to open her mouth, he continued yelling, “What the hell did you think you were doing?”
Never one to back down, Laura looked daggers at the man and shouted, “Me? What the fuck were you doing opening the door like a frigging bull elephant charging a car?”
Indignantly he replied, “I did not!”
“No? Well in that case how was I knocked off my feet?”
She wanted to add Mr. Smarty Pants but thought maybe it would be a bit too much.
“You shouldn’t have been there,” he said irrationally.
Laura couldn’t believe his attitude.
“What? I shouldn’t use the stairs but you can? Come off it Tembo.” She fought the urge to slap his handsome face as she suggested, “Just admit you charged through that door without thinking of other people.”
Full of indignation he bellowed at her, “I did not!”
“You did! You’re just a fucking angry bull elephant Tembo, charging without looking or caring.”
“Not true! And my name’s not Tembo,” he barked.
“It is, Tembo’s Swahili for elephant and that’s what you are—a crazy bull elephant!” she returned his shout with her own.
The pair of them glared at each other, sizing each other up for the next round of shouting when Laura noticed another attractive silver-haired man just behind the elephant trying very hard to stifle a laugh. He put his hand on the elephant’s arm.
“She’s right, Toby. You did slam that door open.”
The laughter in his voice was unmistakable. He side-stepped passed the elephant who’s eyes continued to bore into Laura’s in anger and something else which Laura couldn’t put a name too. She did notice the elephant had lovely light brown eyes to go with his sexy face, but she tried to ignore them as the other man picked up Laura’s bag then held it out to her.
“Are you okay miss?”
The adrenaline rush Laura had gotten when the door flung open now disappeared. She began to shake when she looked down the stairs and realised she would have been seriously injured if not killed had she not grabbed onto the door handle. The second man followed her look and grimaced. He looked at her kindly and put his hand under her right arm.
“Let’s get you somewhere where you can sit down.”
Thankfully, Laura allowed him to usher her through the door after she pushed the elephant rudely aside. Unfortunately, he followed the two of them as Laura was led to a large couch in a long airy foyer.
“Thank you,” she managed to stammer, then stared fiercely with what she hoped was an extremely angry look at the elephant.
The other man said something to him she didn’t catch and finally he had the grace to look slightly embarrassed as he nodded, turned, and walked through the large doors into the reception area of the offices opposite. A moment later, he came back with a cup of water. Laura’s hand shook too badly as she attempted to take it from him. Instead, he put it on the seat alongside her. Murmuring her thanks, she tried to lift her left arm.
She couldn’t hold back the gasp of pain as she moved it. She looked down at her swollen wrist. Already twice normal size, it was beginning to darken. The second gentleman looked at her wrist then up at the elephant.
“We’ll need an ambulance.”
“Fuck,” said the elephant with undue emphasis.
© Suzy Shearer 2017

ADULT EXCERPT:

His tongue did wonderful things to her body, then he dropped the cloth and began kneading the other full breast. Laura loved it, she threw her head back and enjoyed the sensation of his tongue, his fingers and the water—all caressing her. Her body tingled all over, her excitement gaining speed with every touch.
“On your knees,” she gasped, her voice gravelly with arousal.
Tobias dropped to his knees, looking up at her, and Laura looked down into his face.
“You told me you would do whatever I asked,” she said, lowering her voice sensuously.
“I did and I will, just order me. I promise to make you happy.”
Steeling her heart, she asked, her chest tight with concern, “So, if I want you to fuck me, you will?”
“Of course.” His words were almost breathless.
Laura held her breath. This was it.
She asked, “If I order you not to come until I tell you, would you? If I wanted to tie you up and ride you? If I tell you how to fuck me, you’d obey?”
“In a heartbeat! Oh my god Laura, nothing would give me greater pleasure.”
She looked at him in stunned amazement. Could it be? Oh god please let it be. She crossed her fingers, but she had to make certain he really knew what she was asking.
“You do understand what I’m saying Tobias? I… I have to control things in the bedroom, not you. At times I may want to spank you, tie you up, you’d have no say in what I did.”
He rocked back on his heels, a look of sheer ecstasy on his face. If possible, she saw his erection grow harder.
“I knew there was a reason I wanted you, sweetheart. It’s what I want, a woman who will control me when we have sex. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”
She searched his face, her heart pounded with joy. He nodded, she pulled him up by his hair and kissed him. Tobias gave back as much as she took, their tongues entwined. Laura melted against him, his cock pressed hard against her body. They finally broke apart, his mouth close to her ear.
“Order me. Tell me. I want you so badly, I want this so badly. I need you to command me.”
“Make me come with your mouth and your hand.”
Somehow she managed to give the order, her voice overjoyed but husky and low.
He dropped down to the floor again and lifted one of her legs over his shoulder. Laura put a hand on his other shoulder and one against the wall to balance herself as he ran a finger up and down her wet slit. Her moan of delight burst forth as she felt his tongue run the length then stop as his mouth sucked in the bead of her clitoris. All she could do was close her eyes and hang on for dear life as he worked on her body with his magic tongue and those fingers of his. He soon had her writhing and screaming his name as she came.
Panting, she had to wait a moment before she could speak again. The sopping towel on her head had dropped to the floor sometime as she’d squirmed and twisted. She pulled on Tobias hair, unable to say anything and he crawled from under her leg and stood. She took hold of his cock and ran her hand up and down the length of it.
Finally able to speak, she said softly, “I’m going to suck this, but you can’t come. If you feel you will, tap me and I’ll stop. Just know I’ll be very angry if you do come.”
“I understand.”
Laura sank to the floor, kneeling on the soaking towel and looked at the penis as it bobbed in front of her. It was a lovely thick cock, its eye staring at her. She leaned forward and licked the length of it, feeling Tobias shudder as she opened her mouth and drew it in.
Right then Laura decided Tobias had a delicious cock. As she stuck the tip of her tongue into the eye, she knew she’d be sucking on it often. Working her mouth up and down it, she wrapped her tongue around the sensitive underside. She felt Tobias’s fingers grab her shoulder so she drew his cock almost out before trying to swallow it. His fingers tightened their grip on her shoulder and she smiled to herself. If she gave a few more deep pulls, he would come, but that would be unfair to both him and her. She needed to know how he fucked, if he truly wanted her to control things.
Drawing his cock almost out, she looked up. His eyes closed, his mouth open, breath rapid. The fingers on her shoulder had dug in as he tried desperately not to come. Laura took pity on him and stood after kissing the head of his dick. He’d leaned against the wall, still with his eyes shut, breathing hard and fast. Laura turned off the water and grabbed a few towels. She threw one at Tobias, wrapped another around her head, and used the third to partly dry herself.
“Come. Show me how hard you can fuck a woman.”
© Suzy Shearer 2017

Elephants and Ever-Afters is book 5 in the Dark Desires series.

This series is about the secret cravings we have, the things that go on behind closed doors. Those dark desires we harbour and crave but sometimes afraid to ask for.

Each book in the series is a stand-alone so the books can be read in any order.





LINKS - WHERE TO FIND SUZY:                                                            


LINKS WHERE TO BUY:
Angus & Robertson (Aust): http://ow.ly/CxcGa
Bookworld (Aust): Bookworld



BIO:
Best-selling and Award winning author Suzy Shearer writes contemporary and paranormal erotic romances filled with mature and interesting characters. Her books have consistently reached her publisher's Best Seller list with several reaching # 1.  Her book Build A Love was runner-up in the Ménage category in the Easy Chair Bookshop's Fiction competition 2015 and A Hunter's Heart was runner-up in the Series Category.
Single, Suzy lives in the Western Suburbs of Sydney Australia with one very spoilt dog and two equally spoilt cats keeping her company.
She is a Buddhist, an Author, an Artist, a computer nerd and a voracious reader. Suzy has a penchant for crazy coloured hair - pinks, purples blues even rainbowed.... it changes every month - oh yes, also a penchant for tattoos!
Her books always feature older heroes and heroines; ranging from mid-40s to 60s. The heroines are usually confident plus-sized women who are proud of their curves. Suzy feels it's important for readers to connect. 
When she discovered many romance books seemed to cater for younger readers with their heroines and heroes in the 20s she decided to write about characters who were older but maybe not always wiser.  As she is in her 60s Suzy feels she can relate to her characters desires, fears and hopes and hopes her readers can as well.
Suzy also wants her readers to understand just because people are older doesn't mean they aren't intriguing, desirable, open to challenges and willing to experiment. Sexy isn't just for the under 30s.
When Suzy is not writing, she is usually painting - an accomplished watercolour Artist her subjects range from portraits and animals to nudes and landscapes. Check out her artwork at: http://sooziiiart.blogspot.com/



E-BOOKS OUT NOW
The Club series
The Club: Bound
The Club 2: Uncollared 
The Club 3: Waxed
The Club 4: Displayed
The Club 5: Submit
The Club 6: Unmasked

The Hunters series
A Hunter's Heart - Book 1
A Hunter’s Choice - Book 2
A Hunter’s Challenge - Book 3

Dark Desires series
(each book is a standalone)
Whipped Delights          
Craving Her Master       
Melting Her Dom’s Heart
An Artist’s Kiss
Elephants and Ever-Afters

Single Titles
Daemons Are Forever
Build a Love
Perfect Three                                              
PAPERBACKS OUT NOW

Vol 1 - The Club (Bound and Uncollared)
A Hunter’s Heart
A Hunter’s Choice
A Hunter’s Challenge
Perfect Three
Daemons Are Forever
Build A Love
Whipped Delights
Craving Her Master
Melting Her Dom’s Heart
An Artist’s Kiss

Friday, May 12, 2017

Hot Hunk Friday!

Title of book: To Claim a Mate

Author: Jennifer Denys

Publisher: Luminosity Publishing

Genre: Contemporary, Wolf shifter, gay, BDSM

Type: Novella (21,600 words)


Sexual orientation: MM



Blurb:

Cole Linley is a gay wolf-shifter. In order to appease the Alpha within, he has taken up the BDSM lifestyle and become very experienced. This placates his wolf to a certain extent, but his dearest wish is to find a mate—male, of course. Except, the question is, how to find one in a city surrounded by humans where other wolf-shifters are rare.
Then, one night, he enters Balls & Chains, a BDSM club he frequents, and immediately senses another of his kind. And not only that, it is the scent of a potential mate, Jared Gray. There is only one problem—Jared is collared by another Master.
Jared’s relationship shows all the signs of an abusive relationship. Can Cole get him away from the other Dom and show Jared the delights of BDSM when done properly and what it means to be a beta wolf to Cole’s Alpha?

Reader Advisory: The submissive in this Gay Paranormal Romance doesn’t realize he is in an abusive relationship until he meets his true Master.

What’s hot?: Making love in the forest as wolves, then in the bed as humans.


Buy links:





Excerpt:

Moving on, Cole was drawn into a room which had a cross in each corner of the room with plenty of space to wield the equipment. The walls were covered with floggers of varying types, although nothing stopped a Dominant using an implement from another section.

Cole halted. He’s here.

The scent was at its strongest, practically dragging him toward a slender man in his late twenties, with brown hair the color of hazelnuts. The sub was in the process of being tied face up against a cross on the far side. His chest was bare and sleek, and he wore skin-tight jeans.

The Dom wanted to rip the man’s clothes off and devour him on the spot. So intent was he on reaching his prey, he nearly missed the Master who had finished tying the submissive and came around to inspect the restraints, standing directly between Cole and the object of his hunt.

Stopping in his tracks, Cole’s hackles began to rise. A possessive instinct rose in him to fight off his rival. Except there were rules in BDSM and it didn’t include tearing out the throat of another Master.

Andy caught up with him and saw him staring. “Who have you found? Oh, this is Master Dirk. Jared is the sub he is playing with.”

Cole took a moment to calm his inner wolf, unclenching his fists before he triggered his claws. His voice was raspy as he asked, “Are they new? I don’t recall seeing either of them here before.” Actually, he couldn’t care less about this new Master. He only had eyes for Jared.

He didn’t hear Andy’s answer, because, at that moment, he caught the gaze of the bound man. Tangible electricity crossed the room and hit Cole like a silver bullet, slamming into his heart, nearly causing him to change into his wolf in front of everyone. It took everything he knew about Dominance to keep hold of his human side and push down his animal half.

Meanwhile, the submissive’s eyes opened wide in shock, and he bit his lip. Cole’s keen wolf eyesight could detect Jared’s fierce trembling, as he tightly gripped the ropes that held him. Cole willed him to hold on and not transform in front of everyone as the two shared a look of instant attraction, desperate need, and the desire to have sex.

And yet it was more than that. So much more—an inner knowledge, assurance one has finally found one’s other half, and didn’t even know one was looking.

Taking a deep breath, Cole narrowed his eyes as he gazed on Jared, drinking in the beautiful sight before him.

He gave a slight smile of acknowledgment.

Oh yes, this is my mate. And woe betide anyone who comes between us.




Author bio:

Jennifer is a bestselling author in various genre (BDSM, contemporary, sci-fi, paranormal, with historical and fantasy in her works in progress) with several different publishers.

An Englishwoman through and through, she lives in a beautiful historical city and is game to try most things once. She’s had a tattoo done on her calf, flew down zip wires 100 feet up in the trees, and was photographed nude by a professional photographer. All of which have taken place since she turned 50!

Many of her experiences end up in her books… but you will have to read them to find out what!

Do contact Jennifer – she loves to hear from her fans. She posts to her blog three times a week and is on Facebook daily.


Author links:






Monday, May 8, 2017

Monday's Scintillating Interview!


Welcome to Craving Erotic Romance Blogspot.

Today we’re presenting Author: ER Harding
                                               
1)    Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes, for as long as I can remember. I didn’t think I could actually do it, of course, but I wanted to.
2)    What genre(s) do you write?
My first novel, Manumission, is science fiction, because the story was already partly formed in my head, but I also rather like historical romances and contemporary crime, and I have other books to work on after the sequel to Manumission is out.
3)    Have you ever self published?
I did try it once, with an attempted fantasy novel, but I was new and naive, and didn’t realise that if no-one knows it’s out there, no-one will buy it. I pulled it off Amazon after a week or two, when I realised it wasn’t very good!
4)    Who or what inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve always read a huge amount, ever since I was very young. It was a natural progression, when I was made redundant, to start putting those nagging words down and see if they’d constitute a readable book. I’m still hoping it worked!
5)    How many hours in a day might you write?
Generally it varies. I always mean to put in a solid eight hours, but in practice I have to go shopping, do laundry and let my dogs in and out, so it’s usually nearer four hours a day. I just can’t work if the house is untidy though. It nags at me, so I often have to vacuum and tidy before I can really concentrate.
6)    Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I always mean to be a plotter, and I write quite complicated plotlines and even define my characters before I start a new book. Then I put the book away and forget everything I wrote, and fly by the seat of my pants. I think I must be both.
7)    Do you ever find yourself slipping away and becoming so immersed in your story it affects how you relate to others?
Oh yes, often. I can separate from the story easily enough, but I find that I’m constantly wondering what the character would do and asking the dog what she thinks. I’d probably seem a bit odd, but I try not to do it when there’s anyone else in the house.
8)    Are you in any of your books?
Absolutely not. Quite a few people that I know in real life are in it, but I don’t think I could put myself in a book; I’m far too dull.
9)    What do your friends and family have to say about you writing?
Mostly helpful things like, “Hurry up and get rich and famous,” or “Are you working? Do you mind if I just distract you for a minute?”
10) Please share an excerpt from your book that totally spoke to you when you put the words down on paper.
From: Manumission by ER Harding
She’d dressed entirely in orange and gold, and her face and hair were also heavily decorated with shimmering gold. Vito had excelled himself in the design of her outfit, and she’d spent an extraordinary amount of her savings on the deceptively simple accessories. Heads swivelled as they were seated at their table, and Susan thought she’d absolutely burst with pride.
The candlelight flickered in her huge orange eyes and gave her a bizarrely feral appearance, but her smile radiated happiness. Against his own judgement, Gabriel was at first astonished, and then genuinely entranced by her weird appearance.
They sat in the exclusive restaurant, overlooking the shimmer of the northern hemisphere of Earth far below, as other diners nudged each other discreetly, and Susan radiated contentment. She was aware of being watched, but was certain that the hiss of conversations that reached her were prompted by envy and admiration.
Gabriel was feeling particularly heartless in the face of her clear enjoyment, but the plan had been worked out months before, and shattering the pride of one Metaform employee was a negligible price to pay for the ultimate goal.
Two hours into the evening she was still having a wonderful time and knew she’d never forget it. ‘I still can’t believe I’m here. I’m breaking so many rules,’ she said happily.
Gabe winced sharply. ‘It’s my pleasure, believe me, Susan,’ he answered.
‘What’s the matter, Gabe?’ Susan asked in alarm.
‘My head. My head hurts. Sorry love, it’ll go in a minute.’ He pulled himself together and with a visible effort seemed to overcome the pain, and they continued to talk softly. Susan had noticed that Gabriel wasn’t drinking, but had decided not to comment.
After another ten minutes, Gabriel’s speech began to slur and he seemed to have trouble concentrating. Then he groaned softly, and winced again, rubbing his eyes with his hands. Gabriel’s water glass fell to the floor and a waiter strolled over and picked it up.
‘Is everything to sir’s satisfaction?’ he asked with casual malice.
Gabriel didn’t respond, holding his head in his hands. Only Susan could see that he was grinding the heels of his hands into his eyes, and his jaw was clenched hard.
‘Call an ambulance. Now!’ barked Susan. The waiter raised an eyebrow which suggested that an ambulance was a slightly excessive response to a mere drunken episode, but as Susan snarled the final word, he raised the other eyebrow and disappeared.
‘Gabe, the ambulance will be here soon. Hold on,’ she said gently.
‘I can’t feel my hands.’ Gabe looked up for a moment; his eyes were a bright, blood-filled red and tears of pain ran down his cheeks. Susan was horrified.
‘I can’t go to the EMF,’ he said indistinctly. ‘I have to go back to my clinic. They’ll know what to do. Susan, it’s important,’ he gripped her hand in desperation.
The ambulance arrived within a few minutes, and since it seemed to be a source of worry to Gabe, Susan demanded that they take him back to his father’s private clinic. The ambulance crew grumbled briefly, but gave in.
Susan was left behind, sitting alone amongst the ruins of her romantic dinner. Wearily, she collected her bag and a shimmering wrap and boarded the shuttle back to her home to await news of Gabriel’s condition.
Links

11) Which actor/character(s) would play the starring role?
12) For Gabriel, I’d like Chris Hemsworth, I think. For Meilinn, Eva Green of James Bond fame would be great. They’re both more beautiful than real life people, but that’s ok. Ultimately, Manumission is about what people will do to be, and stay, beautiful!
     












13) What’s next for you?
I’m finishing the sequel to Manumission now, and I’ve enjoyed it hugely, but afterwards, I’d like to go back and finish one of my other novels. I’ll wait and see which one shouts the loudest to me when I revisit them.

            Thanks for stopping by today! 
             
                  Find  ER:  

                  ER Harding’s website: https://erharding.com/


Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Hump Wednesday Feature!

Unnatural Allies (Shifting Alliances, #2 by Shari Elder
Genre: M/F Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 28, 2017
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer



Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I’m very excited to share Unnatural Allies, Book Two in the paranormal romance series, Shifting Alliances. Although part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Blurb

A World in Transition
Violent fae encroachment on shifter land is heating up. With death tolls rising, the impossible becomes necessary – an alliance among predator and prey shifters.

An Inconceivable Love
Nicca Baron, lone wolf and wolf clan beta, finds herself under the command of Evan Grant, the rat alpha.  In different circumstances, he’d be dinner. Or so her wolf keeps reminding her.  Evan proves to be a perceptive leader, a skilled fighter and irresistible to her lonely heart.

To rule the rats, you have to rule the pack. Evan is a whiz at managing people and groups. Until he finds himself leading a mission made up of every single large animal that thrives on rat flesh. And not the kind between his legs.  The only bright light is Nicca. Her storm gray eyes miss nothing, her brilliant mind comprehends everything and her succulent curves offer the perfect place for a rat to nestle.

An Impossible Future
In each other’s arms, Nicca and Evan discover love and a new perspective in an off-kilter world. But a wolf cannot mate with a rat, no matter the strength of the human attraction.

Buy Links



Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/unnatural-allies-mf


Excerpt

Evan had never seen Nicca look frightened before. Those silver eyes expanded into saucers, and they were still beautiful. He wanted to wrap her in his arms, just hold her close as they both tried to process a world spinning out of control. Even his rat wanted to comfort her.
She was getting under skin and fur.
The last leaves hung limp on the branches, resisting winter’s pull. Away from the sidhe, the air had warmed, although the sky retained a grayish winter hue. Shifter bodies held heat, keeping them comfortable in the most brutal frost. Evan burned hot from continuous movement, the too frequent adrenaline spikes, and Nicca’s nearness. Everything about her fit, like she was made for him. That agile mind, open-mindedness, those lush curves. Hell, she even spouted poetry. He yearned to put a sign around her neck—no trespassing, this woman belongs to Evan Grant. 
Except for that whole wolf thing… 
“Why don’t we find a comfortable place to set up camp near Fairy Falls and call it a day?” he said to get his mind back to practical things, not wishing for something he couldn’t have. He told himself he selected the location as part of the mission. All species declared the pristine, wild falls a safe zone, so they wouldn’t need the wolves or eagles to stand guard. The fact that it was the number one rated site for shifter romances had nothing to do with the selection. Nothing at all.
No one would ever accuse Nicca of talking too much, but she was withdrawn even for her on the hike to the Falls. “Any suggestions on places to sleep?” he asked when her silence got too loud for him.
“I’ve, uh, never really been here,” she whispered, looking at the ground. “Just run by it on patrols sometimes.”
“And that makes you sad?” He itched to run his hand down her cheek.
“This mission makes me sad.” Her gaze stayed lowered as she walked.
His rat senses perceived a deep despondency wrapped around her like a black aura.
“This mission makes you angry, anxious, and confused. Not sad.” 
“Who are you to correct my assessment of my emotional state?” She gave him a half-hearted snarl. He figured he’d hit an open, raw nerve.
“I lead this mission, and I will not have you fall apart on me. Right now, you are not okay.” He opened his arm, aping Rafe’s earlier action, inviting her to him to take comfort. “Let me help.” Let me touch you.
She visibly shook herself, ignoring his outstretched limb. “You’re right. I need space. Let me run as wolf.”
He dropped his hand, then nodded to cover the ripping sound his heart was making. “Stay close,” he said over the lump of disappointment lodged in his throat. “Give me your backpack, and I’ll find a place to sleep. Meet me at the falls when you’re done.”
Relief brightened her eyes. Once shifted, she brushed against his leg, then licked at his hand dangling by his side. He ran his fingers through her thick, gray fur touched with black and silver as she trotted off. “Grab some happy, Nicca,” he said into the air, as she raced out of sight.  Come back to me. Accept me.
Alone, he hummed as he walked toward the falls. The low tune soothed his skittish rat, who hated being alone and wasn’t too fond of the woods. Rats felt secure in the pack. The human in him appreciated the red gold of the sunset streaking across the powder blue of the sky, weaving in and out of spiky, hunter green firs that ate up the landscape. Beauty truly did soothe an aching heart. The whirr of winter birds, a chorus to his ears, unnerved the rat. He picked up his pace, following the smell of ice and the roar of the falling water.
When he arrived at the falls, he saw Nicca standing at the edge of the descending water, running her fingers through the stream. That sadness he’d sensed earlier scented the air and dulled those unique gray eyes. Following a powerful intuition, he approached quietly, staying upwind so she wouldn’t notice until he stood directly behind her. She may have rejected his offer of support earlier, but he was determined to try again. His way.
She turned to face him, and tilted her head up to meet his gaze. He pushed behind one ear a lock of hair that was draped along her cheek. The tresses felt like silk, the skin velvet against his fingertips.
“Evan?”
He leaned over, touching lips to lips ever so gently. Giving comfort. Sneaking a taste. Exploring what might be. She pressed back, her mouth opening slightly beneath his. He sank into cherry and cinnamon, shyness and heat. She didn’t require a friend; she needed a lover. He desperately wanted to be that man. 
He pulled back, falling hard for the blush staining her cheeks a bright pink.
“Follow me,” he said, taking her hand, and led her to the camping spot he noticed along the way.
To love a wolf.

About Shari

Hello, I'm Shari. By day, I crawl out of bed, mainline coffee, walk the dog, get my kid off to school, hop on the metro, and save cities within the four walls of my office. Usually by email.

At night, the other Shari emerges.  I take off the suit, curl up on the couch and let my imagination play, with words and images until stories take shape (while periodically checking on my teen-ager, hiding out in the bedroom and plotting world domination with her furry minions).  As my alter ego, I save cities in a cape and spangled tights, wander space and time on a surfboard, fly over the Himalayas on feathered wings, make six-toed footprints in indigo talc snow on the sixth planet in the Andromeda galaxy or eavesdrop on Olympian gods while pretending to whip up a bowl of ambrosia.

In all these wondrous worlds, romance and passion blossom. I can't resist a happy ending. And I am particularly prone to writing happy endings for those who have given up on ever getting one. That gives me immense satisfaction. 

Join me on my journey. The best ideas emerge from team work.

Hang out with Shari on the Web
Website           http://sharielder.com
Twitter            www.twitter.com/ShariElderBooks
Pinterest          www.pinterest.com/ShariEldeBooks
Goodreads       www.goodreads.com/ShariElder




Monday, May 1, 2017

Monday's Scintillating Interview!


Welcome to Craving Erotic Romance Blogspot.

Today we’re presenting Author: L.D. Blakeley!
                                               
1) Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, all my life. Unfortunately, life got in the way for quite a while. 


Now I’m trying to make up for lost time J
2) What genre(s) do you write?

Everything that’s been published, to date, has been MM romance (contemporary and a few paranormal short stories), but I have a stash of story ideas that run the gamut.
3)  Have you ever self published?
Yes! My first foray was just this past Christmas. I self-published The Power of Peppermint (along with a follow-up Valentine’s Day freebie called Burning Down The House). Best Worst Ever is also a self-published title, although in its first incarnation it was published by Dreamspinner Press. It’s been revised, given a new cover and will soon be out in paperback, too!
4) Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

An anthology call is what lit the flame high enough for me to finally finish and submit to a publisher.
5) How many hours in a day might you write?

On a good day, three or four. On a bad day, I try to get in at least an hour.
6) Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Plantser? LOL.
7) Do you ever find yourself slipping away and becoming so immersed in your story it affects how you relate to others?
Not really. Although I do have a tendency to jot down notes in the middle of pretty much everything.
8) Are you in any of your books?
Nope. Although I do tend to have one character completely addicted to coffee in everything I write. Does that count?
9) What do your friends and family have to say about you writing?

Everyone’s been extremely supportive and proud.
J
10) Please share an excerpt from your book that totally spoke to you when you put the words down on paper
From: Best Worst Ever  

If there was one thing he knew about Sky, it was that he was as frugal as the day was long. And, judging by the other places he’d passed along the way, he was guessing the impressive exterior of this place matched a rather swanky, if not romantic, interior. Of course, idiot. Sky had rented the place thinking he’d be with his fiancée. Not his best friend.
He parked next to his friend’s SUV and stubbornly grabbed more than he could carry at once. Why make two trips when you can do it in one? Necessity might be the mother of invention, but laziness was definitely its big, bad daddy. Laden down with a suitcase and far too many bags of food and liquor, Carey used the toe of his boot to gently knock at the front door. “Sky? You in there? My hands are full, man, come open the door.” When there was no response, he tried again with the tip of his boot. “Mr. Darcy, are—”
His sentence was cut short as the door flew open. “Jesus! Hold your horses, Logan. I couldn’t hear you with the water running. I was just in the…”
Shower. He’d been in the shower. Carey knew this, not because he suddenly had the ability to read minds. Oh, no. He knew this because there, in front of him, stood all six foot four inches of Darcy Skyler Wood… dripping wet with nothing but a towel slung low around his hips. Shit.
Don’t stare. Don’t stare at that solitary drop of water as it slowly slides its way between the hard, flat planes of those perfect pecs. And for the love of all that’s holy, do not stare at anything even remotely near the edge of that towel! But Carey never was any good at taking orders.

REVIEWS:
✽ Joyfully Jay (“… hot enough to melt the snow…fun, witty banter…”)
✽ Hearts on Fire Reviews (“…sexy and lovely.”)
✽ MM Good Book Reviews (“a great friend to lovers story… a very sweet ending.”)
✽ My Fiction Nook (“…humorous, and snarky banter…”)
✽ Prism Book Alliance (“… warm and sensual chemistry together that is just yummy.”)
✽ Rainbow Book Reviews (“…excellent fantasy fodder… sassy!”)


LINKS:








11) Which actor/character(s) would play the starring role?
Oooh. Can I pick anyone? Sky would definitely be Gaspard Ulliel, I have no idea if the guy can act, but he absolutely looks the part. And for Carey, maybe Aidan Turner or Hale Appleman. Hale might be a bit too tall, but if we’re talking perfect world fantasy casting…


12) What’s next for you?

I’m finishing up the sequel to Opportunity Knocks (book #2 in the Laissez Faire series) and then planning to immediately dive into book #3.
Thanks for stopping by!
Find L.D. Blakeley: