Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Vampires for Valentines

Vampires for Valentine's Giveaway Hop

The Vampires for Valentine's Giveaway Hop is run by paranormal romance authors Felicity Heaton, Caris Roane and H. D. Thomson! This hop celebrates the fanged heroes and heroines, the alluring creatures of the night, yes, those vampires we all love so much. All of the giveaways in this hop have a vampire theme to them, so we are truly celebrating vampires for Valentine’s Day!

So what better time to celebrate a love of Vampires than during the international period for celebrating love.
Why do I love vampires. Because they are sexy strong and can pretty much do whatever they want. I mean who wouldn't want to be invulnerable. So I thought I'd share some of my favourite Vampire Books







To coincide with this wonderful blog hop. My vampire ménage book She Devil is available from Amazon for FREE from the 13th - 15th of Feb. Make sure you get your copy!


Constance is a Vampire with a heavy appetite, who works as a stripper to find her meals. She is wanton, luscious and wicked—she craves more than just blood.

Benjamin and Jonathon are vampire outcasts who exist by pretending to be as human as possible in order to remain hidden among humanity. When the town they live in starts to report that men are disappearing? They go on the hunt for the Vampire intruder.

Little do they know, the Intruder is one sexy-delicious Vamp. Connie will offer them more than just a hunt… she will pull them into a tryst of sensual heat and naughty thrills.



Also leave a comment and fill out the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon gift card to allow you to buy some of the wonderful Vampire books in this hop.

Monday, 11 February 2013

Spotlight: BDP Valentines Collection



Valentine’s Day Collection

                               

Book Details for the collection:

Sometimes Valentine’s Day is not all hearts and roses …

Love Sucks … until it doesn’t!



BDP has released a collection of individual short stories where the most romantic day of the year redeems itself … eventually.

There are two male/female contemporary romance stories and two male/male contemporary romance stories. To be released on the four days leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Book Summaries:


February 11 - Time or Money by Carly Fall

Carly Fall introduces us to Bridget and Mason in Time or Money, where missed calls, a broken cell phone, and a surprise that never came off on the most romantic day of the year, might just signal the end of their dreams.




February 12 - A New Dream by C. J. Baty

C.J. Baty with her first published work, A New Dream, gives us a glimpse into the world of competitive skiing and what happens when one man's Olympic dreams are shattered. Can Walt find something new to dream about in Curt, the latest act playing at the ski resort? (m/m romance)




February 13 - The Gift by Elise Marion

Elise Marion brings us back into the glittering world of Avery & Dom from The Secret Life of Avery O'Dea in The Gift. Avery has always thought that Dom knew her better than anyone else. Does the gift he buys her this Valentine's Day show that he really has no idea at all?




February 14 - An Unexpected Party by Henrietta Clarke

Henrietta Clarke introduces us to a tale of misconceptions, a mother in denial, and some serious baggage in An Unexpected Party. Meet Peregrine and Merry, two unlikely souls who meet at a speed-dating event. Problem: Peregrine is very much in demand with the ladies, although he seems to be having trouble tearing his attention away from a certain gorgeous waiter for the night. (m/m romance)




Buying Details:

The list price for each book in the collection is $1.99, however all books in the collection will be discounted by 25% for the duration of the blog tour, and until the end of February, when purchased on the BDP website, using this discount code: bdpvdtallmk01





Author Profiles:
Carly Fall is a wife, a mother and a slave to Nicky the dog.
She loves to laugh, and thinks chocolate and wine should be considered their own food group. She also wishes Christmas happened twice a year.
Three years ago, she decided to take a break from writing business material and dip her toe in the fiction pond, and has loved watching her imagination come to life on the page. She is the author of contemporary and fantasy romance.
Website Link: www.CarlyFall.com


Elise Marion is a lover of books and has a special place in her heart for sweet and sensual romance. Writing about love across all walks of life is her passion, as is reaching people through the written word. The Army wife and stay-at-home mother of two spends most of her time taking care of her children. Her second job includes writing stories about characters that people can fall in love with. When the Texas native isn’t caring for her family or writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, singing loudly, or cooking up something new in the kitchen.

Website Link: www.elisemarion.com


C. J. Baty lives in southwest Ohio with her very patient husband and two encouraging children. Her heart however, lives in the mountains of Tennessee where she hopes to retire some day. The mountains have always provided her with inspiration and a soothing balm to the stresses of everyday life.

The dream of writing her own stories started in high school but was left on the back burner of life until her son introduced her to fan fiction and encouraged her to give it a try. She found that her passion for telling a story was still there and writing them down to share with others was much more thrilling than she had ever expected.

One thing she has learned from life and she is often heard to say is: “You are never too old to follow your dream even if it takes you fifty years!”

Website Link:


Henrietta Clarke is a highly individual Yorkshire lass who grew up with her nose in a book and is therefore lucky to have only fallen down the stairs once in twenty-one years. Ironically, this had nothing to do with reading and resulted in “traumatic golfer’s elbow.” No, she’s never figured that one out either, but it genuinely was the medical diagnosis. Her parents have long accused her of being “away with the fairies,” so perhaps she was always destined to write in the gay romance genre. She’s had enough imaginary friends to fill the Titanic and set her course towards being a published writer at the age of six. Having achieved that dream, her next goal is to get through two years of postgraduate law study with her sanity intact. She thinks she might just be able to do it with a little help from her family, friends, vodka, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and of course her trusty bookshelves.

You can contact Henrietta by emailing heclarke@hotmail.co.uk She’s currently too techno-illiterate to have a blog, but may start one soon.


Further contact details for all our authors, including Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, blogs, etc., can be found on our website:



Something about the publisher:

Bottom Drawer Publications is a new publishing house that specialises in romantic and erotic romance fiction across a range of genres, with both het and gay characters. Our genres include: Contemporary, Historical, Literary/Drama, Alternative Lifestyles, Paranormal/Sci-fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller and Steampunk.

Our books are available for sale on our website as well as over 8 booksellers, including: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBookstore, All Romance, Rainbow eBooks, and a range of others. All reading devices are catered for with a comprehensive range of formats.

We are always on the lookout for fresh and interesting manuscripts within these genres, and from time to time will put out calls for anthology submissions.

Visit our website: http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net for our new release information and our writing submission guidelines.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, 8 February 2013

Interview/Review: The Treasure by Jennifer Lowery

Hi Melissa and all you fabulous readers out there *waves* Thank you so much for having me today! My debut book, The Treasure, released this month so I’m very excited to be here! Thank you so much for sharing it with me!! 
In honor of my release I am giving away a $5.00 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter so please leave me a comment with your EMAIL to be entered to win!!

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a wife of 20 (soon to be 21) years to a wonderful man. We have two children together. A 19 year old son and 13 year old daughter. And one adopted 18 year old daughter. I’ve always wanted to be a writer! Although I detoured along the way and became a Respiratory Therapist first, then began following my dream 11 years ago. Yep, it took me that long to publish my first book! So to all my readers I say follow your dreams! It can happen!

2.     Tell us a little about the book you are here to promote?
The best way to do that is to give you the blurb:
Amelia Sawyer is looking for adventure outside her ordinary life. She hires bush pilot Brody Kern to fly her into the South American jungle, expecting a dashing, debonair version of Indiana Jones, but Amelia butts heads with the brooding, gruff man.
Brody Kern, former Air Force fighter pilot, doesn’t need another Sawyer determined to find the elusive Paraíso.  People had been hurt or killed trying to find the mysterious place, including Amelia’s aunt, but Brody’s business partner has cleaned out their account and taken off with the money. Now Jeremy’s bookie is breathing down Brody’s neck, threatening to break his kneecaps, or worse, if he doesn’t pay his friend’s gambling debts.   
As Brody and Amelia hunt down the treasure with every criminal in the area wanting a piece, will it be the adventure of a lifetime—or will it result in heartbreaking betrayal?  

3.     What was your main inspiration for this story?
The Treasure actually came to me in the form of the aunt instead of the hero or heroine. I just knew I had to write Aunt Pandora’s story. She was such a strong presence and her story needed to be told. Telling her story from the grave was another story all together, lol.

4.     If your book was made into a movie, which stars would you want to play your Hero and Heroine?
I think Amy Adams would be the perfect Amelia and Ryan Gosling to play Brody.

5.     Describe your Hero/Heroine in five words?
Brody: Brooding. Gruff. Protector. Alpha. Loner.
Amelia: Courageous. Trusting. Determined. Zealous. Loyal.

6.     If you could go back and give your-struggling-author-self one piece of advice now that you are published what would it be?
Write the story the way you want to write it, the way it wants to be written. Don’t worry about what genre it fits into. That is your writer’s voice.

7.     Do you have any interesting writing quirks?
I can’t write if my house is dirty, lol. With three teenagers that’s a tough one sometimes!

8.     How do you stay motivated when the Muse is being temperamental?
I tend to give my Muse a swift kick in the butt when she’s being temperamental. I don’t have time for it, lol. I have to write no matter if my Muse cooperates or not. That’s why they created the ‘delete’ button, I think!

9.     What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not writing?
Read and spend time with my family.

10. Fast Five:
a.      Tea or Coffee?
Tea.
b.     Kindle or Nook?
Kindle.
c.      Beer or Wine or Spirits?
Red wine.
d.     All-time favourite book?
The Bible.
e.      All-time favourite Movie?
I’m not sure I have a favourite! Yeah, I know!

Thank you for having me today, Melissa!! I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to all my readers out there! Without you I wouldn’t be here. My wish is to one day meet each and every one of you so I can personally thank you for your generosity and support! 
All my best, 
Jennifer


The Treasure/Romantic Suspense

Blurb:
Amelia Sawyer is looking for adventure outside her ordinary life. She hires bush pilot Brody Kern to fly her into the South American jungle, expecting a dashing, debonair version of Indiana Jones, but Amelia butts heads with the brooding, gruff man.

Brody Kern, former Air Force fighter pilot, doesn’t need another Sawyer determined to find the elusive Paraíso.  People had been hurt or killed trying to find the mysterious place, including Amelia’s aunt, but Brody’s business partner has cleaned out their account and taken off with the money. Now Jeremy’s bookie is breathing down Brody’s neck, threatening to break his kneecaps, or worse, if he doesn’t pay his friend’s gambling debts.   

As Brody and Amelia hunt down the treasure with every criminal in the area wanting a piece, will it be the adventure of a lifetime—or will it result in heartbreaking betrayal?  

Sensuality Level: Sensual


Excerpt

The door to the hangar flew open. Brody popped his head out. “Miss Sawyer, we have to go. Right now. Move it.”

Not the words she wanted to hear, but his tone and the red welt on his cheek got her moving. Clutching her bags like a shield, she hurried toward the hangar, tripping only once in her rush to see what happened.

She stumbled through the door. “What happened?” she asked, staring at the crumpled body of Mr. Newton and another man she didn’t recognize on the floor.

Brody, who was throwing side panels on the plane, barked, “Get in the plane.”

That plane?” Getting in the red and white piece of tin didn’t sound like a good idea. The plane looked even less reliable than his Land Rover. And wasn’t that an engine part lying on the floor beside his toolbox?

“She’ll run fine.” Brody ran around to the other side of the plane, obviously to finish his hasty repair and put his plane back together. “Now, get the hell in.”

Mr. Newton groaned.

“I’m not sure about this,” she said. “What did you do to them?”

“Nothing they didn’t invite.”

In other words, he wasn’t going to tell her.
“If you don’t get in this plane right now, then our friends there are going to wake up and they aren’t going to be happy. They want the map, Miss Sawyer, and I have no intention of giving it to them. Do you?”

Amelia shook her head, looking at the two men who were beginning to stir. “Okay, okay.” She hurried toward the plane. “You’re giving me answers to your change of heart just as soon as we get out of here, Brody Kern.”

He opened the door for her, took her bags and tossed them in the back, then lifted her in the front seat before he slammed the door closed. Once he was in the seat next to her, he brought the plane to life. It choked and sputtered before gaining power.

Reaching over her shoulder, she put on a seatbelt as Brody maneuvered the plane out of the hangar and onto the runway, which was nothing more than a cleared path through the jungle. The plane bounced and shook as they gained speed. It was nothing like the jet she flew in on. Nothing at all.

She had loved the plane ride over. Loved flying the second she set foot on the jet. Maybe because it was the official start of her adventure, but either way, it was more fun than this. Safer, for sure. Brody’s plane sounded like a tank rattling down the road and it rode like one too. And she thought his Land Rover was bad. It felt like riding in a tin can with seats. Very close quarters. Every time they hit a bump, her shoulder hit Brody’s.

“Are we going fast enough?” Amelia asked, worried they would hit the end of the runway before they gained enough speed. “Do you know how to fly this thing?”

Brody didn’t answer, just concentrated on his task. He seemed confident enough with his hands on the oddly shaped steering wheel and his eyes watching the many dials. She had one of the funny shaped wheels on her side too, but she didn’t touch it. It moved with Brody’s so she let him have it.

Nerves pounding, heart pumping, Amelia held on for dear life as they barreled down the runway. Frightened and excited, she watched the runway get shorter. Her life was in Brody’s hands and somehow that exhilarated her. Trees rushed past, her heart raced.
They were almost at the end of the path. Trees loomed ahead, tall and unyielding, creating a barrier. Amelia gripped the seat in anticipation.

They weren’t going to make it.

Review:

So I'm going to admit it took me a little while to get going on this book. I don't exactly know why but for some reason during the first two chapters I kept putting the book down then about half way through chapter two I got hooked and I'm going to confess I might have told my hubby I had a sore back so I could avoid house work and lay in bed and read.

Brody Kern is one of the sexiest heroes I've read in a while. I literally wished I had the ability to climb into the book and cuddle up(please note I mean this as a euphemism for sex) with him. Amelia is one lucky girl and I am totally jealous of her.


Pace of the book is perfect and I didn't expect events to play out the way they did. I however had a goofy grin on my face as I read the conclusion it left me insanely happy.

Overall I give this 4 out of 5 A wonderful read I thoroughly recommend it.

  Author Bio:
Jennifer Lowery lives in Michigan where she spends her time writing stories feature alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines. Learn more about her at www.jenniferloweryauthor.com. Check out her blog Romance Recipes at http://romancerecipes.wordpress.com/
Follow her on Twitter @JLoweryauthor and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-LoweryAuthor/302548869788688


Crimson Romance

Buy The Treasure:
Crimson Romance ebooks | Amazon | B&N | iTunes





Thursday, 7 February 2013

Spotlight: Threesome Sweetness by JoAnne Kenrick


Threesome Sweetness
JoAnne Kenrick


A shot of Threesome Sweetness stirs up emotions….
Elizabeth, a part-time manager of Bell’s Irish Pub and business student, is newly hitched. Her marriage could use a serious shake up, but she finds shopping a more therapeutic use of her time.
If Todd’s wife is happy, he’s happy. But it seems nothing is putting a sweet smile on her face these days, not even her friends at Bell’s. So he contacts 1NightStand and arranges the one thing he knows she doesn’t necessarily want but definitely needs for her thirtieth birthday; a threesome.
Enter cowboy Cade, who’s in London, England hoping to make a restaurant franchise deal. After weeks of doors slamming shut, he uses the 1Night Stand agency in hopes of sprinkling some fun over his overseas business trip and perhaps to learn what he’s missing out on by being relationship shy.
A harmless night of intimacy is planned.
Is a dash of Threesome Sweetness the remedy each is looking for, or will the date leave a bitter aftertaste each will regret for the rest of their lives?

Buy Links: ALL ROMANCE /AMAZON US / BOOK STRAND / NOOK / KOBO



JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a small sea-side town in North Wales. Having experienced life in several different countries, she now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children and a lazy cat. When they aren’t demanding her attention, she can most likely be found watching a vampire movie, reading, or baking up a British feast in her kitchen. And if she isn't in one of those spots, she is probably hiding in her writer's cave.

Excerpt:
is three company or a crowd?

Strutting the length of the suite, he wore nothing but a cowboy hat and a smile. Cocky bastard. She had insisted he leave it on. Heat twisted and turned within, saturating her inside out as she skimmed the length of him from behind her lashes. From his ruggedly handsome face and strong jaw line, to the beads of sweat glistening on his rippled chest, she was tempted to trace her hand over his ass.
He turned his head and set his gaze upon her, looking like one of those heroes from one of Sandra’s romance covers. Except without pants. Her pulse quickened.
“Ma’am.” He dipped his hat, shading his stare with the dark shadow caused by the rim of the Stetson. “Said you wanted more excitement in your life on your 1Night Stand profile. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“And what did ya 1Night Stand profile say about ya, pray tell?” She leaned against her husband, trying to seem casual. Adrenaline pumped through her hard and fast, calmed slightly by Todd’s touch. He stroked her side, gentle, reassuring.
“That I’m a businessman in town looking for some serious, clean fun.”
 “Don’t people like ya use a card stuck ta a phone box when ya want a shag on a business trip?” She stumbled over her interrogation, desperate to find something wrong with him, a reason why they shouldn’t progress with their evening together.
“Stop questioning the man. He’s not here to chit-chat.” Her husband kissed her cheek, “And if you really don’t want this, we can end it now. Whatever you want, Beth.”
“It’s fine. She wants this. She wants to know it’s all good, clean fun. I understand. Better to be upfront about these things and get them out of the way.” He shrugged. “But you misunderstood me. I don’t want a meaningless one-night stand. I want the experience to mean something.” His tone softening, he strolled to her side. “Something special verses a quick fuck, you understand?”
She snorted. “Why on earth would ya think a married couple could give ya...something special?” Dipping his hand under the collar of her dress, he eased the material from her shoulder while unzipping her. Her outfit skimmed her body on its way to the floor. The room temperature was tepid, yet chills raced up her spine. She wanted to grab his wrist, to scream at him to stop. Yet no matter how awkward he made her feel, she could not get away from the fatal attraction she had for him. She should play nice; after all, this was her birthday present and she might hurt dear Todd’s feelings if she didn’t try to enjoy every second of it.
“I’m going to give you guys a minute alone to get acquainted.” Her husband strode to the en-suite bathroom and shut the door behind him, leaving her alone with this...man.
It wasn’t going to be an easy thing to choreograph, keeping two men happy.

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Spotlight/Interview: For the Love of Sarah by Hazel Statham

How many times can a heart be broken? How many times can love be denied? Sarah and Alexander were destined for each other but after just four short weeks of marriage, their lives were torn asunder.

Alexander, Earl of Thorne thought he had found his ideal mate but, when Sarah absconded shortly after their marriage, his world came crashing down. Now, five years later, he discovers her in a remote Yorkshire village.

Sarah had thought she was safe, but when, severely injured in a freak accident, her husband is thrust once more into her life, she fears her dark secrets and the fact she has a son, will become known.

Despite her own desperate longings, she continually repudiates Alexander’s efforts of reconciliation. However, fate conspires against her, and when her home is made uninhabitable by floods, she and her young son are forced to accept his aid and return to her former home.

Discovery threatens and, despite her breaking heart, she plans to leave Alexander’s life. What is this secret that makes it so imperative that she should abscond from him yet again? Can two broken hearts cleave and emerge victorious or will life's cruel forces tear them apart forever?


Interview:

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I left school in 1961 at the age of fifteen and during my working life worked as a personnel officer and then latterly an accounts officer.  When I had to give up working due to ill health in 1994, I acted as treasurer for a voluntary organisation that raised money for animal charities.  However, when the organisation closed, I returned to my love of writing and now have seven published novels.

2.     Tell us a little about the book you are here to promote?

It’s the story of two souls who are meant for each other, but, just four weeks into their marriage, are driven asunder by secrets and lies.  Now, five years later, they are once more thrown together by a freak accident.  However, hearts turn traitorous and refuse to be quelled despite the treachery that threatens to separate them.  Will the perpetrator emerge victorious or are Alexander and Sarah destined to find the happiness they so richly deserve.

3.     What was your main inspiration for this story?

I started off with the details of Alexander’s accident which I validated with a doctor to make sure it was plausible.  Over a period of weeks I fleshed the story out and developed my main characters.  Zander came from my grandson, Daniel.  However, the exact details of Sarah’s secret were more difficult to define but became clear through research.

4.     If your book was made into a movie, which stars would you want to play your Hero and Heroine?

Richard Armitage would make a superb Alexander but, to be perfectly honest I find it difficult to cast Sarah and would welcome my readers’ suggestions.

5.     Describe your Hero/Heroine in five words?

Alexander can be described in these five words - heroic, honourable, erudite, loyal, generous.

6.     If you could go back and give your-struggling-author-self one piece of advice now that you are published what would it be?

Believe in yourself!

7.     Do you have any interesting writing quirks?

I have been known, if the muse strikes, to rise at midnight and continue writing into the small hours.

8.     How do you stay motivated when the Muse is being temperamental?

There’s no pressure if the muse goes into hiding.  I have the luxury of being able to write as and when it’s more in evidence.  If inspiration deserts me, I just find something else to do until it returns.

9.     What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not writing?

Read or spend time with the family and the various animals we own. I also love going on vacation.

10. Fast Five:
a.      Tea or Coffee?                      Neither, I prefer cold drinks
b.     Kindle or Nook?                   Kindle
c.      Beer or Wine or Spirits?       Don’t drink
d.     All-time favourite book?      Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
e.      All-time favourite Movie?   1982 BBC TV version of Jane Eyre



Hazel will be awarding winner's choice of either a Cream Coin Freshwater Pearl necklace or a digital copy of DOMINIC or HIS SHADOWED HEART (international giveaway) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, please leave a comment with your email.

Monday, 4 February 2013

Spotlight: Sugar Girl by Nicole Austin


Sugar Girl
Nicole Austin
A guy walks into a bar…
And finds the sweet girl he shouldn’t have left behind.
While book smart Candy Dillon went to college and embarked on an engineering career, Jeremiah Lange became a rodeo champion and country music icon. Their differences have kept these childhood friends apart until finally, the twists and turns in their individual paths lead them right back where they belong.
All work and no play has Candy aching for a thrill. Jeremiah is the perfect man to help check a few things off her bucket list. From bungee jumping to making out on a Ferris wheel and an emotional spin beneath bright spotlights, Candy’s having the time of her life.
But in the harsh light of the morning after can she really hold on to a shooting star?

About the Author:
Nicole lives on the sheltered Gulf Coast of Florida, where inspiration can be found sitting under a big shade umbrella on the beach, sipping cold margaritas and watching all the hunks at play. Always an overachiever, Nicole stayed busy earning three college degrees and now splits her time between working in a health care career and writing.
A voracious reader, she never goes anywhere without a book, but started looking for something more. Something hotter. Her passion for erotic romance lead to Nicole’s creation of sizzling characters and boundary pushing stories. Now she lives in an incredible world where fantasy comes to life in bold, vivid detail.
She can often be found conducting research for her steamy stories while chatting with her muse and people watching. Turns out those voyeuristic tendencies are useful after all, who could have guessed.

Excerpt:
Reaching out, he grasped the chair and swiveled it until she faced him. Candy tilted her head back, way back, her hungry gaze drinking him in. Unruly black hair had been tamed to silky waves above big blue eyes she’d gladly drown in. His face was rough-hewn with sharp angles, and a rugged beard shadow softened the intensity of his square jaw. He’d grown into that coltish boy’s body and then some. Broad chest, powerful arms roped with corded muscles, lean hips….
Calloused fingers grazed her cheek, drawing her focus back to his smiling eyes.
“Of all the gin joints….” he prompted, beginning a familiar greeting they’d shared a million times over while growing up.
She grinned up at him. “In all the towns, in all the world….”
“She walks into mine.” He finished the famous movie line, cupping her cheek, his thumb repeatedly gliding along her bottom lip. “I can’t believe it’s you. What are you doing here?”
“At the hotel? Guest speaker at a conference. In San Antonio? I moved back to be closer to my mom. Dad—”
Her voice choked up, unable to say the words. It had only been three months since her father’s fatal heart attack. The wounds were still raw.
Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her in to that incredible body, one hand holding her head cushioned against a delicious chest she wanted to lick, the other rubbing soothing circles over her back. He smelled good—sandalwood and leather.
“I heard about your dad.” His voice rumbled through his chest and into her, Candy eagerly soaked in the delicious vibration. “I’m so sorry.”
In his arms, she felt safe and loved, never wanting to leave. All too soon, he broke the embrace and stepped back. “Come on, grab your drink. Let’s find a table and catch up.”
With a nod, she turned back to the bar, got another glass and a bottle of the chocolate wine nestled in an ice bucket from the crestfallen Luke. She gathered her belongings and followed Jeremiah to a small table at the back of the bar.
Once they’d settled into seats, she turned his question back on him. “So what are you doing here?”
“Had a bad injury last year and can’t compete on the circuit anymore. Got tired of constantly being on the road with the band.” He shrugged. “So here I am, spinning my wheels while I wait to close on a ranch in the Hill Country.”
She’d known about the injury. It had been all over the news. That damn ornery bull’s horn had come disturbingly close to gelding Jeremiah. But the band? She hadn’t heard about him leaving Branded.
“A ranch? Wow! I thought you never wanted to be tied to one place?”
“I grew up. Had to happen sooner or later.” Shifting his chair closer, he reached out and placed his hand over hers on the table that suddenly seemed a lot smaller. He made a blatant point of checking her out, head to toe, a lascivious smile curving his lips. “You’ve certainly grown up.”