Showing posts with label Sneak Peek Sunday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sneak Peek Sunday. Show all posts

Sunday, August 16, 2020

#SneakPeakSunday - The Earring Thief in Crow Magic

Today we are featuring a Sneak Peek from Crow Magic, 
a contemporary romance with a Native American Crow Shifter Hero. 

The scene featured is the day of Lucy's blind date Madame Eve of 1 Night Stand arranged. She's rather nervous but relaxes while visiting with a crow on her porch. The large bird entertains her with typical crow behavior when she shares a slice of toast with the bird. Little does she know, she will meet up with crow again, but in his human form.




Putting her head into her hands, she croaked, “Can you believe it? I’m so stupid. Here I am talking to a bird like he’s a person when I should be getting ready for my date. Maybe I should pack my bags and leave.”

The delicate beat of wings whispered in her ears and the rocker moved from the weight of him as he landed. She sat up and wiped a tear from her cheek. He began tugging at her earring.

“Really? Again with the earring?” She tried to lean out of reach. “I suppose it’s true that crows like to steal shiny objects and always act the clown. Is it because you seek the bright and shiny aspects of life?”

With unrelenting focus, he elongated his neck.

“Or are you getting tired of my reading?” She shooed him away.

With a sharp backward pull, he yanked the silver loop out of her ear and took to the sky.

Jumping from her seat with a yelp, she raced off the porch. “Damn you!” She shook her fist at him. “Give that back to me!”

The silver hoop glistened in the tight hold of his beak. He taunted her. Keeping her eyes on him, she walked away from the cottage. As he flew close, he emitted a throaty grumble before flying toward a path leading into the woods. The mission of retrieving the earring became a game of follow the leader

She sought to have the jewelry returned, but the words from Madame Eve’s note haunted her. May you learn from the spirit of the Crow. Something told her to follow the thief. She ran along the well-traveled dirt trail and he glided, beckoning her to follow.

The canopy of trees shadowed  the corridor, the cool air fragrant with pine, cedar and sweet fern. Woodland flowers dotted the route. She ducked under a low pine branch, giddiness swelling within her. Taking pleasure in the sudden happiness, she followed the path until the forest opened to a field and a lake.

A little winded, she slowed her pace, becoming conscious of the beauty surrounding her. She stood in the same meadow depicted in the painting above her bed. Flying to a large oak tree in the center of the meadow, he slowed then perched.

Mountains climbed from the edges of the lake reaching for the cloudless sky. Envisioning she was the first human to witness such beauty, she listened to the whispering pines, lapping waves, and songs of the living earth. No boats graced the water, no calling children played, only pure nature. Clean air filled her lungs with every purifying breath. Dropping her robe to take in the rays of sunlight, she journeyed to the beach. Enchanted, she extended her arms and waded into the water in expectation of a baptism by nature.

She imagined the spirits of the natural world calling out to her and instructing to let go of the  loneliness. A simple task of emotional spring cleaning so room could be made for the physical intimacy she craved. Standing with the water surrounding her legs, an eerie power seeped into her pores. Tingling pulses in rhythm with the waves traveled through her cells.

Looking at her own reflection in the water, she watched a grin find its way from her heart to her lips. A shadow circled above, still carrying her earring. In a bold move, she flexed her fingers in invitation for him to land on her arm. Tucking his head, he arched his wings and flapped in short, quick strokes, accepting her unspoken summons. He landed on her wrist and dug his feet into her skin. A drop of blood beaded under a claw. Shifting his weight, he gazed into her eyes. Held in the ebony pools, her soul reached out to his. A longing to soar on the waves of the wind made her arms ache. Her vision grew hazy. The image of an ancient warrior with copper skin, strong brow and chiseled features, flashed in her mind then disappeared.

He dipped his head and broke the gaze then flexed his toes, apparently uneasy about the wound on her wrist. Lucy blinked.

“It doesn’t hurt.” She gave him a small smile.

After a gentle game of tug-o-war and an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve her earring from his beak, she tapped her fingers on his back to distract his attention in hopes that he’d drop it.

But content with his position on her arm, he held the earring tight. With her arm extended slightly, she left the water and sat on the warm sand of the beach. She tucked one foot under her while keeping one knee raised to rest her arm and support his weight.

Gazing upon him with wonder as he sat at ease, she slid her palm leisurely over his back and stroked his lustrous feathers. The heat of the animal greeted her skin and a low, throaty sound drifted to her ears.

“You are so beautiful; I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything or anyone so perfect.” 

Desire sparked in her womb and surged through her veins. The sudden liberation made way for the stronger yearning  to fly and soar on the winds of passion. In the daydream, strong hands touched her, drawing out her feminine cravings. Erotic visions of lying under a dark warrior flamed her desire to life. She imagined charcoal eyes and a masculine face framed by wild strands of black hair.

Inner strength rose and unlocked the door of reservations and opened it for the pleasure of human contact. She welcomed the strange power that greeted her. The crow  gave a low purr then shuddered and flew to the oak tree with the silver earring still in his grasp.

“You’re not going to give my earring back, are you?” She shook her fist. Pacing under the tree, she called out to him several times “Please, give it back. Crow!”

So very unusual from any animal, or human for that matter, that she’d ever known. Perhaps magic does exist. Something fascinating had transpired between her and the creature, yet she didn’t understand it all.

Without a glance at her, he focused on the mountains before him. With a deep sigh, she paused again to absorb the beauty of the panoramic view and thought of Madame Eve’s words. May you discover the magical power of the mountains and their crystal clear waters.

Majestic mountains jutted into the heavens from the green robe of earth and trees. She breathed in the enchanted air.

“Maybe it’s time to quit holding on to all things of the past.” For some reason the world seemed brighter. “If you truly are a spirit, then I guess I just have to accept defeat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. However, if you change your mind, I’ll be in the cottage until tomorrow and you can bring it back to me.”

Without a sound, he crouched then leapt into the air, taking flight over the lake and out of sight. The loss of the earring didn’t affect her as deeply as she’d thought it would. Her adventure with her feathered friend materialized into a lesson of self-growth. Her new, fragile, emotional state developed into a fresh beginning with the confidence to prepare for her date.




BLURB FOR CROW MAGIC ~

Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men and turns to Madame Eve to give her a man for a night that will help her overcome her fears to feel like a real woman. Eve arranges a night tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach her to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.

Seth Crowe, a shape shifter and Keeper of the Spiritual Law, considers himself to be a carrier of souls from darkness to light and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic. When his brother refers him to 1 Night Stand he certainly didn’t expect to find a fiery angel sleeping in a sensuous body and experience the true balance of nature. 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday

This week's Sneak Peek is from Handcuffs & Silk. Hunter is waiting at the bar with his brother at the Las Vegas Castillo Resort for the blind date Madame Eve has arranged for him from her exclusive dating service, 1 Night Stand.



“Stephanie.” Jason rolled the name on his tongue. “What do you know about this woman?”

“Not much. I just have to put faith in Madame Eve and her matchmaking skills.”

“Well, we’ll see.” With that said, he nodded in the direction of the door. “Pick up your rose.”

 Hunter lifted the rose, turned, and saw her. She’d slicked her blonde hair back in a tight ponytail, a pink, silk blouse lay like a second skin over perfect, round breasts. Nicely curved hips accented by shiny, black leather hot pants, high- heeled, thigh-high boots laced up her long legs, and a small leather bag hung on a silver chain snug against her hip. Hunter hardened instantly.

He took his eyes off her only for a moment to glance at his brother, who watched her with indifference as he would if he saw another dominant male.

“Don’t be fooled by this one’s appearance.” Jason smirked. “She wants to be owned.”

Hunter suspected this woman just might be what the doctor ordered to pick up his mood. He preferred a formidable woman and turned his attention back to the one in front of him. A beautiful face upon a slender neck put a vision in mind of her head thrown back in orgasmic rapture. Resisting the temptation to drop to his knees, he met her icy, blue stare. A gentle smile of approval crept across her face, compelling him to smile back.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday - WIP Eagle Dance

Today's Sneak Peek is from a work in progress I am writing for the Decadent Publishing 1 Night Stand Series. It is part of a four book Native American shifter collection I am working on, Crow Magic being the first. I hope you enjoy this sample.
Dyami Shaffer an Chippewa Eagle shifter

Over a few beers he confided in a friend who listened while he celebrated his own pity party. Reaching his limit and fed up of women staring at him with fear or disgust, he needed to vent. His large size and dark Native American features didn’t help him find dates in the past. Women of his tribe whispered of his attributes and feared him. On top of everything, his nesting instinct unfortunately kicked in recently. He wanted a good woman who would accept and love him for the rest of his life. The buddy told him about the elite dating service, 1 Night Stand, where one night often led to a love match.  His spirit nurtured the seed of hope planted in his thoughts and persuaded him to fill out the paperwork for a blind date.

After months of waiting, he stood on his porch drinking his morning coffee when he saw a hawk fly overhead. His people considered hawks to be messengers. With an impatient heart, he checked his emails and discovered a message from Madame Eve.  

Following a day of work, he drove almost 700 miles.  During the trip he fought poor weather and spent hours talking to himself to stay focused. He eventually gave in to weariness and spent the night in a cheap hotel along Interstate 80 planning to arrive at his destination with vim and vigor. Surely the lonely journey would not have been made in vain.

 A plow rumbled on the road behind him creating large mounds of snow. The world grew white and cleansed in purity. Evergreens supported heavy boughs much like the weight he carried. The trunks of the giant firs stood strong, bearing the spirits of the earth. The crisp air filled his lungs. His spirit fluttered with hope.

He clasped the totem pendant he wore around his neck and closed his eyes. The small eagle mounted on an arrowhead represented his linage. The rough edges dug into his palm yet gave him comfort. In his culture some legends were true; such as those who are born with a totem animal or a spirit guide. His ancestors were blessed by the Great Spirit. In every generation one man would not only be born with a spirit animal who resides within one’s soul but also the gift of shifting from man to that of his animal.

Drawing from the strength of tribe, he prayed he made the right decision. The spirit of the eagle fluttered against his heart telling him to continue his journey. Since countless moments make a lifetime, a particular chain of them brought him to the place he needed to be.  Madame Eve found a woman who would accept his secret and dance with him. With confidence he climbed the steps to the main building of the Castillo Poconos Resort.
 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday - Queen of Hearts


I know this is the week of Halloween and the book I'm giving you a sneak peek from is actually a Valentine Story, but... the characters are at a costume party.  The theme is Alice in Wonderland.  The characters, dressed as Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter, have been best pals lusting after each other.
The story was inspired by this photo in a Lover's Lane Costume Edition Catalog.
*********************
 
Jenny turned to see what had caught her friend's eyes and saw Josh stepping with bold confidence into the penthouse looking around.  He moved with the elegance of a showman, slow and fluid.  Their eyes locked  the moment he spotted her.

With a wink, he struck a pose leaving her breathless.  Playing with her, he wanted her to look at him.  A red ribbon wrapped around his black top hat, resting at an angle over his right eye.  His brows arched, daring her to continue the inspection but she paused a the slight smirk of his lips.  As if he knew her focus, he blew her a kiss.  Heat spread through her body and pooled between her legs.

His tuxedo coat accented his broad shoulders.  Only Josh could pull off the sapphire blue bow tie which lay crooked at the base of his throat.  The blue matched his eyes.  The lapel opened to reveal a red vest, and black shirt.

Buttoned, the fitted garment gave him a commanding appearance.  Standing with his feet wide apart, black tails of his coat hung behind legs clad in black.  High polished black shoes added to the imposing stature. He wore fingerless red and black gloves with one hand resting on a carved rabbit head on his white cane.  His other hand fisted yet resting at his hip with determination.

Lifting her eyes back to his face, Josh's eyes bore into her soul with need and desire.  His jaw was taunt, until his lips slowly slide into a sexy smile.

"Two can play at this game." With a turn of her waist, she posed.
***********************
Queen of Hearts blurb :
 
Jenny has secretly lusted for her sexy next door neighbor for years but won't cross that invisible line dividing friendship and romance even if it is Valentine's Day.

Josh is done with his provocative life and ready to settle down. With a few tricks up his sleeve and the Valentine's Day costume party, he takes a chance on seducing his best girl pal.
Will the Queen of Hearts allow herself to be seduced by Madd Hatter's kiss and offer of more?                

Queen of Heart is available on Smashwords.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Sneek Peak Sunday - Handcuffs & Silk

 
Please enjoy this sneak peak from Handcuffs & Silk.
Hunter's brother, Jason, is keeping him company while waiting
for the date Madame Eve from 1 Night Stand set up for him.
 
 

His brother frowned. “Are you seriously thinking about leaving the lifestyle?”

“Maybe.” Hunter played with the sweat dripping down his glass of ice water. “I don’t know where I fit in. Am I capable of being the center of the world for someone? Or will I always fight for every morsel of affection?”

“Grow up, Hunter. Drop this damn beta act and be the alpha you were born to be.”

 Hunter glared at his brother for a moment. “Seriously, I feel like there’s something missing. Maybe I’m looking for something more permanent. Maybe this one-night stand shit is just that... bullshit. I want to be normal, have a normal life.”

“Are you turning vanilla on me?”

“I don’t know.”

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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday - Handcuffs & Silk

 
Today's Sneak Peek is from Handcuffs & Silk
A 1 Night Stand Story
Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Mason left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.
SNEAK PEEK
Pausing for a moment after shaving, Hunter gazed at his reflection in the mirror. Rubbing the smooth part of his neck where a collar had rested for over a year, he remembered the day Ericka removed the soft, blue, leather strap with her initials stamped on it. Funny how he hadn’t felt pain or loss when the relationship ended, but he’d never had a strong bond with Ericka. He’d questioned himself and whether he satisfied her. No matter, she recognized their relationship as unfulfilling and encouraged him to return to Vegas.

Not only did he leave New York and his lover, but also a way of life. He’d gotten too comfortable being taken care of by others. Somewhere, he’d lost a part of himself. The need to stand on his own two feet crept to the surface.

After spending years practicing law on the East Coast, home felt strange. During the last year, his brothers had begged him to return and take his place in the family-owned law firm. As soon as he informed his brothers he’d come home, they began making living arrangements for him before he could change his mind. Not one to enjoy being alone, and looking forward to seeing his brothers, he arrived in town before the completed preparation of his new place. Hunter comfortably settled into a suite at the Castillo, the flagship hotel in an exquisite chain of luxury resorts and hotels.

A ding on his computer alerted him to a new email.

After neatly cleaning the sink and hanging his towels, he sat down to see what had arrived—an email from Madame Evangeline, owner of the dating service his oldest brother pushed him into using. Jason said a one-night stand with the right woman would cure what ailed him. Not really convinced a woman could fix whatever it was that ailed him, he hadn’t expected to receive a reply so soon, if at all. Somewhat apprehensive, he took a deep breath, opened the message, and quickly read the contents. 
Mr. Mason,
I am pleased to let you know I have found a wonderful date for you this evening. I’m sorry it’s such short notice. Miss Stephanie Johnson is a lovely lady with the type of personality I’m sure you will find to your liking, and perfectly capable of fulfilling your current desires. I simply suggest you dress in black for the evening and present your date with a single, dark-red rose in the lounge at the Castillo at six o’clock.

Please enjoy the bottle of wine I have arranged to be delivered to your room. 

Have a pleasurable evening, 
Eve

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sneak Peak Sunday

 
Today's Sneek Peek is from Crow Magic.
 
Before they entered the woods, he stopped. Taking hold of her face, he gazed into her eyes. The world around her disappeared while she focused on the handsome man in front of her. The lines around his sexy lips grew taut, and she had the urge to kiss them until they softened. Energy from his fingertips coursed through her. She leaned into him.

“Life is a series of steps along a journey that each of us must take. Are you certain you want to continue this path with me tonight?”

“Yes.”

Slipping his fingers into her hair, he lowered his head. Instinct kicked in and her arms went around his waist. His sinewy muscles flexed under the silken shirt while his breath fluttered over her mouth. He traced the line of her chin with his lips, burying his face in her hair. He tasted her neck and she yielded to him. Heat traveled through her to settle between her thighs.

“Your skin is the blush of the palest flower.” He inhaled. “Hmm…I smell honeysuckle. You have the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen. It is so vibrant with fierce, turbulent colors. Inside you is an inferno of sexuality yearning to be released. My angel, come with me into the darkness so I may help you find light.”

Coolness replaced the heat of his touch and he guided her into the forest. Afraid of shadows as a child, she longed to embrace the mystery of the night and inhaled the aromas of pine and mossy ground surrounding her. The hoot of a waking owl called out to its mate.

Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men. Hoping to overcome her fears and feel like a real woman, she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who will fulfill that goal. Eve arranges a one-night stand with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach Lucy to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.

Shape shifter Seth Crowe is a Keeper of the Spiritual Law who carries souls from darkness to light, and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic.

Tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort, Seth helps Lucy find spiritual and sexual freedom, never dreaming he might find his own mate in the bargain.


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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday

Welcome to the Sneak Peek Sunday Blog Hop
Please click on the link at the end to take you to other Sneak Peeks.
 
 
The blades of the chopper sliced through the heat of the night as it flew over the City of Lights. Casinos glowed in various hues of blue, plum, gold, green, and silver, casting a magical aura. Spotlights danced in the night, graceful fingers tickling the sinister side of Vegas. Unsuspecting people moved about, flitting from place to place, searching for excitement and fulfillment while cars in traffic jams occasionally brought the pulsing arteries in the heart of the city to a temporary halt.

Being a Las Vegas cop, Steph recognized the evil lurking in the shadows of the beautiful city, also known as Sin City. As the chopper made a turn, she viewed the vast landscape as an artist‟s canvas. The awesome structures designed and built by nameless men. So many lives below. Where there is sin and sadness, one will also find love and happiness.

With a deep sigh, Steph continued to gaze at the site, wondering where she fit into the street party of existence. Not a single malicious bone in her body, yet a monster lurked inside, crying to be set free. And, despite the desire to have a special someone to share a lifetime of love and happiness, meaningless one-night stands never filled the emptiness inside. Lately, living and breathing her job had become her reason for lack of a social life. That, and always being looked at as one of the guys and a hard ass.

Some of the cops‟ wives had made it their mission to fix her up with someone. Despite their efforts to feminize her, she intimidated the men they‟d found for her. Not considered butch—she had all the right curves in all the right places and could wear sexy clothing that normally only looked good on a model—but everyone knew how tough she could be.

Controlling the power hidden deep inside her proved to be difficult and had ruined many relationships. Her last boyfriend liked to try kinky things, but had his limits. She‟d gone out with a guy who‟d insisted she be submissive to him, but that felt completely false and ended shortly after it began. 

What’s wrong with me?

Today's Sneak Peek is from:












Available from Decadent Publishing and Amazon

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Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday - Crow Magic

 
His mission of spying on the woman Madame Eve matched for him changed into an all-morning event. The minute Lucy walked out of the cottage he’d sensed her spirit calling to him and begging release. It was apparent as soon as she stepped off the porch to follow the crow that she would make a transformation easily. Her innocence brought out his protective streak, yet he wanted to teach her everything and take her to heights of passion. His pride swelled that he’d been the chosen one for the task.

Of all the people he’d met and the women he experienced intimately, she hypnotized him with her words. He lusted after not only her beauty but her soul, with the hesitant demeanor and even her wild hair separating her from all others. Beautiful organic shades of red and orange were revealed as the locks danced in the wind. Never had he seen hair like that before. So alive!

Her pale skin altered his opinion of the color white. He’d always considered the pallid shade boring. Her skin was that of an angel, light as the beach sand, smooth as milk and honey. He recognized the presence of the Water Spirit and noticed a calming of her aura. Her invitation to sit with her on the beach delighted him. He’d smelled magic in the blood he drew on her wrist. Her lovely eyes focused his attention on the eagerness of her soul yearning to be set free, stirring a longing obscured under personal responsibilities. His crow begged to claim her. Could it be possible she possessed a spirit animal akin to his own?

Because of her keen response to the bird, he predicted her reaction to the man would be more fervent. His cock grew hard, his palms itched to touch the milky skin and he hungered to taste her.

“You have been a mouse too long.” He whispered to the wind, “It is time to let the fiery angel fly. Trust me. Believe in me. I will show you how to soar.”

The crow within demanded to possess her. Mine.

Taken from Crow Magic
Available from Amazon and Decadent Publishing
 
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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday - Crow Magic

His mission of spying on the woman Madame Eve matched for him changed into an all-morning event. The minute Lucy walked out of the cottage he’d sensed her spirit calling to him and begging release. It was apparent as soon as she stepped off the porch to follow the crow that she would make a transformation easily. Her innocence brought out his protective streak, yet he wanted to teach her everything and take her to heights of passion. His pride swelled that he’d been the chosen one for the task.

Of all the people he’d met and the women he experienced intimately, she hypnotized him with her words. He lusted after not only her beauty but her soul, with the hesitant demeanor and even her wild hair separating her from all others. Beautiful organic shades of red and orange were revealed as the locks danced in the wind. Never had he seen hair like that before. So alive!

Her pale skin altered his opinion of the color white. He’d always considered the pallid shade boring. Her skin was that of an angel, light as the beach sand, smooth as milk and honey. He recognized the presence of the Water Spirit and noticed a calming of her aura. Her invitation to sit with her on the beach delighted him. He’d smelled magic in the blood he drew on her wrist. Her lovely eyes focused his attention on the eagerness of her soul yearning to be set free, stirring a longing obscured under personal responsibilities. His crow begged to claim her. Could it be possible she possessed a spirit animal akin to his own?

Because of her keen response to the bird, he predicted her reaction to the man would be more fervent. His cock grew hard, his palms itched to touch the milky skin and he hungered to taste her.

 “You have been a mouse too long.” He whispered to the wind, “It is time to let the fiery angel fly. Trust me. Believe in me. I will show you how to soar.”

The crow within demanded to possess her. Mine. 


BLURB

Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men. Hoping to overcome her fears and feel like a real woman, she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who will fulfill that goal. Eve arranges a one-night stand with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach Lucy to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.

 Shape shifter Seth Crowe is a Keeper of the Spiritual Law who carries souls from darkness to light, and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic.

 Tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort, Seth helps Lucy find spiritual and sexual freedom, never dreaming he might find his own mate in the bargain.

 
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