New Release from a fellow Diva

SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley

She was made for sin. Sin was something he knew intimately.

John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he’s driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won’t lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she’s as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

Carina Press or Amazon or All Romance ebooks

"The story is hyper intense, hyper complex, its what romance, new romance is supposed to be. Its NEW its fresh, it expands, its so beyond new, its freaking shiny. In the package wonderful. I loved it, I loved it I loved it. " -Romance Book Forums

Excerpt Monday - Tormented Soul

EXCERPT 3
A white curtain billowed as a soft breeze blew into the room. The sound of bustling vehicles traveling the streets in Mayfair came through the window. Erick’s eyes fluttered; he couldn’t remember the last time he slept so well and wasn’t ready to wake yet. A warm figure stirred next to him. Suddenly the memories of the night came to him. A slow smile spread across his lips as he felt fingers run through his hair.

He opened his eyes and saw Lynn on her pillow facing him with the same smile.

“Good morning.”

“Hmm. Good morning,” he said as she caressed his rough cheek.

Under the covers he ran his hands across her naked body and pulled her closer. She snuggled under his chin. He sighed, full of sheer happiness.

“This is a little different than last time,” Lynn purred.

“How so?”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“So you really were afraid of me that morning! Did you really think I was going to ravish you?”

“I was secretly hoping you would,” she admitted.

“Well, I’ll be damned!”

“But it was nice, anyway.”

“Yes it was, and so is this.” Erick stroked her exposed shoulder. “This feels so good. I could stay here forever.”

His stomach took the moment to growl.

“I think it must be around lunch,” Lynn laughed as she sat up.

Her hair had been damp when they went to bed and was now sticking up in many different directions. She had a pillow mark on her face. He watched as she tried to calm her mane with her hand. To Erick, she was the most beautiful creature in the world.

“Oh, I’ll have to wet it down again,” she groaned. “I think I’ll jump in the shower. Then we should think of getting something to eat.”

“Yes.” He rubbed his stomach. “I’d better shower as well. I’m sure I don’t smell like roses.”

“You’ve got that right!”

“Are you saying I stink?” He reached out grabbed her and began tickling her.
“I’ll wash you if you want,” she giggled.

“That sounds good.” He released her.

“Give me time to wash my hair and shave my legs.” She teased him with her walk. “Then come and join me.”

“OKAY I’ll go find some coffee to make.”

“You don’t drink tea?”

“Some days I want coffee. Today is one.”

“Do you always get what you want?”

“Most definitely.” He winked at her.


To celebrate, I'm giving away two special items this month.
A signed copy of Tormented Soul and a gift from my favorite store, Lover's Lane.

All you have to do is leave a comment on any post from Feb.1st until midnight the 14 th, the holiday for love... Valentine's Day.
Names will be placed into a drawing and the winner will be picked and announced on February 15.

Thursday Thirteen - Quotes from Erick McAlister

1. Talking to his brother, Michael, on the phone. "Gotta have a Frisbee dog! That reminds me, can you send me a few disks? Penny used my best one as a teething toy.”

2. An email sent to Lynn. "Greetings from the Queen! I’m glad to hear everything is going well for you. I’m sorry if I overstepped my bounds having Michael check up on you. But it sounds like he would have anyways. I’m glad to hear your date was so fun. Wish I could have been with you, what a sight my brother must have been! Singing in front of people! I would have made him mess up! Enjoy your ski trip with him. Let me know if he gets out of line. I’ll fly to NY and take care of him myself. I hope you’re sitting down when you read this… I bought a motorcycle. Can you believe it? Remember when I told you I wish I could ride like the motorcycle couriers in London? Well I ordered one similar to the bikes they use! I’ll take you for a ride when you visit! Penny sends slobbery kisses. Erick."

3.“I bought a bike and I want to hire you to teach me how to ride it. I’ll pay
you well for your time and your silence.”

4.“I want to feel the freedom you feel. I want happiness. I hate what I’ve
become. Every woman I date wants only one thing from me. Not one can see past
my money or my reputation.”

5.“Oh, baby! Do me good!” Erick wrapped his arms around Andrew’s
waist as he pretended to pump him.

6. “I’m going to fuck you, Lynn. That’s all it is. I’ll violate you. I’ll
penetrate you until I reach the soul of your being.”

7.“If this child is truly mine, he or she will be raised as a McAlister, in my
house. I’ll give you money all right, but for the baby. Not to run away!”

8.A real nerd, eh?” He whispered. “You must remember, I don’t just ‘do’
business in my office. I did you the other day. And I’ll do you over and over if you
come to my office again.”

9.“I canna sleep.” Erick lay down. “Every time I close my eyes I’ll see her
face, the pain, the tears. Why did I...? I knew I’d hurt her but I didn’t want to!
Especially like that! She hates me.”

10.“You don’t fight fair, Antonio,” Erick croaked.

11.“Andrew, what was done is in the past now. I never blamed you and never
will for what happened, or for my faults. I am responsible for what I’ve become.
We went through hell together and survived. We have the rest of our lives now.
You have Elizabeth; be happy. Live for your future.”

12. “Yeah, I get it.” Erick wiped his eyes. “My black heart is probably the
only virgin part on me.”

13. “No shit! I’m fucking angry! I can’t even fuck another woman without
seeing her face. I can’t stop wanting her. I’ll never have what I want. How can I
bring the broken pieces of my soul back together? He won’t let me.” Erick pointed
at his reflection. “The wretched beast!”

To celebrate, I'm giving away two special items this month.
A signed copy of Tormented Soul and a gift from my favorite store, Lover's Lane.

All you have to do is leave a comment on any post from Feb.1st until midnight the 14 th, the holiday for love... Valentine's Day .

Names will be placed into a drawing and the winner will be picked and announced on February 15.

Tormented Soul

Blurb:
Erick McAlister is known as London’s Most Dangerous Bachelor; he enjoys scotch, women, and spending time in the London underground club The Skunk’s Den. He’s never had a real relationship, women only want him for one thing but he desires more. When the one he vowed he would never toy with, Lynn Westmore, gives him an unexpected proposition, his life takes an enjoyable turn.

Just as he is beginning to find happiness, tabloids headline him, a woman from his past announces she’s expecting his child, someone is trying to kill him, and he finds himself questioning his relationship with the young courier he’s hired to teach him to ride his new motorcycle. Even though his life is in torment, he begins to believe in love, something he never thought he’d feel. Unfortunately, Lynn doesn’t think Erick could ever be faithful to one woman, let alone be in love with her, so when she finds herself in love with him she runs.

Erick falls into a spiral of depression, and it takes his brother and closest friends to bring him to his senses. When he finds out a magazine has rated him as the World’s Most Dangerous Bachelor, he agrees to do the interview only if Lynn is the photographer and uses the opportunity to let Lynn know how he feels; he offers his heart to her one more time.

EXCERPT 1
“British Airways’ Flight 112 to New York will be boarding through gate sixty-five momentarily.”

Lynn quietly reached down and picked up her flight bag. She looked at the boarding pass in her hand. Funny that she didn’t feel like she was going home, but more like she was leaving home. This last trip had been so different from all the others and had taken an emotional toll on her. Perhaps an uneventful stay at her father’s would be just what she needed before returning to finish her photo shoot.

Erick McAlister reached out and adjusted the strap on her shoulder. He glanced toward the gate Lynn would be going through and noticed a young couple saying their good-byes. They spoke softly in between tender kisses, holding each other in a tight embrace. His black heart thudded in his chest. He wondered if that would ever be him; if he was capable of loving, or being loved.

His best friend, Andrew, had been a tormented soul like himself, and against odds found love and happiness with his sister, Elizabeth. Erick thought back to a time when he tasted the sweetness of comfort and contentment. Andrew had been determined to pay Elizabeth and Lynn a surprise visit at Hampton House and persuaded him and his brother Michael to join him.

Through Erick’s life, Lynn Westmore was the only woman to affect him like she did, and he didn’t like it. The night he was changed, he drank himself to oblivion to avoid his uneasy feelings. Unknown to him, his sister had put her best friend in his room during her stay. After retiring in a drunken state to his old bed, he woke in the morning with Lynn in his arms.

She had become a first of sorts. The first woman to sleep with him in his bed at Hampton House, the first to wake with him in the morning, and the first woman to share a bed and not be ravished. As tempting his lustful desires were that morning, he enjoyed the quiet conversation and her presence more than any sexual conquest. With Lynn he found a small piece of serenity he’d only dreamed of.

“Well, it’s almost time,” Lynn’s voice brought him back to the present. “I’ve been gone from the States so long; I hope I haven’t forgotten where I live.”

“Well if you can’t find it, Erick said, “you know you are always welcome at Hampton House. When did you say you will be back?”

“Some time in the spring; depends on the weather. I have a couple of locations I need to go back to. These books on English gardens are scheduled to go to press during the summer, so I have a time factor to work with.” She tilted her auburn head, her brown eyes sparkled, her smile teased. “Are you going to miss me?”

“Yes. I will.”

Lynn put her arms around his waist to give him a hug before she boarded. She felt his arms tighten around her and wondered what it would be like to be loved by him. She felt she could never compete with the beautiful women he surrounded himself with; he was just out of her league. She knew he was a man with worldly knowledge of women, a man capable of incredible passion; a man with such sexual prowess and confidence he would never find satisfaction in someone with her lack of experience.

Erick wanted the moment to last forever. He felt faint stirrings in his black heart. He had broken hearts and strained some marriages. Over the years his reputation grew as a lover, a prince of seduction and passion. To him, women couldn’t be trusted and were nothing but a sport. But he refused to get involved with Lynn because he couldn’t bear to hurt her. Lynn was too good of a person to be played with. He trusted her and her friendship.

He ran his hand up her back, along her neck and cupped her face. He looked deep into her eyes.

“Sweet Lynn,” his voice was a husky whisper. “These last few months have probably been the best as well as my worst. You have heard my secrets and you know of the monster that lives inside me, yet you’ve been a good friend to me. I want you to know I trust you as I would trust my own sister. Thank you.”

He caressed her cheek with his thumb. Her lips were so inviting. He remembered the shock he had felt when he kissed her on New Years Eve. Only a few days had passed and he still felt their heat. He dipped his head and brushed his lips across hers.



“Good bye, Lynn.” He pulled away from her. “Have a good flight.”

It took everything Lynn had to remain on her feet. On the inside, she shook head to toe, from his touch and his kiss. Looking into his green eyes, she saw sadness. She smiled as she bade him farewell, then turned toward her boarding gate.


What a lousy way to start the year, he thought. All alone. His best friend had married his sister over the holidays and they were honeymooning in the American Southwest. Lynn was gone. His father and brother would be leaving in a few days. Perhaps he should visit the Underground Clubs as soon as he returned to London and find someone to warm the cold winter nights. For some reason, the thought didn’t sound very appealing at the moment, but would surely change by the time he dressed in his favorite leathers and disappeared into the London night.




To celebrate, I'm giving away two special items this month.
A signed copy of Tormented Soul and a gift from my favorite store, Lover's Lane.

All you have to do is leave a comment on any post from Feb.1st until midnight the 14 th, the holiday for love... Valentine's Day .

Names will be placed into a drawing and the winner will be picked and announced on February 15.

Words from the Author - Tormented Soul

Authors sometimes will put alot of energy to produce a story and sometimes the story simply happens. Tormented Soul was a delightful combination.

Painted Soul was not written to be the first book in The Soul Series, but actually happened accidentally. While writing Painted Soul, I enjoyed creating the supporting characters. As the book progressed, the main character’s two brothers, Erick and Michael, began to develop. Around the same time, I read “Seduced by a Rogue” by Connie Mason. I was infatuated with the cover and that became Erick to me; until he turned into more of a Val Kilmer.

Erick’s story took a year to write and was fun to research. I studied speech patterns of young Englishmen and poured over maps of London as well as personal photos. I went online to “look” at homes for sale that Erick would consider living in. Feeling like a fish out of water, I visited a local motor sport shop to find out what kind of motorcycles my characters would ride and what kind of gear they’d need.

(Thanks goes out to Birch Run Motor Sports for putting up with all my questions!)

At one point, I stopped writing when I wasn't happy with my ending. When it finally came to me, I wrapped it up! The final draft of the second book, Tormented Soul, was complete at 136,217 words.

Thanks to my mom for pushing me to find love for my rouge character... because "he deserved to be loved".

To celebrate, I'm giving away two special items this month.
A signed copy of Tormented Soul and a gift from my favorite store, Lover's Lane.

All you have to do is leave a comment on any post from Feb.1st until midnight the 14 th, the holiday for love... Valentine's Day .

Names will be placed into a drawing and the winner will be picked and announced on February 15.

Fire Up For February - Tormented Soul Celebration Give Away

Tormented Soul is the second book in the Soul Series.
Tormented Soul was released in February, the second month of the year.
Tormented Soul was released two years ago.

To celebrate, I'm giving away two special items this month.






A signed copy of Tormented Soul



and a gift from my favorite store, Lover's Lane.















All you have to do is leave a comment on any post from Feb.1st until midnight the 14th the holiday for love... Valentine's Day.


Names will be placed into a drawing and the winner will be picked and announced on February 15.

Get excited and celebrate with me!

Excerpt Monday - Painted Soul

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.


Excerpt from Painted Soul

Puzzola with his usual cool exterior was outside leaning against the wall when the brothers exited Elizabeth’s gallery. The flash of lightening and rumble of thunder reflected the storms churning inside him. He was balancing on a thin line. The plan was in motion.

“I’m trusting you with my sister, friend,” Michael said, meeting Puzzola with a cold stare as lightening flashed again in the distance.

Erick palmed a key to the dark figure, “Oh, she’s mad at us!” Then he leaned closer to whisper, “Good luck.”

Puzzola nodded to his friends before slipping inside. The plan called for elevating Elizabeth’s emotions to the same level she had experienced that memorable night while dancing in The Place. Tonight they would finish what they started, both releasing years of pent up emotion. The lightning lit up the empty gallery showing him the stairs, but he could not miss the mind-blowing music full of hard driving guitar riffs and unbelievable energy. From personal experience, he knew Elizabeth was on an escapist trip. Drugs or alcohol could never take a person close to the trip an artist takes while working intensely on a piece. Pausing at the top stair, he tried to slow down his breathing.

Slowly, he peered into the studio like a peeping Tom, but wasn’t prepared for the sight. With her hair flowing freely over her shoulders Elizabeth danced in the candlelight holding a paintbrush and wearing only a thin camisole and thong panties. She raised her arms over her head in a graceful gesture swaying her hips to the sexual groove blasting from the speakers. Her smell filled his nostrils, his hunger for her intensifying as he struggled for control.

Elizabeth was definitely caught up in the mood of the candles, music and emotion. When she finally turned and saw him standing in the doorway, she stopped dancing, still holding her paintbrush. Puzzola met her gaze, smiled as he shrugged his shoulders and boldly stepped into the room. Sexual tension in the air was thicker than the paint on the pallet.

“Hello, my lady,” his voice thick and sensual.

She stood breathless, still in shock. Here he was, in her studio. “How did you get in here?”

“Someone thought I might need this,” he placed a key on a table. “I wanted to thank you personally for coming to my opening. But I’m sorry if you found some of my work disturbing.”

“You were there.”

“Yes. I enjoy listening to my work being analyzed,” he moved effortlessly around the room sending her sultry glances. “It’s a fun little game I play with my critics.”

“I’m sure Painted Soul will get you committed.”

“Committed to whom?”

He was the most delicious man she had ever seen. Taller than she remembered and more masculine than the clean cut punk with two-tone hair she met so long ago. Yet he still held a mysterious power over her. In his black clothing, he moved like a panther. She shivered thinking of the image in “Painted Soul.”

“Nice work,” he complimented as he looked at the painting. His eyes momentarily narrowed then flashed back to Elizabeth.

Puzzola held out a hand to her, she saw the scar across his palm and the gold band on his thumb. Her heart pounding, she touched it. Upon her hand, she wore a thumb ring she purchased shortly after meeting him. Puzzola rubbed his thumb against hers with a slow stroking motion. Cat-like he moved until they touched palm to palm and stood chest to chest, staring into each other’s eyes. Elizabeth’s heart pounded to the beat of the provocative music. Emotions and memories filled her mind. She wanted him more than ever.

“Do you want me to be here, Elizabeth?” Puzzola asked in a husky voice.

In a daring move, she touched his check remembering the two black painted stripes long gone, then traced his jaw line with her fingertips. Her throat felt dry, as she caressed the face that haunted her dreams. She couldn’t believe he was real, but she could feel his heat. Elizabeth saw the raw hunger in his eyes reflecting what she felt.

“Yes,” she answered with little more than a whisper, “very much.”

Like the lightening outside, Puzzola quickly moved her into his arms and pressed hard against her. His carefully planned night was unraveling, he was losing composure. His emotions were taking control. He had to devour his ravishing tormentor and make the pain inside his soul subside. She would be his, tonight.

“I have made time stop for us tonight. You will not get away from me this time,” he whispered in her ear. He felt her melt into his arms as his body gyrated against hers in time with the music. “Welcome to our fantasy. Open your mind let your wishes come true. I am here, Elizabeth, flesh and blood to set you free. I will be whatever you want me to be. I am all your dreams and your worst nightmare in one. Release me only when you are ready to begin your reverie.”

Elizabeth pressed against him, tilted her head back with closed eyes as a small moan escaped from her lips. Her body begged to be touched, to feel the burn. She needed him to wipe away those lost years without him. He cupped her face with his fiery hands, forcing her eyes to open. His eyes burned into her then they rolled back when she ran her hands across his torso and along his sides, feeling the sculpted muscles beneath the silk fabric of his shirt. She could hear his struggled breathing and feel his rapid heartbeat. Pleased with her affect on him, she continued her movements.

His eyes opened as he caressed her throat with his fingers and brought his hand down her chest across her breast. Elizabeth thought her heart would leap out of her chest when his hand stroked her body as if inspecting, then finally resting on the small of her back. His other hand slid behind her head. A soft purr escaped from her as he tangled his fingers in her hair. Elizabeth closed her eyes, breathing hard, tipped her head back desirous for a kiss.

Pulling her close Puzzola nuzzled her check, “You have haunted my dreams. I can not believe I am finally holding my specter. I have wanted you so long.”

His mouth came down on hers in desperate need. Heat churned inside her as she answered back with the same desperation. Flames of passion and desire spread to inferno.

“Dream lover,” she touched his check and he turned his face to place a kiss in her palm, “take me where I want to be.”

Hearing the repeated promise of long ago, Puzzola smiled, “Oh, my lady.”

Lightening flashed, thunder rolled and rain began to pound on the roof. The music, the candles, Puzzola lost all control as the need to be released from the burning desire peaked. In a swift movement he pulled the camisole off Elizabeth’s body, exposing soft round breasts to the glowing candlelight. He picked her up with his hands under her, pushed her back against a wall and covered her neck with fervent kisses. She gasped and arched against him as he sucked a sensitive nipple into his mouth. Puzzola groaned as she ran her fingers through his hair. He took her mouth in a deep, possessive kiss as he pulled off her panties. The kiss stopped when they both were breathless. Looking into her eyes, he was lost.

“You are so beautiful, my lady,” he murmured, “I want to taste your sweetness.”

“Puzzola,” Elizabeth whimpered as she placed a hand on his face.

“I am here,” he said as he trailed kisses down her neck.

He buried his face into the softness of her chest, his tongue flicked at her nipples and traveled down across her flat belly. He dropped to one knee, cupped her butt and moved her legs over his shoulders.

Elizabeth didn’t pay any notice to the cold wall on her back. The fire within her blazed. Bracing her back on the wall she twisted her fingers in his silky black hair. She was floating in air consumed by the emotions and sensations she was feeling. His touch pushed her higher, she thought she was on her way to heaven. His fingers probed her as his tongue tickled the silken folds, she cried out his name in sheer pleasure.

Not stopping his kisses, he gently moved her legs down and rose while she tugged at the stays of his pants. Elizabeth was amused when she found there was nothing between this man and his leather pants as she reached to release his throbbing manhood. His pulsating erection felt like velvet in her hands. Puzzola’s tremble and muffled groan told her of his struggle.

He leaned forward with both hands on the wall as she touched him. With the next clap of thunder he reached under her butt and roughly lifted Elizabeth and braced her against the wall. He had to become one with her. Elizabeth cried out in pleasurable surprise as he thrust inside her. Puzzola paused for a moment to allow her to become accustomed to him, but when he felt her muscles milking him, he couldn’t hold back any longer. With vicious ferocity he pushed Elizabeth to cry out in ecstasy before he exploded inside her.

Still inside her, holding her tightly he slid to his knees. The burning need did not decrease, his pulse continued to race.

He let out a shaken laugh, “Erick said you would bring me to my knees.”

“I’m not through with you yet,” Elizabeth felt a surge of newfound energy. Standing, she tugged hard at Puzzola’s shirt, buttons flying in all directions while nibbling on his ear.

She couldn’t help but stare at him once he had shed the rest of his clothing. His sculpted body called to her touch. The Painted Soul towered over her, his chest wet with sweat, all muscles tense and hard from their last workout. His black hair fell over his forehead and into his eyes. He flashed a lusty smile at her.

Elizabeth remembered the night they met and the way he smiled when she was caught staring at him. This time she kissed the lips beckoning to her, showing him her flaming passion. Her tongue stroked his, her teeth tugged at his lower lip. Feeling daring and wanting more, she became more adventurous.

“Let’s make a fantasy real,” she taunted as she kicked a large roll of canvas into unraveling across the studio floor. Elizabeth took Puzzola by the hand and led him to the center. His eyes glimmered with recognition of her plan.

“I hope you’re planning to use acrylic paint on this canvas,” his eyes never leaving her body while his smile only grew larger.

“Certainly,” Elizabeth presented him with a basket full of brightly colored tubes of acrylic paint.

Available at Amazon.com Barnes & Noble, Smashwords

“Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
N ote: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Excerpt Monday - Painted Soul

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You=2 0don’t have to be published to participate–just an writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.



Blurb:
Painted Soul is the first book of the Soul Series. A story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

Elizabeth McAlister was only eighteen when she met the art student, Puzzola in a London nightclub and gave him her heart. Ten years later, they meet again when a summer of intense passion and dark secrets begins.
As Elizabeth falls deeper in love with Puzzola, she tries to rescue him from tortured memories he refuses to discuss. Eventually, his double life and erotic past are exposed in a local newspaper just as he is involved in a life-threatening accident.

Painted Soul
Chapter 3

Mrs. Somerby was enjoying lunch with her handsome son, Andrew, in a London cafe. He always admired his mother and how she tried to keep peace between him and his father. With every visit, she’d try to get him to return to Sussex. But he wouldn’t go home until his father accepted him for the man he really was.
“I think you pay your barber too much,” his mother touched his hair, “he never seems to cut anything off.”

“I like it this way,” Andrew frowned and pulled his head away. “Please stop, we’re in public.”

"Oh, I wish you would come home,” she begged.

"Mother, I can’t. The bank keeps me quite busy.”

“I will talk to your father again. I will make him understand how much I miss you.”

“Talking to father won’t change anything.”

“Andrew, I know you weren’t to blame for what happened to your grandparents. It was an accident.”

“Father doesn’t see things as clearly as you do, mother. I can’t believe he’s carried this grudge all these years. They loved me in a way Father never could, and I loved them back. I needed him when they died, but he turned his back on me and placed the blame on my shoulders,” Andrew lamented. “Mother, I was too young to handle such rejection. When Father said I couldn’t paint and took away the funds they left me for art school, it was the final straw. Painting was my deepest connection to my grandparents.”

He sighed, “There is more to our problem than the day of the accident. He just uses that as an excuse. My whole life, Father never praised me for anything I did. I could never manage to be the perfect son for him. I’m a failure. What happened in Italy was only more proof for him, and he wasn’t afraid to let me know that. Now my heart is stone. I go through the motions daily, the dutiful son running his father’s bank. He doesn’t even care about the work I do here. He just keeps me around because he wouldn’t be able to explain to his friends why he sent me away. He doesn’t give a damn about me, and I don’t want to be anywhere near him.”

“Oh, my dear, you are not a failure,” his mother bowed her head. “You know your father is aware of all the fine work you’ve done at the bank.”

“But when I stayed in Italy and didn’t give up school, I lived a life style that could disgrace our family, if anyone ever found out. He won’t let go of that.”

“That’s in the past, leave it alone. You’re living a good life now. You’re a good son.”

“Am I?”

“Yes, you are. I was just hoping, perhaps you’d come home for a visit. Maybe if you would just talk to each other…”

“The last time Father spoke to me outside of the bank was when he brought me back from Italy. He told me to pull myself together, and forget about what happened. If I do as I’m told, everything would be all right,” he shook his head. “Mother, I was sick when I came back, you knew that! Then I was thrust into the management position at the bank, clueless. It’s amazing I didn’t ruin everything right then."

"The funny thing about this is, while I was gone, he told everyone I was studying business abroad. Oh, I learned business all right, just not the kind you use in a bank! I went from one prison to another.” He grimaced and took a drink, “no matter, time has gone by, but the wounds won’t heal.”

She fumbled nervously with her napkin obviously trying to think of something to say to change his dark mood, “Adeline McAlister’s daughter has moved into Hampton House. She is such a beautiful and charming girl, and I truly enjoy visiting with her.”

“I see what you are up to dear Mother.” Andrew shook his finger at his mother, “Matchmaking won’t work with me.”

"Besides being beautiful, she is a very talented artist, too!” His mother’s face lit up with the turn of the conversation. “She reminds me of her mother, so passionate with everything she does. Why, you should see the beautiful gardens at Hampton House. She steps right in and takes charge, and all the while her staff adores her. Why, you could use a good, stable woman in your life. The way her two brothers cherish her, I don’t think she...Andrew, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Andrew?”

“Elizabeth? Michael and Erick’s sister?” he croaked.

“Yes, dear, you know them so well, I’m surprised you don’t know their sister,” his mother shot him a puzzled look. “Anyhow, I think you should at least be friendly and call upon her. Maybe introduce her to some of your friends. It’s high time you start thinking about love.”

“Love? You are such a romantic, Mother. What happened in Italy took away my ability to love.”

“Maybe you just haven’t met the right woman yet.”

“You think so!” Andrew threw his head back and laughed.

She went on talking about some garden party she was thinking of throwing, but Andrew wasn’t listening. Elizabeth McAlister was the one who haunted his dreams and inspired his art. She was here in England. Why hadn’t Erick mentioned anything? He ran his fingers through his hair, remembering her touch. He still burned for her. His memory served him too well. They were young then, what was she like now as a woman? Could she teach him to love?

Andrew managed to sit through the rest of his meal, than bade his mother good-bye. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he walked along the streets of Mayfair. He unlocked the door to the closed gallery, went up the stairs to his studio and checked for messages on his answering machine.

“Hi! This is Reva ringing. Just want to let you know there is a hot, new artist coming from the States. Her name is Elizabeth McAlister. You should check her out. Bye.”

He picked up the phone and quickly dialed Erick’s number. He was full of questions, but a recorded answer was all he received. He had the phone number to Hampton House, but he dared not call it. He slammed the phone down and nervously paced the floor.

The ghost from his dreams was here. He could almost feel the way her body was pressed against his as they shared one last kiss. Andrew remembered the way her hair smelled as he whispered the promise, “Yes, we will meet again.” He remembered how the look on her face expressed what he was feeling inside. He knew the time had come. Her overprotective brothers were allowing fate to step in and let them meet again.

How far were they willing to let things go before friendships would be jeopardized? Under what circumstances would they meet? Would she see him as the artist, the man of his heart? Or would she meet Andrew, the dutiful son, and the stuffy banker? Should he share his dark secret with her? Would his two worlds meet and become one, or would they crash and burn, destroying everyone involved?

“I need to stop thinking!”

He ripped off his tie and his dress shirt, sending buttons flying. To hell with afternoon meetings, his presence wasn’t necessary today. With his pulse racing, he grabbed a paintbrush and pallet. He would put his emotions on the canvas, and then sort them out later. He hoped.



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Shadows

Opening a bottle of Scotch, he sat in his window and watched the night fall
upon the city. London wore the cloak of darkness like a beautiful woman wore a
black dress. She called to him and he couldn’t resist her. He might not ever love a
woman, but he loved London. He walked over to his stereo and loaded his favorite
Underground music and began his ritual.

First he showered. Then he carefully picked out the right leathers to wear
for the night. He slid his boots on, then stood in the mirror for one appraising look
of confidence.

His black leather boots were polished. His black leather pants fit like a
second skin, soft and supple. He adjusted the collar on his red velvet oversized
shirt. His hair was tousled; some hairs stuck up, others hung in his eyes. He glared
at himself with hatred for a moment before drinking the last of the Scotch and
putting on his floor length black leather duster.

The dark figure shot out the door and onto the street. People moved out of
his way. Night was full of life in London. Some people lived for the night, some
were lost, some searching. Some with a destination in mind. Erick walked toward
the entrance of The Place.

He was greeted by the familiar elf named Tucker Tripp. Before entering
the passage to The Skunk’s Den he felt as if someone was watching him and turned.He only noticed a small group of kids waiting in line to get into the dance club. One of the young men stood with confidence, leaning against the building. His
black jeans fit tight over strong legs. He pulled his black leather jacket against the night chill. Blonde hair fell onto his shoulders and into his green eyes.
Erick went over to Tucker and pointed them out.

“The blonde kid with the black leather. Get him and his friends inside.” He
palmed some money into Tucker’s hand. “Give them their first drinks on me.”

“Yes, sir. So good of you.” Tucker corralled the kids inside.

The green-eyed boy watched Erick and nodded his head in his direction
before entering The Place.

Pleased, Erick continued to The Skunk’s Den, not noticing a dark shadow
watching him.

“Your playboy days are numbered my little friend,” the deep Italian voice
said. “It is time for you to pay for your game.”

Excerpt from Tormented Soul - book Two of the Soul Series.

Free Reads

Hi everyone. My publisher just released a Free First Chapter Chapbook as a promotional tool. So if anyone would like to read the first chapters of my books for free, simply send an email to me:

maryquast@yahoo.com

and enter the word, Chapbook, on the subject line, and I’ll send the pdf file which includes the first chapters from
Painted Soul, Tormented Soul and the soon to be released Lonely Soul.

I'm really excited about my books and would love to share a sampling with you.

- Mary

Tormented Soul - Excerpt 1

EXCERPT 1

“British Airways’ Flight 112 to New York will be boarding through gate sixty-five momentarily.”

Lynn quietly reached down and picked up her flight bag. She looked at the boarding pass in her hand. Funny that she didn’t feel like she was going home, but more like she was leaving home. This last trip had been so different from all the others and had taken an emotional toll on her. Perhaps an uneventful stay at her father’s would be just what she needed before returning to finish her photo shoot.

Erick McAlister reached out and adjusted the strap on her shoulder. He glanced toward the gate Lynn would be going through and noticed a young couple saying their good-byes. They spoke softly in between tender kisses, holding each other in a tight embrace. His black heart thudded in his chest. He wondered if that would ever be him; if he was capable of loving, or being loved.

His best friend, Andrew, had been a tormented soul like himself, and against odds found love and happiness with his sister, Elizabeth. Erick thought back to a time when he tasted the sweetness of comfort and contentment. Andrew had been determined to pay Elizabeth and Lynn a surprise visit at Hampton House and persuaded him and his brother Michael to join him.

Through Erick’s life, Lynn Westmore was the only woman to affect him like she did, and he didn’t like it. The night he was changed, he drank himself to oblivion to avoid his uneasy feelings. Unknown to him, his sister had put her best friend in his room during her stay. After retiring in a drunken state to his old bed, he woke in the morning with Lynn in his arms.

She had become a first of sorts. The first woman to sleep with him in his bed at Hampton House, the first to wake with him in the morning, and the first woman to share a bed and not be ravished. As tempting his lustful desires were that morning, he enjoyed the quiet conversation and her presence more than any sexual conquest. With Lynn he found a small piece of serenity he’d only dreamed of.

“Well, it’s almost time,” Lynn’s voice brought him back to the present. “I’ve been gone from the States so long; I hope I haven’t forgotten where I live.”

“Well if you can’t find it, Erick said, “you know you are always welcome at Hampton House. When did you say you will be back?”

“Some time in the spring; depends on the weather. I have a couple of locations I need to go back to. These books on English gardens are scheduled to go to press during the summer, so I have a time factor to work with.” She tilted her auburn head, her brown eyes sparkled, her smile teased. “Are you going to miss me?”

“Yes. I will.”

Lynn put her arms around his waist to give him a hug before she boarded. She felt his arms tighten around her and wondered what it would be like to be loved by him. She felt she could never compete with the beautiful women he surrounded himself with; he was just out of her league. She knew he was a man with worldly knowledge of women, a man capable of incredible passion; a man with such sexual prowess and confidence he would never find satisfaction in someone with her lack of experience.

Erick wanted the moment to last forever. He felt faint stirrings in his black heart. He had broken hearts and strained some marriages. Over the years his reputation grew as a lover, a prince of seduction and passion. To him, women couldn’t be trusted and were nothing but a sport. But he refused to get involved with Lynn because he couldn’t bear to hurt her. Lynn was too good of a person to be played with. He trusted her and her friendship.

He ran his hand up her back, along her neck and cupped her face. He looked deep into her eyes.

“Sweet Lynn,” his voice was a husky whisper. “These last few months have probably been the best as well as my worst. You have heard my secrets and you know of the monster that lives inside me, yet you’ve been a good friend to me. I want you to know I trust you as I would trust my own sister. Thank you.”

He caressed her cheek with his thumb. Her lips were so inviting. He remembered the shock he had felt when he kissed her on New Years Eve. Only a few days had passed and he still felt their heat. He dipped his head and brushed his lips across hers.
“Good bye, Lynn.” He pulled away from her. “Have a good flight.”

It took everything Lynn had to remain on her feet. On the inside, she shook head to toe, from his touch and his kiss. Looking into his green eyes, she saw sadness. She smiled as she bade him farewell, then turned toward her boarding gate.

What a lousy way to start the year, he thought. All alone. His best friend had married his sister over the holidays and they were honeymooning in the American Southwest. Lynn was gone. His father and brother would be leaving in a few days. Perhaps he should visit the Underground Clubs as soon as he returned to London and find someone to warm the cold winter nights. For some reason, the thought didn’t sound very appealing at the moment, but would surely change by the time he dressed in his favorite leathers and disappeared into the London night.

Purchase Tormented Soul now.

Heck with the laundry! I have a new book coming out!

I'm not in the cleaning mood today, I'm simply too excited about my book's release next month. Tormented Soul is the second book in the Soul Series. I spent a year writing it and loved every minute of it. There are so many twists and turns in the story, and I love how the characters develope.

Erick McAlister is my mom's favorite character so I dedicated the book to her. She insisted I tell his story. The poor fellow, such a sexy, erotic, passionate, sensual bachelor... he deserves to find love, she'd say to me. Well, Mom... the characters don't always cooperate with the writer. But Erick definately has a great story to tell!

Check out the video trailer released over the weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVdlSE6A2w The laundry is just going to have to wait! It's Hunky Monday!

Painted Soul - excerpt 2

BLURB:
A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

Elizabeth McAlister was only eighteen when she met the art student, Puzzola in a London nightclub and gave him her heart. Ten years later, they meet again when a summer of intense passion and dark secrets begins.

As Elizabeth falls deeper in love with Puzzola, she tries to rescue him from tortured memories he refuses to discuss. Eventually, his double life and erotic past are exposed in a local newspaper just as he is involved in a life-threatening accident.



EXCERPT 2

“I used to get butterflies just thinking about Puzzola or the night we met,” the sherry was loosening her tongue. "Now I’m in the same country and I’m going crazy knowing he’s not far away. I feel tingles all over. Am I nuts? I don’t even really know him, we just danced and that was ten years ago!”

Erick tapped her on the nose. “You are not nuts. He may be closer than you think,” he laughed. “He’s still hot for you, I’m sure,” he moaned. “I wish I were in your shoes right now!”

“What?” Elizabeth laughed. “I thought you preferred women.”

“Ugh!” Erick put her in a headlock and rubbed the top of her head with his knuckles. “I do prefer women! Don’t ever think that again, young lady!” He released her with a shove, “I meant the idea of embarking on the greatest trip of your life. I remember an artist I slept with once, and she was incredible! She was even better than the dancer. Oh the dancer could move alright, but the artist was so creative,” he jeered. “You should have seen them together. Hot!”

“Now you’re grossing me out,” she threw a pillow at her brother’s sultry grin.

He caught the pillow but didn’t lose the grin, “Well since we are having a heart to heart conversation and sex is one of the topics, can I ask you something?”

“You ask me? This is a first. Shoot away, brother dear.”

“Who did you give your virginity to? Was it that guy in college?”

Elizabeth couldn’t believe she was having this discussion with her brother. The sherry must have been stronger that she thought.

“Yes, it was Rob.”

She recalled the sexy young artist from her classes. Rob Duvall, tall, dark and handsome. His passion for his art surpassed her passion for painting. There was sexual tension between them from the first day they met. It was only a short time before he convinced her to pose nude for a drawing. Only she ended up in his bed, and many other places, time and time again. He took her when he wanted, and left her feeling exhausted and empty every time he walked out the door. Their relationship turned into a game of how quick, how often and how few words.

“He looked a bit like Puzzola. But he was a total jerk, Elizabeth. I was pleased when you broke up with him.”

“Things just didn’t feel right, Erick. We were great together in the studio, the dark room and the gallery,” she laughed at her brother’s gaping expression. “But we couldn’t carry on a normal conversation. Do you suppose, in my subconscious, he was a substitute for Puzzola?”

Painted Soul Excerpt 1

A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

Elizabeth McAlister was only eighteen when she met the art student, Puzzola in a London nightclub and gave him her heart. Ten years later, they meet again when a summer of intense passion and dark secrets begins.

As Elizabeth falls deeper in love with Puzzola, she tries to rescue him from tortured memories he refuses to discuss. Eventually, his double life and erotic past are exposed in a local newspaper just as he is involved in a life-threatening accident.

EXCERPT 1

She looked from her empty glass across the dancing ocean to where he was standing just a moment before. Her body still tingled in a way she didn’t understand. Perhaps she felt something because he looked like a musician or an artist; she had always been interested in expressive people. Somehow, there was something more drawing her deeper to this phantom punk. Elizabeth continued to scan the crowd desperately hope to see him again, until Erick interrupted her thoughts.

“Arm yourselves my dears,” Erick danced up bringing them two new drinks. He flashed a smile and yelled, “Happy hunting!” as he slid down the rail again.
He had come and gone as fast as lightening. They watched Erick disappear into the massive wave of writhing bodies.

Lynn quickly downed her drink and yelled, “I’ve got to try that!” She climbed onto the rail and held onto her skirt with one hand, “Watch out below! Ya-hoo!”

Caught in the arms of a smiling stranger, Lynn was carried off into the deep mass of dancers. Elizabeth was alone and laughing when she felt a burning gaze upon her. She looked down to the dancing wave below. There he was, standing still amongst the dancers, an outstretched hand with a wide gold band on the thumb, his long fingers slowly beckoning her to join him in the dance. Yet his eyes and smile seemed to beckon for something else. Elizabeth felt a silent desire escape from the caverns of her soul.

“Breath, Elizabeth, breath,” she willed herself.



Format: paperback perfect
ISBN: 978-0-9814739-3-2
Retail Price: 15.95
page count: 360

To purchase Painted Soul visit Vanilla Heart Publishing online bookstore http://shop.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=9