Tag Archives: down and dirty

Spotlight on Keep You Safe by C.R. Moss (@CRMoss @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist:  Sinfully Sweet Designs

*****

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

This collection of 22 brand new stories from USA Today and International Best-Selling authors is full of scorching hot romance tales that will be sure to leave you breathless for more. These men work hard and play even harder.

From cops to mechanics, miners to brewmasters, they aren’t afraid to go all in. At the end of the day, when they find the woman who completes them, they learn love and life can be as messy as their day jobs…and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Featuring stories from: Lori King, Maia Dylan, Sarah Marsh, Elena Kincaid, Cecile Tellier, London Saint James, Bella Settarra, Rose Nickol, RL Merrill, Ashley Malkin, Lucy Felthouse, Scarlett J Rose, Sydney Lea, CR Moss, Samantha A. Cole, Danielle James, Ava Campbell, Eva Moore, Kimberlie L. Faye, Sabrina Sol, Nikki Prince, and Mia Hopkins

PREORDER LINKS:

AMAZON US  I  AMAZON UK  I  AMAZON CA  I  AMAZON AU

IBOOKS  I  BARNES&NOBLE  I  KOBO

*****

Keep You SafeKeep You Safe by CR Moss

BLURB:

I’m Professor Arianna Perez, and I’ve been asked if I’ll ever trust, let alone love, another man again. After dumping an abusive boyfriend, I doubted I would. At least, that’s how I felt until fate had sexy wrangler, Kian Bishop, reappearing in my life in a way I never expected.

Against my better judgement, I fell hard for the cowboy, believing everything he said, including how he wanted to treat me like a queen and keep me safe. Little did I know, though, that the circumstances that’d brought us together could also tear us apart…and possibly claim my life.

*****

EXCERPT:

Kian sat back and rubbed his chin. “He’s still bothering you?”

Nodding, I continued to breathe deep to allay my anxiety. “Kind of.”

“He sounds like a jerk. If you were mine, I’d treat you like a queen. I’d do anything I could to keep you safe and free from harm.”

“If I were yours?” God, how I wanted to believe that a man would do that. Be a true gentleman, someone who would treat me right, someone I could trust not turn into a pig. Even if Kian spoke the truth, there were other factors to consider. “You do remember there’s an age gap between us, right? That I’m older than you?”

He lifted a shoulder again. “So? We’re both adults. ‘Consenting’ adults. I hated that my family moved, and I couldn’t see you anymore. That I only had you in my fantasies.”

“Wait. What?” This time I couldn’t hide the surprise on my face. “You fantasized about me?”

“All the time.” He chuckled, and pink tinged his cheeks. “I thought you were the prettiest woman I’d ever seen, and I was a hormonal teen. I wasn’t joking before when I said you’re beautiful.”

Compliments. Wants. Desires. The claims coming from him made my breath catch on such an intense wave of yearning it almost hurt.

‘Oh, Lord, what kind of spell is this man weaving over me?’

“I appreciate the sentiment, but like I’d said, you could have your pick. Why would you want an older lady with ten to twenty extra pounds on her frame?” Under my breath, I couldn’t stop myself from adding, “Chad used to say no man wanted a chubby-wubby.”

Kian pursed his lips. “We’ve already established that Chad’s a tool. Me? I think you’re perfect the way you are. You don’t need to lose a pound.” He smiled. His gaze softened. “God, I really want to kiss you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Before I knew it, he leaned across the table, gently palmed my cheek and placed his lips on mine. Hungry desire flooded me. I couldn’t deny my body’s response or the fact that I was seriously attracted to Kian. I wanted the kiss to deepen, but luckily, I had enough wits about me to not go crazy with the public display of affection.

Then, as quick as it started, it ended. He sat back, taking any decisions I might have had to make out of my hands.

“Thank you,” he said. “I’ve wanted to do that for ages.”

More heat blossomed in my face. I couldn’t believe how much I’d been blushing. His attentions and presence made me feel like a silly, teenager in the throes of my first crush.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi everyone, my name is Casey, and I write under the names C.R. Moss for erotic and mainstream romance and Casey Moss for mainstream dark fiction (horror, suspense, urban fantasy) and sometimes the stories have an erotic flare to them. My professional bio for C.R.: An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic romance markets, giving readers a choice of sweet, savory or spicy reads, usually within a sub-genre or two — paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, time travel, or western flare. The bio for my other persona: Casey Moss delves into the darker aspects of life in her writing, sometimes basing the stories on reality, sometimes on myth. No matter the path, her stories will take you on a journey from the light-hearted paranormal to dark things unspeakable. What waits around the corner? Come explore…

WEBSITE C.R. MOSS  I  WEBSITE CASEY MOSS

FACEBOOK  I  TWITTER  I  INSTAGRAM  

NEWSLETTER   I   BLOG   I   AMAZON C.R   I   AMAZON CASEY

 

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Spotlight on Heat Sink by Cecile Tellier (@CeecTellier @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist:  Sinfully Sweet Designs

*****

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

This collection of 22 brand new stories from USA Today and International Best-Selling authors is full of scorching hot romance tales that will be sure to leave you breathless for more. These men work hard and play even harder.

From cops to mechanics, miners to brewmasters, they aren’t afraid to go all in. At the end of the day, when they find the woman who completes them, they learn love and life can be as messy as their day jobs…and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Featuring stories from: Lori King, Maia Dylan, Sarah Marsh, Elena Kincaid, Cecile Tellier, London Saint James, Bella Settarra, Rose Nickol, RL Merrill, Ashley Malkin, Lucy Felthouse, Scarlett J Rose, Sydney Lea, CR Moss, Samantha A. Cole, Danielle James, Ava Campbell, Eva Moore, Kimberlie L. Faye, Sabrina Sol, Nikki Prince, and Mia Hopkins

PREORDER LINKS:

AMAZON US  I  AMAZON UK  I  AMAZON CA  I  AMAZON AU

IBOOKS  I  BARNES&NOBLE  I  KOBO

*****

Heat Sink by Cecile Tellier

BLURB:

Christian Harrington went to work every day as a steamfitter at the local nuclear energy plant with some expectation of danger. When Christian meets fiery bartender Roxy McVee he quickly realizes he may have met his match. Unfortunately, Christian is not the only person with their sights set on Roxy.

Roxy McVee had wanted a fresh start. Slinging drinks and telling jokes at the local bar in Upstate NY seemed like a great way to go. Her decision is rewarded when serious but sexy as hell Christian Harrington walked into the bar with his friends after work. Roxy’s immediate reaction to him leads her to become comfortable around him. Unfortunately, the reason for Roxy’s move proves that the saying that the things one resist, persist is true. Roxy and Christian must navigate a potentially deadly landmine in the form of one very dangerous visitor from her past.

*****

EXCERPT:

“I actually love most food, and I’m not a vegetarian. Do you cook for ladies often? Never mind. You don’t have to answer that. I don’t even know why I asked.” Shaking her head, Roxy could feel her face flush. Why did she asked such a personal question?

“I don’t mind answering. You’re the first non-relative female I’ve cooked for, or invited over for that matter. I work a lot. It doesn’t leave me a lot of time to host get-togethers with the fairer sex.” His wry expression caused goosebumps  to rise over her arms.

“Well, I’m glad I happened to meet you at the right time, then.” Roxy was unused to the butterflies floating around in her stomach at his response.

“What about you? I know what Manny said, but I’m assuming you’ve got a pretty steady stream of date offers.” Christian plate before putting a bite in his mouth.

“I do, but you’re actually the first I’ve accepted in a few years.” She followed suit by eating some of her lasagna.

“Why did you accept mine?” His voice was soft, and he was no longer eating but watching her closely.

“I…it’s hard to explain. You felt right. I don’t mean in the literal sense. You just weren’t someone I wanted to say no to.” She took another bite out of nervousness, but closed her eyes at the taste of melted ricotta and paremsian cheese blending with the perfectly cooked lasagna noodles and a red sauce she would bet was home made.

“This is amazing by the way.” Changing the subject seemed like the best choice at the time. Roxy wasn’t comfortable with spilling her guts on the first date, even if she meant everything she’d said.

“Thank you, I watched a video on how to make my own sauce. The rest is pretty easy.” He shrugged but took another bite.

They ate the rest of their meal, talking about their respective work.

“Do you get a lot of Homer Simpson jokes when you tell people you work at nuclear reactors?” Roxy helped him load the dishwasher and accepted the cold beer he offered.

“No, mainly because I don’t actually work in the operation of it. I’m there to make sure their systems that create and carry the steam power through the reactor stay safe and functional. Most of the time, I’m in there is for planned maintenance or during shutdowns for renovations.”

“Well, that makes sense then. Do you like donuts, though?” Roxy couldn’t resist.

Christian laughed and nodded. “I do, in fact like donuts, but I don’t eat them much. Want to see something great?”

Before Roxy could agree, he was leading her upstairs to an open loft area that led to one of the wraparound deck doors. Once outside, they were treated to a full view of the moon and stars in the night sky.

“Wow, that’s beautiful. Do you spend a lot of time out here?” Roxy leaned against the railing and inhaled the smell of lilacs growing around the property.

Christian put his hands on either side of her on the deck and spoke from behind her. “I do, it’s where I recalibrate myself.”

“Oh, talk steamfitter to me.” Roxy shivered but pressed back so that her back was flush against his chest and pressed against him rather than just caged by his arms.

“Hmm, fire caulk…” Christian’s arms wrapped around her and she felt his chin rested on the top of her head.

Roxy erupted into giggles and hugged his arms to her. “You’re the whole package aren’t you Christian?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Christian nuzzled her ear, the tingles moving from the affected part down her body to less directly involved places.

“You work hard, you’re talented, you’re smart, and you have a sense of humor. What’s your downside?” She pushed into his wayward mouth and bit her lip.

Christian nibbled on her earlobe and murmured, “Most likely that I’m slow to decide things but when I do want something I’m pretty laser focused.”

The vibration of his voice against her skin pulled an involuntary moan from her lips. “I would say that’s a bonus in most things.”

“You’d have to let me know, since I’m focused on you.” Roxy shivered hard at the words and arched back against him.

“I’d say from where I’m standing, it’s pretty fuckin awesome.”

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cecile Tellier enjoys writing romance of many genres. She lives with her two children and is married to her very own steamfitter in Upstate NY.

WEBSITE  I  FACEBOOK  I  TWITTER  I  INSTAGRAM

NEWSLETTER

 

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Spotlight on Sex Mechanic by Bella Settarra (@bellasettarra @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist:  Sinfully Sweet Designs

*****

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

This collection of 22 brand new stories from USA Today and International Best-Selling authors is full of scorching hot romance tales that will be sure to leave you breathless for more. These men work hard and play even harder.

From cops to mechanics, miners to brewmasters, they aren’t afraid to go all in. At the end of the day, when they find the woman who completes them, they learn love and life can be as messy as their day jobs…and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Featuring stories from: Lori King, Maia Dylan, Sarah Marsh, Elena Kincaid, Cecile Tellier, London Saint James, Bella Settarra, Rose Nickol, RL Merrill, Ashley Malkin, Lucy Felthouse, Scarlett J Rose, Sydney Lea, CR Moss, Samantha A. Cole, Danielle James, Ava Campbell, Eva Moore, Kimberlie L. Faye, Sabrina Sol, Nikki Prince, and Mia Hopkins

PREORDER LINKS:

AMAZON US  I  AMAZON UK  I  AMAZON CA  I  AMAZON AU

IBOOKS  I  BARNES&NOBLE  I  KOBO

*****

Sex Mechanic By Bella Settarra

BLURB:

Known locally as the ‘Sex Mechanic’ with a ‘love’em and leave ’em’ approach to women, Ben Steadman is astonished to suddenly develop feelings for a new girl in town. She has a flat tire that he is happy to help with. Unfortunately she also has a couple of kids in tow, making her strictly off-limits– especially when he hears their daddy’s in the military.

Iona Walker is filling in at her uncle’s firm, although admin doesn’t exactly excite her. She is smitten with the handsome mechanic who helps her out, although she senses mixed signals.

After his boss’ heart attack, Ben realizes that his job isn’t as safe as he’d hoped as he struggles to keep the company afloat. Iona is delighted to offer her help with the business, especially as it means them working together.

However, a concoction of misunderstandings and interference seems destined to keep the two apart…

*****

EXCERPT:

Ben drove the Jeep to the bar just a couple of blocks away. It was the last place he wanted to be, and she was the last person he wanted to be with, though he couldn’t convince his cock of that. The damn thing had been fidgeting about in his pants ever since she’d shown up. His brain, on the other hand, was admonishing him for going ahead with the stupid idea, but it was too late now.

He was glad it wasn’t too busy inside; it was still early. While Connie went to the bathroom, he ordered a couple of drinks and chose a table near the door. He wasn’t planning to stay long. At least the air con works in here, he thought to himself.

“You remembered my favourite drink.” She appeared, fresh-faced and beaming, a few minutes later.

“The bartender did,” he lied.

She looked a little disappointed, but sat down and took hold of her glass.

“I haven’t got long. I need to take a shower,” he reminded her bluntly.

She nodded. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have dragged you out like this.”

“Why did you?” He knew he didn’t sound very sympathetic, but she was quite right. She shouldn’t have.

“I needed to talk to you.” She looked sad again, and he dreaded a repeat of those damn tears. Despite all the sobbing she’d done just now, there wasn’t a tear-stain on her face and her eyes were as beautiful as ever—not in the least puffy or red.

“You got boyfriend trouble?”

She gaped at him and then smiled. “You know me so well.”

He snorted. It didn’t take a genius.

“I shouldn’t have left you for him,” she said, that bottom lip quivering.

“You didn’t,” he reminded her. “I caught you both together and finished with you if you recall.” He gave her a stern look. How stupid does she think I am?

She huffed. “Well, whatever. It was a mistake, okay? It shouldn’t have happened. I was drunk.”

“For the whole three weeks you were seeing him behind my back?” He leaned backward in his chair, staring at her. Either she had a very short memory or she figured he did. She’d bragged about the fact she’d been seeing the fucker right under his nose, calling him all kinds of stupid. He wasn’t about to forget that.

She turned red and started to drum her perfectly manicured nails on the table with one hand while she clutched her glass with the other. “You know how I am,” she said after a while.

“I sure do.”

She sat up straight and frowned. “Why are you being so mean?”

He sighed and took another swig of his beer. It wasn’t as cold as he’d have liked, but he guessed that was more to do with the heat of his hand. His whole body felt like it was burning up—firstly because he’d been trying to keep his erection under control, and now because she was really winding him up.

She stopped rapping her nails and started twirling her hair instead.

“I’m guessing you’ve had a row with him, then?” His voice sounded as weary as he felt.

“Not exactly.” She pouted.

He stared at her expectantly. No way was he about to drag the information from her. He wasn’t even interested.

She must have got the message because she went on after a few minutes. “I’ve left him,” she said. “He was cheating on me.” The sniffling started again.

“What goes around comes around,” he told her, determined not to be taken in this time. He took another swig of his drink.

“I thought you’d understand,” she said sulkily, sniffing hard.

“Oh I understand, all right,” he said with a snicker. “You’ve realized the guy’s not as perfect as you’d like so you’ve dumped him. Well, I hate to tell you, darlin’, but I ain’t perfect either.” He drank the last mouthful of beer as he stood up to go.

“I wouldn’t say that.” Her eyes were wide as she grabbed his arm.

“Yeah you would.” He shook his head incredulously. “In fact, you said a lot more than that when I caught you making out.”

“I didn’t mean it,” she insisted.

He pulled his arm from her grip. “Yes, you did.” He nodded. “And I meant what I said, too. It’s over. You don’t get to crap on me twice.” He turned and left the bar, gasping as the warm air hit him as soon as he stepped outside.

He strolled back to the garage and fetched his truck, berating himself every step of the way. Why am I such a dumbass?

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

WEBSITE  I  FACEBOOK  I  TWITTER

NEWSLETTER

 

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Spotlight on Beer Goggles by Ava Campbell (@AvaCampbellBook @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist:  Sinfully Sweet Designs

*****

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

This collection of 22 brand new stories from USA Today and International Best-Selling authors is full of scorching hot romance tales that will be sure to leave you breathless for more. These men work hard and play even harder.

From cops to mechanics, miners to brewmasters, they aren’t afraid to go all in. At the end of the day, when they find the woman who completes them, they learn love and life can be as messy as their day jobs…and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Featuring stories from: Lori King, Maia Dylan, Sarah Marsh, Elena Kincaid, Cecile Tellier, London Saint James, Bella Settarra, Rose Nickol, RL Merrill, Ashley Malkin, Lucy Felthouse, Scarlett J Rose, Sydney Lea, CR Moss, Samantha A. Cole, Danielle James, Ava Campbell, Eva Moore, Kimberlie L. Faye, Sabrina Sol, Nikki Prince, and Mia Hopkins

PREORDER LINKS:

AMAZON US  I  AMAZON UK  I  AMAZON CA  I  AMAZON AU

IBOOKS  I  BARNES&NOBLE  I  KOBO

*****

Beer GogglesBeer Goggles By Ava Campbell

BLURB:

Connor Callahan did his best work when it came to beer and babes. As long as live was full of laughs, he was good. It wasn’t until some hot shot journalist started asking questions that his past that he’d tried so hard to forget came back to haunt him.

Allison Drake, top notch reporter was bumped down to do a fun and leisure piece about a bar and new up and coming brew master. She was going to do everything in her power to hurry things along and go back to the big city where she belonged.

However, a car accident, and a few beers later, things change between them. Things aren’t always as black and white as they were before. Can the two of them face the truth about themselves, and be open to the future, or will they both live life with their beer goggles on?

*****

EXCERPT:

Allison had one job to do, and it seemed she had gotten everything she needed for the story, and then some.  Taking the drink Conner gave her, she sipped it, enjoying the taste and the coolness calming her throat after talking so long.  It seemed that he and the bar had a very large following.  It was an easy piece to write, in fact, she could have it done by tonight and sent off.  That was if she wanted to leave right away.  Something called to her in this little town, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city she had grown up in.  Connor wasn’t a bad way to spend the night either.  It had been a while since she had been with anyone, even though she was with Doyle not that long ago.  The sexual draw just wasn’t there, but Connor, now she could almost see herself getting tangled up in the sheets with him and not coming up for air for a long time.  Too bad he was just a playboy type and not one to stay long term.  Maybe that was just what she needed.  Some way to let off all the stress and drama that came with her job.

Her phone buzzed indicating she had a text. Pulling it out, she felt her once happy mood crumble as the message was from Doyle asking when she was coming back and to have drinks when she returned, again.  Damn it, couldn’t she just get a break for at least a weekend?

“Boyfriend bugging you about being away from home?”  He asked, bumping her shoulder playfully as he sat next to her on an empty bar stool.

“No, I mean, shit I don’t know. He’s not my boyfriend, well he was, I guess it’s complicated.  Anyway, so yea.” She let her statement float away while taking a large drink of her beer, begging the liquor to do its job and dull her senses, even for a night.

“Well, if it means anything, he’s an idiot. And you should totally send him a barfing emoji.”  Turning to look at him, she laughed.  What was he?  She hadn’t used emojis in forever, not that she really had anyone to send them to.”  He swiped her phone out of her hand, calling a number, his and then hung up.  Watching what he was doing, she waited while he fiddled with his screen.  Her phone buzzed, and a silly face popped up next to a beer.  Oh my god, that was too funny.

“See they can be funny and totally fit the situation.  Now you send me one.  I promise I won’t judge.”  Wanting to play his little game, she hit the icon on her phone and scrolled looking at different ones before finding two people high fiving each other.  This went back and forth for a while until something bothered her.

“Hey, why do they have the eggplant?  Who would send that?”

“You’re so cute and innocent.  Normally it is about someone’s cock.”  She spat her beer and totally understood it now. That was too funny.

“So, do we start referring to someone’s junk as an eggplant.  Is that what you call yours?”  feeling braver as time went on, she felt more comfortable with asking odd questions she normally wouldn’t.

“Nah.  I call mine the truth.”  His eyes twinkled as he smirked.

Huh, okay, she would bite this time.  “The truth?”

“Oh yeah, because the truth hurts.”  At that, she busted up laughing.  Holy shit this man was funny.  “Oh, come on, now you can’t ever think of something with truth in it without thinking about my large cock.”  She was not going to anymore.  Yet he continued to go on with various movie references and titles.  “I want the truth. You can’t handle the truth.”  “The truth shall set you free.”  Oh god. She was laughing so hard at this point, she had to pee.  Excusing herself, she went to freshen up.  Quickly as she could, she went back to the bar, only to see her seat was taken by a beautiful raven-haired woman, with a perfect body and leaning on Connor.  He was smiling brightly at her, calling for a drink from Jett.  She hadn’t been gone that long.  Guess he was just like she thought, a playboy.  All about the beer and some babes.  Only she was a pawn floating around trying to be something she wasn’t, writing a story about his place.  Fine.  She didn’t need to stay where she wasn’t really wanted.  Taking some money out of her wallet, she put it on the end of the bar, away from Connor, nodding to Jett and walked out the door, avoiding getting seen.

She was going to finish the story, drive home, and go back to where things were normal.  Where she was normal.  Boring for sure, but normal, whatever that meant anymore.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ava Campbell is a writer, reader and romance lover.

For Ava, her men can be bikers, hitman, lawmen, or brewmasters…it doesn’t matter as long as he’s a bad boy with a heart of gold. So join her as she take you on the ride of your life where she proves a kiss is worth a thousand words!

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Spotlight on Fighting the Inferno by Ashley Malkin (@romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist:  Sinfully Sweet Designs

*****

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

This collection of 22 brand new stories from USA Today and International Best-Selling authors is full of scorching hot romance tales that will be sure to leave you breathless for more. These men work hard and play even harder.

From cops to mechanics, miners to brewmasters, they aren’t afraid to go all in. At the end of the day, when they find the woman who completes them, they learn love and life can be as messy as their day jobs…and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Featuring stories from: Lori King, Maia Dylan, Sarah Marsh, Elena Kincaid, Cecile Tellier, London Saint James, Bella Settarra, Rose Nickol, RL Merrill, Ashley Malkin, Lucy Felthouse, Scarlett J Rose, Sydney Lea, CR Moss, Samantha A. Cole, Danielle James, Ava Campbell, Eva Moore, Kimberlie L. Faye, Sabrina Sol, Nikki Prince, and Mia Hopkins

PREORDER LINKS:

AMAZON US  I  AMAZON UK  I  AMAZON CA  I  AMAZON AU I IBOOKS  I  BARNES&NOBLE  I  KOBO

*****

Fighting the Inferno By Ashley Malkin

BLURB:

Blayne Simmons is a firefighter, a job he loves as much as he hates the flames he battles. He exists in a world on fire, but is frozen inside by the scars of a fire he failed to conquer. He works hard, plays even harder. Satisfying his needs, nothing more, until Felicity Kendall enters his tightly-controlled world.

Felicity is alone. She has to be, because everyone, everything, she loves burns to ashes. When a ruggedly handsome firefighter attempts to pick her up in a bar she’s stung by the bitter irony. He’s clueless to the depths of her hatred of firemen. They saved her as a child, and delivered her into a world of pain. She should have burned. She wished she had.

When fire thrusts Felicity into Blayne’s arms, he discovers she is the victim of a deadly game. A game he will win, because Felicity is now his.

*****

EXCERPT:

“What are we heading into, Dan?” Blayne asked, wanting to be prepared. His intense focus had kept him from being burned again, and he intended to keep it that way.

“House fire. Phoned in by a neighbor, no word yet on anyone being unaccounted for.”

If there was anyone missing, Blayne would go in and find them, it was his specialty. He would never leave anyone to the flames. He knew how much it hurt, how frightening it was to feel trapped and helpless. He always got them out, even if they were dead, he never left them to burn.

The house was gone when they arrived, the flames shooting through the roof and high into the night sky. People were huddled in groups on lawn across the wide street. Some wore only night gowns or pyjamas, others had coats thrown over their night attire.

“Go,” Dan said to him. “Put the hoses on the garage,” he called to the other four men on the crew. “I’ve spoken to the home owners, we might have someone trapped on the top floor.”

Blayne turned the headset microphone on, released the valve on his air cylinder and fitted the mask. He was ready to enter by the time he was standing by the door. It was hot, but not molten. He donned his gloves and stepped aside as he flung open the door.

Smoke rushed out, but no flames. He entered the garage, looking for the woman he was seeking, in case she’d made it downstairs before succumbing to the smoke. Flames were coming through the rear wall, and he ducked as a petrol can exploded in the heat. Flames filled the air above him, and he waited for the flare to dissipate before continuing his search.

There was no car in the garage, and he could see the stairs leading to the second level were smoking, but not yet alight.

“It’s clear downstairs, I’m going up to look for her.”

“Kenny will join you when the hoses are set.”

Blayne tested the bottom step, it creaked, but held firm. Taking the stairs two at a time, he swore as another petrol can exploded below him. The door at the top of the landing was intact. He twisted the handle, but it didn’t move. He unclipped his axe, and with one swing, the door knob was gone.

The door swung open and smoke billowed over him. The room was dark and filled to the ceiling with smoke. He was blind, so, this is where he used his other senses. Blocking out the roar of the flames and the hiss as the water hit them, he listened for signs of life.

Walking slowly, he tested the floor with each step, making sure it would hold him. He could see the flames growing higher through the smoke. The fire was going to take this house, all of it. He had another five minutes, tops, and the room was going to be engulfed, despite the water they were pumping at it.

Then he heard it. Sobs, faint, but wracking. The flames were loud, but he’s used to listening for the sounds of the living amongst the roar of the fire’s tempest. She was here. As tempting as it was to throw caution to the wind and run to find this Felicity woman, he couldn’t save her if he was dead. He turned and trod carefully toward the sounds, rewarded as the sobs grew louder.

“No more,” he heard. “Not again, not again. It’s not real.”

He banged into something solid, and heard a small scream. He felt around, and decided it was some sort of desk or a table. Squatting, he could just make out a huddled shape curled beneath the piece of furniture. A woman was curled in a ball, her arms around her knees, as she rocked.

“Felicity?”

She started and lifted her head. Wide, terrified eyes stared out of an elfin face. A face he’d seen before. It was the woman from the bar, only now she looked fragile and defeated. He knew that with one touch, she’d shatter. She was begging to be saved from the nightmare with that look. Not the nightmare of this fire, but the nightmare of whatever was haunting her, chasing her. She was defeated, scared, alone, helpless. Fuck.

The roar of the flames rushing into the room was deafening, taking all other options from him. It was time to leave. Ignoring the fact that she didn’t like to be touched, he reached in and scooped her up. It was that or leave her to the flames. Not an option.

Blayne scarcely noticed her added weight as he rose to his feet, remaining stooped as the ceiling started to flame. She weighed nothing, but what was more disturbing was that it was her. The woman who had consumed his thoughts, his dreams, for two weeks.

Hunching over the delicate woman in his arms, he protected her from the heat at his back with his jacket and his body. He trod a careful path back to the stairs, fighting an unfamiliar fear with each step on the smoking timber floor. If he lost her now, then he’d never discover who she was and what made her so unforgettable. I need to solve the fucking mystery and purge her from my system. His arms tightened reflexively around her at that thought and he swore loudly at his confusing reaction.

“Are you real? Is this all a dream?” He barely hears her murmured words above the roar.

“No, angel. This is a fucking nightmare.” The fire, and the complication she was proving to be to his sanity.

“All dreams are nightmares,” she murmured, coughing weakly as her eyes flutter closed.

“Fuck.” She was out, her body now hanging limply in his arms. He pulled her close and hated how his heart clenched. She felt good in his arms. Insane. This is fucking insane.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley was born in England, but has lived in Australia since she was three years old. Her love of reading has grown into a love of writing stories. All her stories will have a happy-ever-after, because that’s what she feels everyone deserves. She likes to call it ‘Ashley World.’ It’s a world of infinite possibility where love conquers all adversity. She hopes you enjoy escaping into her world for a little while.

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Cover Reveal for Down & Dirty! #downanddirty #getdirty #preorder

Hi folks,

I’m delighted to finally be able to share the glorious cover for the Down & Dirty boxed set:

Down and Dirty

What do you think? I love it!

And here’s a little teaser from my story, Good With His Hands:

When Layla is driven to shelter by inclement weather out on a walk, she discovers a sexy park ranger who’s good with his hands.

And here’s some more about the set:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

This collection of 22 brand new stories from USA Today and International Best-Selling authors is full of scorching hot romance tales that will be sure to leave you breathless for more. These men work hard and play even harder.

From cops to mechanics, miners to brewmasters, they aren’t afraid to go all in. At the end of the day, when they find the woman who completes them, they learn love and life can be as messy as their day jobs…and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Featuring stories from: Lori King, Maia Dylan, Sarah Marsh, Elena Kincaid, Cecile Tellier, London Saint James, Bella Settarra, Rose Nickol, RL Merrill, Ashley Malkin, Lucy Felthouse, Scarlett J Rose, Sydney Lea, CR Moss, Samantha A. Cole, Danielle James, Ava Campbell, Eva Moore, Kimberlie L. Faye, Sabrina Sol, Nikki Prince, and Mia Hopkins.

Sound like your kind of thing? Pre-order yours now for the bargain price of 99c (other retailers coming very soon):

Barnes & Noble
iBooks UK
iBooks US
Kobo

Happy Reading!

Lucy x