Sunday, April 29, 2018

Sunday Spotlight: Storm Glenn and Mark of an Alpha

Welcome Stormy Glenn back to Sunday Spotlight. She's here to share a bit from her new release, Mark of an Alpha.

****
All Xias wanted to do was find a safe place for him and his cubs. With his alpha chasing after him, intent on taking one of his cubs and killing the others, racing through a blizzard in the middle of the night seemed like a good idea. He had no idea when he took shelter in a cave during a blizzard that he had found more than a place to rest. He'd found the one man determined to protect him and his cubs. 

Zhuang wasn't on the run exactly, but avoiding his father's demand that he start his own clan sent him into the mountains where he couldn't be reached. When he takes shelter in a cave during a snow storm, he finds his mate and a whole lot more. He also discovers that protecting his mate means changing his entire way of life.

But even going to the shifter council won't keep them safe because the alpha who is after Xias is determined to have him, even if he has to kill everyone standing in his way. Zhuang's only hope in saving his new family is in becoming the alpha his father always wanted him to be.

BUY AT BOOKSTRAND * COMING SOON TO AMAZON & OTHER VENDORS

****

STORY EXCERPT
"Come on, babies, just a little farther."Xias was lying through his teeth, but the cubs didn't need to know that. The longer they could remain blissfully ignorant of the danger they were in, the better. 
He nudged one with his nose when it started to fall behind the other two. He knew there was a cave close by. He'd scouted it out while the cubs were still sleeping, but with the snow coming down so hard he could barely see a step in front of him, he was starting to wonder if he'd ever find it again.
The blizzard had come out of nowhere, hard, cold, and dangerous. Xias knew if he didn't find shelter for him and the cubs soon, they'd be lost in the flurry of bitter cold snow. They'd freeze to death by morning for sure. 
Maybe he should have left the cubs behind where they would have been warm and dry. Xias quickly dismissed that idea. His heart ached just thinking about it. Everything in him balked at the idea of anything happening to his cubs. 
They were his babies. He had carried them for four months, given birth to the three darling little fur balls. Just because clan law stated they belonged to their sire, didn't make it so, especially when the bastard decided to put two of them to death because they hadn't been born male.
Xias grew enraged every time he remembered his alpha's declaration that two of his cubs were defective. His cubs were precious, each and every one of them. He didn't care if they were boys or girls or purple penguins. They were his cubs and he'd fight to the death to defend each and every one of them.
Which was what had led him to where he found himself now. Racing through a blizzard with his cubs as he tried to find a place to wait out the storm and escape from the alpha intent of killing everything he held dear.
Xias jumped forward when Bai, the oldest of his litter of three cubs, tripped and went face first into a snow drift. He gently grabbed the cub by the back of his neck and lifted him out, giving him a little shake to get some of the snow off of him. 
He set Bai on the ground and then nudged him up to his sisters, Liang and Ying. They needed to keep going. If they didn't find that cave, they would perish out here in the snow, which was getting deeper by the second. The snow was coming down in thick plumes.
"Come on, keep moving."
Xias had just about given up hope of ever finding the cave when he spotted a familiar looking rock outcropping. He was almost giddy as he herded the three cubs toward the towering wall of rock.
"Keep going, babies. The cave is just ahead."
By the time they climbed up the rock outcropping and moved toward the cave entrance, the cubs were barely moving, sluggish. Xias knew once they got warmed up and had something to eat, and then got some sleep, they would be fine.
When they reached the mouth of the cave, Xias stepped forward and drew in a lungful of air. He needed to make sure no one had found the cave and taken up residence before he was able to bring the cubs back. He didn't want to escape one dangerous situation only to take his cubs into another one.
When he didn't smell any other scent than his from inside the enclosed space, Xias urged the cubs in through the narrow opening. It was dark inside, but that was no surprise. It was a cave after all. Xias led the cubs over to the far wall, away from the cave opening.
He laid down, smiling when his cubs hurried over to him. In a matter of moments, they were snuggling in, each cub latching on to a teat. Xias began to purr as he fed his babies, leaning down to lick the snow off of each of them in turn.
By the time they were clean and dry, their little tummies were rounded with milk and their eyes were drifting closed. Xias continued to purr until they curled together in a kitten pile and nodded off. 
He laid there for a few minutes, soaking in the peacefulness of the moment. There was just something about providing for his cubs that filled him with a calmness he couldn't find anywhere else. The world around him could go to hell as long as he had his cubs right by his side.
Xias glanced up toward the entrance of the cave when he heard a noise. He couldn't quite place what had made that sound, but it raised his hackles. He extracted himself from his cubs and climbed to his paws. 
When he heard the noise again, Xias took a few steps forward, placing himself between the cubs and whatever was outside the cave entrance. When the strong, unmistakable scent of an alpha male floated into the cave, Xias thought his heart was going to burst with fear.
Alpha males were known to kill cubs not their own, especially those with crystal blue eyes. They saw them as threats. It didn't matter if the cubs were in their territory or not, it was instinctual to try and eliminate all threats to their rule and the succession of their own offspring.
He tried not to whimper when what was quite possibly the largest white Siberian tiger he had ever seen stepped through the opening. There was no way Xias could ever beat this tiger in a fight. The large feline easily had three hundred pounds on him, most of it muscle mass.
Xias shot his cubs a desperate look. They were partially hidden behind a small outcropping of rock. Maybe the tiger wouldn't see them. Xias could only pray they stayed asleep because he could think of only one way to keep the large cat from attacking.

ADULT EXCERPT
Xias shuddered when fur brushed against his hip. He could do this, no matter how much of his soul it destroyed. He'd been doing it since the moment he shifted for the very first time and his alpha discovered he was an omega snow leopard.   
He squeezed his eyes closed at the heavy sniffing. He knew his body was preparing itself, growing slick for the alpha's possession. It was a natural trait of being an omega, one he hated. His pheromones would go into overdrive, luring the alpha in, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. 
His scent washed over Xias first. The air was already growing thick with the heady smell of an aroused male. Earthy, male. Xias’s mouth watered. Nothing had ever smelled this good. That scent sent shivers up and down his spine
The long swipe of the tiger's tongue across his eager opening drew a long groan from Xias. He hadn't been expecting it. His alpha never touched him except to fuck him. He always said he preferred women, but he fucked Xias easily enough, time and time again.
Xias was just another in a long line of leopards forced to cater to the man's obsessive desire to father as many cubs as he could manage. He doubted he'd be the last to be forced to submit to the self-serving bastard, either.
Xias tensed when the tiger came down over the top of him. He was covered from ear tips to tail, the larger cat's massive body weighing down on him. He thought he would be frightened by it, but instead he found himself reveling in the feeling of being safe for the first time in forever, and he didn't understand why he was feeling that way.
His breath rushed from his lungs when he felt something hard and bulbous nudge against his tight ring of muscles. Xias grunted when the tiger pressed forward, sinking his massive cock in to him until he was fully seated.
When he tried to move, the tiger snarled against the tender skin at the nape of his neck in stark warning before pinning him to the floor with the heavy weight of his body. The tiger began to move, thrusting his thick cock into Xias, and Xias gloried in giving away what his alpha said belonged only to him. No one was allowed to touch him, and they were barely allowed to speak to him. The alpha always wanted to be sure the cubs Xias gave him were his.
Their coupling was quick as was usual for felines, but it was ferocious and heated. Sweat dripped down through Xias's fur. Nips were exchanged by both of them, a give and take. The tiger exerting his dominance, Xias resisting until he was forced to give in to the stronger feline. It was the nature of their beasts.
He dug his claws into the dirt floor, grabbing on for purchase as he was slammed into over and over again. His aching hole spasmed from the thick cock pummeling him. Claws dug into his sides, holding him in place. Sharp teeth sank into Xias's shoulder. The bite was painful, but quickly morphed into a pleasure Xias had never felt before. 
The teeth embedded in his shoulder went in deeper.
And he loved every second of it.
Xias howled when his body exploded with pleasure as he came without a single touch to his dick. It was hot and heavenly and made Xias want to beg for more. 
The tiger slammed into him one last time before stilling, roaring around the flesh in his mouth as he filled Xias with his release. 
The tiger’s cock, already impossibly hard and huge in Xias’s ass, pressed forward until the tight ball of the tiger's knot pushed against Xias’s rim, demanding entrance. The tiger growled, as he swiveled his hips to work it in. 
The tiger shoved his hips forward, forcing the knot in. Xias whimpered when he felt the spines at the end of the tiger's dick thicken and take hold inside of him. He had heard of this phenomenon, but he had never experienced it before, and he didn't know what it meant. Maybe it was something unique to tigers.
When the tiger's full body weight collapsed on top of him, Xias lay there, panting heavily. He felt worn out, used, and it was wonderful. He could only imagine what the tiger must be like in his human form.
Xias's head began to ache, the pressure at the base of his skull growing steadily stronger. He felt the need to cry out, but he was afraid to. The tiger was sated at the moment. If Xias moved, he could incur his wrath, and he wasn't sure he'd survive that. He knew his cubs wouldn't. He just needed to lay still until the tiger fell asleep and then he could get his cubs and escape out into the cold again.
He must have made some sort of sound because the large furry body pressing him to the ground stiffened. Xias hissed at the loss of contact when the tiger withdrew his fangs and then pulled his cock free once the knot went down. It was stupid, but Xias felt bereft all of the way down to his soul.
He jerked when he heard a voice in his head.
"Well, fuck a duck."

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

New Release: CYBORG: A Bear Mountain Story (Project Zed, 7) by Kelex

The final PROJECT ZED book is here!


Pfc. Ford Lennox is fairly certain he’s once again in the wrong place at the wrong time. He hadn’t been a true part of the terror that was Project Zed, but suffered because of it, just the same. Ford was forced to remain in Bear Mountain to hide their location, but once Zed attacks, he knows he’s no longer bound to stay. Too bad a chance meeting with a wolf shifter in a wheelchair has him lingering and questioning if he should leave.

Angry at the world, Hemming takes out his frustrations on those closest to him—and ignores the draw to Lennox… at first. When the human is attacked by another shifter, the protective instinct within the wolf goes into overdrive and he’ll do just about anything to keep Ford safe.

But he’s tasked with hacking into the cyborg Zed left behind during the last attack. Deacon wants the shifter within saved, but Hemming’s not so sure that’s possible. Can he get through the bits and bytes and find the man inside—especially when his focus is torn between the cyborg and the human he’s vowed to protect?

As the war comes to a close, everything is on the line.


Google Play  *  B&N  *  Smashwords  *  Kobo  *  Bookstrand


“So what you feel for me is instinct. An animal lust you can’t ignore?”
Hemming lifted his stare, a glow to his eyes. “In all honesty, yes. That’s what it is.”
“I’m no animal… so what is it I feel for you?”
Hemming lowered the tech in his hands down to the table and then pinned Ford with a heated stare. Ford could feel it all the way down to his toes.
“I don’t know… what do you feel for me?” Hemming asked, his voice more growl than words.
The throbbing need he felt intensified. “A connection… one that… tightens around me each time we see one another. I can barely think… barely breathe… my heart goes crazy in my chest. All I can think about is… being with you… touching you… kissing you.”
“Do you want to kiss me right now?” 
Ford nodded.
“Then perhaps you should come here and kiss me,” Hemming said.
Rising on shaking legs, Ford did just that. He took the few steps and nearly fell into Hemming’s lap. Ford captured the shifter’s face in his hands and pressed his mouth to the man’s lips. That one touch electrified him, zipping through his body like a jolt. His hands slid to the back of Hemming’s head. He felt as if he needed to hold on tight and never let go.
Hemming’s scruff scratched his face as they fed from each other. Intoxicated by the rough lash of the wolf’s tongue, he moaned, hungry for Hemming to take more from him. As if he understood Ford’s need, the shifter slid a hand through his hair and captured the back of his head, a touch roughly.
Another groan came from his lips as his tongue warred with Hemming’s. He bit the wolf’s lower lip and sucked it between his own before releasing it to lick and nibble some more. Breathless with anticipation, he moved to straddle his lover’s lap.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sunday Spotlight - Erin Leaf and Soulmate

Welcome Erin Leaf to Sunday Spotlight! She's here to share a bit from her new release, SOULMATE!


Soulmate (Soulmates 1) — by Erin M. Leaf now available!

~Editor's Pick~


Guy Keaton doesn’t want a hookup or a soulmate or anything in between. When he lost his wife to cancer, he knew he’d be alone for the rest of his life. He has a grown son, and his woodshop, and in a world where those born with powerful gifts are few and far between, that’s all that really matters.

Theo Fraser’s empathic gift is rare and strong. He isn’t looking for love, but when he meets Guy, everything changes, because he knows that when you find your soulmate, you hold on tight and don’t let go. The only problem is that Guy thinks he’s straight, and Theo doesn’t know if he can convince a man already set in his ways to change his mind. Will Guy be able to give up his grief and accept Theo’s love? And what happens when a terrible betrayal forces them to fight to keep each other alive?

Paranormal, Gay Romance, May/Dec, Suspense, Erotic Romance
Word Count: 53,500
Heat Level 3
Published By: Evernight Publishing
ISBN: 9781773396415
ASIN: B07C6K23JY
pages: 157







Story Excerpt:

“You seem very sure I’m bisexual.” Guy put his hands in his pockets.

Theo paused on the trail. He could see the trailhead just up ahead. “Aren’t you?”

Guy looked at him. “I was married for a long time.”

“That’s not an answer.” Theo took a risk and stepped closer. “I know a great way for you to find out for sure.” He ignored the little voice in his head that was telling him not to be an impulsive idiot. He looked back down the trail and waved a “wait” signal to the two bodyguards trailing them. Julio had already reached the trailhead, and Theo knew he was checking out the car. They were as alone as they were going to get right now. And it’s just a kiss. It’s not like we’re going to have sex in the middle of a hiking trail.

“How?” Guy asked, sounding wary.

“I kiss you right here, right now. If you like it, you’re bi. If you don’t, you’re not.” Theo waited, knowing even as the words left his mouth that nothing in life was as simple as what he’d just suggested. He knew that even if Guy enjoyed the kiss, there would be some serious questions for his soulmate to wade through before he came out the other side. Guy had just spent most of his life thinking he was straight, and denying the feelings that were buried deep all along. And I know firsthand that it isn’t easy to change beliefs you hold onto too tightly, Theo mused, thinking of his parents. He shook off the bad memories. Now was not the time to dredge up that emotional shitstorm.

“That’s crazy,” Guy said, half smiling, and half looking like a man about to run for the hills. “You could be a shitty kisser.”

Theo smirked. Guy hadn’t said no. “I’m an Empath. I’m incapable of being a shitty kisser.”

Guy laughed, as Theo had intended. “So the rumors about Empaths are true? They’re great in bed?”

Theo didn’t reply. He let his silence speak for him.

Guy ran a hand over the back of his neck. “This is crazy,” he muttered, repeating himself.

Theo’s cock swelled as he sensed Guy’s tentative arousal. And fear. Don’t forget the fear, he thought, as his power instinctively reached out to his soulmate. Guy was the one person in the world he would never be able to block out. He sensed Guy’s attraction to him, and his anxiety, as well as his bone-deep weariness with being sad. The relaxation he’d felt just a little while ago on the trail lingered, too.

“Yeah, okay. What the hell,” Guy said, stepping closer. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

Theo grinned. “You sound like a man trying to decide if he should try out a new taco, not a kiss.”

“It’s just as terrifying,” Guy replied instantly. “You never know when a taco could be harboring one of those insanely hot peppers. I could get burned.”

Theo reached out and put a hand on Guy’s shoulder, willing him to relax. “I’m not a habanero, Guy,” Theo murmured.

“You might as well be,” Guy said, his voice catching.

Theo moved his hand from Guy’s shoulder to his cheek. “Shh.”

Guy’s eyes widened.

Theo put his thumb on Guy’s lips and sensed a sudden spike in the older man’s arousal. Here goes nothing, he thought, just before he leaned in and kissed his soulmate for the first time.

****

Guy froze as Theo’s lips touched his. Theo’s mouth was soft and expressive, and so damned hot he thought he might go up in flames if he moved even an inch. He stood there, trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with him, when suddenly his Craft power lit up through his body. Energy rushed through him, and he reached out to grab Theo’s arms. He meant to push him away, but he found himself clutching at the younger man as if he were a life raft and Guy was drowning.

“Easy,” Theo murmured against his mouth.

“Fuck.” Guy kissed him back, searching for … what? He had no idea. All he knew was that he’d never felt so damned aroused in his life. His cock shoved against his pants, hard and hot and insistent. He groaned when Theo slid his hands into his hair and kissed him again, licking into his mouth with intent. They were the same height, so Guy didn’t have to crane his neck down the way he’d had to in order to kiss Pamela. It was strange. Hot. More than that, though, he felt unbalanced. Confused.

Theo gentled the kiss and pulled back. “There.”

There? Who was the man kidding? Guy stared at him. Was Theo as stunned as he was? The younger man’s mouth looked red and slightly swollen. I did that to him, Guy thought, and then, But I’m straight.

“Dammit,” Theo muttered, and then he stepped closer and kissed Guy again.

This time, Theo pressed himself up against Guy’s torso, and for the first time in his life, Guy felt another man’s hard-on against his hip. “Jesus,” he gasped, unable to stop his body’s instinctive thrust forward. He grabbed Theo’s arms again, absently reveling in the man’s strength, and pulled him closer. “What the fuck is happening?”

Theo answered by biting Guy’s lower lip.

Guy moaned into Theo’s mouth, and walked them back until the younger man’s body hit the sturdy oak tree at the edge of the trail. Guy’s Craft flared again, and the tree shuddered as his energy hit it, but then Theo slid his tongue into his mouth and he didn’t care about anything except the younger man coaxing him to open himself wide. He did, and Theo bit him again. Guy’s erection swelled, and he gasped. He slid his hands down Theo’s arms to his hips.

“Oh, God,” Theo said, head thunking back against the tree as Guy pushed into him.



Evernight – Amazon – Google Play – BookStrand – Kobo – Smashwords – NOOK – iBooks



Author Details:

Erin M. Leaf is a romance novel devotee, the steamier the better, with a specialty in edgy erotic tension. She also writes romance as Marie E. Blossom.

Website: http://erinmleaf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdgyAuthorErin/
Twitter: @erinmleaf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.leaf/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4355929.Erin_M_Leaf
Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/erin-m-leaf/

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Special Saturday Spotlight - Adam Charles and His Chance

Welcome Adam Charles back to Spotlight - he's here to share a peek at his new release, His Chance, the first book in the new series, Taking a Chance.


**

Alex has loved his best friend Robbie’s brother, Chance, for almost a year. He wants to do something about it, but he always feared saying or doing anything would hurt his relationship with Robbie. So when Robbie says Chance has a crush on him, Alex begins to hope. Will he be able to tell Chance how he really feels, or will he let this opportunity slip through his fingers?






Alex shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way across the parking lot to his apartment building. He pulled his keys out as he reached the stairs and glanced up at the sound of voices.
And he looked right into the most perfect eyes he’d ever seen.
Chance smiled at him before glancing down shyly. “Hey, Alex,” he said as he moved down the stairs past him.
“Hi, Chance.” He started to step toward Chance but stopped and drew his gaze away. His best friend and roommate Robbie was bouncing down the stairs after his little brother, grinning at Alex. “Hey, man. We’re gonna go grab some pizza? Wanna come?”
I’d love to, but all I’ll be able to do is stare at your baby brother and get tongue tied.“I already grabbed something earlier. You guys go ahead. I’m just gonna turn in early.”
Robbie shrugged. “Okay. See ya later.”
“Yeah, see ya.” They began to walk away, and before he could stop himself, he added, “Bye, Chance.”
“Bye,” he called over his shoulder without really looking back at Alex.
Alex watched a minute longer before rushing upstairs, feeling anxious.
And dirty.
Chance was no kid—he was a junior in college—but Robbie definitely looked out for Chance and sheltered him at times. Alex felt his face grow hot as his mind filled with thoughts of being with Chance, both of them naked and breathless.
His throat tightened as well. It was so much more than wanting to fuck Chance. Alex wanted the younger man there with him every single day. He wanted them to do everything together, to make plans for the future together.
He wanted Chance in his life because he was in love with him.
Alex wasn’t even sure exactly when it had happened. He and Robbie had graduated from college three years ago, just a few months before Chance had started. Once the fall semester came, they’d shown Chance around and hung out with him. Alex had liked him right away and gotten used to having him around, and somehow, it had just happened.
Alex wouldn’t have believed you could fall in love without having ever even touched someone, but he had. And he had fallen hard. Far harder than he’d ever expected to. He closed his eyes as he undressed, and the entire time, he thought of Chance. He thought of his laughter and his smile. He sighed as he thought about the way Chance always played with the seam on his jeans when they watched movies or TV together. Sometimes, Alex longed to reach over and still his hand and then simply hold it. He wanted to know how soft Chance’s skin was, how strong Chance’s grip was.
Alex grasped his throbbing cock and moaned. Thinking of Chance always got him close to the edge. At times, that was a problem, but right now, he could indulge those feelings and find a measure of release.
Alex turned on the shower and got under the spray. He leaned back against the wall as he pictured Chance on his knees under the cascade of water, his mouth open and his tongue coming out to swipe over Alex’s cock.

READ MORE

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Sunday Spotlight - Bailey Bradford and Mr. April

Welcome Bailey Bradford back to Sunday Spotlight! She's here to share an exclusive excerpt from her new release, Mr. April, book four from her Calendar Men series.


****


Will is certain there’s truth to the phrase that no good deed goes unpunished.

William Blunt thought posing for a charity calendar would be fun. Instead, it’s kind of tedious and stressful, and his boyfriend begins to display some alarmingly jealous behavior. Once the shoot is over—again—he’s ready to move on to other things, one of which is, eventually, a healthier relationship.


Breaking up isn’t hard to do, and Will vows to learn from his past dating disasters. What he doesn’t count on is meeting a man whose smile turns his world upside down. Baz is gorgeous, but more than that, he’s intriguing and funny, and he seems to be as interested in Will as Will is in him.


But all is not smooth sailing, and a murder complicates the personal issues both men are already struggling with.





Excerpt

Copyright 2018
Bailey Bradford


Baz Bennett spotted the tall, brooding man the moment he walked into Busca’s. While not what one would consider classically handsome, he was attractive in all the ways that flipped the fun switches for Baz. Broad-shouldered, gorgeous brown hair that was long enough to be pulled back into a short ponytail, a neatly trimmed beard and features that were rugged and masculine—wideset eyes, thick eyebrows, a long nose that tipped down just the slightest and a mouth Baz wanted to lick. 
Well, he wanted to lick all the man’s parts, but that’d get him fired since he was working, and drooling over a customer was frowned upon. 
But Baz could work the odds in his favor for getting a date with the stud. 
He leaned over to Nessa, the hostess. “Hey, Nessa. I’ll give you twenty bucks if you seat that tall stud muffin at one of my tables.” 
Nessa was old enough to be Baz’s mom, and she acted like that was what she was. She flicked an annoyed glance at him even though her lips twitched as she fought back a smile. “You know we’re not supposed to do that.” 
Baz gave her the best puppy-eyes he could manage. He’d worked on that expression for many a day in front of a mirror. “Please? He looks lonely, and I’m lonely. You wouldn’t want me to die all—” 
“Oh geez, cut it out. You’ve got a customer at table seven staring at you and holding an empty glass.” 
“Oops.” Baz darted one more glance at the handsome man before hurrying over to table seven. His smile was genuine as he took the proffered glass. “Sorry about that. Would you like the same thing, sweet tea? And maybe a slice of pie for dessert? On the house, since I wasn’t as quick as I should have been.” He’d pay for the pie out of his tips and without regrets. 
“Yes, and pie would be great. Pecan, please.” 
Baz assured the customer he’d be right back, and when he returned with the tea and pie, his heart did a little happy dance when he saw that Nessa had done him a solid after all. 
“You’re the best,” he mouthed to her as she winked at him. 
Baz straightened his black apron and hoped his hair was still gelled to perfection. Five hours on his feet could, however odd it seemed, mess it up. He was glad Nessa had set Mr. Stud at the last table in Baz’s area, which meant there was an empty table on either side of the customer. Baz tried for a sultry smile as he sauntered over. 
And damn, up close, Mr. Stud was even hotter. 
“Welcome to Busca’s. My name is Baz, and you are?” Not his usual server line, but hey, a guy could flirt a little. 
“Uh.” Mr. Stud blinked at him a couple of times then set down the menu Nessa had given him. “Um. Will. Is that— Is exchanging names a thing now?” 
Baz moved closer to the table. “Well, Will, it isn’t the norm, but I am exceptional, and I’d bet you are, too.” He said it with enough cheese to make sure Will knew he was joking, at least about himself. 
Will didn’t disappoint. He chuckled and the warm, free sound of that little slice of happiness made Baz’s chest tingle. “You’re something, that’s for sure.” 
Baz grinned and winked. “Is that something good, or something bad? Because I can be both. I’m very good at being bad.” 
Will laughed and Baz felt like he’d won a grand prize. 
“I bet you are.” Will leaned back in his chair and gazed at Baz with the prettiest green eyes he had ever seen. They were bright and rich in color, and Baz could have stared into them all day. “I’ve only been here once before. Tell me what you’d recommend for me tonight.” 
Baz repressed a lewd comment that would have been out of line. Besides, it was too soon to be offering himself up on the table. “Well,” Baz drawled, reaching for the menu. He flipped it open. “A big, strong guy like you needs his protein.” 
Will almost choked on his own saliva. “Oh yeah?” 
“Do you like oysters?” Baz asked. “We have the best Oysters Rockefeller you’ll ever taste.” 
“Oysters aren’t really an aphrodisiac.” 
Baz waggled his eyebrows. “That’s because you’ve never had ours.” He sniffed and caught a scent of shifter. “Hm. What are you, stud?” 
“Stud?” Will laughed as he shook his head. “Are you working me for a big tip?” Baz couldn’t help it. He leered a little. “Not the kind you’re insinuating I’m after.” 
Will might have blushed. It was hard to tell with the lighting and beard, but Baz thought he saw a hint of color through it. 
“Too much?” Baz asked. “Should I rein it in?”“I...” Will pressed his lips together.Yep. I went too far. Time to be a professional. “Okay, then. The Oyster Rockefeller is divine, 
but if that’s not your cup of tea, we have an incredible bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer, or our house salad, which is unlike any other house salad you’ll ever have. If you’d like a steak, our dry-aged bone-in ribeye is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. There’s also the porterhouse if you’re really hungry. It’s huge at—” 
“I just broke up with my boyfriend.” Will ducked his head. “Sorry. You didn’t want to know that.” 
Au contraire,” Baz countered. “I want to know whatever you feel like sharing. I think you’re very attractive, and I should be doing my job instead of flirting.” He made a split-second decision that could get him fired if word got back to the owner...if the owner weren’t family. Baz jotted down his number on the pad he kept in his apron, even though none of the servers were allowed to write down customers’ orders. “Here. If you just need a friend, I can do that. If you want more—” He waggled his eyebrows again as Will took the paper from him. “Now, let me be all professional and get your order in so you can lose yourself in a fabulous steak.” 
Will looked at the piece of paper, then he smiled and tucked it in his shirt pocket. “Thanks.” 
Baz tucked the notepad away. “No problem, and no pressure. I tend to come on strong in all things. A bit too much for some guys to handle, and I know that.” And he wasn’t going to confess his so-called shortcomings to Will. “If you need more time to decide what you’d like to order, I can give you a few minutes. Would you like something other than water to drink?” 
Will closed the menu. “I’ll have the bacon-wrapped shrimp, because bacon, and the New York Strip, medium well, with a baked sweet potato, fully loaded. I’d like the red lager, too. I think that’s about it.” 
“You get a roll with your meal. Whole wheat or white?” Baz asked. 
“Neither. I’m good without one.” Will handed the menu to Baz. “And thank you. I mean it. You brightened my evening.” 
Baz fluttered his lashes as he took a quick bow. “I live to serve. Or serve so I can live. You know how it goes with bills.” He winked and thought he could get addicted to Will’s laugh all too easily. 



More About Bailey...



Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Who needs sleep? Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey's brain and demanding to be let out.

Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey's office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey's presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances





Sunday, April 8, 2018

Sunday Spotlight - Hayden West and Guarding Mason

Welcome Hayden West back to Sunday Spotlight. Hayden's here to share a bit from their new release, Guarding Mason. If you're into hot short stories about rockstars and the ex-military bodyguards who fall for them... this might be up your alley!


Mason Stanton was a rock star. One with a stalker. His manager assigns a man to him that is suddenly the star in all his fantasies. One afternoon, everything changes.

Donavan Culpitt is used to guarding all sorts of people. What he isn’t used to is falling for his client. An unexpected discovery leads him and Mason on a new adventure. But things aren’t always meant to be and there are times when relationships can be torn apart.

Will they find their happily ever after?




Copyright © 2018 by Hayden West

Chapter One

“Whoever is sending the threats is becoming bolder. You can’t ignore this any longer. You have to take it seriously.”

Mason “Rock” Stanton continued to stare up at the ceiling from where he lay on the couch in the suite. He began counting the swirls as he swung his left foot back and forth, skimming the plush carpet.

“How serious do you want me to be? I’m not cancelling my tour, people pay a lot of money for those tickets. The show must go on, as they say.”

His manager rolled his eyes and lobbed an orange from the mosaic bowl on the table. Rock snatched it out of the air. After rolling it around in one hand, he began peeling it, working diligently to get it off all in one piece.

“Stalkers would freak most people out.”

He raked a hand through his hair. Rock wasn’t like most people. Never had been. Growing up in a hugely abusive home, the thought of someone threatening him from a distance barely registered. To him they were nothing more than scared wimps who didn’t have the stones to face him and issue the threat to his face. The foster homes hadn’t been any better.

“If that’s the reaction he or she’s looking for, they should have picked another to be their intended victim.”

Jordan grunted. “At least you’re not ignoring this.”

Having finished peeling the orange, he popped a slice of the succulent fruit and bit down slowly, smiling as the juice spilled over his taste buds. Oranges were a weakness of his.

“It’s your job to worry about my safety. You do it so well I won’t play to the panic they want me to have, but I won’t argue with you about having extra security around.”

“Good, because it’s more than that.”

Rock paused but didn’t sit up, merely waited for his manger to continue.

“I’m assigning you a bodyguard.”

“You forgotten my security detail?”

“No, but this is different. You’re going to have a personal one as well.”

That information had him jackknifing to a sitting position. “I’m sorry, what?” Feet to the floor, he slanted his gaze toward Jordan who had his business expression on. “You know I like my privacy.”

“I don’t care, Mason.”

Shit. My real name, not my nickname. If I thought the expression was just for my own benefit this proves I was seriously fucking wrong.

Jordan continued, “You may be willing to play fast and loose with your life but I’m not willing to do so.”

Mason hid his sigh. That wasn’t it at all. He had zero intention of doing that despite his devil may care attitude. Still it wasn’t worth his time trying to explain it all to his manager, so he shrugged and got to his feet.

“Whatever you think best, Jordan.”

Suspicion flowed in his manager’s gaze. Mason didn’t flinch.

“Any questions?”

“What about?”

“The bodyguard I hired.”

Mason ate the rest of his orange within a few bites, not speaking until he’d swallowed the last bit.

“Nope, no questions. You want him here, he’s here.”

Jordan gave him a rare smile. “Thank you. I’m glad, and I want you to meet him before we head home tonight.”

Not what I wanted to hear.

“Fine.” He began toward the door to his adjoining suite. “Let me know when he’s arrived.”

“He’s here now.”

Mason paused, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Where?”

“Waiting in my suite. I’ll get him.”

Great, now I have this shadow earlier. I thought I would be home before this starts.

Clenching his hand five times around the doorknob, he then turned back as if he didn’t want to crawl into the king-sized bed and yank the covers over his eyes and sleep. He’d gotten back from last night’s party no more than an hour ago. Bottom line, I’m fucking exhausted. While he’d not wanted to go, he had an image to uphold and maintain.

“Come out here, Mr. Culpitt.”

A shadow shifted in Jordan’s doorway before a man stepped into view.

Mason couldn’t begin to explain how pleased and grateful he was for having learned years ago not to show emotion. The man coming into view was everything his dreams and fantasies were made of. Gruff, bearded, muscular, and sexy as fuck walked through the doorway.

Christ, his dick began to thicken instantly. The broad-shouldered man stood beside Jordan, topping him by about three inches. His hair, a messy blend of darks and lights, his beard as well. Slashing eyebrows were above eyes of the richest green.

“Donavan Culpitt, this is Mason ‘Rock’ Stanton.”

Mason didn’t move while the man perused him.

One sharp nod. “Sir.”

That voice was sexy personified. He needed more for his dreams and long lonely nights when it was him and his hand.

“What are your credentials?”

“Airborne Ranger for years. Been in personal protection since.”

If his question had upset him, the man didn’t show it. “What am I supposed to call you?”

“Donavan is fine. Donavan. Mr. Culpitt. Up to you.” A lazy shrug rolled those massive shoulders.

He had a whole list of names he’d like to call him, but none were ones he should be mentioning now.

“Good to meet you. I’m going to bed.” He spun on his heel and marched into his suite where he shut the door behind him with far more force than necessary. He didn’t care. Right now, his cock was having a mutiny on his jeans doing its damnedest to escape.

Resting against the door for a moment, he rubbed himself through his jeans, needing the relief. A low moan escaped him at the pressure, and he clamped his mouth shut as he undid the single button on his jeans.

This is going to suck.

Wearing only his boxers, he made his way to the bed and slid between the sateen sheets, room dark and silent. With a groan, he curved his hand around his penis after freeing it from the opening in his boxers.




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