Cobblestone Updates

I’m Sensing a Pattern

In the world of e-commerce, there’s one tool that must be at your disposal: email.

Communications have been sketchy, at best between Cobblestone and its authors, and far more than email has been slow to come out of the publishing house. Recently, another author and I have taken the discussion public because of our extreme frustration with the business practices and lack of response from this e-publisher.

Now some are suggesting we should feel bad because one of the owners has claimed to be hit by a computer virus. I have no problem admitting when I’m wrong, really I don’t. But don’t you think that a pattern can sometimes indicate a deeper problem? This is at least the third documented extended email outage in the last six months.

Let’s think about this in terms of good business practices.

Let’s say you and a partner own a company, and 100% of your business is conducted through e-commerce. Email is the primary way your customers, your suppliers, and your secondary distribution outlets communicate with your company.

In my little scenario here, let’s further imagine one of the partners believes she may have a computer virus. Quick…what would you do?

A. Buy a cheap lap top and access my online storage files, then download the information I need from the secondary distributors. Business continues as usual after a day.

B. Partner Number 2 would take over the business communication until I was able to resume my usual duties.

C. Ignore my business obligations, and assume everyone will understand because it’s not my fault I have a computer virus.

Right, now, times up. How many of you picked answer C? That’s what I thought.

How many of you pay your bills online? Have a mortgage? An electric bill? Credit card bills? How long would any of your creditors allow you to skip payments because you have a computer virus?

Let’s be clear, I am not unsympathetic to anyone who picks up a virus, however, that cannot be an excuse to ignore your business obligations. A professionally run business has on obligation to develop and implement contingency plans in the case of natural or man-made disasters.

Having said all that…writers- run, don’t walk to back up your files to an external source. We can all learn from this experience.

Late Update

I just received an email from Cobblestone, indicating an agreement with my request that our contract be dissolved. It was very polite and professional, which I appreciate. I will update you as the status changes.. . ie, the books are removed from distribution, I'm paid the royalties for books sold, and a letter indicating that the rights have been returned is received.

New again, before I even hit post:  Rescued and Whiteout are no longer available on the publisher's website or at All Romance eBooks. 

Unhappy Authors at Cobblestone Press

There’s no such thing as whistle blower protection for authors, unless it is the adage there’s safety in numbers.

Several weeks ago I asked a writer’s group I belong to about how to handle a situation I was experiencing with my publisher. Initially, I kept the identity of the publisher to myself, I was still in the ‘wait and see what happens mode.’ I didn’t hide the name when asked directly, I just wasn’t quite ready for a public confrontation.

Interestingly, several people said, “That sounds like my publisher,” and more often than not- it was! It seemed as if there were a lot of unhappy Cobblestone Press authors out there and I realized there was something very wrong at the publishing house. Authors reported that payments were late or missed, statements were late, the new releases web page has not been updated in weeks, and emails are going unanswered.

My own complaints against Cobblestone Press are business related, not personal. Authors have a right to expect payment for their books, a reasonable distribution to retailers, and to be marketed through a functional website and book reviews. Authors also have the right to question the business practices of their publishers.

My first book, Whiteout, was released on August 12, 2010. It wasn’t released to a secondary distributer until February, at Fictionwise, and January at All Romance eBooks, according to the dates listed on the websites of those retailers. Five months. And it has yet to be released on Amazon, as promised. In March my second book, Rescued, which had been released on the publisher’s website at the end of November, 2010 was also made available to Fictionwise and ARe.

Now, I have reason to believe my books did very well at Fictionwise, because Rescued made the best seller list in multiple categories. There are 75 readers who have taken the time to rate my books, and wonder of wonders, I even was listed on the “Best Selling Authors: Recent” list for several weeks. Why is that important? Because I have yet to receive a single payment for any book sold at Fictionwise. Not one. Fictionwise is not even listed on my statements as a source.

ARe pays their publishers 45 days after the end of the quarter. Royalties from January through March are paid approximately May 15th. I received payment for first quarter sales from ARe on July 18th. It was the first royalty check I received from Cobblestone since January 28th. Enough…you get the point.

So let’s back to the whistleblower protection and safety in numbers.

It is reported on the AW site and other places that Cobblestone Press tried to intimidate their authors in the past, but I wouldn't know about that. The ePub world has changed so much in the past 24 months, and authors are no longer dependent on the good graces of a single publishing house. There are a huge number of e-publishers just waiting for good books, not to mention the explosion of Indie Publishing.

As my own frustration level reached its peak, a mutual friend introduced me to Mercy Celeste on the very day she posted her first blog about her problems with Cobblestone Press. Not about to leave her hanging out there in the blogosphere without some support, I quickly chimed in to lend another voice, as have others, albeit anonymously.

Now, there are several blogs out there asking what’s going on with Cobblestone Press. I will post the links and you can decide for yourself. All authors deserve to get paid for their work. It is the reason we scour the Internet and send out copyright violation notices when we find pirated copies of our books or “sharing” sites. Taking books without paying for them is stealing. No matter who does it.

I am sure those involved would all have rather handled this situation less publicly. On August 2nd, I sent an email to Deanna Lee and Sable Grey at Cobblestone Press, requesting the electronic rights of my books be returned and that I be paid the royalties owed me. I have yet to receive any response, and yes, I have followed up with a second notice and a certified letter. The simplest way to keep such a discussion from going public is to honor your contractual and implied obligations, maintain impeccable records, and keep the lines of communication open through timely responses to emailed questions.

The power of the Internet and social networking is that none of us has to go up against any publishing house alone. If others are having similar problems, word will spread quickly. Mercy and I are not the only authors questioning the business practices at Cobblestone Press. It is my hope that other authors will be willing to join in and lend their support. You always have a voice here and at Mercy’s blog, even if you post anonymously.

My final thoughts on this for today are, you shouldn't have anything to lose by asking for your rights back early, if your publisher is in violation of the contract. Even if they have not completely violated the contract, once both parties lose faith in each other, what’s the point of continuing the pain? If the company is unwilling or unable to market a book effectively, why would they care if the author had the rights back early? Sales from a publishing house peak after 4-8 weeks. After that, no one's making any money if the book languishes on the publisher's website.

Want to know more? Visit the following websites:

Beg for Mercy- Mercy Celeste

Absolute Write

Erotic Romance

The Naughty Bits

I will continue to update the links list and the blog with any progress.

Hugs to all of you who have offered your support,

Laura

Six Sentence Sunday

A Very Naughty Six Sentence Sunday

  

Ty seemed to know just where Cass’ limits were, and pushed him right to the edge of every one of them, before backing off and moving his hot and nimble tongue somewhere else.
 
When Ty’s mouth returned to slide over his cock, Cass was beyond thought, and his hips moved as he started to fuck Tyler’s mouth. Each stroke was just a little harder, just a little deeper than the one before. Tyler hummed low in his throat, not a protest, but a sound of pleasure, and the hand on Cass’ hip pressed into the flesh, guiding him into harder thrusts.
 
When Ty’s other hand gently fondled his balls, Cass choked out, “Gonna…” and tried to pull away. Tyler just opened his throat and took all there was, burying his nose in the curls at the base of Cass’ cock.

Ty Hard is available for pre-order at All Romance e-Books. 

Release date Wednesday, August 10. 2011.

Pre-order from ARe here

Six Sentence Sunday

The Set Up 

In last week's Six, Cass was successful in introducing Ty to a little manlove. He decides to take Tyler on a weekend trip to Las Vegas. He plans the evening: a card tournament, dinner, a show. And with any luck at all, he can finish that slow seduction he had planned.

You know what they say about best laid plans....

 Not much about the trip to Las Vegas goes the way Cass expected. They've only just arrived and already Cass realizes he may be in over his head.

The Six

“I don’t know what’s happening to me,” Cass said in choked voice. “Practically from the first moment I saw you, I wanted to claim you, to keep you. Shit, I know I’m fucking this up. You’ve never been with anyone but me, and even that was just a baby step. But Ty…I gotta tell you—”

Cass swallowed hard, then ran a hand over his face, leaving his eyes covered for a minute.

The Rest of the Scene (unedited)


Tyler looked around the luxury suite, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the extravagant furnishings. They were on one of the suite levels of the Bellagio Hotel, overlooking the famous fountains. “I’ve never been to Las Vegas, before. I don’t think my blue jeans are exactly going to cut it here, Cass. This hotel, this suite…you obviously have something in mind that I’m not sure I’m ready for. Something I might never be ready for. You should have said something.”

The cowboy wrapped long arms around his waist and rested his chin on his shoulder. Ty forced himself to relax enough to accept the embrace, but not enough to melt into it, as certain parts of his body were encouraging him to do.

“Hear me out, Ty. Please?” Cass asked, voice a hot whisper against his neck.

Ty gave a quick nod and tried to figure out what to do with his hands. His arms felt awkward hanging down by his sides, but Cass was wrapped around him, holding him tight.

“I’ve been on my own a very long time. My parents were big adventurers. We were a close, happy family, took a lot of trips together. To celebrate my graduation from high school, they planned an African safari. They started the trip without me so I could make a quick side trip to visit MIT to plan for my first semester in the fall. The department chair woman tracked me down to tell me that parents had been killed. The jeep they were in overturned and suddenly, my whole world changed. I went into a bit of a tailspin. Gave up the idea of college, quit my job, sold their house. I bought a pickup truck and headed west. Decided I was gonna be a cowboy.”

Ty noticed Cass’ voice took on a singsong rhythm and his words rolled a little more, as if he was pulling his cowboy persona over the pain of losing his family. A shudder passed through the rancher, and he seemed to shake himself out of the memories.

“Sorry, got lost for a minute there. The point is…I’ve been on my own for twenty years. I never had any intention of settling for one man, because I know how quickly all that can be ripped from you. In a lot of ways, Jed was right about me. I never bring anyone home, never had a relationship, unless you count the guys on the ranch.”

Cass dropped his arms suddenly and moved around him to press his forehead against the window. Ty wasn’t sure what to do. He was pretty sure of what he wanted, but he didn’t think this was the time.

“I don’t know what’s happening to me,” Cass said in choked voice. “Practically from the first moment I saw you, I wanted to claim you, to keep you. Shit, I know I’m fucking this up. You’ve never been with anyone but me, and even that was just a baby step. But Ty…I gotta tell you—”

Cass swallowed hard, then ran a hand over his face, leaving his eyes covered for a minute. Ty put a hand on the cowboy’s shoulder.

“Come on, Cass—”

“No, I’m sorry, Ty. You’re right. I should have told you where we were going, what we were doing. I just wanted to surprise you. I’ve never had someone I wanted to…hell, I don’t know. I just want to make you feel better, okay? You’ve had a shitty time of it lately, and I just want to give you this weekend as something a little special.” He turned to face Ty.

“Let me give you this weekend. It’s no big deal, no strings attached. Here’s all I had planned…I hate fuckin’ shopping, but I thought we could go downstairs and get a pair of slacks for the evening. The dress code said business casual, and, well, I figured it would just be easier to get that here.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? What dress code?”

Cass grinned, his good humor and confidence temporarily restored and went to the small table and took an envelope tucked into the front of the welcome basket of fruit and wine. Holding out two passes, he asked, “Do you play poker, sailor? We’ve got a Texas Hold’em tournament that starts in an hour. Then I figured dinner and a show. That’s it. No other plans. Tomorrow we can go wherever you want. Please, Ty. Say yes, let me give you tonight. Don’t sweat the bed, I’ll stay on the couch. Let this just be about me giving you a special weekend because I want to, not about anything else.”

The silence was tense as Cass looked at him expectantly. Hell, what could he say? The big cowboy was wearing his heart on his sleeve. He knew what a risk the man had taken to tell him all that and his words had cut right through every last line of Tyler’s defense.

Ty couldn’t even remember who he thought his lifelong self-denial was appeasing. There was nothing he could do, no price he could pay that would change what happened to his mother. He owed his father nothing. Not one fucking thing. His penance was done, the price paid. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket to check the time. He heard Cass’ shape intake of breath and realized his friend thought he was going to call someone or maybe even a cab.

Ty looked up into deep, dark eyes and a let a slow grin curve his lips. “We better get our asses in gear, then, if I’m gonna kick your ass in poker.”

Ty Hard is available for pre-order at All Romance eBooks (And already a "Best-Seller").

Pre-order Ty Hard Here 

Read more Six Sentence Sunday entries

Hot Stuff From Liz: Critique Partner WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?)

Hot Stuff From Liz: Critique Partner WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?) Blogging with Liz today!

Six Sentence Sunday

I've been working very hard to get my next book, Ty Hard ready for release within the next couple of weeks. I'm so excited to introduce you to Tyler and Cass for this week's Six Sentence Sunday. 

The Set up:

Tyler has known he was gay his entire life, but a family tragedy, convinced him he could never act on his desires. His father even went so far as to take him to the recruiter on his seventeenth birthday in order to get him out of the house. Ten years later, Ty is a former Navy SEAL, discharged after a near-fatal head wound in Afghanistan. 

Cassidy "Cass" Cartwright owns Willow Springs Ranch on in north west Arizona. Comfortable with who he is, Cass has never had a relationship that lasted more than a couple of hours, and he likes it that way. Until circumstances bring Tyler to Cass' door and the cowboy falls hard. It a slow seduction...

Six Sentences:

Cass knew Ty waged a personal war between pleasure and shame and he was determined to make sure his lover’s pleasure emerged a clear victor in this battle. Again, a fierce sense of possessiveness swept through Cass, but he pushed the feeling aside and focused on Ty.

“God, please, Cass, I—” Ty said, his voice tight.
 
“Go ahead, baby…tell me what you need.”
 
“You...oh God, don’t stop, I need you,” Ty said on a sigh.
 
“Don't worry, I’ll never stop, lover,” Cass said.


The Blurb:

After six long months in rehab, Navy Veteran Tyler Hardin received his medical discharge and heads west to visit with his mentor and surrogate father, only to arrive minutes after his old friend passes. Ranch owner Cass Cartwright takes one look at the handsome stranger and knows he's in danger of doing the one thing he swore never to do: fall in love. Cass works to convince Tyler to overcome his past and give a relationship with another man a chance, even while someone is working to sabotage his ranch, and maybe their love.

The Whole Scene:

He held Ty’s gaze for a long minute, giving him every opportunity to change his mind, praying he wouldn’t. Cass had never wanted a man more than he wanted Ty, and he wasn’t about to fuck it up by moving too fast. It was like breaking a horse, only a helluva lot more important. He needed to get Ty used to his voice, to his touch, before they went any further.

And what will you do with him once he’s broken, asked the small voice in his brain. What makes you think this one’s any different from all the others? How long before you push him away, just like the rest? He brushed the thought aside as his mouth claimed Ty’s once again, before he started the long, slow exploration of the other man’s body.

Cass was used to rangy cowboys, with long, hard muscles, and who smelled of leather and hard work. Ty was big, bulky, and he smelled…well, fuck. He smelled delicious. Just like one the goddamn cinnamon rolls he’d made for breakfast. Cass slid his tongue over Ty’s spicy skin, tracing a path along his neck, covering his collarbone in kisses.

Ty’s well-defined pecs were covered with dark, silky hair and topped with flat coppery disks. Cass stroked one nipple with his tongue and then he blew on the dampened skin. He worked at the puckered peak with his teeth and mouth, drawing a moan of pleasure from the other man, before moving to the other nipple. When he judged that Ty was ready for more, Cass followed the ridges and planes of the most defined abs he’d ever seen.

Ty’s muscles quivered under the assault and his moan of pleasure drove straight to Cass’ already rock hard cock. Pushing aside his own need for release, Cass followed the trail of hair as it vee’d a path straight to the treasure he’d been craving since he’d first laid eyes on Tyler. He pulled Tyler’s jeans the rest of the way off, taking his underwear with them. Extending proudly from a triangle of curly black hair, Ty’s engorged cock twitched and throbbed, as if begging for long-denied attention.

Kneeling between Ty’s thighs and pressing his face into the soft nest of curls, Cass breathed deeply of the spicy man-scent that was uniquely Ty. “Fuck, Ty. You smell so good,” he murmured, just before his tongue darted out to capture the pearlescent drop of pre-cum hovering on the broad cap of Tyler’s cock.

Ty gasped, his back arched, and his hips thrust at the first touch of tongue. Cass quickly took the weeping tip into his mouth, gentle at first, pulling, sucking. Keeping his hand fisted around the base of Tyler’s prick, he worked at the tip, flicking his tongue into the slit, spreading moisture along the thick column, teasing and tasting.

The tension in Tyler’s body radiated from his every pore.

Cass knew Ty waged a personal war between pleasure and shame and he was determined to make sure his lover’s pleasure emerged a clear victor in this battle. Again, a fierce sense of possessiveness swept through Cass, but he pushed the feeling aside and focused on Ty.  
“God, please, Cass, I—” Ty said, his voice tight.


“Go ahead, baby…tell me what you need.” 


“You...oh God, don’t stop, I need you,” Ty said on a sigh.
 
“Don't worry, I’ll never stop, lover,” Cass said. Then cupping Tyler’s balls in one hand, he pumped his own cock with his other hand. Ty’s sac drew up tight, and he knew neither of them would last much longer. Opening his jaws wide, he took Ty’s cock deep and fast, letting it bump against the back of his throat with each hard stroke. Ty’s hips thrust in strong, jerky movements. When Ty began to fuck his mouth, Cass hummed around his cock, letting him know he could take it harder.

“Oh fuuuuck,” Ty yelled, his head thrown back, hips pushed up.

Cass opened his throat and swallowed around the big cock, enjoying the feel of the hot cum shooting down his throat. He continued to milk every drop, even as his own load shot into his hand.

Ty Hard is now available for pre-orders at All Romance eBooks.

Pre-order Ty Hard Here

Six Sentence Sunday

What a week! From the release of Salvation last Saturday to attending every event over the MLB All Star Week, I don't think I've taken a break. Hopefully, I'll have a little more time to write this week.

Let's look at one of my other summer releases, Honey House, a paranormal with lots of quirky fun and hot sex.

The set up:

KC and Quinn have a moth and flame fascination with each other. He's the sheriff, she's a former resident of the California Youth Authority and doesn't think much of cops. After the best night of sex either of them has every enjoyed, they have a major falling out over a little thing like withholding evidence and suspicion of murder. No big deal, right?

KC wakes every morning to put out the continental breakfast for her B & B, and everyday, the first guest is always Sheriff Quinn. I suppose that's why he's on her mind this morning.



Six Sentences:

Then as he began to thrust his fingers rhythmically, he rubbed harder with his tongue, and the edges of the world began to blur.

“Don’t stop,” I gasped. “So close, oh—”

The sounds of an alarm split the air just as the waves of pleasure began to reach for me, to pull me over that ledge, and give me release. I tried to make sense of it, tried to tell myself that the noise was a klaxon warning of pending orgasm. Unfortunately, my consciousness dragged me back from the edge, and left me hanging by a thread. 

The whole scene:

Quinn’s mouth was on my breast, pulling at my nipple hard enough that it pressed against his upper palate. A straight path of desire flared from my breast to my pussy. A moan of hunger escaped my throat and my legs fell open in invitation. His tongue trailed along my ribs, across my belly, lower, reaching between my legs. Hot, wet velvet spread me open, pierced me, and lapped my flowing juices.

I threw my head back, whimpering with the pleasure and Quinn rumbled low in his throat. His tongue glided over me, spreading my moisture, and he slipped a finger inside.

“Mmmmore,” I moaned, and pushed against his hand as he slipped another finger inside my pussy. He moved his mouth to my clit, and lightly flicked his tongue against the hard nub. Then as he began to thrust his fingers rhythmically, he rubbed harder with his tongue, and the edges of the world began to blur.

“Don’t stop,” I gasped. “So close, oh—”

The sounds of an alarm split the air just as the waves of pleasure began to reach for me, to pull me over that ledge, and give me release. I tried to make sense of it, tried to tell myself that the noise was a klaxon warning of pending orgasm. Unfortunately, my consciousness dragged me back from the edge, and left me hanging by a thread.

Damn! It was time to get up, time to see to the business of the day.

My heart was pounding and my breath sounded harsh in the early morning stillness. I moaned against the pent up desire and tried to still the nudge of anticipation that came with knowing Quinn would be downstairs in just a little while. It was a foolish and uncharacteristic thought.

I forced my fuzzy morning-brain to face reality and remembered everything I stood for. I didn’t fuck men I didn’t like, and I definitely didn’t like Quinn. He was arrogant and bossy, and worst of all… he was a cop.

Then I ignored my sensibilities, closed my eyes, and conjured a picture of Quinn, hard and firm above me. I remembered his eyes sleepy with the heat of desire, his heavy testicles slapping against my skin. I slipped my hand between my legs and let the memory of Quinn finish taking me. When my release came, Quinn’s name was hot against my lips.


The blurb:
Former con artist Katherine "KC" Carmichael inherits the Honey House, a Bed and Breakfast located in the tiny town of Juniper Springs, AZ, a hot bed of the paranormal tourism industry. It doesn't take her long to discover that both the town and the House are keeping secrets. The town entices thrill-seekers with special photo-safaris at "The Way They Were" Ranch, to take advantage of the rumors that werewolves have been spotted in the vicinity. KC realizes something doesn’t add up when the local sheriff throws her in jail for breaking the town’s full moon curfew. She soon discovers werewolves and witches are real, and she wonders what other fairy tales might be waiting to come to life. With multiple murders and men to distract her, KC needs to discover her own hidden magick in order to survive.

Honey House is available at Amazon: Honey House at Amazon  and at All Romance eBooks:  Honey House at ARe

Six Sentence Sunday

The set up: Marcus is a Master at Domination. Max is his best friend and newest sub. Jolynne wants to learn to surrender her need to always be in control, but a recent traumatic event is interfering with her ability to let go of her fear. Marcus has a scene set up for the three of them to help Jo learn to trust again, but first, he needs to give her a little tough love when she balks at closing her eyes. 

Six Sentences:
“Close your eyes, for me, sweetheart,” Marcus said. “I’m putting a blindfold on you.”

With a gasp, she jerked her head back, and saw Marcus' eyes flare with heat. “Now hold on,” he said sternly as she started to protest. “This is my scene and you will obey me. I have given you two outs. You want to safe word? Fine, do it now, and I’ll take you to the living room, so Max and I can continue on our own. Otherwise, calm the fuck down and trust me.


Release Day

Look for Salvation on All Romance eBooks on July 10 at 12 noon and at other major retailers, including Amazon shortly afterwards. 

Bonus Six to Celebrate


“Please, M-Marcus. I need—” she broke off, unable to articulate all the feelings churning inside.

“Put on a condom, Max,” Marcus ordered. Both men withdrew from her and she whimpered at the loss of contact. Marcus laughed darkly, and flipped her over on to her knees, as if she were a rag doll. Max moved swiftly into place behind her, grabbed her hips, and rammed his cock home in one smooth stroke.

Sweet Jesus, let me come.  

Six Sentence Sunday

Pre-order today!

The set up:

Marcus is in a quandary. He wants both of his best friends, but thinks it might be better if he just severed his ties with everybody. Jolynn and Max have spent the day getting to know each other while Marcus was taking care of some business. Now he might just have other business that needs attending.

Six Sentence Sunday

Her mouth was sweet with a taste of cinnamon, Max had tasted of whisky. Max’s kiss was hot and hard, firm lips, a brush of whisker; Jolynn’s was warm, soft, inviting. Max had pressed his hard cock against his, Jolynn rubbed her tight breasts against his chest.

It was a nicely calculated move from the both of them. Jolynn’s “Oops,” had been a little too casual, and although Marcus had stepped back at the interruption, Max hadn’t gone anywhere. In fact, he’d moved closer, and was now resting a hand on Marcus’ lower back. 

The Dom in him came to life. 

Available for Pre-order now at  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=L.E.+Harner

The full scene:

“Marcus, baby,” Max said in his smoky deep voice, “your secret is safe with me. I’ll never let anyone know that one of the biggest, baddest Doms around is really a soft touch when it comes to lost dogs and damsels in distress.”

Max took a step closer, and their chests brushed. Marcus took a quick breath, but didn’t say anything. This move would be up to Max. Forehead to forehead, chest to chest they stood. Their breath mingled, then Max slanted his head sideways and closed the distance to brush his lips in a gentle kiss.

Max was putting it out there, taking a chance, showing Marcus he was willing to try. He’d been waiting, just as he’d said he would. Marcus had already pushed Max away several times, not cruelly, but to give him time to consider whether he was ready to explore this change in lifestyle. It seemed he’d decided.

He cupped Max’s face and deepened the kiss. There was no mistaking the heat and desire in the instant reaction that flared between them. Max groaned and leaned into the embrace, connecting the men from thigh to chest.

Marcus pressed Max against the island counter, circled his hips, and rubbed their straining cocks together. He thrust his tongue into Max’s mouth, thinking of all the other places he’d like to lick. Max sucked on Marcus’ tongue, and it was a promise of what was to come. Threading his fingers into the golden waves of Max’s hair, Marcus angled his kiss again, changing the rhythm, driving their hips in time with the way his tongue was fucking Max’s mouth.

“Oops. Sorry, Max,” Jolynn said, walking into the room. “Oh, God, I just need to tell you two…that is so hot!”

Max gave a shuddery little laugh, Marcus stepped swiftly back, and Jolynn just kept on coming. She was wearing the silky black robe he’d bought her, and her long legs seemed to stretch endlessly as she stalked across the room to stand chest to chest with him. Her nipples were hard little nubs that poked against the fabric and brushed against his chest. She moved even closer, lowered her eyelids, and raised her mouth to his.

Her mouth was sweet with a taste of cinnamon, Max had tasted of whisky. Max’s kiss was hot and hard, firm lips, a brush of whisker; Jolynn’s was warm, soft, inviting. Max had pressed his hard cock against his, Jolynn rubbed her tight breasts against his chest.

It was a nicely calculated move from the both of them. Jolynn’s “Oops,” had been a little too casual, and although Marcus had stepped back at the interruption, Max hadn’t gone anywhere. In fact, he’d moved closer, and was now resting a hand on Marcus’ lower back.

The Dom in him came to life. He drew back from Jolynn, captured her lower lip between his teeth, and bit. He gave her lip a tug before he let her go.

Her eyes were heavy with desire. He hid his smile, knowing she had a lot to learn about being submissive. Not that he believed she would be much of a submissive. No, he thought, she would enjoy occasionally being dominated when it came to bed play, but not in her everyday life. Neither would Max. They both were decisive and absolutely in charge of every part of their work lives. But something about having him take control in bed-play yanked their chains.

Enough with the relationship worry. Max knew the cost for going forward. The two of them had obviously talked, so he would assume Jolynn decided to play. At least for tonight. The first lesson for both of them was easy: he was in charge. No more plotting sexcapades behind his back. The second? Delayed gratification. The subs would please the master.

Summer's Hottest Hero

It's the Summer's Hottest Hero Contest!

I don't stand much of a chance of winning against the author I'm paired with, but I'm honored to be nominated. It's a wonderful opportunity for a new writer. I'd love to have your help to gather as many votes as possible, though. So here goes...

I need as many of you who are willing to vote for my hero, Michael Enwright, from Rescued.


To vote, you need to go to https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeCreateAccount.html and register for the site.

There is no purchase involved at all, it's a retail site similar to Amazon or Barnes and Nobel, except books only.

Once you are registered, go to http://www.allromanceebooks.com/contest.html to log in a vote.

There are 18 pairs, and Michael Enwright is in the 8th pair down. The voting continues next with with the 8 remaining pairs. I don't know if I'll make it that far, because the author I'm paired with this week is well established with a big following, but I am just pleased to have even made the top 32!

I know it's not as easy as a one click (unless you're already registered with them) but it would mean a lot to me. Oh, and did I mention prizes? Yep, there is a drawing for voters.

Thanks for taking the time to vote for Michael Enwright!