TICKLE ME ELATED!

FRENCH TICKLER just released! Book Five in this sexy and fun series lives up to my writing claim, Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell. Below is a PG excerpt for your reading pleasure.

Naughty Ladies of Nice
Book Five
FRENCH TICKLER
Sloane Taylor
ISBN 978-1-60168-323-6
Aspen Mountain Press

BUY LINK



BLURB:
Lingerie designer Samantha Bradley is on the brink of major success. While having the time of her life in Nice she meets sexy Cisco Bernier, a man who turns her heart inside out and makes her body sizzle.

Despite being France’s key criminal prosecutor, Cisco’s success in relationships has been less than zero. When he meets Sam, his staid world goes up in flames.

Their happiness is short lived as their pasts collide. His underhanded mother and her mob-connected father resurface to threaten their future.

EXCERPT:
Tonight, Sam intended to show Cisco her creative side. Eating their way through a picnic dinner in her living room, followed by dessert in her bedroom, had to produce a special night he’d not soon forget.

Somehow this stiff man, filled with passion and sensitivity, had edged his way underneath the chain she kept locked tight around her heart. It was utterly ridiculous.

They’d only known each other for a few days. Hell, she still hadn’t screwed up the courage to tell him what she did for a living. Yet, she couldn’t seem to get enough of him.

Like a thief skulking away in the night, she’d allowed him to believe she was an artist. If she wanted this little tête-à-tête to continue, she had to learn to trust him, be truthful, but she’d worry about that later. Right now, she had underwear issues to decide.

The short dresser drawer slid open with ease. She fingered a row of lingerie, deciding which was the sexiest for her. Sexy undies gave women that extra courage and oomph they sometimes needed to carry out a devilish plan. Sans tail and pitch fork, Sam planned to seduce Cisco for a night of hot sex guaranteed to keep him blazing.

Sam rummaged through the neat array, searching for that hard-on guaranteed set she’d designed for nights like this. A naughty grin, accompanied by naughtier thoughts, blossomed when she spotted the royal blue shelf bra and matching boy shorts.

She tossed her robe toward the bed and slipped into the silky panties. A quick rear check in the cheval mirror proved they still fit, which surprised her, after indulging in way too much wine and rich food since she’d arrived in Europe.

Time for the pièce de résistance, the hottest garment in her catalogue, the shelf bra. A knowing smile broadened her grin as she hooked the satin underwire behind her back and looped her arms through the lace straps. She did a little shimmy and nodded with approval when her boobs jiggled, but not too much to be trashy.

At the closet, she scraped the padded hangers across the silver bar until her hand landed on an oyster gray gossamer blouse with a black silk wraparound skirt clipped beneath.

Cisco doesn’t stand a chance.

With all garments buttoned and tied, Sam fluffed her hair and returned to the other room to set the scene. She glanced around and scrutinized the taper and pillar candles she’d bought in the market that afternoon. Satisfied with their locations, she lit them and opened the balcony doors for the stars and moonlight to be the perfect backdrop.

Pleased with the warm glow in the otherwise dark room, Sam spread the oversized melon colored tablecloth over the carpet, then strategically placed the extra pillows the bellman had brought earlier against the couch and end chair legs. All in all, it was a cozy atmosphere conducive to love.

Love!

She shook her head.

Basta! Enough! You like him. So what? After this little vacation, it ends.

True, she liked… Okay, maybe like was too mild a word, but that was as good as she’d allow. No place in Sam Bradley’s world for love.

Yet, something inside bit at her conscience. Of course, she’d been sexually active, but she’d also been selective. She didn’t bed just anyone. There had to be some kind of bond and she loved the orgasms that fueled her creativity.

Save it for the flight home.

Right now she had more important issues on her mind.

Her next step in the master plan of seduction was to set the coffee table with the tantalizing foods prepared by the hotel kitchen. She laughed, remembering the grumpy chef’s expression when she handed him her menu for tonight. It soon turned to a broad grin as the old boy nodded, scanning his copy, and ripped loose with a few Ooh la las before kissing his fingertips and waving them in the air.

She straightened the trays and dishes, then tucked the wine bottles deeper into the ice filled silver bucket. Another intent look confirmed the room was perfect. She peeked at the desk clock as it chimed.

Time for the guest of honor to arrive.

And he had. She pulled the door open before the first knock faded. Her breath stalled as Cisco stood there, tall and handsome, in a black silk sport coat that enhanced his broad shoulders.

The man in black, right down to his loafers.

After a peck on each cheek, she helped him out of his jacket, loving the view of his taut ass as he turned. Lord, how she wanted to grab a handful and promised herself she would later.

BUY LINK

Have a great weekend. I'll be back Monday. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

IN THE MAINSTREAM

is where you'll find Dorien Grey and his stellar novels. A masterful writer, Dorien created P.I. Dick Hardesty and a series was born. The book we featured today, THE NINTH MAN is another excellent addition to the long line of critically acclaimed and best-selling novels by Dorien Grey.

THE NINTH MAN
Dorien Grey
ISBN 1-879194-88-0
GLB Publishing



THE NINTH MAN is available in or on-order from any bookstore. You can also purchase from GLB Publishing or Amazon.

BLURB:
Hired to get find the truth behind the mysterious death of a gay man the homophobic police force has declared a suicide, P.I. Dick Hardesty uncovers a series of similar, seemingly unrelated deaths and sets off to find the common link between them which will lead him to the murderer.

EXCERPT:
“Cigarette?” he asked, leaning across me for an ashtray on the night stand.

“Gave ’em up,” I said, smugly.

“You? Liggett & Myers’ best friend?” He paused to light up. “I’m proud of you. Really. It’s a filthy habit.” And he blew a long stream of smoke into my face.

“You little…” I said, lunging out to tickle him under the arm, which always drove him up the wall. He shrieked and rolled away from me, almost falling off the bed in the process.

“Don’t! Please! I’ll be good! Honest!” he gasped between arias of laughter and frantic flailing trying to fend off my insistent tickling. Finally, fearful that the neighbors might be considering calling the police, I stopped.

Tim lay limp, catching his breath. He took a long drag from his cigarette, which had somehow come through the struggle unscathed, and carefully blew the smoke away from me. After a minute, he plumped up his pillow and scooted himself up on the bed, his back against the headboard.

“Okay, so let’s talk,” he said.

“About what?” I asked.

“About whatever it was you called me about,” he said with a grin.

I duplicated his pillow-plumping and hoisted myself up beside him. “You know I hate to mix business with pleasure, but…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. So ‘but’ what?”

“Your office had a case recently—you probably don’t remember it with all those stiffs you have coming and going. Mostly going. But this one was kind of different. Young guy named Bobby McDermott; 27.”

Tim muttered something under his breath—it sounded like “Fuck!” —and stared into the ashtray balanced on his stomach.

“What?” I asked.

Tim turned his head and looked at me, strangely, his eyes searching my face. He said nothing.

I felt a twinge of guilt. “Hey, Tim, I’m sorry,” I said. “I know I don’t have any right to butt into your business….”

Tim shrugged and relaxed a little. “It’s okay,” he said, finally. “Yeah, I remember Bobby McDermott. What about him?”

“The police apparently indicated to his lover that he killed himself. Probably poison. His lover swears he was murdered.”

Tim stubbed his cigarette into the ashtray, staring at it and continuing to tamp it long after it was out. “What makes him think that?”

Patience was never one of my greater virtues, and obviously Tim knew something he wasn’t too eager to share with me.

“Come on, Tim! The guy’s 27. Healthy as a horse—hung like one, too, I understand. No apparent problems—unless you count the lover, but that’s another story. Apparently the only thing he was addicted to is sex, and I’ve never heard of anyone fucking themselves to death, have you?” Tim shrugged, avoiding my eyes. “And then the cops ask the lover what he knows about poisons. That strikes me as more than a little strange; they don’t ask about drugs, but poisons.”

Tim pursed his lips, thought a moment, then turned to me with a deep sigh. “Well,” he said, shaking his head, “somebody was bound to catch on, sooner or later.”

“Catch on to what?” I asked, with a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“First of all, he didn’t die of drugs; it was poison. Cyanide, to be exact. Apparently inhaled. Secondly, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t suicide.”

“What makes you think that?” I asked.

“Apart from the fact that cyanide is a pretty esoteric way for anybody to commit suicide, how would someone like McDermott manage to get hold of it? It’s not impossible to come by, but it’s not exactly a household product. But what really blows a hole in the suicide theory—and a little detail that the cops apparently chose to overlook—is that from what I understand, there was absolutely nothing in the room to indicate how he managed to inhale cyanide. No bottles, vials, inhalers, rags, nothing.”

“Weird,” I said, the butterflies still there.

“It gets weirder when you consider that Bobby McDermott wasn’t the first case we’ve had like it in the past couple weeks. He’s the sixth one.”

BUY LINKS:
GLB Publishing
Amazon

For a greater insight into the "real person" behind Dorien Grey, the curious are invited to check out his website and his various blogs: Dorien Grey and Me and A Life in Photos among them.

There is nothing Dorien loves more than hearing from a reader. If you'd like to contact him, just drop him a note. Replies are guaranteed. Dorien answers all his emails.


I'll be back Friday. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

Buono Mangiare!

As you all know, it’s rare for me to post a restaurant review. Today, I have to.

Studs and I had the pleasure of dining at Merlo La Salumeria, which translates to The Delicatessen, on Chicago’s north side. The restaurant was new to us, but it was Italian so we knew it had to be good. Good didn’t begin to cover it.

The smiling staff welcomed us the moment we walked into the intimate dining room with modern Italian décor of pale, warm colors and subdued lighting, creating an instant sensation of coming home. Crisp white tablecloths and napkins and a menu to die for made us want to nestle in and never leave.

Our server arrived and introduced herself. Being the pro that she is, Jacqueline had extensive knowledge about the menu and wine card. She offered suggestions to create a dinner we’ll long remember. With her friendly manner, Jacqueline turned a good evening into a perfect night.

With Jacqueline's guidance our first plates were handmade tortelloni filled with ricotta di pecora in Bolognese ragu and handmade ravioli filled with ricotta di pecora, and parsley, tossed with a lighly spiced beef, pork and chicken ragu then topped with pecorino di pienza. The pasta melted in our mouths.

The main course was organic pork tenderloin medallions pan seared with white wine, pink and green pepper, and served with glazed Granny Smith apples. The flavorful meat was fork-tender, nothing like I'd ever had before.

We also shared a plate of asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper which were scrumptious.

The desserts were tempting, but we decided cappucinos would be best after a superb meal.

Besides awesome food, another bonus to this topnotch eatery are the pleasant, helpful servers and crew who never slack. Without being intrusive, they work hard with a minimal amount of noise. It’s noticeable and much appreciated.

What good is a review without pictures? It’s not. I freely admit “borrowing” these from the Merlo La Salumeria website. Below are two pastas to set your mouth watering.





Luisa Silvia, the Executive Chef and owner, is a marvel. Each day fresh pastas, sauces and ragus are prepared under her talented guidance.



The tastes are amazing. Believe me - you’ll never want another boxed noodle or jarred sauce in your life.

Open for dinner, the Salumeria offers a huge variety of recipes including salads, pastas, meats and fish entrees along with carryout. Next time you’re in Chicago, be sure to share a meal at this wonderful establishment.

When you go, be sure to ask for Jacqueline - the lady is a treasure.

Merlo La Salumeria
2638 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
Phone: (773) 529-0747

I'll be back tomorrow. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

New from Clare London, author of the Amber Allure best-sellers A Good Neighbor and Upwardly Mobile.....

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
Clare London
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-703-8
Genres: Gay / Contemporary
Amber Allure



BUY LINK

BLURB:
Garry's definitely at the end of his tether. He's waiting in an airport lounge to meet his friend Will, to go on holiday with mutual friends in a Scottish highlands hotel. Now there's a ten-hour delay to incoming flights, the seat in the lounge is more like an instrument of torture, and he's beyond tired of airport food.

What's worse, he's also dreading having to apologize for the pass he recently made at Will, under the influence of too many beers and a long-held crush. And the suddenly shocking realization that when Will accepts a new job offer on a continent thousands of miles away, it may be the end of their close friendship--let alone anything more.

To add to Garry's stress, he's treated to the company of Emily and Max, two young people who think he needs educating in the ways of the world--and his love life--whether he welcomes the interference or not. Struggling with their well-meaning help and the startling mess on his clothes from spilled ketchup and noxious-smelling sweets, he's encouraged to re-examine how he feels about Will and to decide what kind of journey he'd really like them to take together...

BLURB:
Garry must have dozed off. He woke with numbness in his left arm that made it feel the size of a Halloween pumpkin, and a pain in his scalp that meant his hair had got caught awkwardly on the wrong side of his parting. His head was stretched back over the back edge of the chair, and his legs were folded underneath it in a manner that would defy professional physiotherapy. Trying to move his limbs just made him groan aloud as the muscles cramped. It took him a depressingly long time to get himself upright again. Wincing, he made a mental note to renew his gym membership when he got back home after the trip.

He tried to smooth his hair back down in place. He’d snagged the shoulder-length ends into a short ponytail for traveling, but the tie had twisted at the back of his neck. When he tugged it back into shape, his fingers caught up in the tangles. It also seemed to have collected an interesting selection of dust particles and the remains of a catering-sized margarine wrapper. Maybe a couple of those blueberry droppings.

He squinted at the lounge clock and saw that a couple of the ten hours had passed.

The good thing was that the Sleeping Not-Beauty had left the seat beside him.

The not-so-good thing was that he had another neighbor and this one was a lot smaller. Probably only about seven. A round, plump-cheeked girl’s face stared at him, her eyes sky blue, her hair pale blonde. She was delicately pretty and would have looked like some kind of picture book princess, except that she had a huge, suspiciously red stain on the front of her Hello Kitty T-shirt. Her legs were tightly pressed together to contain a pile of sweets in her lap and there was sugar frosting stuck all over her skirt and her fingers. Some of the sweets had obviously already been consumed—the frosting was on the end of her nose, and around her mouth, too—and she chewed thoughtfully as she looked at him.

Garry wrinkled his nose. There was a particularly violent and disturbing smell around the sweets, like a medicine he’d once been forced to take as a kid. A fair proportion of the sugar fallout seemed to have made its way on to his jeans, too. He examined his mood and doubted it was one to tolerate children just at the moment. The feeling was creeping back to his arm and it was damned painful. He wanted to swear—he had a good vocabulary, he’d been complimented on it more than once—but, of course, that was now out of the question. He knew that much about children.

“Hi,” the girl said. “You’re awake now.”

He glared at her, groggy from his nap, and still aching. His stuffy brain wanted him to say “buzz off, kid,” but his mouth opened and he said, “Hi.” He didn’t know what else to say to such a small person. He hadn’t had a lot of practice with them. Allen used to talk about his large family and the new generation of nieces and nephews, but Garry admitted in his deepest, most honest heart, that he usually tuned all that information out.

“You want one?” She held out something that looked sticky and totally unappealing, vibrantly pink and green and in the shape of a heart. New sprinkles of sugar whispered off it on to their knees.

Garry pursed his lips. He had an irresistible, immediate urge to brush off the white crystals as if they’d rot like poison through his jeans. “No thanks. I…already ate.”

“When?”

He stared at her. Who did she think she was, his mother? “When I got here.”

“You’ll need more than that,” she said, bluntly. “The Delay is twelve hours now.” Her tone dignified it with capital letters, like it was some kind of alien monster, some Harbinger of Armageddon, some Premonition of Global Doom.

Now she had him doing it, even in his private thoughts. For a second, he thought he might still be asleep and dreaming he was in a late night version of The Twilight Zone. But his back and his toes still hurt…so it looked like he was awake. Mournfully so.

“You should be with your parents,” he said, just as bluntly.

But she didn’t seem disturbed by him. She put a red and yellow heart into her mouth and wiped her sticky fingers down her T-shirt. It proved that at least the red stain wasn’t blood. Garry wondered at what point he’d even considered that might be the case.

“You’re grumpy,” she said. “Just like Mum.”

“Huh?” One thing Garry did know about kids was that if you encouraged them, they stuck like glue. Or like particularly revolting sweets. All he had to do was stifle any conversation, and then in a minute, she’d get bored of him and wander off again.

“I’ll stay here for a while,” she said, patting her lap with determination...

BUY LINK

Learn more about Clare London and her bestsellers at website.

I'll be back Monday. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

VAMPIRES, ZOMBIES AND MORE!

Are you into Halloween and all its traditions? If so, check out Melissa's Imaginarium for posts that unravel all the dark secrets. I guarantee you'll enjoy this tweleve day spookathon!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

A NEW ADDITION

is coming soon to the Devon Falls family. Raine Delight has written another sizzler in this captivating series.

MOONLIGHT & MAGIC
Devon Falls Book 5
Raine Delight
Aspen Mountain Press



Tagline: Can a were-tiger convince one stubborn woman that she is his for all time and show her that falling in love is just as sinful as a chocolate kiss?

BLURB:
Dixie Sinclair has watched her cousins all fall in love and now she wants the same. Dared to go to the annual Masquerade ball, Dixie finds the one thing she desires: love…one problem…can she trust that it will last after that one night?

Michael Barnes is a rare white were-tiger who was thrown out of his pride long ago for a trumped up crime. Now, Michael roams the world searching for the one place to call home. Finding that peace in Devon Falls, he also finds the one woman who stirs him like no other. Can he convince Dixie she can trust in him forever?

EXCERPT:
Once outdoors, Dixie yanked on her jacket, annoyed at how Damien thought she needed a babysitter for a two block walk home. Men were idiots who thought women needed to be protected, she thought, as she enjoyed the quiet night and waited for Michael. The man who stirred her senses into over boiling.

Down girl. You’re not going to jump the man’s bones so get a grip. You have BOB at home to help with that.

Yet, she couldn’t keep her eyes off him. He was a walking, talking sex bomb and she was itching to touch every inch of him.

With a shake of her head she tried to let go the sense of something changing inside her as he finally walked toward her. The look in his eyes had her panties damp and her blood beginning to simmer. It was like he was looking past the outer coverings into her soul or he was just stripping her naked, which wouldn’t be bad. Smirking to herself, she continued to walk, trying to keep her hands inside her coat or she was going to do something very dangerous…like kiss the man to death.

“You know you don’t have to walk me home. Damien is just being overprotective.” Dixie didn’t know what to do except make the best of it. It was only two blocks, surely she had enough will power to last that long. Yeah right……She was doomed as the scent of him, all male and spicy, teased her senses and had her swallowing hard.

Oh god, I am in deep trouble.

She felt rather than saw the man next to her look down and grin.

“Nah, it’s ok. I was going to leave soon because my Sadie is home alone and I don’t like leaving her long.”

The deep voice sent shivers down her spine. He had a slight accent she couldn’t place. Where had he come from, why was he here and what was he like when the clothes came off? Until the name Sadie come out. A terrible suspicion rose in her at the thought of this hot man having a lady waiting for him.

“Sadie?”

“She’s my dog. I found her when I was in Europe tied up to a park bench with no collar and no water. It was like someone just dumped her off, but instead of letting her roam free or taking her to the pound, they tied her up and left her. It was terrible and once I found her, she saved me from a solitude and loneliness that I never knew I had.”

Relief filled her even as she tried to tell herself that she shouldn’t be jealous. She hardly knew this man. “Wow that sounds like a match made in heaven for you two. What kind is she?”

“She is a mutt-seems she is a little bit of everything or so the vet said.”

Her heart turned over, watching the way his face lit up in the moonlight. The way he loved his pet called to her even as she tried to keep her distance. He was dangerous to her equilibrium, Dixie was certain of it. He kept her off center and it scared the hell out of her.

As her street loomed ahead of them, she stopped and stuck her hand out. “Thanks for the escort, but since I am almost home and nothing jumped out in front of me, I think I can handle it. My house is only two in.”

“Nope, I am to escort you to the house, not the street, Dixie.” The maddening man he looked at her.

Gritting her teeth, she tried to control her frustration, but damn it all, she was old enough to walk home. It wasn’t like there was a crime wave in Devon Falls. Far from it. Miffed, she stomped forward and tried to not hit the lug behind her.

Of all the men in the world, I had to have one with a streak of chivalry.

When MOONLIGHT & MAGIC is released, I'll post it here along with the buy link. In the meantime, be sure to look at Raine's website where you can find all her Devon Falls books. There's also Raine’s Book Nook Blog and her Author/Reader Loop where everyone has a good time.

I'll be back Friday. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

WE HAVE WINNERS!

Last issue of my newsletter offered two people free downloads of ISABELLA IGNITES book four in the Magnificent Men of Munich seres.



BLURB:
Jet setter Isabella Carrington has it all, fame, heart-stopping looks, and carte blanche over every man she meets, except one. Staid accountant Rhineholdt Hoffman proves to be immune to her charms. Until one hot Venetian night.

Rhineholdt came to Venice to escape a life that holds no meaning. He’s sworn off sex until a chance encounter with the luscious Isabella. Their heated affair sets the City of Bridges on fire and forces him to face the fears holding him back.

So what does a woman who has everything, except the right man, do for fun? Come… Take a peek behind Isabella’s bedroom door.

BUY LINK

A drum roll please!
And the lucky contest winners are:

ALIZA
JUDY

Thanks to everyone who participated! You are all appreciated.

For your chance to win a variety of great prizes, please go to my website homepage where you can sign up for my short quarterly newsletter. Each issue has a Readers Only contest with prizes that range from gift certificates at national stores to downloads by terrific authors.

I'll be back Wenesday with popular Raine Delight and her latest release. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

MYSTERY, MURDER and MEN. OH, YES!

KC Kendriks is here with her awesome book THE BACK STAIRS. It's a gay romance mystery with a paranormal twist and an ingenious plot. Defintiely a book you'll enjoy.

THE BACK STAIRS
KC Kendriks
ISBN 978-1-60272-690-1
Amber Quill - Amber Allure



BUY LINK

Fallon Roxbury has a nose for trouble, and the uncanny ability for landing in the middle of it the moment he finds it. While investigating the gruesome murder of a young male prostitute in the red-light district, Fallon gets a whiff of something very strange. Forensics has unidentified hairs. Very unidentified hairs, like nothing in any of the textbooks. Following a tip from a person of interest, Fallon meets Sundown, an apparent hustler who knows a lot more than he will admit.

Getting personally involved with Sundown breaks every rule in the police manual, and in Fallon’s own personal code. Sundown is like a drug, and Fallon can’t stop at just one hit. When Sundown is forced to reveal the truth, Fallon’s world is turned upside down, and he’s left with only two options: check himself in for psychiatric evaluation, or accept a new reality with a strange shift.

Shapeshifters, that is...

INTRO:

I took a breath to tell him I was leaving, and caught the aroma of fresh-brewed java beneath the scents of sandalwood and patchouli. I was tired of getting jerked around, even by a man so incredibly sexy. Put it on to brew, my ass.

“You’re awfully sure of yourself, aren’t you? I don’t need pseudo intimate conversation any more than I need to flirt.”

He shook his head. “You didn’t listen very well, Fallon.”

“Listen to what? I’ve a mind to haul your scrawny carcass down to the precinct house, and let someone else pick your brain for answers, but I don’t have a legitimate reason to have you interrogated. Yet.”

“Tough talk, but you don’t mean any of it. Please, Fallon. Come. Sit at my table, and think of nothing but my very good coffee.”

Would it be so bad to spend half an hour talking with this attractive young man? Heaven help me, he drew me, a tired moth to his steady flame. And he had my favorite coffee, already hot.

Words echoed in my memory. I tried to pull them in so I could hear them again. What had Muffin said? More importantly, it was what she hadn’t said. She didn’t actually say anyone here knew Michael Carlton.

“I’ll sit at your table on one condition.”

He tilted his head, a smile teasing his full lips. “Oh? What is that?”

“You tell me your name.”

Was it victory I saw in his green eyes, or desire? I needed to know if they were the same. His chin lifted as his gaze locked to mine.

“You can call me Sundown.”

I trembled as the girl’s words resonated within me.

Take the back stairs. You’ll find what you need there.

EXCERPT:

I was two steps beyond the third landing when a male voice called to me from below. My heart slammed against my ribs.

“Lieutenant Roxbury, wait up.”

I paused and looked over my shoulder as Sundown took the steps, two at a time, to catch up. He stopped on the landing below me and met my gaze, his green eyes alight with amusement.

“I did not expect you to return so soon, Fallon.”

I wasn’t in the mood to waste time in small talk. He’d deliberately sidetracked me the other night and, as wonderful as the diversion had been, he needed to know I was aware of his tactics.

“The girl I spoke with at the crime scene is your sister, and you didn’t tell me. Why?”

“Because she is not my sister. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

I hopped down the two steps to the landing. “Listen, Sundown, or whatever your name really is, I have photos of her, part of the formal record of the crime scene. She looks enough like you to be your twin. If I hadn’t let my dick control me, I’d have put it together last night.”

He glanced away, a quick darting of his gorgeous eyes, then he looked back.

“She is not my sister, but we share a bloodline. She is gone, Fallon.”

“You’re hindering my investigation by hiding her.”

Sundown shook his head. “She didn’t see Michael Carlton, dead or alive, or anyone else go in or out of the alley until your people showed up.”

I clamped down on my anger. “That’s good to know, but I need to hear it from her.”

“Do you?” He cocked his head to the side. “You’re out of luck, Fallon. She is gone from here, and it is beyond my ability to bring her back.”

“Why’d she send me here, then?”

His green eyes flashed with his inner fire, anchoring me where I stood. “So I could give you want you needed, Fallon. What you need me to give you again.”

“Don’t be so damn sure of yourself. I don’t need you.” I lied, and he knew it, the knowledge reflected back at me in his level gaze.

“Come inside and tell me you do not need what I offer you.”

I didn’t think I could. My resolve to bully him into giving up Muffin’s whereabouts waned with every pheromone-laden breath I took. I stood inside the ring of warmth and scent that surrounded him. My erection relentlessly swelled toward completion, and I couldn’t stop it.

“I can’t compromise my investigation further, Sundown. Carlton’s parents are flying in to claim the body. I need to have answers for them.”

His fingers grazed mine, the gentle touch heating my blood.

"I knew you were a good man. I trust you, Fallon. Will you trust me?”

“I trust you to be nothing but trouble.”

BUY LINK

There are several ways to keep up with KC Kendriks. Visit her website, follow her on Twitter , MySpace and facebook, too!

Be sure to join her mailing list and read her personal blog for more information.

I'll be back Monday. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

HEAT THINGS UP WITH P.A. BROWN

Along with writing mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, P.A. Brown is a terrific cook. Here's a hot recipe to ward off the coming cold weather. P.A.'s notes are italicized.

Pat’s Beanless Crockpot Chili

½ lb bacon, cooked crisp
2 lbs ground meat – can be lean beef, chicken, turkey or pork, or a mixture. Exotic meats can be used as well – venison, buffalo, etc.
2 28 oz cans of whole tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
Chopped hot peppers to taste – for no heat, use green bell peppers
Carrots, shredded fine
Chili powder to taste
2 tbsp cocoa powder – should be at least 70% cocoa
salt and pepper to taste
Bottle of dark beer – stout, porter or brown

Optional Additions to include before deglazing
Roasted kernel corn
Mushrooms, chopped
Grilled tomatoes, chopped
Grilled peppers, chopped

Toppings
1 cup of sour cream - Plain yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – I like sharp, 2-3 year old cheddar, but any cheese will do
Chopped cilantro if you like

Directions
Cook bacon till crisp. Drain on paper towel.

Use bacon grease to cook ground meat until it begins to brown, remove from pan and put in crock pot. If there’s a lot of fat, drain most of it. Add all other ingredients, including any of the optional additions you like, to crock pot.

Use beer to deglaze the meat pan, then pour into crock pot, scrapping the bottom of the pan.

Stir cock pot well with a wooden spoon. Cook on high for half an hour, then turn to low and let it simmer all day if you want.

Serve with corn bread, garlic bread, or crusty rolls. Top with grated cheese, sour cream, cilantro if used.

This chili is wonderful with fries and cheese for chili fries. Or topping a hamburger.

Freezes very well. Could be kept for up to 6 months. This one only gets better with age.
While this superb chili is simmering, enjoy a few chapters of P.A. Brown's Between Darkness and Light available at MLR Press.

Here's a small clue about the book:
Detective Russell Hunter emerges from darkness to meet fine artist Stephen Fischer, darling of the Los Angeles art world. Can these two unravel the mystery surrounding the death of two of L.A's art critics before Stephen becomes the next victim.

The downtown Los Angeles financial center is the heart of this thrilling murder mystery and the unwanted love that grows between a cop with a dark secret in his troubled past and an up and coming world class artist.

Learn more about P.A. Brown and the vacation from hell on her website

I'll be back Wednesday with KC Kendriks. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

WE ARE OVER THE MOON!

Robert Appleton and I are toasting each other across the Pond. We just received the awesome cover for our about-to-be released mystery sci-fi CLAIRE DE LUNE and wanted to share it with you. Trace Edward Zaber designed it and captured the book's theme to perfection.



BLURB:
You’re invited to the galaxy’s most prestigious beauty pageant. Clothing optional. Romance and danger…fully provided.

Cocky young detectives Gerry Rappeneau and Sebastian Thorpe-Campbell arrive at the premier lunar resort expecting a week of eye candy and long massages. With a half-billion-credit purse up for grabs, this year’s pageant is the focus of a hundred worlds. And beauty isn’t the only thing in the eye of the beholder.

One contestant, Evelyn Lyons, is attacked and her assailant killed. Surely a simple case of a stalker gone mad, as nothing bad ever happens at the Selene contest. So the brochure says.

The closer Gerry gets to Evelyn, the more he is convinced she’s hiding something. His meticulous character sparks with her wild, sassy nature, and they embark on a torrid affair. Their forbidden romance isn’t the only thing set to ignite in Pont de Reves.

Sebastian’s infatuation with demure Claire Villiers, another contestant, threatens to put all four of them in harm’s way.

A deadly trail of corporate conspiracy, monstrous assassins and hot bikini wax is more than anyone bargained for in this incendiary erotic mystery. Get ready for some serious heat on the dark side of the moon.

Rob was the mastermind of this book and I am forever grateful he included me. Check out his website and blog Mercurial Times to learn more about this talented genius.


I'll be back next week with another surprise from P.A. Brown. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

EXPOSED AND ALONE

is exactly where talented and prolific author Ginger Simpson placed herself with her no holds barred novel EMBEZZLED LOVE. This story faces one of society's shunned problems head-on. It's a terrific book you definitely need to read.

EMBEZZLED LOVE
Ginger Simpson
ISBN 1-897370-34-2 E-book
ISBN 1-897370-33-4 Print
LBF Books






BUY LINK

BLURB:
They advertise on television—“find your true love; we’ll match you with the person of your dreams.” Their irritating spam clogs your computer inbox—"free tonight? Let’s chat.” You can turn the channel or hit the ‘trash’ button, but the promises still linger in your mind. Is it any wonder divorced and lonely, Cassie Fremont, signed up for an on-line dating service? What later shocked her was the cost of the ticket for a ride on the roller coaster from hell.

You aren’t the first woman he’s lied to.


When Cassie Fremont’s brother and sister present her with evidence they believe proves her new love is a con-man, her happy world is turned upside down. Either she chooses to believe them or Evan. How could she possibly believe that this wonderful man who gave up his thriving business in Texas and moved to California to begin a life with her could be the man to whom they allude? Surely it’s a mistake. The love she sees in his eyes can’t be a lie. Will Evan be the man Cassie believes him to be or are the words that invade her thoughts really true.

There have been others who have lost everything because of him.

EXCERPT:
The cold white paper covering the examining table crackled each time Cassie shifted her weight. Nervously, she reached around to pull the flimsy plastic material of the examination gown around her bare behind. Why did Dr. Owens insist on a complete physical? She only made the appointment to talk to him about getting something for this overwhelming depression.

What was taking him so long, and why did they have the air-conditioning so high? Her nipples pebbled from the cold air and became embarrassingly visible through the layer of vinyl she wore. The stiffly starched modesty sheet, draped across her legs, was no help at all against the cold air rushing through the vents. She rubbed her dangling feet together, trying to thaw toes that had turned to icicles. A rueful glance at the panty hose draped over the chair with her other clothing made her wish she’d worn socks instead.

Finally, the doorknob turned and Dr. Owens entered. He’d been her physician for as long as she could remember, and was the one to do her first pap smear. She recalled the embarrassment she’d felt, revealing her most private parts to a handsome, young man. Now he sported thinning grey hair, and deep wrinkles creased his once smooth brow. Had she aged as much as he?

"Well, Cassie," he said, peering at her chart and then looking over his spectacles. "It’s about time you came in. You haven’t had a checkup for two years. You’re well past time for your mammogram, pelvic and blood work. You used to be much better about scheduling these visits."

"I know. I’m sorry, but things have been very hectic at work. I’m tired all the time, I can’t sleep, I feel like I want to cry for no reason at all, and I have this horrible empty feeling that just won’t go away. Please say you can help me. Is there something you can prescribe?"

He sat on his stool and jotted notes inside a metal clipboard. Finishing, he looked up and smiled. "I’m sure we can find something to help you, but let’s get the nurse in here and get the unpleasant part of the exam over with."

While the doctor pulled on his gloves, Cassie lay back on the table, trying to relax but well aware it wasn’t humanly possible, knowing what was coming.

The nurse adjusted the metal stirrups and guided Cassie’s feet into them, then kept motioning until Cassie had inched her bottom all the way to the edge of the table.

Dr. Owen rolled his stool into place and adjusted Cassie’s covering. He spoke those all-too-familiar words. "Relax and just let your knees fall apart."

She tried not to jump when the cold speculum first touched her and stifled a groan when the doctor palpated her ovaries. This ordeal was still horribly embarrassing. To occupy her mind, Cassie counted the little holes in the acoustical ceiling tiles until they all blurred together.

"Well, that does it." Dr. Owen said, appearing from beneath the sheet. He stood and stripped off his gloves and threw them in the trash. "Everything looks fine." He offered his hand to pull her into a sitting position.

His eyes filled with genuine concern. "So, tell me again what’s bothering you, Cassie."

She ran her hands through her long dark hair. "I just think I’m seriously depressed. Everything is a chore. I hate my job, I deplore being sad all the time, and I detest being alone. Sometimes I even wonder if life is worth living anymore."

"Now, Cassie. Lot’s of women your age go through this, so you aren’t alone. How regular are your periods?"

"Pretty regular, they just aren’t as heavy as they used to be."

"Well, my guess is you’ve begun menopause, and that in itself can cause a big change in your emotional status. It can magnify other problems and make them seem twice as bad. The good news is that there’s a pill recently approved by the FDA that I think will help make you feel better."

Shivering, Cassie clutched the sheet around her. "Thank you, Dr. Owen. I really need something." She sighed with relief.

He patted her hand. "Go ahead and get dressed. I’ll be right back with your lab slips and prescription. Just make sure to follow the directions. If the medication doesn’t seem to make a difference let me know and we can try something else."

Cassie quickly changed into her clothes, then sat waiting for the doctor to return. The sooner she got the prescription filled, the better. This black cloud hanging over her head was more than she could bear. She heaved another sigh, trying to ignore the little voice in her head telling her if she took all the pills at once her problems would be over.

BUY LINK

EMBEZZLED LOVE was a 2009 EPPIE finalist and is also available at Amazon. If you'd like an autographed copy, email Ginger at mizging@gmail.com.

Catch-up with Ginger on her website or on her entertaining blog Dishin' It Out.

I'll be back Monday with something to heat you up from P.A. Brown. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

P.A. Brown's Goodies for All to Try

Not only does reknown author P.A. Brown create unforgettable stories, she also concocts mouth-watering goodies. Below are two of P.A.'s recipes to entice you. We tried them and Studs couldn't get enough.

Berry Crunch Muffins

1/2 C Lowfat granola
1 C whole-wheat flour
1 C all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
3/4 C orange, grape juice or cranberry
1/4, C vegetable oil (canola, corn, peanut, etc)
2/3 C light brown sugar
3 tbsp Dutch cocoa (at least 70% cocoa)
1 tsp grated lemon zest (or if using orange juice use orange zest)
1 1/2 C fresh or frozen blueberries or cranberries
1/4 C flaxseed
1 tsp Vanilla

Pre-heat oven to 400 F. Coat muffin pans – 12-16, or mini pans – with cooking spray. Crush granola to eliminate larger chunks.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, flax and salt in a large bowl.
In medium bowl whisk juice, egg, oil, vanilla, zest and sugar and blend until sugar dissolved.

Add liquid to dry mixture. Fold in until just moist, do not over blend. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full, sprinkle with enough granola to cover top of muffin. Pat down so granola adheres.

Bake until tops are golden brown and center comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pan, cool and cover.

Added note from P.A.: These are great warm. they’re crunchier when fresh, but still taste great the next day. Word of warning, these are very crumbly. I don’t advise eating over a keyboard. :)

While these tasty muffins are baking, it's a perfect time to read a few chapters from FOREST OF CORPSES. If you don't have a copy yet, you can purchase one at MLR Press

Another great recipe for a fun Sunday night is P.A.'s Pizza.

Pat’s Pizza

SAUCE
1 28 oz can of whole tomatoes
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped fine
½ small white onion, chopped fine
6-8 large basil leaves, chopped fine
Large bunch of fresh oregano, chopped fine or 2 tbsp dried oregano

You can even slip in things like finely grated carrots, or flaxseed into the sauce.

DOUGH
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose white
1 tsp salt
¼ cup virgin olive oil
1 cup warm water
1 pkg yeast
1tsp sugar
¼ cup corn meal

TOPPINGS (some possiblities)
Fresh mushrooms, chopped
Pepperoni, sliced thin
Peppers (green, yellow, red)
Ham
Fresh tomatoes
Sausage
Onions
Pineapple
Bacon
Anchovies
Chicken
Spinach
Olives
Garlic
Zucchini
Broccoli
Basil leaves
Roast peppers or tomatoes
Anything else you can think of

½ - ¾ cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
¼ cup Parmigiana cheese, grated fine

INSTRUCTIONS

For the best results, make the sauce the day before. Blend tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil and oregano. I use a food processor or blender. A hand held blender will work, too. Do not over blend. There should be some texture to the sauce. Cover and refrigerate at least overnight to blend flavors. DO NOT COOK.

For dough, add yeast and sugar to warm water. The best temperature is just warm to the touch. Let stand for 10 minutes in warm place. Add flour and salt to large bowl. Blend well. Add water and yeast. Add oil and mix well. Turn dough out onto a dry, floured surface, knead for at least 10 minutes. Add flour as needed until dough is no longer sticky. Form into a ball and place in a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with damp cloth and put in warm, draft free place. (I put it in the oven with the oven light on) Let rise for at least 2 hours or until dough has doubled in size.

Heat oven to 450 F. If you have a pizza stone, put it in the oven now.

Divide the dough into 3 even pieces. Roll into balls. On floured surface, knead dough into a disk. I use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 14” circle. It can also be stretched by hand. (I’ve never mastered the art of throwing dough) On a 14” pizza pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Dust with corn meal. Fold dough in half, place it on pizza pan and make sure it goes to the edges. Let sit for fifteen minutes. Using a fork poke holes in dough so it doesn’t puff up in oven.

Precook dough for 5 minutes (this helps ensure it doesn’t get soggy from the sauce). Remove from oven. Do this with each piece of dough. Three 14” pizzas can be made (thin crust) or two thick crust or several pie pan individual pizzas. Bake each one for 5 minutes.

Using small ladle or large spoon, spread at least half a cup of sauce on dough (you can use less if you want. I like a lot of sauce with my pizzas). Top with ½ cup of cheese. Layer ingredients over top of cheese. Add another ½ cup of cheese. Sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of parmigiana.

Either using a pizza paddle, or a pizza pan, slide the pizza on the stone. Let cook for 10 minutes, check and rotate. Cook until cheese bubbles and begins to brown. Remove from oven and put on pizza pan sprinkled with corn meal. Let sit for 5 minutes, slice as desired.

A few notes from P.A.:
*Whole canned tomatoes are freshest – they only undergo 1 cooking, whereas chopped, pureed or crushed are all cooked a second time.
**All whole wheat can be used though the texture will be slightly heavier. Non-bleached white, or all white flour can also be used.
***Sauce can be frozen and kept for up to four months. Sauce can also be used with panzarotti, lasagna, as a dip for mozzarella sticks, pizza rolls, or anything a good tomato sauce can be put on. English muffins, crusty rolls, pita bread, tortillas, and flat bread can be substituted for the home made crust.
****A variety of cheeses can be used – including, but not limited to goat, asiago, Monterey Jack, cheddar, feta, blue cheese. Several types of cheese can be blended.
**** Good quality fresh Parmigiana is worth the higher price. At all costs, avoid the canned Parmesan. It’s flavorless.


One pie feeds 2-4 people. Wrap leftovers with Saran Wrap. Will keep a day or two in the fridge, but frankly, it’s not as good the next day. This is one meal that tastes best fresh.

P.A. Also says: My favorite pizza pans are the ones with holes. Other equipment to have if you make pizza regularly include a pizza wheel, pizza stone and pizza paddle. The stone and paddle can also be used to bake bread as well.

With a pizza stone this could also be cooked on a barbecue.

Now's a good time to read P.A.'s hit book GEOGRAPHY OF MURDER. Click HERE to learn more. You can also catch up with P.A. Brown on her website.

I'll be back on Wednesday with the popular Ginger Simpson. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com

THE CURSE OF BEAUTY, DO YOU HAVE IT?

Linda Sole aka Anne Ireland is back to share another of her exciting books. THE CURSE OF BEAUTY is an excellent take on vampires and gives us a surprising twist to their myth. It's a book well worth reading.

THE CURSE OF BEAUTY
Anne Ireland
ISBN 978-1-936279-31-9
Amira Press

Genre: Vampire Historical Romance
Heat Level: HOT



BUY LINK

BLURB:
Angelina is haunted by a dream lover. Alone, with no one to care for her, when her father gives her in marriage, to a man she has never met, she can only obey. Is she doomed once more to bitter grief? What mystery haunts the castle, stalking the dark corners like a black fiend—and can she pass through terrible danger to find happiness at last?

EXCERPT:
“Oh, my love,” she whispered, her throat tight. “Why do you not claim me? Take me with you...please. Take me to wherever you are.” She dashed away her tears. “Who are you? Why do you come to me only in dreams, and why do you leave me? Please tell me...”

“My name is Raphael, and the time approaches when you must choose. Choose truly, and you will be mine completely.”

Feeling a warm breath at the nape of her neck, Angelina cried out, her body tingling as she felt the desire curl hotly through her body. It was as if he lay with her in her bed, his mouth sucking at her nub, making her arch and whimper with pleasure. Her limbs dissolved with dancing heat, her lips parting, and moist. She was on fire with sensual need, and her feminine juices dampened her inner thighs.

He was here. She could not see him, but she felt his presence, her body responding as it did in her dreams. Her lips parted as she felt a touch so soft that it was merely a whisper, her breath swift as she panted with pleasure.

“Where are you? I cannot see you. Stay with me. I love you. I need you.”

“I have loved you for six hundred years,” the voice seemed to whisper close to her ear, hoarse with passion and the torment of centuries. “I have searched for you, been driven to despair and haunted by the curse...and now I have found you. Only you can break the curse, my love...but you must choose.”

“Tell me what to do.” Angelina whirled round, looking for him, but the room was empty. She was alone, as always. Was she going mad? Had her mind cracked beneath the strain of her unhappiness...or had he really been here, her tormented lover?

“I shall choose you,” she vowed to the empty room. “Tell me what I must do, and I shall choose you.”

“Do your duty, but when the time comes, you must choose.”

To learn more about Linda Sole, Anne Herries and Anne Ireland, check out their website.

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Have a beautiful weekend. I'll be back Monday with tasty bits from P.A. Brown. Until then...

Happy Writing!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
www.sloanetaylor.com