Keta's Keep: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Chasing Love- SCARE CONTEST ENTRY

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

In celebration, there's a PARTY at Bianca Sommerland's Blog

GO HERE TO READ THE REST OF CHASING LOVE (Excerpt Below)

Go Here Today to Read Rest of My Story (Click)

AND ON NOVEMBER 7th, return to Bianca's site to vote for the

BEST SCARY STORY

Hope you vote for Chasing Love!

Return Here on November 7th to Vote for Chasing Love

EXCERPT FROM Horror Story "CHASING LOVE" BY KETA

The remainder of Tenwyck’s words faded when a tall, lean, ride-em-cowboy slid into the empty stool to my left. With my eyes cast down, I glanced at his shiny boots and tight denim jeans—narrow at the hem and all the way up his muscular thighs. My heart rate sped and a lonely ache thrummed against my rib cage. Yep, too long without a man.

It struck me at that moment; most women looking for a tumble in the sheets would detect a hot, moist sensation between their legs, a normal precursory to fucking. Yet all I could think of was his strong arms holding me, the sound of his heart beating in sync with mine, and his warm breath against my ear. Perhaps the doc is right. It isn’t about the physical joining of bodies for me, but the fusion of hearts, of minds. I had journeyed down the same road all my life, walked a never-ending path of lost souls looking for acceptance and devotion.

“You counting the hairs on my forearms?” the clear, resonant voice said.

I drew my gaze from his arm and looked into his eyes. Blue. Bluer than a cloudless sky at morning. “Sorry, I drifted there for a minute.”

“You are one, aren’t you . . . a drifter? I mean, not born and raised in Clarence?”

“No, not born in Iowa. I’m from New York, here visiting my aunt Pearl.”

“Pearl, your aunt is Pearl Waldron?”

I nodded.

“Buried her husband not long ago.”

“My Uncle Max, yes.”

“My condolences,” he said, extending his hand. “Name is Cleve, Cleve Porter.”

I felt my lips twitch into a shy smile. “Cleve from Clarence. I like it. It has a . . . a homey, wholesome ring to it.”

Straight, white teeth smiled back. “That’s us, wholesome top to bottom.”

I liked him, and he looked into my eyes as if the feeling could be mutual.

Now came the sticky part, or maybe icky part. Never one to stand on pretense, and having learned long ago to ask for what you want upfront, I drew a silent, deep breath. “So Cleve, you live near by?”

The bartender dropped a newspaper onto the shiny bar in front of Cleve, smothering his answer to my question. “That makes four, or is it five now?” the man said. “Iowa City has one sick son of a bitch on their hands.”

I looked at the headlines and an icy chill ran down my spine. Another Woman Found Dead Along County Road.

Cleve looked up from the newspaper. ““What does a man have to do to get a beer around here?”

“Sorry, Cleve, had a little run on thirst for a minute. The usual?”

Cleve nodded.

The bartender returned with his beer and I spit out the questions hanging on my tongue. “How do they know the killer lives in Iowa City? Have they got a suspect?”

“They don’t know,” Cleve interjected. “And that’s why they don’t have any suspects. Most of the cops in this neck of the woods struggled through Criminology 101.”

“Ah, that’s not fair, man,” the bartender said with a frown. “They’re dealing with a professional, a serial killer who’s been plying his trade for years.”

My mouth went dry and I swallowed, hard. “What is his trade?”

“Knives,” the bartender said. “He likes to carve up his victims before he puts their lights out.”

My stomach flipped. I’d had enough of death and dying; didn’t want to spend my one night on the town talking about knives and serial killers. In fact, the entire conversation had sapped my prior thoughts of passion and love.

I dug in my purse for my billfold and keys, dropped a five-dollar bill on the bar and turned to Cleve. “I best get going. Aunt Pearl will start worrying soon.”

After sliding from the stool, I started for the entrance and called out over my shoulder. “Nice to meet you.”

Before I made it to the truck, footsteps fell behind me. “Wait up a second.”

I drew a deep breath and turned to face Cleve.

“Sorry ‘bout all that talk of killers and knives. Sort of spooked ya, huh?” He took a few steps toward me, his killer smile calming my rattled nerves. A bronze hand came out and warm fingers stroked my cheek. “Before all that stupid talk, you asked me where I lived, and I didn’t have a chance to answer you.”

“I did . . . but I think . . . .”

“Don’t think. Just go with your gut feeling. You came into Clarence for a reason, and I don’t think it was for a glass of beer. Besides, you look more like a wine lady to me. Am I right?”

God, he was a smooth talker, and the most handsome men I’d seen in eons. Under an umbrella of bright stars, the blue eyes sparkled like shiny gems.

“You’re right about the wine. I do prefer Chablis over beer.”

“I live two miles from here. Come home with me.”

* * *

Hope you enjoyed the Excerpt. Now, go here to read the entire story and enter the contest today if you haven't already!

On November 7th please return here and vote for the best HORROR STORY!

GO HERE NOW TO READ MORE HORROR STORIES

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Happy Halloween PUMPKIN' BUTTS!

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Here's a Real Urban Legend to Add to Your Halloween Repertoire

(Article from Wikipedia)

Edward "Sylver" Mordrake (sometimes written Edward Mordake) was reportedly the 19th century heir to an English peerage. He supposedly had an extra face on the back of his head, which could neither eat nor speak, although it could laugh and cry. Edward begged doctors to have his "demon head" removed, because, supposedly, it whispered horrible things to him at night, but no doctor would attempt it. He committed suicide at the age of 23.

The description of Edward Mordrake's condition is somewhat similar to those of Chang Tzu Ping and Pasqual Pinon. Both Mordrake and Pinon are featured as the 2 Very Special Cases on a list of 10 People With Extra Limbs or Digits in The Book of Lists edition of 1976 (which also lists cases of spontaneous combustion and UFO sightings).

It is difficult to establish the true facts behind Edward Mordake's condition due to the lack of reliable medical records. Not even his date of birth and death is recorded and there are conflicting accounts regarding his suicide, as well as placement and position of his extra face. Much of what is known is based on oral retelling.

The 1896 text Anomolies and Curiosities of Medicine mentions a version of the story and Edward has been featured in many texts, plays and even music as the Tom Waits song ‘Poor Edward’ is based on the story. However, the tale was considered false for quite some time. It was simply too fantastic to believe and, obviously, many parts of the story simply do not make medical sense – years of retelling warped what was likely a very real occurrence.

Tom Waits wrote a song about Edward Mordrake titled "Poor Edward" for his opera Alice. Waits performs the song on an album with the same name.

Have a wonderful Spook Day!

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Land of Falling Stars Scores Again With FAB Reviews

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BUY ON NOOK: http://bit.ly/nyDzns

BUY ON KINDLE: http://amzn.to/oqrFvd

BUY ON KINDLE UK: http://amzn.to/vCTkZO

Review from Hesperia Loves Books:

"Land of Falling Stars is a wonderful Historical Romance that captures the essence & traumatic experiences of the Civil War period beautifully. Author, Keta Diablo does a superb job of helping us travel back in time to the war-torn South with her superbly written & very detailed scenes.

Gavin, along with Sophie's dog, Ricochet, exude a fierceness that makes the book so worthwhile, and it leaves you feeling such satisfaction at what they accomplish. The secondary characters help round out the cast and added such an authentic aspect to the story. The ending was great, however, I wish that we would have seen more of Sophie & Gavin after they returned home. An Epilogue would have been wonderful and would have completed the book, IMO. So often in romance we get the angst & tumultuous road leading up to the HEA, which is great to turn the page, BUT I want to see them together too. If you love Historical Romance genre books then this should definitely go on your TBR list."

Gavin from Land of Falling Stars

Amazon Reader:

"Land of Falling Stars is a wonderful historical romance that takes place during the Civil War. This book is filled with so many different emotions. One moment you may be fanning yourself from their intense love making, the next moment might make you teary-eyed, and a little bit later you might find yourself thoroughly frustrated with these characters - but you'll love every minute of it. I wasn't quite expecting the book to end where it did, I wanted to know more. I don't know if there will be a sequel or not, but I would love to read more about these characters."

Ricochet from Land of Falling Stars

Amazon Reader:

"Diablo is one of my top finds from this year. Land Of Falling Stars is a awesome historical erotic romance set during the Civil War period. What I really like about Keta's story is how she balances out the plot with the hot and steamy sex. (Yes there's a lot of that going on). I think the way Gavin dealt with Sophia's blindness was admirable. This is the kind of event readers don't expect to find in a romance novel, but Keta made this work. I particularly loved the scenes with the gypsy clan, they were very descriptive. If you are looking for a new author to try and like historical romance...you have to give Keta Diablo a try!"

Sophia from Land of Falling Stars

Thank you so much for your support!

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

LAND OF FALLING STARS - Blog Tour

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Thank you so much for entering the BLOG TOUR Giveaways for

LAND OF FALLING STARS.

This is the last stop on the tour and I'll be choosing a winner tomorrow

for a $15.00 Amazon Gift Certificate.

Entry is simple.

YOU MUST BE FOLLOWING KETA'S KEEP

TO BE ELIGIBLE

and . . .

YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW

WITH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN CASE

YOU WIN!

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter here:

http://www.ketadiablo.com

I give away three books every time the newsletter is sent out.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE TOUR!

BUY LAND OF FALLING STARS HERE!

Kindle: http://amzn.to/oqrFvd

Nook: http://bit.ly/nyDzns

Namaste,

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

New Reviews for Land of Falling Stars!

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I can't tell you how excited I am about FOUR new reviews that just arrived for Land of Falling Stars. I posted a small snippet from each review below. Hope you'll celebrate with me!

“Wow wow wow! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! Think I loved it? Oh my goodness! It was awesome. Ms. Diablo is superbly talented and hooked me from the first page to the last page. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to stay with these characters and see what happened with them next. this is a MUST read! DEFINITELY more than 5 Books worthy in my opinion! FANTASTIC job, Ms. Diablo! LOVE your writing style!” Five Stars, Reviews by Molly

“Keta Diablo has brought another story that will make you feel as if you are right there living the lives of her characters. LAND OF FALLING STARS is a love story that will make you laugh, cheer and cry not only does it highlight the story between two people she also brings back the haunting tale of a war that tore a country apart. Definitely a must read!!!” Five Stars – RomFan

Reviews

“Action packed, roller coaster ride with loads of hot smexy action!! I hope we will get to see Gavin and Sophia again in the future. I could have kept reading on and on and not gotten a bit bored. This was a reading in one setting kind of book. If you love the Civil War and you want some hot smexy action with intrigue and yes, a few hair-pulling moments (in a good way) please I beg you, go get this book. It's so worth it!” Five Stars, Donna N. Goodreads

“Sophia & Gavin’s relationship is so full of angst you would think it would make the book unreadable, but Keta Diablo skillfully crafts their conflict & I found myself enchanted in spite of the I love you/I hate you see-saw they seem to be trapped on for most of the book. Land of Falling Stars is the steamiest North vs South romance I’ve ever read & one I highly recommend if you believe that love really does conquer all.” Five Stars, Kathy M. Goodreads

LAND OF FALLING STARS

An erotic romance Civil War novel

And May for Force Be With You . . .

BUY ON KINDLE

BUY ON NOOK

Sophia from Land of Falling Stars:

Gavin's dark secret lurks in Sophia’s future. When she discovers the truth, she's torn between a burning hunger for the man she truly loves and loyalty to Jesse, their childhood friend. The despicable acts of war have changed everything Sophia and Gavin once cherished. Yet somewhere deep in their hearts, the mystical Land of Falling Stars still exists.

DON'T MISS OUT! GET YOUR COPY OF LAND OF FALLING STARS AND --

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

October 21st - Land of Falling Stars TOUR Continues!

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STOP BY HESPERIA LOVES BOOKS TODAY, October 21st AND
LEAVE COMMENT TO WIN A BOOK!
GO HERE: HESPERIA LOVES BOOKS (CLICK HERE)

About Land of Falling Stars, an erotic romance/historical:

After her parents die in a fire, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved home, Arbor Rose. The Civil War has devastated the South, and another blue coat has come to steal her meager possessions. Before the hated enemy inflicts his destruction, she shoots him. And soon discovers the soldier is Gavin, the champion of her childhood.

Gavin's dark secret lurks in Sophia’s future. When she discovers the truth, she's torn between a burning hunger for the man she truly loves and loyalty to Jesse, their childhood friend. The despicable acts of war have changed everything Sophia and Gavin once cherished. Yet somewhere deep in their hearts, the mystical Land of Falling Stars still exists.

* An expanded version of the original best-selling Civil War novel

On Kindle $2.99: http://amzn.to/qsrw5D
On Nook $2.99: http://bit.ly/rqnmTS

Brought to you by Books We Love Spice! Read “Why I Wrote Land of Falling Stars” BOOKS WE LOVAE SPICE BLOG

~ ~ ~
Snippets of reviews:
“You haven’t lived until you’ve read Keta Diablo’s Land of Falling Stars.” Crave More Romance, 5 Stars

“LOFS Makes for one phenomenal read that will keep your heart pumping and the pages turning, not just from the delightfully sinful sex, oh no, the drama and suspense will carry you through till the end!” Book Junkie, 5 Stars

“Diablo pens a beautiful, haunting love story full of passion, deception, danger and the epic War between the states that will leave you breathless.” Night Owl Romance, 4.75 Stars

~ ~ ~

Find Keta on the Net:

Keta’s Haunt Author Home: http://www.ketadiablo.com

Keta’s Keep Romance Blog (follow) http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

Keta on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo.com

Keta on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author

The winner may choose any of Keta's books listed on her web site here: http:www.ketadiablo.com.This includes any of her gay fiction, historical and paranormal books (EXCEPT FOR LAND OF FALLING STARS). All you have to do is comment and leave your email addy. The giveaway is going to run from October 20th til Oct 27th, winner will be announced on the 28th!

Check out the whole tour for your chance to win at the end of the tour giveaway which is....

The next blog stop: E-Reading On The CHEAP

About The Author:

Keta Diablo is a multi-published author in romance (paranormal/historical) and gay fiction.

In 2009 her historical novel Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the RWA Molly contest
Decadent Deceptions on Kindle: http://amzn.to/dQj8WZ

In 2010 Keta finaled in The Scarlet Boa contest with her yet to be published novel Phoenix Rising

In 2011 Keta's paranormal/shifter Where The Rain Is Made was nominated for a BOOKIE AWARD by Authors After Dark

Where The Rain is Made on Kindle: http://amzn.to/ev0I3Y

Her Crossroads series (gay fiction) has won numerous awards, including Best Book of the Month, Recommended Read and Top Reviewer's Recommendation.

Crossroads on Kindle: http://amzn.to/fRni1t

Diablo has written for numerous publishers over the years, most recently Books We Love Spice and Decadent Publishing and occasionally self-publishes.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

FIVE Stars for Land of Falling Stars - WooHoo!

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LAND OF FALLING STARS

Reviews by MOLLY

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW MOLLY!

My Review:
Wow wow wow! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! Think I loved it? Oh my goodness! It was awesome. Ms. Diablo is superbly talented and hooked me from the first page to the last page. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to stay with these characters and see what happened with them next.

First, I want to say I LOVED the cover. Complete with the dog, Ricochet! I loved that doggy...he was an added bonus to the story. I love the southern flag on the front...guess that's because I'm a southern girl ;-). It's just a wonderful eye catching cover.

Next, I loved the story line. I loved how it center on the Civil War and the devastation it caused Virginia....Gavin's character fit the role he played in the story extremely well. The secret he has from his childhood friend, Sophia, is a tough burden to bear, but he can't imagine life with out. So, he holds that secret in, trying to find a way to tell her with out her hating him.

Bless Sophia. I loved her character ALMOST as much as I loved Gavin (there's just something about hunky, sexy, gorgeous Civil War soldier......). She's loved him since child hood, but bless her, she's too stubborn to admit it! She's bound and determined that their best friend Jesse is the man for her to marry. The Yanks have already taken everything from her....so when she sees one more wandering down the road toward Arbor Rose, she shoots him down. Imagine her shock when she realizes it's her prince from childhood, Gavin!

The sparks of passion that ignite between them two are UHmazing! Whewee, it got HOT when they started giving in to those erotic passions and the romance that ensued.....well, let's just say that I want a Gavin ;-).

A mix of amazingly detailed history (I could actually feel myself in the heart of Virginia, seeing the devastation the War caused), passionately erotic romance, twists and turns of some suspenseful events, and one lovable wolfhound named Ricochet, this is a MUST read! DEFINITELY more than 5 Books worthy in my opinion! FANTASTIC job, Ms. Diablo! LOVE your writing style!

~ ~ ~ ~

BUY LOFS ON KINDLE (click here)

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

WIN A BOOK! Stop by and leave a comment!

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BUT I NEED TO LET YOU KNOW HOW TO WIN BOOKS AND

AN AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATE!

STOP HERE TODAY (THE 17th)

AND LEAVE A COMMENT

TO WIN A BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE!

PARANORMAL OPINION BLOG

And Don't forget on the 25th of October you

can win an AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATE

BY LEAVING A COMMENT AT

KETA'S KEEP (right here!)

CLICK HERE TO BUY LAND OF FALLING STARS

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10 comments

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Sojourn With a Stranger - Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews!

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Thank you so much Moonflower at Whipped Cream for the wonderful review!

Sojourn with a Stranger by Keta Diablo
Publisher: Books We Love Publishing Partners
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (144 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries, Review by: Moonflower

BUY ON KINDLE

BUY ON NOOK

$2.99

Penniless when she arrives in Norfolk, her mother and father drowned at sea, Raine Brinsley longs to return home to her grandfather in Maine. When Derek Stafford, owner of an affluent manor, offers a solution to her dilemma, Raine is stunned. And outraged. She agrees to fulfill the contract to bear his child, and vows to dispel every memory of the cad from her mind. Will her traitorous heart listen?

Derek’s only goal in life is to father an heir for Stafford House to secure his future. But the exquisite Scottish lass arrives at the manor and interferes with his best-laid plans, and his heart. After one night in her arms, guilt, and the loss of his soul become his penance. He’ll do anything to win her love, anything to quench his tormenting hunger.
This is my first experience reading a paranormal romance with a ghost element and it was exceptional!

Guided by a ghost from the past, these two lovers are drawn together by need, mystery and attraction. Neither knows what the future holds, but justice and fate has a way of making everything right again in the world.

Raine Brinsley is an amazing woman. She is emotionally sturdy and very level headed. After losing her parents in a boating accident, she refuses to take charity and the offer for passage to her only remaining relative, her grandfather in Maine. Though she has no experience with any form of labor or running of a household, she decides she would rather work then take a hand out. As the story progresses, she holds firm and perseveres, by not being foolish and swooning to Derek’s charm and standing up to him when he was an arrogant jerk. I truly enjoyed everything about her.

Derek Stafford is the second born to a prominent Virginia family. He has survived the death of his wife and all of his children. He’s heart is beyond the ability to love. His practical side is determined to produce an heir for the estate before his brother does. Derek’s emotions have been put on the back burner due to his loss in life. One sight of Raine though and his walls start to crumble.

Sojourn with a Stranger has an amazing supporting cast. Everyone had an important role and Ms. Diablo used them all skillfully. She incorporated the characters into the story right alongside ghosts, voodoo and intrigue. It was done seamlessly and in no way felt forced.

The story is placed in post civil war era. I enjoy historical romances, but I do not enjoy books that are more facts then story. I’m not a stickler when it comes to these types of books. I like the historical feel of them, but if I wanted to know about history I’d pick up an encyclopedia. In Sojourn with a Stranger, I was not bogged down with useless information. I felt like I was in the period, but could sit back and enjoy the essence of the book, the romance.

This is also a well paced novel. The set up was thorough and well thought out. I could feel the desire building between Raine and Derek and understand their reluctance to grasp it. This story is on the very light erotica side. The sex scenes were pleasantly written, more quality then quantity. In fact, they were perfect.

Every single word in the book was exquisitely used and there was no fluff or filler. The author blended everything together perfectly. Her depictions of the characters, historical ambiance, sexual electricity and heady romance enhanced the story superbly.

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Monday, October 3, 2011

Erotica Writers BRENDA & STEVE Are in the KEEP! Woohoo!

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AUTHOR BIO:

Steve Tindle and Brenda Woody were high school friends in Georgia who reconnected, on a social network, after 30 years of leading separate lives. During their re-acquaintance, they found their past and interests were similar; they had written poems, songs, and both had the desire to be published. Their combined experiences and fantasies inspired their first erotic novel “Best Lover in Town”, published June 2010. Brenda moved to Dallas in 2009 to be closer to Steve, start a new chapter of her life and work on future books. Their second book “Temptation Triggers”, an anthology of erotic short stories, was published June 2011. “Black & White Affair”, submitted in a holiday contest 2010, has been expanded and is available as a short read. Future projects include “Triangle of Secrets, Book One and 2 more books to be released in 2011. Their stories are penned with the perspective of both male and female point of view regarding sexual desires and pleasures.

* * *

Triangle of Secrets, Book One, is the story of three ordinary people trying to make their way in the corporate world and keeping their personal lives out of it. Morgan, the Vice President of a prestigious company, dates her best friend and co-worker, Derek, to hide her secret affair with Scott, the much younger mail clerk. Derek appears with Morgan socially to hide the fact he is gay. He is afraid his lifestyle will hinder promotions. Scott wants out of the mail room and will do anything his lover asks of him. What happens when Derek and Scott meet at Morgan’s house to fulfill her wildest fantasy? Will the triangle break or will it be completed?

Short version

Triangle of Secrets, Book One, an erotic M/M/F story of Derek, Scott and Morgan. What happens when Derek and Scott meet at Morgan’s house to fulfill her wildest fantasy? Will the triangle break or will it be completed?

* * *

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

AUTHOR BLOG
TWITTER

AUTHOR WEB SITE

Purchase sites:

All books on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/3da3vkb

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/brendaandsteve

All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Brenda+Woody+and+Steve+Tindle

Xcite Books

B&W http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005H86TA0

BLT http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMOGRC

TOS http://www.erotica-romance-ebooks.com/triangle-of-secrets-book-one.html

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

EXCERPT - Land of Falling Stars (Erotic)

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BUY AT ALL ROMANCE E-BOOKS (Intro Price $2.69)

HERE: http://bit.ly/qtv5vY

Setup to Excerpt

Set-up: Gavin is wounded from a knife fight with one of the villains. He finds Sophia hiding in a barn after the fight.

~ ~ ~

Sophia pressed her back against the rough-hewn planks of the stable wall and inched her way down to a bed of hay at her feet. With her heart thudding, she closed her eyes and willed the brutal images to leave her mind. Gavin could be dead, his blood seeping into the ground. The irony. Three years he'd been gone, fought in a hundred battles only to be killed after he'd come back . . . back to her. Oh, God, she couldn't think about it, couldn't stand to watch him die. She ran hard and fast the second Billy sliced through the soft, golden skin she longed to touch again. Sweet Mother of Jesus, what if he was dead and she’d never . . . .

"I found you."

She lifted her head and looked into Gavin's eyes. A horse neighed several stalls

over and the moon spun out from a patch of clouds shrouding his lean body. His bare chest oozed blood and trickled into his waistband.

Relief flooded her and then panic. "You're bleeding again."

"Am I?" He glanced down at the wound and back to her face. "It looks worse than

it is."

She hesitated when he held his hand out. She didn’t know what would happen when her skin come into contact with his. Beneath his bold perusal, she lifted her trembling hand.

"You're frightened," he said, his forehead creased. “Of me, Sophia?"

She shook her head and hoped he didn't see through her lie. After witnessing his

rage moments ago, she didn't know what to expect from him.

"I would never," he said in a hoarse tone, "harm you." Moving in, he forced her back against the wooden planks. His warm breath fanned her cheeks. "I don't want you to fear me, ever." His chest rose and fell on torn breaths, and his mouth hovered over hers, mingling their breaths. "Kiss me, Sophia."

She looked into his eyes, transfixed by the depth of passion residing there. He placed his hands on the wall and bracketed her head. Their lips met. In the aftermath of the violence, she expected a harsh, demanding kiss, but it was anything but. Gentle and languorous, it shook her to the very core. His tongue caressed her lower lip seeking entry. She responded without thought, parting her lips on a small moan. The erotic dance against the tip of her tongue sent a stream of wild sensations through her limbs. Her hands sought the warm flesh of his chest, every inch ridged muscle. He flinched when her fingers made contact with the fresh wound. Astounded by the emptiness she felt when he broke from the kiss, she gathered her battered senses and looked into his eyes.

“Is that how it felt when Jesse kissed you?"

Trapped between the wall and his body, she looked away from those wicked eyes.

Deliriously weak, shocking images of him crushing her beneath him stormed through her mind. Dear God, what's the matter with me? Promised to Jesse, bound to him heart and soul, I can’t allow myself to think about Gavin's powerful limbs tangled in my bed sheets, his head thrashing in delirium, or his hot, feverish eyes. Since Gavin had returned, her mind swam with carnal thoughts of the man.

A hand came down and lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Hmm, Sophia, is it?"

"I'm so befuddled." Tears pooled in her eyes. "What about Jesse? I promised I'd wait no matter what happened, but . . . ." To speak her heart would be the epitome of betrayal to the person they’d both loved since the day they sailed the Rappahannock dressed as pirates.

He kissed her eyelids. "If he returned tomorrow, you'd fall into his arms; pretend you feel nothing for me, deny this passion between us?"

"Gavin, don't . . . ." She averted her face.

He tightened his grip on her chin, his tone harsh. "Would you, Sophia?"

"Yes," she whispered. "I'd go to him, banish this from my mind."

"It would be that easy?"

"Not easy, Gavin, but . . . ."

"You need to leave Arbor Rose!" His raised voice startled her. "There's nothing left for you here! Your parents are dead and Jesse isn't . . . ."

Without conscious thought, she slapped him. "Don't say it! I can't leave Arbor Rose. Jesse will return and−”

"He's not coming back and you have to face it." He brought a hand to her cheek. "The entire country is about to explode, and if you had any god-given sense, you'd go to your mother's people in Illinois."

She narrowed her eyes, her tone icy. "Let me go. Jesse's coming back and when he does I'm going to keep my promise and marry him.” Her voice softened. "We must forget this, whatever it is."

She shivered from the volatile emotion in his eyes. The same feral snarl that came over him when he crushed Billy and his companions spewed from his lips. He grabbed her wrists, pinned them over her head, and took her mouth, hard. His tongue plundered her lips and forced them apart. She writhed to free herself, but he held her fast, imprisoning her in their mutual desire. Erotic pleasure surged through her veins. Her fingers moved to his long, black hair and she seemed incapable of stopping the moans from the back of her throat.

Clinging to him like a child, she whimpered, "Gavin . . . please."

"You want me, admit it," he said against her mouth.

He clutched a length of her skirt and shoved it over her hips, allowing his fingers to slide up the hot flesh of her thighs. A sound erupted from her throat again, no longer a moan of pleasure but a sob. He stopped on a heartbeat, stepped back and dropped his hands to his sides. Their eyes locked. His shone with lust and anger. She wanted to draw back, knew she should flee but something powerful held her immobilized. Warning bells rang in her head yet she longed to return to his kiss, feel his body against hers.

He drew a deep breath. "Leave, Sophia, now!"

She inched her way along the wall, turned to look at him one last time and scurried through the door.

Hope you enjoyed!