New Release: Field of Play

Greetings! Apologies for being absent recently, it’s for a very good reason, me and my family have moved and it’s taken time to get settled and feel at home, as you can imagine.

The good news is, I’ve a New Release! That’s right. Field of Play, Alexandria Griffins Book 2, is Available Now at Amazon, B&N Nook, Apple Books, Kobo, Smashwords, and More! Links to be added shortly!

If you’re a reader, you may be familiar with Quarterback Blitz, featuring QB Kyran Black and Anna James, the mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, which launched the Alexandria Griffins series. Field of Play, features star wideout/wide receiver Dallas McKay who hires PI Grace Daniels to help him find his birth parents. It’s a hot, contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and, as always, a Happily Ever After ending!

Here’s a Blurb:

When PI Grace Daniels meets swoon-worthy football star Dallas McKay, she wouldn’t mind engaging in a little consensual unnecessary roughness with him! But this is a job, and she will remain professional no matter how much McKay’s charming grin threatens to draw her offsides.
A career-ending attack on a teammate has Dallas searching for answers about his past and birth family. When a snowed-in weekend puts him and Grace in an unexpected timeout, they share secrets, desires…and realize they have far more in common than meets the eye.
Except once the snow thaws and Grace’s investigation begins in earnest, conspiratorial outsiders threaten to turn the field of play into a dangerous game. Can Grace and Dallas unravel and expose their opponents before time runs out?

Excerpt:

On a third and long with one last shot at the endzone, QB Ricky Weathers lasered the football to wideout Dallas McKay, who caught it in stride and ran into the endzone, scoring the game-winning TD as the clock struck zero!

“They did it, Anna, the Griffins pulled off a miracle comeback,” Grace shouted to her friend, both of them on their feet as rock music blasted throughout the stadium, the players rushed the field, and crowd positively electric.

Caught up in moment, Grace whipped off her glove, tucked two fingers between her lips, and blew a two-fingered whistle, miraculously seeming to draw Dallas away from his teammates only to remove his helmet and stare—at her! 

“Oh my god, Grace, you better sit down, Dallas just chose to celebrate that TD with you,” Anna Black warned a heartbeat before he sprinted toward them, scaled a ramp, then hopped over a railing to stand right in front of her just as she reclaimed her seat.

“Hi, you must be Grace,” he said, surprising her further by offering the football still in his hand. “Think you could hold this for me until we meet up later?”

“Um, sure,” she answered, reaching for the ball just as he suddenly slipped on something and ended up in her lap! “Oh, my god, I’m so sorry.”

“No apologies, beautiful. Are you hurt?” he asked, the warmth of his body combined with the deep resonance with a hint of a southern drawl in his voice heating her up far better than the puffy coat, gloves, and hiking boots with little warming packs inside.

“Not at all, Mr. McKay,” she assured, glancing over at Anna, who was beaming at the interaction.

“Name’s Dallas. As to the ball, it’s for a kid who couldn’t make it tonight and I’d like to make sure nothing happens to it.”

“In that case, I’ll keep it safe. Promise,” she said, being certain to put her glove back on before accepting the ball.

“Thanks. Please, forgive me for the botched introduction,” he said, his compelling dark brown eyes drawing her attention to his incredibly handsome face that must’ve been chiseled by fallen angels.

“I don’t know, having Dallas McKay on my lap is icing on the cake after that TD,” she countered, blinking when snowflakes peppered his straight shoulder-length raven-black hair. My god, he was sex in a football uniform and cleats.

“Congrats on that TD, Dallas, you and Ricky have honed the two-minute drill to perfection,” Anna said from the seat next to her.

Dallas looked over at Anna, smiled, then got to his feet. His height was otherworldly. Exactly how tall Grace didn’t know, but at six-two, it was rare for her to feel petite.

“Hey, Anna, thanks for the props. God, tell me I didn’t hurt you or the babies when I slipped,” he asked when she got to her feet to hug him then stepped back. 

“I’m good, don’t you worry. Before you go back to your teammates, allow me to make the introduction official. Dallas McKay, this is Grace Daniels.” 

“Kinda figured that out when I heard her whistle. Hi, Grace, nice to meet you,” he said, accepting her offer for a handshake, his touch giving her butterflies despite the gloves, his gentle pull drawing her to her feet. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too,” she replied, grinning. “Matter of fact, I’m thinking it’s time to retire my collection of baseball jerseys for one of yours.” 

“What’s this? You don’t have a Dallas McKay jersey?” he teased, releasing her hand to rest his own over his heart, making her laugh.

“Sorry, no, but in my defense, I grew up playing baseball and softball, the latter of which got me into Maryland on a scholarship.”

“Nothing wrong with that. What position?”

“Catcher. Tended to be a line drive hitter, racked up RBIs.”

“Nice. Would love to learn more about it. Do you have a stadium pass?” he asked, making a gesture in midair and Anna handed him a Sharpie.

“I do,” Grace said, jostling the football long enough to dig into the pocket of her winter coat and withdrawing a lanyard with a plastic card attached that would afford her access to the interwoven network behind the scenes of the stadium.

“This should get you through security quickly. Any problems, Anna will know what to do,” he assured, scrawling VIP and his name across the card in indelible marker.

“Appreciate it,” she replied, willing herself not to let the cameras catch her appreciating his fantastic ass as he turned toward someone on the field shouting his name.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me tonight.” Giving her his full attention again, something in his gaze shifted, the heat reflected stoking her awareness of him in a way that had nothing to do with the reason they were meeting in the first place. “Of course, already looking forward to it,” she agreed, retaining the football and her pass as he withdrew, navigating the wall as easily as he’d scaled it the first time. 

Buy Links: https://books2read.com/u/bopW5p

Second Chance Inn, Available Now!

Wanted to share with my readers that a previously released Contemporary Romance with Suspense Elements is available now exclusively at Amazon for Kindle or the Kindle App. Even better, it’s available free for a limited time. After the special deal ends, it’ll also be available at Kindle Unlimited, and remain at a low price if you don’t have a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Here’s a little background on Second Chance Inn, which is the start of a series featuring characters in need of a second chance, in some cases, it could be a second chance at love. In others, a second career.

Welcome to the Second Chance Inn! If you’re in need of a cold beer, pub grub, rock and roll, a game of poker, or a place to hang your hat, come on in and stay awhile. Be sure to ask about our B&B and Happy Hour Specials!

In need of a new start, Bostonian accountant Mackenzie Chance arrives in Hawthorn, South Dakota determined to restore the rustic inn she’s inherited from her grandfather. She never expects world renowned rocker Ace Blackburn, her unrequited first love, to turn up at the door just as a blizzard begins. Much less the irresistible attraction they share when she welcomes him inside.

While the snow piles up, they bare their souls, soon becoming lovers as they plan to turn the Second Chance Inn into a place where employees, customers, and tourists can renew or reinvent themselves.
But when the storm ends, will they see their plans come to fruition, or lose everything when the past she’s left behind returns with a vengeance?

Good Girl Gone Bad Book Blast

#Giveaway & #BookBlast – #GoodGirlGoneBad by #FrancesStockton

Good Girl Gone Bad

Brandt’s Dozen Book 2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Blurb

Sage Grayson’s world is torn apart when a video of her getting wild with a

stripper during a bachelorette party goes viral. Needing help, she turns to her

aunt, who enlists former Navy SEAL Kristian Rodriquez to be her bodyguard.

Finding him sexy-as-sin, she intends to remain professional, though it isn’t long

before their attraction ignites temptation. After a stalker’s obsession with Sage’s

traumatic past is revealed, Kristian realizes her life is in danger and takes her

into protective custody.

At a remote cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kristian and Sage unburden their

souls, falling in love. When their location is compromised, it’ll require a team of

former Special Ops soldiers and detectives to stop a killer before it’s too late.

Author’s Note: Be advised that the heroine in this story is the survivor of sexual

assault and certain situations, memories, and elements may be difficult to read.

Excerpt

March—Reigning Men All Male Revue—Baltimore

“To a weekend with no rules!” Sage shouted to overcome the pounding music and catcalls all around the club.

Downing a Fireball, the cinnamon-hot whiskey scorched a trail straight to her gut, giving her courage to whistle as loudly as the other women enjoying the six gorgeous men costumed as legendary heroes throughout history, their choreography candid and erotic.

In truth, the strip club was a blast. But, for Sage, it was less about gorgeous male dancers and more about seeing her best friend having fun. Whether it was the stress of planning a wedding, taking law classes, or the down payment on a house, Bailey hadn’t laughed or smiled in months.  

“Enjoying yourself, Bailey?” Sage asked, leaning close enough to be heard over the music.

“Are you kidding? The dancers are hot and I’m crushing on the one dressed as Sir Galahad.”

“Just remember, tomorrow, we’re going to a spa, then shopping. Tonight, we get to play.”

“Amen!” Bailey agreed, raising her glass high in the air. Joining her, Sage clinked her glass and downed the shot that reminded her of the cinnamon hot candy she’d loved as a kid.

Two shots later, Sage couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong. Bailey still looked unhappy.

“Bailey, are you sure you’re alright? If you’re having doubts about the wedding, don’t hesitate to speak up. You know I’ll support you, so will Gretchen and your parents.”  

“We’ll talk when I don’t have to shout,” Bailey promised.

Sage would have said more but the music went quiet, a spotlight centered on the main stage, a red rose in the center of the circle of white cast on the black curtain. At some point the six dancers had gone to side stages set up strategically about the room.

From out of nowhere, their waiter appeared to cap off their drinks or refill shot glasses. They’d paid for the VIP treatment, gaining the best view of the stage and the waiter was adorable with his nerdy glasses and babyface looks.

“Ladies, who’s ready to play with our resident fallen angel, Azrael, who can tempt anyone to sin,” an unseen DJ enticed, his voice familiar as a blast from the past, the lighting going dark as a red spotlight centered on a black velvet curtain.

The sudden appearance of a longhaired masked man with black angel wings and black leather pants that left nothing to the imagination caused Sage to gasp. Whoa! Azrael was hotter than any of the strippers she’d seen so far. And, boy, there was something about him that called to her inner bad girl.

Gretchen Thomas whistled and poured another round. Sage downed hers in a single gulp, the cinnamon heat working its magic. Bailey, who wore a white tee shirt that read bachelorette #1 and a tiara on her head, did the same and they shared a playful smile.

Music kicked up even louder, the women got rowdier, and Azrael hadn’t even done more than handing out roses he’d managed to produce out of thin air to those who’d been fortunate enough to surround the stage. Obviously, the dancer was trained in magic, but the twenties and fifties in the women’s hands suggested it was no illusion as to why they’d bypassed the plethora of bouncers.

Sage suddenly found herself leaning forward when Azrael’s wings morphed into a long black cloak with red lining, his roses replaced with a red bullwhip secured to his belt, and a red mask covered his eyes. Holy cow, red was her favorite color! Could this night get any better? She hoped so. And, hey, she’d found the perfect red velvet dress that made her feel both pretty and a little bit like a vampire due to the flow of the handkerchief hem about her calves.

“I think the angel is a vampire in disguise,” Bailey shouted.

“Or a Dom, hell, I’d let him tie me up if given the chance,” Sage responded, causing Bailey’s bridal party to laugh out loud and down another round of Fireballs. When they’d been refilled, she couldn’t say, though this time she suspected it was their adorable twenty-something server who wore a tux, suspenders, and a dapper bowtie.

Drawn back to the stage, Sage realized something had changed. Oh no, Azrael was leaving his post…and coming straight for the VIP table.

“Whose naughty enough to come up on stage with me?” Azrael asked them. “The bride-to-be?”

“Oh no, my fiancé wouldn’t like it,” Bailey denied, shaking her head.

“Come on, when’s the wedding?”

“End of June,” she answered, swallowing hard, as if it hurt to talk.   

“Months away, come on. Promise, I won’t bite and tell,” he urged.

“Go, Bailey, have fun while you can,” Sage tempted, laughing.

“Or, call things off before it’s too late,” her sister remarked.

“You’re just equating every man with Steve.”

“This has nothing to do with the biggest mistake of my life.”

“I’d think dating him after what he did to our brother should’ve been a clue.”

“Ouch! I loved him as much as you did.”

“I’ll join you, Azrael,” Sage offered, mainly to ease the sudden tension between the two sisters.  

Uncertain if he’d heard her speak up, she jumped when his gloved hand caught her wrist. Bringing her to her feet, he halted when she paused to grab her cane. “You need that, honey?”

“No, just need a little stability,” she answered, relieved when he took her elbow as he led the way to the stage, his grip as stabilizing as her cane would’ve been.

The next thing she knew, they were front and center. The DJ spoke, again his voice familiar, the music turning dark, sultry, and wicked. The lighting overhead fading to red. Looking back at the dancer, she couldn’t help feeling a little nervous. The truth was, it’d been so long since she’d interacted with a man other than a friend and she kinda felt virginal.

The first song ended, the music merging to something trippy and electronic, her focus on Azrael, who only had to crook his finger once to get her moving to a contraption that looked like a medieval torture device.

Out of nowhere, he produced a length of red rope, came closer, and spoke in her ear. “You up for a little fun?”

“Good to go,” she said.

He waited a moment longer, then proceeded to bend her over the contraption and bind her wrists to a pair of restraints already in place. Having spent enough time in community theater to recognize how easily she could get out of her predicament, she went with it, enjoying her moment in the spotlight.

The crowd grew wild when his cloak came off, the bullwhip sailing this way and that, never once striking her. Little by little, with the snap of the whip’s tail, Azrael’s clothing was coming off, boots, a belt, leathers, a shirt, finally a red mask. It took a second to realize why. Oh, my goodness, Azrael was giving her a view of a bite-worthy ass exposed by a barely-there G-string.

Then he turned around and she felt her mouth drop open. The man was ripped, bare of body hair, and glistening with body oil. Holy archangel, given the significant bulge behind a triangle of black leather, he was either stuffed with a couple pairs of socks or hung like a horse.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083FLTYHC

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-girl-gone-bad-frances-stockton/1135918223?ean=2940163903221

Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1493449940

Any other retailers and links: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/good-girl-gone-bad-17

AUTHOR BIO

My love for storytelling began when I created my first fictional characters in kindergarten, convincing my family and friends that Red Henry and Green Henry were identical twin brothers in my school. They were mischievous, rarely did their homework, and even had girlfriends! Years later, I started to write, completing my first manuscript in middle school. I confess the heroine was a cross between a contemporary Laura Ingalls Wilder and Nancy Drew, who’d been dating one of the Hardy Boys, but when I wrote “the end” I’d known I had more stories to tell. 

To learn more about me, my books, and what’s coming next, check out my new website and blog: https://francesstocktonauthor.com/

Author Social Media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francesmstockton

Website: https://francesstocktonauthor.com/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/francesstockton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francesstockton/

Giveaway

Enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card

Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f72363ce210/?

presented by:

Good Girl Gone Bad

Good Morning and Happy New Year! It’s been a busy Holiday Season featuring travel, studying, and preparing for a New Release! That’s right. I’ve a brand new release available now from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and Apple Books, as well as library and subscription services. Below is a convenient link to Amazon.

Here’s a little about Good Girl Gone Bad!

Good Girl Gone Bad

Brandt’s Dozen: Book Two

Sage Grayson’s world is torn apart when a video of her getting wild with a stripper during a bachelorette party goes viral. Needing help, she turns to her aunt, who enlists former Navy SEAL Kristian Rodriquez to be her bodyguard.

Finding him sexy-as-sin, she intends to remain professional, though it isn’t long before their attraction ignites temptation. After a stalker’s obsession with Sage’s traumatic past is revealed, Kristian realizes her life is in danger and takes her into protective custody.

At a remote cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kristian and Sage unburden their souls, falling in love. When their location is compromised, it’ll require a team of former Special Ops soldiers and detectives to stop a killer before it’s too late.

Author’s Note: Be advised that the heroine in this story is the survivor of sexual assault and certain situations, memories, and elements may be difficult to read.

• 

How about an excerpt!

One

March—Reigning Men All Male Revue—Baltimore

“To a weekend with no rules!” Sage shouted to overcome the pounding music and catcalls all around the club.

Downing a Fireball, the cinnamon-hot whiskey scorched a trail straight to her gut, giving her courage to whistle as loudly as the other women enjoying the six gorgeous men costumed as legendary heroes throughout history, their choreography candid and erotic.

In truth, the strip club was a blast. But, for Sage, it was less about gorgeous male dancers and more about seeing her best friend having fun. Whether it was the stress of planning a wedding, taking law classes, or the down payment on a house, Bailey hadn’t laughed or smiled in months. 

“Enjoying yourself, Bailey?” Sage asked, leaning close enough to be heard over the music.

“Are you kidding? The dancers are hot and I’m crushing on the one dressed as Sir Galahad.”

“Just remember, tomorrow, we’re going to a spa, then shopping. Tonight, we get to play.”

“Amen!” Bailey agreed, raising her glass high in the air. Joining her, Sage clinked her glass and downed the shot that reminded her of the cinnamon hot candy she’d loved as a kid.

Two shots later, Sage couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong. Bailey still looked unhappy.

“Bailey, are you sure you’re alright? If you’re having doubts about the wedding, don’t hesitate to speak up. You know I’ll support you, so will Gretchen and your parents.” 

“We’ll talk when I don’t have to shout,” Bailey promised.

Sage would have said more but the music went quiet, a spotlight centered on the main stage, a red rose in the center of the circle of white cast on the black curtain. At some point the six dancers had gone to side stages set up strategically about the room.

From out of nowhere, their waiter appeared to cap off their drinks or refill shot glasses. They’d paid for the VIP treatment, gaining the best view of the stage and the waiter was adorable with his nerdy glasses and babyface looks.

“Ladies, who’s ready to play with our resident fallen angel, Azrael, who can tempt anyone to sin,” an unseen DJ enticed, his voice familiar as a blast from the past, the lighting going dark as a red spotlight centered on a black velvet curtain.

The sudden appearance of a longhaired masked man with black angel wings and black leather pants that left nothing to the imagination caused Sage to gasp. Whoa! Azrael was hotter than any of the strippers she’d seen so far. And, boy, there was something about him that called to her inner bad girl.

Gretchen Thomas whistled and poured another round. Sage downed hers in a single gulp, the cinnamon heat working its magic. Bailey, who wore a white tee shirt that read bachelorette #1 and a tiara on her head, did the same and they shared a playful smile.

Music kicked up even louder, the women got rowdier, and Azrael hadn’t even done more than handing out roses he’d managed to produce out of thin air to those who’d been fortunate enough to surround the stage. Obviously, the dancer was trained in magic, but the twenties and fifties in the women’s hands suggested it was no illusion as to why they’d bypassed the plethora of bouncers.

Sage suddenly found herself leaning forward when Azrael’s wings morphed into a long black cloak with red lining, his roses replaced with a red bullwhip secured to his belt, and a red mask covered his eyes. Holy cow, red was her favorite color! Could this night get any better? She hoped so. And, hey, she’d found the perfect red velvet dress that made her feel both pretty and a little bit like a vampire due to the flow of the handkerchief hem about her calves.

“I think the angel is a vampire in disguise,” Bailey shouted.

“Or a Dom, hell, I’d let him tie me up if given the chance,” Sage responded, causing Bailey’s bridal party to laugh out loud and down another round of Fireballs. When they’d been refilled, she couldn’t say, though this time she suspected it was their adorable twenty-something server who wore a tux, suspenders, and a dapper bowtie.

Drawn back to the stage, Sage realized something had changed. Oh no, Azrael was leaving his post…and coming straight for the VIP table.

“Whose naughty enough to come up on stage with me?” Azrael asked them. “The bride-to-be?”

“Oh no, my fiancé wouldn’t like it,” Bailey denied, shaking her head.

“Come on, when’s the wedding?”

“End of June,” she answered, swallowing hard, as if it hurt to talk.  

“Months away, come on. Promise, I won’t bite and tell,” he urged.

“Go, Bailey, have fun while you can,” Sage tempted, laughing.

“Or, call things off before it’s too late,” her sister remarked.

“You’re just equating every man with Steve.”

“This has nothing to do with the biggest mistake of my life.”

“I’d think dating him after what he did to our brother should’ve been a clue.”

“Ouch! I loved him as much as you did.”

“I’ll join you, Azrael,” Sage offered, mainly to ease the sudden tension between the two sisters. 

Uncertain if he’d heard her speak up, she jumped when his gloved hand caught her wrist. Bringing her to her feet, he halted when she paused to grab her cane. “You need that, honey?”

“No, just need a little stability,” she answered, relieved when he took her elbow as he led the way to the stage, his grip as stabilizing as her cane would’ve been.

The next thing she knew, they were front and center. The DJ spoke, again his voice familiar, the music turning dark, sultry, and wicked. The lighting overhead fading to red. Looking back at the dancer, she couldn’t help feeling a little nervous. The truth was, it’d been so long since she’d interacted with a man other than a friend and she kinda felt virginal.

The first song ended, the music merging to something trippy and electronic, her focus on Azrael, who only had to crook his finger once to get her moving to a contraption that looked like a medieval torture device.

Out of nowhere, he produced a length of red rope, came closer, and spoke in her ear. “You up for a little fun?”

“Good to go,” she said.

He waited a moment longer, then proceeded to bend her over the contraption and bind her wrists to a pair of restraints already in place. Having spent enough time in community theater to recognize how easily she could get out of her predicament, she went with it, enjoying her moment in the spotlight.

Quarterback Blitz, Available Now!

I’m so excited! One of my favorite books, first published by Ellora’s Cave, is available at Amazon and Kobo, with more vendors, from Nook to iBooks, coming soon. To celebrate, I thought I’d give readers a peak into Anna and Kyran’s romance. Please keep in mind, this book has been substantially rewritten, re-imagined, and revamped, with additional chapters, scenes, stakes, and launches a three-book series featuring professional football players and the Alexandria Griffins.

Check out a blurb:

All Anna James wants for her fortieth birthday is a ladies’ night out, her plans stalled when she ends up stuck in her griffin costume. As the mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, she never expects to be rescued by the star of her midnight fantasies, quarterback Kyran Black. Dubbed “The Rebel” by the press because of his long hair, tattoos, and playboy stats off the field, he’s everything she should avoid…but still craves and Anna agrees to celebrate her birthday with him.

Certain she’s too old for him, she intends to guard her heart, but he blitzes her defenses, proving to be so much more than a legendary athlete with a media-driven reputation. But when their romantic weekend evolves into love, a blast from his bad boy past returns with a vengeance, threatening to tear their worlds apart.

Can their love overcome the pressures of living in the spotlight, or will they lose the future they’ve only begun to build?

Excerpt with a hint of mystery:

Checking his phone, he noticed a text from Dallas letting him know the coast was clear. Good, one less thing to worry about. Sending a text asking his friend to bring his duffel bag to the hallway outside the women’s locker room, he hoped he wouldn’t need to go into an explanation. When he got an okay emoji in response, he relaxed and put the phone next to Anna’s purse.

He’d just withdrawn his hand when a terrible scream sent him running toward the shower room that wasn’t much different than the men’s.

“Anna,” he called out over the sound of water, steam flooding the whole room, her yips and yelps making his heart race like a jackrabbit. Sliding to a halt when he reached the last stall, he slid open the curtain only to panic when he realized he couldn’t even see her.

“No, don’t come in here. It’s too hot and I can’t reach the faucet to shut off the water.”

“Fuck that,” he growled, charging forward, the water pelting his shoulders making him hiss. “Shit!”

At last, he found the knob, requiring three turns before the water shut off. Waving at the steam, he found Anna sitting in the corner of the stall, hugging herself, her head bowed, the skin on her shoulders bright pink. Hating to see her that way, he sat down next to her, his back against the wall, his knees bent.

“Go home, Kyran, I’m sure you’ve a thousand things to do after a game.”

“The only thing I need to take care of right now is you,” he assured, meaning it. “Can I get you anything, first aid cream, aloe? I’m an excellent masseuse.”

“That’s kind of you, but unnecessary. It was weird, you know? The warm water suddenly went cold and when I tried to turn the knob, it became way too hot and I panicked. I’m sorry to have frightened you.”

“That is weird and I’m going to take it up with stadium management ASAP. That should not happen, Anna.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’ll ask how you knew about the hot water mix up.”

“Trust me, I can inform them of the fault in the plumbing without bringing your name into it. I sure as hell can’t let anyone else use this shower until it’s been checked. Come on, let me see if you’ve been burned.”

“Um, I’m naked.”

“That’s okay, most people take showers without clothes on.”

“And, there’s still shampoo in my hair. This was the last straw in a day from hell and all I want is to curl up in bed, watch a movie that’ll make me cry, and eat a gallon of rocky road ice cream,” she grumbled, her panicked breaths muffled when she dropped her head onto her forearm and cried.

“Don’t cry. Please don’t, that’ll kill me,” he urged, getting nowhere. Didn’t matter that his ass was sitting in water that was still too hot for comfort. All he could do was turn to her, take her elbow and tug, next thing he knew, she’d crawled onto his lap, snuggling up against him. God have mercy, she was the sweetest thing he’d ever known, felt. His need for her more than physical, it was down deep, refusing to let him so much as look at another woman since they’d met.

Coming Soon: Quarterback Blitz!

I’m excited to announce a new, well, a reissue of one of my favorite and well-received books with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. In truth, this version has been heavily revised, re-written, and re-imagined, with new scenes, chapters, but is just as hot, spicy, and adventurous as the original, with a slightly different naughtily ever after ending. As such, I’d love to share the cover with my readers and give a taste of what’s to come!

Here’s a sneak peek!

All Anna James wants for her fortieth birthday is a ladies’ night out, her plans stalled when she ends up stuck in her griffin costume. As the mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, she never expects to be rescued by the star of her midnight fantasies, quarterback Kyran Black. Dubbed “The Rebel” by the press because of his long hair, tattoos, and playboy stats off the field, he’s everything she should avoid…but still craves and Anna agrees to celebrate her birthday with him.

Certain she’s too old for him, she intends to guard her heart, but he blitzes her defenses, proving to be so much more than a legendary athlete with a media-driven reputation. But when their romantic weekend evolves into love, a blast from his bad boy past returns with a vengeance, threatening to tear their worlds apart.

Can their love overcome the pressures of living in the spotlight, or will they lose the future they’ve only begun to build?

Enjoy an excerpt from Quarterback Blitz:

Anna’s zipper was stuck!

“Dammit, why tonight of all nights?” she asked herself, wishing she’d had one of the cheerleaders unzip the back of the comical-looking mascot’s costume before they’d left. 

Unwilling to give up, she tried one more time to free herself, succeeding only in contorting herself into a pretzel. Fortunately, the eagle’s head and wings were already off, giving her some relief. But, what she needed was freedom, a shower, and the little black dress hanging in her locker.

Realizing she needed help, she headed out of her private changing nook, only to draw up short when someone knocked on the door. Hurrying forward on the chance that one of the cheerleaders returned without her keycard, she opened the door, the tall, dark man of her dreams charging inside the locker room instead.

Not just any man. Kyran Black. The legendary quarterback with a once infamous bad boy reputation signed as the backup and mentor to the franchised QB for the Alexandria Griffins.  

“Hi, Anna, was hoping to find you tonight,” he said, flashing his devil-may-care smile. His clean-shaven, chiseled features sexier by the crooked scar that ran down the left side of his chin. On their one and only date, he’d told her he’d taken a deliberate cleat to the face in college, resulting in a fight that had both players ejected. 

Trying not to concentrate on the past, she couldn’t help but look him over, if only to check for new scars or damage since she’d seen him take a terrible hit that ended his season last winter.

No, he looked good. Better than good, he looked sexy, edible, and way too young for her with his damp dark auburn hair falling to his broad bare shoulders. Celtic tattoos wrapped about his massive biceps, an LSU tiger on his chest, along with more scrollwork along his ribs and eight-pack abs, looked delicious. A peek of the deep vee of his obliques tempting her to drool. Man, why did he have to look like sex on a stick when she felt like an icky, tangled mop.

“Anna? Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine. You sure you’re not looking for one of the cheerleaders?” she asked, skeptical that he was there to see her.

“If I was interested in someone else, that’s where I’d be. Can I stay or not?”   

Realizing she’d crossed her arms over her chest, she relaxed a little, lowering her hands to her sides. “If I say not, will you leave?”

“Yes. Promise, I’m here to talk, that’s it,” he replied, leaning back against the door, his thumbs hooked in the pockets of his faded button-fly jeans. 

“Then my permission depends on why you didn’t bother to put on a shirt.” Hell, he did look great, and those jeans with the top button undone and tears in all the right places made her imagine all kinds of wicked things.

“A reporter charged into the team’s locker room with a smartphone in hand. Was barely out of my towel before she tried to track me down at my locker to ask how I felt about tonight’s loss.”

“Ouch,” she replied, empathizing with him, the football coach inside of her wanting to talk about the game. The woman in her wanting to know why he didn’t call her after their date. “How’d you get away?”

“Dallas McKay covered for me. He’s bigger and better looking, or so his fans say.”

Not to her. Then again, she’d always had a soft spot for quarterbacks over wide outs.

“Tonight’s outcome sucks, but it’s the first game of the pre-season and you led a two-minute drill in the fourth quarter that took the game into OT. The defense gave up a big play at the end, not you.”

“Thanks. Truth is, except for that drive, I’d had a bad night. Last thing I needed to deal with is another reporter asking if I’ve still got it.”

“You do. Listen, if you give it a few minutes, the captains will give interviews in the press room and you’ll be able to return to the team’s locker room in peace.”

“Rather talk to you,” Kyran said, his intense blue eyes on her face. “Isn’t that costume hot?”

“Yes. The zipper’s stuck. Think you could give me a hand?”

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Second Chance Inn

While I’m working on creating a user-friendly site, I’d like to post about my latest Contemporary Romance, the first in a series featuring Second Chances. Currently, it’s available in digital format at Amazon, B&N for Nook, Kobo, iBooks, and more! Don’t worry, links will be included.

When the series came to me, it happened on a cold, winter’s night, and I’d wondered what would happen when Mackenzie Chance, a Bostonian accountant turned whistle-blower who’d inherited her grandfather’s rustic inn in South Dakota just outside of Deadwood, becomes stranded with Ace Blackburn, her teenage crush, and lead guitarist for one of the biggest rock bands in the country. What happened was kismet, a chance for both to rediscover who they are and who they want to be. Along the way they bare their souls, fall in love, and witness a miracle, all while danger lurks just beyond a fierce winter storm that’s stranded everyone in Hawthorn, South Dakota.

Here’s a sneak peak:

Still singing along with Dead Man’s Hand, she jumped clear out of her skin when loud banging resounded from the front door. Who would be at her doorstep when it was snowing outside?

Why worry? It wasn’t as if Hawthorn was a hotbed of illegal activity. She was sure there was crime and troublemakers, but more than likely it was the town’s mayor or a neighbor checking in.

More pounding, more insistent this time met with a voice that she never, ever, in her wildest dreams thought would overpower the playlist on her laptop. “Hey, Mackenzie Chance? It’s Ace Blackburn. I used to work for your grandfather, remember? Open up! Come on now, it’s freezing out here.”

No! No way. It was her imagination. He was not at her door.

“Mackenzie? You okay in there? Please tell me I don’t need to call for an ambulance or something.”

Certain she was going to find nothing but cold wind and a face full of snow, Kenzie took her mop with her. What she’d do with it, she’d no idea, especially as she heard a curious rumble outside. Was that thunder?

“Hold on a sec,” she shouted, uncertain it was necessary, though the howl against the windowpanes increased. As did the rumbling, rolling thunder. Holy cow, it really was thundering.

Quickly, she unbarred the door, cracking open one side. There he was, larger than life, than she remembered, Ace Blackburn stood there. In. Her. Doorway. Right there! His long dark hair and badass leather jacket covered in snow.

“Hi, you gonna let me in, sugar?” he asked in that sexy, gravelly voice that could tempt a saint to sin. “Or are you about to beat me with that stick?”

“What stick?”

“In your hand. What the hell is that?”

“It’s called a sweeper or a dust mop, whichever you prefer. I’ve been cleaning the floor.”

“Okay. You gonna open the door all the way or hit me with that thing? If you choose the second option, please don’t hit anything vital. Someday, I’d like to have kids.”

“What?” Completely stunned, she was certain he was some sort of an apparition made from a snowstorm that was, in fact blowing, howling, and sending icy flakes through the door into her face.

“Never mind, sorry. Please, invite me in, the storm’s getting worse. Swear, even if you don’t remember me, I won’t hurt you.”

“I know who you are,” she said, telling herself that she was not going to react like a teenaged girl with a crush.

“In that case, lower the sweeper thing and let’s make nice.”

“Not making anything with you,” she murmured, hoping the rush of wind and ice prevented him from hearing her suddenly pounding heartbeat.

Telling herself to calm down, she stepped back and let the door swing wide. In a flash, he was inside, the door closed and barred as he stomped snow off his boots.

“Let’s start over,” he said, sticking his hand out, the sleeve of his jacket riding up some, exposing an array of tattoos running from the back of his hand upward, beneath his sleeve.

Holy moly, did he have to be so hot, even when his straight shoulder length raven-black hair was dusted with snow? With his chiseled, devilish features and a seriously sexy well-trimmed mustache and goatee, she wondered if he hadn’t just fallen out of heaven itself. Even his deep brown eyes were molten.

“Nice to see you again, Mackenzie,” he went on, the ink catching her attention the two black eights, two black aces, and unknown hole card, fanned out on the back of his hand. Known as poker’s dead man’s hand, the cards were supposedly held by Wild Bill Hickok when he was shot in Deadwood.

Ow, hell, just when she thought she was going to handle this without freaking out, the lack of lunch and the heavy lifting caught up with her. Next thing she knew, her tummy rumbled louder than the thunder snow outside and the world went gray, then black.

To find out more, check out Second Chance Inn at the following links:

Amazon

Kobo

Apple

Nook

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