Time to Play Naughty Secretary

Executive Assistant Anthologies

Published by Evernight

Unleash your naughty side with Evernight’s Executive Assistant anthology…

These sizzling hot stories dare to explore the taboo world of office romance. From X-rated job interviews, controlling Doms, to the unprofessional use of office furniture—these twelves stories have it all.

 

Our bestselling authors are determined to make you squirm. You may never see the office the same way again!

 

12 Authors: 

Doris O’Connor, Leteisha Newton, S.J. Maylee, Michelle Graham, Allyson Young, Lila Shaw, Elodie Parkes, Chacelyn Pierce, Jean Maxwell, Beth D. Carter, Jezebel Jorge, Michelle Rhys

 

Manlove Edition

 

Unleash your naughty side with Evernight’s Executive Assistant: Manlove Edition anthology…
 

These sizzling hot stories dare to explore the taboo world of office romance. From X-rated job interviews, controlling Doms, to the unprofessional use of office furniture—these seven stories have it all.

Our bestselling authors are determined to make you squirm. You may never see the office the same way again!

 

7 Authors:

Cat Blaine, JC Holly, Xondra Day, Nicola Cameron, Noelle Keaton, Pelaam, Nikka Michaels

 

 

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Giveaway:

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The Cowboy and the Cupcake-maker: Sweet Treats

 Ride for a Cure

Ride series #1

by N.C. Winters

a Contemporary Cowboy Romance

from Beau Coup Publishing

***Blurb***

It’s almost love at first sight when a chance encounter at a local bakery, called Sweet Treats, brings Grayson James in close proximity with the woman who may change his life forever – Tanley West. Looking to place a large order for his charitable event, Grayson isn’t prepared for the connection he feels with the beautiful woman across the counter. 

 

Tanley has never been much for the dating scene, but this might all change when she lays eyes on the handsome cowboy. His very presence nearly brings her to her knees. Taking his order proves to be more complicated than she bargained for, as she tries to keep her composure on the outside when she’s all but swooning on the inside. Somehow, she manages to get through the ordeal - that is until one text message changes everything… 

True love and a happily-ever-after may be the frosting on the cake for this baker, but only if she’s brave enough to reach out and grab it with both hands.

***Excerpt***

Oh my God, when that man walked in I swear I thought my knees were going to collapse under me. He was easily six foot, with dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes, wearing a tight-ass pair of wrangler jeans and a white t-shirt which hugged his body enough for me to know he was seriously ripped. I could see a tattoo peeking out of the edge of his sleeve, but couldn’t fully make out what it was. The hottie wore a cowboy hat which he immediately removed when he started talking to me.  

The second he was out the door, I immediately ran to the back to find Presley. Presley and I have been friends our entire lives, neither one of us came from a family who had much of anything and it was always our dream to own a bakery together. So, as soon as we graduated high school we enrolled in The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Dallas, working two jobs each so we could have enough money for everything we needed to start our business. The building was given to me by my dad’s friend Jamie. He had owned it as long as I could remember, but had never used it for anything. We’d been open about a year now and business was thriving for us.

“Pres! Where the hell are you!” I was hollering as I walked all through the back looking for her. As I headed toward our office I heard her hang up the phone.

“Hey, Tan, I'm in here” I went in and plopped down at my desk which sat next to hers. “Okay, ummm, Tan…what the hell? You look love struck,” she said laughing.

I couldn't help but smile at her. “Love struck, no, but totally slobbering on myself, yes,” I laughed as I tossed her the slip I’d made for the sweets Grayson had ordered.

“What the hell, Tan?? Almost three thousand people and you’re not charging him?”

I sat up in my chair a little straighter. “Pres, he runs the Ride for a Cure organization. He does amazing things for children. The least we can do to give back is make some damn sweets.”

She leaned back in her chair giving me her uh-huh look. “Are you doing this for that reason, Tanley West, or are you doing it because he’s sexy?” She let out a giggle.

“How dare you insinuate I would do that? I mean, yea, he’s beyond sexy. He is a serious sexy all on his own.” I laughed, but continued to convince my partner that what I’d done was the right thing to do. “I’ve heard of his organization before and it really is amazing what he does for people. So, I want to give back in a way, ya know?” I leaned forward, looking at my friend, giving her my most serious stare. “Plus I love horses, you know that, and I’ll do whatever I can to help a child, especially a special needs child have the opportunity to get to experience such an amazing animal.”

Presley just smiled over at me indulgently. “Well, I'm glad we can help in some way, but I'm so leaving it up to you to tell the employees what they have to look forward to next week.”

I laughed as I stood up to head out to the bakery. “Yea, you’re so right. They’re going to hate my ass.”

Presley nodded her head and grinned as she walked out of the office. “Yep, they sure are.”

Purchase Link

 

About the Author:

 

N.C Winters has called West Virginia home for a over 20 years, she resides there with her husband Shawn and there four kids. She is 100% country and loves mudding and traveling the back roads with her family. The quickest way to her heart is with flowers and a reese cup. She loves country boys, reading and a happy ending.

 

Contact the Author NC Winters:

https://www.facebook.com/?q=#/authorNCWinters?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/N.C.WintersAuthor?fref=ts

twitter @Authorncwinters

With Love in the Balance, the Balcony Kiss may push you over

 

 THE MILLIONAIRE AFFAIR
Love in the Balance series #3

by Jessica Lemmon
A Stand-alone Romance

 

BLURB:

Millionaire ad executive Landon Downey has a policy: no romantic relationships allowed. So when he's saddled with his six-year-old nephew for a week, he doesn't think twice about asking a female friend to act as live-in nanny.

 

What he doesn't expect is the palpable attraction to the woman he hasn't seen in sixteen years. And not only does she like him back, she suggests they work their way down a list of extracurricular activities in the bedroom. How can he resist?

 

 Kimber Reynolds knows what she's doing. Sort of. Tired of every failed attempt to turn her past relationships into her own happily-ever-afters, she's determined to prove once and for all that she can love 'em and leave  'em with the best of them. All she has to do is keep her heart out of the agreement she's made with the man she's crushed on for a decade and a half. No problem.

 

Their string-free arrangement turns downright stringy when Landon starts to feel more for the redhead than good old fashioned lust, and Kimber has a scare involving a plastic stick and one-or-more blue lines. With the pressure mounting and their hearts involved, will these two be able to keep their original promise and walk away from one another?

 

The Balcony Kiss Excerpt

 

She shifted in her seat, her shoulders going back, her chin lifting in defiance. Her nipples pressed against the beaded owl on the shirt she wore, a distracting view, but he forced his eyes back to her face. Eyes that flared with bottle-green anger. Redhead. He’d never dated a redhead before. Maybe the lore was true and she was every bit the hothead she appeared to be right now.

“Just because I follow my heart,” she said adamantly, her face a confusion of strength and hurt. “Just because I’m transparent and not in control of my every body movement”—she gestured with her hands, sending her small breasts sliding against the shirt and turning him on even more—“doesn’t mean I’m a doe-eyed innocent. I know what I’m doing. I think I can handle kissing you without losing all essence of who I am.” She leaned in and clutched the tie around his neck. “I am an independent, intelligent woman who does not need to be saved from anyone. Least of all you.”

She was a woman all right. A seething, beautiful woman who was very close to him and smelling like the cucumber body wash stocked in her bathroom. He knew. He’d grown accustomed to the warm, sweet scent that eked its way into the hall every morning after her shower.

“I wasn’t being insulting,” he said, hiding his amusement.

“Yes you were,” she challenged, tugging him closer. He went, the tension pulling the tie against the back of his neck, unable to keep from admiring how beautiful she was, even this close. Natural, naked skin, full lips… “But I forgive you.”

The side of his mouth ticked. He was going to kiss her again. But he’d give her a chance to make the first move. She did, fisting his tie even tighter and laying her lips onto his, but she didn’t stop there. She swung her leg over his lap and settled on top of him. She sat right over his manhood, heat emanating from her core and through his slacks.

He didn’t usually find himself turned on by being put in his place. Was rarely ever put in his place, come to think of it. He would concede he’d given Kimber less credit than she deserved. Either she knew what she wanted, or had opted to take the upper hand when she found herself at a disadvantage. He respected both tactics.

She deepened the kiss, running her hands through his hair and clutching his head. His hands went to her butt, cupping and kneading the soft globes in his palms, stopping short of grinding her against him and relieving the painful ache pounding his balls like a pair of bongos. 

She stroked his tongue with hers, completely in control of this kiss and knowing where to take him. He fought to keep pace, to figure out what she might do next, to catch the curveballs she was throwing. God, it was exciting. Amazing. The not-knowing…who knew that could be so enthralling?

Then she stopped. Abruptly. Just turned off like a switch, climbed off his lap, reclaimed her wine, and settled onto the cushion she’d been lounging on when he’d first walked out here.

He licked the side of his mouth, still tasting her there, his hands at his sides, chest heaving, hair probably a mess from her roaming fingers.

She wouldn’t look at him, a study in casualness except for the one hand forced into a fist at her side. Trying to keep herself from fidgeting, no doubt. She was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. And she’d more than proved her point. If he wanted a partner to spar with, in bed or out, she was a worthy opponent not some delicate flower he had to handle with care.

Giving in and moving the hand she’d forcibly stilled, she pushed her hair over her shoulder and studied the skyline. The moon was an unimpressive half, not the fancy crescent or mournful full. His chin was elevated when she spoke next, her words stunning him so much, he snapped his head to face her.

“Hope no one saw that and is uploading it to YouTube.” She blinked as if she’d stunned herself, too. “I’m so sorry. That was…wow. Rude. I’m sorry.”

Buy links:

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/1stxF5Q

 

About Jessica Lemmon:

Jessica Lemmon has always been a dreamer. At some point, she decided head-in-the-clouds thinking was childish, went out, and got herself a job . . . and then she got another one because that one was lousy. And when that one stopped being fulfilling, she went out and got another . . . and another.

Soon it became apparent she'd only be truly happy doing what she loved. And since "eating potato chips" isn't a viable career, she opted to become a writer. With fire in her heart, she dusted off a book she'd started years prior, finished it, and submitted it. It may have been the worst book ever, but it didn't stop her from writing another one.

Now she has several books finished, several more started, and even more marinating in her brain (which currently resides in the clouds, thankyouverymuch), and she couldn't be happier. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want. (While eating potato chips.)

 

Jessica’s SM:

www.jessicalemmon.com

http://facebook.com/JessicaLemmonAuthor

@Lemmony

 

 

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Meet the Men and Women of Rapture

 

Rapture.

 Allow yourself to be carried away by eight sexy, swoon worthy men who will forever leave an imprint on your heart.

This anthology contains eight previously published works by Amazon, USA, New York Times bestselling authors and more.

Eight women, eight stories, all for the fight of one little girl.

 

This is an anthology which brought eight authors together to help one little girl and her battle with cancer, Sophie Isabella Ryan. All proceeds from this anthology will go to Prayers For Sophie.

Synopsis 

When Ellery moved to New York with her boyfriend, she thought they’d live happily ever after in their small New York apartment. She never thought he’d pack his bags and leave because he “needed space.” With her newfound single status and fear of being alone, Ellery buries herself in her artwork and paintings until one night she helps a mysterious intoxicated stranger get home safely. Little did she know the mysterious stranger is none other than CEO and millionaire Connor Black. After finding Ellery in his kitchen the next morning and assuming she broke his #1 rule about sleepovers, he becomes intrigued, not only by her stubbornness and defiance, but by her kindness.

Connor Black, emotionally dead and damaged, that stemmed from a personal tragedy, made a vow to never love or fall in love with a woman, until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident. After she opens up and shows him her world, Connor starts to feel emotions and feelings he never knew existed. Despite the rumors and warnings regarding Connor Black and his use and misuse of women, Ellery finds herself being drawn into his world.

Ellery knows they can never be together because she is harboring a deep secret that could destroy Connor emotionally forever.

Join Connor and Ellery as they embark on a journey of courage, love and strength. Will it be enough to save them?

About the Author

I'm Sandi Lynn and I'm a full-time writer. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I’ve had many dreams of writing and publishing a book. In just a little under a year, I’ve written and published a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Trilogy. When I’m not writing, I enjoy going out to dinner and to the movies! I have a severe coffee addiction and you can usually find me hanging out at the local Starbucks with my laptop! 

http://www.facebook.com/Sandi.Lynn.Author

Synopsis 

I’m needy.

I’m broken.

Cutting breaks through my numbness, but only opens more wounds.

Depression, self-harm, bullying....that's my reality.

Sex and guys....that's my escape.

The space between the truth and lies is blurred leaving me torn, lost and confused. And while the monsters that live in my head try to beat me-- the two men that I love try to save me.

This is my story of friendship, heartache, and the grueling journey that is mental-illness.

Sometimes you have to get lost in order to be found…

                         About the Author

Kathryn lives in her small East Texas hometown with her husband and two children. She is a music infused writer and self-proclaimed book junkie. When she isn't listening to music, writing or reading you will probably find her watching her favorite sport, UFC.

Kathryn is also an anti-bullying advocate and avid supporter of mental-illness and suicide awareness.
Learn More about Kathryn at www.Kathryn-Vance-Perez.com
Follow on Twitter @KathrynP_Author
Instagram Kathryn_Author
Facebook www.facebook.com/KathrynVancePerez

Synopsis 

When that unexpected chance comes, take it. Don't let it pass you by. You never know what you could be missing.

Always wanting to be a writer, but not having much experience with men or romance, Aubrey sets out to find her inspiration with the help of her best friend. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, she meets Alex Logan. He’s beyond handsome, well dressed, and is known to be a player—perfect for the role.

The unexpected happens and Alex becomes more than just an inspiration to Aubrey, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Before an opportunity arises to straighten things out, tragedy strikes, and Aubrey’s world is turned upside down.

While Aubrey is trying to cope with her new life, a new chance at love arises. Can she find it in her to trust again? Will Alex be able to win her back? Or will she take this new unexpected chance at love?
**Adult Content** 18+ is recommended

                         About the Author

Family and friends are the most important things to me. I enjoy meeting new people, traveling,reading, relaxing on a beach and shopping....especially for shoes! I have an addiction to Coffee and Diet Coke; you may want to stand clear if I haven't had my daily intake!

Writing has been something that has been private and not shared until the day I decided to publish Unexpected Chance; which by the way came to me in a dream! Waking up to the voices of Alex Logan and Aubrey Ryan changed everything!!
I love watching my New York Yankees - yes I called them mine ;). I also enjoy playing and watching golf.
When that unexpected chance comes, take it. Don't let it pass you by. You never know what you could be missing.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Schwehm-Author/158762517642671

 Synopsis 

Grace Hamilton was the girl with a plan. She knew exactly where her life was going and prided herself on always achieving her goals. It was who she was, and how she lived her life. She never stepped outside the lines, and never considered what she might desire and whom she was actually trying so hard to please. Until him… 

Carson Stinger was a man who didn’t play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he didn’t care what others thought, and took each day as it came, no direction, no plan. He knew what women wanted from him and believed it was all he had to offer. Until her… 

When circumstances forced them to spend several hours together, they walked away changed. But for two people who never should have meshed, overcoming the reality of their vastly different lives wasn’t possible. At least not yet… 

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY SCORPIO. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

                        About the Author

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. Mia can be found online at www.miasheridan.com or www.facebook.com/miasheridanauthor.

Synopsis 

* Bestseller in Teen and Young Adult and Coming of Age.

This is not a simple story of first loves, this is an emotional yet touching look at life and how the smallest decisions can shape futures.

What you think you know can change before your eyes. Fathers abuse, mothers deceive, best friends betray, sisters dismiss, love controls, and anger consumes.

After graduating from high school, Easton Grace knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. His goal for the summer includes two things: avoiding his father's wrath and protecting his sister. His carefully laid plans are quickly changed when a girl comes to town causing him to lose his tight grasp of control on everything, including himself.

Following years of sorrow, Taylor Monaco returns to a town she never wanted to see again but will forever call home. Her life was eternally changed by the people in this town, especially one boy. Her heart desires someone she's not sure her soul can handle.

Can Easton and Taylor find their path before it's too late - before the storm?

Note: Before the Storm is a prequel to Haven from the Storm but may be read in any order.

About the Author

Sarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl). She spends her day slaving away in healthcare and her nights pouring her heart out to her keyboard. She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for reading inspired her to start her writing journey.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahdosher

Synopsis 

The first installment of The Atonement Series.

Deirdre Bardot is a PhD student at Harvard and on her way home for Thanksgiving when she finds out her father has been murdered in a vicious hit and run by a drunk driver.

Forced to piece her life together after such a traumatic event, Deirdre moves back to Seattle to be closer to her younger sister, Caitlyn, and their mother.

When her psychiatrist, Dr. van der Meer, suggests she needs to get away from it all and take a vacation, her best friend decides to introduce her to a friend of his who has more or less the same idea. Colin is perfect: he's good looking, self-deprecating and sexy as hell but he also happens to be Dr. van der Meer's son.

Deirdre finds herself falling hard for a guy she barely knows and one who is equally into her as she is into him. They decide a trip to Western Europe together is the perfect way to get to know one another a whole lot better.

Then an unspeakable and random act of violence occurs one night and Colin realizes he is forced to reveal a secret to Deirdre he has been hiding...a secret that is breaking him, and in doing so to free his conscience, he just might destroy the relationship he has created with Deirdre and lose her forever.

Publisher's Note: Due to mature adult themes and adult language, this novel is not suitable for minors under the age of 17.

About the Author

Selene Chardou is a world traveler and the alter-ego of Elle Chardou.
Ms. Chardou's writing is all about hot romance and exciting times with the rich and famous set in the New Adult realm.
She is currently working on Falling into Us (One More Night Trilogy).
There will also be a spin-off series titled simply the Scarlet Fever Trilogy which will chronicle the relationships of the other four band members. She also has a pop stars series planned titled Young, Rich & Talented, which will also be a trilogy.
Ms. Chardou has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Selene.Chardou.AND.Elle.Chardou

Synopsis 

Some people are blessed to find that one certain person who completes them.

Wrynn’s yesterdays were what others only dream of having. She and Tripp were the best of friends before they even thought about love. They had the fairy tale life where ‘like’ turns into ‘love’, and ‘love’ becomes ‘happily ever after’.

What happens when life conspires against you, and snatches your soul mate from your arms?

…only her forever love ended much too soon.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Wrynn boxes up her grief and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Wrynn relives her life with Tripp while struggling most days to get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Wrynn tries to find the joy in life every single day through her daughters, family, and friends. Her twin brother Liam has dedicated himself to helping Wrynn put her life back together after losing his own love. On the other hand, her mother-in-law lives to torment her at every turn. Wrynn can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for her tomorrow.

About the Author

Kathryn is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her family. She was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Kathryn loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KathrynMCrane

Synopsis 

Growing up on the outskirts of Las Vegas as the daughter of notorious strip club owner, Stephen Knox, and a mother who abandoned her at birth, life was less than kind to a young Antoinette.

After a failed teenage suicide attempt, Toni hit the road in search of a life free of undeserved cruelty and any resemblance to her past.

Years later, Toni finds herself in a dead end marriage and makes a painful confession that sends her back to the one place she always wanted to escape. But can she really right the wrongs that haunt her? Toni soon finds that the only place where things stay the same is in your mind.

When her path crosses with David Stark, childhood playmate turned one night stand, she cannot deny the spike in temperature she feels every time he's near or the scorching dreams that flood her at night.

Digging through the years of heartache, Toni soon finds herself torn between the man she is committed to and the one who has always held her heart. As each layer unfolds before her, she discovers the root cause of her pain. Always believing the source was external, nothing could prepare her for the truth.

About the Author

JL Brooks is a former columnist turned novelist. What started as a bet changed her entire course in life. With a passion for adventure, she believes everyone has a story to tell. Chances are she will try to convince you to tell yours.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWenchLab

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When reality is filled with Halflings, Vampyres, and Werewolves

 

Blood & Kindred

Bloodlines #2

******BLURB******

Continuing the Bloodlines Series with Book 2  {See book 1 below}

Cara expected a relaxing spring break, free from studying, free from exams. Instead, her reality has been crushed as she is thrown into a world of the supernatural and finds out that the very battle between Heaven and Hell centers around her.

Halflings, Vampyres, and Werewolves are now part of her reality as she struggles to survive. Her best friend is now a vampyre and Zillah, the ancient vampyre queen is still hot on her trail. New enemies emerge as lost loved ones resurface.

In this exciting sequel to BLOOD and LILIES, the Halflings fight to protect the key while everywhere they turn; they face betrayal and new enemies. Will Eamon lose Cara forever when she finds out the secrets behind the Halfling’s heritage and learns what she truly is?
 
Or will Zillah finally win in her quest and open the portal between all realms, destroying our mortal reality and the key along with it? 
 

******Excerpt******

Thunder tore through the cabin as the walls trembled against the quaking foundation. Damon grabbed a vampyre by the neck and tossed him through the drywall. His deadly sword quickly followed, piercing directly into the heart of the monster. The blood sucker cried out in pain as it clawed desperately at his attacker. The blade exited. Before the vampyre’s feet could hit the floor, edged steel smoothly creased against his throat, flawlessly severing head from body.

            Damon moved quickly through the horde, his weapon swift and true, eliminating numbers of the enemy’s army. One after another, they poured from all crevices of the house, their numbers many, each falling at his feet as they advanced towards him. Decapitated heads rolled at his feet, mouths gaping open, eyes wide with shock. Damon looked around as the whispering movements of the Halflings pressed on. He searched for his wife, hoping for a glimpse of watching her in action. Her movement was intoxicating, and he loved watching her graceful executions.

The sea of heads swarming in the room made it difficult to pick Shannon out. Damon focused, honing his senses as the chaos stilled before him. Using his mind, he slowed the clatter of bodies before him, giving him only a few moments to examine the occupants in the room.

            She was nowhere to be found.

His heart contracted, as if an invisible fist had jammed itself inside his rib cage, crushing his beating organ right where he stood. Something wasn’t right and he could feel it. Panic hit as he released the trance on his mind as the battle before him came rushing back to full speed.

            “Eamon!” he called out to his twin across the room. “I can’t find Shannon!”

            Eamon spun around with his sword, taking out a half circle of vamps out as he did. He pushed through the bodies, scanning and assessing the people around him. Other Halflings made their way through the horde of vamps, each graceful and deadly in their movements, but none being the one he searched for. He could hear Seamus still outside with other warriors, as well as the hellhounds, battling the flocks of minions the queen had stashed about the grounds. He knew she wasn’t out there though. Shannon had come inside with them. He was sure of it. Immediately, his eyes hit the stairs. Muttering under his breath about their plan to “stick together”, he forced his way to the stairway, only to be blocked by another fury of vamps.

            Damon’s eyes followed his brother’s. Seeing the opportunity the blockade had given him, he charged without another second to spare. Leaping over enemies, he struck in mid air, taking out foes with the brunt force of his blade. His foot reached the top of the stairs, as he heard the gargled chokes of one desperate for breath. Damon’s heart sank as he came to the entrance of the room, only to see his worst nightmare playing out before his eyes.

            Soiled boots struggled and kicked above the ground, as a shattered blade lay in scattered pieces across the wooden floor. The girl’s body shook and quivered in midair as frantic hand store at the vice around her throat. Shannon thrashed against the blackness consuming her as Zillah continued squeezing her like a python constricting its prey.

            “Put her down!” Damon ordered as he charged forward.

            The Queen’s face peeked around the Shannon’s limp body. Obsidian spheres glared at him, filled with warning. The edges of her lips curled up into a sinister grin, pleased and eager for another visitor.

“Step any closer and I will snap her neck.” Zillah ordered, as he held Shannon to the side. She raised the girl’s body higher and squeezed harder wanting to make sure her point was made.

            The sound of fragile bones splintering under the pressure echoed in Damon’s ears. He cringed against the sound of twigs snapping as throttled breath begged for him to stop. His movement ceased as fear washed over, locking his feet to the ground in terror.

            “Please!” he begged, surrendering his sword down to the ground. He knew he was going against everything he stood for, everything they had fought for so long, but the thought of losing her…

“Please, let her go. You can have me. Please!” Blood burned under his skin, pulsing violently as it raced with need. The fear of his wife being killed threatened his sanity, as well as his humanity. The demon bitch had found his only weakness. To save her, he would sacrifice his life.

Damon threw his hands up in surrender, his eyes begging in silence for the monster to release his wife. He couldn’t hear the thunderous quaking from downstairs, anymore. The only sound filling his head was that of the labored and shaky breathing of pressing death surrounding him. The seconds ticked by slowly, as an eternity seemed to pass as Damon waited for Zillah to release her clutch.

Shannon’s body fell with a thick thud, lying motionless between them. Weighted misery flooded him, robbing him of his air, and stilling his heart. Dropping to his knees, Damon stared hopelessly at to her unconscious body. Her heartbeat fluttered, barely registering, as her life had already begun slipping away.

Vengeance took hold as rage coursed through him, erupting with murderous intent.  The Halfling unsheathed a jagged stake from his ankle as the voltage in his eyes ignited. A feral growl rippled from his chest as Damon leapt at the vampyre queen.

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Blood & Lilies

Bloodlines #1

by Lyn Croft

a Paranormal Romance

from Beau Coup Publishing

******BLURB******

Once cast from Heaven, Zillah has vowed to destroy God and overtake his kingdom. But a key is needed to open the gates between the two realms.

The Key to the gate walks the earth in the form of a woman...young, innocent and completely unaware of her importance in the battle between good and evil. Once her blood is shed, Zillah can open the portal to release her father...Lucifer himself.

Cara, a college sophomore, is quickly thrown into the world of the supernatural, as well as learning of her true ancestry. Vampires, werewolves and the Nephilim are now a part of her reality. As the beings struggle to protect her, she fights to keep her sanity as her mortal realm is crushed.

Secrets are revealed that could shatter Cara’s new found love, as well as lead to her ultimate death. A family is torn apart as the battle to save the Key leads them down a road of betrayal and heartache. Loved ones are lost, lines are crossed, and nothing is as it seems. Lies and truths twist and turn, leaving us with only one question…

Could you sacrifice the one you love to save the world?

******Excerpt******

The evening sky pulsed, hues of deep purples and blacks engraving blurry lines above the earth. The night echoed its cries, carried by angry breezes through the hills of the land. The cemetery, cascaded in carved tombstones that sprouted from the ground, laid empty and dormant, except for the busy, yet silent whispers of the dead.

The ground, wet and damp, gave way beneath Cara’s bare feet as she trudged through the mud pushing between her toes. Her eyes traveled towards the ground to study her soiled feet, finding her body was draped in a simple, yet elegant white dress which graced her pale legs just below her knees. The plunging neckline stopped just beneath the cleft of her breast as the thin silk straps hugged the tops of her shoulders, exposing her bare delicate skin. 

She scanned around her, alone and frightened, like a young child strayed from its mother. It was so dark, and the crested moon, swarmed by rolling darkened clouds, offered no safe haven of light to guide her way. Slow and unsure, she stepped cautiously, waiting blindly for an edge that would send her spiraling down into a never-ending abyss, swallowing her whole. The shadows danced in front of her, playing tricks on her unfocused eyes as her feet took her step by step.

Where was she? How did she get here? She could hear faint whispers of the dead crying out to her from the spirit world. Their words made no sense as they all jumbled together like a soft but unmelodic hum in the air. Her ears strained to make out parts of the words, hoping to piece together some language so she could better understand why they’d brought her here.

Realization struck. The voices had guided her here. She turned around to where the whispers grew, louder and more needful. She followed them as they increased, vibrating through her head as if they were coming from inside her brain, instead of churning in the air around her. The darkness frightened her, yet she still continued, following the only guidance she had.

Cara.

She could hear it now. Through the vast echo of the whispers, she could make out her name. They called to her, begged her to come near. She obeyed. 

Something hard struck her toes, shooting instant pain up through her legs, like lightning igniting through her to her very core. Her body flew forward as she reached out to stop her fall. She expected a large stone to split her head. Or perhaps the tip of a metal cross would impale her through her chest and end it all, without her knowing or seeing it in the darkness before her. But there was nothing as her body hit the soft ground beneath her. 

Grass laced itself through her fingers as she looked up to the gravestone in front of her. The clouds that had hugged the moon so well broke, lighting the etched carvings before her so she could see. What she read on the engraving shook her to the core. Her eyes couldn’t process, couldn’t comprehend what she was seeing.

Cara L. Chadwick
Beloved Friend and Student
We will miss you always
Oct. 18, 1992 to Dec. 21, 2012

 

A cry escaped her lips as Cara pushed herself up from the ground as fast as she could, stumbling backwards. She wanted to turn away, run and never look back. There was no way in hell she was going to stay here to hang out with her own tomb. And the date…it was this Friday’s date…or had it already arrived and was now in the past? Cara realized she had no idea of what time it was, or the day, but she needed to escape and get out of this place as fast as her bare feet could carry her.

 

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**************Author's BIO********************

Lyn Croft is a sci-fi fantasy writer born and raised in sunny Southern California. There, she raises her daughter, works full time, writes novels, and plays video games in her spare time.

Her new book, "Blood & Lilies ~ Bloodlines" is her debut novel, and the first in a series of epic tales for the battle between good and evil.

Contact Lyn Croft at:

http://www.lyncroft.beaucoupllc.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6979703.Lyn_Croft

http://www.amazon.com/Lyn.../e/B00BPGLDQS/ref=sr_tc_2_0…

https://twitter.com/LynCroft27