Margay Leah Justice: Book Blitz and iPad Mini Giveaway: The Bad Boys of Eden

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Book Blitz and iPad Mini Giveaway: The Bad Boys of Eden

The Bad Boys of Eden: Billionaires, Alphas, Bikers, and Doms
Authors: Adriana Hunter, Avery Aster, Cathryn Fox, Daire St. Denis, Eliza Gayle, Mari Carr, Opal Carew, Roni Loren, Sharon Page, Steena Holmes
Publication date: March 10th 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Includes New York Times and National Bestselling authors

Top 5 in Anthologies

99 cent Mega Romance Bundle Sale. Limited Time Only!

The INVITATION TO EDEN series was hailed by book bloggers as “sexy as hell”! Grab this set of 14 EDEN stories in one single volume and at one amazing price.

Do you want to totally to fall in love, get naughty, and be good at being bad with a bad boy? If so, get whisked away to an exotic island where anything and everything is possible with THE BAD BOYS OF EDEN mega romance bundle. We’ve packed the box with the best in new adult, erotic romance, sweet contemporary, and wicked paranormal all set in the mysterious, dangerous, and romantic world of Invitation to Eden.

——————-
14 Eden Stories:

INTRODUCTION by Lauren Hawkeye
MASTER OF THE ISLAND by Lauren Hawkeye
WILD RIDE by Opal Carew
BREAKING FREE by Cathryn Fox
ROUGH DRAFT by Mari Carr
ESCAPE FROM REALITY by Adriana Hunter
SECOND GLANCES by Elena Aitken
BLURRING THE LINES by Roni Loren
IVY IN BLOOM by Tawny Stokes
DELICIOUS AND DEADLY by CC MacKenzie
YOURS TRULY, TADDY by Avery Aster
HOW TO TEMPT A TYCOON by Daire St. Denis
HOLD ME CLOSE by Eliza Gayle
SWEET RETURN by Steena Holmes
FIGHT FOR ME by Sharon Page

THE BAD BOYS OF EDEN: Billionaires, Alphas, Bikers, and Doms

99 cent Mega Romance Bundle Sale. Limited Time Only!

The INVITATION TO EDEN series was hailed by book bloggers as “sexy as hell”! Grab this set of 14 EDEN stories in one single volume and at one amazing price.

Yours Truly, Taddy by Avery Aster (The Undergrad Years, Book 2)

Jetting to Martinique for a modeling assignment with three of Europe’s hottest magazine photographers—Gustave, Fabian, and Leon—should’ve been easy, breezy beautiful. Never did I expect to look up and see a hole in the ceiling of our plane that was bigger in size than my Birkin bag.

Shit! We’re nose-diving toward Eden Island. I pictured how my New York Times obituary might read when I’m gone, “Taddy Brill, Manhattanite, dethroned descendant of the Austrian House of Brillford royalty, dies at age eighteen, penniless, unloved, and a virgin.” I swear this crap only happens to me. Suddenly, Leon pulls me with Fabian and Gustave. Adrenaline racing through me, our bodies clung as one. We prepared to…crash.The Undergrad Years is a New Adult contemporary miniseries about first loves, independence, and everlasting friendships.

Wild Ride by Opal Carew (Ready to Ride)

Her friend told her dreams come true at Eden, but this is more like a nightmare.

Marissa is shaken when her bad-assed biker ex-boyfriend begins to stalk her. After receiving an invitation to an exclusive resort called Eden, she jumps at the chance to get away. But even in paradise, she can’t escape the man from her past. As he’s closing in on her, a passing stranger on a motorcycle pulls up and orders her onto his bike. Frightened and willing to take any chance to flee her dangerous ex, she does as he says. Her knight in supple leather manages to lose her ex and take her to a secret hideaway, but now she finds herself overwhelmed by his potent masculinity and submitting completely to his authoritative commands. Killer didn’t want to be her saviour. He had problems of his own. But once Marissa’s under his protection, he will do whatever he can to keep her safe. Even force her to face her deepest fears.

Rough Draft by Mari Carr (Big Easy, Book 4)

Capture, bondage and fantasies fulfilled. It’s all fun and games until someone gets killed.

Bestselling crime novelist Jett Lewis is stumbling over a wicked case of writer’s block, his fast-flowing words having run dry. His publisher’s screaming “deadline”, the fans are ready to riot, and Jett just wants to disappear. His friend Carissa suggests he get away, clear his head…get laid. And she has just the ticket. Literally. Two passes to Eden, an exclusive island paradise. Recently sans girlfriend, Jett convinces Carissa to go with him, and the resort is more than either of them bargained for—especially when the simple beach trip turns to murder. Thrust into a plot sinister enough to rival Jett’s books, the couple embarks on a search for the killer. The most shocking revelation of all might be their mutual attraction…and how much Jett and Carissa love working undercover.

Breaking Free by Cathryn Fox

Spring Break at college is supposed to be a time of fun and parties, but Alaska Rossi, AKA Jane Smith, is on lockdown thanks to her father’s mafia dealings. She wants only to party down with the rest of her classmates. At least her hot, darkly mysterious bodyguard—deep undercover as her dorm’s resident assistant—gives her something to fantasize about during her boring nights in confinement. When she wins a campus radio contest, and is gifted with a special invitation to an exclusive island, she knows it’s her chance to break free. After all, it’s a place where no one knows her name, so what danger could possible come to her? But when danger appears in the form of a masked man who takes control of all her pleasures, tapping into her darkest fantasies, she begins to wonder if her undercover lover, and the mysterious bodyguard who’s deep undercover, are one in the same…

Hold Me Close by Eliza Gayle (Purgatory Club, Book 6)

Sometimes you need to cut and run and sometimes the ties run too deep to abandon. Bonnie’s job at Purgatory keeps her on edge in more ways than one. Every day the pain of her grief over losing her Dom threatens to consume her. Her only escape comes at the hands of the resident tattooed bad boy who likes to keep things light and loose with a variety of women. He may not be the Dom of her dreams, but he chases away the darkness if only for one night… Dex is used to unattached submissives coming to him for a chance to feel the kiss of his flogger or the sting of his whip until they find their own Doms. With his busy life of ink and kink he likes keeping his women at arm’s length. Except one night a month when Bonnie shreds him every time she asks him to hold her close.

When a secret invitation to an island resort arrives, is it the answer to their problems? Or their worst nightmare?

Return to Sender by Steena Holmes (Return to Sender trilogy, Book 1)

Lauren Summers is the stable sister, the one who runs the family company while her sisters take off and travel the world. One weekend a year she hides herself away and mourns a love she lost six years ago. That weekend is now, except she’s being whisked away to a mysterious island despite her protests. After being pampered with luxury, massages and the best chocolate a girl could taste, she starts to realize that its time she left the past behind and moved forward with life, and maybe with love. What she doesn’t know, is that someone from her past has other ideas…

Escape From Reality by Adriana Hunter

When curvy single and struggling romance author Leila Connors receives a mysterious invitation to spend an all-expense paid week on a tropical island, it simply seems too good to be true. Who is responsible for sending the invitation? Why does the envelope smell of dominant male possession? And most importantly, why her? With a string of failed relationships and a career on the down-slide, Leila feels she has nothing to lose and agrees to the trip. But when she arrives at her destination, far away from everything she knows, she can’t help but wonder if she made a mistake. That is until she comes face to face with the incredibly handsome Sebastian Phillips, a tortured stranger with dark secrets, and a man who will take without asking. With just one touch he awakens a desperate need within her. Before too long Leila finds herself caught up in a game of irresistible obsession, where truths are exposed, and the dangerously blurred line between fantasy and reality threaten to drive her to the point of no return.

Blurring the Lines by Roni Loren

A year has passed since Gretchen lost her fiancé, but she still can’t sleep. Or paint. And her new home in New Orleans is either haunted or she’s finally going crazy.

Her bet is on the latter.

So when her best friend, Burke, offers to sweep her away to a private luxury island for a break, she can’t say no. Maybe if she can be someone else for a few days, the ghosts of the past will quiet. At least for a little while.

Burke knows what she’s going through. She lost her fiancé, but he lost family. He gets her in a way no else can. But lately she’s noticing things she shouldn’t about her former fiancé’s younger brother—his sexy smirk, that spicy Cajun accent, and the way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not paying attention. A week alone with him? Dangerous. If she blurs the lines between them, she could ruin the only friendship that means anything to her. She could ruin it all.

But the island of Eden has its own agenda. The island knows what you need. That’s what the invitation says. She just never imagines it will grant her the one wish that could destroy them both.

Fight For Me by Sharon Page (Yardley College Chronicles, Book 3)

I had to drop out of college to raise my son after his dad, notorious MMA fighter Ryder King, and I broke up. Ryder is so haunted by demons he won’t let anyone touch his heart. Fame, fortune, and fighting didn’t bring him any peace, and I knew, for the sake of our baby, that I had to leave him. That’s when I met Ryder’s best friend, Xavier Malone, a former fighter who built a billion dollar empire. Xavier is gorgeous, sweet, and wonderful with my son. I’m falling for him—but I’m scared to commit. Then I receive an invitation to the island of Eden, a luxurious resort where I can live my every sensual fantasy. I’m certain Xavier sent it. But after I leave my son with my mom and fly to Eden, I discover I’m in the middle of a grudge match between Xavier and Ryder. They are going to fight for me: inside the ring in a televised match, and outside it—where they both plan to seduce the pants off me. But I have a surprise for them too.

How To Tempt A Tycoon by Daire St. Denis (Savage Interactives, Book 5)

Tessa Savage has traveled all over the world but she has never been to Eden. So when she receives a personalized invitation to this enigmatic island location, there’s no way she can refuse. She’s been told that Eden will fulfill her every fantasy but instead Tessa is faced with the choice of overcoming one of her two greatest fears; total vulnerability or total submission. To Tessa there is very little difference between these two things…except that the choice means she must make a decision between two very special men from her past. Help Tessa decide what to do in this smokin’ hot and emotionally charged interactive tale.

Ivy in Bloom by Vivi Anna writing as Tawny Stokes (Hothouse series, Book 3)

After getting out of a bad relationship and dropping out of university, Ivy Watts decides she needs some much needed stress therapy so she tags along with her parents to a luxury island resort called Eden. She expects to laze around on the beach with a drink in her hand and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life, but what she doesn’t expect is to learn a few life lessons from the tall, dark handsome man in the penthouse suite.

Second Glances by Elena Aitken (The Springs)

When Kylie Wilson receives a mysterious invitation for an all expenses paid trip to a tropical, all inclusive resort, there’s no doubt in her mind who it came from—Marcus Stone, the only man she’s ever really loved. The same man who’d promised her forever and then promptly left town to pursue his dream without so much as a backward glance. Kylie owes it to herself to take a chance, and despite her conflicted feelings, she decides to risk her heart again and is soon jetting toward the island of Eden and the man she hopes will finally fill the void in her life. But when she arrives, all is not as she expected it to be. More to the point, he is not who she expected him to be. And on an island that is supposed to ‘know exactly what you need’, can Kylie open her body, mind, and more importantly—her heart to someone and something, she’s never considered?

Delicious and Deadly by C.C. MacKenzie (Ludlow Hall, Book 8)

Emma Ludlow’s temperature is rising and it’s not because of the sweltering Florida sun. Her lucrative business is bloodshed and slaughter. All she wants is peace and quiet in Eden to plot her latest murder. However, a much-adored celebrity chef is in Eden, too. The man is insufferable with an overblown ego she’s dying to kill. His slow smile may be ‘Delicious’, but she won’t taste it, not again. Being famous and wealthy isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. Oscar Zamani learned that life lesson the hard way when he let the seductively mysterious Emma slip through his fingers. Now an Invitation To Eden has given him another chance to show her that this time he can be trusted. But little does Oscar know that Emma has a dark secret. A secret that might be ‘Deadly’ to his heart.

MASTER OF THE ISLAND by Lauren Hawkeye

When his life takes a dark turn, billionaire Theodosius Vardalos purchases a deserted island in the Bermuda triangle. It's accessible only by plane- the better, he thinks, to hide his scars from the rest of the world. What Theo doesn't know is that the island has an incredible secret, one that gives him hope... hope of future happiness, despite the horrible scars that make him a recluse. Hope to be had in the arms of a mysterious blonde he hasn't yet met...

EXCERPTS:

Rough Draft

“Are you going to tie me up?”

“Do you want me to?”

She started to shrug, but he wasn’t willing to let her off easy. This night would only

succeed if she were honest about her desires, her needs.

“Yes or no.”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing. You said yes. Kneel.”

She lowered herself to the padded bench, offering no resistance as he pressed on her

back until her stomach was flat against the surface, her arms dangling toward the floor.

Once she was crouched over the bench, he moved closer, brushing her ass with his

crotch, letting her feel his erection.

Her hands hung loose, though she clenched her fingers tightly around the front legs of

the bench. He considered using the straps to secure her, and then decided against it. Jett

understood the psychology of BDSM well enough to realize there were other ways to

make Carissa feel captured.

He bent over her, pressing his chest against her back, caging her beneath him. She

tried to lift up—the response an instinctual one—to test her ability to escape. He

prevented her movement, putting more of his weight on her.

Carissa stilled, but he felt the stiffness in her posture when he lifted the mask from her

face.

“Relax,” he whispered.

She snorted softly. “Yeah right.”

“The correct response is ‘Yes, Sir’.”

Her right cheek rested against the leather and she licked her lips nervously. “Yes, Sir.”

He saw her struggling to use her peripheral vision to see his face, but the mask and near

darkness of the curtained area protected his anonymity.

“I’m going to list some things. Your only responses are yes or no. Understand?”

She nodded. Then quickly added, “Yes…Sir”

Jett decided to start easy, tackling something they’d already discussed. “Bondage.”

“Yes.”

“Spanking.”

“Yes.”

Her answers were immediate, letting Jett know she had indeed been fantasizing about

this.

“Flogger.”

This time her response took longer.

“Yes?”

He heard the question in her voice, but he let it go.

“Exhibitionism.”

“Yes.”

“Anal.”

“Shit,” she muttered.

Jett tried not to laugh. “That’s not an answer.”

“Yes, dammit.”

“Threesome.” Jett wasn’t sure why he’d added that to his list. It certainly wasn’t

something he’d ever seriously considered trying himself, even though his brother, Justin,

found sharing the woman he loved hot. Carissa had remarked once how cool she thought

Justin’s relationship with Bella and Ned was. Jett hadn’t thought much of it at the time,

but now that he was looking at Carissa and thinking girlfriend, he wondered just how

interested she was.

Carissa shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. I’m not very good at sharing.”

For a moment, Jett considered bending down to place a kiss on Carissa’s cheek.

However, he feared that would be too familiar, would give him away.

Instead, he continued his list. “Nipple clamps.”

“Yes.”

“Role play.”

“This is kind of a long list. I’m only here for one week.”

This time, he did chuckle. She was too adorable, too funny. She also didn’t realize

they had much longer than one week. Forever was starting to sound feasible.

“Answer my question or I’ll spank you. You failed to respond correctly to most of

these. Role play.”

“Yes.”

“Good girl. Now. Tell me your dirtiest fantasy.”

She hesitated. “I…I—”

“This will only work if you’re completely honest about what you want. As you said,

our time is limited.”

“Capture.”

Though her response was short and succinct, it fired off a million kinky scenes in

Jett’s mind as he considered all the ways he’d like to capture her. Claim her. Take her.

He pressed his lips to her ear and whispered his own single word. “Yes.”

With that, he pushed up, pulling her hands as he went, clasping them behind her back.

“Your safe word is red. Say that and I’ll stop whatever it is I’m doing and we’ll talk

about it. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Yes what?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good.” He’d taken a pair of handcuffs from the toy room after signing in with Roan.

Pulling them from his back pocket, he slipped them around Carissa’s wrists. She startled

and started to rise, but he placed a firm hand on her upper back. “Don’t move.”

Blurring the Lines

Burke’s gaze lifted to mine, and he set down his fork. “What are you thinking about,

cher? You have a serious look on your face.”

I forced a half smile. “Nothing really.”

“Don’t give me that. You’re a loud thinker.”

I twirled my noodles around my fork, watching them go round and round. “You ever

wonder if he can see us? You know, like whatever the after may be, if the dead can

somehow observe the living?”

He sniffed. “No. Can’t say I believe in any of that. I think when we’re gone, we’re

gone.”

I peered at him, but he wasn’t looking my way anymore. His stubbled jaw was set and

he was taking small jabs at his plate of lo mein. “Okay. Good to know.”

He let out a breath and set his fork down. “Look, I’m not trying to be a dick.

Everyone’s beliefs and faith are their own business. If believing there’s something after

gives you comfort, that’s great. But, for me, I don’t buy it. I think this is the only chance

we’ve got—win, lose, or draw. This is it. So you better grab the most you can out of this

life.” He shrugged. “And honestly, the thought of any of my dead family members

watching me gives me the creeps. No, thanks.”

My neck prickled, the sounds of last night haunting me. “I know what you mean

about that part.”

He frowned, his attention on me again. “Wait. Is that what’s keeping you awake at

night? You think Harris is creeping around or something? You think he’s watching

now?”

It sounded completely crazy when he said it like that. “Not exactly.”

His gaze didn’t leave mine. “You weren’t joking about searching for ghosts, were

you?”

I cringed. This was not a conversation I wanted to have with Burke. Or anyone for

that matter. “It’s not that. I just—I don’t know.”

“You don’t know what?” He shifted his body so he could fully face me. “Tell me

what’s going on.”

I shook my head and poked at my chicken.

“Gretch, don’t do that, don’t ignore me.”

“Fine.” I nudged my plate away. “Sometimes I feel like he’s here, okay? I know it’s

stupid.”

Burke gaped at me for a long moment and then slid off his stool, his expression

morphing into what I’d come to recognize as his game face.

“What are you doing?” I asked, tracking his progress.

He stepped around the counter and put out a hand to me. “Stand up.”

I eyed his offered hand. Wary.

“Come on. I can disprove your theory right here.”

I took his hand and stood.

He tilted his face toward the ceiling. “Bro, if you’re hovering around here

somewhere, feel free to kick my ass for this.”

Before I could put together what his words meant, Burke dragged me to him, cupped

my face, and lowered his mouth to mine. Lips on lips. Warmth on warmth. Boom! Crash!

The kiss shocked me into a stupor. All I could process was his mouth against mine, hands

gripping me, and the sound he made in his chest at the contact. But then he brushed the

tip of his tongue along my lips, and all at once, my senses kicked into full, pumping

awareness. The scent of the Gain detergent he used, the salty taste of soy, and the

forbidden feel of his mouth. My lips parted and invited a deeper kiss without me

consciously willing them to do so. His tongue slid gently into my mouth, and I groaned.

My hands found his waist and gripped his T-shirt like I’d fall if I didn’t keep hold of

something.

It was so different from the one kiss we’d shared so long ago. That had been two

awkward kids figuring things out. This was not that. This was a man who knew how to

take a woman down with one sensual sweep of his mouth. This was the Burke I’d heard

about. The one who got any woman he wanted. The one who told me those sordid stories.

That was when reality kicked in the door to my lust-filled brain. I was kissing my

dead fiancé’s brother. I was kissing my best friend. I pushed back with a panted gasp.

“Burke, stop.”

His eyes were heavy-lidded, the look on his face all danger and erotic promise. But he

didn’t move forward. Instead, he licked his lips and held out his hands, his smile soft

when he spoke again. “See, cher, nothing. No breaking dishes. No slamming cabinets.

You and I both know my brother well enough to know that he wouldn’t let me do that to

you without a fight. If Harris’s ghost is around here, he would’ve done something about

it.”

I blinked, still suspended in that stunned state for a few seconds more. Then, not

knowing how else to channel everything that was coursing through me, I got pissed. The

anger rushed straight up my spine and out to my limbs. I shoved him hard in the chest.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

He frowned as he rocked back a step, though he didn’t seem fazed by me yelling at

him or pushing him. “I’m sorry, Gretch. But you needed to see that there’s no one

watching.”

“You didn’t have to kiss me to show me that!” My heart was beating too fast, and my

voice came out too shrill.

He shrugged. “You didn’t have to kiss me back.”

I gaped at him, slack jawed, then grabbed a handful of fortune cookies and threw

them.

He raised his hands to fend off the attack, laughing. “Hey, not the cookies. Those

could hold the key to our future.” He caught one of the cellophane-wrapped cookies mid-

air. “And it was just a kiss. It’s not like we’ve never done it before.”

“When we were kids.”

“Yes, you’re much improved.”

“Ugh!” I stepped forward and shoved him again. “You need to warn a girl before you

maul her.”

He lifted a brow and grabbed my wrist, his eyes holding a wicked gleam. “Fine, cher.

Next time I’ll warn you.”

“That’s not what I—” I pulled my arm free. “Never mind.”

Somehow all this arguing was making my blood heat as much as the damn kiss. I

needed him to stop touching me and looking at me like he wanted to kiss me again.

Goddamn Burke.

Delicious and Dead;ly

The head chef stood in the castle of Eden’s state-of-the-art kitchen, long legs spread, muscled arms folded, a stony stare pinning Mika to the spot.

It was eight-thirty in the evening and the young waiter felt as if he was about to pass out.

A trickle of cold sweat slid down Mika’s back.

His heartbeat hammered too fast against his ribs.

On the whole being part of the service crew and working for Oscar Zamani was a pretty good gig. Chef might be one big scary bastard with hands the size of a dinner plate, but he was a cool guy, usually. Chef was also passionate about food reaching dining tables and rooms piping hot. Customer satisfaction was key. So how the hell was Mika going to explain the return of not just one, but two trays, untouched, from a suite in the tower?

"Just to be clear, Mika. You are telling me that the trays were simply left in the hallway?" Oscar wanted to know, his deep voice no more than a growl. His inflection was pregnant with disbelief, as if Mika had left a newborn unattended among a pride of lions. The tone had Mika's knees knocking.

"Chef, the... the note on the door said, 'Please knock. Leave the tray in the hall.' So I did. Twice."

"Note?" Mika jumped as Oscar barked the word, held out his hand.

Thanking sweet baby Jesus that he'd had the bright idea to bring the note with him as proof, Mika dug his hand into his vest pocket. Placed the folded piece of paper onto Oscar's huge palm.

Eyes never leaving Mika's, Oscar opened the paper, flicked his eyes down to read.

Silence.

With great care he folded the note and tucked it nice and safe in the top pocket of his crisp white chef jacket.

Dark eyes rose and pinned Mika to the spot.

"Name?" Oscar asked in a soft voice.

Because his black bow tie felt too tight, Mika cleared his throat.

"E.J. Byron."

Oscar frowned.

The name rang a very distant bell.

"Man, woman?"

"No idea, sir. Never seen him."

Oscar turned to survey the staff manning a kitchen gone too quiet, all that could be heard was the steady drip, drip, drip of a tap.

He raised his brows in silent query.

Everyone shook their head.

Oscar moved over to a tray, lifted a heavy lid of solid silver. He's never... never had an untouched plate returned to his kitchen. With a righteous fury burning his gut, he surveyed the congealed mess on a delicate plate of white china. His teeth ran over his top lip at the thought of how much planning and effort had gone into making sure the rack of melt-in-the-mouth lamb had been seared to a light pink... perfection. How the broccoli spears had been steamed to al dente... perfection. How the delicate reduction, using the finest claret from Eden's vast cellars and black currants flown in at great expense from the mainland, had excited the palate... perfection. The bowl of now limp green salad seriously annoyed him, too. But it was the mini baked Alaska, meringue made with handmade marshmallow scented with distilled rose water, that lay in a gooey mess of melted double cream ice-cream, which pressed his hot button.

Under the wide-eyes of a staff holding their collective breath, Oscar untied his pristine white apron, folded it carefully, placed it on an immaculate stainless steel worktop.

He removed his chef's hat.

Placed it on top of the apron.

Turning on his heel, Oscar marched out.

"Omigod," Mika whispered.

The sous chef crossed himself.

***

A distant drumbeat boomed out, like thunder, and then echoed from far, far away.

What the...?

The struggle to open heavy lids made her groan out loud as Emma tried to kick-start her foggy brain. It sounded as if the heavy door to her suite was vibrating in its frame.

Thump.

Thump.

Emma stood, swaying on her bare feet.

Stumbling just a little, she shoved her hair from her face.

Thump.

A mix of irritation and worry began to simmer in her stomach.

She tripped over a pair of abandoned flip flops and nearly fell flat on her face.

Sheer temper had her kick one out the way as she stalked through the disaster zone that was the sitting room.

She yanked opened the door.

"What the hell?" she yelled.

The clenched fist in her face had her body react, arms lifting in defence, before her brain could compute. The trembling started in her feet, by the time it reached her knees, her legs couldn't hold her weight. The only warning she got was the roaring in her ears before Oscar was moving into her.

The world went black.

Second Glances

They were twenty-two when he’d seen her for the first time. Marcus had

convinced him to move to Cedar Springs to be closer to the ski hill, Bear

Mountain, and it was their first day on the slopes. They’d taken a break from the

fresh powder to have lunch, and like always, Malcolm had made the run to the

cafeteria for burgers while Marcus checked things out in the lodge. More

specifically, checked out the women. By the time he’d returned with lunch,

Marcus was holding court at a table with some of the beautiful local women. But

none as beautiful as Kylie. But it wasn’t until she opened her mouth in retaliation

to Marcus’s claim that snowboarders were better than skiers that Malcolm fell for

the brunette.

Not only was she cute, but she was feisty and she wasn’t going to take

any flak from anyone. Her sweet voice had rung out across the busy lodge with

just enough sass to challenge Marcus to a race. Of course, being the cocky SOB

he always had been, he’d taken her up on it and whether it was a home hill

advantage, or his brother making a play, Malcolm still didn’t know, but Kylie had

won the race that day, but it had been Marcus who’d really won. Because after

that, the two of them had been inseparable. Malcolm had always wondered how

it would have turned out if he’d been the one to talk to her first that day.

But none of that mattered now. As Malcolm strode across the sand with a

confidence he’d never possessed back then, he pushed all the old thoughts and

feelings out of his head and focused on the only thing that mattered. Kylie. She

looked so beautiful, as he knew she would in the dress he’d picked out just for

this moment.

He stopped, inches in front of her, reached his hand out and trailed the

back of his fingers down her cheek in an intimate and deeply personal gesture.

She trembled under his touch but didn’t pull away.

“I’m glad you came.”

It was then he saw the understanding in her eyes.

“Malcolm?”

“Kylie. You look stunning. It’s been—”

“You?” She stepped back and put distance between them, and

instinctively, Malcolm clasped his hand around her wrist and pulled her back.

“No, Malcolm.” She shook her head. “This…us…no.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t understand. I thought—”

“I know what you thought.” Of course he’d hoped that she wouldn’t be

expecting Marcus. He’d hoped that she’d finally moved past him. Lord knows

he’d moved past her moments after he’d left her. Maybe even before. Malcolm

pulled her close and moved his hand so it held hers loosely, but not so loose that

she could pull away. Now that he had her there, he would not let her go so easily.

“I know this is a lot to take in.” He led her toward the table that had been

set for two farther up the beach. “And you’ve had a long trip, so before you say

anything, come sit and have dinner with me. The chef prepared his specialty,

grilled lobster. You’ll love it.”

Malcolm pulled her seat out for her and wordlessly, Kylie sat. He took his

seat across from her and a white suited waiter appeared from the late day

shadows to pour them each a glass of pinot grigio and light the candle on the

table between them before he disappeared again.

Kylie lifted her glass to her lips and took a deep sip before Malcolm could

even make a toast, but there would be time for toasting later. He needed her to

relax, and let her mind catch up with what were no doubt a million thoughts

racing through her head. Finally, she put down her glass, straightened her skirt

and focused those piercing blue eyes on him.

“So,” she said slowly. “You did this. All of this.”

He nodded.

“Why the secrecy? The cryptic notes?” Her eyes blazed. She’d never been

one for surprises. “Why all this?”

“For you.”

“But, I thought it was from—”

“Don’t.” He held up a hand. “You’ve always wanted this, Kylie. You’ve

always wanted a tropical vacation, your own island with beautiful beaches and

warm water to swim in. Now you have it. It’s as close to a private island as you’re

going to get. But all this,” he waved his arm to encompass the pink and orange

streaked sunset, “it comes with one caveat.” He waited a moment, took a sip of

wine and set the glass down again before he continued. “You don’t mention him.”

Kylie drew in a sharp intake of breath.

“I mean it, Kylie. I can’t stop you from thinking about him. Lord knows I’ve

tried. But there can be no mention of his name. Not if you want this to continue.”

“Malcolm, I—”

“One week, Kylie. Can you do it for one week to have the vacation of your

dreams? He’s my brother, and I love him, but he doesn’t deserve your time and

energy. Not this week.”

She blinked hard, and he knew she mulled his words over in her head. He

crossed one leg over the other and waited. She’d agree to his terms; he knew it.

But it wouldn’t be an easy decision for her to make.

Quicker than he expected, Kylie leaned forward and locked her eyes on

his. “Fine.”

“Fine?”

“I won’t mention him. Not once. But I still don’t understand.”

His face split into a smile. “You will.” He tipped his glass in a toast. “You will.”

How to Tempt a Tycoon

Bathed in the filtered red light of our section, Christophe’s eyes are black. Not blue. Coal

black. Wanton. Seductive. Those sin filled eyes sweep my nearly naked body, penetrating and

smug. “I’ll give you a choice, and it’s the last one you’ll have tonight.”

“What?” I ask, shoulders back, arms crossed.

“You can take those panties off here or at the club.”

“What club?”

He points, to the far wall. There’s a sign on a door I hadn’t noticed that reads, Club Sin, all

done in red neon with devil horns on the C and N. “I’ve booked a room.”

“At the BDSM club?”

He touches my cheek, in that way I’m becoming much too accustomed to, and says quietly,

“You wanted to know what I was like before. Tonight is your chance to meet the old me.” His

expression turns serious. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

I nod, but not all the way. I think it’s what I want, but how can I know for sure until I meet

him.

“Good.”

In a flash, his whole persona changes. His face becomes grim, his eyes darken and his chest

expands. “Then we will fuck the way I like it. Do you understand?”

He’s always given off a dominant air, but right now? My God, it’s like a switch flicked and

Christophe is a completely different man. He’s the arrogant playboy I pictured him to be when I

first met him in Monte Carlo. He’s the entitled billionaire who gets everything he wants. Yes,

we’re playing a game but he’s so damn good, it doesn’t feel like play.

This isn’t what I had planned. I was going to seduce him, not submit to him.

So that’s what I tell him. “I’m not going to submit to you, if that’s what you think.”

“Yes, you are.” He steps closer, forcing me to look up at him.

I shake my head even though my body is already willing and ready to do whatever this man

suggests. “I’ll give you what you want, only when I want it.” I insist.

He does the same thing he did in Monte Carlo, fitting his trousered leg between mine, but

this time he moves it, grinding up between my thighs, which feels fucking marvelous by the way.

Taking hold of my wrists, he pulls my arms from my breasts. “I know what you want better than

you do.”

“No you don’t.”

“I do.” He pulls me closer. “Your pupils are dilated.” He fingers my wrist. “Your pulse is

erratic and there’s heat emanating off your skin.” He leans close to my face. “Your breath is

coming fast, like you find it hard to breathe.” He leans down as if to kiss me but he doesn’t. He

drops his head lower and inhales deeply. “And, I can smell your pussy.” Standing straight, he

looks down at me, his words clipped and calculated. “You’re wet for me. Your clit is throbbing.

You’re hoping I’ll slide my hand up your thigh and brush my fingers against you.”

I jerk out of his grasp. “That’s not true.” I lie because his all-knowing commentary is

maddening not only because of his superior tone but because of how accurate it is.

He very lightly trails a finger down my arm. I don’t know how something so gentle can light

such a blazing fire beneath my skin.

“This is what you want, Tessa. You like being dominated. You’re so in control of your life.

You long to give it up. Even if only for a short time.”

Who is this Christophe? I can’t decide if I like him or not. Right now, I’m thinking not so

much…or maybe too much.

“You want to be dominated by me and you’re going to let me because I know exactly what

you need.” His hand moves to my lower back.

“You barely know me.” Are we playing a game or is this real? I can’t tell anymore.

“I know you much better than you think.”

It’s the game. Surely. He’s just really good at playing the part of the dominant male. Well,

maybe he’s come across plenty of women who were willing to please him in the past. That’s not

me. I lift my chin. “I’m not a possession.”

“Good. I don’t need any more possessions.”

I swallow, having no answer to that.

“Now, do as you’re told. Remove your panties here or there.” He motions toward the door.

“It’s up to you.”

Breaking Free

Sweet Jesus.

Alaska was going to be the fucking death of him yet.

Jesse took a distancing step back and bit down on his jaw hard enough to break

bone. Desperate for something constructive to do with his hands before they got him into

trouble, he ran his fingers through his wet hair and worked to marshal his cock. But how

was he supposed to tame his dick when Alaska was tracking his body with those dark,

sexy bedroom eyes of hers? As they stood there staring at each other like they were in the

middle of some goddamn Mexican standoff, he shifted restlessly and wondered who was

going to make the first move, and more importantly, what that move might be.

When her glance met his again, she blinked thick lashes over come-hither eyes,

ones that not only told him she needed so much, but exactly who she needed it from. His

glance left her face, and he couldn’t help but notice the telltale hardening of her nipples

beneath the oversize night shirt she wore. He stifled a groan of want as he visualized

himself ripping that thin piece of material from her body to expose the ripe, innocent girl

beneath, one who’d been beckoning his touch in the most mind-fucking ways. He

swallowed, and despite his best interest, let his glance dip lower. Fuck... He tugged on his

hair harder as his brain conjured the path his hands wanted take. As his gaze visually

caressed her curves, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to watch the

stifled girl before him blossom beneath his touch.

She was speaking, but damned if he could decipher her words, not when the blood

in his body was pooling in his groin region. His gaze moved back to her face, and he

watched her mouth, trying to figure out what she was saying, but when she nibbled her

bottom lip, his cock grew another inch. Christ, how could such an innocent gesture be so

sexy?

“...a towel?” she said.

“What?” he murmured, working to get himself under control before he did

something he could only regret later, like pin her against that wall and give her what she

so obviously wanted…what they’ve both wanted for a long time now.

“I…uh… I didn’t realize anyone was in the shower. I thought I was alone here

and—”

“Janey.”

“Yeah?” she said, breathlessly.

He cleared his throat and nodded toward her outstretched arm. “Toss it,” he

ordered, knowing better than to take a step closer to grab it himself. Fuck, if she was

within arm’s reach, there was no way he could be held accountable for what he did next.

She threw it his way. He snatched it out of the air before it hit the floor. He

wrapped it around his waist and tucked in the corner but not before he was gifted with a

whiff of her scent. Stifling the groan rising from the depths of his throat, he bit down on

the inside of his cheek hard enough to draw blood. Too bad the pain did little to get his

erection under control. Shit, if he didn’t get it together soon, they’d both be able to go

camping under the tent he was pitching.

He breathed deep in an effort to get his head on straight, but her sweet citrus scent

was enough to make a grown man weep.

Alaska.

What was he going to do with the sexy girl who was so goddamn bored out of her

mind that she swiped his towel for an inch, or rather eight and a half inches, of

excitement?

Nothing...that’s what, his last working brain cell warned.

Even though he’d spent the last six months aching to taste the girl who he’d been

secretly watching over, daydreaming about ramming his cock into her so hard and fast

that she’d forget what the word boredom ever meant, he knew she was off limits. He was

here to protect her, and if he stepped over the line, he was as good as dead.

But Jesus, he hated seeing her so miserable, so lonely and bored that she had

nothing better to do than jack his towel. If only he could give her a week of fun, break her

out of this campus prison and give her the adventure she was craving. From watching her

closely and tracking her every moment, he knew exactly what kind of journey this sweet

yet sexy girl wanted. And damned if he didn’t want to be the guy to give it to her.

Except he knew better than to blow his cover—even though he was close to

blowing something—and breaking free went against all the rules.

When the hell had he become such a rule follower anyway?

Ivy in Bloom

Chapter One

The last thing I expected as I walked across the Glendale campus to my economics class with a Venti Moccachino in my hand was to be completely humiliated and embarrassed in front of a bunch of strangers. But that was exactly what happened at 10:24 that morning.

It was a gorgeous day and I loathed spending it indoors, but in California almost every day was gorgeous, so it wasn’t like I was never going to have another day like this to spend working on my tan. I walked quickly across the center quad because as usual I was going to be late for class. It was quite possible that I had set a college record for the amount of tardies in the first year. In high school I had gotten that honor.

I was just about to open the door to the west hall, when I heard my name.

I turned to see Derek, my boyfriend of the past three months, strutting up to me. And the boy did strut much like a peacock. The cock of the walk. At six foot two he pulled it off tremendously. I put up with it because he was extremely cute. He even had dimples in his cheeks when he grinned.

His two douchey friends, Brett and Rico, stood off to the side to wait for him. Neither of them liked me much because I didn’t put up with their immature bullshit. I had questioned Derek

many times on why he was friends with them. He never really gave me a definitive answer. Just mumblings about having been friends since high school.

I still had friends from high school, Violet and Dahlia, but they were awesome. Although I hadn’t seen either one of them in a few months. Dahlia was across the country at a design school and Violet was still trying to get her life back together after some horrible shit happened to her. We texted and talked on the phone though.

“Hey baby.” I wrapped a hand around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. I missed him as we hadn’t hooked up the night before like we usually did. He said he had some test to study for. Which I thought weird since I had never seen him study for anything since I’d known him. He was in his second year of aviation, and all I’d ever seen him do is fly more beer and weed into his mouth.

I pulled back and looked him over. He tasted like coffee and the one cigarette he allowed himself every morning in an effort to kick the habit and, surprisingly, cherry lip gloss. My stomach lurched. I didn’t wear cherry flavored anything.

“Did you study for your test?” I asked, although by the way he was looking at me, I didn’t think he wanted to talk about studying or school.

He took my hand. “We need to talk.”

“Look, you are really pretty and stuff, but…”

“Are you breaking up with me?”

He looked down at his feet.

“You’re screwing someone else, aren’t you?”

“What’s it like then? Huh?” I pulled my hand out of his.

Others who mingled around in the quad started to look our way. It was highly possible my voice was a few octaves higher and louder than normal.

“I’m sorry, but it’s just not working for me anymore.”

“What’s not working? The sex we have all the time? The blowjobs you beg me to give you? The time I tied you up and spanked you? Huh? What?”

There were some giggles from the other people in the quad.

“What way? Mad? Because you stuck your dick in someone else BEFORE you broke up with me. Why on earth would I be mad about that?”

He shook his head and ran a hand through his mop of dark hair. “This is exactly why this ain’t working.”

I raised my eyebrow and tilted my head to say “Go on motherfucker tell me what’s wrong with me. I know you want to.”

“You’re so damn controlling all the time. And bossy. And I can’t do anything without asking for permission.”

“You wanted permission to fuck some other chick?”

“No!” He threw up his hands. “Jesus, you’re so damn irritating.”

“Well whatever.” He took a few steps away. “We’re done. Your shit is in a box on my porch. Collect it today or it’s going in the garbage.” He walked back to his friends, who were

“I’m surprised you had the stones to even do this in person.”

“I told him to just text you,” Rico said. “Since I thought that’s all you’re worth.”

I flipped him the middle finger. “Fuck you Rico. Good thing I didn’t tell him about all the secret texts you were sending me trying to hook up behind his back.”

Derek gave Rico a sidelong look as they walked away. I knew it wouldn’t amount to much. In his mind, it would be my fault about Rico. That I had somehow encouraged him just by being a girl.

I turned around so I didn’t have to watch him walk away from me. The tears were welling in my eyes, but I really didn’t want to let them go here in public with ten strangers watching with avid interest.

I adjusted my purse strap on my shoulder, then instead of going into the school I started back the way I’d came. There was no point in going to class today. I wouldn’t have been able to concentrate anyway. So I figured a good long cry and forty minutes on the elliptical was in order.

I liked to sweat when I was upset. I was a size 2 because I got upset a lot. Some girls would be jealous of me because of my figure, but they had no clue how much I suffered emotionally for it.

Dahlia and Ivy didn’t really know either. I had always put on a carefree façade, especially when it came to guys, but deep down I had battle scars all over my heart and soul.

I always picked the wrong ones. Guys who only wanted to know my outsides and not my insides. Any time I ever even hinted that I might be more than my C cup and pouty pink lips, guys got spooked and looked for a way to break up with me. And that way usually involved another girl. It was so typical.

When I returned to my apartment near campus I immediately went into my bedroom. I grabbed an old plastic bag I sometimes used for garbage and opened my closet door. I tore an old chambray shirt from a hanger and shoved it into the bag. It was one of Derek’s. I slept in it sometimes because it had smelled like him, a combination of CK One and man.

Turning, I snatched up the stick of deodorant on my dresser and the spearmint chapstick beside it and tossed both in the bag. Then I made my way to the bathroom and tossed in the razor I had bought him and the toothbrush. I was about to leave when I stopped and faced the toilet.

Angry tears were rolling down my cheeks now. I didn’t want to shed them over him but sometimes a girl just has to have some release. And some pay back.

I reached into the bag and took out the toothbrush. I opened the toilet lid and peered into the bowl. The water wasn’t dirty, I used an automatic cleaner inside the tank, but I hadn’t scrubbed the inside of the bowl in a week or so. Until now.

I crouched and vigorously rubbed the bristles of the toothbrush inside the bowl. I dipped it in the water and scrubbed the stained porcelain. It was stained when I moved in, but still it made me feel better to do it. I scrubbed and scrubbed until my arm was sore and the tears on my

cheeks had dried. Satisfied, I straightened then tossed the dirty wet toothbrush into the bag.

In the living room I set the plastic bag on the table and plopped down onto the sofa. I felt a little better. Ruining his toothbrush gave me some joy. It kept the tears at bay for now and sometimes that was all a girl could hope for in a situation like this.

I took out my phone and texted my friends, Dahlia and Violet.

Me: So, another one bites the dust

I waited a few minutes. I knew Dahlia might be in class but Violet usually answered right

Violet: Why did you break up with this one?

Violet: Oh crap babe, I’m sorry. What happened?

Me: Dumped me for some other chick

Me: Says I’m a control freak. Can u believe that?

I didn’t text her back. I couldn’t believe she was agreeing with Derek. I mean, she was

supposed to be my best friend. Best friends had each other’s back no matter what. I didn’t judge her when she hooked up with weirdo Devon. Well, I guess maybe I did say a few hurtful things about him even after I’d realized she really did like him and it wasn’t just a brief dive into the dark side.

Violet: Sorry hun. I wish you were here so I could hug you

Violet: If you want to talk, call me. I’m here

I did want to talk but in person. I hated that I was here, and Violet was there, and Dahlia was all the way across the country. I needed my girls. Especially now.

I set my phone down beside me and looked around at my apartment. It was a decent place. Bigger than what the majority of the students lived in. My parents paid for it, as well as the bills. I was lucky that my parents were wealthy and could afford to pay for my education.

This was one of the reasons I had agreed to go to Glendale. My dad especially wanted me to get a college degree. He didn’t care what it was in, as long as I got it. I had tried to argue with him about it, insisting that it would be a huge waste of money, but he was stubborn and was used to getting his way.

But I was stubborn too. And now seemed like the perfect time to prove it.

I got up and went into my bedroom. I grabbed the suitcase from under the bed, opened it and started to pack up my clothes. I was going home.

Escape From Reality

He bent his head, his lips moving along her collarbone, dipping lower, sliding along

the edge of her gown for a moment, then kissing the valley between her breasts. His hand

rose, cupping one breast, kneading her flesh with firm fingers. Leila gasped with pleasure

as he slid his thumb across her nipple. The exquisite sensation as it drew up hard changed

her gasp to a low moan. There seemed to be a direct line between his circling thumb and

a very specific spot deep between her hips.

She made a small noise as his thumb stopped its erotic circle around her hardened

nipple and she heard an answering chuckle, low and deep. His lips moved from her skin,

his breath hot through the satin.

Leila cried out as he slowly licked her nipple and she clutched the sheets, not out of

tension, but in ecstasy. At the touch of his wet tongue over the satin, the friction of the

material against her sensitive skin, she arched against him, her hips rising from the bed.

The wet satin molded to her as he repeatedly licked her nipple, occasionally nuzzling

his cheek against her breast. Her body moved on its own, hips undulating from side to

side, her back arching against his mouth. When he slowly pulled the wet satin aside and

blew across her damp skin, she cried out, her nipple puckering even more, a wash of

goose bumps prickling her skin.

He pulled her breast into his mouth, sucking hard, almost greedily. Leila felt his

body moving in time with hers, the hip resting against hers pressing against her as she

rose.

His hand moved to her other breast, pulling back the gown, fondling her briefly

before he moved to suck that breast.

Leila’s body was suffused with a liquid heat, coursing through her, pooling deep

inside her. Her fingers found their way back to his hair, winding through the thick

strands.

Finally he looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers. He sat up, took her hands, and

pulled her upright.

“This comes off.” His voice was rough with passion and he tugged impatiently on

the gown. Leila rose to her knees and he helped her slide the gown over her head. Before

she could lie back, he wrapped his arms around her, burying his face between her breasts,

turning his head, kissing her softly. He held her and she held his head gently to her body.

After a moment, he let her go and she sat back, hands reaching for his shirt.

He watched her in the dim light as she undid the buttons with trembling fingers. As

she reached the last button, her hand brushed across his lap, across the bulge of his

erection. Leila hesitated, resting her hand on him, feeling the heat and hardness his jeans

concealed. He drew in a sharp breath, grabbing her hand.

“Lie back.” He stood, removing his shirt, dropping it to the floor as she lay back on

the sheets.

His eyes never left hers as he undid the button and zipper on his jeans. Leila tried to

hold his gaze, but her eyes slid over his chest, past the flat stomach and taut navel, then

lower as he began tugging his jeans over his narrow hips. This was exactly what she’d

described in her assignment, every detail—almost every detail. He was perfect.

As his jeans slid lower, the dark line of hair she’d written about appeared, the line

that extended below his navel, growing thicker as he lowered his jeans. Leila’s breathing

was shallow and fast, practically panting, eyes widening in anticipation. He tugged the

jeans a fraction of an inch lower and Leila’s breath stopped. Slowly, he leaned over Leila,

rested a hand beside her, and blew out the candle.

For a fraction of an instant, there was silence and then Leila cried out in frustration.

He laughed from somewhere nearby, and she heard the sound of his jeans hitting the

floor. The mattress dipped with his weight and she felt the heat of his body a moment

before his hand slid across her stomach. He leaned close and she drew in his scent, rich

and spicy, deeply masculine.

There was no moonlight, and for an instant Leila cursed the darkness. But the hand

on her stomach moved lower and she forgot about what he looked like, only able to focus

on where his hand was going.

Fingers slid between her legs as his mouth found hers. He claimed her again with a

powerful kiss, and she instinctively wound her arms around his neck, holding him close.

Her legs moved on their own accord, hips rising, thighs falling open at his touch.

And then his touch moved lower, further, feather-light strokes deepening as his kiss

deepened, fingers probing deeper as his tongue took possession of her mouth. Her moans

were muffled against his lips, his throaty growl against hers.

He shifted his weight, one long leg moving over the top of hers. His hip pressed

against her body and she felt his erection, hard and hot, rubbing against her skin. But that

wasn’t enough contact. She craved more, much more. Wiggling beneath him, she pulled

and guided him until he rested between her legs, his hips pinning her to the mattress.

Lifting his head, he broke their kiss. She felt his breath against her cheek, his open

mouth brushing against her neck. He shifted his weight again and she drew her legs up

his body, over the hard muscles of his thighs.

He brushed against her, hotter than she could have imagined, and his hips shifted

slightly, the muscles of his thighs tensing beneath her legs as he braced himself. Leila

moved her legs further up his body, bringing her hips up to meet him, opening herself to

him.

There was a long moment where he held himself, poised, just touching her, moving

slowly, lightly, teasing her with a hint of what was to come. She bit her lip, aching to feel

him inside her, the anticipation almost overwhelming. With one movement, she knew,

he’d be there, filling her completely, totally. All she needed to do was wait. Waiting was

agony, but a delicious agony nonetheless.

He lifted his head and she wished for light, to see the look on his face, the passion

in his eyes, the passion that matched what raced through her own body. His hips flexed

as he pulled back slowly, just a little, enough to let her know he was ready. And she was

more than ready for him.

Then he was there, thrusting into her, slowly, seemingly forever. Leila let out a

long, low moan as he drove himself forward, her hips rolling upward, her body accepting

everything he had to give her.

Finally he stopped, exhaling against her neck, holding himself inside her for a

moment. Raising his head, he braced his forearms on either side of her, his fingers

playing over her face, finally coming to rest in her hair, tangling themselves in the long

strands. His breath moved across her forehead, and then his lips pressed against her skin.

Her hands skated over the hot skin of his back, playing over broad shoulders, down

the ridge of his spine, lower, to the small of his back, and then up the sharp slope of his

buttocks. She dug her fingers into firm flesh and as if spurred on by her touch, she felt the

muscles beneath her hands clench, his hips driving forward even further, as impossible as

that seemed.

And then he was moving, hard and fast, Leila matching him stroke for stroke, as if

all the anticipation and pent up longing had been released. He buried his face in her neck,

his breath rasping harshly against her skin.

Leila tipped her head back, sounds she never realized she could make coming from

her parted lips as every thrust drove her toward some unimagined plane of pleasure.

Every inch of her body was alive like it had never been before. The core of her, where he

lay claim to her, where they were joined, felt like a molten pool.

She lost track of time, focusing only on the movements of their bodies. At some

point he slid a hand beneath her ass, fingers digging into her flesh, lifting her, his body

flexing and twisting, as if there were some way he could consume more of her, or she

more of him.

His sounds had deepened, moans becoming growls, growing louder, more urgent.

Leila’s arms were flung wide now, fingers twisting in the sheets, her body speeding

toward what could only be oblivion.

He drew back from her, his chest rising from hers, and her body instantly arched

upward, taking on a life of its own as his hips drove into her at a relentless pace.

Something deep and powerful welled up inside her and she writhed beneath him, head

thrashing from side to side. The world went soundless for a moment and then she heard

herself, from a distance, then louder, clear, cry after cry as her body shuddered and

twisted in his grasp. Finally the tremors slowed and she drew a shaky breath.

His arms were still wrapped around her, holding her loosely, and he thrust slowly,

but not as deeply. She relaxed in his arms, letting his momentum carry her for a moment.

Gradually his thrusts became shaper, harder, more aggressive, each one accompanied

by a deep grunt. Leila drew her legs higher along his body, wrapping them around his

waist. Her movements triggered something in him and his arms tightened around her

again, his body wrapping around hers.

With a sudden powerful thrust, he sank himself deeply, completely, holding himself

still inside her. Every muscle in his body was taut, his arms like iron bands around her.

She held her breath, not wanting to break his concentration, waiting for him, for what she

felt certain would be his climax.

Then beneath her hands he began to move, his hips pumping hard and fast into

her, each thrust accompanied by a noise so primal it sent a shiver through Leila’s body.

She was unprepared for the intensity of his climax, for the power of his thrusts, the

animalistic noises.

Leila was swept up in his passion, in his release, her body responding to his, a fresh

cascade of sensations sweeping through her. She found herself answering his cries with

her own, her body alive again with ecstasy.

They held each other for a moment, arms and legs relaxing, slowly moving apart.

He rolled onto his back next to her and she curled against him, hand on his chest as his

arm encircled her. The soft breeze from the window played across her skin, a delicious

counterpoint to the heat that spread across her body.

Leila had never felt so complete. Not just happy, but as if for the first time,

something clicked inside, some connection had been made. It went beyond the physical

sensations in her body. Granted, he’d saved her life, but it went deeper than that. She’d

had sex before, had even had what she’d considered making love, but there had never

been this connection with those men, even men she thought she’d been in love with. And

yet this man was a stranger.

Leila was content, drifting into sleep, her head on his shoulder. Almost asleep, she

roused herself to ask the one question she had of the man beside her.

“You never told me your name.”

He shifted on the bed, his arm pulling her close, lips brushing across her forehead.

“I can’t, Leila. You haven’t given me one yet.”

Yours Truly, Taddy

set-up: plane has crashed at sea

My mind raced faster than my body could swim. I tried a few times to zone out and paddle forward. You know, get in that cardio trance where your breasts are jiggling, hair flying, and work the flip out.

Ugh. I counted every second. One, kicking my legs, two, lifting my right arm up, three, stroke, followed by left arm up, stroke.

No matter how hard I swam, my fears worsened. The water overwhelmed me. I could almost make out a thin sliver of land, way ahead of us, but it seemed far. I gotta ask. “Leon…”

He stopped and turned around to face me.

“Will we make Eden before dark?”

“No—”

“What are we gonna do?”

“The moonlight can guide us,” Leon replied in all seriousness. However to me, he sounded almost romantic. I had to put my mind into some state of fantasy. Otherwise I’d go nuts with the reality of what we were doing: swimming for our life. “Need a break?”

“Please.” I wasn’t as tired as I thought I’d be. If anything, my fears supercharged me.

He swam over, put his arms around me, and asked, “Thirsty?”

“Ah-huh, and hungry.” Let’s not forget horny.

“Me too.” Leon brushed up me. I could’ve sworn I felt— “Sorry,” he muttered in a low voice.

“I’m not.”

“What?”

“You’re fine.” Heck, you’re more than fine. Take me. Right here. Right now.

His nose touched mine. Intent and close, we stared at each other as if we each only had one eye. I wrapped my arms, and then my legs, around him. His erection pressed up against me. Lowering my right hand, I glided my thumb against the head of his dick. Ever so slowly, with each trace of my finger over his cock, Leon’s devilish smile widened.

“Your body is tight. If you loosen your limbs, you might kick better.”

Trembling, I slipped a finger into the well of my cunt. I couldn’t help myself, Leon was right, every muscle in my body tensed. Not from the swim, but from being in his arms. He made me nervous and excited. Until meeting Leon this week, I’d never felt these urges as strongly as I did now. I held on to his shoulders, kissing him all over again.

“Maybe this will help you relax.” His hands, controlled and focused, found mine.

“Leon,” I whispered under my breath, unsure if we should.

“Let me touch you.” Kissing me, he pressed his fingers up against my g-spot. He knew exactly where to go. Even in the water, Leon hit it like a switch. Jesus!

Lip-to-lip, I whimpered into his mouth, moaning, calling out to him, “I want you.” A tingly sensation overcame the lower part of my body. “Oh, I’m going to—”

“Come for me, Mon chére.”He spoke as if in my daydream.

Just a little, right there, in the water, I came. Pulling him into me, I wasn’t going to stop. We didn’t have any condoms and I didn’t care. “Fuck me. I want you inside of me.” I needed him. I tightened my legs around his torso.

Forget the fact that we weren’t an item, let alone floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, I never thought my first time would be casual.

Regardless of the formalities, being with Leon Lartique, right this very second, sharing my body with him, suddenly felt like the most meaningful thing I’d ever done. The importance of this meant more to me than graduating from Avon Porter, getting into college, or making my own money. This, right here, what we were sharing, was the truest expression of oneself.

My brain had been awake for years, in recent times so had my heart, but not until today had I thought much about my soul, about life and death. Leon touched my soul.

Today could be my last day alive. I refused to go with regrets.

“Mon chére, I’ve never…had unsafe sex before.”

“Ha! I’ve never had any kind of sex before. So skin-to-skin will be new for me too.”

The tip of his dick slid inside me. Welcoming him, I took more. My muscles contracted tight around him. “Ahhh,” I moaned, watching his face.

He found his groove in the water.

“Am I hurting you?” He pulled out, almost all the way.

“Amazing—keep going.” To show my comfort, I fell back, floating in the water.

Weightlessness surrounded us.

In long, slow strokes, he fucked me. The sunset cast shadows across his face. His skin was illuminated with amber hues of paradise. Leon spoke to me in French, caressing my breasts, saying beautiful things to me that sounded lyrical and poetic.

For a minute, I closed my eyes, taking all of this in. Hypnotic! My senses felt intoxicated in a newfound euphoria. My hair floated around me as if petals in the wind.

The water’s level rose up past my ears, over my eyelashes. Hands at my sides, they seemed unattached to the rest of me.

Leon’s grip at my torso tightened. His penetration taught. Hips pulsating faster, he was going to come. So was I. Again.

Inhaling deeply through my nose, he impaled me. Just a small oval of air at the surface circled over my face. It felt cool. The rest of me was submerged into the sea with ecstasy.

*****

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24982395-the-bad-boys-of-eden?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TT0KPMU/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_ca-20&linkCode=as2&camp=15121&creative=330641

Avery Aster

Avery Aster pens The Manhattanites, a modern erotic romance series of juicy melodramas multilayered on love, friendship, scandal, and drama to the hilt. As a resident of New York’s Upper East Side and a graduate from New York University, Avery gives readers an inside look at the city’s glitzy nightlife, socialite sexcapades and tall tales of the über-rich

and ultra-famous. “I write about what I see in my metropolis that never sleeps–beautiful people on the quest for a passionate thrill,” Avery says. By and large, Avery’s characters are ripped straight from the headlines, speak their minds and always get what they want. Each novel may be read as a stand alone and is free of any cliffhangers.

 Opal Carew

Hi. I’m Opal Carew, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. I write erotic romance for St. Martin’s Press and Samhain Publishing, and I self-publish stories. I also write romance as Amber Carew.

So why do I like writing erotic romance? I like being able to push beyond traditional boundaries. I like dealing with a female character who is growing and evolving – questioning her sexual boundaries and pushing past them. My stories usually include menage a trois. It is great fun to write a heroine choosing between two equally appealing heroes… or more.

These aren’t women who just jump into bed with anyone. They find themselves in an unusual situation – something exciting and erotic – but a situation where they have to push themselves beyond their comfort level. As a result, they grow as a person. So often fear holds us back – of what others will think of us, of what we will think about ourselves – and we don’t follow our hearts. These women push past that fear.

 Mari Carr

Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. Now her computer is jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari finds time for writing by squeezing it into the hours between 3 a.m. and daybreak when her family is asleep.

 Cathryn Fox 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter and tries to write page-turning books that her readers will love. Cathryn also writes Young Adult novels under Cat Kalen and co-writes paranormal romance as Taylor Keating.

Eliza Gayle Eliza Gayle lives a life full of sexy shapeshifters, blood boiling vamps and a dark desire for bondage…until she steps away from her computer and has to tend to her family.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude (which her husband translated into something very naughty) from college with a dual degree in Human Resource Management and Sociology. That education, a love of the metaphysical and a dirty mind comes in handy when she sits down to create new characters and worlds. The trick is getting her to sit still.

…Join her in her world. The door is always open and the next red hot adventure is just a page away.

Steena Holmes  I’m Steena Holmes. A wife, a mother of three daughters, and I live in Calgary, Alberta. I’m an author and a chocoholic. I love to read, write, and bake.

Welcome to my world of passions—chocolate and writing! Pull up a chair, fill your plate with sweet delicacies as we learn together how to become stronger writers. We’ll discuss books, indie publishing and passions—not always in that order!

Growing up as a small town Canadian girl, there wasn’t much to do but ride your bike, hang out with friends on the beach and daydream. I always wanted to write but never dreamed it was something I could do as a career. I love to travel and fell in love with the sheep covered hillside, old castles and romantic history of Scotland and England. I dream about waking up in Tuscany and touring small town shops in the south of France with my husband, of placing my toes in the ocean and experiencing history first hand. As a mother with three daughters, I’m learning that teaching them to pursue their dreams is a lasting legacy. I love to wake up to the Rocky Mountains, will forever enjoy the taste of coffee and chocolate and can’t imagine the day when a story doesn’t unfold in my heart. Living a life with passion and pursuing dreams is a life well lived.

Adriana Hunter 

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Hunter wrote her very first novel at only thirteen years old, by hand, in an old lined scribbler and she hasn’t stopped since. Her contemporary and paranormal romance stories feature irresistibly powerful alpha heroes and the beautifully curvy heroines that love them.

Roni Loren

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.

If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that’s it.

She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series.

Sharon Page 

USA Today Bestselling author Sharon Page sold her first book in 2004. Since then, she has published more than 20 novels and novellas, both traditionally through NY publishers and on her own through self-publishing.

Sharon writes: Erotic historical romance (Sin, Deeply in You) Erotic paranormal romance (Blood Red, Blood Curse) Sensual historical romance (The Club) New adult contemporary erotic romance (The Yardley College Chronicles series).

Sharon’s books have won many awards including two RT Bookreviews Reviewers Choice Awards, two National Readers Choice Awards, the Colorado Award of Romance, and the Golden Quill. Sharon was nominated by RT Bookreviews in 2013 for Career Achievement in Erotic Romance.

Sharon graduated with a degree in Industrial Design (School of Engineering) and worked for years in the structural engineering field. Married, with two children, Sharon now writes almost full time.

Daire St. Denis 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Daire St. Denis is an adventure seeker, an ancient history addict, a seasonal hermit and a wine lover. She writes smoking hot, contemporary romance where the pages are steeped in sensuality and there’s always a dash of the unexpected. The best way to spice things up is to check out her new series of interactive tales, WICKED WAY INTERACTIVES, a fun new format in sexy storytelling

Tawny Stokes 

Tawny Stokes aka Vivi Anna is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author in paranormal romance, urban fantasy, scifi, young adult and new adult. Since 2003, she’s written and published over 40 books for New York publishers and indie published.

Elena Aitken

Like a lot of my readers, I’m a busy mom. It often feels like life is pulling us in a million different directions, which is why I love to write romance! There’s nothing better than knowing you have an escape waiting for you at the end of a long day in the form of a good book.

I’m lucky enough to live in the shadow of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the foothills of Alberta, where I can write the stories I love. Whenever I get the chance, I escape into those amazing mountains and I can usually be found sitting with my feet in the lake, working on my next book.

As well as contemporary romance novels, I also like to write women’s fiction and my collection of stand alone novels are all part of the Escape Collection. I’m always trying something new, so stay tuned to see what’s next! 

CC MacKenzie

CC MACKENZIE is the author of three completed contemporary romances due out this year. Reckless Nights in Rome, A Stormy Spring. Run Rosie Run is due out before the end of 2012. She released a vampire romance novella Big Trouble in China in September 2012 the first of three in a series. Capturing Coco’s Heart another contemporary romance is out in early 2013.

A born storyteller, she creates a fast paced blend of humour, poignancy and a deep sensual warmth that speaks directly to her readers. The eldest of two children, Christine lives in South Cheshire, United Kingdom. She has two daughters and one son.

Lauren Hawkeye

New York Time and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Hawkeye never imagined that she’d wind up telling stories for a living… though when she looks back, it’s easy to see that she’s the only one who is surprised. Always “the kid who read all the time”, Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she’d finished a book… and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting, reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!

URL(s) of Author Website(s)

http://www.invitationtoeden.com

URL(s) of Facebook Page of Author(s)

Avery Aster: https://www.facebook.com/AveryAster

Opal Carew: https://www.facebook.com/OpalCarew?fref=ts

Mari Carr: https://www.facebook.com/MariCarrAuthor?fref=ts

Cathryn Fox: https://www.facebook.com/cathryn.fox.5?fref=ts

Eliza Gayle: https://www.facebook.com/elizagayle?fref=ts

Steena Holmes: https://www.facebook.com/steena.holmes?fref=ts

Adriana Hunter: https://www.facebook.com/adrianahunterbooks?fref=ts

Roni Loren: https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren

Sharon Page: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.page.3910