Review of Atone by Sarah M Ross

 

Atone: The Patronus 2.5

A Patronus Novella: Max's Story

by Sarah M Ross

 

 

Atone was simply amazing! Having read Awaken: The Patronus first, I loved reading Max's backstory in Atone. It really gives you a better understanding of Max and why he is the way he is. Because I've read both books, I highly recommend reading Awaken first and then Atone because the suprise in Awaken won't seem quite as suprising if you read it in Atone first. But that's just my opinion. Onced I picked up Atone, I couldn't put it down and I actually stayed up til 3am to finish it because I had to know what Max was really feeling knowing that his soulmate was lying in the hospital wing, healing from her injuries. When Atone begins, Max is so full of anger and resentment and to see him do a complete 180 and love this girl with every fiber of his being, willing to protect her at all costs, is so beautiful. I personally don't think that I would have felt the same had I read Atone first and then Awaken. It's always refreshing to go back in time and see something from another perspective once you've read the story. It's like seeing the story through another's eyes. Atone was simply amazing! Great job Sarah!

Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas

 Vivien Sparx

I have written romance stories since I was a teenager and more recently I have focused my writing on erotic romance. One of the things I pride myself on is being able to tell an erotic story without ever using profane or graphic language; it's just the way I like my stories to be.

Vivien's Published Works

 

Her Master's Kiss Trilogy

 

 

 

When Renee approaches experienced Dom and Master, Stefan, to help her restore a struggling relationship she discovers more about herself and her ex partner than she ever expected. Spread across three stories ( each one 20 - 27,000 words) and spanning 12 months the smouldering romance between Stefan and Renee begins as Master and submissive and ignites with passion as the traumas from Stefan's past are revealed and eventually healed by Renee's persistent and willing love. Faced with challenges to their relationship and their safety these stories show Stefan learning to love and trust again as Renee develops the inner strength and maturity to cling to true love. A compelling trilogy that will have you laughing, crying and cheering on the characters as the struggle to grow their love against all odds.

 

The Billionaire's Temptress

 

 

 

Set in London over one long weekend, 'The Billionaire's Temptress' features a delightful heroine and her struggle to allure, arouse and attract the passions of a dark, sexy billionaire. But everything is not quite as it seems as Holly sets about seducing Nikolai.Once Nikolai's passions are aroused, Holly soon learns that unleashing Nikolai's desires may be more than she can handle as the erotic action quickly begins to sizzle.

 

Her Master's Voice

 

 

 

When young Kate recieves an anonymous text message she doesn't realise how much her world is about to change. Surrendering to her inner most desires Kate soon finds herself submitting to the erotic, sensual and sensitive demands of her mysterious Master.

Drawn into a world of erotic love Kate quickly realises all that matters in her world is Her Master's Voice.

 

Author Interview

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My best advice for people who want to write is to work incredibly hard on developing a unique and interesting plot. With erotic romance it may seem that every story has already been told. This is not true! The true test of whether you have it in you to be a writer is whether you can approach the genre with a fresh voice and fresh ideas. 'The Billionaire's Temptress' on the surface appears to be one story when in fact on the final page readers discover something totally unexpected. Adding a twist to an erotic romance story is just one way writers can set themselves apart in a crowded market.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Once I have the plot for the story firmly in mind the hardest part of every story I have ever written is starting. Those first words, that first paragraph, that first page are horrible, it is critical to capture and engage the reader from the very first words and so I spend a lot of time trying to craft my openings in a way that engages the reader and invites them to take the journey I have planned for them.

 

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I think all of my heroines contain little parts of me. It may be in the way they speak, the way they react or the strength of their feelings but each of them contains elements of the real Vivien Sparx. In many cases they are the people I would like to be. Writing erotic romance gives me the chance to create stories that are larger than life and yet each one has its basis on real live people and how they would react in extra ordinary situations.

 

If you had to do it all over again would you change anything in your books?

Looking back now at 'Her Master's Voice' (my first story) through to 'Her Master's Kiss 3' (my last story) I can certainly see subtle signs of evolution in the way I describe and present characters. However, I wouldn't change anything that I have written. What I would change is the title for 'The Billionaire's Temptress'. I don't know why I went with that title but it is something I regret now. I regard 'The Billionaire's Temptress' as perhaps my best story - I only wish I had given it the kind of compelling title the story deserved.

 

Fav Christmas movie?

Die Hard - the original ( well, it was set at christmas!)

 

What are your current projects?

I have a really fantastic group of passionate Facebook friends, and one of the things I love most is that readers who visit my Facebook page are always enthusiastic and supportive. Reader feedback is absolutely critical and means I am always asking my Facebook friends what kind of stories they would like to read. At the moment I have two new stories in the planning stages as well as a lot of requests to write something erotic/ paranormal. Over the next few months readers can expect to see several new Vivien Sparx stories available to download from Amazon.

 

Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas

Sarah M Ross

 

 

 

I started my obsession with reading at an early age, getting in trouble for sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class in elementary school. I would read any fiction book I could get my hands on. I knew it was an addiction when instead of grounding me from TV or music, my mom would take away my books as punishment (The Horror!). My love of all things paranormal was inspired by my good friend Laurie, who convinced me that books with vampires, witches, and all things shifter were amazing. After a little reluctance, I gave it a shot with the Sookie Stackhouse books, realized she was right, and the rest was history.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with my degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as I do for several years. I will always be a proud member of the Steelers Nation, but I couldn’t take the cold and moved my frozen tush to Florida where I now live with my family and two cats. You will find me now with my trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand!
 

 

Sarah's Published Works

 

The Patronus Series

 

Awaken (The Patronus) Book 1

 

 

 

 

Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life.

Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose.

Further complicating her life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued.

Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life.

 

Avenge (The Patronus) Book 2

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ago, Lucy Donovan thought that being killed by a drunk driver was the worst thing that could happen to her.

She was wrong.

Now, the person she loves most has been ripped away from her, soul held hostage, and Lucy has vowed to stop at nothing to get it back.

Part of a new team with enhanced powers, Lucy and her friends begin a quest to avenge the souls that have been stolen. Enemies of the Patronus have united, however, and a spy from within the Patronus realm is feeding the enemy their every move.

When a mission goes horribly wrong, Lucy’s soul becomes compromised. It will take a strength she didn’t know was within her to escape the darkness, return to the light and avenge the soul she loves.

Atone (The Patronus) 2.5

 

 

 

 

 

Before there was Awaken, before there was “Lucy and Max”, there was just Max. And he had some issues.

A lot of issues.

Max Kensington ‘s death haunted him for years. The guilt of his sins tormented him. Unable to let go, he was sure he’d never be able to atone for all of them. But that didn’t stop him from trying.

When his reason for being is suddenly thrust back into his life, he vows to protect her at all costs. He’ll do whatever it takes to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. And this time, he’ll fight to the bitter end to capture the one thing that has alluded him—happiness.

Please note: This novella contains adult language.

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Excerpt:

 

My fingers finally got the knob to turn. I opened the door and stepped inside, holding my breath. I pulled the curtain back, but kept my eyes closed for a moment longer. I could hear a hiss of air being pushed and knew she was probably on a ventilator. The knowledge made my heart clench, but hearing the steady beep of her heart monitor—knowing it was strong and constant—helped ease it a little.

I took a deep breath. Bitter iodine and antiseptic swirled in my nose, but underneath it was another scent. Soft lilac emanated around me, and though it was faint, it overtook everything else. It was her. The beautiful, flowery aroma somehow clung to her and caressed my senses, making my heart pound in my chest.

I opened my eyes and took my first look at her. If I had a thousand books filled with a thousand pages each, it would still not be enough to describe how beautiful she was. I knew that she was broken, bloody, and bruised, but I didn’t see any of that. All I saw was perfection. I took a few steps forward and reached my hand forward. My fingertips gently grazed her soft, creamy skin as I brushed her hair out of her face.
As my fingers grazed her skin, a sizzle of electricity passed between us. Her monitors beeped like crazy, letting me know that even in this state, she was just as affected by me as I was by her. I pulled back, double checking that she was alright and I wasn’t inadvertently hurting her. After all, she was in a very precarious state right now and I couldn’t risk anything happening to her. After a few moments, the monitors resumed their steady rhythm and I tried again, this time taking her tiny, delicate fingers in my own.

Her eyes fluttered behind their closed lids. I hoped she was having good dreams. I pulled up a chair and sat down next to her, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “I can’t believe I found you. I didn’t even know I’d lost you, and yet here you are. But I promise you this, I’m never leaving you again. So just rest now; let your body heal. We’ll be together very soon.” I brushed my lips against her temple, inhaling her sweet lilac smell as I did.

A quiet knock at the door drew my eyes away from her, but not my hands. They refused to let her go. “You guys can come in,” I whispered. I wasn’t sure why I was whispering; I knew it wouldn’t wake her, but it just seemed like I should.
James pulled back the curtain, allowing access for Cassie and Adam to slip in around him. James crossed the room, carrying a thick three-ring binder in his hands. That binder held the key to unlocking the mystery of who this woman was—I still didn’t even know her name, but I yearned to know everything about her. What was she like? Where was she from? What happened to her? I wanted to know it all.

Earth Angel Trilogy

 

Echo of an Earth Angel

 

 

 

 

 

18 year old Tessa Copeland barely survived the worst year of her life—in fact, it was a miracle. After making it through the tragedy that killed both of her parents, she’s left to pick up the pieces of her life. Combating the holes in her memory and the concern of her friends was hard enough, but a new talent threatens to destroy everything she’s trying to reclaim. 

David Allegri didn’t mean to ruin Tessa’s life. She was the brightest soul he’d seen in centuries and he couldn’t let her die, so the fallen angel used his abilities to heal her—only he took it too far and changed Tessa forever. Now, he has to figure out a way to explain what’s happening to Tessa and somehow protect both of them from the consequences. 

His choice made them targets for the Hunters, who will use any means necessary to capture their prey. Only a desperate plan can help them escape, and sacrifices will be made. Time is ticking. Will they make it, or will they be lost to the echoes of fate?

 

 

Coming Soon in 2013....

 

Fate of an Earth Angel (the sequel to Echo)
and
Inhale/Exhale

 

(Sarah's keeping the covers and blurbs under lock and key so you'll have to follow her blog to be the first to see them)

or visit

 

 Author Interview

 

What inspired you to write your first book?

 

I’ve always written, and had stories floating in my head. One morning in July 2011, it was just sitting in my head and I knew I had to get it down on paper!

How did you come up with the titles of each book ?

 

I’m terrible at picking titles, but Awaken comes from the song “Awake my Soul” by Mumford and Son and Echo of an Earth Angel comes from the song “Earth Angel”.

What books have most influenced your life most?

 

I would say the Harry Potter series influenced my love of Young Adult literature and the Sookie Stackhouse series influenced my love of paranormal.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

 

That’s a really hard question. Soo many good choices. I would say that my friends Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines, Liz Reinhardt, Nichole Chase, Tiffany King and Rebecca Donovan do mentor me. They’re amazing authors and awesome friends!

What book are you reading now?

 

I just finished Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts (AMAZING by the way!) and I was beta reading On Christmas Hill, a super cute short Christmas story by my friend Nichole Chase. Now, I’m going to start Trouble and Treats by Tara Sivec

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

 

I don’t know how new they are, but I find new authors all time from other author friends or who my fans recommend.

What are your current projects?

 

I’m finishing Atone (a novella from Max’s POV), and then working on Fate of the Earth Angel, book 2 in that series.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books ?

 

I’m a perfectionist, so I probably would. I won’t though. I’m too busy working on my next project.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

 

I would tell them to realize that it takes time, and a ton of patience to be successful. And most important, if you want to be taken seriously as a professional, you need to act professionally. Hire a professional cover artist, editor, and proofreader. Trying to do it all yourself will not result in the best possible product.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

 

Thank you. Thank you to the moon and back. I would not be able to do this without my readers, and I feel soo blessed that they continue to buy my books so I can live my dream of being a full time author.

What would you do in a zombie apocalypse should it occur on Black Friday?

 

I don’t go out on Black Friday, but based on the pictures and videos I’ve seen, Black Friday at Walmart very much resembled a Zombie Apocalypse.

If you could be any christmas character, what would you be and why?

 

Buddy the Elf!

Fav Christmas Movie ?

 

A tie between A Christmas Story and Elf

Fav Christmas CD?

 

Amy Grant- Home for Christmas. I don’t know why, but that’s always been my favorite.

Fav thing to do for the holidays ?

 

Eat, Get presents, Drink hot chocolate, and drive around looking at Christmas lights!!

 

 Contact Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas

Kristie Haigwood

 

Ever find it hard to talk about yourself? Yeah, I have that problem, too. I have been married to my soulmate for 8 years, who wouldn't pick up a book unless promised that it was filled with pictures. I have a beautiful 7 year old daughter, Riley, that talks too much and has a very vivid imagination. I have no clue where she got those traits. My step-son, Hayden, is 16 and very into football and hunting. I am a writer of paranormal suspense romance. If you enjoy a great love story with a massive amount of drama about angels, demons, ghosts, vampires, witches and fairy tale creatures brought to life through a twisted mind, then you might just enjoy reading my work.

 

Kristie's Published Works

 

Save My Soul

 

 

 

 

Kendra Larkin had everything going in the right direction. Her life was seemingly perfect, and she wouldn't have changed a thing about it. Unfortunately, the course of her life was about to be forever altered. A tragic rappelling accident lands her on Dr. Adam Chamberlain's operating table.
She agrees to a deal proposed by a guardian angel to help save the soul of the man who is both her doctor and soulmate. If she is successful, she gets to keep her life. However, she later learns that it isn't just her life that's in jeopardy, but her soul as well.
Even with the help of her handsome guardian angel, Rhyan, it seems there is no happy ending in sight. Torn between her newly discovered love of Rhyan, and the undeniable attraction she has for Adam, Kendra finds herself at a crossroad. With Adam's steadfast rejection of God, and his guardian demon conspiring against her, she fears her soul may already be lost.
Will she find a way to overcome the evil her life is suddenly burdened with? Or will Adam's guardian demon win both their souls and make Kendra his own personal puppet in Hell?

 

Hell's Gift (A 'Save My Soul' Novel) Coming in January 2013

 

 

 

Forbidden Touch

 

 

 

 

Ciera has to break the ultimate vampire law to save Mitch, her mortal soulmate, from a terrible fate. Dane, the vampire who would do anything to win her affection, is responsible for Mitch being framed for murder. A fast chain of events is set in motion, which leads to the soulmates being torn apart and Ciera to lose her heart to the one person she has always despised, Dane. She finds herself completely in love with both men. But a rogue vampire puts them all in grave danger. Can she keep them both? Or will she have to accept one lover’s sacrifice, to save the other?

 

 

Eternal Island

 

 

 

 

A place where vampires rule, witches play, danger lurks and dreams really do come true.

Eternal Island is a paranormal suspense novel, deeply rooted into myth. Vampires and magic form a unique backdrop to a love story with long reaching consequences. Human girl Ariana Lochalan finds herself transported from the relative calm of her ‘Nowhere, Arkansas’ life into a diametrically opposite existence when she discovers she is a powerful witch and meant to wed High Vampire of Eternal Island, Abe Cambridge. Despite first-sight magnetism, the two protagonists are being pushed apart, obstacles tripping them at every step, outside forces interfering and threatening their peace, and ultimately their lives. A world rich in magic and intrigue, Eternal Island is the first instalment of a saga which has love at its core and delves through the mire that is human nature in a turmoil of feeling and emotion.

Would courage, resilience and love be enough to bring together two soul mates?

How much would you sacrifice to save the one who owns your heart?

Eternal Immortality (Book 2 in the Eternal Series) Coming in March 2013

 

 

 

Contact Kristie

 

or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9 of The 12 Days of Christmas

Kym Grosso

Luca’s Magic Embrace is my second paranormal romance novel, which is the second novel in the Immortals of New Orleans Series. I have also written and published several articles about autism. I developed a late interest in writing after my son was diagnosed with autism and I started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, I started my own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blog and write articles for PsychologyToday.com.

I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our dog, Ace. My hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of our favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But we also love traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains. I love reading mysteries, romances and about all things regarding vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals.

The Immortals of New Orleans Series

 

Kade's Dark Embrace

 

 

 

 

 

After a series of girls are ritualistically murdered on the cold streets of Philadelphia, seasoned detective, Sydney Willows, is forced to work with sexy, alpha vampire, Kade Issacson. While working the case, Sydney finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kade, fighting the passion she feels towards him. Kade, determined to solve the case and mete out justice, is captivated by the independent, fiery detective. As he attempts to protect her from a very real murderer, Kade grows concerned that the beautiful, but very human detective, could easily end up dead should she tangle with supernatural forces that are beyond her control. The investigation leads them into a dark and dangerous world, deep in the heart of New Orleans, where together, they search for the perpetrators of the Voodoo killings. Sydney soon becomes the target of the killer and ends up fighting for her life and love in the Big Easy. If she makes it out alive, will she give into the intoxicating desire she feels for Kade?

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Luca's Magical Embrace

 

 

 

 

 

Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn't do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can't deny the enigmatic attraction he's developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he's determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.

 

Samantha doesn't want to be a witch, yet that's exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha's worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.

 

In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who's been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?

 

 

Luca

 



 

 

Excerpts:

 

EXCERPT #1:

As he got halfway down the path, he watched Samantha stretch on the dock. He halted, admiring her firm ass as she bent forward to grab her right calf. His cock jerked to attention as he fantasized about ripping off her clothes and taking her from behind on her hands and knees right out in the open on the wooden pier. No one would see, he surmised, looking around at the isolated woods. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he sighed. He could not get involved with this human. He knew how fragile they were, how easily they could die. Luca refused to let that happen again.

 

Just as he thought he’d regained control of himself, his mouth dropped wide open. With her back facing Luca, Samantha crossed her arms in front of her and removed her flimsy, stretchy tank top. Jesus, what was she doing? He continued to watch in awe as she kicked off her sneakers, hooked her thumbs on the waist of her pants and stripped them off until she was standing on the end of the dock stark naked. She reached a hand up into her ponytail and freed her fiery mane; the soft tendrils scattered over her creamy pale shoulders, teasing the small of her back. The perfectly-formed globes of her buttocks called to him; his erection pressed tightly against his zipper.

 

Luca could not believe she’d stripped nude in front of him and every small creature in the woods. He couldn’t help but smile as she launched herself off the dock in a perfect dive. Did she know he was watching her? How could she not have known? He’d told her he’d keep an eye on her at the lake. Little temptress, what was she doing?

With preternatural speed, he arrived at the dock just as her hands breached the shimmering dark-blue water. Samantha bobbed up to the surface and spun to face him. He could hardly believe the reckless abandon she demonstrated, given that she’d been held up in a strange coven less than a week ago. She was resilient, young and full of energy, representing a zest for life that he’d long forgotten.

 

Samantha smiled as she waved to him to join her in the deep abyss. She called out to him, “Come in, Luca! The water’s great!” She laughed and dove again; her white bottom peeked out for a second before submerging yet again.

 

“Darlin’, I’ve got no suit. Besides, vampires don’t swim.” He wanted desperately to go in after her, but knew it would lead to so much more than a morning swim.

“You’ve got your birthday suit. Please, you’re not gonna make a girl swim alone, are ya?” she purred.

 

“Is it cold?” He was starting to waver in his firm decision to stay on shore.

“Naw, it’s plenty warm. It’s late August, had plenty of time to heat up. Come on!” she begged.

 

“You a good swimmer?” Luca asked.

“Yes. Why’re you asking?” she replied.

“Because I’m coming in to get you!” Losing all control, Luca quickly pulled off his white t-shirt and began to undress.

 

As he unzipped his pants, Samantha screamed playfully and started to swim away. Stripped naked, Samantha admired his rippling abs out the side of her eyes. She knew he’d be coming for her.

 

Breaching the water, Luca cursed. “Damn, it’s cold. You lied to me, woman. You’d better swim fast because I’m goin’ to catch you!”

 

Luca dove under the water once again, determined to catch up with the very slippery, naked woman who’d enticed him to jump into a cold mountain lake in the middle of the day. It had been at least a hundred years since he’d indulged in such a childish activity, but he simply could not resist her. While vampires could be exposed to sunlight, he was weakened to the state of a human during the day. Breaking the surface, he searched for her and spied feet splashing several yards from him. He dove once again, knowing he’d soon catch his prey.

 

Samantha gasped for air after racing away from Luca. She spun in a circle, treading water as she looked for a trace of him. The smooth lake gave no clues as to where he was. She knew he was somewhere. Somewhere close. Looking towards the cabin, she screamed loudly as hands came around her waist.

 

Luca pulled her close to him and began to tickle her mercilessly. “Ah, little witch, you lied to me. The water is nearly freezing. And since I can’t spank you in the water, this is your punishment.” He continued to tickle her as she laughed hysterically, thrashing in the water.

 

“I’m sorry,” she pleaded. “Uncle! Uncle!”

 

Luca stopped tickling her but didn’t let her go. Instead he let his hands move from her waist to just under her breasts, encircling her ribcage. Samantha relaxed back onto him, letting her head fall back onto his shoulder as they both floated on their backs in the peaceful reserve.

 

“I’m happy you joined me. I love it up here in the woods. It’s so peaceful.” Samantha wrapped her arms around his, fully aware of where his arms supported her. As they moved as one in the water, she could feel the hardness of him brushing her bottom. Yet she wasn’t afraid. She was aroused and excited that he’d joined her in such a very human activity.

 

“I’m happy you convinced me to swim with you,” Luca responded. “I haven’t done this in such a long time. I’d forgotten how wonderful it is to skinny dip.”

“How old are you, Luca?”

 

“Very old, indeed, my dear Samantha. I was turned in the eighteen hundreds. So I’m well over two hundred years old….give or take a few years.”

 

“Do you miss being human?” Samantha asked.

 

“No, darlin’. Being human is so ordinary. And now that you’re a witch, you’ve joined our little club of supernaturals. I sense your fear. But I promise you that you’ll be all right. In fact, you’ll probably love it once you find your magic.” Luca squeezed her tightly and kissed her shoulder.

 

“Ah, and there’s the rub my friend. I have no magic. Nothing. Ilsbeth seems to think there’s something about me, but I can’t do a thing. Believe me, I’ve tried. Nothing happens,” Samantha huffed.

 

“It will come, Samantha. I can smell the magic on you, and it’s as sweet as honey. It’s there. Maybe it hasn’t shown itself yet, but it will.”

 

“You sound so confident, Luca. I wish I could be like you. But I feel so defeated. Seriously, Luca. I’ve been kidnapped, forced into working at a sex club, beaten and then told I was a witch. I’ve had to take a leave of absence from my real life. I can’t tell anyone human what’s really happened to me. And now, on top of everything, you think I’m in danger, and I have to return to that God forsaken city where it all started. I just want to lie back in this lake and forget everything,” she confided.

 

“Do you remember what you told me that night we were at Kade’s?” Luca asked.

“Yes. No. I don’t know. I said a lot of things. I was crying. I was upset. What do you mean? What did I say?” Samantha laughed a little, knowing how confused she sounded.

“You said you were a strong person. And while I don’t know you very well, I believe that’s true,” he continued. “Since you’ve been here at the cabin, you’ve stared down a wolf, talked with an Alpha and held a knife to a vampire. You’re either crazy or strong, and I can tell you that I know it’s the latter. You’ll survive what’s to come. You can do this, Samantha.”

 

“Luca, where have you been my whole life?” she joked. She smiled, realizing there was something about him that made her feel better. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I can do this, but I can’t do it alone. You make me feel like I get through this as long as I’m with you.” She’d never known such encouragement in her entire existence, and here was a man who had faith in her even when she didn’t have it in herself.

 

Luca’s heart beat against his chest at her words. He knew he shouldn’t fall for a human, but she was chipping away at whatever resolve he had left to stay away. Unable to resist her any longer, he kissed the side of her neck and slowly trailed his lips behind her ear. She moaned in arousal as he slid his hands up to caress her breasts. He wanted to take her there in the lake.

 

“Luca,” she whispered as he kissed and touched her. “Yes.”

 

With her words, he turned her around to face him, pressing his lips to hers. Their tongues swept together as they passionately kissed. Samantha wrapped her legs around Luca’s waist, aroused by the feel of his rock-hard cock bobbing up against the crease of her ass. She fingered his long hair and kissed up his cheeks as he licked her neck.

“Luca, please,” she panted. God, she wanted him. She wanted to forget everything in that moment but him.

 

“Samantha.” Luca wanted to stop, to tell her that they shouldn’t continue. She was so vulnerable after what had happened. As much as he wanted her, he didn’t want to take advantage either. And then there was his vow not to get involved with humans. But she tasted sweet as peaches on a warm summer day. So soft and slippery in his hands. “Mmmm…you’re so beautiful,” he murmured, unable to stop kissing her. He needed to have all of her.

 

As he was about to suggest they go inside the cabin, Luca tensed. He immediately released Samantha to stop and sniff the air. Smoke. He growled, baring his fangs.

“Luca, what’s wrong?” Samantha asked, frightened.

 

“Swim Samantha,” he ordered. “The cabin. It’s on fire.”

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

EXCERPT #2:

Yes,” was the only word he heard in response to his proposal; Luca lost control. Passionately and provocatively, he took her with a hungry urgency. It wasn’t sweet. His mouth claimed hers, savagely taking what was his. The intoxicating nectar of Samantha only made him kiss her more deeply. He wanted her in a way that he’d never wanted any woman. Determined to possess every part of her body and mind in the moment, he would claim her tonight. She’d be his forever.

 

Luca tore his lips from hers. “Bedroom. Now,” he commanded. Leading her by her small soft hand, he stopped her before they got to his bed.

 

“I will have you tonight, Samantha. After tonight, you’ll never forget that you are mine. And I will be yours.”

 

Samantha silently nodded in response. She was ready to commit to this man, this vampire. Luca was everything she’d ever wanted in a male: strong, loving, trustworthy, and passionate. She knew in her heart that giving herself over to him was all she desired now and for her future.

 

Luca unraveled the belt on her robe, slid his fingers underneath the soft fabric and slowly pushed it off Samantha, letting his hands glide from the smooth skin of her shoulders to her hands. As the robe pooled at her feet, he gently took her hands in his.

 

 She stood bare before his eyes. “You’re enticing, Samantha. I cannot seem to get enough of you. So the question is, do you want to play with me tonight? Be honest with me, darlin’, because I plan to take you to places we’ve never been before.”

 

Samantha felt womanly, exposed to Luca. She trusted him completely as he released her hands and placed his on her waist. “Luca, please, hurry. I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you.”

 

“Well, I guess we’ll have to do something about that,” he smiled knowingly. “Turn around, face the wall. Don’t move unless I tell you. It’s time for some fun.”

Without question, she complied and waved her bottom at him, shooting him a sultry look that said, ‘come and get me’.

 

Luca loved how responsive she was under his direction. He didn’t ever bring women into his home, and certainly engaging in a little light bdsm was something he rarely did anymore. Yet he’d wanted to do this to her since the minute she’d danced with him in the club. Luca slid his hands slowly up the sides of her waist, under her arms, pushing them upward and placing the palms of her hands against the wall. With the same precision, he glided his hands back down her arms, waist, until finally, he reached her bottom.

 

“Samantha, you are everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman; beautiful, smart.” She let out a small moan; he rubbed his hard aching bulge against her. He wanted to fuck her right now, but he wouldn’t dare. No, he planned to make her beg for mercy as he slowly brought her to orgasm over and over.

 

Though he was still fully clothed, she could feel his magnificent erection against her bum. She wanted him in her now; she grew wet from the intense ache between her legs.

 

 “Please, Luca.”

 

His hands slid from her ass around to lie just beneath her sensitive bosom. She moved slightly to urge him to cup her breasts. He smiled, smelling the overwhelming scent of her desire, but he wanted to draw out the anticipation, tease her with delight. “No, no, no, darlin’. Not tonight. You don’t get to decide when or how the pleasure happens. You wanted to play, so play we shall,” he whispered into her ear. Goosebumps ran over her skin in response to his hot breath. “Tonight is about wanting what you can’t have until I give it to you. It’s about me savoring every stroke of your flesh. The ultimate pleasure, tasting you while you come, screaming my name. Now, do you want me to touch your lovely breasts? Tell me, Samantha.”

 

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Website: www.KymGrosso.com
Email: Kym.Grosso@AutismInRealLife.com