New Release! Pride, The Abcynians Book II

Greetings everyone! I know it's been way too long since I've had a new release, for that I apologize. But, as summer kicked into gear and my daughter prepares to enter high school, life is busy!

That said, yes, there's a new release!!!

I'm so proud of this book. Previously published with Ellora's Cave Blush/Cerridwen Press as Rhiannon's Pride, it's taken a little work to revise and revamp it, not only with a new title Pride, but with more detail, more action, more of a paranormal feel without losing the historical setting, the Italian Renaissance. Please note, that it's the second of a multi-book series. And, though four came out through Cerridwen Press/Blush, plans are in the works for several more stories.

As with Persuasion, available now at Amazon, Kobo, Nook B&N, iBooks, and Scribd, Pride is a historical and every attempt was made to be certain that proper address, detail, words, and fashion is correct, though because The Abcynians are an ancient race they tend to be more advanced than their human counterparts about Florence, England, and Europe.

Also, characters from Persuasion return in Pride. While Dante and Rhiannon's story unfolds, their romance is unique to them, but as a reader, you may find reading Book I helpful. Both are set at reasonable prices and easy to download to your favorite reading device.

Link to Pride, The Abcynians Book II
For Nook B&N, Kobo, iBooks, and Scribd follow an easy link: books2read.com/u/mVZ7AA
For Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0744196VX

To learn more, take a look at the blurb and a short excerpt!

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race of were-panthers faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial evil.

Pride: The Abcynians, Book II

Plagued by headaches and memory loss after a life-threatening injury, Rhiannon has spent years confined behind the walls of a decrepit castle. When a loathsome earl attempts to earn her favor with an extravagant painting, she is inexplicably drawn to its depiction of an ancient, mythical race. Believing the Florentine artist could be the key to unlocking her past, she and her maid escape, hoping to enlist his aid. Upon reaching the Piazza della Signoria months later, she is unaware that the handsomest man amongst the lavish merchants is the one she seeks.

Dante Luciano is considered the most renowned artist of his time. His patrons are wealthy and powerful. His charm and prowess with women legendary. Yet, as the adopted son of the king of his kind, he must guard his secrets. For he possesses the heart and soul of a panthera prince, therefore, able to shift into a lion. Taken by the discovery of a rare Abcynian female nearby, he recognizes her as his destined mate. Discovering Rhiannon is stricken with debilitating pain, he takes her home, providing the remedies, protection, and knowledge she needs to survive.

While she heals, they fall in love, beginning to plan a future together. However, when her memory returns, imminent danger looms. It’ll take all of Dante’s abilities and the Abcynians to save Rhiannon from a vicious, beastly foe.

In the following excerpt, Dante meets Rhiannon for the first time! 

Dante Luciano searched the crowded piazza for Paolo Arrigo. Fortunately, he had already caught the boy’s scent.

Spotting his youngest apprentice hiding near a prosperous English merchant, he hurried through the crowd. “Paolo, there you are. It is good that I have found you,” he greeted in English so the man would not misunderstand his intent. “Why did you run?” 

“Master,” Paolo grumbled, looking away as Dante stared down at him. “I spilled blue powder. I did not mean to make you angry. I’d hoped to replace it.”

Dante placed his hand on Paolo’s stooped shoulder, guiding the boy away from the merchant, who’d taken notice of their conversation. 

“Accidents occur,” Dante said. “Next time do your best. It is all I require of you.”

“It was lapis lazuli, not azurite, Master Luciano,” Paolo confessed.

“The loss of powder matters less to me than the loss of an apprentice. You’ve great promise.”

“Are you certain? I will return home, if you wish.”

Studying Paolo’s tiny body, Dante could not let the boy come to harm. “There is a place for you in my workshop. I’d like you to stay.” He meant to say more, but something new and interesting caught his other half’s notice. Underneath his tunic, his skin warmed, responding to whatever it was that lay just beyond his reach.

Lifting his head, he looked about, inhaling a woman’s scent that was both different to him and familiar, hinting she may be one of his own kind. The piazza was filled with signori, merchants, and travelers seeking a glimpse at the artwork commissioned by Florence’s prominent leaders.

“Paolo, return to the workshop. I will speak with you later.”

The boy obeyed, allowing Dante to concentrate on searching the piazza. Trusting his superior sense of smell, he ignored the heavy perfumes and gum arabic Florentine women tended to use in their hair. This woman’s scent was appealing to the man and the panthera leo that he was. 

As he progressed toward the Palazzo Vecchio, his gaze raked the crowd, alighting upon the back of an Englishwoman. Her cassia and honeyed scent became stronger, drawing him to a sudden halt.

The mark etched upon his chest became as hot as embers, telling him much. She was so much more than an Englishwoman. Si, she was Abcynian. And, she well could be his.

Unlike Florentine women and servants who wore fabrics conveying their household’s status, she wore a faded brown dress with a linen apron. Her pale blonde hair was confined beneath a plain linen coif. How long would her tresses be, he wondered?

Incredibly, she was much taller than the other women in the courtyard. What worried him most right then was that she appeared too thin and he sensed she’d either been ill or she’d gone hungry too long.

Frowning, Dante moved close enough to pounce should she attempt to run, and far enough away to observe her without detection. As he watched, he realized why her scent, mannerisms, and movements were not the same as the Abcynian females he’d known in the past. 

She was the offspring of a converted panthera leo pair. Had she been full-blooded, he’d have sensed her the moment she stepped into the piazza. As she would’ve sensed him.

Drawing nearer, Dante found himself hesitating to introduce himself. If he spoke to her in the way of their kind, and she acknowledged him, he would claim her as his mate by right of Abcynian law.

Being mated meant he could no longer take another lover. Whether they were heavy or slight, tall or short, merchant or servant, he loved women. Their uniqueness and beauty touched his artist’s soul, making him long to become as masterful bedding them as he was with a paintbrush and chisel.

He’d lived two hundred and forty-two years. Forty-two of them as an Elder. Was it right to have one woman and ignore the rest?

With a start, his concerns became inconsequential when she turned. Lifting her chin, she revealed her face, reminding Dante of the first time he’d seen a woman naked. Back then he’d been unable do anything other than stare like a hapless youth.

This woman was neither naked nor pleasantly attired, but she was beautiful with skin the color of honey and pale blonde hair that he longed to uncover. Her face was blessed with the high cheekbones and elegant straight nose of a lioness, a firm though feminine chin, and a lush mouth that made him groan. Her lips were as ripe and plump as berries, begging for a man’s kiss. 

Yet, it wasn’t her beauty that caught his heart. It was her eyes. They were pure, haunting amber, hinting of a woman’s vulnerability, and a lioness’ curiosity. In that moment, all other women ceased to exist. 

Unwilling to delay further, Dante spoke to her with his mind. Bella, per favore viene.

Waiting, he watched her look over at an older English maid. “Mary, I think someone spoke to me,” she said.

Her voice hummed like the strings of a harpsicord, resonate, melodic, soothing his lion’s soul as nothing and no one ever had. Smiling, Dante walked toward her, continuing to speak in the way of Abcynian mates. Come si chiama, bella?

She looked about, searching the crowd. Her pretty scowl sent desire pooling low and deep in his groin. Surprised at how quickly he responded to her, he reminded himself to be patient. Right then, he realized she didn’t recognize another Abcynian.

Announcement! Please Do Not Buy My Ellora's Cave Titles

Happy New Year everyone! With 2016 in the History books, 2017 dawns with promise. As many readers and authors may know, my former publisher, Ellora's Cave, has closed its doors. While the rights to my titles that remained at EC reverted to me in October, and all but a few print books were removed from EC's website, it's taken a very long time for them to be pulled from 3rd party vendors.

While I have been frustrated by this, I elected not to make a big deal out of it or press those who remained at EC, primarily because I knew it wouldn't be until 2017 that I would be able to revamp, revise, re-cover, and possibly re-title all of the books that have reverted to me. Believe me, I want to get them back out to you all, however, I want them to be as I'd envisioned them from the start. Over the next year, and into 2018, I'll release them all as indie titles. I honestly can't wait to dive back into the world of hot, sexy football players, the Maddox brothers, and Dare, Nevada. Some of the series, such as Ink and Kink, will get new titles, and, while there will be crossover secondary characters, as they'd been with EC, I'm planning to write new books and create a series featuring the Alexandria Griffins football team and finish several books in the Dare series that I simply couldn't write or publish with Ellora's Cave.

Rather than get into the logistics of what happened with my former publisher, I'm now asking readers not to buy any of the following titles that might be found on third party sites such as Amazon, iBooks, Google Books, etc: Quarterback Blitz, Field of Play, Ink Master, Playing Doctor, Cuff Master, Hazard's Dare, Switch Master, Menage-a-Dare, and Pleasure Trove.

It's possible that you might see print books on various sites. This is slightly different, but, it's my understanding that these are being sold by private persons and treated like used books. They're very expensive, so I would not recommend purchasing them through any vendor.

That said, I do have indie titles available at Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, and B&N/Nook, set at great prices and will continue to publish both new and re-released books through indie/self-publishing for a while. It's my sincere hope that you'll check them out, starting with UnMAsKed, Lipstick and Camouflage, and Persuasion: The Abcynians Book I (previously with EC). In the New Year, look for Pride: The Abcynians Book II, and the 2nd book in my Brandt's Dozen series. Between them, Quarterback Blitz will be revamped, re-titled, and re-released. As the books are ready for publication, I'll continue to make announcements, primarily here on my blog, and post the links on social media.

Thank you so much, and, if you do see a book of mine with an EC logo or cover, kindly let me know.

Again, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and plenty of awesome books to read in 2017!

Until Next Time,
Frances Stockton

Important News! Ellora's Cave Publishing

Good morning everyone! I've important news to share with readers. As you may know from previous blog posts (not my own), social media, and various other forums, my former publisher, Ellora's Cave Publishing has announced they will be closing at the end of December 2016. Fortunately, I'd received notification a couple of weeks ago that all of my remaining titles (I'd previously received 5) would revert to me as of October 12, 2016! While I am relieved and excited about the opportunity to re-release every title, and more that were planned but never came to be due to the stress and circumstances beyond my control since 2014, I am also very saddened by this news. I've never wished ill will toward anyone at EC, ever. In all honesty, I am grateful to the staff, editors, cover designers, and Jaid Black for creating a venue for authors to write as hot as they wanted and not feel ashamed or hide. Along the way, I've been fortunate to meet the most amazing, incredible authors, my editor, cover artists, models, and readers at RomantiCon and RT conventions, and lately, Wild Wicked Weekend. They were a blast! With thanks to Facebook and Twitter, etc, those relationships have continued, and I will be at WWW, which is always a fun time.

Currently on my to-be-released schedule is Pride, The Abcynians Book II, and the second of my Brandt's Dozen series, featuring Kristian Rodriquez. Soon after, I will begin revising, revamping, and in some cases re-titling, all of the books previously published by EC, the first of which will be Quarterback Blitz. While characters will remain the same, I intend to update the books so that they're more current, for example phones/technology/computers/social media, and the series formerly known as 'Ink and Kink', that included 6 titles, will be divided into two different series, the Alexandria Griffins and Maddox Ink  though characters such as Phalen Maddox or Alexander Grant will crossover. Likewise, the 'Dare' books will be reworked and re-titled, with two additional stories to complete the series! In other words, there are going to be a lot of books next year. Between the re-releases, Brandt's Dozen and The Abcynians will continue to thrive.

While I intend to write more for the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), it could be a while before a new one comes out, as I'll be a very busy writer in 2017 and 2018! Stay tuned for release dates, news, and up-to-date information. To my readers, thank YOU for standing by Kyran and Anna, Dallas and Grace, Phalen and Cassie, Alex and Ryan, Ethan and Morgan, Avery and Hazard, Taran and Samantha, Eve, Jaxon, and Remy, and a standalone, Pleasure Trove's, Callie and Maksim/Julian. They will all return in the future!

Until next time,
Frances Stockton  

Persuasion, The Abcynians Book I, is Available Now!

Greetings one and all! I'm so pleased and honored to announce the re-imagined world of The Abcynians with the release Persuasion!

Before I go any further, please note that Persuasion and three other books were previously published with Ellora's Cave for their Cerridwen Press/Blush lines under the series title Panthera. The rights have been returned to me, and with them, I not only intend to release the re-titled and retold series, I will be writing two new books featuring some of the more compelling characters introduced early in the series.

If you're a fan of sensual Paranormal Romance featuring hot, sexy historical heroes, and strong, courageous women, shifters, were-panthers, or stories set in the past, including Medieval, Renaissance, Golden Age of Piracy, Early and Late Georgian, Regency, and more, I hope you'll give The Abcynians a chance!

Now, let's have some fun! Here's a glimpse into Garrick and Aisley's story: Persuasion

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race of were-panthers faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial evil.

Persuasion: The Abcynians, Book I

As an Abcynian Elder, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.

While aiding a child, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated with the dark, mesmerizing lord who tempts her in a way no man has ever done. After he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks.

Already fearful her work and red hair might cause some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance. When Aisley suffers a near mortal injury at the hands of his enemies, Garrick must gain her trust so that he can protect her. But can she trust her life to a man who is far more than…human?

Check out an excerpt!

“Come one, come all! Merchant and peasant, come one, come all!”

From within her small cottage, Aisley heard a stranger’s beckoning. Curious, she went to the door, opening it, listening. Something felt terribly wrong.

“For a coin, no more than a farthing or two, lend your ears to my traveling minstrel. Five pence will earn merriment with a jester trained amongst the best in London. Peruse the candles, spices and incense found in the most exotic lands. Come one, come all!”

Finding it odd a stranger had entered the village soon after a rainstorm, she grew more concerned. The gray sky was getting darker, the clouds obscuring the moon’s glow.

Leaving the safety of the doorway, she hesitated to look back at the woods separating her home from Danford Manor. The Earl had recently returned after spending years at war with France. It was his duty to protect the people living and serving on his land.

Alas, she did not know him other than by title. Few did, though she was certain he would send guards if the stranger meant anyone harm.

Years ago, her father had served Lord Danford as the physician to his household and tenants. She’d been so proud, often begging Papa to tell her of life inside the manor house. For unknown reasons, she’d always been curious about the lord that other villagers spoke of in whispers.

When she grew to marriageable age, Papa ceased telling her fanciful tales, reminding her to not to be petulant and mind her lessons. Yet, she’d often wondered about the Earl, saying her nightly prayers for his wellbeing and safe return.

Realizing she was spending too much time thinking about matters that were not her concern, she rushed onward to the village common.

“Come one, come all! For I have yet to reveal the best of all. A glimpse will cost each of you a penny. Full reveal will take a shilling.”

Finally, she spotted villagers circling around the caller a bit warily. Horse-drawn wagons rested in a straight line. Aisley spied unlit torches attached to the wagons. Did the stranger plan to stay when it was dark?

Two older villagers, Howard Jones and his wife, inspected the wares and concoctions displayed on a market stand. A handful of coins were tossed to the ground and a small lad scuttled to pick them up.

In a thrice, a jester danced about the villagers. His antics induced a trickle of laughter from them but a chill of fear along her spine. At the same time, an eerie grumble emanated from the forest, lifting the tiny hairs on the back of her neck.

Frightened, she rushed for the safety of the crowd and it wasn’t long before she stood amongst them.

“Pay your tribute to Ruck, dear friends,” the stranger touted, swinging his right arm about as the jester continued to dance. Coins sprinkled the dirt almost as fast as the boy swiped them into a purse. “The finale is near. You have my word, one and all, Sedgewick Haywood will not fail your call.”

Aisley hesitated to admit she was intrigued by what was to be revealed. Pennies were spread on the ground at Haywood’s feet. How odd that the villagers would give up their coin.

“Wait!” Aisley called out, stepping forward. “What brings you to our village on such a night as this?”

“I mean no one harm,” Haywood promised. His smile was little more than a gap-toothed leer. Repulsed, she stepped back, only to have the rumbling sound she’d heard from the forest grow impossibly louder.

Looking back toward the trees, she tried to determine if an animal hovered nearby, hoping it wasn’t a pack of wolves. They were said to prey upon people, namely the weak and injured. Unable to see anything other than blackness, she turned back to the wagons.

“I have traveled far through the day’s rain in the hope of warding away your troubles for at least a night,” Haywood contended, leering at her. “Might I inquire as to whom quells my efforts?”

“Aisley, a healer, and I speak not for myself. This village has not gone unscathed by plague. I would not wish for the sickness to return.”

“Nor would I, fair lady.” Feigning elegance, the man bowed at the hips. The expense of his green and tan robe and the silk of his gypon made him appear a man of means. At the hem of his robe, Aisley caught a glimpse of a sword. “I am free of plague. You may inspect me for lesions if it would set your mind at ease.”

The rumbling she’d heard grew more prominent, frightening. It felt as if the beast was warning her against touching the man. Oddly, no one else seemed to hear it.

“I think it best if you leave,” she said.

Inspecting this man would require three areas, the armpit, neck and the inner thighs. Touching him was not something she relished, regardless of her vow to attend those in need.

“Aisley, do not rush him off. He promises to reveal the creature behind that curtain, and I, for one, have paid to see it,” Howard Jones argued.

It was difficult to avoid staring at the curtained stage resting behind the stranger. The jester had tumbled his way to one side of the wheeled contraption. The minstrel strolled toward the opposite.

“Throwing away coin can only lead to trouble,” Aisley warned.

“How is it that a woman speaks so bold?” Sedgewick Haywood demanded.

“It is common for Aisley to do so,” Andrew White answered. “Her father was the trusted physician for the Earl of Danford. She is valued amongst us.”

“Then why have you given what this man has asked for?” Aisley wondered aloud.

“Curiosity.”

“We want to see what he has to offer.”

“Worry not, Aisley. All will be well.”

The villagers relayed their wishes and Aisley stepped back. She could not deny them a few moments pleasure. More coins hit the ground as Sedgewick demanded. Apparently pleased with the villagers, the visitor bowed once again in acceptance.

“Ah, at last my performers will grant your due,” Haywood pronounced. Proudly, he moved to the side.

Both the minstrel and the jester beckoned to the crowd and the curtain before them. Whispers filled the air, but they could not mask the eerie sawing drawing ever closer to the village. Did no one else hear the beast? It sounded as if he boomed from a mountaintop.

“Is someone cutting branches in the forest?” she asked.

“I hear nothing of the sort, Aisley,” Howard said.

Cease, little one, only you can hear me. I am close. Do not provoke the strangers, I will protect you and my tenants, someone said, a man, with a deep, gruff voice spoken so close to her ear, she swore his breath brushed her ear.

Unbidden, the scent of cinnamon tickled her nose, the memory it triggered bittersweet. Her father had always favored it in his porridge, a rarity to be certain, as it’d been a gift from Lord Danford in return for his physician’s fealty.

You like cinnamon, I shall procure some from the kitchens for you by the morrow. Ease your worry, it will be all right. Again, that voice, so compelling, so distinct and male, reached her.

“Who spoke to me of cinnamon?” Aisley demanded, glancing about. The villagers stared back as though she’d gone mad.

“Your attention, healer,” Haywood insisted. “To one and all, I give you living proof of werewolves in England!”

“Werewolves…are you mad, Haywood?” Andrew asked.

“Nay, I tell you true, feast your eyes on a werewolf’s babe.” Sedgewick swept his right hand toward the jester, who sliced a rope and the curtain shushed to the ground.

If you'd like to read Persuasion, you can find it at Amazon, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, and Scribd! FYI: Scribd is a subscription service and they're having a trial offer for 14 days. Below, I'll include links to each vendor! 

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1134367874

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/persuasion-frances-stockton/1124098352;jsessionid=C8C9A5266DA39D8BF500C09904087F5C.prodny_store01-atgap02?ean=2940153338590

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/persuasion-214

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/318252879/Persuasion-The-Abcynians-1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IG0OW90#nav-subnav

Thank you for giving Garrick and Aisley and The Abcynians a chance! I'm on Facebook and Twitter, too! http://www.twitter.com/francesstockton and https://www.facebook.com/frances.stockton or my author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorFrancesStockton/

Coming Soon! The Abcynians and Persuasion

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a while since I've updated my website. I wanted to reassure you all that I am still here. Soon, I'll be relaunching a four-book series that'd formerly been with Ellora's Cave for their Cerridwen Press/Blush imprints, but had the rights reverted to me.

I'm pleased to let you know that I've revamped the books extensively, added scenes and content, re-imagining the series in a way I wish I could've done the first time. The books are going to have new titles, reflecting the story, as well as new covers, and I'm planning on completing two more books, which had been placed on hold.

The first book, Persuasion, is almost ready to go. In the meantime, I thought I'd share the awesome cover design, as well as a little insight into the world of the Abcynians. 

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial enemy.

Persuasion: The Abcynians, Book I

As an Elder of a diminishing race, Garrick Forrester has survived wars, plagues, and two arranged marriages. Nothing he’s experienced prepares him for the discovery of his mate living in his demesne, or for her resistance.

While aiding a child in the clutches of a dastardly man, Aisley Reeves is rescued by the Earl of Danford, whom a village healer should never dare approach without being summoned. At first, she is fascinated, especially when he grants permission to speak at will and seems wise beyond his years.

But when he claims she’s to become his betrothed, she balks. Already fearful her work and red hair might tempt some to brand her as a witch, she believes it is best to keep her distance from the dark, mesmerizing lord whose thoughts she can hear and reminds her of the black leopard guarding his earldom.

To protect her from an unimaginable evil, Garrick must persuade Aisley to trust him, a man who is far more than…human!

The Abcynians

They have lived for centuries. An ancient, secretive race faced with near extinction. To assure their survival they must conceal their identities and abilities, while protecting mankind from an unimaginable, primordial enemy.

Glossary

Elder: The equivalent of the peerage, an Elder is a term of respect for an Abcynian capable of shifting into their alternate form.  

Sustenance: A mixture of herbs and spices from Abcynia, the former homeland of the Abcynians, added to food or drink, enabling them to adapt to their environments and heal if injured or ill.

Essence: Within each Abcynian is the soul of a panther, known as essence, which manifests itself as an iridescent mark on the skin. When converting, mating, or healing, it is given through a bite, providing nourishment, excitement, and increasing the mate’s arousal.

Abcynian Guard: Humans who have vowed fealty or loyalty to protecting the Abcynians from false accusations or misunderstandings.  

Duke: Primarily granted to those in the royal family.

Marcher Lord: In England, marcher lords were appointed by the King to guard the Welsh border. Eventually, they would become the second highest of the peerage, known as a marquess or marquis.

Earl: Highest of the English titles/peerage during the Middle Ages.

Baron: In England, one who held tenured land for the King. Before Parliament was formed, the Great Council could grant a writ or charter.

Healers/Midwives: While there were physicians, often healers tended those who were sick, injured, and those with child.

Palfrey: A riding horse.

Destrier: A battle-tested warhorse.

Sennight: A week or seven days.

Fortnight: Two weeks or fourteen days.

Ell: A measure of distance, about 4 feet.

Firkin: 50+ pounds.

Furlong: 220 yards.

Hand: 4 inches

Pace: 2 ½ feet.

Coins: Mark=12 shillings, Pound=20 shillings, Shilling=12 pence, Pence=penny, Noble=1/2 a mark.

Hurdy-gurdy: A stringed musical instrument, earliest form required 2 musicians to play, may have been an early predecessor to the violin.

Lute: A stringed instrument, resembled a pear-shaped guitar.

Great Hall: Usually where the lord held feasts or gathered guests for midday a feast or midday meal, which tended to be the most significant with multiple courses.

Livery: A small cupboard where a simple meal and wine or drink was kept for a lord or lady’s evening repast.

Supper: A simple meal, served later in the evening.

Solar: Private quarters or room for the lord or lady and guests to gather. Note: Garrick has a solar, which he keeps well away from his tower/area of his manor house, which is large enough to resemble a Norman castle.

Nursery: Room/area in a house or castle for children.

Squire: A boy training for knighthood.

Knight Errant: One who has attained knighthood, but may not have lands of his own and wanders.

Banneret: A man who is knighted, but leads other soldiers or knights under his own banner.

For further information or vocabulary custom to the Middle Ages, I highly recommend Sherrilyn Keynon’s Everyday Life in the Middle Ages. It’s an excellent source for readers, authors, and historians, alike.

Panthera Leo/Lions: It is important to introduce Lucien Montgomery and his family. As he is the oldest of their kind, Lucien is the Abcynian King, his sons and daughters considered princes and princesses. The location of his pride is known only to a few and never spoken of when they are assuming human identities.

Lucien and Catarina Montgomery=Abcynian King and Queen. In England, Lord and Lady Raybourne.

Valiant Montgomery = Crown Prince. In England, Squire training for knighthood

Adrian Montgomery= Prince, desires to become a sailor, explorer.

Dante Luciano=Raised, adopted, and protected by Lucien and Catarina.

Elena and Mercedes Montgomery-Princesses, reside beyond Europe.

Panthera Pardus/Leopards: Amongst Abcynians, the leopards are considered the best hunters, strategists, and warriors. Garrick Forrester is the second eldest of his kind, an English earl who has dedicated himself to the protection of England and his demesne.

Elder Garrick Forrester, Earl of Danford.

Aisley Forrester, Countess of Danford

Lady Angelica Forrester=Garrick and Aisley’s newly adopted daughter.

Elder Grayson Forrester, Baron Somerton, Garrick’s brother.

Elder Colton Forrester, Baron Wolcott, Garrick’s youngest brother.

Jillian Forrester, Baroness Wolcott, Colton’s wife.  

Panthera Tigris/Tigers: The most elusive of the Abcynians, the were-tigers prefer to cloak themselves with their human titles. Thus far only Lucien and Garrick know their identities, though if called upon, they will stand up and defend their panthera cousins.

Due to their need for secrecy, names and titles withheld until later in the series. 

News! 5 Stars, Updates, and More, Oh My!

I'm so excited! I recently found out that Lipstick and Camouflage received an awesome 5 Star review on Amazon.

Not only did it make me do a little Snoopy dance, the reader totally 'got' it. This means the world to me as an author, and, while not everyone will share that same opinion, it was the first review for this book so I simply had to share.

As many readers might know, reviews help a book's algorithms so that readers of the same or similar genre might be able to see a new book, especially so with Amazon, but I believe all vendors are important. Hopefully, a reader will see the review, read the book's excerpt and blurb and like it enough to add it to their bookshelf or cart.

Now, I'm a huge fan and author of several genres, predominately Romantic Suspense and Paranormal/Shapeshifter, and when I'm hunting on Amazon for a new book for my tablet, thanks to the Kindle app, I'll see a row of books in those genres.

If you'd like to see the review, it can be viewed here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B05BYAS?keywords=Frances%20Stockton&qid=1454538429&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

Maybe, it'll help a reader who is on the fence about the book or the genre or an author new to them. It would be wonderful, but I'm grateful for the post nonetheless.

Note, also, that I've updated my website, details on Lipstick and Camouflage and my previously released Indie title, UnMAsKed  are on the home page on the Romantic Suspense bookshelf.
http://www.francesstockton.com
http://www.francesstockton.com/romanticsuspense.html#lipstickandcamo

Also, in coming weeks, my very first books published with Ellora's Cave under the Cerridwen Press/Blush imprints, will be going away. That does not mean the Abcynians, introduced in the Panthera series, are disappearing or going instinct, I promise they will return revamped and re-imagined. And, though they are set during my favorite eras in History, the Abcynians are a force to be reckoned with.

As soon as I'm able, I will share more details about the changes and the new release dates, including updates on my website.  In the meantime, I'm hard at work re-imagining the first book and plotting the next title in my Major Crimes Unit series set in Ocean City, Maryland and began with UnMAsKed.

Until next time,
Frances Stockton

Lipstick and Camouflage, Coming Soon!

Greetings one and all! First, let me thank everyone, and I mean everyone, for the support and comments on my last blog post. And, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy 2016! Wow, what a year 2015 was, and though this world has lost some of the greatest talents, artists, and musicians this month, they will not be forgotten, ever! IMO, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Natalie Cole, Lemmy, and, of course, so many others from jazz greats to drummers, must have formed a helluva band already.

Not to mention, Alan Rickman, who will always be Colonel Brandon to me, though should also be commended for his presence on the big screen and on stage.

But, I digress, I'm here today to share some awesome information. My latest Romantic Suspense, the first of a multi-book series titled Brandt's Dozen, is coming soon. I'm currently doing a final read-through and then it'll be ready to go. You'll be able to find Lipstick and Camouflage at most digital vendors, Amazon, B&N for Nook, Kobo, iBooks, etc, and if all the stars align, in print at a later date.

How about an introduction to Travis and Cassidy's story?

Lipstick and Camouflage
Brandt’s Dozen: Book One

Security specialist Travis Blake’s undercover assignment should be easy. The former Navy SEAL has to protect Cassidy O'Neal from an elusive assassin. Yet, nothing about this case is simple.

For Cassidy, it’s easier to believe in ghosts than to think she’s in danger. Despite a series of unusual happenings around her apartment, she never suspects why she’s felt so uneasy, or that her hot new neighbor is far more than he seems.

What starts off as simple flirtation quickly turns passionate. But, as the danger intensifies, more than just their hearts are on the line. Travis must do whatever it takes to protect Cassidy, including revealing who he really is.  

Now that you've gotten a look at the blurb, here's a fun excerpt!

Federal Hill—Fletcher Street Apartments

The whir and tumble of an old dryer accompanied Cassidy’s reading choice of the afternoon, The Count of Monte Cristo. Having been an avid reader as long as she could remember, she enjoyed the chance to get lost reading about a French sailor’s false imprisonment only to emerge as and reinvent himself as a nobleman to exact revenge on those who’d wronged him.

Hmm, at least Edmond, the hero, had a love life, albeit a complicated one. Today, in this cramped old laundry room that served the apartments upstairs, Cass had nothing but a book, a mound of laundry, and her headphones to keep her company.

She wished she could remember the last time she’d had a real date, much less an orgasm with someone other than herself and her imaginary book boyfriend of the night. Yeah, sad, but even though her brother’s roommate had asked her out on a date, she didn’t have it in her to be a cougar.

Maybe Justin was the reason she was so jumpy lately. He’d not exactly left that night with a smile and she’d wondered if he’d come back and try again.

Or, maybe it was something else, something unexplained. Ever since she’d gone to Salem and took Mike Smith’s place as the lead cameraman in a ghost hunt, something had been off kilter about her apartment and the building itself. Granted, they’d caught some amazing EVPs that night, but the experienced investigators in her group, Jerome and Sam, concluded what they’d caught on audio was residual and non-threatening.

If it wasn’t Justin Myers or a ghost, maybe it was that surveyor who’d staked out the neighborhood. He’d claimed to be doing a favor for a friend looking to move into the area and open a new business. She hadn’t believed him. That man had an aura about him that was mysterious and dark, maybe dangerous. She’d run him off, and as far as she knew, he’d not returned.

Frustrated, she snapped her book closed and set it aside, going over to check the last load of laundry for the day. Being Friday, she’d worked a half day and had plans to do laundry, eat rocky road ice cream for dinner, and continue reading Edmond’s tale of revenge, justice, and romance until he skewed his best friend with a sword.

Okay, she’d read the book a couple of times. Next week, she’d open up The Three Musketeers and have four book boyfriends, though her personal favorite was Aramis.

Yeah, like anything that exciting would happen to her, but one could dream a tale of fiction even if her day job wasn’t exactly the same as a French sailor’s false imprisonment or Musketeers saving a king from a treacherous cardinal.

Taking a moment to switch up her music, she chose her classic rock playlist and increased the volume, singing, well, mostly humming until her favorite line, “We were making it,” came out loud and clear.

As if it mattered how badly she was singing while pulling bras and panties out of the dryer and tossing them into the hip-hugging basket on the floor beneath the machine.

Slamming the dryer door home and picking up her basket, she turned to go back to where she’d been sitting when movement caught her eye. Whipping around, she saw a tall, impressively built man standing in the doorway, as if he’d stepped right out of the pages of one of her novel.

A heartbeat later, he came toward her, proving he was no figment of her active imagination and seeming to get bigger with every step. Unsure what to do, Cassidy threw her basket at him and rushed for the door, getting less than two feet before her bare foot caught his boot and she went tumbling.

Certain she’d break something when she hit the stone floor, she tried to brace herself for the impact…only she never hit. The man caught her, shifting her momentum so that she landed right on top of him.

Breath caught, her headphones clattering to the floor, she would’ve scrambled to her feet if it wasn’t for the fact that she could not move. Good God Almighty, he looked a lot like Joe M. No, of course it wasn’t possible that an actor who made women everywhere drool over werewolves and male strippers could be in a laundry room with her.

If that was the case, maybe she had knocked herself out and was dreaming about her current book boyfriend, Edmond. His hands were incredibly big. She knew because they were braced right on her ass. His chest was broad, muscles beneath his black tee shirt strong as steel.

The beard that so reminded her of Joe’s, trimmed, defining a face that was incredibly good looking and sexy, tempted her to trail a finger along his jaw to see if it was scratchy or soft. His piercing amber eyes fitting to a lion’s captivated her. He was looking right up at her, unapologetic, his grip strong, maybe there was even concern in his eyes.

The only problem she could see at the moment was the bra on his head that skewed her ability to make out the length of his shaggy sable-brown hair.

Wait! That leopard-print bra was hers!

“Darlin’, it doesn’t matter who Joe and Edmond are right now, if you keep grinding your hips like that, I’m gonna make sure you forget anyone else’s name but mine, Travis.”

His hands on her ass tightened, bringing her into better alignment with his hips. No, not his hips! Jeez, he was real, she was wide awake, and still on top of him, between his spread thighs. His hard as stone fly brushed her exactly where she needed it most. Her clit woke up, she was soaking wet, preparing…for what, sex with a stranger on the laundry room floor?

“Please tell me I didn’t talk out loud,” she grumbled, dropping her head to his chest and didn’t feel the least bit ready to move.

What the hell was wrong with her? Something about him warned her that he could be as dangerous as that surveyor, yet she was not afraid of him.

“All I know is that you called me Joe and compared me to Edmond, your book boyfriend, whatever that means,” he answered, the timber in his voice so deep, his drawl southern, everything in her that was a woman was screaming ‘how do you do’ and ‘where have you been all my life’?

“And, the longer you stay here, the less likely I am to ask your name. But, take your time. There are all kinds of advantages to having you on top.”

Snapping her head back up, she growled, “Stop talking like that!” Although she wouldn’t mind having him talk to her for hours, days, however long he wanted, so long as that deep drawl of his whispered sweet nothings in her ear.

“Sorry, couldn’t help teasing,” he countered. “I sure didn’t mean to scare you. What do you say? Think we can get back on equal footing?”

Realizing that this was actually happening, common sense returned and Cassidy got to her knees, hindered in her efforts by his hands. “Let go of my ass, cowboy. As it is, I think your fingers left marks. I bruise easy.”

“Dammit, don’t say that. Now I’m gonna want to check that out,” he warned, showing absolutely no compunction to let go, not that she really wanted him to. As big as his hands were, he cupped, not injured.

In the end, he let go and she scrambled to her feet. Considering her knees were all wobbly and her legs felt as if they’d turned to jelly, it was nothing short of a miracle that she didn’t fall over him or stomp on his balls in her efforts. Would’ve served him right for being an unrepentant, cocky bastard, though he was a really, really hot cocky bastard.

And, that didn’t help anything, neither did her bra.

“Easy, I’m not going to hurt you,” he said, getting back on his feet with nimbleness that no ordinary man should possess. It was catlike, or maybe a lion.

“Okay, who are you and where the hell did you come from?” she demanded, ignoring her embarrassment by punching her fists to her hips, hoping to look more formidable.

The guy was big, like Superman or Thor, big, tall, and muscular. He should be slow as molasses going uphill in winter. How tall was this guy anyway? She was a hair under 6’ and felt tiny compared to him.

“My name’s Travis Blake, moved into apartment 2 B a couple hours ago. Came down to do laundry and found you rocking out, wanted to alert you that I was there. Never meant to scare you, I’m sorry. I’ve ID on me, if you need to take a look,” he said, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket and flipping it open.

Taking a glance at his ID, she saw he had a Virginia license, but the photo was accurate. Finally, she nodded and stepped back, assessing him with the benefit of distance. Okay, it wasn’t that much of a distance since the laundry room was only big enough for three coin-operated washer and dryer units, a couple of plastic chairs, a mini-vending machine for detergent and fabric softener, a rack for hanging clothes, and the counter where her clean clothes were neatly arranged.

“Hey, you still with me, darlin’?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, no, I’m fine. I’m Cassidy O’Neal, tenants here call me Cass, take your pick. We’re neighbors, Mr. Blake.” Vaguely, she recalled the building manager putting notices on everyone’s doors about a new tenant fitting Travis’ description moving in today.

“Mr. Blake’s my dad, nice guy. When he visits sometime, maybe you’ll like him.”

“I’m sure I would,” she replied, her eyes drawn to his head. “Can I, ah, have that back?”

“What?” he asked, as if he wasn’t aware that her bra was on his head. He acted as if he didn’t care, cool as cucumber.

“My bra, although I’m not sure why you’re wearing it,” she said, gesturing to his head.

“Got to admit, never had a woman throw her clothes at me, but, damn, you stopped me in my tracks,” he replied as if she’d earned his respect.

Stay tuned for more, excerpts, links for where to find Lipstick and Camouflage, and any related information.

Until next time,
Frances Stockton 

UnMAsKed Unleashed! My first Indie Title!

Greetings! I know, I know, I've been quiet. I assure you, for good reason. I'm not going to go into detail about my publisher, Ellora's Cave. Let's suffice it to say that I'm still writing, still here, just kinda watching what plays out, you know? I also appreciate the readers who have bought and read my books through EC, I am as proud of those books today as I was when I'd written them, truly.

That said, upon reflection, I decided to take my books in a different, more mainstream direction. While the content is hot, some books will not be AS HOT as EC's, nor considered erotic or Romantica or erotic romance. I have been a huge fan of Romantic Suspense for a long time and decided to give it a try. That's how UnMAsKed began!

Having been born and raised in a county north of Baltimore, spending summer vacations at the beach in Ocean City, or going 'down the shore', created memories for me and my family, and we still enjoy the boardwalk, Thrasher's, Fisher's Popcorn, fudge, ice cream, the boardwalk, the rides, the haunted house, there was the one on The Pier, Morbid Manor it was called when I was a kid, and the haunted house on the boardwalk that you went through in motorized 'coffins'. What I remember most? A woman's hands coming out of a toilet! LOL, true, but to get to the point, Ocean City, Maryland became the setting of my new Romantic Suspense series titled Major Crimes Unit. UnMAsKed is book 1.

UnMAsKed introduces readers to a small task force of detectives, vice and homicide, crime scene investigators, and the thrills and chills of mainstream romantic suspense. This book starts off with rookie homicide detective Faith Oliver, who, after a breakup, needed a change and moved to Ocean City, MD to start over, sexologist Dr. Kane Welbourne, who becomes her adviser on all things kinky and sexy and fetish-related, and Faith's partner-in-solving crime, Detective Toryn Spencer, set to have his story told in Book 2! Stay tuned.

Better yet, UnMAsKed set at an AWESOME price, only $2.99 for a full length novel! I hope you will give it a chance, this is my first self-pub/indie release and I am wicked excited. It's available at all major vendors, Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Apple iBooks, and a new-to-me 'rental' service called Scribd!

Here are all relevant links:
https://www.scribd.com/book/260603553/Unmasked-Major-Crimes-Unit-1
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id982005204
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unmasked-frances-stockton/1121675722?ean=2940152192612&itm=1&usri=2940152192612
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/unmasked-34
http://www.amazon.com/UnMAsKed-Major-Crimes-Unit-Book-ebook/dp/B00VIV7JTA/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428072306&sr=1-9&keywords=Frances+Stockton

Thank you so much for giving UnMAsKed a chance! Before I go, let me give you a little teaser!

Major Crimes Unit: Book One

After a broken engagement, rookie detective Faith Oliver is given a new start in Ocean City, a beach resort near Maryland’s Eastern Shore. When her first case involves the murder of a man associated with a mysterious fetish club known as MAsK, Faith turns to renowned sexologist, Dr. Kane Welbourne for help in understanding a dark lifestyle she’s only read about in sexy romance books.

At first, she finds Kane arrogant but handsome as sin, and nearly impossible to resist. But when another victim dies and Kane’s life is threatened, she must unravel a web of lies while guarding her heart. Once the killer is revealed, will it be too late to believe in happily ever after? 

This story contains the hot detectives and crime scene investigators of the MCU, Faith’s sex-doctor boyfriend, BDSM elements, including between the hero and heroine, and the thrills and chills of mainstream romantic suspense.

Hazard's Dare

Hi everyone,
Today I thought I'd post about Hazard and Avery from Hazard's Dare, available now from Ellora's Cave Moderne. In August, I'm happy to say Hazard will be interviewed by a reviewer/blogger, more to come on a later date, as there will be a contest with the interview featuring a giftcard from Amazon.com.

As to Hazard, who is he, you might ask? Trevor Hazard Osbourne is the middle linebacker from the pro football team Alexandria Griffins. Previous titles involving football players consist of Quarterback Blitz, Field of Play and Playing Doctor, with crossover secondary characters. Hazard also appears in Ink Master.

Avery Grant is the younger sister to Alexander Grant, one of the heroes in Playing Doctor, a m/m from Ellora's Cave Spectrum. All of her life, Avery's been expected to live an exemplary life, avoid scandal and help her powerful US Senator father succeed. But when her father is forced to retire from political life, she finds herself able to explore her femininity and her sexuality, to do that she ventures to a small town in Nevada known as Dare, with a reputation for guarding the rich and famous from the vultures in the gossip presses and online hype. That's when she runs into her secret crush, Hazard Osbourne, one of her sports agent brother's clients.

For more on Hazard's Dare, here are all the links to EC, ARe, Amazon and B&N. You'll find excerpts there, too. http://www.ellorascave.com/hazard-s-dare.html
http://www.amazon.com/Hazards-Dare-ebook/dp/B00BND224U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374669783&sr=1-1&keywords=Hazard%27s+Dare+by+Frances+Stockton

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hazards-dare-frances-stockton/1114804831?ean=9781419944796

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hazard039sdare-1094962-340.html

Read on for the blurb and a great excerpt!

Hazard, talented linebacker for the Alexandria Griffins, is known for hard hits, record-breaking sacks, fast living and engaging in unconventional relationships. During a week off from football, he travels to Dare, Nevada, for some R and R and to hook up with a hot woman or two.
When Avery, his agent’s sister, walks into the club wearing a wicked red dress, he’s not immune to her delectable charms. After several tequila shots, Avery invites him to her hotel room for a week of hot sex with no promise of commitment, and he gladly accepts.
Of course they don’t expect their brief sexcapade to quickly turn into love—nor are they aware that someone dangerous has been stalking Avery’s family for years. Someone who’s about to strike. When Avery disappears, Hazard might lose the best thing he’s ever had. But not without a fight.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, please exit this site.

An Excerpt From: HAZARD’S DARE

Copyright © FRANCES STOCKTON, 2013

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One

Truth or Dare Club, Dare, Nevada—Late January



For the first time in her life, Avery Grant felt like a woman.

More than that, she felt like an attractive, sexy, vivacious woman ready to take on the Truth or Dare Club, with no one telling her what to do and no man to tell her to go back to her hotel room alone.

But it was too late.

She’d prepared for the evening by spending the day in a spa and getting a new hairstyle, complete with highlights and dark lowlights. Then she’d gone on a shopping spree to find a gorgeous red V-necked cocktail dress and six-inch stilettos.

Currently, her dress was covered with a long red coat, but she’d shed it once she was inside the building. It was January, and even though she was in Nevada, there was a distinct chill was in the air.

She hesitated for a minute or two, maybe three, recalling her friend Morgan Maddox’s phone call two hours ago. Morgan claimed that tonight would change Avery’s life because the man destined to be her soul mate would be at the Truth or Dare Club.

Unfortunately, Avery didn’t believe it was possible.

For one thing, she wasn’t looking for a soul mate or even a boyfriend.

For another, she’d recently gotten herself out of a loveless relationship. Thank God she’d dodged the bullet when she realized her ex was a lying, cheating scum with no reason to be with her except former Senator Charles Grant’s political backing.

No. She was looking for something else entirely, certainly not forever, and coming to Dare, Nevada, was the right place to be.

The once-dilapidated Old West boomtown, nestled in a valley thirty minutes south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, had been bought up by a quartet of the rich and famous, revamped and made into a mini-mecca for those who wanted to get away from everyday life and not get swallowed up by the craziness of Vegas…or the paparazzi.

Not that the paparazzi was an issue in Avery’s life. After all, she was Charles Grant’s oldest daughter, the one considered to be a sensible bore. Compared to her sports agent brother, Alexander, and her younger sister, Charlotte, who was a promising US swim star, she lived an ordinary, scandal-free life.

But as of tonight, she wasn’t following anyone’s rules anymore, except her own.

Tucking her small red clutch purse under her arm, she squared her shoulders and stepped up to the door. Music could be heard from where she stood.

Taking a deep breath right as the music faded and someone onstage announced the night’s special guest performer, Avery missed the man’s name because her cellphone went off in her purse.

Grumbling, she scrambled to get the phone from the clutch purse, saw who called and immediately turned the thing off. She was not answering to her older brother tonight.

He could wait. Her life couldn’t.

Stuffing the phone out of the way and returning the purse under her arm, she pushed her way through the door, stopping to hand her coat off to a young man working the coat check closet.

The man’s reaction when he saw her dress was priceless! With more confidence under her wings, she headed into the already crowded club.

At first, she had to blink because it was dark inside, with typical club lights turned down low and a spotlight aimed toward the stage.

And then the tantalizing riff of a guitar and a country singer’s voice trapped her right where she stood. “When you came in, the air went out…and every shadow filled up with doubt…I don’t know who you think you are, but before the night is through…I want to do bad things with you.”

As the song made popular by Jace Everett and the TV show True Blood continued, Avery was completely taken in, seduced. Not only did the singer hit every note with a deep-voiced country drawl that was undeniably hot, she’d locked eyes with… him .

Up on stage, guitar in hand, microphone in place, was Trevor Hazard Osbourne, middle linebacker for the Alexandria Griffins!

And her secret crush. The man was the reason she was a football fan and a huge proponent of the defense!

Suddenly, irrevocably, everything in her that was female went on red alert. Her heart pounded, her knees grew weak, her pussy awakened, leaving an aching reminder of how staid and nonexistent her sex life had been as of late.

Hazard wasn’t just another football player with a badass reputation. He was known for his killer charm with the ladies, megawatt smile and was considered hazardous to any self-respecting offense’s chance of scoring in the red zone.

And right now Avery was red hot! Hazard was not only incredibly good-looking, he had beautiful shoulder-length caramel brown hair that gave him a lion-sized personality and a body made for sin.

Even from the slight distance, she could see that he was tall, broad and built. He had an ass made for squeezing and muscles made for crushing opponents. Aware of herself in a way that she’d never been before, she realized that she was dripping wet between her legs. To be crushed beneath a man like that would be incredible.

Just like that, with a song and what she imagined was recognition in his eyes when he continued to sing to her , Avery was smitten.

For a second, she thought of Morgan’s warning earlier that day. Could it possibly be that Hazard was the one?

Oh, this was bad. She could handle keeping her crush a secret. It was just that Hazard—as he was called by teammates, media and football fans—was more than a crush. He was one of the athletes represented by her brother.

Thinking maybe it’d be a good thing to exit gracefully, Avery took a step backward and stepped on the foot of the person behind her. Stilettos had to hurt his instep, even if he was wearing a nice pair of loafers!

“Oh, I am very sorry,” she apologized.

“It’s not a problem,” the man answered, catching her elbow and helping her to regain her balance. “This place is crowded tonight. Ever been here before, gorgeous?”

Gorgeous? A man called her gorgeous? Turning her head and hoping like hell the guy was hot, she was struck by two things.

He was undeniably handsome. And he was the polar opposite of what she’d come here for. Granted, he was clean cut, smelled great and his brown hair was ultra-short.

He had nice blue eyes, a nice chin and a nice voice, altogether nice.

She hadn’t come to the Truth or Dare Club for nice. She’d come for naughty.

“No, I’m afraid I haven’t been here yet,” she answered, realizing it was rude to stare. If she was going to stare at anyone, she’d rather watch Hazard from afar.

“That makes two of us. Name’s John, would you like to find a table?”

“That’s very nice of you. But I’m meeting someone in a little bit.”

“At least let me get you safely to the bar. The crowd watching the mini-concert is decidedly pushy.”

“That’d be nice of you. Thank you for being so polite after I treaded on your foot. These shoes are new and take some getting used to.”

“Didn’t feel a thing,” he insisted, making good on his promise to escort her across the room.

She barely had the chance to appreciate the modernized replica of an Old West saloon. John nearly bowled through people to reach the bar. She tried to apologize, but by the time she got words out, she was dragged away.

Deciding that she did not like John, she was glad when they reached the bar.

“Thank you, John, for the escort. I’ve got it from here,” she said, homing in on a vacated stool made out of an old-fashioned barrel.

“Let me order you a drink,” he insisted.

“It’s not necessary. Really, I came to meet someone.”

“Looked to me like you were alone when you walked in,” John commented.

“That’s because my date’s currently up on stage,” she said, hoping John wasn’t good at detecting a fib.

“He’s in the band?”

“The singer, Hazard Osbourne, maybe you’ve heard of him?”

“Afraid not, but I know when I’ve worn out my welcome. I hope he appreciates what he has, if he doesn’t, look me up.”

John reached into his wallet, pulled out a business card, snagged a pencil from the bar, jotted something down and handed her the card before disappearing into the crowd.

Avery checked the card. The front advertised John Redman was the owner of an independent film studio. On the back, he’d scribbled the name of his hotel and room number.

Finding that presumptuous, Avery flicked the card across the bar with her finger, sending it flying straight into the back of the broad-shouldered, pale-blond bartender.

“Oh my god, what’s gotten into me?” she asked herself out loud, thinking no one would hear because Hazard was still performing.

Bad Things was over. He’d switched gears and sang something equally deep, equally compelling and sexy, Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game . All Avery could do was park her butt on the barrel and hope she hadn’t earned a kick in the caboose right out the door.

The bartender turned, saw her sitting there, then bent down to retrieve the object that’d nailed him before coming up to her.

“Hello, Red, this must be your first time in Truth or Dare,” he greeted with a curiously sexy tone of voice that sounded a little like he’d spent a lot of time in California.

He smiled, and for a crazy second, Avery was transfixed on that smile because there was something about it that warned he could be a predator or a savior. His shoulder-length pale-blond hair was nearly white, with two dyed black streaks sweeping from a sharp widow’s peak.

His face was, whoa, stunning. Smiling as he was, she saw even white teeth, but his canines looked suspiciously like fangs. If she didn’t know better, she’d think the bartender was a vampire or creature of the undead.

“Um, hi, yes, this is my first time here. Could I get a margarita if I apologize for hitting you with my trash?”

“Don’t worry about the card,” the bartender said as he tossed it in a trash can. “It’s not the first time a pretty lady got rid of an unwanted suitor the only way she could think of. What’s your name?”

“Avery,” she answered honestly, unsure if it was wise, but she couldn’t retract it.

“Welcome to Dare,” the bartender said, offering his hand. “My name’s Jaxon. I sure hope this isn’t your only visit to our cozy little town.”

She shook his hand, finding that he had a strong, confident grip without being too forward or rude. “Thank you. Now that I’ve found it, I have the feeling Dare might become my new getaway spot.”

“As it is for many who come here,” he said. “How do you like your margarita?”

“On the rocks, with salt,” she answered.

Jaxon mixed her drink and handed the quality-tequila-laden drink on the bar.

“First one’s on me,” he said when she reached into her purse. “How about I start a tab for you while you wait until it’s safe to mingle? The guy who offered his room number is currently seated at a table with a direct line of sight to where you’re sitting.”

“I didn’t like him much. There was something false in the way he flirted.”

Jaxon looked around the room. “You don’t have to worry about him. If he bothers you again, I’ll have the bouncers take care of the situation.”

Disliking the idea that she was being watched, she took a liking to Jaxon for offering to look after her if she needed it.

“Thank you, Jaxon, I appreciate that you’re looking out for the newbie,” she said, taking a sip of her margarita. Perfect, with just the right amount of salt. The drink was exactly what she needed to calm her nerves. “This is good.”

“Glad you like it. Enjoy the music. Considering it’s football season, we’re lucky to have Trevor Osbourne with us tonight. If country’s not your thing, illusionist Gabriel Krystiyan starts his show in the Truth or Dare Theater in about a half an hour.”

“Gabriel Krystiyan? Wow, isn’t he a Vegas headliner?”

“Yes, but Gabe’s one of us, one of Dare, I mean. When he’s home, he takes over the theater with his magic act that’s second to none.”

“I’m in town for a week. I’ll be sure to catch one of his shows.”

“But not tonight,” Jaxon said.

“I’d rather enjoy this margarita and put in an order for a second.”

Relaxing and finding the barrel she was sitting on surprisingly comfortable with its plush red leather cushion, she took another salt-laden sip and discovered the stool swiveled too.

Fastening her eyes upon Hazard as his concert continued, she became absorbed in the moment, in him. Sure, he was a sex symbol known for playing hard but fair, on the field and off. Yet there was something compelling about him, something that had awakened her long-dormant sex drive.

He was the perfect bachelor, loved being single, never professed to being a saint and her brother told her not long ago that Hazard had plans of becoming a country singer after his football days were over. By Alexander’s account, Hazard was intelligent, understood that he needed a career after football and chose his endorsement deals and fundraisers wisely.

Suddenly noticing that Hazard seemed to be staring straight at her, Avery squirmed a little.

There was no way that he could see her from the stage. The lights on the stage were a red, green and blue hodgepodge that showcased each member, a spotlight haloed him, letting the audience appreciate the way his talented fingers strummed the electric guitar.

To Avery, it seemed as if he made the guitar sing, bringing it to life. That kind of talent was rare, that kind of passion was what she’d always longed for and could never have.

Raised to be a good girl, she’d decided to put aside her ordinary image and be a little bad. Maybe Bad Things had been the right song to hear the second she’d walked into the Truth or Dare Club. Maybe the tequila in her drink was working its magic.

Whatever it was, right then Avery was tempted by Hazard in a way she’d never known before, and they hadn’t even spoken yet.

What were the chances he’d remember her anyway?

The only time they’d met and spoken at length had been when her father was in the hospital needing a kidney transplant. Like the hero he was, Alexander donated his kidney to save their father. But the stress of her father’s illness and discovering that her almost fiancé was a lecherous lout had taken its toll on Avery.

She hadn’t been herself when she’d met Hazard. He’d been polite and friendly enough, but then Timothy had returned after taking a lengthy phone call from a client and started acting like a member of the Grant family and Hazard withdrew to talk to his friends.

It could have been a few minutes of time that they actually spoke. She didn’t know. But something had shifted inside her when they shook hands, a spark had ignited, reminding her that she was indeed female and Trevor Hazard Osbourne was all male.

Shortly after, her father and brother were taken into surgery and she didn’t see Hazard again. Once everyone knew the transplant was successful, the athletes left. And it’d taken several weeks afterward for Avery to tell her father she’d decided to break things off with Timothy.

Though she’d gone in with evidence gathered by her one of her brother’s friends, PI Phalen Maddox, the shit had hit the fan. It was the first and only time she’d done anything against her daddy’s wishes.

All her life, she’d tried to be a good daughter, to make choices in her career that would never put a negative light on her father or cause his opponents in the Senate to use her against him. When she’d told her dad about Timothy’s infidelity, he’d gone so far as to suggest that it was something she had to deal with, not run away from.

Avery did try again. She and Timothy went on a few dates and she acknowledged she’d never been in love with him. She’d just been too chicken to admit it. Once she did, the reconciliation her father wanted never came to be.

“Ready for that second drink, Red?” Jaxon offered, tapping her hand and pointing to her almost-empty glass.

“Yes, please.”

“You got it,” he said, flashing another glimpse of that vampire smile.

She couldn’t help herself. She had to know. “Anyone ever mention you look a little like a vampire?”

Jaxon froze for a second, his rare violet eyes homing in on her face. Avery wasn’t sure what she’d said to set him off, but she regretted upsetting him.

“I didn’t mean to offend you.”

He shook his head and grinned. “You didn’t. I get that a lot, the vampire thing, I mean. I’m human, and except for a tattoo on my arm made from invisible ink, I don’t glow or anything.”

“Some friends of mine are tattooists. But I’ve never seen them do an invisible tattoo. How does it become visible?”

“Black lights,” Jaxon answered, rolling up his white long-sleeved shirt to reveal a blood-red mouth with iridescent teeth and fangs.

“I’ll get your drink,” he said as he lowered his sleeve and turned away to grab a new margarita glass.

While she reflected on the tattoo he’d revealed, Avery realized the music in the club had changed from live to a DJ spinning a mix of music in booth somewhere.

A man’s hand came out of nowhere, startling her when he placed it on the bar and wedged himself between her barrel and the person next to her.

“What do you say, gorgeous? Are you ready to give up waiting for a stranger and take a chance on Mr. Nice Guy?”

John had just gone from weirdo to asshole in Avery’s book. “I say that I’m not interested,” Avery told him, shifting around to look him in the eye.

“Come on, how about a dance? Let me at least buy you a drink.”

“That’s not necessary,” she said, right as a giant shadow came up behind her.

John was about six foot even. Judging from the way he looked up, she’d say her rescuer was about six-five or six-six, big, broad and a total badass.

She knew exactly who was behind her.

Her body had known seconds ago. Her pussy had unfurled like a spring flower beneath a ray of sunshine. Her breasts felt heavier, her nipples tightened. The powerful draw of need deep in her belly was completely sexual.

“Someone giving you a hard time, baby?” Trevor Hazard Osbourne asked. Nestling in nice and close to her back, he drew her up off the barrel and parked his ass in her spot.

Before she could blink, she was sitting in Hazard’s lap and John Mr. Not So Nice Guy disappeared from sight.

“Hazard,” Avery whispered, shocked that he’d gone to such lengths to protect her and instantly aware of his steel-hard muscle and size.

Hazard was enormous, with not an ounce of fat.

“Good to see you again, Avery Grant,” Hazard answered, his baritone whispering right into her ear. “Would you mind telling me why you’re wearing a smoking-hot dress and killer shoes that make every man in this room wonder how your fantastic legs would feel wrapped around him?”

“Wearing a nice dress and new shoes isn’t a crime, Mr. Osbourne.”

“When it comes to you, it is.”

“How do you figure? You’re not my boss. In fact, it’s quite a shock that you even remembered my name. We met once.”

“I’m not likely to forget that you’re my agent’s prettier twin.”

“Wow, at first I felt honored to know Hazard Osbourne saved me from trouble. But saying I look like my brother when we’re not even twins won’t get you laid as payment for your help, bonehead!”

Offended, she tried to scramble off his lap, but to do so would only cause damage to her daring dress. Hazard’s unbreakable grip around her waist made her feel trim and slim and female.

Her C-cup breasts felt bigger, her nipples tighter and in a constant state of arousal. She was almost five-eight, regarded herself as reasonably attractive and average. Hazard made her feel as if she was so much more than average.

“Whoa there, don’t get pissed at me and wiggle that fine ass of yours like that unless you’re prepared for trouble. I didn’t save you in order to get laid and you don’t look like a man. You look amazing, Avery.”

“Thank you, I think.”

“You’re welcome. For the record, I know Alex is older. While the family resemblance between the two of you is uncanny, you are much prettier. Now answer the question. What kind of trouble were you hoping to find in Dare?”

“You want the truth?”

“We are in the Truth or Dare Club, baby, might as well go for broke.”

Hazard’s big hands tightened around her waist. Shifting her on his lap, he expelled a deep breath, as did Avery. For a heartbeat, she’d thought for sure the hardness she felt pressed up against her ass had been the biggest cock she’d ever known.

Not that she’d known many. Okay, that was an understatement. But her lack of lovers notwithstanding, she’d certainly seen her share of erotic images. None of the men had a penis that rivaled Hazard’s.

Telling herself she was feeling his hard as hell thigh that just so happened to get thicker, Avery sat very still.

“I’m not sure you can handle the truth,” she warned.

A big hand came up to her chin, turning her so that she could look at him without causing damage to her neck muscles or putting a strain on her back. “I can handle anything. The truth, Avery, what were you looking for when you came here?”

Caught up in his unusual amber eyes that reminded her of a lion’s and imagining Michelangelo had a hand in sculpting his cheekbones, strong chin and chiseled features, she couldn’t look away or take back her answer.

“I came to find a fuck buddy. Not forever, mind you, just a friend to have fun with whenever I’m able to go on vacation.”

“Say that again,” Hazard demanded, tightening his fingers on her chin ever so slightly.

“You heard me, a fuck buddy. That’s what I want.”

“Like hell you are,” he grumbled as he clutched her tighter in order to stand up.

“Let go!”

Over her shoulder, he said, “Jaxon, my table. Biggest fucking glass of sweet tea you’ve got and whatever Avery’s drinking, bring it there.”

“Got it,” Jaxon answered without missing a beat in his mixology.

With little ado, Hazard let her grab her purse from the bar and carefully propelled her across the room. Those who hadn’t found a seat or table stepped aside, because the linebacker was the size of a freakin’ mountain.

Claiming a table that had a fresh deck of cards and a couple of guitar picks sprawled across the well-worn surface that had nicks, dings and names of musicians inscribed in the oak, he finally guided her into a chair.

Despite their conversation and the fact when he stepped backward, he revealed an enormous erection tenting his faded button-fly jeans, Hazard claimed the seat opposite her.

Unsure what to say or do, Avery waited until Jaxon delivered their drinks and vacated the coziest spot in a very crowded room. She didn’t think it wise to speak until Hazard gave her an opening.

He didn’t. He grabbed up the tallest glass of iced tea she’d ever seen and took a long drink. At the rate he was taking that tea down, it’d be gone in three seconds.

“Slow down, Hazard. You’ll make yourself ill.”

Hazard glared at her and kept drinking until he was satisfied. Slamming the ice-frosted glass back down on the table, he broke the silence. “You’re out of your fucking mind if you think I’m going to let Alexander Grant’s sister come to town to find a fuck buddy.”

“FYI, I’m more than his sister. I’m a woman, dammit! Maybe I’m tired of being the sensible Grant all the time. Maybe I’m ready for no-holds-barred sex. I’m on vacation. Why shouldn’t I have fun?”

Hazard growled deep in his throat. Briefly, she thought for sure he’d roar as loud as any self-respecting lion warning rival males away from his pride. “Sonofabitch, this isn’t happening. No, I won’t allow it.”

“You don’t even know me beyond my name. Why do you presume to think you can tell me what I can or can’t do?”

He took another long drink, this time his amber eyes staying on her face as he crushed some ice with his teeth. In his college days, he must have been killer at beer pong and quarters.

Fearing her night would end before it began, she swallowed hard. “You know what? It was obviously a mistake to come here.”

“A huge mistake,” Hazard said, placing his glass back down. “Not because you don’t have the right to fuck whoever you want. Because courting that kind of trouble isn’t you, baby. You go through with this asinine scheme, you’re going to get hurt!”

“Now I’m asinine. Is that what you’re saying?”

“No. Don’t you get it? As beautiful as you look tonight, I might accept your red dress challenge. And the horrible truth is, I don’t want the kind of relationship you represent, permanence.”

“What challenge?”

“To be your fuck buddy,” he said, again keeping his eyes on her face. The look in his eyes warned her not to look away.

Right then, Hazard was all alpha male. With his long caramel-brown hair running in thick waves to his shoulders that gave him the appearance of a lion and those compelling amber eyes, she was captivated and didn’t dare look away.

“I didn’t challenge you to be my anything, much less ask,” Avery said when she found her voice.

“Didn’t you? You melted when I held you on my lap. I’m willing to bet my playoff bonus that you were soaking wet from the knowledge that my cock was hard and ready to sink deep into you from behind. Now your body’s craving sex with me, Avery. And dammit, I feel like a bastard for wanting you too!”

“Very well, I will free you of the burden of being a bastard.”

Taking a huge gulp of her margarita and nearly choking on a mouthful of salt, she slapped it back on the table and stood to leave. She made it an inch before his big hand engulfed hers, pinning her right where he wanted, but not once putting pressure on her more slender fingers or wrist.

“Sit down,” Hazard commanded. “Stay and talk to me. Please.”

It was the please that stopped her. Hastily added though it was, she sensed he was being sincere. Folding down to the padded seat, she reached out for her margarita with her free hand.

Even as she sipped at her drink, it dawned on her that Hazard hadn’t let go of her left hand. Wrapping his fingers with hers, he picked up his glass with his free hand and sipped the remaining amount of tea.

When the glass was empty except for some ice, he flagged the bartender. Avery didn’t know how they could be seen from the bar, but Jaxon returned. “What can I get you two?”

“Tequila, straight up, limes and salt,” Avery said.

“Are you drinking tonight, Trev?” Jaxon asked.

Hazard’s eyes never left Avery’s face, his fingers squeezing hers. “Just this once. And, Jax…none of that cheap crap that does nothing but create hangovers touches this table.”

“Patrón it is.” Jaxon left to prepare their shots.

Avery didn’t move. She couldn’t.

Hazard was so compelling and charismatic in person that she knew that this was the reason for her secret crush.

On the football field, he was larger than life, twice the size of most men, and his eyes were constantly studying the offense. In the flesh, he was magnetic, irresistible, uncannily intuitive and so much more significant than even the best HDTVs could showcase during a big game.

When she’d learned that her brother was taking him on as a client just before Kyran Black’s career was sidelined by a demented ex-girlfriend, Avery had been over the moon with excitement. She’d always loved football, had dreamed of dating football players in high school.

Her daddy nipped that dream in the bud. He’d believed that his daughter was better than a jock, going so far as to fix her up on dates with the class politicians and members of the debate team.

Now here she was with one of the best linebackers in professional football. And beyond her better judgment, her heart was telling her that Hazard was the man she’d been looking for when she walked through the door.

She hadn’t known he was here specifically. But maybe a little destiny was at work tonight. Maybe it was time to live and laugh with someone who didn’t give a damn who her father, brother and little sister were and would see her for herself.



Hazard had a problem.

Actually, he had several, starting with the red-dressed vixen sitting across from him, her hand still tucked within his, and an erection that could pound nails.

Worse? It didn’t help alleviate his hard-on, even after knowing he’d been alerted to Avery’s possible arrival by Alex Grant shortly before he’d started his set.

Alex’s text had been simple.

Morgan Maddox called. Said my sister’s been planning to go to the Truth or Dare Club all day, but felt certain danger was following Avery. Keep an eye on her for me, and for god’s sake, keep your zipper zipped around my sister.

Having scrambled off a response that promised he’d keep an eye on Alex’s sister, Hazard went out on stage, guitar in hand, phone in his pocket.

Promising to keep an eye on Alex’s sister had been easy. Keeping the promise was going to be hell.