Great News: My Former EC Titles Have Reverted!

Good morning everyone! And, TGIF.

I learned late yesterday, after some back and forth with Amazon (who, btw, was actually very helpful and responded within an hour of my first contact with them) that my former Ellora's Cave books have been removed from their site! Likewise, they've been removed from Ingram, iBooks, B&N/Nook, Kobo, and Google Books, etc.

That said, it is possible that some of the print versions are still being offered at some of these vendors. To my knowledge, those books are treated like used books and are predominately being sold through private persons. Before I go any further, I did want to send out a warning to all of my readers and any authors, some of those private persons have placed several of my print books on a 'bot' system, meaning that it generates an outrageous price for a book based on the idea that it is 'rare' or only a few left. New print titles should not be made available POD. The thing is, as much as I loved having those books in print, I do NOT advise anyone to purchase them. I cannot say where the money is going, and, in many cases, the 'bot' is charging more than $600.00 for a book. That is absolutely crazy. Even those books that are reasonably priced falls into this advisory, for the same reason. I am not certain who is selling them or profiting off of them, it isn't me.

As I'm predominately an indie author at the moment, though I loved being part of Naughty Literati's Naughty Heatwave multi-author anthology and may look into doing similar stories in the future, most of my revamped/reworked titles will be made available predominately in digital/ebook format because it's the best way I can offer them to readers at prices that are fair and reasonable. I write big books, I love to read big books, and it's my hope that readers, those new to me and those who have read my stories before, will enjoy my vision of happily ever after!

Trust me, I loved writing Quarterback Blitz featuring Kyran Black and Anna James. Field of Play, with Dallas McKay and Grace Daniels. Ink Master, which launched the Maddox brothers beyond secondary characters with Cuff Master and Switch Master. Playing Doctor, my first male/male romance. Hazard's Dare, a return to both the Alexandria Griffins professional football team, and the first of the Dare, Nevada trilogy that I vow to finish. Likewise, a standalone, Pleasure Trove which, sadly, never really gained any traction as it released shortly after EC announced massive layoffs, will get a makeover, too.

What happened over the last two years is a story many know about already and I'm not going to go into it further. But, I would like to credit Ellora's Cave, especially my editor, for taking a chance on me with my first book for the Cerridwen Press imprint, later to become Blush, and continuing to accept what I'd submitted for the hotter, EC markets. I'd always planned more stories/books in the worlds/series I'd had published. And, now that my books are back where they belong, with me, I promise to update them, not only with fresh, new covers, but with new titles and new scenes, as well as renaming the series formerly known as Ink and Kink, Sexcapades, and Panthera.

It'll take a while, as I want them to be the best they can be, as I'd originally envisioned them. I'm looking forward diving back into the worlds of football, tattoos, hot, sexy romances, and writing new books. In the meantime, I have three books available at Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, and Nook, UnMAsKed, Lipstick and Camouflage, and Persuasion. (Persuasion is the first in my revamped Panthera series now titled The Abcynians! Coming soon, Pride and book 2 of Brandt's Dozen.  Along with my indie titles, there's a quick, hot story in Naughty Heatwave. Better yet, the anthology is available for only $.99 cents at pretty much every single vendor, Amazon, Nook, Kobo, etc.

Needless to say, I'm so excited! I cannot wait to dive back into these worlds. I was proud of every single book I'd published with EC. I remain proud of them, but, yes, I want to make them better than every before.

Stay tuned for relaunch announcements and news!

Until next time,
Frances Stockton

Celebrating Lipstick and Camouflage! Blog Tour/Contest

Greetings everyone!

I hope this post finds you all well. Since my last, I've been writing, re-writing, revamping, and recreating my PNR series The Abcynians, which had previously been published with Ellora's Cave Publishing's Blush/Cerridwen Press imprint.

Today, I'm celebrating the release of my Romantic Suspense, Lipstick and Camouflage, Book One in the Brandt's Dozen series featuring former military and Special Operatives. Yep, the book released last month, but I had a couple of things on my schedule and a reader/author con known as Wild Wicked Weekend.

Now that I've recovered, somewhat, okay, there's a lot of caffeine pumping through my system today, I wanted to post a link to Lipstick and Camouflage on WLK Promotions. There's an excerpt, blurb, links, bio, all sorts of helpful information about a great book, set at a great price. It's my sincere hope that you'll take time to check it out, join the contest for either an Amazon gift card and some lovely soaps from Charm City Soaps, LLC, located in Baltimore City. As the book's set in Baltimore, I thought it would be fun for folks to check out soaps named after Baltimore icons, traditions, and places.

Here's the link: http://www.wlkbookpromotions.com/lipstick-and-camouflage-brandts-dozen-1-by-frances-stockton-book-tour-giveaway/

It's also up on Twitter and Facebook!
Until next time,
Frances Stockton

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

Available Now: Lipstick and Camouflage! Updated Links!

Greetings! In the wake of a wild, snowy weekend in the Mid-Atlantic, where many in my family are located, I received word that Lipstick and Camouflage was ready for prime time! I've huge news in this regard, not only was it ready, the indie publishing process was much easier the second time around, as I've another Romantic Suspense available, check out www.francesstockton.com for details of my indie title/titles, but it's available now from Amazon.com, Kobo, iBooks, and Scribd, and coming soon from B&N for Nook. Down the road, it'll be in print. But for now, Lipstick and Camouflage is available in digital format, at a fantastic price $2.99!

Please note that soon, the following titles through Ellora's Cave will no longer be available, Seductive Persuasion, Rhiannon's Pride, Sea Captain's Ghost, and Arrington's Claim. I can't divulge much in this regard, I apologize, but do look for them re-imagined in the future. More on that when I'm able to open up.

Let's get back to Lipstick and Camouflage! Do you like suspense, romance, hot, secretive, former Special Operatives turned bodyguards? Maybe a hunky Texan with a Joe M. jawline, and a seriously deep drawl, darlin', Travis Blake is the man for you! And, the first hero introduced in my Brandt's Dozen series, featuring a team of former military specialists, each with his or her own specialties. Travis, a former SEAL and MMA fighter can make a woman melt, Cassidy, too!

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.  

I've got awesome links to the book, please see below!

In coming days, expect to see Lipstick and Camouflage at B&N for Nook!!! I assure you all, it will be there, it simply takes a little longer than some vendors.

Please feel free to share or comment on this blog post, reviews are welcome, especially for indie authors.

Lipstick and Camouflage available at the following vendors! Stay tuned!
https://www.scribd.com/…/Lipstick-and-Camouflage-Brandt-s-D…
https://store.kobobooks.com/e…/ebook/lipstick-and-camouflage
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1078137710
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B05BYAS…
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/1123308368;jsessionid=5FC2F…


Please help an indie author out and share! It's available for a great price, too! 
Until next time,
Frances Stockton

Lipstick and Camouflage! Confession!

In anticipation of Lipstick and Camouflage's upcoming release, it's really almost here, I thought I'd share a little backstory on the creation of this story.

I'm not sure if you've heard of Belle Femme authors ( a group of very talented authors) awesome reader-author gathering in San Antonio, Texas known as Wild Wicked Weekend. If you haven't, consider going next year. It is coming up again in February but I'm told it's pretty much sold out. It's held at the historic and haunted, yes, haunted Menger Hotel, which is so close to The Alamo, you can literally look out a window and see the infamous site. If you were to travel back in time, and who wouldn't want to, it's likely that the hotel sits right on the actual grounds. When you walk around San Antonio, you're probably walking where William Travis and Jim Bowie (who was gravely ill at the time of the siege) had given their lives for a cause they believed just.

It's no wonder the hotel and the grounds are said to be haunted. Last year, I saw Sally White, I've no doubt about this, but someone else's version may vary. During WWW last February, one of the authors attending found a hidden compartment in her room. That, for some reason, inspired the story that became Lipstick and Camouflage. And, though it's set in Baltimore (born and raised Marylander, here), and some elements are set in Salem, Massachusetts, I'd wondered what would happen if an innocent hotel guest were to inadvertently take something home with them and end up in an assassin's path without realizing it.

I happen to love history and The Alamo, especially William Travis' story, also resonated with me and I decided to create a hero named after him, thus I went with Travis. I won't give away the ending of Lipstick and Camouflage, but let me say, you might see elements of The Alamo and The Menger Hotel pop up!

That said, I recently shared an excerpt from Lipstick and Camouflage, and wanted to add a little more romantic one. Here it is! Enjoy!

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 that make her feel uneasy, she has no idea her hot new neighbor is far more than he seems.

What starts off as simple flirtation quickly turns passionate. But, as 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. 

“I, umm, think this is where I should go back to my dorm,” Justin suddenly decided, pushing his paper plate aside. “I’m sorry, Cass, didn’t know I was interrupting a date.”

“You didn’t interrupt anything,” she reassured.

“Yep, you can say that. You’re not getting the stink eye from your neighbor. Who, by the way, can kick my ass from here to UMBC and back again. I’ll make myself scarce.”

“At least take another slice of pizza,” Cassidy offered.

“I’ve had enough, thanks.” Justin stood up, went to the family room and grabbed his hoodie.

“What do I owe you for the food?” Travis got up, walking over to Justin, his hand in his back pocket. The two talked quietly and Travis pulled out his wallet, handing Justin money.

Shortly, Justin turned back, thanked her for dinner, and whispered, “I’m sorry,” as he left.

“He could’ve stayed,” Cassidy said after Travis closed and locked the door. “I’ll call him tomorrow and make sure he got back to the dorm okay.”

“Sorry about that, Travis. I honestly wasn’t expecting him,” she said softly, her cheeks heating up.

“No need to apologize,” Travis replied. “What’s the matter?”

Cassidy pushed back from the table and stood, suddenly feeling as if she was being interrogated. Then again, he’d been part of Special Forces. He was trained to look dangerous when he needed to be.

“It’s a little embarrassing,” she confessed. “The other night, he asked me out.”

“Why’s that embarrassing?” Travis questioned.

“Because he’s my brother’s best friend,” Cassidy said. “Have to admit, I’m glad he came over, if only to make things right, I just didn’t want you to think I was a cougar or something.”

“I wasn’t worried about that. I’m wondering why you can’t see that Justin likely asked you out because you’re an attractive woman, more so, why you’re embarrassed.”

“Honestly, it’s been so long since I’ve gone on an actual date that I was tempted to accept just so I didn’t have to rely on a book boyfriend for a night. Why? Are you thinking about asking me out?”

Cassidy stopped cleaning up the table and looked across the room. Travis remained by the door, but his intensity increased, seeming to be zeroed in on her, even her slight movements drawing his eye.

“I’d like to, but I can’t, not yet,” he answered.

“Why, is there something wrong with me?”

“No, this is all on me. After getting shot, I needed to reevaluate things, make changes. If my dojo doesn’t succeed, I’ll either go back to Texas or my old job in Virginia.”

Drawn to look back at him, Cassidy shifted around, watching him jerk his shirt down his left shoulder, revealing a still angry-looking scar about the size of a quarter. Jesus, if that bullet had gone a little more to the right, if he’d not worn a protective vest, he could’ve been shot through the heart.

Feeling as if a balloon had just popped in her chest, Cassidy found herself rubbing her sternum to ward off the pain. It made absolutely no sense that she was suddenly afraid for him. After all, she and Travis met a few hours ago. The trauma with Mr. Milner and the elevator must’ve created a false sense of attachment to him.

“You’re right, it’s best we stay friends,” she said, breaking eye contact with him to continue stacking paper plates and tossing crumpled napkins on top.

Funny, she did such a good job of ignoring him, she hadn’t heard him move. It wasn’t until his big hand gently circled her wrist, turning her so she’d face him.

“SEAL training kicking in, Hero?” she dared, though she wasn’t quite able to look at him.

“That’s something I’d never forget,” he whispered, his mouth almost touching her ear. His other hand went to her waist, slipping around to the small of her back, making her feel tiny, protected, soft, and girly.

“What do you want?” she suddenly demanded, his mixed signals confusing her.

“I think you know the answer,” he murmured, his lips brushing her earlobe. “You felt what happened when you were on top of me earlier, didn’t you?”

“Yes, you got an erection. It’s a natural physical reaction. I was turned on, too, same reason. Nothing more, nothing less, I get it.”

“Do you? Because it’s more than physical, that’s the God’s honest truth.”

Cassidy shook her head, still confused by how easy it was to be this close to him, to feel his incredible heat, his strength, to smell his clean male scent, everything. Even now, she could feel the throb of his hardness brushing close, so damn close, to her apex between her thighs. It was temptation incarnate, something she didn’t want to ignore.

“Is it the ghost hunting that’s turning you off? If that’s your hang up, get over yourself.”

“Does it feel like I’m turned off right now?” he countered, shifting until his thigh slipped between her legs. “Honestly, I’ve no idea if there are ghosts or what goes into finding them, maybe you can teach me. As it is, I’m hard as a spike.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, you came to me just now, not the other way around,” she said.

“Don’t you understand? You’re the kind of woman a man keeps for himself,” he said, easing off slightly only to catch her chin in his big hand and bring her face upward. “Me? I could be here for a while or gone tomorrow, there’s no way to know yet. You deserve more than that, more than sex.”

“Maybe sex is all I want, ever think of that? You seem like the kind of guy who can give a woman a good time in bed, without unrealistic expectations afterwards.”

Trying to toss her head, to dislodge him, anything, Cassidy only managed to shift his hand until he stroked her face, gently, sweetly. This wasn’t the touch of a man out to seduce or conquer. It was the caress of a lover, of someone who cared.

“Darlin’, you’re sweet-natured and maybe too trusting for your own good, but I’d never suspect you were a liar.”

“Fine, you’re right,” she said. “But I’m not begging you to stay either, nor will I, ever.”

“Fair enough,” he replied. “Tell me to go, slap me if you need to.”

“I don’t want to slap you.” What did she want? She wanted him, same as he claimed to want her. It was crazy, but there it was.

“Ah, to hell with why I shouldn’t do this,” he said, his head bending toward her a second before she closed her eyes and his lips touched hers, briefly, as if he thought she might shove him away.

Instead, her arms went up, wrapping around his big, broad shoulders, her fingers lacing behind his neck. Next thing she knew, he swept her up close, his mouth increasing pressure against hers, his tongue slipping between her lips, entering, dueling with hers.

Cassidy had never, ever experienced a sexier kiss. The brush of his trimmed beard tickled, enhancing their differences. He was hard, strong, sexy, tasted incredibly masterful yet she wasn’t afraid or intimidated. She felt desired, soft, and feminine.

All she really knew in that moment was that this was Travis Blake, the man who’d come to her aid twice in one day, like a guardian angel. With him, she felt safe, even though his kiss rocked her world, tilting it right on its axis.

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.