For Whom The Books Toll: Author Wednesdays--Welcomes Frances Stockton

For Whom The Books Toll: Author Wednesdays--Welcomes Frances Stockton: Good Morning! This is Author Wednesday and I'd like to welcome the very talented Frances Stockton to For Whom The Books Toll. Yay...

Ink Master, Ellora's Cave Taboo, in Print!

Greetings! Summer is winding down fast, school supply shopping is on the horizon and we've just returned home from a beach vacation. It was AWESOME.

That said, I have major news, Ink Master, Ellora's Cave Taboo is available in trade paperback! While it's also available in digital/ebook format from Amazon, B&N, ARe, Sony, Kobo and, of course, Ellora's Cave, the print book is also available.
This book also received a great review from You Gotta Read!
http://yougottaread.com/review-ink-master-by-frances-stockton/

Here are the urls:
Ellora's Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/ink-master-1.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ink-Master-Kink-Frances-Stockton/dp/1419969048/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376314748&sr=1-1&keywords=Ink+Master+by+Frances+Stockton
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ink-master-frances-stockton/1106957633?ean=9781419969041&itm=1&usri=ink+master+by+frances+stockton

Blurb:
Phalen, a former Army Ranger turned PI and tattoo-shop owner, is a Master waiting for someone to challenge him. Submissive-in-denial Cassie is the perfect partner in lust. Having been out of town for a case, Phalen returned determined to claim his woman and discovers she's more open to BDSM than he'd hoped. He couldn't be more turned-on.

 

Then Cassie nervously reveals her submissive twin sister may have been killed by an abusive Dom, who died shortly after. Despite the fact that her family and the cops believe their deaths were murder-suicide, Cassie hires Phalen to find the truth.

 

While he investigates a cold case, their relationship scorches the bedroom and his dungeon. But when his investigation points toward someone close to Cassie, she's caught in a psychopath's web of lies. It'll take all Phalen's skills to unravel the clues-and save Cassie's life.

 

Excerpt:

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

An Excerpt From: INK MASTER

Copyright © FRANCES STOCKTON, 2011

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

Chapter One

5:00 a.m. Book Haven Diner-Salem, MA



The first step on my path to submission was acceptance. I’m a professional woman and have responsibilities I’ve worked hard to achieve. There was no way in hell I would willingly submit to a man, much less let him bind me to his will and lead me on a sensual journey few can understand. But that was before I met Master and my body knew before my heart that he was destined to make me fly.

Under his domination, I became a powerful woman. Under his control, I flew. And when I accepted his collar, I did so with the power of love…

Cassie Williams pushed her glasses back into place on her nose and tucked her sister’s journal into the pocket of her apron. Fiddling with the coffee machine, she poured fresh Columbian beans into the grinder while trying to reason out how a financial adviser on her way to being the CFO for a big shot corporation could be something totally different in private.

Allie had been a submissive in a D/s relationship, something her family kept secret.

Even as Cassie filled the water basin, she recognized something in herself. She and Allie may not have been identical twins, but her sister’s prophetic words made her wonder if she’d ever know what it was like to fly beneath the skill of a Dom’s hand.

“Morning, sweetheart, saw your car parked out back and thought I’d check in.” Phalen’s Boston accent turned the r in car into an h. Cassie loved his voice. It never failed to make her weak in the knees.

Waiting for the coffee to begin brewing, she answered, “Hey, Phalen, been awhile since you walked through my door.”

“I’m sorry I was gone so long. Had my brothers keeping an eye on things around here,” he said. “Any chance I can get a mocha latte before the breakfast crew gets in?”

In an instant, Cassie’s panties were damp. The smell of Irish Spring tickled her nose. Phalen Maddox was her darkest fantasy come to life. But damn it, her fantasies scared her sometimes.

“Sure, it’ll just take me a sec.” Turning around, she found Phalen sitting in his seat at the counter.

As always, her heart skipped a beat. Her clit pulsed in recognition of a sexy primal male who could do amazing things with his hands and tongue if they ever got horizontal. Refusing to let him know how much she wanted him, she shoved the glasses up her nose as a show of indifference.

Phalen didn’t just sit at the counter. He commanded center stage, even though all he did was offer his gigantic coffee mug and a charming devil-may-care smile.

Pulling herself together, she went to grab the mug. He caught her wrist first, holding her absolutely still. “What’s going on, babe? You were a million miles away when I walked in. The door wasn’t locked. Not a good idea when you’re here by yourself.”

Every nerve-ending beneath her skin fired in delight at the way Phalen’s hand wrapped around her wrist. His grip was strong. His fingers were calloused from years of martial arts training in Jujitsu, Kung Fu and Judo. Recently, he’d joined the Taekwondo dojo on their block and was mastering that too. There was no force. But to pull back right then wasn’t an option.

“Wow, two nicknames in less than a minute,” she said, slowly lifting her eyes from his long fingers to his face. “At least you stopped calling me darlin’.”

He called every woman that. Now women who came into the diner frequently asked for the hot blond guy with the scrumptious body and wicked charm. Granted, he was ripped. If there was an ounce of fat on him, she’d eat his Sox cap.

“Answer the question,” he insisted. Normally, she’d have thought eyes the color of melted pewter would be cold. No. His gaze made her hot from head to toe.

“Nothing’s going on.”

“Ah huh, then you weren’t daydreaming about Donatelli?” Changing his hold on her wrist, Phalen kept his eyes on her. “Ethan told me he saw you getting cozy with him on TV last Sunday.”

“This little show of dominance is about Michael? Need I remind you we’re never been on a date? Or did you suddenly appoint yourself my Master while you were gallivanting around Fairfax with another woman for more than a month?”

“I’m not interested in any woman but you. When you’re ready, I’ll be your Master, Cassandra Williams,” Phalen declared. Already turned-on, she creamed her panties. “You need to stop going out with him. Or I’ll take issue with it.”

“What will you do? Tie me up like a pretzel and flog me into orgasm? I don’t think so,” she scoffed, refusing to let him know there was a very real part of her that wanted him to tie her up like a pretzel.

“No pretzel twists. No flogger to redden that fine ass of yours, much as you’d like it. I’ll put a chastity belt on you and keep you from coming at all.”

“You wouldn’t dare. That’s barbaric.”

Phalen squeezed enough to keep her attention, his gray eyes boring into hers, one brow raised. She knew if she simply backed up, he’d release her. Choosing to stay was far more thrilling. “Test me on it, Cassie. See how long I’ll forbid you to fuck if you date him again.”

“For your information, I haven’t had sex in so long I’ve forgotten what it feels like. There’s no reason to worry about who I’m dating or not.”

“That’s good. I don’t share. When I fuck you, you’ll never go back to your vanilla boyfriends.”

Did he have to be so damn gorgeous when he said he was going to fuck her? It was difficult enough dealing with a man as confident as he was. Phalen had chiseled movie star looks, extreme height at six foot six, incredible long blond hair which he kept tied in a ponytail, gorgeous eyes a woman could melt into, a strong chin and muscles that screamed former Army Airborne Ranger.

She loved when he wore his faded Boston Red Sox cap, it was such a part of him she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him without it. That had been more than six months ago, when they’d opened their businesses within the same week. They’d flirted and danced around each other since.

Yet they’d never gone on a date or kissed. Phalen had learned how her sister died and backed off so far he’d almost dropped off the planet.

“Phalen, if you let go, I can make your latte,” Cassie suggested, letting him decide when to release her.

“Promise you won’t see him anymore.” He loosened his fingers, using the edge of his blunt fingernail to smooth the pulse in her wrist.

She shook her head. “I can’t promise not to see him. Having a state senator as part of my father’s congregation is a huge deal. My parents and his have known each other forever. Sometimes we cross paths when I go to church. But I’m not dating Michael Donatelli. He’s been dating someone for a couple years anyway. What’s the problem?”

Phalen smiled, sending her heartbeat into overdrive when he flashed his pearly whites. It wasn’t that his teeth were perfectly straight that got her. In fact, his canines reminded her of a wolf’s and one incisor was crooked. It didn’t matter. He was sexy as hell. “Thank God I don’t have to pulverize the slimy bastard.”

“You believe me?”

“Of course,” he answered, releasing her wrist. “I don’t like the guy. His TV commercials drove me bat-shit crazy last November. You know that.”

“You think he’s a conservative bore,” Cassie said, reluctantly stepping back. Now that he’d let go, she missed the strength of his hand restraining her.

“Donatelli is an asshole. Never said he was a bore. That’s on you.”

Phalen was right. Michael was boring. And so damn uptight at times that she’d wanted to ruffle his feathers by telling him who she’d voted for. She didn’t though. Her father would have a cow if she openly admitted she was a Democrat to the right wing politician. She was twenty-nine, for goodness sake. She shouldn’t have to hide what she was from anyone.

“Can I get that latte now?”

“Sure. My breakfast crew should be coming in soon if you want something to eat.”

“I ate already, thank you. Any chance you’d like to come over and pick a tat over lunch?” he asked when she turned away to play barista.

“I don’t think I’m ready for a tattoo.” She’d been contemplating getting one for months. The pain involved kept her at bay. “Maybe I’ll get one for my birthday in April.”

“How about I design something for you?”

“That’d be nice.”

Cassie loved coffee and books. Miraculously, she’d found this old diner up for sale nine months ago. She’d been saving her money while working at a coffee shop since she was in high school, had sound investments, was gifted with a nice inheritance from her grandparents’ estate and borrowed a small business loan from her parents, which she was still paying off.

Her cooks and wait-staff served diner-style dishes while customers read or worked on their computers. There were eight vintage booths, ten tables and a counter that could seat eight in the front. The tables and booths had small music boxes, each connected with a digital jukebox to the right of the counter near the restrooms.

Customers had to walk through an archway to get to the store, where she offered magazines, newspapers and gifts such as coffee mugs designed by local artists and jewelry.

Since it was in Salem and a few blocks down from historical landmarks around town, it was an attractive destination for breakfast and lunch crowd tourists. She didn’t serve dinner, deciding when she opened to switch to goodies like soft pretzels and scones until closing time. Coffee, lattes and hot teas were available all day.

“Cassie?” Phalen called out again, putting more push to his voice.

Loving the way he sounded right then, she looked back. He was still in his seat. His eyes were trained on her hair. “Yes?”

“You said maybe about getting ink,” he pointed out. “Not long ago, you said ‘no way in hell’. What’s changed?”

“The idea that getting a tattoo from you doesn’t seem so painful anymore.”

“The degree of pain changes, depending on where you want the work done. Endorphins kick in to help your body deal with the discomfort, sweetheart. For some, it’s very addictive.”

“My answer stays the same. I’m not ready yet.”

“For the tat or me?”

Review: Ink Master, Ellora's Cave Taboo

Hi everyone!
Just received an excellent 4 Star 'You Need to Read' review from You Gotta Read Reviews for Ink Master. The reviewer gave the book a lovely review and really seemed to 'get' Cassie and Phalen's love story.

Here's a link to the review:
http://yougottaread.com/review-ink-master-by-frances-stockton/

I'm thrilled to share this information and hope you'll check out the review, You Gotta Read, Ellora's Cave books and all the books from my Ink and Kink series. http://www.ellorascave.com/series/ink-and-kink.html

Have a great Saturday,
Frances

Friday Hunk: Rick Mora

Welcome back! As promised, I'm keeping up my new Friday blog tradition and posting today's Friday Hunk!

As you can see, I've posted Rick Mora's picture. Rick is a Native American model/actor who's appeared in movies such as Twilight, as well as portraying warriors in various films, including a television series Deadliest Warrior.

If you're interested in learning more, here's a great link: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2112939/
Here's a variety of fantastic photos! http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2112939/resumephotos

Take a minute to check out the second link, his photos are great. I'd love to know which is your favorite. Share your thoughts, too.

Until next time, have a great Friday,
Frances

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.

Coming in Print: Ink Master and Cuff Master!

Hello everyone!
Thank you to those who checked out and commented on my previous post. I've a couple big announcements to make, primarily the subject heading indicates the news! That's right, Ink Master, Ellora's Cave Taboo and Cuff Master, Ellora's Cave Taboo are coming in print!

First up is Ink Master, Phalen and Cassie's story. Phalen has been a reader favorite. He's big, bad, dark but not in any way abusive or mean. His patience is his strength and his love for Cassie is genuine.

Here's a blurb for Ink Master at Ellora's Cave, coming in print August 6th, a day before my birthday!

Phalen, a former Army Ranger turned PI and tattoo-shop owner, is a Master waiting for someone to challenge him. Submissive-in-denial Cassie is the perfect partner in lust. Having been out of town for a case, Phalen returned determined to claim his woman and discovers she’s more open to BDSM than he’d hoped. He couldn’t be more turned-on.

Then Cassie nervously reveals her submissive twin sister may have been killed by an abusive Dom, who died shortly after. Despite the fact that her family and the cops believe their deaths were murder-suicide, Cassie hires Phalen to find the truth.

While he investigates a cold case, their relationship scorches the bedroom and his dungeon. But when his investigation points toward someone close to Cassie, she’s caught in a psychopath’s web of lies. It’ll take all Phalen’s skills to unravel the clues—and save Cassie’s life.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

http://www.ellorascave.com/ink-master-1.html#
http://www.amazon.com/Ink-Master-Frances-Stockton/dp/1419969048/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1374497832&sr=1-3

Cuff Master, Ellora's Cave Taboo is Ethan Maddox, the middle Maddox brother, and psychic Morgan Everhart's story. It's available in ebook at EC, ARe, Amazon and B&N. It's debuting in print at RomantiCon13 in October and will be available soon after to all. I'll have announcements for where and when in October!

I hope you'll check out Ink Master. If you've already read it in ebook form, thank you! If you haven't and are interested in learning a little more about the BDSM lifestyle, there's no better Master than Phalen.

 

Friday Hunks

Okay, I'm sure you all are aware of the abundance of hot, hunky men being shared on FB, Twitter and social media in general. Today I thought I'd start a Friday trend on my blog. Since it's hot outside, and it's Friday, it'll be even sweeter.

And, rather than just post photos, I thought I'd ask readers what they like in a hot hero. What defines hotness for you? Is it ripped abs. torn jeans, a little hair on their chests, no hair at all, kindness, humility or charm? Any answer will do, of course. Also in honor of Friday Hunks, I thought I'd ask who your top five hot celebrities are.

Mine? That's easy, and while the list can vary from time to time, these hot gentleman feature in my hunk list often.
Rick Mora
Christian Bale
Viggo Mortensen
Shemar Moore (Yes, I added a nice picture of Shemar and he's today's Friday Hunk)
Hugh Jackman

Now, tell me your top 5 and I'll check them out. Next Friday I'll find a new photo and a new hunk to share!
Until then,
Frances