Tuesday 25 June 2013

MASSIVE blogger's giveaway


A huge THANK YOU to the amazing Colleen Hoover for putting this all together. This is an extract from her blog you can find here. If you know someone who has a book blog then please make sure they enter this fantastic giveaway! And to all the bloggers who have supported me on my writing journey a huge thank you to all of you, from me xxx         KBM. xxx 

A group of authors, including myself, have wanted to show bloggers the same level of appreciation that they have shown us.  What better way to do so than to reward them with a huge THANK YOU!?
I want to present our “Book Blogger Payback.”  These authors have been so kind as to donate a portion of their hard-earned royalties in an effort to reward bloggers for all they have done for us.
If you are a book blogger and want to enter the $7,000+ Book Blogger Payback…it’s really quite simple.
Yes…I said $7,000+!!!
All you have to do is submit your most cherished post from your blog to this email address.  colleenhoover@live.com  It can be any type of post.    A review of your favorite book…an interview with your favorite author…or a new post altogether!  I will be linking these posts on my website and they will also serve as your entry into the Book Blogger Payback giveaway. Both U.S. and international entries accepted.The winners will be chosen at random on July 31st.  Entries are due by July 20th.
All winners of gift cards have the choice between the following retailers:
Amazon, iTunes or Barnes & Noble.
Prizes will include the following:
Two Grand Prize winners will each receive a $1000 gift card.
Five (updated thanks to another donation) winners will receive a $500 gift card.
Ten winners will receive a $100 gift card.
Ten winners will receive a $50 gift card.
Three winners will receive their choice between a Nook, Kindle, iPad, Kobo or Sony e-reader.
Almost THIRTY prizes to be given away, bloggers!!
All winners will be chosen completely at random through an automated generator.  Winners will not be chosen based on their blog entry.  Blog entries are only being encouraged for submission as a way to promote the blogger’s website.
Please only enter if you are a valid blogger.  Your name, email address and a link to your blog will be required along with the link to your favorite blog post in the entry email.
Sponsorship is not being acquired to support this giveaway.  All prizes are being donated directly from the following authors.  Check out their blogs below.

New Adult romance lovers check this out!

I'm hosting Kerri Williams today and she's here to tell you about her recently re-released trilogy.


The Moore Justice Trilogy is page packed with love, trials, wit, betrayal and suspense, oh and of course one hell of a hot guy. SWOON! Meet Talon Baker

Sassy Claire Moore wants only a few things in life, a normal relationship with her teen love, Talon, a normal life where she can attend college and then there’s avenging her families murder.
Yeah that last one, is the one that gets in the way of the ‘normal’

This girl is more than a kick-ass attitude and witty mouth, she’s desperate. But desperation can be your enemy. Claire gives us readers a love story and so much more in all three of her stories

Hot Excerpt <because we want a bit of Talon>:
The door closed behind her and she heard the beep of the automatic lock mechanism he held in his other hand before pocketing it and wrapping his arm around her. She could feel a distinct hardness in his entire body as he aided her to the couch, but declined to sit with her.
“I have a few things to take care of. Would you like a drink or anything to eat?” he said.
She had never remembered feeling less hungry. “No. You go take care of whatever you need to. I’ll be fine.”
“You always are.”
Ouch. “Talon?” She stood, her hand hovering over his heart for a second before he stepped forward so his body was against hers, his hand knotting in the back of her hair gripping her neck and his lips taking her in a zealous need she could feel and reciprocate right from her very soul. This wasn’t a kiss of affectionate love; this was a terrifying, driven need that had you in an almost chilled sweat.
She met his kiss and tongue with lavish want, need and something possessive. Talon would forever be in her heart. He would forever own it no matter what happened in their future. However, right now all she wanted to think and feel was him and her in the most carnal way the humankind could be.
His hand slipped from her hip where his fingers brushed her tender flesh, higher until he lifted her bra from her breast and swallowed it in his large hand. Whimpering into their kiss only made him surge further into the passion of the moment when he grabbed her thighs and lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist where he took her stairs with fast ease to her new bedroom.
He stopped before her bed allowing her feet to the floor and his hands to roam and ravish once again. She felt the growl that came from his chest when she ran her hand up the inside of his shirt and her nails made contact with his skin. It was in quick succession that he rid her of her clothing. She tried to help, but her fumbling only seemed to get in the way. He pulled his shirt over his head from the back causing his dark hair to spike haphazardly, it was sexy as hell.
The fact that she stood naked while he remained momentarily clothed, had a shudder ripple right through her until he must have felt the tremor and goose-bumps that spread across her flesh and stood back. His eyes met hers before grazing down her body slowly. Heat rose from her neck and her breathing became shallow. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she eased herself back until she lay braced on her elbows in the middle of the big mattress watching as his tongue darted out, saturating his lips before disappearing back into his mouth.
He rid himself of his pants and shoes in almost one move and crawled across the bed until his lips met the top of her foot where he ran a trail of kisses up her shin and inner thigh before hovering over the heat at her….

Want more? Follow the link bellow for all three novels in one buy for $2.99

Young Adult and Teen readers saidPraise for Kerri Williams! What a terrific trilogy she wrote.

Williams brought together such a wonderful collaboration of mystery, romance, and murder! We start right off, story bound. Here's what I truly loved about this writer, she doesn't make you spend the first 3 chapters learning about backgrounds and characters. Nope we are thrown right into the story full force and gradually you learn of different aspect of backgrounds/characters. Through reminiscing or memories/daydreams.

She offers us Claire Moore and Talon Baker brought back together after months of distance. Claire is still investigating what happen to her family. While Talon is searching why "The Suits" are perusing him. Low and behold this is what forces the two back together. Keep in mind Claire was always in love with Talon and vice versa. Never once letting either know their feelings. Talon took off right after Claire's brother was killed. As the story grows, so do the characters as well as the plot! OMG some things will just shock you and have you desperately keep you wanting to know more and more!

This is definitely a on the edge of your seat book. The Author uses her wonderful talent to keep of hold you and making your fingers flip the pages, as fast as you can.

From the start of book one till the ending of book three, I love this Authors dept and description of the perfect masterpiece she has created! Her words certainly flowed flawless through the entire trilogy. Will you get mad, will you laugh, will you cry absolutely YES! But it all stems from the journey you are on in this book. Which means in simple words Awesome!!! <3

Links :
The Moore Justice Trilogy fb page: https://www.facebook.com/TheMooreJusticeTrilogy

What’s next:  NEVER GOODBYE (An Albany Boys novel)  available August 15

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17696042-never-goodbye

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Buying links for the Whisky Shots series



Available at the following online stores 

Whisky State of Mind-Buy Here  

Whisky on my Mind-Buy Here   


 



Whisky State of Mind-Buy here  

                                                 


                                                 Whisky On my mind-Buy here 





                                                                                                                                   Whisky State of Mind-Buy here 

                                                 Whisky On my Mind- Buy here




Friday 31 May 2013

Whisky on my Mind is here!


The gang's all back in book two of the Whisky Shots series, Whisky On My Mind.
The Bar and Grill features quite significantly in book two so I thought it only appropriate it had a logo!  I had a few images to chose from but Sawyer was hovering over my shoulder and kept growling that they all looked too sissy! This one seemed to shut him up!

Great news for readers; Most of my books are or will very soon be available in other formats and available at Barnes and Noble, Apple, Nook and Kobo!

I really enjoyed writing a follow on for Sawyer and Whisky. Both characters have really grown in book two and I hope you guys enjoy reading their story as much as I enjoyed writing it.



Buy here





Buy Here




Wednesday 27 March 2013

Another shot of Whisky anyone?



What an amazing first week since publishing Whisky State of Mind. I had no idea what to expect when I released this book. It was a new genre for me to be writing in so I wasn't sure if anyone would even take notice of it, but I've had lots of support and Whisky's rank hit as high as #216. As I write this post it's sitting at #559... I am so excited that this book is doing so well.
 It's been a bit of a learning curve, but I am so happy that I decided to write it. I've had to face a bit of negative criticism..does anyone ever get used to that? I took on board quite a bit of it (at least the useful stuff...not so much the hostile, crazy weird lady ranting stuff that seems to somehow get added to a few of the reviews!) and decided to write a second Whisky book...a part two, if you like. Whisky on my Mind will hopefully be released by the end of April. It's set 6 months after Whisky State of Mind ends and shows how Whisky's life has turned out.


Here's the blurb:


Life for Whisky McKenna is no longer hanging in limbo. She’s now part owner of her father’s Bar and Grill and back in College finishing her degree. With Sawyer Riley; all six feet of broody denim and leather at her side, life should be getting easier…but loving Sawyer was never going to be an easy choice; not when he came with a motorcycle club as a third wheel in their relationship.
Added to that, a new threat has reemerged bringing with it a complication in the form of her old lover, Caleb Santiago.
Past secrets and old hurts are forced to the surface as Whisky struggles to adjust to her life as Sawyer’s old lady while trying not to lose everything she’s worked so hard to get in the process.
Can she love Sawyer and accept his life without letting go of everything that was once important to her? Or will sharing him with the club be too big a sacrifice? 


I've met so many new and wonderful people in the last few weeks with this book; bloggers who have reviewed Whisky and my lovely new editor, Cate, who was a huge help and got Whisky looking punctuation perfect!As well as a stack of new friends on face book and twitter who have helped spread the word. And a HUGE thanks to all my old, faithful friends, you all know who you are, who continue to buy my books and tell people about them! I've had a few things sent to me that I thought should be put into a Whisky post... things like this.......

Ernie Button discovered something really cool about Whisky (the drink...not the person). Check out this blog and the accidental discovery he made which turned into a fantastic hobby! here. 

Thank you to Cate my awesome editor for sending this article through to me. Love it!

And is this perhaps Sawyer's favourite saying? Thanks Karin for sending this to me :) I think it's kinda perfect!

Monday 18 March 2013

Whisky anyone?





Okay, now don't panic! It's alright, I haven't completely switched genres, I'm still writing romantic suspense, but you know me, I get a bee in my bonnet, or rather characters find me and bug me until I write their story...they don't seem to care if they're a completely different genre to what I usually write, they just want their story told! 

So there I was, happily writing book two of the Sentinel series, when this tall, somewhat sexy biker, swaggered up and suggested I write his story...only it wasn't his story exactly...it was his girl, Whisky's, story...but he wanted to make sure I wrote him into it...who was I to argue (did I mention he was hot?!).
I really enjoyed writing this book, it gave me the opportunity to add my coffee addiction to a story line for one thing...and something else unexpected happened along the way...I discovered Son's of Anarchy...(cue dramatic music here).
I swear to GOD...never have I been addicted to a TV show the way I became addicted to this one. I have Kerri Williams, to thank for starting me on this road to destruction. She'd been nagging me for ages to watch this show...but seriously, it's about bikers... ok, so my husband owns a bike (his online screen name should have scared me off when we first met being Coffsbiker!) But, honestly, I didn't think it would be something i'd watch...oh how wrong was I?!
About two thirds the way through this book, I looked over at the DVD I had sitting on my desk where it had lived for about three months or more, and decided that, okay, seeing as I was already up to my armpits in this biker story I was writing, I may as well watch a few episodes of SOA and see if there's anything research worthy on there to help with this book...well, three seasons into it, I hadn't been able to concentrate on finishing my book, I hadn't written a damn word in weeks and I was consumed by Son's fever...it took the fact I couldn't get my hands on season 4 to kick my butt into gear long enough to finish writing Whisky! It was the longest damn waiting by the post box to get my DVD's I had to order from over seas, ever!!! 
So thanks to a combination of things, writing this book opened me up to a whole world of possibilities! I should point out Whisky is nothing like Son's of Anarchy, so don't read it expecting to find Jax, Gemma and Tig on the pages! But I hope you still enjoy Whisky and Sawyer's story. 

Blurb

Whisky “Sky” McKenna, daughter of a once notorious motorcycle club president, just wants to live her own life, without her father’s baggage, without her grandparents’ controlling rules, and preferably without stabbing her obnoxious employer with a fork.
For months, the only thing that kept Sky dragging herself out of bed and off to her job was the brief few moments she got to stand behind her mystery guy at the coffee shop. She didn't know his name—she didn’t care, all she knew was that those precious few moments each day she spent fantasizing about having his babies was the highlight of her pathetically, mundane life.
Then he walked back into her life. Sawyer Riley; six feet of broody denim and leather with a demand that would turn her life upside down.
Suddenly mundane was beginning to look pretty darn good.
Holding onto her newly found freedom was proving difficult when everyone seemed hell bent on taking it away. How was she supposed to have a future when her past kept getting in the way?
  You can buy Whisky here  and in the UK here






Check out the beautiful back cover of the print copy! Thank you so much to the amazing Shelly Pratt for bringing my cover to life. You can get her to design you a cover by visiting her here.


Friday 15 March 2013

A lil' Louisiana lovin'


When I first saw the show, Swamp People, I was a little sceptical ..I'd never had much to do with swamps in Louisiana before, so what would I find remotely interesting about a bunch of people boating about swampland shooting alligators?  I had no idea where this show would end up leading me...but I'll get to that part later. As soon as I saw my first episode of Swamp People, I was hooked. Choot im', became the catch phrase in our household (even my six year old was saying it) and big one was used far too many times in situations it had never been designed to use before..Troy Laundry changed our life! Okay, maybe that's going a little overboard, but he certainly added a certain Cajun spice to it.

But my favourite swamper, after Troy of course, would have to be Jacob, he's the quintessential strong, silent type. I reckon he'd make a great character in a book...I may have to write one once I do a little bit of research!

 After Swamp People more shows began turning up on a Thursday night; Rat Bastards, which I have to admit I watch more from a morbid curiosity (much like that of watching a train wreck about to take place) and learning far more about large creepy looking rats than I ever wanted to know...not to mention the disturbing discovery that bib and brace overalls were still an in item and hot new fashion trend; meet Skeeter. Then there's Squirrel...I'll let you ponder that one for a moment,but I have to say, I kinda have a thing for Shane, the former Marine with a killer Louisiana accent....but by now you're all used to my Military thing so that probably comes as no great surprise!
Then there's Gator Boys, but that's a bit further around the corner I think more around Florida way? (Don't quote me on this.)
Don't even get me started on Operation Repo...but we won't go there, this is about Louisiana.It would take a  whole blog, just to talk about Sonia.

Which brings me to how watching Swamp People has lead me down a path I would never have imagined. In September, Will and I are going to the States! It was a trip we'd been talking about doing, but not one we really thought we'd do just yet, but when our chief babysitter's suggested we should do it this year while they were home, (before they took off again for whatever part's unknown trip they were planning on taking,) we were down booking the trip before they'd even finished talking!

While we were planning where to go while we were over there, the one place we unanimously agreed on HAD to be Louisiana to go and see where Swamp People was filmed. Who would have thought? had it not been for the show, we'd probably have never thought about heading down that way. The added bonus to all of this was that by going down to Louisiana, I would also be able to finally meet my lovely Facebook friend, who is also one of my favourite authors, Rhonda Raymond Dennis.

Now, I know how popular these shows are down here, if my Facebook and twitter is anything to go by, there are heaps of Swamp People tragics glued to our tv's and talking about the show, so I thought why not take the opportunity to ask someone who really knows about this stuff, a few questions and get the inside info on Louisiana and the real Swamp People.

This is Rhonda, a lovely friend of mine who will be showing Will and I around her neck of the woods (or, rather, swamp) in September and here's her answers to a few questions I asked her.

Me; So, the big question here Rhonda...are rats really eaten in Louisiana? And what was the name you called them by?

Rhonda: I’m seriously laughing out loud right now. Okay, let’s clarify the difference between rats and nutria. Rats are the larger version of mice—you know, squeak, squeak. Nutria are in the rodent family, but they are much larger and actually, quite cute! They have large orange teeth and almost resemble a beaver in appearance. However, they are terrible for our wetlands and destroy our marshes. Some people do eat them, and swear that they are delicious. I haven’t been brave enough to try them. I’m sending you a picture of my son holding a baby nutria.
How can you call that precious little thing a rat?
Me: Okay, Rhonda, I love ya and all, but you and I have SERIOUS differences about what we call cute! Hello! Orange teeth? I've SEEN them drag those suckers out of the swamp...they are NOT cute! But we can look past that, as long as I don't have to eat one at your place, I'm happy. (I seriously doubt Troy would eat Nutria either...just sayin').

Me:  Do every day, grown men, really dress in bib and brace overalls with no shirt underneath in Louisiana?

Rhonda: Laughing even harder now! Actually, it depends on where you’re at. For the most part, no. They are more well known for wearing white rubber boots (shrimpers, fishermen, etc.). The joke is that white rubber boots are called Cajun Reeboks. Most of the guys I’ve seen in the bib and brace overalls have mainly been older men and have thankfully worn t-shirts underneath.

Me: I'll have unpack the overalls now I had packed for Will...lucky I asked...that could have been embarrassing. I'll go look for some white rubber boots instead.

Me: In Macksville, we have a river that gets well used with various kinds of boating activities like water skiing, wave boarding etc. and fishing…do you guys do many water activities..(guessing skiing and swimming are out due to alligators?)


Rhonda: You’d think that skiing and swimming would be out, but actually that’s far from the case. In the summer, the waterways are filled with boaters, swimmers, and such. Alligators are fairly passive for the most part, so if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. That being said, it’s incredibly eerie not being able to see what’s around you. The water has a high sediment content, so let’s say you stick your arm in the water; you’re not going to be able to see your hand. Things bump your legs or your body and you can’t help but freak a little.
Me: Freak a little? I'd be walking on water at that stage.Note to self...no water skiing while in Louisiana.

Me: Has the popularity of the shows like Swamp People and Rat Bastards boosted your tourism? Or is it just weird Aussies like me who want to come down your way to see if we can catch a glimpse of Troy!

Rhonda: Amazingly enough, shows like Swamp People, Rat Bastards, and Swamp Pawn have boosted tourism greatly! I had a brief conversation with Troy Landry of Swamp People and he told me that he was surprised by the number of Australian tourists that have been coming to visit. I hope that those who have visited enjoyed their stay and were able to see first hand how amazing the Cajun culture truly is! Future vistors—bienvenue!!! (Welcome!)


Me: In Australia, the backyard BBQ (also referred to as the Barbie...not to be confused with the doll) is a pretty fundamental part of our lifestyle. Can you explain a little more about your seafood broil and what it involves?

Rhonda: In Louisiana, there are three main types of seafood that we boil: blue crabs, shrimp, and crawfish. The technique is pretty much the same for all of them, but the amount of time that you let them cook is what changes. So, let’s say we’re having crawfish. We find a fisherman selling them and we’ll buy a sack (which weighs between 30 to 40 pounds and feeds around 8 people). After giving the live crawfish a good rinsing off, we start season our boiling water. This all has to happen outdoors because the pots used to boil the seafood are massive and large propane burners are used to heat the water. (It almost sounds like a jet engine when they boil.) We fill the pot with water then add a spicy seasoning blend, salt, onions, garlic, lemons, and potatoes. More goodies will come later. Once the water comes to a boil, in go the crawfish. Once they are nearly finished boiling, we add corn on the cob, hot dogs, sausage, mushrooms, and depending on that family’s particular tastes, whatever else they want to toss in to the pot. The burner is turned off and the crawfish and goodies are left to soak in the flavourful liquid. After a few minutes, they are drained and poured atop of a newspaper-lined table. Everyone gathers around and pigs out!!

Me: Aussies are always interested in how other people from other countries view us, can you give us your interpretation of what you think a typical Aussie may be? (I’m going to ask you this question in the follow up interview AFTER you’ve met me, by the way to see if that’s changed! Feel free to be completely honest!)

Rhonda: Well, Crocodile Dundee and Outback Steakhouse come to mind. Ha! Ha! Seriously though, I’ve always had a great respect for Australian culture. I know some of it must be cliché (kangaroos bouncing down every street), but I think you guys have a whole lot to be proud of! Your accents are amazing!! I’d love to visit one day. And, let me point out, y’all have more than your fair share of smoking hot men—just saying!!
Me: Well, this is very true...I think I'll have to watch you Rhonda...Will, being one of those smokin hot men you were talking about and all!

Me: Are there any other traditions or cultural differences you can think of that you guys do that maybe we don’t do here? Special festivals…holidays…local things?

Rhonda: I’m sure that there a quite a few. The biggest one is probably Mardi Gras. New Orleans is most well known for their festivities, but pretty much every town in Louisiana has their own celebration. In my town, there are four parades: one Friday night, one Saturday afternoon, one Sunday afternoon, and one Tuesday afternoon. People riding on floats dress in costumes and throw beads, stuffed animals,
toys, and candy to the people lining the parade route. It’s one big celebration before the somber Lent.

Me: Well Sydney has the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras...but I'm thinking that's probably a little bit different to the one in New Orleans :)


Me: Any advice for Will and I when we come down to see you? Anything we should be prepared for?

Rhonda: I hope you guys are huggers! Southern hospitality is something that is alive and well. There are no strangers; everyone is treated as family. You will be talked to until your ears bleed, stuffed so full of food that you won’t be able to walk, and catered to like royalty. It’s our way! Oh, and this is not exclusive to the South, but riding on the right side of the road is going to take so getting used to I’m sure!

Me: Yes...I'm a little concerned about the whole wrong side of the road thing...but I have great faith in my husbands ability to know what the hell he's doing! (Maybe you guys should stay off the road while we're down that way...just to be safe!)


Me: And for any Aussies thinking of heading down your way, what would some of the attractions or big draw cards be for them to check out (they wont be as lucky as us and have a guided tour!!!, but maybe you can give some local knowledge).

Rhonda: I think everyone should tour at least one plantation home while here. They truly are majestic and dripping with history. Swamp tours are usually pretty thrilling. These guides often know the best spots to get up close and personal with wildlife and also the most scenic areas for bayou pics! They also fill you in on local traditions, culture, and history. Just so happens that my area, Morgan City, Louisiana, is right in the middle of all kinds of great tourist attractions!
 In early September, we have the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival that is loads of fun (shameless plug alert) and written about in my book: “Deceived: A Green Bayou Novel Book Five”. It’s a festival meant to honor the shrimping and oil industries since a majority of the people in the area make their livings doing one or the other.
 Over the course of several days, there are live bands, a parade, food, carnival games, rides, and lots of other forms of entertainment. One thing about Louisiana, we look for any excuse to have a good time!!

Me: I hope we're there in time for some of it!


Me: Lastly, is there anything you might be curious about, from Australia, habits, customs, words… anything that you would like us to clear up or explain?

Rhonda: That is a question I’d love for you to answer. What are some of the most common misconceptions about Aussies? I know for us Southerners it’s getting over the stereotype of being uneducated, ignorant buffoons. We may speak funny and we like to have a good time, but I tell you what—you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn't volunteer to give you the shirt off of their back if you needed it. We are a community who rallies and supports each other. The downside to that is everyone and their momma knows your business, but you take the good with the bad.

Me: Thank You so much Rhonda for answering these questions, I can't wait to do a follow up blog on here after we've been over to visit and bring back some more interesting facts I may have discovered!

Me: Okay so there's your challenge guys...come up with some answers to this comment. I really wanted to showcase this fascinating link between Aussie's and Southerners, so in the spirit of Louisiana hospitality and bigheartedness, I want to share some of Rhonda's fantastic books with you. I'll randomly pick someone who answers Rhonda's last comment "What are some of the most common misconceptions about Aussies?"  and give away a set of Rhonda's ebooks. Comp ends on Sunday the 24th March (Australia time).


Here's a link to Rhonda's books to have a little look at, and if you don't happen to win them, do go and check them out, they have a mouth watering dash of Louisiana flavour and the characters are fantastic.








Meet the Swamp People here
Check out Rat Bastards, here 

Tuesday 19 February 2013

A little taste of the Operation boys and girls.

Operation Summer Storm


Summer took a closer look at what the men were up to, and felt her stomach clench with a sick sensation. “What’s going on?”
“We’re jumping,” Del explained with a shrug, as if it were totally obvious.
“From the plane?” she yelped, in disbelief.
“That’s the general idea,” Maloney piped up.
Summer swivelled to find Tate, and staggered her way, against the unsteady gait of the plane, to stand before him. “You didn’t tell me anything about jumping out of a plane,” she yelled, over the noise.
“You didn’t ask,” he shouted back.
Summer stared at him in disbelief, “so I’m going to land with the plane?” she asked hopefully.
“Only if you’ve changed your mind and want to make the return trip back to the island, tonight.”
Summer stared at him helplessly, “I can’t parachute,” at least she assumed they were going to use parachutes—then again—who’d  know, with this lot. “I don’t know how.”
“You won’t have to.”
“Then how am I getting off the plane?” she asked becoming more exasperated by the minute.
“Step into this,” he said, holding out a black harness contraption.
Summer stared at it for a second, and then started to back away. Oh God, she hated heights. How on earth was she going to do this?
He took a step toward her, and helped her into the harness while she still appeared dazed. “Now, turn around.”
“What?”
“Turn around,” he repeated, slowly circling a finger in the air to demonstrate.
Summer caught the look in his eye and decided not to argue. She stiffened as Tate reached around her and began hooking various gadgets and buckles together—deftly working around certain areas—areas that were not used to being…worked around.
“Just what—” Summer asked, through tightly clenched teeth, “—do you think you’re doing?”
“You’re jumping with me,” he informed her in a calm tone.
“I told you, I don’t know how!”
“You’re jumping…with me,” he repeated as if to a slow-witted person.
The meaning became clear and alarm followed a brief sense of relief, as she realised the extent of what with him, involved. She’d seen enough TV reports on tandem sky jumping, to know just how close the two jumpers got. She didn’t, however, have any more time to think about it because all of a sudden, it was time to do it.
A large door opened and the noise she’d thought, couldn’t get any louder, just did. The others were busy throwing the equipment through the doorway, when Tate lent close to her ear so she could hear him.
“Usually this would be a half hour run through, before your jump, but we don’t have time. So here’s the condensed version. When I tap your shoulder, spread out your arms and legs, and when I tap again to land, bring them in again. Okay?”
Summer stared back at him in disbelief, her thoughts bordering on hysteria. He expected her to jump out of a plane with thirty seconds of training?
 They moved closer to the doorway, and she panicked. She now stood in the open doorway of a moving aircraft.
Tate put his arms around her and coaxed her frozen fingers from the side of the door frame.  “Just relax, I’ll take care of you,” his deep voice promised as he shouted over the thundering noise around them into her ear.
She could feel his big body pressed tightly against her back. “You better not be doing this for some kind of cheap thrill buddy because, I swear, if we make it down there alive, you’ll live to regret every moment,” she shouted back at him.
“Darlin’ there ain’t nothing cheap about the thrill I’m getting at the moment,” he assured her. “—and if we don’t make it,” he added with a deep drawl. “—just know I’ve died a happy man.”
Summer’s un-lady like retort froze in her throat as they fell through the opened doorway into the abyss.


Operation Willow Quest 


A soft sound drew her attention back to Del once more. He’d rolled his head sideways and was now watching her with that steady unflinching gaze that seemed to be constantly weighing her up.
“You all right?” he asked in a soft drawl.
Willow gave a shrug, pushing her jumbled thoughts aside. Her eyes fell to his hand and saw he was absently rubbing his injured thigh.
“Is your leg hurting?” she asked with a mild touch of concern.
Looking down at his leg he slowly removed his hand and gave a wry smile. “Not much.”
She didn’t believe him but she didn’t feel like arguing either, so she let it go. The hum of the aircraft’s engines created a soothing backdrop and added to the illusion they were somehow isolated from the rest of the passengers.
“Thank you for coming down here. I really don’t know what would have happen to me if you hadn’t been there,” she said quietly. Looking back now, Willow was sure that without Del’s help she’d probably be sitting in some prison cell—or worse, if Trèago had been behind the police raid. “I’m sure you had plenty of other stuff you’d have rather been doing.”
* * * *
Del looked her over in contemplative silence before a slow grin crossed his face. “Not really.”
“I know I can be a bit—”
“Pig headed, stubborn, bad tempered…” Del filled in helpfully.
“I was going to say ‘obstinate,’” she said dryly.
“You know, using big words like that might be a bit risky on a dumb old marine,” he pointed out, as he enjoyed the way her eyes narrowed as her temper built.
“I never said you were dumb. I’ve simply pointed out that you’re not my type. I realise an ego the size of yours must have a hard time handling that—but I’m sure you’ll get over it.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “I thought you were apologising.”
“I have nothing to apologise for! I was simply trying to…oh forget it, we’re only going to end up fighting, and I’m not in the mood.” She sighed wearily.
Dels low chuckle had her snapping her head around to glare at him suspiciously.
* * * *
“Why don’t you just admit that you’re attracted to me and that I make your knees go weak and we’ll leave it at that,” he suggested with a shrug.
Willows mouth gaped open in disbelief, but he kept talking.
“Come on Sheldon, we both know what’s simmering under the surface here. Hell—I’ll admit it—you make me hotter than hell. You get me so worked up most of the time I don’t know whether to strangle you or kiss you,” he said, his voice losing its teasing note to become rougher with each admission. “Do you know what I see whenever I look at you?”
Mesmerised by the force of his gaze, she could only move her head a fraction side to side.
“I picture you sprawled across my bed—moaning my name over and over—”
“I get the picture,” she snapped quickly after gaping at him in astonishment for a few seconds. What the hell did he think he was doing? She shook off the images that flashed before her own eyes. Boy, did she ever get the picture… “I can’t even begin to imagine any girl finding that line a turn on,” she lied. “You would have to be the most, egotistical, arrogant, obnoxious bloody man I’ve ever laid eyes on,” she whispered furiously, gathering her scattered thoughts and turning on him with a narrow-eyed gaze.
“Hey! I’m going to look up all those words when I get home, you know,” he warned.
He’s yanking my chain again. Gritting her teeth and counting to ten slowly, Willow forced herself to continue, ignoring his interruption, “and if you think for one moment I would actually even consider sleeping with you—”
“Uh-ah,” he said, leaning towards her threateningly, “make no mistake—when we go to bed together darlin’, for real,” he emphasised, acknowledging their previous sleeping arrangement, “I can assure you, we won’t be doing any sleeping,” he said. 
Her eyes widened at the unmistakeable image he’d drawn for her. “You’re not my type,” she repeated, captivated by the blue of his eyes as he leaned across, his gaze holding hers securely.
“Why?”
“Because you’re…” Her words trailed off faintly as she caught the musky male scent he wore and saw his eyes deepen. He was moving—or maybe she was—but somehow she was getting closer and her heart began thudding painfully against her chest, making her feel off balance and out of control.
“Excuse me, would either of you like another drink before we land?” The hostess’s polite voice had the same effect as a bucket of cold water being thrown over them.
Del looked away from Willow and nodded faintly. “Give me another scotch…straight.”
Willow sank back against her seat and let out a long slow breath. “Make mine a double.”
She heard Del’s uneasy chuckle as he ran a hand through his short hair restlessly and gave a small nod of satisfaction.
 Good. She wasn’t the only one shaken by the encounter…now if they could pretend they didn’t feel the lingering hum of desire for the remainder of the flight, everything would be fine. 



Operation Swift Mercy


“What happened?” He managed to get out, glad he sounded a lot calmer than he was feeling.
“I was in the shower,” she whispered. “Then all of a sudden he was just there, in the bathroom.”
“Why didn’t you lock the room door before you took a shower? You saw the kind of men who work here when we came on board. Why the hell didn’t you make sure you were safe before you went in there?” What he was really thinking was why the hell he hadn’t made sure she’d locked the door…why he hadn’t made sure she was safe. 
“I just didn’t think…I mean I didn’t think anyone would come in…I—”
“He had his hands all over you,” he grated, pushing away from the door to pace the room.
“Why are you acting as though it was my fault? He broke into my room! I didn’t exactly ask him in!” She yelled and Chase smothered another curse at his stupidity. He was handling this all wrong. God damn it! Out of all of them, he was the one who usually knew what to do in situations like this—at least he had, until it was his woman in the line of fire. Now he was a hyped-up testosterone filled maniac who couldn’t seem to say the right thing.
He saw fresh tears building in Mercy’s eyes and forced himself to calm the hell down. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.” He reached out to draw her close to him, but she grabbed his arm and pulled his hand closer to her for inspection.
“You’re hurt,” she said and he heard her voice crack slightly.
He didn’t bother looking at his hands, he knew his knuckles were covered in blood—most of it wasn’t his though and he headed into the bathroom to wash it away—he didn’t want anything belonging to that man anywhere near Mercy.
Behind him, he felt her enter the room. There was very little space with one person in there; two made it little more than standing room only. She placed her hands on his back and she felt her tug at his t-shirt.
“You’ve got blood all over your clothes,” she said quietly, continuing to move the fabric up over his torso and over his head.
Chase didn’t dare breathe in case it broke the fragile moment. She’d never been the one to initiate a move until now. He closed his eyes and searched for a measure of control as she gently caressed the skin on his back. He knew she would be looking at the scars—a legacy of wounds he’d received over his long career in Force Recon. They’d never taken the time to really look at each other when they’d made love before—it had always been a heat of the moment kind of thing. He vaguely worried that seeing him now, with all his faults and scars visible, she’d have second thoughts about wanting him but she continued to explore, taking her time to caress the puckered and risen scar tissue with a gentleness that almost undid him.  
“I want to see you—all of you,” she said quietly, so quietly, he wasn’t sure at first he’d heard her. Slowly he turned to face her, his gaze locking onto her face and holding her gaze steadily. He slowly reached down and unbuttoned his fly, tugging at the zipper, careful to manoeuvre over the all too eager part of him that had been straining for release.
He watched as she lowered her gaze, and felt himself leap in anticipation. He would have apologised, even though he had no control over how Chase junior chose to react to a beautiful woman touching him with the softest hands he’d ever felt in his entire life, but it didn’t seem to bother her.
He stifled a groan as she gently stroked him and clenched his fists by his side to keep from grabbing her and doing her right here against the wall of the bathroom.
She began rhythmically sliding her hand in long sure strokes, the movement causing sweat to break out across his brow. 
“Baby, I don’t know how long I can stand here and take this,” he groaned, dropping his cheek to rest on top of her head, weakly.
“So don’t just stand there,” she said, pulling back slightly to look up at him with a shy smile.



Operation Date with Destiny


 She may have class written all over her—but that tattoo didn’t wash with the high maintenance designer image she was projecting in this dress that clung to all the right places, yet somehow managed not to look at all skanky. He loved a bad girl and that tat was a bad girl statement if ever he saw one. Oh yeah—he liked a challenge and something told him there was one great big mystery hiding out beneath that dress.
“Names Johnny,” he said holding his hand out and saw her hesitate briefly before sliding her smaller, well-manicured one into his. “What’s yours?”
“Destiny,” she said in that sultry tone that reminded him of hot sweaty nights tangled in silk sheets.
“Not every day a guy gets to meet his destiny.”
“You never know your luck,” she said softly and he watched as a slow, sexy smile spread across her lips, causing a roar of pure, unadulterated lust to echo through him.
Most people who hung out in this bar were connected to the base in some way, but she didn’t look the type. “I haven’t seen you here before. What line of work are you in?”
“I’m an accountant.”
Tupper sent her a sceptical lift of his eyebrow. “No way.”
“Way,” she shrugged slightly.
“Wow. You know if my accountant looked like you—I’d actually look forward to filing my tax return.”
She smiled politely, but beneath it, Tupper sensed she’d probably heard her fair share of similar remarks and wasn’t impressed. Better lift your game pal, he thought quickly. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No,” she said and for a moment his hopes teetered on the cusp of disappointment. “Not here…but maybe at your place?”
“You wanna’ go back to my place?” he said, staring dumbfounded into those dark, bottomless eyes. This wasn’t the way he usually worked—he was the one who made the first move. He did the asking and okay—he had to admit it, sometimes he got a slap across the face for his trouble…but this woman threw him off his game. Snap out of it dumbass! His ego barked. Pull your shit together and tap that fine ass before some other guy does.
“I thought you’d never ask,” she said and her voice held a slightly sardonic tone.
“Ah, sure—we can do that,” he said, striving for something a little more indifferent. He stood up and put his hand out to indicate she should walk ahead of him to the door. He couldn’t help but watch the sway of her hips in the tight red dress, his eyes fixed on the intricate detail of the set of wings across her back. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to deserve this stroke of good luck that had almost, quite literally, fallen into his lap—but he wasn’t about to throw it away. Now, if he could just remember he was a grown man and not a God damn teenager—he might just get through this without embarrassing himself.